As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 11, 2017September 14, 2021

Registration No. 333-214576333-[•]

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Amendment No. 2Form S-4

to

FORM S-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

CVB FINANCIAL CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

California 6022 95-362933995-4849715

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S.IRS Employer

Identification Number)

701 N. Haven Avenue, Suite 350

Ontario, California 91764

(909) 980-4030

(Address, Including Zip Code,including zip code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code,telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)registrant’s principal executive offices)

Christopher D. MyersDavid A. Brager

President and Chief Executive Officer

CVB Financial Corp.

701 N. Haven Avenue, Suite 350

Ontario, California 91764

(909) 980-4030

(Name, Address, Including Zip Code,address, including zip code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code,telephone number, including area code, of Agentagent for Service)service)

 

 

With copiesCopies to:

 

Craig D. Miller Esq.

David Gershon, Esq.Veronica Lah

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

One Embarcadero Center

30th Floor

San Francisco, California 94111

(415) 291-7400

 

Gary Steven Findley, Esq.Richard H. Wohl

Gary Steven FindleyExecutive Vice President and General Counsel

CVB Financial Corp.

701 N. Haven Avenue, Suite 350

Ontario, California 91764

(909) 980-4030

Joshua A. Dean

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Associates

3808 E La Palma AvenueHampton LLP

Anaheim,650 Town Center Drive, 10th Floor

Costa Mesa, California 9280792626

(714) 630-7136513-5100

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public:

As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective and upon completion of the merger.

If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box:  ☐

If this form is filed to registeredregister additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:  ☐

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”,filer,” “accelerated filer”filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “small reporting“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act.Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer

 

  

Accelerated filer

 

Non-accelerated filer

 

  

Smaller reporting company

 

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☐

If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)  ☐

Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border (Cross Border Third-Party Tender Offer)  ☐

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Amount

to be

Registered(1)

 

Proposed

Maximum

Offering Price

Per Share

 

Proposed

Maximum
Aggregate

Offering Price(2)

 Amount of
Registration Fee(3)

Common stock, no par value

 9,203,223 N/A $213,377,448 $23,279.48

 

 

1.

Represents the estimated maximum number of shares of CVB Financial Corp. common stock that could be issued in connection with the merger described herein. Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, this Registration Statement also covers additional securities that may be issued as a result of stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.

2.

Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee required by Section 6(b) of the Securities Act, and calculated in accordance with Rules 457(c) and 457(f) promulgated thereunder. The proposed maximum aggregate offering price is (i) $213,377,448, the average of the high and low prices reported for Suncrest Bank common stock on the OTCQX on September 9, 2021, which was within five business days prior to the date of filing of this registration statement, multiplied by (ii) 13,204,050, the estimated maximum number of shares of Suncrest Bank common stock to be exchanged for shares of CVB Financial Corp. common stock in the merger.

3.

Computed pursuant to Rules 457(c) and 457(f) under the Securities Act, based on a rate of $109.10 per $1,000,000 of the proposed maximum aggregate offering price.

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act, of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


The information in this proxy statement/prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This proxy statement/prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and it is not soliciting the purchase of these securities, in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

DATED JANUARY 11, 2017, PROSPECTUS—SUBJECT TO COMPLETIONCOMPLETION—Dated September 14, 2021

LOGO

LOGO

PROPOSED MERGER—YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

To the ShareholdersSuncrest Bank Shareholders:

The board of Valley Commerce Bancorp:

You are cordially invited to attend a special meetingdirectors of shareholders of Valley Commerce Bancorp (which we refer to as “Valley”) to be held at 6:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on February 16, 2017 at the Visalia Country Club, 625 North Ranch Road, Visalia California 93291. At the special meeting, Valley shareholders will be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to adopt and approveSuncrest Bank has approved an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger dated September 22, 2016, as amended on December 19, 2016 (which we refer to as theagreement (the “merger agreement”) with CVB Financial Corp. (which we refer to as “CVB Financial”). The merger agreement provides for the merger of ValleySuncrest Bank with and into Citizens Business Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CVB Financial (whichCorp. Before we refer to as the “merger”). We cannotcan complete the proposed merger, unless Valley’s shareholders vote to approve the merger agreement. This letter is accompanied by the attached proxy statement/prospectus, which the Valley board of directors is providing to solicit your proxy to vote forwe must obtain the approval of the merger agreement.

Ifshareholders of Suncrest Bank. We are sending you this document to ask for your approval of the principal terms of the merger is completed, all outstanding sharesagreement at the special shareholder meeting of Valley common stockSuncrest Bank, which will be convertedheld on [•], 2021 at [•], local time. The merger agreement, which is attached as Annex A to the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, sets forth the terms of the merger.

In the proposed merger, Suncrest Bank will merge with and into an aggregate of 1,942,673 shares of CVB Financial commonCitizens Business Bank in a stock and $23,400,000 in cash subject to adjustment. The number of shares of CVB Financial common stock that Valley shareholders may receivetransaction valued at approximately $203 million in the merger is fixed, subject to a pricing collar requiringaggregate, based on the aggregate merger consideration to have a value of not less than $50,597,000 and not more than $62,253,000, subject to potential adjustment. As a result, if the weighted average closing price of CVB Financial Corp. common stock foron July 27, 2021, the 10last trading days ending five trading days beforeday prior to our public announcement of the merger, is $20.00 or greater,and approximately $[•] million in the aggregate, numberbased on the closing price of CVB Financial Corp. common stock on [•], 2021. Suncrest Bank shareholders will receive fixed consideration consisting of 0.6970 shares of CVB Financial Corp. common stock that holdersand $2.69 per share in cash for each share of ValleySuncrest Bank common stock receivedoutstanding at the effective time of the merger, subject to the merger consideration adjustments and other terms and conditions set forth in the merger agreement, as further described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.

The merger consideration will be reduced. The numberreduced, on a per share basis, by the sum of shares included inthe following, if any: (i) a common equity tier 1 capital adjustment (i.e., the amount, if any, by which the adjusted common equity tier 1 capital of Suncrest Bank is below $122.9 million (the “tier 1 benchmark”) and multiplying such difference, if any, by 1.5; plus (ii) a transaction costs adjustment (i.e., the amount, if any, by which certain specified transaction costs of Suncrest Bank exceed $5.8 million).

Based on the closing price of CVB Financial Corp. common stock on July 27, 2021, the last trading day prior to the public announcement of the merger, and assuming no merger consideration adjustments, the merger consideration represented a value of $16.09 per share of Suncrest Bank common stock. Using the closing price of CVB Financial Corp. common stock on [•], 2021 and assuming no merger consideration adjustments, the merger consideration represented a value of $[•] per share of Suncrest Bank common stock. Accordingly, the dollar value of the stock consideration that ValleySuncrest Bank shareholders may receive will change depending on fluctuations in the market price of CVB Financial Corp. common stock and will not be known at the time you vote on the merger. The cash consideration will be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis in the event that Valley’s transaction expenses exceed $3,500,000.

In addition, Valley will pay a special cash dividend (which we refer to as the “Special Dividend”) to its shareholders immediately prior to the merger, conditioned upon Valley’s tangible You should obtain current stock quotations for CVB Financial Corp. common equity exceeding a minimum equity target prior to the merger. Based on Valley’s tangible common equity at September 30, 2016, Valley’s shareholders would have received approximately $13.7 million as a Special Dividend. Because of the possibility of an adjustment to the cash consideration, a change in the amount of the Special Dividend, or combination of the two, you will not know the exact amount of cash you will receive in connection with the merger when you vote on the merger.

CVB Financial’s common stock, which is listed on the NasdaqNASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CVBF” and the closing price of CVB Financial common stock on January 9, 2017 was $22.48 per share. Based on 3,002,014 shares of Valley common stock issued and outstanding as of January 9, 2017 and Valley’s tangible common equity at September 30, 2016, and assuming the weighted average closing price of CVB Financial common stock for the 10 trading days ending five trading days before the merger is $22.48, holders of Valley common stock will receive 0.5757 shares of CVB Financial common stock (plus cash in lieu of a fractional share) and $7.79 in cash, and an estimated Special Dividend of $4.56 subject“CVBF.”

Giving effect to possible adjustment as described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, for each share they own. After completion of the merger, we expect that currentSuncrest Bank shareholders would hold, in the aggregate, approximately 6% of CVB Financial shareholders will own approximately 98.4% of the combined company and former shareholders of Valley will own approximately 1.6% of the combined company based on the number of shares of CVB Financial’sCorp.’s outstanding common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2016.following the merger.

The merger is subject to the receipt of the required approval by Valley’sthe shareholders of Suncrest Bank and all regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction or waiver of all other conditions to closing conditions as described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.


The attachedaccompanying proxy statement/prospectus contains a more complete description of the special meeting and the terms of the merger agreement and the merger. We urge you to review that entire document carefully.In particular, you should read the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page21 16 of the proxy statement/prospectus for a discussion of the risks you should consider in evaluating the proposed merger and how they will affect you.You may also obtain information about CVB Financial Corp. from documents that CVB Financial Corp. has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Suncrest Bank will hold a special shareholders’ meeting to vote on the merger agreement on [•], 2021 at [•], at [•] local time. Detailed instructions for participation can be found in the notice of special shareholder meeting that accompanies this proxy statement/prospectus.

Your vote is very important. Whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting, please take the time to vote by completing and mailing the enclosed proxy card. If you sign, date and mailsubmit your proxy card without indicating how you want to vote, your proxy will be counted as a vote “FOR”in accordance with the proposal to adopt and approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and “FOR” the grant of discretionary authority to adjourn the special meeting to a later date to allow the solicitation of additional proxies.voting instructions contained in this document. If you do not return your proxy card,vote, abstain from voting or do not instruct your broker how to vote any shares held forby you in “street name,” the effect will be a vote “AGAINST” these proposals.AGAINST the merger.

We enthusiastically supportAfter careful consideration, the merger and recommend that you vote in favor of the adoption and approval of the merger agreement. Based on our reasons for the merger described in the accompanying document, our board of directors believes that the merger consideration is fair to Valley shareholders from a financial point of view and in your best interests.Accordingly, ourSuncrest Bank board of directors unanimously recommends that youthe shareholders of Suncrest Bank vote “FOR” the approval of the principal terms of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, and “FOR” the grant of discretionary authority to adjourn meeting.

Your vote is very important. To ensure your representation at the special meeting please complete, sign, dateas necessary or appropriate.

We enthusiastically support the merger and return your proxy cardbelieve it to be in the enclosed envelope or submit your proxy by telephone or throughbest interests of the Internet pursuant to the instructions provided on the enclosed proxy card. Whether or not you expect to attend the special meeting, please vote promptly. Submitting a proxy now will not prevent you from being able to vote in person at the special meeting.Suncrest Bank shareholders.

Sincerely,

Allan W. Stone

President and Chief Executive Officer

Ciaran McMullan

President and Chief Executive Officer

Suncrest Bank

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the merger, the issuance of the CVB Financial Corp. common stock in connection with the merger or the other transactions described in this proxy statement/prospectus, or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of the disclosure in this proxy statement/prospectus.document. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The securities to be issued in connection with the merger are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of any bank or savings association and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.

This proxy statement/prospectus is dated January 11, 2017[•], 2021 and is first being mailed to shareholders of ValleySuncrest Bank on or about January 18, 2017.[•], 2021.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MOREADDITIONAL INFORMATION

CVB Financial Corp. files annual, quarterly and specialcurrent reports, proxy statements and other business and financial information with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to asor the “SEC.” You maycan read and copy any materials thatCVB’s filings over the Internet. CVB Financial files withCorp.’s SEC filings are available to the SECpublic at the SEC’s Public Reference Roomwebsite at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 ((800) 732-0330) for further information on the public reference room. In addition, CVB Financial files reports and other business and financial information with the SEC electronically, and the SEC maintains a website located at www.sec.gov containing this information.http://www.sec.gov. You willmay also be able to obtain these documents, free of charge, by accessingfrom CVB Financial’s websiteFinancial Corp. at www.cbbank.com under the “Investors” tab and then under the heading “Investors.“SEC Filings.

ValleyCVB Financial Corp. has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 of which this document forms a part. As permitted by SEC rules, this document does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement or in the exhibits or schedules to the registration statement. You may read and copy the registration statement, including any amendments, schedules and exhibits, at the address set forth below. Statements contained in this document as to the contents of any contract or other documents referred to in this document are not necessarily complete. In each case, you should refer to the copy of the applicable contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. This document incorporates by reference documents that CVB Financial Corp. has previously filed with the SEC. They contain important information about CVB Financial Corp. and its financial condition. For more information, please see the section entitled “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.” These documents are available without charge to you upon written or oral request to CVB Financial Corp.’s principal executive office, which is listed below:

CVB Financial Corp.

701 N. Haven Avenue, Suite 350

Ontario, California 91764

Attention: Corporate Secretary

Telephone: (909) 980-4030

If you would like to request any CVB Financial Corp. documents, your request should be sent in time to be received by CVB Financial Corp. no later than [•], 2021 in order for you to receive the documents before the special meeting.

Suncrest Bank does not have a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act,” is not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and accordingly does not file documents or reports with the SEC.

CVB Financial has filedIf you are a registration statement on Form S-4,Suncrest Bank shareholder and have questions about the merger or submitting your proxy, or if you need additional copies of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part. As permitted by SEC rules, thisor proxy statement/prospectus does not contain allcard, you should contact Suncrest Bank’s proxy solicitor:

LOGO

1290 Avenue of the information included in the registration statement or in the exhibits or schedules to the registration statement. You may read and copy the registration statement, including any amendments, schedules and exhibits at the addresses set forth above. Statements contained in this proxy statement/prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other documents referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus are not necessarily complete. In each case, you should refer to the copy of the applicable contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates by reference documents that CVB Financial has previously filed with the SEC. These documents contain important information about CVB Financial and its financial condition. For further information, please see the section entitled “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” beginning on page 90. These documents are available without charge to you upon written or oral request to CVB Financial’s principal executive office at:Americas, 9th Floor

701 N. Haven Avenue, Suite 350New York, NY 10104

Ontario, California 91764

Attention: Corporate Secretary

(909) 980-4030

To obtain timely delivery of these documents, you must request the information no later than February 9, 2017 in order to receive them before Valley’s special meeting of shareholders.Toll-Free Telephone: (866) 647-8869 (Toll Free)

CVB Financial Corp. common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CVBF,” and ValleySuncrest Bank common stock is tradedquoted on the OTC Markets’ OTC PinkOTCQX market under the symbol “VCBP.“SBKK.


VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORPLOGO

701501 West Main Street,

Visalia, California 93291

NOTICE OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF

TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017SUNCREST BANK

To Be Held [•], 2021

To the Shareholders of Valley Commerce Bancorp:Suncrest Bank:

Notice is hereby given that, underpursuant to the terms of its bylaws and the call of its board of directors, a special meeting of shareholders of Valley Commerce Bancorp (“Valley”)Suncrest Bank will be held at the Visalia Country Club, 625 North Ranch Road, Visalia California 93291,[•] on February 16, 2017,[•], 2021. The special meeting will convene at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time,[•] [•].m. local time for the sole purpose of considering and voting upon the following matters:purposes:

 

 1.

Approval of the Merger Agreement.Agreement. To approve the principal terms of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated September 22, 2016, as amended on December 19, 2016 (as it may be amended from time to time, theof July 27, 2021, by and among CVB Financial Corp., Citizens Business Bank and Suncrest Bank (the “merger agreement”), by and between CVB Financial Corp. (“CVB Financial”) and Valley and the transactions contemplated therein, pursuant to which (i) Valley will mergeby the merger agreement, including the merger of Suncrest Bank with and into CVB FinancialCitizens Business Bank (the “merger”), with Citizens Business Bank surviving the separate existencemerger, and the cancellation of Valley will cease and CVB Financial will survive and continue to exist as a California corporation and (ii) each outstanding share of ValleySuncrest Bank common stock, outstanding (otherother than any dissenting shares as to which dissenters’ rights are properly exercised) will be converted intoand excluded shares, in exchange for the right to receive cash and common stock0.6970 shares of CVB Financial Corp. common stock and (iii) Valley will pay its shareholders a special$2.69 per share in cash, dividendsubject to any adjustments set forth in accordance with the merger agreement.

 

 2.

Grant of Discretionary Authority to Adjourn Meeting. To consider and vote upon a proposal to grant discretionary authority to adjourn the special meeting if necessary or appropriate in the judgment of our board of directors to permit further solicitation ofsolicit additional proxies if there are not sufficientor votes at the timein favor of the special meeting to approveapproval of the principal terms of the merger agreement.agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger.

No other mattersbusiness may be presented for consideration by Valley shareholdersconducted at the special meeting.

The merger agreement, and the amendment to the merger agreement, which areis attached asAppendixAnnex A andAppendix B to the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, setsets forth the terms of the merger. The transaction is also more fully described in the enclosed proxy statement/prospectus. You are urged to read these documents carefully and in their entirety. In particular, see “Risk Factors”Risk Factors beginning on page 2116 of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.

The boardOnly shareholders of directors of Valley has fixedrecord at the close of business on December 20, 2016 as the record date for determining shareholders[•], 2021 will be entitled to notice of and the right to vote at the special meeting.meeting or at any postponement or adjournment thereof. The proposalproposals to approve the principal terms of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the shares of ValleySuncrest Bank common stock outstanding as of the record date for the special meeting. The proposal to grant discretionary authority to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies or votes requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the shares of ValleySuncrest Bank common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to votevoting at the special meeting.meeting (which affirmative vote constitutes at least a majority of the required quorum).

ValleySuncrest Bank shareholders will be given the opportunity to exercise dissenters’ rights in accordance with certain procedures specified in California Corporations Code Sections 1300,et. seq.seq., which sections are attached asAppendix DAnnex C to the attached proxy statement/prospectus and incorporated herein by reference. ShareholdersSuncrest Bank shareholders who do not vote in favor of the merger agreement may demand that ValleySuncrest Bank acquire their shares of ValleySuncrest Bank common stock for cash at their fair market value as of September 22, 2016,July 27, 2021, the day of, and immediately prior to, the first public announcement of the terms of the merger, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in


consequence of the merger. The Valley board of directors has determined that the fair market value of the shares on September 22, 2016 was $16.55 per share based upon the last reported trading price of Valley common stock on the OTC Pink market on that date. ShareholdersSuncrest Bank shareholders dissenting must file written demands that ValleySuncrest Bank acquire their shares of ValleySuncrest Bank common stock for cash and comply with the other procedural requirements set forth in

ii


California Corporations Code Sections 1300,et. seq. For additional details about dissenters’ rights, please refer to “Dissenters’Dissenters’ Rights for Holders of Valley Shareholders”Suncrest Shares beginning on page 7853 andAppendixAnnex C to the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.

BECAUSE IMPORTANT MATTERS ARE TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT EACH SHAREHOLDER VOTE.The Suncrest Bank board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote in favor of approval of the principal terms of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, and the grant of discretionary authority to adjourn the special meeting, as described in the proxy statement/prospectus.

Whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting, we urge you to promptly complete,please sign, date and datereturn the enclosed proxy card and return it in the postage-paidpostage prepaid envelope provided, for that purpose. You may alsoor cast your vote overby telephone or Internet by following the Internet or by telephone. Instructions for all voting can be foundinstructions on theyour proxy card, included with this proxy statement/prospectus.

as soon as you can. The enclosed proxy cardvote of every shareholder is solicited by the Valley board of directors. Any shareholder who executesimportant, and delivers a proxy card has the right to revoke it at any time before it is exercised by giving written notice of revocation to the secretary of Valley by submitting, prior to the special meeting, a properlywe appreciate your cooperation in returning your executed proxy bearingpromptly. If you do not vote, abstain from voting or do not instruct your broker how to vote any shares held by you in “street name,” the effect will be a later datevote “AGAINST” the merger.

Your proxy, or by being present at the special meetingyour telephone or Internet vote, is revocable and electingwill not affect your right to vote in person by advisingif you attend the chairman ofspecial meeting. If your shares are registered in your name and you attend the special meeting, you may simply revoke your previously submitted proxy by voting your shares at that time. If you receive more than one set of such election.

proxy materials because your shares are registered in different names or addresses, you will need to follow the instructions in each set of proxy materials that you receive to ensure that all your shares will be voted at the special meeting. If your shares are held by a broker or other nominee holder, and are not registered in your name, you will need additional documentation from your broker or other record holder to vote your shares in person at the special meeting. Please indicate on the proxy card whether or not you expect to attend the special meeting soin person.

We expect to hold the special meeting in person, but we continue to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 closely. Accordingly, we are planning for the possibility that arrangements for adequate accommodations canthe special meeting may be made.

Ifsubject to special precautions, including limitations on the number of participants in one room or other limitations. In that regard, only shareholders will be admitted to the special meeting. No guests will be permitted. For safety and security purposes, you would likewill need to obtain authorization in advance to attend the special meeting in person. To do so, please make your request by mail to Suncrest Bank at 501 West Main Street, Visalia, California 93291, Attention: Jean Carandang, or by email at jcarandang@suncrestbank.com. Suncrest Bank must receive your request for pre-authorization on or before [•].

We appreciate your continuing support and your shares are held by a broker, bank or other nominee,look forward to seeing you must bring to the special meeting a recent brokerage statement or a letter from the nominee confirming your beneficial ownership of the shares. You must also bring a form of personal identification. In order to vote your shares at the special meeting, you must obtain from the nominee a proxy issued in your name.meeting.

 

Dated: January 18, 2017

 

By Order of the Board of Directors

 

Fred P. LoBue, Jr.

Marc Schuil
Dated:[•], 2021Corporate Secretary

Visalia, California

PLEASE VOTE YOUR SHARES OF VALLEY COMMON STOCK PROMPTLY. YOU CAN FIND INSTRUCTIONS FOR VOTING ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROPOSALS OR ABOUT VOTING YOUR SHARES, PLEASE CALL ALLAN W. STONE AT VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORP AT (559) 622-9000.


ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

This proxy statement/prospectus, which forms part of a registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by CVB Financial (File No. 333-214576), constitutes a prospectus of CVB Financial under Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer to as the “Securities Act,” with respect to the shares of CVB Financial common stock to be issued in the merger contemplated by the merger agreement.

This proxy statement/prospectus also serves as a proxy statement provided to Valley shareholders in connection with Valley’s solicitation of proxies with respect to its special meeting of shareholders, at which Valley shareholders will be asked to consider and vote upon the approval of the merger agreement and the merger contemplated thereby.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER AND THE SPECIAL MEETING

   1ii 

SUMMARY

   81 

The Merger and the Merger AgreementRISK FACTORS

   816

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

21

SPECIAL MEETING

24

THE MERGER

28

General

28 

Merger Consideration and Special Dividend

   828 

Background of the Merger

29

Suncrest’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the ValleyMerger by the Suncrest Board of Directors

   9

Voting and Support Agreements

932 

Opinion of Vining Sparks for Valley’s Board of Directors

9

Valley Special Meeting of ShareholdersSuncrest’s Financial Advisor

   1035 

InterestCVB’s Reasons for the Merger

41

Governing Documents

42

Board of Valley’sDirectors and Officers of CVB and Citizens After the Merger

42

Interests of Suncrest Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger

   1043

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

47 

Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger

   11

Conditions to the Merger

11

No Solicitation

12

Termination; Termination Fee

13

Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

14

Comparison of Shareholders’ Rights

15

Information About the Companies

15

Risk Factors

15

SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF CVB FINANCIAL

16

SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF VALLEY

18

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

20

RISK FACTORS

21

INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANIES

26

CVB Financial Corp. and Citizens Business Bank

26

Valley

27

VALLEY SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

30

General

30

Date, Time and Place of the Special Meeting

30

Record Date for the Special Meeting; Shares Entitled to Vote

30

Quorum

30

Purposes of the Special Meeting

30

Recommendation of the Valley Board of Directors

30

Number of Votes

31

Votes Required; Voting Agreements

31

Voting of Proxies

31

Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes

32

Revoking Proxies

32

Dissenters’ Rights

32

Other Matters

33

Solicitation of Proxies

33

Attending the Special Meeting

33

THE MERGER PROPOSAL

34

THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL

34

Vote Required

34

Recommendation of the Valley Board of Directors

35

THE MERGER

36

Terms of the Merger

36

Background of the Merger

38

Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of Valley’s Board of Directors

41

Opinion of Vinings Sparks for Valley’s Board of Directors

45

Management and Board of Directors of CVB Financial After the Merger

52

Interests of Valley Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger

52


Page

Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger

5451 

Accounting Treatment

   5653 

Public Trading Markets

   5653 

Exchange of Shares in the Merger

   5653

Dissenters’ Rights for Holders of Suncrest Shares

53 

THE MERGER AGREEMENT

   5857

Explanatory Note Regarding the Merger Agreement

57 

Effects of the Merger

   5857 

Effective Time of the Merger

   5857 

Covenants and Agreements

   58 

Representations and Warranties

67

Conditions to Completion of the Merger

   6869 

Termination; Termination

71

Termination Fee

   6972 

Effect of Termination

   7172 

Amendments, Extensions and WaiversWaiver; Amendment

   71

Stock Market Listing

7173 

Fees and Expenses

   7173 

Voting and Support Agreements

   72

Noncompetition and Nonsolicitation Agreements

73 

MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGERNon-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement

   74 

DISSENTERS’INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANIES

76

CVB Financial Corp. and Citizens Business Bank

76

Suncrest Bank

77

COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF VALLEY SHAREHOLDERS OF CVB AND SUNCREST

   78 

Not Vote “For” the Merger

78

Notice of Approval by Valley

78

Written Demand for Payment

79

Payment of Agreed-Upon Price

79

Determination of Dissenting Shares or Fair Market Value

79

Maintenance of Dissenting Share Status

80

COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDERS’ RIGHTS

81

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF VALLEYSUNCREST COMMON STOCK

   8784 

LEGAL AND TAX OPINIONSMATTERS

   8986 

EXPERTS

   8986 

OTHER MATTERSSHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR NEXT YEAR

   8986

Suncrest Bank

86 

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

   9087 

APPENDIXANNEX A — Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger - AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER

   A-1 

APPENDIXANNEX B — First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger - FAIRNESS OPINION OF MJC PARTNERS, LLC

   B-1 

APPENDIXANNEX C — Opinion of Vining Sparks IBG, LP. as updated - DISSENTER’S RIGHTS

   C-1 

APPENDIX D — Provisions of the California Corporations Code Relating to Dissenters’ Rights

D-1

i


QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER AND THE SPECIAL MEETING

The following are brief answers to certain questions that you may have regardingabout the proposed mergerSuncrest Bank special meeting and the special meeting.merger. We urge you to read carefully read the remainder of this proxy statement/prospectus, including the risk factors beginning on page 16, because the information in this section maydoes not provide all of the information that might be important to you in deciding howwith respect to vote.the merger and the special meeting. Additional important information is also contained in the appendices to, and the documents incorporated by reference in,into this proxy statement/prospectus. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.”

Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout this proxy statement/prospectus, “CVB” refers to CVB Financial Corp., “Citizens” refers to Citizens Business Bank, “Suncrest” refers to “Suncrest Bank” and “we,” “us” and “our” refers to Suncrest. Additionally, we refer to the proposed merger of Suncrest with and into Citizens as the “merger,” and the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated as of July 27, 2021, by and among CVB, Citizens and Suncrest as the “merger agreement.”

Q:

What is the merger?

A.

CVB Financial and Valley have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger dated September 22, 2016, as amended on December 19, 2016 (the “merger agreement”), pursuant to which Valley will merge with and into CVB Financial, with CVB Financial continuing as the surviving corporation, in a transaction which we refer to as the “merger”. Immediately following the merger, Valley Business Bank will merge with and into Citizens Business Bank. Copies of the merger agreement and the amendment to the merger agreement are attached asAppendix A andAppendix B to this proxy statement/prospectus. In order for us to complete the merger, we need the approval of Valley’s shareholders as well as the approvals of or waivers from the banking regulators of CVB Financial and its wholly owned subsidiary, Citizens Business Bank.

 

Q:

Why am I receiving this proxy statement/prospectus?

 

A.A:

Valley is sending these materialsWe are delivering this document to you and other Valley shareholders to help you decide how to vote your shares of ValleySuncrest common stock with respect to the approval of the merger agreement, which we sometimes refer to as the “merger proposal,” and the grant of discretionary authority to adjournproposals being voted on at the special meeting if necessary to permit the further solicitation of proxies.meeting.

The merger cannot be completed unless Valley shareholders approve the merger and adopt and approve the merger agreement. At the special meeting, Valley shareholders will vote on the proposals necessary to complete the merger. Information about the special meeting, the merger and any other business to be considered by shareholders at the special meetingThis document is contained in this proxy statement/prospectus.

This proxy statement/prospectus constitutes both a prospectus of CVB Financial and a proxy statement of Valley.Suncrest and a prospectus of CVB. It is a proxy statement because the Suncrest board of directors is soliciting proxies from Suncrest’s shareholders for use at the special meeting. It is a prospectus because CVB Financial is offeringwill issue shares of its common stock and cash in exchange for outstanding shares of ValleySuncrest common stock as the consideration to be paid in the merger. It is a proxy statement because Valley is using

Q:

What is the merger?

A:

CVB, Citizens and Suncrest have entered into the merger agreement, pursuant to which Suncrest will merge with and into Citizens, the separate existence of Suncrest will cease and Citizens will continue as the surviving corporation immediately upon the closing of the merger. The terms of the merger are set forth in the merger agreement, a copy of which is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex A.

Q:

Why has the Suncrest board of directors approved the merger of Suncrest with Citizens?

A:

The Suncrest board of directors has determined that the merger is fair to and in the best interests of Suncrest and its shareholders. In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, the Suncrest board of directors considered the long-term as well as the short-term interests and prospects of Suncrest and its shareholders and determined that the merger was the best option reasonably available for its shareholders. In this regard, the Suncrest board of directors considered the performance trends of Suncrest over the past several years and the anticipated financial performance for Suncrest in future years. The Suncrest board of directors also considered the ability of Suncrest to grow as an independent institution, challenges presented in today’s regulatory environment and its ability to further enhance shareholder value without engaging in a strategic transaction. Please read the section entitled “The Merger—Suncrest’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Merger by the Suncrest Board of Directors” for additional discussion on the reasons why the Suncrest board of directors unanimously approved, and unanimously recommended that Suncrest shareholders approve, the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.

Q:

What are holders of Suncrest common stock being asked to vote on?

A:

Suncrest is soliciting proxies from holders of its common stock with respect to the following matters:

approval of the principal terms of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger and the cancellation of each outstanding share of Suncrest

ii


common stock, other than any dissenting shares and excluded shares, in exchange for the right to receive 0.6970 shares of CVB common stock and $2.69 per share in cash, subject to any adjustments and other terms set forth in the merger agreement (the “merger proposal”); and

adjournment of the special meeting if necessary or appropriate in the judgment of the Suncrest board of directors to solicit additional proxies from its shareholders.or votes in favor of the approval of the principal terms of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement (the “adjournment proposal”).

Under the merger agreement, (i) dissenting shares mean any shares of Suncrest common stock that meet the requirements of dissenting shares under the California Corporations Code; and (ii) excluded shares mean any shares of Suncrest common stock held by CVB or any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CVB or by Suncrest or any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Suncrest, other than those held in a fiduciary capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted. See “The Merger – Dissenters’ Rights for Holders of Suncrest Shares.”

Suncrest will not transact any other business at the special meeting.

 

Q:

What will Valley shareholdersholders of Suncrest common stock receive in the merger?

 

A:

If you are a holder of Suncrest common stock, each share of common stock that you hold before the merger is completed, all outstanding shares of Valley common stock will be converted into an aggregatethe right to receive fixed consideration (which we refer to as the “merger consideration”) consisting of 1,942,6730.6970 shares of CVB Financial common stock and $23,400,000$2.69 per share in cash, subject to adjustment under certain circumstances asany adjustments and other terms set forth in the merger agreement. The number of shares of CVB Financial common stock that Valley shareholders may receive in the merger is fixed, subject to a pricing collar requiring the aggregate merger consideration to have a value of not less than $50,597,000 and not more than $62,253,000, subject to potential adjustment. As a result, if the weighted average closing price of CVB Financial common stock for the 10 trading days ending five trading days before the merger is $20.00 or greater, the aggregate number of shares of CVB common stock that holders of Valley common stock received will be reduced. The number of shares included in and the dollar value of the stock consideration that Valley shareholders may receive will change depending on fluctuations in the market price of CVB Financial common stock and will not be known at the time Valley shareholders vote on the merger.

In addition, Valley would payThe cash merger consideration will be reduced, on a special dividend to holders of Valley common stock onper share basis, by the datesum of the merger. Thefollowing, if any:

a common tier 1 capital adjustment (i.e., the amount, ofif any, by which the special dividend will depend on Valley’s tangibleadjusted common equity astier 1 capital of the endSuncrest is below $122.9 million (the “tier 1 benchmark”) and multiplying such difference, if any, by 1.5) plus

 

-1-


a transaction costs adjustment (i.e., the amount, if any by which certain specified transaction costs of the month immediately prior to the closingSuncrest exceed $5.8 million).

Please see “The Merger—Merger Consideration” for further discussion of the merger and, would have been approximately $13,700,000 if the merger had been completed on October 31, 2016, based on Valley’s tangible common equity as of September 30, 2016.

Based on 3,002,014 shares of Valley common stock issued and outstanding as of January 9, 2016, and assuming the special dividend is $13,700,000 in the aggregate, holders of Valley common stock would receive (i) merger consideration consisting of 0.5757 shares of CVB Financial common stock (with cash in lieu of a fractional share) valued at $12.94 based on the closing price of CVB Financial common stock of $22.48 per share reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on January 9, 2017 and assuming that the average weighted closing price of CVB Financial common stock for the 10 trading days ending five trading days before the merger is $22.48, and $7.79 in cash per share of Valley common stock and (ii) a special dividend of approximately $4.56 in cash, or a total value of approximately $25.30, for each share they own as of the date of the merger, all subject to possible adjustment as described below.consideration.

 

Q:

How will Valley determine the amount of the special dividend?merger affect outstanding Suncrest restricted stock awards and deferred share awards?

 

A:

The merger agreement provides for Valley to pay a special dividend to its shareholders as ofAt the date that the merger is completed. The aggregate amount of the special dividend will be equal to the amount by which Valley’s tangible common equity exceeds the greater of (1) $37,000,000 (or, if Valley has sold a specified loan, $37,500,000) or (2) the amount required to achieve an 8.0% tangible common equity ratio as of the final day of the month immediately preceding the closing dateeffective time of the merger, (or, ifeach Suncrest restricted stock award or deferred share award (each, a “Suncrest Stock Award”) will automatically accelerate in full and be converted into the merger occurs duringright to receive the first six days of the month, as of the last day of the second month immediately preceding the closing date of the merger). Based on Valley’s tangible common equity at September 30, 2016, Valley’s shareholders would have received approximately $13.7 million as a special dividend or approximately $4.56 cash per share, in addition to the stock and cash merger consideration.

 

Q:

IsHow will the merger consideration or the amount of the special dividend subject to adjustment or change?affect outstanding Suncrest stock options?

 

A:

Yes. BothAt the number and valueeffective time of the merger, each option to purchase shares of CVB FinancialSuncrest common stock under the Suncrest stock option plan outstanding immediately prior to the effective time, whether vested or unvested, will be cashed out and the amountholder will be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the difference between the “stock option cashout price” and the exercise price per share of the Suncrest options. The “stock option cashout price” is equal to the sum of (i) the cash included inconsideration per share being paid to each Suncrest common stock holder, or $2.69 per share assuming no pricing adjustments and (ii) the product of (X) CVB’s volume weighted average closing price per share over a twenty day period ending on the fifth business day prior to consummation of the merger consideration are subject to adjustment. The amount of the special dividend is also subject to change.and (Y) 0.6970 (the exchange ratio).

Merger Consideration—CVB Financial Common Stock.The aggregate number of shares of CVB Financial common stock that Valley’s shareholders will receive in the merger is fixed at 1,942,673, subject to a pricing collar requiring the aggregate merger consideration to have a value of not less than $50,597,000 and not more than $62,253,000, subject to potential adjustment based on Valley’s merger-related transaction expenses. The merger agreement provides that if the weighted average closing price of CVB Financial common stock for the 10 trading days ending five trading days before the merger, which we refer to as the “average closing price,” is $20.00 or greater, the aggregate number of shares of CVB Financial common stock that holders of Valley common stock receive will be reduced. If the average closing price of CVB Financial common stock is less than $14.00 then CVB, in CVB’s discretion, will either increase the number of shares of CVB Financial common stock included the aggregate stock consideration, increase the cash included in the aggregate cash consideration, or some combination of these so that the aggregate merger consideration is not less than $50,597,000, subject to adjustment based on Valley’s merger-related transaction expenses. Based on 3,002,014 shares of Valley common stock issued and outstanding as of January 9, 2017, holders of Valley common stock would receive 0.5757 shares of CVB Financial common stock (plus cash in lieu of a fractional share) valued at $12.94 based on the closing price of CVB Financial common stock of $22.48 per share reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on December 16, 2016 and assuming the average closing price of CVB common stock is $22.48. Because the price of CVB Financial common stock will fluctuate prior to the merger, we cannot assure Valley shareholders of the actual market value or the number of shares of CVB Financial common stock that they will receive in the merger.

-2-


Merger Consideration—Cash.The aggregate cash consideration of $23,400,000 is subject to potential downward adjustment by the amount, if any, that Valley’s total merger-related transaction expenses exceed $3,500,000. Based on the 3,002,014 shares of Valley common stock issued and outstanding as of January 9, 2017 and assuming that the aggregate cash consideration is not reduced on account of Valley’s merger-related transaction expenses, holders of Valley common stock would receive approximately $7.79 in cash per share of Valley common stock as cash consideration in the merger.

Special Dividend.

The amount of the special dividend to be paid by Valley depends on the level of Valley’s tangible common equity as of the final day of the month immediately preceding the closing date of the merger (or, if the merger occurs during the first six days of the month, as of the final day of the second month immediately preceding the merger). Based on its tangible common equity at September 30, 2016, Valley would have been entitled to pay a special dividend of approximately $13,700,000, which is approximately $4.56 per share of Valley common stock. Valley’s tangible common equity will change following the date of the proxy statement. Generally, Valley’s tangible common equity will increase as Valley recognizes any net earnings and will decrease as Valley recognizes any net losses. Therefore, the amount of the special dividend may increase or decrease as Valley recognizes net earnings or losses. In addition, the amount of the special dividend is subject to Valley’s receipt of regulatory approvals, the application for which are pending. The amount of the special dividend will not be determined until the final day of the month immediately preceding the merger and, therefore, will not be known at the time that Valley’s shareholders vote on the merger proposal. Further, Valley will only pay the special dividend if the merger will be completed.

The foregoing calculations assume that the number of shares of Valley common stock outstanding on January 9, 2017, will not change prior to the merger. Generally, the merger agreement prohibits Valley from issuing additional shares and there are no outstanding options to purchase shares of Valley common stock. As a result, the number of shares of Valley’s common stock outstanding is not expected to change.

See “THE MERGER—Terms of the Merger—Merger Consideration and Special Dividend” beginning on page 36.

 

Q:

Does CVB FinancialWhen and where will the special meeting take place?

A:

The special meeting of the Suncrest shareholders will be held at [•] on [•], 2021, starting at [•] [•].m. local time.

iii


Q:

What is the record date for the special meeting?

A:

The Suncrest board of directors has fixed the close of business on [•], 2021, as the record date for the purpose of determining Suncrest shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting.

Q:

How many votes do I have?

A:

You will have one vote for each share of Suncrest common stock that you owned at the close of business on the record date, provided those shares are either held directly in your name as the shareholder of record or Valley havewere held for you as the ability to terminatebeneficial owner through a broker, bank, or other nominee.

Q:

How does the merger agreement based on changes inSuncrest board of directors recommend that I vote at the trading pricespecial meeting if I am a holder of CVB Financial’sSuncrest common stock?

 

A:

Yes. CVB Financial may terminateAfter careful consideration, the Suncrest board of directors unanimously recommends that the shareholders of Suncrest vote “FOR” approval of the principal terms of the merger agreement ifand the average closing pricetransactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, and “FOR” the grant of CVB Financial common stock is less than $11.00. Valley has no reciprocal termination right.discretionary authority to adjourn the special meeting as necessary or appropriate.

Each of the Suncrest directors and executive officers and certain other shareholders of Suncrest have entered into voting and support agreements with CVB and Suncrest, pursuant to which they have agreed to vote “FOR” the approval of the principal terms of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. As of the record date, these directors, executive officers and shareholders of Suncrest beneficially owned and were entitled to vote [•] shares of Suncrest common stock, representing approximately 23% of the shares of Suncrest common stock outstanding on that date.

 

Q:

When will the merger be completed?What do I need to do now?

 

A:

The merger agreement providesAfter you have carefully read this proxy statement/prospectus and have decided how you wish to vote your shares, please vote your shares promptly so that CVB Financialyour shares are represented and Valley willvoted. If you hold stock in your name as a shareholder of record, you must complete, the merger at the end of the month in which all conditions to the mergersign, date and mail your proxy card in the merger agreement are satisfiedenclosed postage-prepaid return envelope as soon as possible, or waived, including after shareholder approval is received atcall the special meeting of Valley shareholders and all required regulatory approvals are received and statutory waiting periods have elapsed, but not earlier than February 1, 2017,toll-free telephone number or such other timeuse the Internet as they may agree. CVB Financial and Valley currently expect to complete the mergerdescribed in the first quarter of 2017. It is possible, however, that asinstructions included with your proxy card. If you hold your stock in “street name” through a result of factors outside of either party’s control, the merger may be completed at a later timebank or may not be completed at all. For further information, please see the section entitled “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Conditionsbroker or other nominee, you must direct your bank or broker or other nominee to the Merger” beginning on page 65.

Q:

Who is entitled to vote?

A:

Holders of record of Valley common stock at the close of business on December 20, 2016, which is the date that the Valley board of directors has fixed as the record date for the special meeting, are entitled to vote at the special meeting.

-3-


Q:

Do Valley shareholders have dissenters’ rights with respect to approval of the merger agreement?

A:

Yes. Holders of Valley common stock have dissenters’ rights in accordance with Chapter 13 of the California Corporations Code. In order to exercise dissenters’ rights, a shareholder does not need to affirmatively vote against the merger. Rather, in order to exercise dissenters’ rights under California law, a shareholder must either (i) vote against the merger, (ii) abstaininstructions you have received from voting on the mergeryour bank or (iii) not return the proxybroker or vote in person. In addition, a shareholder choosing to exercise his or her dissenters’ rights must also comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 13 of the California Corporations Code. A copy of the applicable sections of Chapter 13 of the California Corporations Code is included with this proxy statement/prospectus asAppendixD. Please read the section entitled “DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS OF VALLEY SHAREHOLDERS” beginning on page 78.

CVB Financial is not obligated to complete the merger if dissenters’ rights are perfected and exercised, or capable of being perfected and exercised, with respect to 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Valley common stock. Please see “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Conditions to the Merger” beginning on page 68.

Q:

Will Valley shareholders be able to trade CVB Financial common stock that they receive in the merger?

A:

Yes. CVB Financial common stock issued in the merger to Valley shareholders will be listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CVBF.” Unless you are deemed an “affiliate” of CVB Financial, you may sell the shares of CVB Financial common stock you receive in the merger without restriction.other nominee.

 

Q:

What constitutes a quorum atfor the special meeting?

 

A:

The presence at the special meeting, in person or by proxy, of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of ValleySuncrest common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.business at the special meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will be included in determining the number of shares present at the meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

Q:

What am I being asked Since none of the proposals to votebe voted on and why is this approval necessary?

A:

Valley shareholders are being asked to vote on the following proposals:

1.

To adopt and approve the merger agreement, including the amendment thereto, copies, of which are attached asAppendix A andAppendix B to this proxy statement/prospectus, which we sometimes refer to as the “merger proposal;” and

2.

To grant authority to adjournat the special meeting if necessary or appropriate, including adjournments to permit further solicitation of proxies in favor of the merger proposal,are routine matters for which we sometimes refer to as the “adjournment proposal.”

Because this is a special meeting of shareholders, Valley will not transact any other business at the special meeting.

Shareholder approval of the merger proposal is required for completion of the merger. If the number of shares voting in favor of the merger proposal is insufficient to approve the proposal, approval of the adjournment proposal may allow Valley additional time to solicit proxies voting in favor of the merger proposal.

Q:

What vote is required to approve each proposal at the special meeting?

A:

Merger proposal: The affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Valley common stock entitledbrokers may have discretionary authority to vote, is required to approve the merger proposal.

-4-


Adjournment proposal: Assuming a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Valley common stock represented (in person or by proxy) at the special meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal is required to approve the adjournment proposal.

Q:

What does the Valley board of directors recommend?

A:

After careful consideration, the Valley board of directors unanimously recommends that Valley shareholders vote “FOR” the merger proposal and “FOR” the adjournment proposal.

Q:

What do I need to do now?

A:

After carefully reading and considering the information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus, please voteif you hold your shares as soon as possible so thatin “street name,” failure to provide instructions to your bank, broker or other nominee on how to vote will result in your shares will benot being counted as represented at the special meeting. Please follow the instructions set forth on the proxy card or on the voting instruction form provided by the record holder if your shares are held in the namefor purposes of your broker, bank or other nominee.

Q:

How do I vote?

A:

If you areestablishing a shareholder of record of Valley as of December 20, 2016, which is referred to as the “record date,” you may submit your proxy before the special meeting in one of the following ways:

Use the toll-free number shown on your proxy card;

Visit the website shown on your proxy card to vote via the Internet; or

Complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.

You may also cast your vote in personquorum at the special meeting.

If your shares are held in “street name,” through a broker, bank or other nominee, that institution will send you separate instructions describing the procedure for voting your shares. “Street name” shareholders who wish to vote at the meeting will need to obtain a proxy form from their broker, bank or other nominee.

Q:

How many votes do I have?

A:

You are entitled to one vote for each share of Valley common stock that you owned as of the record date. As of the close of business on the record date, December 20, 2016, there were 3,002,014 outstanding shares of Valley common stock. As of that date, approximately 19% of the outstanding shares of Valley common stock were beneficially owned by the directors and executive officers of Valley, each of whom has agreed to vote his shares in favor of the merger.

Q:

When and where is the special meeting?

A:

The special meeting of shareholders of Valley will be held at the Visalia Country Club, 625 North Ranch Road, Visalia California 93291 at 6:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on February 16, 2017. All Valley shareholders as of the record date, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend the special meeting.

 

Q:

If my shares are held in “street name” bythrough a bank, broker bank or other nominee, will my bank, broker bank or other nominee vote my shares for me?

 

A:

If your shares are held in “street name” in a stock brokerage account or by aNo. Your bank, broker or other nominee you must provide the record holder ofcannot vote your shares withwithout instructions onfrom you, except for certain routine matters. None of the matters to be voted upon at the special meeting constitutes a routine matter. You should instruct your bank, broker or other nominee as to how to vote your shares.shares, following the

iv


directions your bank, broker or other nominee provides to you. Please followcheck the voting instructions providedform used by your bank, broker bank or other nominee. Please note that you mayWithout instructions, your shares will not vote shares held in “street name” by returning a proxy card directly to Valley or by voting in person atbe voted, which will have the special meeting unless you provide a “legal proxy,” which you must obtain from your broker, bank or other nominee.

effect described below.

-5-


Under the rules of the stock exchanges and other self-regulatory agencies, brokers who hold shares in “street name” for a beneficial owner of those shares typically have the authority to vote in their discretion on “routine” proposals when they have not received instructions from beneficial owners. However, brokers are not allowed to exercise their voting discretion with respect to the approval of matters that the rules of the stock exchanges and other self-regulatory agencies determine to be “non-routine” without specific instructions from the beneficial owner. All proposals at the special meeting are such “non-routine” matters. Broker non-votes occur when a broker or nominee is not instructed by the beneficial owner of shares to vote on a particular proposal for which the broker does not have discretionary voting power.

 

Q:

What if I abstain fromis the vote required to approve each proposal at the special meeting?

A

The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Suncrest common stock outstanding on the record date will be required to approve the merger proposal. Approval of the adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Suncrest common stock represented in person or by proxy at the special meeting and voting or fail to instructon the proposal (which affirmative vote constitutes at least a majority of the required quorum).

Q:

Why is my broker?vote important?

 

A:

If you are a holder of Valley common stock as of the record date and you abstain from voting or fail to instruct your broker todo not vote your shares and the broker submits an unvoted proxy, referred to as a broker non-vote, then the abstention or broker non-votes will be counted towards a quorum at the special meeting, but it will be more difficult to obtain the necessary quorum to hold the special meeting. In addition, your failure to submit a proxy or vote in person at the special meeting, or failure to instruct your bank or broker or other nominee how to vote, or abstaining from voting will have the same effect as a vote against approval of the merger proposal.

Abstentions and broker non-votes of shares of Valley common stock will not have any effect on the adjournment proposal if the number of affirmative votes cast for the proposal is a majority of the votes cast and such votes constitute a majority of the quorum required to transact business at the special meeting. However, if the number of affirmative votes cast for the adjournment proposal is a majority of the votes cast, but such votes do not constitute a majority of the quorum required to transact business at the special meeting, then abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote against the merger proposal.

Q:

What will happen if I return my proxy or voting instruction card without indicating how to vote?

A:

If you sign and return your proxy or voting instruction card without indicating how to vote on any particular proposal, the Valley common stock represented by your proxy will be voted as recommended by the Valley board of directors with respect to that proposal, including FORAGAINST” the merger proposal, in which case you will be prohibited from asserting dissenters’ rights.proposal.

 

Q:

MayCan I changeattend the special meeting and vote my vote after I have delivered my proxy or voting instruction card?shares personally?

 

A:

Yes. YouWe expect to hold the special meeting in person, but we continue to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 closely. Accordingly, we are planning for the possibility that the special meeting may be subject to special precautions, including limitations on the number of participants in one room or other limitations. In that regard, only shareholders will be admitted to the special meeting. No guests will be permitted. For safety and security purposes, you will need to obtain authorization in advance to attend the special meeting in person. To do so, please make your request by mail to Suncrest Bank at 501 West Main Street, Visalia, California 93291, Attention: Jean Carandang, or by email at jcarandang@suncrestbank.com. Suncrest must receive your request for pre-authorization on or before [].

Q:

Can I change or revoke my vote?

��

A:

Yes. If you are a holder of record of Suncrest common stock, you may change your vote or revoke any proxy at any time before yourit is voted by (1) signing and returning a proxy is votedcard with a later date, (2) delivering a written revocation letter to Suncrest’s corporate secretary, (3) attending the special meeting in person, and voting by ballot at the special meeting. You may do this in one ofmeeting, or (4) voting by telephone or the following ways:Internet at a later time. Attendance at the special meeting by itself will not automatically revoke your proxy. A revocation or later-dated proxy received by Suncrest after the vote will not affect the vote. Suncrest’s corporate secretary’s mailing address is: 501 West Main Street, Visalia, California 93291, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

by sending a notice of revocation to the corporate secretary of Valley; or

by sending a completed proxy card bearing a later date than your original proxy card.

If you choose any of these methods, you must take the described action such that the notice, Internet vote or proxy card, as applicable, is received no later than the beginning of the special meeting.

You may also change your vote by attending the special shareholders’ meeting and voting in person.

Ifhold your shares are heldof Suncrest common stock in an account at“street name” through a bank or broker bank or other nominee, you should contact your bank or broker bank or other nominee to change your vote.vote or revoke your proxy.

 

Q:

Do I need identificationWill Suncrest be required to attendsubmit the special meeting in person?proposal to approve the principal terms of the merger agreement to its shareholders even if the Suncrest board of directors has withdrawn, modified or qualified its recommendation?

 

A:

Yes. Please bring proper identification, together with proof that you are a record ownerUnless the merger agreement is terminated before the special meeting, Suncrest is required to submit the merger proposal to its shareholders even if the Suncrest board of Valley common stock. If your shares are held in “street name,” please bring acceptable proofdirectors has withdrawn, modified or qualified its recommendation to approve the principal terms of ownership, such as a letter from your broker or an account statement showing that you beneficially owned shares of Valley common stock on the record date.merger agreement.

 

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Q:

What are the material United StatesU.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger and the special dividend to Valley shareholders?U.S. holders of Suncrest common stock?

 

A:

CVB Financial and Valley each expects that theThe merger willis intended to qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended which(which we refer to as the “Code,”“Code”), and itthe merger is a condition toconditioned on the obligationreceipt by each of CVB Financial to complete the merger that CVB Financial receiveand Suncrest of a legal opinion from its legalrespective counsel to the effect that the merger will so qualify. Assuming the merger qualifies as a reorganization. Consistent with such treatment, areorganization, U.S. holder (as defined in the section entitled “MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER” beginning on page 74)holders of ValleySuncrest common stock generally will recognize gain but(but not loss,loss) upon receipt of the merger consideration in exchange for Suncrest common stock in an amount equal to the lesser of cash received or gain realized in(1) the merger as a result of receiving CVB Financial common stock and cash in exchange for Valley common stock; provided, that, the United States federal income tax consequences of the receipt of cash for a fractional share interest will be different. The amount of gain realized will equal(i.e., the excess of the sum of the amount by which theof cash plus(excluding any cash received in lieu of a fractional share) and the fair market value at the effective time of the merger, of the CVB Financial common stock exceedsreceived pursuant to the shareholder’smerger over the adjusted tax basis in Valleythe Suncrest common stock to be surrenderedsurrendered), and (2) the amount of cash received by such U.S. holder of Suncrest common stock (excluding any cash received in exchange therefor.lieu of a fractional share).

The special dividend will be paid from the assets of Valley and is not merger consideration. Each recipient ofFor a special dividend will have taxable income to the extent of that shareholder’s ratable share of the current or accumulated earnings and profits of Valley.

Please carefully review the information set forth in the section entitled “MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER” beginning on page 74 for a descriptionmore detailed discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger. merger, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger” beginning on page 47.

The tax consequences of the merger to youany particular holder of Suncrest common stock will depend on your own situation. We strongly encouragethat shareholder’s particular facts and circumstances. Accordingly, you are urged to consult your own tax advisorsadvisor for a full understanding of the tax consequences of the merger to you.

Q:

Do Suncrest shareholders have dissenters’ rights with respect to approval of the principal terms of the merger agreement?

A:

Yes. Suncrest shareholders who do not vote in favor of the merger may demand that Suncrest acquire their shares of Suncrest common stock for cash at their fair market value as of July 27, 2021, the day of, and immediately prior to, the first public announcement of the terms of the merger, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in consequence of the merger. Suncrest shareholders dissenting must file written demands that Suncrest acquire their shares of Suncrest common stock for cash and comply with the other procedural requirements set forth in California Corporations Code Sections 1300, et. seq. A copy of the applicable sections of Chapter 13 of the California Corporations Code is included with this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex C. For additional details about dissenters’ rights, please refer to “Dissenters’ Rights for Holders of Suncrest Shares” beginning on page 53 and Annex C to the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.

CVB is not obligated to complete the merger if dissenters’ rights are perfected and exercised with respect to 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Suncrest common stock. Please see “The Merger Agreement—Conditions to Completion of the Merger” beginning on page 69.

Q:

Should Suncrest shareholders send stock certificates at this time?

A:

No, please do not send in your certificates, if you hold your shares in certificated form, until you receive instructions to do so. You are not required to take any special additional actions if your shares of Suncrest stock are held in book-entry form. After the completion of the merger, an exchange agent will send you instructions for exchanging your shares for the merger consideration.

If you hold your Suncrest shares in certificated form, and do not know where your stock certificates are located, you may want to find them now so you do not experience delays receiving your merger consideration. If you are unable to locate your original Suncrest stock certificate(s), you should contact Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, Suncrest’s transfer agent, via email at lost@continentalstock.com.

Q:

What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials?

A:

Suncrest shareholders may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this proxy statement/prospectus and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold

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shares of Suncrest common stock in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold such shares. If you are a holder of record of Suncrest common stock and your shares are registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one proxy card. Please complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive or otherwise follow the voting instructions set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus to ensure that you vote every share of Suncrest common stock that you own.

Q:

What risks should a Suncrest shareholder consider before voting on the matters to be presented at the special meeting?

A:

We encourage you to read the detailed information about the merger in this proxy statement/prospectus, including the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 16.

Q:

When do you expect to complete the merger?

A:

CVB and Suncrest expect to complete the merger in the fourth quarter of 2021 or the beginning of the first quarter of 2022. If the merger could otherwise be consummated in December, 2021, the parties have agreed to wait until January, 2022 to complete the merger. However, neither CVB nor Suncrest can assure you of when or if the merger will be completed. Suncrest must first obtain the approval of Suncrest shareholders for the merger, as well as obtain necessary regulatory approvals and satisfy certain other conditions to closing.

 

Q:

What happens if the merger is not completed?

 

A:

If the merger is not completed, Valley shareholdersholders of Suncrest common stock will not receive any consideration for their shares of Valley common stock in connection with the mergermerger. Instead, each of CVB and Valley will not pay the special dividend. Instead, ValleySuncrest will remain an independent company and itstheir respective common stock will continue to be quotedlisted and traded on the OTC Pink market. Under specifiedNASDAQ Global Select Market and OTCQX, respectively. In addition, if the merger agreement is terminated in certain circumstances, Valleya termination fee may be required to pay CVB Financialbe paid by Suncrest to CVB. Please see “The Merger Agreement—Termination” on page 71 for a fee with respect to the terminationcomplete discussion of the merger agreement, as describedcircumstances under the section entitled “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Termination; Termination Fee” beginning on page 69.which termination fees will be required to be paid.

 

Q:

ShouldWhere do I send in my Valley stock certificates now?

A:

No. Valley shareholdersSHOULD NOT send in any stock certificates now. If the merger is approved, transmittal materials, with instructions for completion, will be provided to Valley shareholders under separate cover and the stock certificates should be sent at that time.

Q:

Who can help answer my questions about the proxy materials or voting?get more information?

 

A:

If you have any questions about the proxy materialsmerger or if you need assistance submitting your proxy, or voting your shares orif you need additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus ordocument, the enclosed proxy card or any documents incorporated by reference, you should contact Allan W. Stone at Valley at (559) 622-9000.Suncrest’s proxy solicitor:

LOGO

1290 Avenue of the Americas, 9th Floor

New York, NY 10104

Toll-Free Telephone: (866) 647-8869

 

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SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information includedcontained in this proxy statement/prospectus and doesprospectus. It may not contain all of the information that may beis important to you.you in deciding how to vote on the matters that will be voted on at the special meeting. You should carefully read this entire document and its appendicesthe other documents referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus for a more complete understanding of the merger and the other documents to which we refer before you decide how to vote with respect to each ofmatters that will be considered and voted on at the proposals.special meeting. In addition, we incorporate by reference important business and financial information about CVB Financialby reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. For a description of this information, please see the section entitled “INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE” beginning on page 90. You may obtain the information incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus without charge by following the instructions in the section entitled “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION”“Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANIES

CVB Financial Corp. and Citizens Business Bank (see page 76)

701 N. Haven Avenue, Suite 350

Ontario, California 91764

Telephone: (909) 980-4030

CVB Financial Corp. is a California corporation that is registered as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, or the “BHC Act.” As of June 30, 2021, CVB had consolidated total assets of approximately $15.5 billion, total net loans of approximately $8.0 billion, total deposits of approximately $12.7 billion, and total shareholders’ equity of approximately $2.1 billion. CVB had 996 full-time equivalent employees as of June 30, 2021.

CVB provides a wide range of banking services through Citizens, its wholly-owned subsidiary. Citizens is a California state-chartered bank headquartered in Ontario, California, and has been conducting business since 1974, originally under the name Chino Valley Bank. Citizens is an independent community bank that offers a full range of banking services in 58 banking centers located in the forepartInland Empire, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and the Central Valley area of this proxy statement/prospectus. Each itemCalifornia. Citizens also operates three trust offices located in this summary includesOntario, Newport Beach and Pasadena. These offices serve as sales offices for its wealth management, trust and investment products.

Through its network of banking offices, Citizens emphasizes personalized service combined with a page reference directing youfull range of banking and trust services for businesses, professionals and individuals. Although Citizens focuses the marketing of its services to small- and medium-sized businesses, a more complete descriptionfull range of that item.banking, investment and trust services are made available to the local consumer market.

For further information, see “UnlessInformation about the context otherwise requires, throughout this proxy statement/prospectus, “CVB Financial” refers toCompanies – CVB Financial Corp., “Valley” refers to Valley Commerce Bancorp and “we,Citizens Business Bank“us”beginning on page 76. CVB’s principal executive offices are located at 701 N. Haven Avenue, Suite 350, Ontario, California 91764, and “our” refers collectively to CVB Financial and Valley. Also, we referits telephone number is (909) 980-4030.

Suncrest Bank (see page 77)

501 West Main Street

Visalia, California 93291

Telephone: (559) 802-1000

Suncrest Bank, headquartered in Visalia, California, is an independent community bank which was founded in 2008. In addition to the proposed mergerVisalia headquarters office, there are seven full-service branches in the Central Valley area of California. Suncrest’s principal business is to provide full-service commercial and retail banking services primarily in the Central Valley of California. Suncrest offers commercial and retail banking services designed for small- and medium-sized businesses, professionals and retail customers located in five counties.


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At June 30, 2021, Suncrest had consolidated total assets of approximately $1.37 billion, total net loans of approximately $860.3 million, total deposits of approximately $1.19 billion and total shareholder’s equity of approximately $172.5 million. Suncrest had 120 full-time equivalent employees as of June 30, 2021.

For further information, see “Information about the Companies – Suncrest Bank” beginning on page 77. Suncrest’s principal executive offices are located at 501 West Main Street, Visalia, California 93291, and its telephone number is (559) 802-1000.

THE MERGER AND THE MERGER AGREEMENT

Suncrest Will Merge with and into CVB Financial as the “merger,” and the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated as of September 22, 2016, by and between CVB Financial and Valley, as amended on December 19, 2016 as the “merger agreement.”

The Merger and the Merger Agreement (pages 36 and 58)Citizens (see page 28)

The terms and conditions of the merger are contained in the merger agreement, which is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus asAppendixAnnex A and the amendment to the merger agreement attached asAppendix B. WeThe parties encourage you to read the merger agreement including the amendment, carefully, becauseas it is the legal document that governs the merger.

UnderSubject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement Valleydescribed in this proxy statement/prospectus, and in accordance with California law, Suncrest will merge with and into CVB Financial with CVB FinancialCitizens, the separate existence of Suncrest will cease and Citizens will continue as the surviving corporation immediately upon the closing of the merger.

Merger Consideration Citizens’ articles of incorporation and Special Dividend (page 36)

Inbylaws, as in effect immediately prior to the closing of the merger, all outstandingwill be the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the combined company. We refer in this proxy statement/prospectus to Suncrest and Citizens, on a consolidated basis in their capacity as the legal surviving corporation, as the “combined company.”

Suncrest Common Shareholders Will Receive 0.6970 Shares of CVB Common Stock and $2.69 per Share in Cash for Each Share of Suncrest Common Stock, Subject to Potential Adjustments; CVB Shareholders Will Retain Their Shares (see page 28)

The merger agreement provides that Suncrest common shareholders will receive 0.6970 shares of ValleyCVB common stock and $2.69 per share in cash for each share of Suncrest common stock they own, subject to merger consideration adjustments and other terms of the merger agreement. The cash consideration is subject to reduction, on a per share basis, by the sum of the following, if any:

a common equity tier 1 capital adjustment (i.e., the amount, if any, by which the adjusted common equity tier 1 capital of Suncrest is below the tier 1 benchmark and multiplying such difference, if any, by 1.5); plus

a transaction costs adjustment in the amount, if any, by which certain specified transaction costs of Suncrest exceed $5.8 million.

Upon completion of the merger, current CVB shareholders and current Suncrest shareholders will own approximately 94% and 6%, respectively, of the combined company. It is a condition to completion of the merger that the shares of CVB common stock issued in the merger shall be converted intolisted for trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, which is the stock exchange on which CVB common stock is currently listed for trading.

Assuming the number of shares of Suncrest common stock outstanding at the time of the merger equaled the number of shares outstanding on [•], 2021 and that the value of CVB common stock at the time of the merger equaled $[•] per share, the closing price as of [•], 2021, and including $2.69 per share in cash consideration, the aggregate merger consideration consistingfor the Suncrest shares and outstanding Suncrest Stock Awards would be approximately $[•] million. As noted below, however, the total value of 1,942,673 shares of CVB Financial common stock and $23,400,000 in cash subjectconsideration issued to potential adjustment dependingSuncrest shareholders upon completion of the merger will fluctuate based on the average closingshare price of CVB Financial common stock and Valley’s merger-related expenses. In addition, underthe number of shares of Suncrest common stock and Suncrest Stock Awards outstanding on the date of the merger agreement, Valleyand any merger consideration adjustments pursuant to the merger agreement.


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Merger Consideration Is Fixed (see page 28)

The exchange ratio in the merger will pay a special dividendnot be adjusted to holders of Valleyreflect CVB common stock inprice changes between now and the estimated amount of $13.7 million, based on Valley’s tangible common equity capital as of September 30, 2016.closing.

Based on the 3,002,014 shares of Valley common stock outstanding and the closing price of CVB Financial common stock on July 27, 2021, the last trading day prior to the public announcement of $22.48the merger, and $2.69 per share reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on January 9, 2017 and Valley’s tangible common equity capital as of September 30, 2016,in cash consideration and assuming no merger consideration adjustments, the averagemerger consideration represented a value of $16.09 per share of Suncrest Bank common stock. Using the closing price of CVB Financial common stock is $22.48, eachon [•], 2021 and including $2.69 per share of Valley common stock would be converted into the right to receive 0.5757 shares of CVB Financial common stock valued at $12.94 and $7.79 in cash and would entitleconsideration, the holder to receivemerger consideration represented a cash dividend in the amount of $4.56, having a combined value of approximately $25.30$[•] per share of ValleySuncrest Bank common stock. Valley shareholders will receive cash in lieu of any fractional shares of CVB Financial common stock. As a result of the merger, Valley shareholders would own approximately 1.6% of CVB Financial’s outstanding commonYou should obtain current stock after the merger is completed, excluding any shares of CVB Financial common stock they may already own.

The value of the merger consideration that Valley shareholders will receive in connection with the merger and the amount of the special dividend are subject to change. The number of shares of CVB Financial common



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stock that Valley shareholders may receive in the merger is fixed, subject to a pricing collar requiring the aggregate merger consideration to have a value of not less than $50,597,000 and not more than $62,253,000, subject to potential adjustment. As a result, if the average closing price of CVB Financial common stock is $20.00 or greater, the aggregate number of shares ofquotations for CVB common stock, that holders of Valley common stock received will be reduced. The number and market value of the shares of CVB Financial common stock that Valley shareholders may receive will change depending on fluctuations in the market price of CVB Financial common stock and will not be known at the time Valley shareholders votewhich is listed on the merger. The aggregate amount of cash that Valley’s shareholders will receive as merger consideration will be reduced toNASDAQ Global Select Market under the extent that Valley’s merger-related transaction expenses exceed $3,500,000. Further, the amount of the special dividend that Valley will pay to its shareholders depends on Valley’s tangible common equity as of the final date of the month immediately preceding the merger (or, if the merger occurs during the first six days of the month, as of the second month immediately preceding the merger) and, therefore, the amount of the special dividend will generally increase as Valley recognizes net earnings and will generally decease as Valley recognizes net losses, if any. Valley shareholders will receive a pro rata portion of the stock and cash merger consideration and the special dividend. The merger agreement does not permit Valley to issue additional shares of common stock and there are no options to purchase Valley common stock outstanding. Therefore, the number of shares of Valley common stock outstanding is not expected to change.

See “THE MERGER—Terms of the Merger—Merger Consideration and Special Dividend.symbol “CVBF.

Recommendation of the Valley Board of Directors (page 41)

After careful consideration, the Valley board of directors unanimously recommends that Valley shareholders vote “FOR” the merger proposal and “FOR” the adjournment proposal. For a more complete description of Valley’s reasons for the merger and the recommendation of the Valley board of directors, please see the section entitled “THE MERGER—Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the Valley Board of Directors” beginning on page  41.

Voting and Support Agreements (page 72)(see page 73)

Each of the directors and certain of the executive officers of Valley hasSuncrest and certain Suncrest shareholders have entered into a Votingvoting and Support Agreement with CVB Financial and Valley,support agreements pursuant to which they have agreed, as applicable, to vote “FOR” the merger proposal.proposals set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus. As of the record date, these directors, and executive officers and shareholders of ValleySuncrest beneficially owned and were entitled to vote 579,122[•] shares of ValleySuncrest common stock, representing approximately 19%23% of the shares of ValleySuncrest common stock outstanding on that date. For more information regarding the Votingvoting and Support Agreements,support agreements, please see the section entitled “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—The Merger Agreement—Voting and Support Agreements”Agreements beginning on page 72.73.

Opinion of Vining Sparks for Valley’sThe Suncrest Board of Directors (page 45)Unanimously Recommend that Suncrest Shareholders Approve the Merger Agreement and the Merger (see page 32)

Vining Sparks IBG, LP, which we referAfter careful consideration, the Suncrest board of directors has unanimously determined that the principal terms of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, are advisable and in the best interests of Suncrest and its shareholders and unanimously recommends that Suncrest shareholders vote “FOR” the approval of the principal terms of the merger agreement.

In determining whether to as “Vining Sparks,approve the merger, the Suncrest board of directors evaluated the merger and the merger agreement, in consultation with Suncrest’s senior management and legal and financial advisors, and considered the respective strategic, financial and other considerations referred to under “The Merger—Suncrest’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Merger by the Suncrest Board of DirectorsValley’s financial advisor inbeginning on page 32.

Opinion of Suncrest Financial Advisor (see page 35)

In connection with the Suncrest board of directors’ consideration of the merger, delivered an oralSuncrest’s financial advisor, MJC Partners, LLC, or MJC, provided its opinion to the ValleySuncrest board of directors, which was subsequently confirmed in a written opinion dated as of September 22, 2016,July 27, 2021, to the effect that, as of such date and subject tobased upon the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Vining Sparks asassumptions set forth in suchthe written opinion, the merger consideration and special dividend to be received by the holders of Valley common stock werewas fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders. Vining Sparks updated its opinion on December 15, 2016, when Valley’s boardthe holders of directors considered and approved the amendment to the merger agreement and confirmed the update in writing as of December 19, 2016.

Suncrest common stock. The full text of Vining Sparks’sMJC’s opinion dated September 22, 2016is attached as Annex B to this proxy statement/prospectus. Holders of Suncrest common stock are urged to read the entire opinion carefully in connection with their consideration of the proposed merger.

Suncrest Shareholders Will Have Dissenters’ Rights (see page 53)

Under the California Corporations Code, Suncrest common shareholders will be entitled to dissenters’ rights in connection with the merger. Suncrest shareholders who do not vote in favor of the merger, timely file written


3


demands that Suncrest acquire their shares of Suncrest common stock for cash and comply with the update dated December 19, 2016other procedural requirements set forth in California Corporations Code Sections 1300, et. seq. may demand that Suncrest acquire their shares of Suncrest common stock for cash at their fair market value as of July 27, 2021, the day of, and immediately prior to, the first public announcement of the terms of the merger, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in consequence of the merger.

The provisions of California law governing dissenters’ rights are complex, and you should study them carefully if you hold any such shares and wish to exercise your dissenters’ rights. A copy of Sections 1300-1313 of the California Corporations Code is attached asAppendix C to this proxy statement/prospectus and the full textas Annex C. For a more detailed discussion of the opinion and the update are



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incorporated herein by reference. We refer to the Vining Sparks’s opinion, as updated, as the “opinion.” You should read the opinion in its entirety to understand the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Vining Sparks.

Vining Sparks’s opinion was for the information of, and was directed to, the Valley board of directors (in its capacity as such) in connection with its consideration of the financial terms of the merger.

The opinion addressed only the fairness, from a financial point of view, as of the dates of the original opinion and the update, of the merger consideration in the merger and the special dividend to the common shareholders of Valley. The opinion does not address the underlying business decision of Valley to engage in the merger or enter into the merger agreement or constitute a recommendation to the Valley board of directors in connection with the merger, and it does not constitute a recommendation to any holder of Valley common stock or any shareholder of any other entity as to how to vote in connection with the merger or any other matter, nor does it constitute a recommendation regarding whether or not any such shareholder should enter into a voting, shareholders’, or affiliates’ agreement with respect to the merger or exercise any dissenters’ or appraisal rights that may be available to such shareholder. Vining Sparks received a fee for its services, which was payable upon delivery of its opinion.

For further information,under California law, please see the section entitled “THE MERGER—OpinionThe Merger— Dissenters’ Rights for Holders of Valley’s Financial Advisor”Suncrest Shares beginning on page 45.53 of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Valley Special MeetingInterests of Shareholders (page 30)

Valley’s special meeting of shareholders will be held at 6:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on February 16, 2017, at the Visalia Country Club, 625 North Ranch Road, Visalia California 93291. At the special meeting, Valley shareholders will be asked to approve the merger proposal and the adjournment proposal.

Valley’s board of directors has fixed the close of business on December 20, 2016 as the record date for determining the holders of Valley common stock entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the special meeting. Only holders of record of Valley common stock at the close of business on the record date will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting and any adjournments or postponements (unless the special meeting is adjourned for more than 45 days). As of the record date, there were 3,002,014 shares of Valley common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Valley special meeting held by approximately 313 holders of record. Each share of Valley common stock entitles the holder to one vote on each proposal to be considered at the special meeting.

Approval of the merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Valley common stock. Approval of the adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Valley common stock represented (in person or by proxy) at the Valley special meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal.

Interest of Valley’s Directors and Executive Officers of Suncrest in the Merger (page 52)(see page 43)

Certain of Valley’s directorsDirectors and executive officers of Suncrest have financial interests in the merger that are different from, or are in addition to, the interests of Valleythe shareholders generally including the following:of Suncrest. These interests include:

 

Threecertain Suncrest directors and executive officers have Suncrest Stock Awards that, under the merger agreement, will accelerate in full upon completion of Valley’sthe merger and be converted into, and be exchanged for, the right to receive the merger consideration;

Suncrest directors and executive officers have stock options that, under the merger agreement, will accelerate in full upon completion of the merger and be converted into the right to receive cash in the amount of the option consideration;

Suncrest executive officers are participants in plans and party to agreements providingthat provide for severance payments and other benefits followingupon a change in control of Valley in connection withSuncrest and/or a qualifying termination of employment.employment following such a change in control; and

 

Allan W. Stone, who is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Valley, has entered into a three-month consulting agreement with Citizens Business Bank that becomes effective upon the completion of the bank merger and Citizens Business Bank has offered William Kitchen, Valley’s Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, a position of employment following completion of the merger.



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ValleySuncrest directors and executive officers are entitled towill receive continued indemnification and director’s and officer’s liability insurance coverage underfor six years following the merger, subject to the terms of the merger agreement.

The members of the Valley board of directors wereof Suncrest was aware of the foregoing interests and considered these interests,them, among other matters, when they approvedin approving the merger agreement and unanimously recommended that Valley shareholders approvethe merger. For a more complete description of the interests of Suncrest’s directors and executive officers in the merger, proposal. These interestssee “The Merger—Interests of Suncrest Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” beginning on page 43.

Board of Directors and Officers of CVB and Citizens After the Merger (page 42)

The directors and officers of CVB and Citizens immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will be the directors and officers of the surviving corporation until the earlier of their resignation or removal or until their respective successors are duly appointed and qualified.

Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger (see page 51)

CVB, Citizens and Suncrest have each agreed to use reasonable best efforts to obtain all regulatory approvals required to complete the merger. Regulatory approvals are required from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (referred to as the “FDIC”) and the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (referred to as the “CDFPI”). CVB has confirmed with a representative at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (referred to as the “Federal Reserve”) that no approval is required from the Federal Reserve as the merger currently meets the requirements of the approval exemption set forth in Section 225.12(d)(1) of Regulation Y under the BHC Act. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, CVB, Citizens and Suncrest


4


have submitted applications and notifications to obtain the required regulatory approvals. There can be no assurances that such approvals will be received on a timely basis, or as to the ability of CVB, Citizens and Suncrest to obtain the approvals on satisfactory terms or the absence of litigation challenging such approvals. The regulatory approvals to which completion of the merger is conditioned are described in more detail under the section entitled “THE MERGER—Interests of Valley Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” beginning on page 52.

The Merger— Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger (page 54)” beginning on page 51.

Expected Timing of the Merger

We expect to complete the merger in the fourth quarter of 2021 or early in the first quarter of 2022 if we receive Suncrest shareholder and regulatory approvals for the merger and the other conditions to closing are satisfied. The merger agreement provides that it may be terminated by either CVB or Suncrest if the merger has not been consummated by April 30, 2022. The merger agreement may also be extended, but not past June 30, 2022, if the only unsatisfied condition to consummating the merger is receipt of any requisite regulatory approval.

Conditions to Completion of the merger is subject to various regulatory approvals, including approvals or waivers from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, which we refer to as the “Federal Reserve”, the California Department of Business Oversight, which we refer to as the “Department of Business Oversight,” and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which we refer to as the “FDIC.” Notifications and/or applications requesting approval for the merger may also be submitted to other federal and state regulatory authorities and self-regulatory organizations. We have filed, or are in the process of filing all notices and applications to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals. Although we currently believe we should be able to obtain all required regulatory approvals, we cannot be certain when or if we will obtain them or, if obtained, whether they will contain terms, conditions or restrictions not currently contemplated that will be detrimental to, or have a material adverse effect on, the combined company after the completion of the merger. The regulatory approvals to which completion of the merger are subject are described in more detail under the section entitled “THE MERGER—Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger” beginning onMerger (see page 54.

Conditions to the Merger (page 68)69)

The respective obligations of CVB Financial and ValleyCitizens, on the one hand, and Suncrest, on the other, to complete the merger are each subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions:

 

Approvalreceipt by Suncrest of the merger proposal by Valley shareholders;Suncrest shareholders’ approval;

 

Thethe receipt of all regulatory approvals required from the Federal Reserve, the FDIC and the Department of Business Oversight, subject to the limitations set forth in the merger agreement;CDFPI;

 

No injunction or decree or law preventing the consummation of the merger or making the merger illegal shall be in effect;

As of at least three business days prior to the closing date, CVB Financial shall have received satisfactory evidence that Valley has satisfied each of the following financial conditions: (1) as of the last day of the month immediately proceeding the closing date, Valley’s closing tangible common shareholders’ equity (after giving effect to the special dividend but prior to any pre-closing adjustments otherwise required by the merger agreement and without the effect of up to $3,500,000 in Valley’s merger-related transaction expenses) shall not be less than the greater of (a) $37,000,000 (or, if Valley has completed the sale of a specific loan, $37,500,000) or (b) the amount necessary for Valley to achieve a tangible common equity ratio of at least 8.0% as of such date; (2) the allowance for loan loss ratio, determined as of the final day of the month immediately preceding the closing date, shall not be less than 1.1%; (3) total assets shall not be less than $410,000,000 as of the final day of the month immediately preceding the closing date; (4) average accruing loans for the 30-day period ending on the fifth business day prior to closing shall not be less than $295,000,000; and (5) average noninterest-bearing deposits for the 30-day period ending on the fifth business day prior to closing shall not be less than $150,000,000 (provided that if the merger occurs during the first six days of the month, month-end measures shall be as of the second immediately preceding month);

The effectiveness of CVB Financial’sCVB’s SEC registration statement on Form S-4, of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part, and the absence of aany stop order or proceeding initiated or threatened by the SEC for that purpose;

 

no injunction or decree or law prohibiting the consummation of the merger shall be in effect;



 

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Approval for the listing on the NASDAQ Global Select Market of the shares of CVB Financial common stock to be issued in the merger;merger shall have been approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Select Market;

 

Thethe aggregate value of CVB common stock to be issued in the merger must represent at least 42% of the aggregate cash plus such value of aggregate CVB common stock value;

the accuracy of the representations and warranties of each party set forth in the merger agreement, subject to the materiality standards set forth in the merger agreement, as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the closing date of the merger other than, in most cases, those failures to be trueas though made at and correctas of the closing date (except that would not reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse effect on such party;

The absencerepresentations and warranties that by their terms speak as of a material adverse effect on either party since the date of the merger agreement;agreement or some other date need only be true and correct as of such date);

 

Performanceperformance in all material respects by each party of the obligations required to be performed by it at or prior to the closing date of the merger;

 

Holdersthe absence of a material adverse effect on CVB or Suncrest since the date of the merger agreement; and

the receipt by each of CVB and Suncrest of the opinions of its respective tax counsel, dated the closing date of the merger, to the effect that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

The obligation of CVB and Citizens to consummate the merger is also conditioned upon, among other things,

the adjusted common tier 1 capital of Suncrest being not less than $122.9 million (the tier 1 benchmark), as of the last day of the month immediately preceding the month in which the closing of the merger occurs, which we refer to as the “measurement date” (except that if the closing occurs


5


within the first 10 days of any month, the “measurement date” will be the last day of the second month immediately preceding the month in which the closing of the merger occurs, provided that if the closing does not occur on or before the fifth business day after the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions set forth in the merger agreement, then the parties will treat such fifth business day as the closing date solely for the purpose of determining the measurement date);

the total non-interest bearing deposits of Suncrest being equal to or greater than $470 million as of the measurement date;

the adjusted total loans of Suncrest shall be equal to or greater than $745 million as of the measurement date;

the allowance for loan losses of Suncrest shall not be less than $8,504,000; and

holders of not in excess ofmore than 10% of the outstanding shares of ValleySuncrest common stock shall have exercised or be capable of exercising their dissenters’ rights;rights.

Written certifications as to certain factual matters shall have been delivered to each party;

Receipt by CVB Financial of an opinion of its tax counsel as to certain tax matters;

Valley shall have delivered to CVB Financial an opinion of Crowe Horwath LLP that no agreement, contract or arrangement to which any employee of Valley is a party will result in the payment of any amount that would not be deductible for income tax purposes by reason of Section 280G of the Code;

Receipt of a properly executed statement from Valley that meets the requirements of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act; and

Allan W. Stone shall have entered into the consulting agreement (which, as noted, has been completed).

No Solicitation (page 64)of Competing Offers (see page 63)

Under the terms of the merger agreement, ValleySuncrest has agreed not to, directly or indirectly, initiate, solicit, encourage or knowingly facilitate any inquiries or the making of proposals with respect to, or engage in any negotiations concerning, or provide any confidential or nonpublic information or data to, or have any discussions with, any person relating to, any alternative acquisition proposal (as defined below in the section entitled “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—The Merger Agreement—Covenants and Agreements—No Solicitation”Solicitation of Alternative Transactions).

Notwithstanding these restrictions, the merger agreement provides that under specified circumstances, if ValleySuncrest receives an unsolicited bona fide alternative acquisition proposal and the board of directors of ValleySuncrest concludes in good faith that such alternative acquisition proposal constitutes, or is reasonably expectedlikely to result in, a superior acquisition proposal (as defined below in the section entitled “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—The Merger Agreement—Covenants and Agreements”Agreements), then ValleySuncrest and its board of directors may furnish or cause to be furnished nonpublic information and participate in such negotiations or discussions to the extent that the board of directors of ValleySuncrest concludes in good faith (after conferring with outside legal counsel and its financial advisors) that failure to taketaking such actions would breach or would be more likely than notnecessary in order the Suncrest board of directors to breachcomply with its fiduciary duties to its shareholders under applicable law; provided that prior to providing any such nonpublic information or engaging in any such negotiations, ValleySuncrest entered into a confidentiality agreement with such third party.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, none of the members of the board of directors of ValleySuncrest may, except as expressly permitted by the merger agreement, make an adversea change of recommendation (as defined below in the section entitled “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—The Merger Agreement—Covenants and Agreements”Agreements), or cause or commit ValleySuncrest to enter into any agreement or understanding other than the confidentiality agreement referred to above relating to any alternative acquisition proposal made to Valley.Suncrest. Nevertheless, in the event that ValleySuncrest receives an alternative acquisition proposal that Valleythe Suncrest board of directors concludes in good faith constitutes a superior acquisition proposal, the board of directors of ValleySuncrest may make an adversea change of recommendation or terminate the merger agreement as long as Valley gives CVB Financial prior written notice at least five business days before taking such actionto enter into a definitive agreement for a superior proposal, subject, in each case, to Suncrest’s complying with the procedures and during such five business day period Valley negotiatesother provisions set forth in good faiththe merger agreement with CVB Financialrespect to enable CVB Financial to make an improved offer that is at least as favorable to the



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shareholders of Valley as such alternative acquisition proposal. Valleyproposal, all as further described in the sections entitled “The Merger Agreement—Covenants and Agreements—No Solicitation of Alternative Transactions,” “The Merger Agreement—Termination” and “The Merger Agreement—Termination Fee.” Suncrest has agreed to call and hold a special meeting at which shareholders will consider and vote upon the merger proposal, even if ValleySuncrest receives an alternative acquisition proposal or makes an adverse change of recommendation, unless the merger agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms.


6


Termination; Termination Fee (page 69)of the Merger Agreement (see page 71)

CVB Financial and Valley may mutually agree at any time to terminate the merger agreement without completing the merger, even if Valley shareholders have already approved and adopted the merger agreement.

In addition, theThe merger agreement may be terminated under the following circumstances:

by mutual consent of CVB, Citizens and Suncrest, as authorized by their respective board of directors, at any time prior to the effective time of the merger, whether before or after Valley shareholders approve the merger agreement:

by either CVB Financial or Valley if a requisite regulatory approval is denied and such denial has become final and non-appealable, if a governmental entity advises CVB Financial or Valley in writing that it will deny a requisite regulatory approval (or intends to revoke or rescind such an approval) and such denial becomes final and non-appealable, or if a governmental entity of competent jurisdiction has issued a final, non-appealable order, injunction or decree permanently enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making the consummationreceipt of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement illegal;requisite Suncrest shareholder approval;

 

by eitheraction of the CVB Financialboard of directors or Valleythe Suncrest board of directors, if the merger is not completed by February 28, 2017, unlesson or before April 30, 2022 (which date may be extended to June 30, 2022 if the only unsatisfied condition to the completing the merger is receiving regulatory approval), which date is referred to as the “outside date,” except to the extent that the failure of the closingmerger to occur by such date is due tobe consummated results from the failureknowing action or inaction of the party seeking to terminate, the merger agreement to performwhich action or observeinaction is in violation of its covenants and agreements set forth inobligations under the merger agreement;

 

by eitheraction of the CVB Financialboard of directors or Valleythe Suncrest board of directors, if the approval of any governmental authority required for consummation of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement has been denied by final and nonappealable action of such governmental authority, or an application therefor has been permanently withdrawn by mutual agreement of the parties at the request or suggestion of a governmental authority;

by action of the CVB board of directors or the Suncrest board of directors, if Suncrest shareholder approval is not obtained;

by action of the CVB board of directors or the Suncrest board of directors, if there ishas been a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by the other party, such that if continuing on the closing date of anythe merger, the condition as to the accuracy of itsthe representations and warranties or the compliance with covenants agreements, representations or warranties that would, individually or in the aggregate with other breaches by such party, result in the failure of a closing condition of the other party would not be satisfied and such breach or condition is not curable or, if curable, is not cured within 30 calendar days followingafter written notice thereof is given by the terminating party (or such shorter period as remaining prior to the party committing the breach, or the breach, by its nature, cannot be cured within such time (providedoutside date); provided, that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in the merger agreement);

by either CVB Financial or Valley if Valley shareholders have not approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby at the duly convened Valley special meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, provided that the failure to obtain such shareholder approval was not caused by the terminating party’s material breach of any of its obligations under the merger agreement;

 

by CVB Financial prior to Valley shareholders’ approvalaction of the merger proposal, in the event (a) Valley breaches in any material respect the no solicitation provisions of the merger agreement; (b) Valley or theCVB board of directors of Valley submits the merger agreement to Valley shareholders without recommending approval or withdraws or adversely modifies such recommendation or makes an adverse change of recommendation; (c) at any time afterprior to the end of 15 business days following receipt of anSuncrest shareholder approval if: (i) Suncrest materially breaches its non-solicitation obligations relating to alternative acquisition proposal,proposals; (ii) the Suncrest board of directors shall have effected a change in recommendation to its shareholders; (iii) the Suncrest board of Valleydirectors fails to reaffirmaffirm its recommendation that shareholders vote to approvewithin the mergerrequired time period after an acquisition proposal as promptly as practicable (but in any event within five business days after receipt of any written request to do so by CVB Financial);is made; or (d)(iv) the Suncrest board recommends a tender offer or exchange offer for outstanding shares of Valley common stock is publicly disclosed (other than by CVB Financial or one of its affiliates) and the board of directors of Valley recommends that its shareholders tender their shares infails to recommend against such tender or exchange offer or, within 10 business days after commencement thereof; and

by action of the commencement of such tender or exchange offer, theSuncrest board of directors of Valley fails to recommend unequivocally against acceptance of such offer, which we refer to as a “termination due to no company recommendation;”



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by Valley,at any time prior to obtaining Valleythe receipt of Suncrest shareholder approval in order to enter into a definitive agreement providing for a superior acquisition proposal (as defined below) (provided that Valley is not in material breach of any of the terms ofobtained by Suncrest without breaching the merger agreement and Valley pays CVB Financial a termination fee in advance of or concurrently with such termination, as described below), which we refer to as a “termination due to a superior acquisition proposal;” oragreement.

Termination Fee (see page 72)

by CVB Financial if the average closing price of CVB Financial common stock is less than $11.00.

Valley mustSuncrest has agreed to pay CVB Financial a termination fee of $3,500,000$8,325,000 in the event that:following circumstances:

 

the merger agreement is terminated by ValleySuncrest in order for Suncrest to enter into a definitive agreement providing for a superior acquisition proposal;

 

CVB Financial terminates the merger agreement due to no company recommendation; or(i) Suncrest materially breaching its non-solicitation obligations relating to alternative acquisition proposals; (ii) the Suncrest board of directors effecting a change in recommendation to its shareholders; (iii) the Suncrest board of directors failing to affirm its


7


recommendation within the required time period after an acquisition proposal is made; or (iii) the Suncrest board of directors recommending a tender offer or failing to recommend against such tender offer within 10 business days after commencement thereof; or

 

any person has made(i) if an alternative acquisition proposal which proposal has been publicly announced, disclosedis made to Suncrest or proposed and not withdrawn, and: (a) thereafterto its shareholders publicly; (ii) if CVB or Suncrest terminates the merger agreement is terminated (i)for failure to consummate the merger by either party pursuantthe outside date or to obtain the termination provision for delay or pursuant to the termination provision for no approval by Valleyof Suncrest shareholders, or (ii) byif CVB Financial pursuantterminates the merger agreement for breach; and (iii) Suncrest enters into a definitive agreement with respect to the termination provision for breach and (b)or consummates certain acquisition proposals within 18 months afterof any such termination of the merger agreement, an alternative acquisition proposal is consummatedagreement.

The termination fee could discourage other companies from seeking to acquire or any definitive agreementmerge with respectSuncrest prior to an alternative acquisition proposal is entered into (provided that references to “10%” incompletion of the definition of alternative acquisition proposal are deemed to be references to “50%”).

merger. For more information, please see the section entitled “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Termination;The Merger Agreement – Termination Fee” beginning on page 69.Fee.”

Material United StatesU.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger (page 74)(see page 47)

The merger is intendedhas been structured to qualify for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a reorganization under“reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and it is a condition to the obligation of CVB Financialour respective obligations to complete the merger that CVB Financialand Suncrest each receive a legal opinion from its taxlegal counsel to the effect that the merger will so qualify. If the merger qualifies as a reorganization. Consistent with such treatment, as“reorganization” for U.S. federal income tax purposes and you are a resultU.S. holder of receiving CVB FinancialSuncrest common stock, and cashyou generally will recognize gain (but not loss) upon receipt of the merger consideration in exchange for ValleySuncrest common stock in general, a U.S. holder (as defined in the section entitled “MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER” beginning on page 74) of Valley common stock will recognize gain, but not loss,an amount equal to the lesser of cash received or gain realized in(1) the merger; provided, that, the United States federal income tax consequences of the receipt of cash for a fractional share interest will be different. The amount of gain realized will equal(i.e., the excess of the sum of the amount by which theof cash plus(excluding any cash received in lieu of a fractional share) and the fair market value at the effective time of the merger, of CVB Financial common stock exceedsreceived pursuant to the shareholder’smerger over your adjusted tax basis in Valleythe Suncrest common stock to be surrenderedsurrendered), and (2) the amount of cash received by such U.S. holder of Suncrest common stock (excluding any cash received in exchange therefor.lieu of a fractional share).

The special dividend will be paid from the assets of Valley and is not merger consideration. Each recipient of a special dividend will have taxableU.S. federal income to the extent of that shareholder’s ratable share of the current or accumulated earnings and profits of Valley.

This tax treatment may not apply to every shareholder of Valley. Determining the actual tax consequences of the merger to you will depend upon your own particular facts and circumstances. In addition, you may be complicated and will depend on your specific situation and on variables not within our knowledgesubject to state, local or control. We strongly recommend that youforeign tax laws, none of which is discussed in this proxy statement/prospectus. You should, therefore, consult with your own tax advisor for a fullcomplete understanding of the tax consequences of the merger to you.

For more information, please see the section entitled “MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER”Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger beginning on page 74.47.

Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement (see page 74)

Concurrently with the execution and delivery of the merger agreement:

 

each non-employee director of Suncrest has entered into a non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreement pursuant to which such directors have agreed not to compete against Citizens or solicit the employees or customers of Citizens (or the former Suncrest Bank), in each case, for a period of 12 months after the effective time of the merger;

the President and Chief Executive Officer of Suncrest has entered into a non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreement pursuant to which he has agreed not to compete against Citizens for a period of 12 months after the effective time of the merger, become connected in any capacity (including as an employee, officer, shareholder or director) with any business or enterprise engaged in providing financial services in the State of California, or solicit the employees or customers of Citizens (or the former Suncrest Bank) for a period of 36 months after the effective time of the merger; and

certain other executive officers of Suncrest have entered into a non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreement pursuant to which such officers have agreed not to solicit the employees or customers of Suncrest and Citizens (or the former Suncrest Bank), in each case, for periods of up to 24 months after the effective time of the merger.



 

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ComparisonAdditionally, these directors and executive officers of Shareholders’Suncrest have agreed, among other things, not to make use of any trade secrets of Suncrest or disclose any trade secrets of Suncrest to any other person on the terms set forth in their respective non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements.

The Rights (page 81)of Suncrest Shareholders Will Change as Result of the Merger (see page 78)

The rights of ValleySuncrest shareholders who continue as CVB Financial shareholders after the merger will be governed by the California Corporations Codearticles of incorporation and bylaws of CVB rather than the articles of incorporation and bylaws of CVB Financial rather than by the California Corporations Code and the articles of incorporation and bylaws of Valley.Suncrest. For more information, please see the section entitled “COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDERS’ RIGHTS”Comparison ofRights of Shareholders of CVB and Suncrest beginning on page 81.78.

Information About the Companies (page 26)

CVB Financial is a California corporation that is registered as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. CVB Financial’s principal subsidiary is Citizens Business Bank, a California-chartered bank with 42 Business Financial Centers, eight Commercial Banking Centers and three Trust Offices located in San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County and the Central Valley area of California. As of September 30, 2016, CVB Financial had consolidated total assets of approximately $8.0 billion, total loans and lease finance receivables of approximately $4.2 billion, total deposits of approximately $6.3 billion, customer repurchase agreements of approximately $0.58 billion and total shareholders’ equity of approximately $1.0 billion. CVB Financial had 771 full-time equivalent employees as of September 30, 2016. CVB Financial’s principal executive office is located at 701 N. Haven Avenue, Suite 350, Ontario, California 91764.

Valley is a California corporation that is registered as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. Valley’s principle subsidiary is Valley Business Bank, California-chartered commercial bank. As of September 30, 2016, Valley had consolidated total assets of approximately $429.9 million, total loans of approximately $309.8 million, total deposits of approximately $374.4 million and shareholders’ equity of approximately $50.7 million. Valley had 80.5 full-time equivalent employees as of September 30, 2016. Valley’s executive office is located at 701 West Main Street, Visalia, CA, 93291. Valley Business Bank maintains four full-service banking offices in Visalia, Fresno, Tulare and Woodlake, California.

Risk Factors (page 21)(see page 16)

Before voting at the special meeting, you should carefully consider all of the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, including the risk factors set forth in the section entitled “RISK FACTORS”Risk Factors” beginning on page 2116 and the risk factors described in CVB Financial’sCVB’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20152020 and other reports filed with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. Please see the section entitled “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION”Where You Can Find Additional Information.


9


THE SPECIAL MEETING

Special Meeting (see page 24)

The special meeting will be held at the [•] on [•], 2021, starting at [•] local time. At the special meeting, Suncrest shareholders will be asked to vote on the following matters:

approval of the principal terms of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger and the cancellation of each outstanding share of Suncrest common stock, other than any dissenting shares and excluded shares, in exchange for the right to receive 0.6970 shares of CVB common stock and $2.69 per share in cash, subject to the merger consideration adjustments and other terms in the merger agreement; and

adjournment of the special meeting if necessary or appropriate in the judgment of the Suncrest board of directors to solicit additional proxies or votes in favor of the approval of the principal terms of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

You may vote at the special meeting if you owned shares of Suncrest common stock at the close of business on [•], 2021. On that date, [•] shares of Suncrest common stock were outstanding, approximately [•]% of which were owned and entitled to be voted by Suncrest directors and executive officers. Each of the directors, executive officers and certain of the shareholders of Suncrest has entered into a voting and support agreement with CVB, pursuant to which such Suncrest director, executive officer or shareholder has agreed to vote “FOR” the merger proposal. As of the record date, these Suncrest directors, executive officers and shareholders beneficially owned and were entitled to vote [•] shares of Suncrest common stock, representing approximately 23% of the shares of Suncrest common stock outstanding on that date.

The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Suncrest common stock outstanding on the record date will be required to approve the principal terms of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. Approval of the adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Suncrest common stock represented (in person or by proxy) at the special meeting and voting on the proposal (which affirmative vote constitutes at least a majority of the required quorum). See “Special Meeting beginning on page i.



24 for information regarding voting at the special meeting.

 

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SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OFINFORMATION

The following tables present selected historical financial information of CVB FINANCIALand selected historical financial information of Suncrest. This information is intended to aid you in understanding the financial aspects of the merger. The historical financial information shows the actual financial condition and results of operations of CVB and Suncrest for the years indicated.

Selected Historical Financial Information of CVB

The following table summarizes consolidated financial results of CVB Financial for the periods and at the dates indicated and should be read in conjunction with CVB Financial’sCVB’s consolidated financial statements and the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in reports that CVB Financial has previously filed with the SEC. Historical financial information for CVB Financial can be found in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2020 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2021. Please see the section entitled “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION” beginning on page iWhere You Can Find Additional Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference for instructions on how to obtain the information that has been incorporated by reference. Financial amounts as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are unaudited (and areYou should not necessarily indicative ofassume the results of operations for the full year orpast periods indicate results for any other interim period), and managementfuture period.

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  Unaudited
Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Year Ended December 31, 
  2021  2020  2020  2019  2018  2017  2016 
  (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Interest income

 $212,552  $215,067  $430,337  $457,850  $361,860  $287,226  $265,050 

Interest expense

  3,696   8,192   14,284   22,078   12,815   8,296   7,976 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net interest income before (recapture of) provision for credit losses

  208,856   206,875   416,053   435,772   349,045   278,930   257,074 

(Recapture of) provision for credit losses

  (21,500  23,500   23,500   5,000   1,500   (8,500  (6,400
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net interest income after (recapture of) provision for credit losses

  230,356   183,375   392,553   430,772   347,545   287,430   263,474 

Noninterest income

  24,517   23,792   49,870   59,042   43,481   42,118   35,552 

Noninterest expense

  93,708   95,039   192,903   198,740   179,911   140,753   136,740 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

  161,165   112,128   249,520   291,074   211,115   188,795   162,286 

Income taxes

  46,093   32,517   72,361   83,247   59,112   84,384   60,857 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Earnings

 $115,072  $79,611  $177,159  $207,827  $152,003  $104,411  $101,429 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share

 $0.85  $0.58  $1.30  $1.48  $1.25  $0.95  $0.94 

Diluted earnings per common share

 $0.85  $0.58  $1.30  $1.48  $1.24  $0.95  $0.94 

Cash dividends declared per common share

 $0.36  $0.36  $0.72  $0.72  $0.56  $0.54  $0.48 

Dividend pay-out ratio (1)

  42.58  61.34  55.13  48.57  46.19  56.97  51.12

Weighted average common shares:

       

Basic

  135,235,138   137,052,180   136,030,613   139,757,355   121,670,113   109,409,301   107,282,332 

Diluted

  135,470,332   137,227,984   136,206,210   139,934,211   121,957,364   109,806,710   107,686,955 

Common Stock Data:

       

Common shares outstanding at year end

  135,927,287   135,516,316   135,600,501   140,102,480   140,000,017   110,184,922   108,251,981 

Book value per share

 $15.12  $14.46  $14.81  $14.23  $13.22  $9.70  $9.15 

Financial Position:

       

Assets

 $15,539,288  $13,751,297  $14,419,314  $11,282,450  $11,529,153  $8,270,586  $8,073,707 

Investment securities

  3,968,945   2,289,236   2,977,549   2,414,709   2,478,525   2,910,875   3,182,142 

Net loans (2)

  8,001,968   8,308,551   8,255,116   7,495,917   7,700,998   4,771,046   4,333,524 

Deposits

  12,669,057   10,983,580   11,736,501   8,704,928   8,827,490   6,546,853   6,309,680 

Borrowings

  578,207   478,156   444,406   428,659   722,255   553,773   656,028 

Junior subordinated debentures

  —     25,774   25,774   25,774   25,774   25,774   25,774 

Stockholders’ equity

  2,055,074   1,959,098   2,007,990   1,994,098   1,851,190   1,069,266   990,862 

Equity-to-assets ratio (3)

  13.23  14.25  13.93  17.67  16.06  12.93  12.27

Financial Performance:

       

Return on average equity (ROAE)

  11.37  8.06  8.90  10.71  11.00  9.84  10.26

Return on average assets (ROAA)

  1.56  1.33  1.37  1.84  1.60  1.26  1.26

Net interest margin, tax-equivalent (TE) (4)

  3.12  3.88  3.59  4.36  4.03  3.63  3.46

Efficiency ratio (5)

  40.15  41.20  41.40  40.16  45.83  43.84  46.73

Noninterest expense to average assets

  1.27  1.59  1.49  1.76  1.89  1.70  1.70

Credit Quality:

       

Allowance for credit losses

 $69,342  $93,983  $93,692  $68,660  $63,613  $59,585  $61,540 

Allowance/total loans

  0.86  1.12  1.12  0.91  0.82  1.23  1.40

Total nonaccrual loans

 $8,471  $6,817  $14,347  $5,277  $19,951  $10,716  $7,152 

Nonaccrual loans/total loans, at amortized cost

  0.10  0.08  0.17  0.07  0.26  0.22  0.16

Allowance/nonaccrual loans

  818.58  1378.66  653.04  1301.12  318.85  556.04  860.46

Net (charge-offs) recoveries/average loans

  -0.035  0.000  -0.004  0.001  0.04  0.14  0.21

Regulatory Capital Ratios:

 

      

Company:

       

Tier 1 leverage ratio

  9.38  10.59  9.90  12.33  10.98  11.88  11.49

Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

  15.08  14.47  14.77  14.83  13.04  16.43  16.48

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

  15.08  14.76  15.06  15.11  13.32  16.87  16.94

Total risk-based capital ratio

  15.94  15.97  16.24  16.01  14.13  18.01  18.19

Bank:

       

Tier 1 leverage ratio

  9.12  10.45  9.58  12.19  10.90  11.77  11.36

Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

  14.66  14.58  14.57  14.94  13.22  16.71  16.76

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

  14.66  14.58  14.57  14.94  13.22  16.71  16.76

Total risk-based capital ratio

  15.52  15.79  15.75  15.83  14.03  17.86  18.01

12


(1)

Dividends declared on common stock divided by net earnings.

(2)

2016-2018 includes purchased credit-impaired (“PCI”) loans.

(3)

Stockholders’ equity divided by total assets.

(4)

Net interest income (TE) divided by average interest-earning assets.

(5)

Noninterest expense divided by net interest income before provision for credit losses plus noninterest income.

Selected Historical Financial Information of CVB Financial believes that such amounts reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of itsSuncrest

The following table summarizes financial results of operations and financial position as of the dates andSuncrest for the periods and the dates indicated. You should not assume the results of operations for past periods and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 indicate results for any future period.

 

  At or For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
  At or For the Year Ended December 31, 
  2016  2015  2015  2014  2013  2012  2011 
  

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Interest income

 $197,686   $196,426   $261,513   $252,903   $232,773   $262,222   $269,720  

Interest expense

  6,053    6,742    8,571    16,389    16,507    25,272    35,039  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net interest income

  191,633    189,684    252,942    236,514    216,266    236,950    234,681  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Recapture of) provision for loan losses

  (2,000  (4,500  (5,600  (16,100  (16,750  —      7,068  

Noninterest income

  27,140    24,769    33,483    36,412    25,287    15,903    34,216  

Noninterest expense

  101,808    108,747    140,659    126,229    114,028    138,160    141,025  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

  118,965    110,206    151,366    162,797    144,275    114,693    120,804  

Income taxes

  44,612    39,674    52,221    58,776    48,667    37,413    39,071  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NET EARNINGS

 $74,353   $70,532   $99,145   $104,021   $95,608   $77,280   $81,733  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share

 $0.69   $0.66   $0.93   $0.98   $0.91   $0.74   $0.77  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share

 $0.69   $0.66   $0.93   $0.98   $0.91   $0.74   $0.77  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash dividends declared per common share

 $0.360   $0.360   $0.480   $0.400   $0.385   $0.340   $0.340  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash dividends declared on common shares

 $38,853   $38,274   $51,040   $42,356   $40,469   $35,642   $35,805  

Dividend pay-out ratio(1)

  52.25  54.26  51.48  40.72  42.33  46.12  43.81

Weighted average common shares:

       

Basic

  107,143,700    105,672,082    105,715,247    105,239,421    104,729,184    104,418,905    105,142,650  

Diluted

  107,547,042    106,139,116    106,192,472    105,759,523    105,126,303    104,657,610    105,222,566  

Common Stock Data:

       

Common shares outstanding at period end

  108,097,493    106,355,098    106,384,982    105,893,216    105,370,170    104,889,586    104,482,271  

Book value per share

 $9.28   $8.66   $8.68   $8.29   $7.33   $7.28   $6.84  

Financial Position:

       

Assets

 $8,044,993   $7,626,462   $7,671,200   $7,377,920   $6,664,967   $6,363,364   $6,482,915  

Investment securities available-for-sale

  2,227,551    2,312,721    2,368,646    3,137,158    2,663,642    2,449,387    2,201,526  

Investment securities held-to-maturity

  878,953    869,650    850,989    1,528    1,777    2,050    2,383  

Net loans, excluding PCI loans(2)

  4,161,731    3,668,591    3,867,941    3,630,875    3,310,681    3,159,872    3,125,763  

Net PCI loans(3)

  72,435    94,431    89,840    126,367    160,315    195,215    256,869  

Deposits

  6,320,995    5,959,472    5,917,260    5,604,658    4,890,631    4,773,987    4,604,548  

Borrowings

  577,990    610,174    736,704    809,106    911,457    698,178    958,032  

Junior subordinated debentures

  25,774    25,774    25,774    25,774    25,774    67,012    115,055  

Shareholders’ equity

  1,003,303    920,727    923,399    878,109    771,887    762,970    714,814  

Equity-to-assets ratio(4)

  12.47  12.07  12.04  11.90  11.58  11.99  11.03



   Unaudited
For the
Six Months Ended
June 30,
   Year Ended December 31, 
   2021  2020   2020   2019   2018   2017   2016 
   (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Interest income

  $24,061  $21,468   $44,794   $43,186   $34,489   $22,158   $14,104 

Interest expense

   1,007   1,896    3,248    4,558    2,335    1,026    656 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income before provision for loan losses

   23,054   19,572    41,546    38,628    32,154    21,132    13,448 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision for loan losses

   —     2,300    3,550    2,100    1,270    950    235 

Net Interest income after provision for loan losses

   23,054   17,272    37,996    36,528    30,884    20,182    13,213 

Noninterest income

   930   770    1,939    1,477    1,584    1,220    1,104 

Noninterest expense

   12,341   10,910    22,496    21,467    18,860    13,284    11,156 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

   11,643   7,132    17,439    16,538    13,608    8,118    3,161 

Income taxes

   3,151   1,559    4,307    4,629    3,751    4,733    1,428 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET EARNINGS

  $8,492  $5,573   $13,132   $11,909   $9,857   $3,385   $1,733 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share

  $0.69  $0.45   $1.06   $0.96   $0.95   $0.48   $0.34 

Diluted earnings per common share

  $0.68  $0.45   $1.06   $0.95   $0.94   $0.48   $0.34 

Cash dividends declared per common share

  $0.25  $—     $—     $—     $—     $—     $—   

Dividend pay-out ratio (1)

   36.05  NA    NA    NA    NA    NA    NA 

Weighted average common shares:

             

Basic

   12,244,931   12,442,805    12,364,962    12,429,851    10,379,515    6,998,644    5,105,669 

Diluted

   12,469,583   12,519,071    12,439,328    12,471,220    10,477,997    7,057,173    5,117,787 

 

-16-13


  At or For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
  At or For the Year Ended December 31, 
  2016  2015  2015  2014  2013  2012  2011 
  

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Financial Performance:

       

Return on beginning equity

  10.76  10.74  11.29  13.48  12.53  10.81  12.69

Return on average equity (ROE)

  10.14  10.42  10.87  12.50  12.34  10.31  12.00

Return on average assets (ROA)

  1.24  1.25  1.31  1.45  1.48  1.19  1.26

Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)(5)

  3.46  3.65  3.62  3.62  3.71  4.06  4.04

Efficiency ratio(6)

  46.54  50.71  49.11  46.25  47.21  54.64  52.45

Credit Quality (excluding PCI loans):

       

Allowance for loan losses

 $61,001   $59,149   $59,156   $59,825   $75,235   $92,441   $93,964  

Allowance/gross loans

  1.44  1.59  1.51  1.62  2.22  2.84  2.92

Total nonaccrual loans

 $8,666   $23,648   $21,019   $32,186   $39,954   $57,997   $62,672  

Nonaccrual loans/gross loans

  0.20  0.63  0.54  0.87  1.18  1.78  1.95

Allowance/nonaccrual loans(7)

  696.99  250.12  281.44  185.87  188.30  159.39  149.93

Net (recoveries), charge offs

 $(3,845 $(3,824 $(4,931 $(690 $456   $1,523   $18,363  

Net (recoveries), charge offs/average loans

  (0.09%)   (0.10%)  $(0.13%)   (0.02%)   0.01  0.05  0.57

Regulatory Capital Ratios:

       

Company:

       

Leverage ratio

  11.06  11.12  11.22  10.86  11.30  11.50  11.19

Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

  16.58  16.88  16.49  N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A  

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

  17.05  17.40  16.98  16.99  17.83  18.23  17.79

Total risk-based capital ratio

  18.30  18.65  18.23  18.24  19.09  19.49  19.05

Bank:

       

Leverage ratio

  10.94  11.01  11.11  10.77  11.20  11.21  10.92

Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

  16.87  17.22  16.81  N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A  

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

  16.87  17.22  16.81  16.85  17.67  17.77  17.36

Total risk-based capital ratio

  18.12  18.47  18.06  18.11  18.93  19.03  18.63
   Unaudited
For the
Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Year Ended December 31, 
   2021  2020  2020  2019  2018  2017  2016 
   (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Common Stock Data:

     

Common shares outstanding, at period end

   12,249,500   12,443,800   12,240,500   12,442,800   12,420,300   7,007,594   6,979,497 

Book value per share

  $14.08  $12.98  $13.80  $11.91  $10.71  $8.68  $8.21 

Financial Position:

        

Assets

  $1,371,984  $1,286,517  $1,246,369  $984,898  $928,677  $528,917  $447,653 

Investment securities

   379,724   256,315   340,756   195,800   137,719   90,368   53,567 

Net loans

   860,316   797,407   811,970   661,990   645,774   349,956   305,022 

Deposits

   1,191,848   1,048,911   1,035,551   828,559   791,018   466,901   388,986 

Borrowings

   —     68.559   33,437   —     —     —     —   

Shareholders’ equity

   172,515   161,544   168,910   148,178   133,037   60,817   57,291 

Equity-to-assets ratio (2)

   12.57  12.56  13.55  15.05  14.33  11.50  12.80

Financial Performance:

        

Return on average equity (ROAE)

   10.08  7.20  8.22  8.41  9.51  5.67  4.19

Return on average assets (ROAA)

   1.29  1.01  1.10  1.25  1.30  0.69  0.54

Net interest margin (3)

   3.75  3.83  3.69  4.44  4.59  4.66  4.44

Efficiency ratio (4)

   51.45  53.63  51.73  53.53  55.90  59.32  71.24

Noninterest expense to average assets

   1.73  1.97  1.88  2.26  2.49  2.71  2.86

Credit Quality:

        

Allowance for loan losses

  $8,502  $7,262  $8,503  $5,489  $4,373  $3,413  $2,496 

Allowance/total loans

   0.98  0.90  1.04  0.82  0.67  0.97  0.81

Total nonaccrual loans

  $4,668  $4,297  $3,890  $5,186  $784  $657  $1,090 

Nonaccrual loans/total loans, net of deferred loan fees

   0.54  0.53  0.47  0.78  0.12  0.19  0.35

Allowance/nonaccrual loans

   182.09  169.00  218.59  105.84  557.78  519.48  228.99

Net (charge offs) recoveries/average loans

   0.00  (0.07)%   (0.07)%   (0.15)%   (0.06)%   (0.01)%   0.01

Regulatory Capital Ratios:

        

Tier 1 leverage ratio

   9.45  9.93  9.42  10.91  10.57  10.58  11.70

Common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

   13.86  13.61  13.90  14.02  12.53  13.63  13.86

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

   13.86  13.61  13.90  14.02  12.53  13.63  13.86

Total risk-based capital ratio

   14.84  14.52  14.93  14.77  13.14  14.47  14.52

 

(1)

Dividends declared on common stock divided by net earnings.

(2)

Net loans, excluding purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans.

(3)

Excludes loans held-for-sale. PCI Loans are those loans acquired from San Joaquin Bank and previously covered by a loss sharing agreement with the FDIC.

(4)

Shareholders’ equity divided by total assets.

(5)(3)

Net interest income (TE) divided by average interest-earning assets.

(6)(4)

Noninterest expense divided by net interest income before provision for loan losses plus noninterest income.

(7)

Allowance excludes amount allocated to PCI loans.



 

-17-14


SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF VALLEY

The following table sets forth selected historical financial data of Valley. The following selected financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 has been derived from Valley’s audited financial statements. Financial amounts as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are unaudited (and are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year or any other interim period), and management of Valley believes that such amounts reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of its results of operations and financial position as of the dates and for the periods indicated. You should not assume the results of operations for past periods and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 indicate results for any future period.

(In thousands, except per share data)  At or For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,(1)
  At or For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2016  2015  2015  2014  2013 
                 

Summary of Operations:

      

Interest Income

  $12,205   $11,741   $16,408   $14,894   $14,205  

Interest Expense

   486    519    681    823    857  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Interest Income

   11,719    11,222    15,727    14,071    13,348  

Reversal of Provision for Loan Losses

   (770  —      (400  (1,000  (1,500

Noninterest Income

   1,650    1,752    2,134    1,970    1,420  

Noninterest Expense

   9,262    8,478    11,448    10,563    10,224  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income Before Income Taxes

   4,877    4,496    6,813    6,478    6,044  

Income Taxes

   1,607    1,519    2,356    2,227    1,990  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income

  $3,270   $2,977   $4,457   $4,251   $4,054  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Per Share and Other Data:

      

Weighted Average Shares—Basic

   2,869,108    2,908,982    2,901,907    2,918,002    2,937,177  

Weighted Average Shares—Diluted

   2,931,124    2,963,112    2,955,100    2,963,288    2,966,511  

Net Income—Basic

  $1.14   $1.02   $1.54   $1.46   $1.38  

Net Income—Diluted

  $1.12   $1.00   $1.51   $1.43   $1.37  

Book Value Per Share(2)

  $16.89   $15.79   $16.23   $15.17   $14.35  

Balance Sheet Summary:

      

Investments, available-for-sale

  $49,131   $71,675   $71,129   $68,081   $66,490  

Loans, net of Deferred Costs

   309,815    289,212    301,856    267,806    238,500  

Allowance for Loan Losses

   (3,412  (3,356  (3,343  (3,298  (3,875

Total Assets

   429,868    401,804    421,322    408,540    365,138  

Total Deposits

   374,382    351,677    352,249    359,389    317,888  

Borrowings

   —      —      18,000    —      —    

Total Shareholders’ Equity

   50,708    45,744    46,786    44,195    39,763  

Financial Ratios:

      

Return on Average Assets

   1.05  0.97  1.08  1.08  1.11

Return on Average Equity

   9.05  8.80  9.81  10.06  10.37

Net Interest Margin

   4.28  4.21  4.40  4.21  4.10

Operating efficiency ratio

   69.28  65.35  64.09  65.85  69.23

Shareholders’ Equity to Assets

   11.80  11.38  11.10  10.82  10.89

Credit Quality:

      

Allowance to Loans, Net of Deferred Costs

   1.10  1.16  1.11  1.24  1.63

Non-performing Loans to Total Loans

   0.45  0.80  0.60  1.07  1.19

Non-performing Assets to Total Assets

   0.32  0.57  0.42  0.69  0.77

Allowance to Non-performing Loans

   245.78  145.91  187.91  116.78  122.62

Regulatory Capital Ratios:

      

Tier 1 Common Equity Capital Ratio

   15.61  14.91  14.39  N/A    N/A  

Tier 1 Leverage Ratio

   11.94  11.25  11.31  10.59  11.60

Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio

   15.61  14.91  14.39  15.04  16.22

Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio

   16.67  15.93  15.36  16.05  17.47



-18-


(1)

Ratios for the nine month periods have been annualized where appropriate. No assurances can be given that the results for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 are indicative of the results that will be achieved for the full year.

(2)

Book value is calculated by dividing shareholders’ equity of $50,708,373 by the total number of shares outstanding (3,002,014 shares) at September 30, 2016, $45,743,513 by the total number of shares outstanding (2,896,667 shares) at September 30, 2015, $46,786,172 by the total number of shares outstanding (2,882,799 shares) at December 31, 2015, $44,195,148 by the total number of shares outstanding (2,913,047 shares) at December 31, 2014, and $39,763,442 by the total number of shares outstanding (2,770,929 shares) at December 31, 2013.

COMPARATIVE PER SHARE MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

The table below sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the high and low sales prices per share, and the cash dividends paid per share, of CVB Financial common stock, which trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CVBF,” and Valleythe high and low bid price per share, and the cash dividends paid per share, for Suncrest common stock, which trades very infrequently on the OTC Markets Group’s OTC PinkOTCQX market under the symbol “VCBP.“SBKK.Such over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The OTC PinkOTCQX is an electronic, screen-based market which imposes considerably less stringent listing standards than the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Historical trading in ValleySuncrest common stock has not been extensive and such trades cannot be characterized as constituting an active trading market.

 

   CVB Financial Corp.   Valley 
   Stock Price   Dividends
Per Share
   Stock Price   Dividends
Per Share
 
   High   Low     High   Low   

2017

            

First quarter (through January 9, 2017)

  $23.40    $22.48    $0.12    $24.30    $24.30    $—    

2016

            

Fourth quarter

  $23.19    $16.48    $0.12    $25.50    $22.03    $—    

Third quarter

  $17.79    $16.17    $0.12    $22.90    $16.00    $0.10  

Second quarter

  $17.92    $15.25    $0.12    $16.45    $15.70    $0.10  

First quarter

  $17.70    $14.02    $0.12    $15.90    $15.25    $0.10  

2015

            

Fourth quarter

  $18.77    $15.82    $0.12    $15.69    $15.20    $0.10  

Third quarter

  $18.37    $15.30    $0.12    $15.55    $15.05    $0.10  

Second quarter

  $18.11    $15.45    $0.12    $15.75    $15.40    $0.10  

First quarter

  $16.21    $14.53    $0.12    $15.49    $15.11    $0.08  
   CVB Financial Corp.   Suncrest Bank 
   Stock Price   Dividends
Declared
Per Share
   Stock Price   Dividends
Per Share
 
   High   Low       High   Low     

2021 Quarter End

            

Third Quarter (through September 2, 2021)

  $20.86   $18.82   $0.00   $16.50   $14.20   $0.00 

June 30

  $22.98   $20.50   $0.18   $14.90   $12.66   $0.00 

March 31

  $25.00   $19.15   $0.18   $12.75   $10.00   $0.25 

2020

            

December 31

  $21.34   $16.26   $0.18   $10.35   $8.11   $0.00 

September 30

  $19.87   $15.57   $0.18   $8.74   $7.76   $0.00 

June 30

  $22.22   $15.97   $0.18   $8.66   $7.40   $0.00 

March 31

  $22.01   $14.92   $0.18   $12.10   $5.92   $0.00 

2019

            

December 31

  $22.18   $19.83   $0.18   $11.90   $11.00   $0.00 

September 30

  $22.23   $20.00   $0.18   $11.08   $10.56   $0.00 

June 30

  $22.22   $20.40   $0.18   $11.94   $10.80   $0.00 

March 31

  $23.18   $19.94   $0.18   $12.40   $10.40   $0.00 

The following table sets forth the closing sale prices per share of CVB Financial common stock and ValleySuncrest common stock on September 22, 2016,July 27, 2021, the last trading day before the first public announcement of the terms of the merger, and on January 9, 2017,[•], 2021, the latest practicable date before the date of this proxy statement/prospectus. The following table also includes the equivalent market value of the merger consideration per share of ValleySuncrest common stock on September 22, 2016July 27, 2021 and January 9, 2017. The amounts below do not include the value of the special dividend, which is not merger consideration and will be paid by Valley prior to the effective time of the merger.[•], 2021.

 

   CVB Financial
Corp.
   Valley
Commerce

Bancorp
   Equivalent
Market Value
Per Share of
Valley
 

January 9, 2017

  $22.48    $24.30    $20.74

September 22, 2016

  $17.56    $16.55    $19.15  
   CVB
Financial
Corp.
   Suncrest
Bank
   Equivalent
Market Value
Per Share of
Suncrest
 

July 27, 2021(1)

  $19.23   $14.95   $16.09

[•](2)

  $[•]   $[•]   $[•] 

 

*

Determined by adding the cash consideration of $2.69 per share plus the value of the stock consideration as of July 27, 2021 or [•], 2021, as applicable, which is equal to the product of the exchange ratio of 0.6970 and the CVB common stock price of $19.23 as of July 27, 2021 or [•], 2021, as applicable. Assumes the value of CVB Financial common stock is $22.48$19.23 per share or $[•] per share as applicable, which was the actual closing price of CVB Financial common stock on January 9, 2017,July 27, 2021 and [•], 2021, respectively, and that there are 3,002,014 shareswill be no merger consideration adjustments under the merger agreement.

(1)

The last reported trade of ValleySuncrest common stock outstanding and thaton the cash portionOTCQX market before the public announcement of the merger consideration will not be adjusted aswas on July 27, 2021 at a resultclosing sales price of Valley’s merger-related transaction expenses.$14.95 per share.

(2)

The last reported trade of Suncrest common stock on the OTCQX market before the date of this proxy statement/prospectus was [•] at a closing sales price of $[•] per share.

 

15



-19-


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This proxy statement/prospectus, including information included or incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that give CVB Financial’s and Valley’s expectations or predictions of future financial or business performance or conditions. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “estimate,” “continue,” “positions,” “prospects,” “projections,” “potential,” or “strategy” by future conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” or “may” or by variations of such words or by similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and CVB Financial and Valley assume no duty to update forward-looking statements.

In addition to factors previously disclosed in CVB Financial’s reports filed with the SEC and those identified elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus (including the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 21), the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance:

The ability of CVB Financial and Valley to complete the proposed transaction, including obtaining the required regulatory approvals and the approval by the Valley’s shareholders

The ability of CVB Financial to successfully integrate the business of Valley or achieve expected cost savings, beneficial synergies and/or operating efficiencies, in each case within expected time frames or at all

Business disruptions following the merger

Diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities

Customer acceptance of Citizens Business Bank’s products and services by Valley Business Bank’s customers and efforts by competitor institutions to lure away such customers

The possibility that a change in the interest rate environment may reduce net interest margins

General economic conditions, either nationally or in the market areas in which the entities operate or anticipate doing business, are less favorable than expected

Customer borrowing, repayment, investment and deposit practices

The introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives

Credit quality deterioration or a reduction in real estate values that could cause an increase in the allowance for loan losses and a reduction in net earnings

Increased competitive pressure among depository institutions

The outcome of any legal proceedings that are pending or that may be instituted against CVB Financial, Valley, their respective subsidiaries or their respective directors or officers

Liquidity risk affecting CVB Financial’s, Citizens Business Bank’s, Valley’s and/or Valley Business Bank’s ability to meet their obligations when they come due

Changes in market factors that may affect the value of traded instruments in “mark-to-market” portfolios

Greater than expected noninterest expenses

Ability to retain key managers and employees of Valley Business Bank and Citizens Business Bank during the pendency of the merger and after completion of the merger

Excessive loan losses

Changes in laws, regulations, reserve requirements and regulatory policies

Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements

-20-


RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, including the matters addressed under the caption entitled “Cautionary Statementsection “Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” Valley shareholdersyou should carefully consider the following risk factors inrisks relating to the merger before deciding whetherhow to vote at the special meeting. You should also consider the risks relating to the business of CVB because these risks will also affect the combined company. The risks relating to the business of CVB can be found in CVB’s Annual Report on Form 10-Kfor approvalthe year ended December31, 2020, as amended or updated by any subsequent documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See the section entitled “Where You Can Find Additional Information” and “Incorporation of the merger proposal. Please see the sections entitled “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION” beginning on page i and “INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE” beginning on page 90.Certain Documents by Reference.”

Fluctuations in market prices of CVB Financial common stock and adjustment to the cash portion of the merger consideration could affect the value of the merger consideration that Valley shareholders receive for their shares of Valley common stock.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, the aggregate number of shares of CVB Financial common stock issued in the merger is fixed if the average closing price of CVB common stock is between $14.00 and $20.00 per share. The market price of CVB Financial common stock may vary from its price on the date immediately prior to the first public announcement of the merger, the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the date of Valley’s special meeting, for example. The market price of CVB Financial common stock may fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors, including, among other things, changes in CVB Financial’s businesses, operations and prospects, regulatory considerations and general market and economic conditions. Many of these factors are beyond the control of CVB Financial. Therefore, if the average closing price of CVB common stock is between $14.00 and $20.00, the market value of the shares of CVB Financial common stock that a Valley shareholder receives in the merger could decline correspondingly with any declines inBecause the market price of CVB Financial common stock prior to and as of the date the merger consideration is determined. Because the price of CVB FinancialSuncrest common stock will fluctuate prior toand the merger, CVB Financialexchange ratio will not adjust for such changes, Suncrest shareholders cannot assure Valley shareholdersbe sure of the market value of the CVB Financial common stock that they will receive in the merger.

Further, the amount of cash included in the merger consideration will be reduced from $23,400,000 by the amount, if any, that Valley’s total merger-related transaction expenses exceed $3,500,000. The amount of the reduction, if any, will not be determined until shortly prior to the merger. See “THE MERGER—Terms of the Merger—Merger Consideration and Special Dividend.”

The amount of the special dividend payable to holders of Valley’s common stock is not known and will not be determined until shortly prior to the merger.

The merger agreement provides that Valley will declare a one-time cash dividend payable to holders of record of outstanding Valley common stock as of the closing date of the merger. The aggregate amount of the special dividend will be equal to the amount by which Valley’s tangible common equity exceeds the greater of (1) $37,000,000 (or, if Valley has sold a specified loan, $37,500,000) or (2) the amount required to achieve an 8.0% tangible common equity ratio as of the final day of the month immediately preceding the closing date of the merger. Based on Valley’s tangible common equity at September 30, 2016, Valley’s shareholders would have received approximately $13,700,000 as a special dividend or approximately $4.56 cash per share, in addition to the merger consideration.

Generally, Valley’s tangible common equity will increase as Valley recognizes any net earnings and will decrease as Valley recognizes any net losses. Therefore, the amount of the special dividend may increase or decrease as Valley recognizes net earnings or net losses. Further, the amount of the special dividend may depend on whether Valley sells a specified loan in accordance with the merger agreement. The amount of the special dividend will not be determined until the final day of the month immediately preceding the merger and, therefore, will not be known at the time that Valley’s shareholders vote on the merger proposal.

-21-


Payment of the Special Dividend is subject to regulatory approvals.

Valley’s primary source of cash for the special dividend will be a cash dividend from its subsidiary, Valley Business Bank. Valley Business Bank is required to obtain prior approval from the Commissioner of Business Oversight of the State of California under the California Financial Code and the FDIC under the FDIC’s regulations before Valley can pay the special dividend as the amount of the special dividend is in excess of the amount that may be paid under California law without prior approval. On November 3, 2016, Valley Business Bank filed applications with the Department of Business Oversight and FDIC to allow it to make a dividend payment to Valley and on November 3, 2016, Valley informed the Federal Reserve of its intent to pay the special dividend to its shareholders. Valley Business Bank may not receive all regulatory approvals required to pay all or part of the special dividend, which could reduce the amount of or eliminate the special dividend payable to Valley’s shareholders.

The market price for CVB Financial common stock may be affected by factors different from those that historically have affected Valley.

Upon completion of the merger, holderseach outstanding share of ValleySuncrest common stock will become holdersbe converted into 0.6970 shares of CVB Financial common stock.stock, with cash being paid in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares, and $2.69 per share in cash, subject to adjustment. The stock exchange ratio will not be adjusted for changes in the market price of CVB Financial’s business differscommon stock or Suncrest common stock, whether such changes in market price result from that of Valley, and accordingly,an improvement or decline in the financial condition or operating results of operationseither company, general market and economic conditions, regulatory considerations, the timing of the merger or other factors. Changes in the price of CVB Financialcommon stock prior to the merger will therefore affect the value that CVB will pay, through the issuance of CVB common stock, and that Suncrest common shareholders will receive in the merger. For example, based on the range of closing prices of CVB common stock during the period from July 27, 2021 the last trading day before public announcement of the merger, through [•], 2021, the most recent trading day preceding the completion of this proxy statement/prospectus for which that information is available, the merger consideration represented a value ranging from a high of $[•] to a low of $[•] for each share of Suncrest common stock (assuming no other merger consideration adjustments under the merger agreement). Neither CVB nor Suncrest is permitted to terminate the merger agreement or resolicit the vote of Suncrest shareholders solely because of changes in the market price of the common stock of CVB or Suncrest.

Regulatory approvals may not be received, may take longer than expected or may impose conditions that are not presently anticipated, cannot be met or may have a material adverse effect on the combined company following the merger.

Before the merger may be completed, various approvals or consents from bank regulatory authorities must be obtained, including the FDIC and the CDFPI. These approvals or consents require consideration by the bank regulatory authorities of various factors, including assessments of the managerial and financial resources and future prospects of the resulting institutions and the competitive effect of the contemplated transactions. The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended (the “CRA”), also requires that the bank regulatory authorities, in deciding whether to approve the merger, assess the records of performance of Citizens and Suncrest in meeting the credit needs of the communities they serve, including low and moderate income neighborhoods.

There can be no assurance as to whether the regulatory approvals or consents will be affected by some factorsreceived, the timing of those approvals and consents, or whether any conditions will be imposed. The merger agreement contains a condition to the obligation of each of CVB and Suncrest to close the merger that are different from those currently affecting the results of operations of Valley. Forrequired regulatory approvals and consents generally do not require any action, condition or restriction that (i) would reasonably expected be likely to have a discussionmaterial adverse effect on CVB or (ii) require CVB, Citizens or the combined company to raise additional capital or accept any restriction on its ability to operate its businesses that would materially reduce the economic benefits of the businessmerger to CVB and Citizens to such a degree that they would not

16


have entered into the merger agreement had such conditions, restrictions or requirements been known as of CVB Financial and some important factors to consider in connection with its business,the date of the merger agreement. Please see The Merger— Regulatory Approvals Required for the section entitled “INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANIES”Merger beginning on page 2651 for more information. Accordingly, if the required regulatory approvals and consents are not obtained, of if such approvals and consents contain any such materially burdensome regulatory conditions, the merger agreement may be terminated and the documents incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectusmerger may not be completed.

Suncrest will be subject to business uncertainties and referredcontractual restrictions while the merger is pending.

Uncertainty about the effect of the merger on employees and customers may have a material adverse effect on Suncrest and consequently, if the merger occurs, on CVB. These uncertainties may impair Suncrest’s ability to underattract or motivate key personnel until the section entitled “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION” beginningmerger is completed and could cause customers, vendors and others that deal with Suncrest to seek to change existing business relationships. Retention of certain employees may be challenging while the merger is pending, as certain employees may experience uncertainty about their future roles with CVB. If key employees depart because of issues relating to the uncertainty and difficulty of integration or a desire not to remain with the business, CVB’s business following the merger could be negatively affected. These departures could also negatively affect Suncrest’s business if the merger is not completed. In addition, the merger agreement restricts Suncrest from making taking certain actions until the merger occurs, without the consent of CVB. These restrictions may prevent Suncrest from pursuing attractive business opportunities that may arise prior to the completion of the merger.

The merger may distract management of CVB, Citizens and Suncrest from their other responsibilities.

The merger could cause the management of CVB, Citizens and Suncrest to focus their time and energies on page i.matters related to the merger that otherwise would be directed to their respective businesses and operations. Any such distraction on the part of management, if significant, could affect the ability of CVB, Citizens and Suncrest to service existing business and develop new business and may adversely affect their businesses and earnings.

Combining ourthe two companies may be more difficult, costly or time-consuming than we expect.expected.

Citizens and Suncrest have operated and, until the completion of the merger, will continue to operate, independently. The success of the merger will depend, in part, on CVB Financial’sthe ability to successfully combine Valley’s organizationthe businesses of Citizens and Suncrest upon the completion of the merger. It is possible that the integration process could result in:

the loss of key employees,

the disruption of each company’s ongoing businesses, or

inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect the combined company’s ability to maintain relationships with its own. If CVB Financial is unableclients, customers, depositors and employees or to achieve this objective,the anticipated benefits of the merger.

The loss of key employees could adversely affect the ability of Citizens, Suncrest and/or the combined company to successfully conduct businesses in the markets in which Citizens and Suncrest now operate, which could have a material adverse effect on their financial results and the value of CVB common stock to be received in the merger. In addition, if the combined company experiences difficulties with the integration process, the anticipated benefits of the merger may not be realized fully or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected to be realized and the value of CVB Financial’s common stock could be adversely affected as a result.

CVB Financial and Valley have operated and, until the merger is completed will continue to operate, independently. It is possible that the integration process could result in the loss of key employees or disruption of each company’s ongoing business or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with customers and employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits of the merger.expected. As with any merger of bankingfinancial institutions, there also may be business disruptions that cause usCitizens, Suncrest and/or the combined company to lose customers or cause customers to takeremove their depositsaccounts from Citizens, Suncrest and/or loans outthe combined company and move their business to competing financial institutions. These integration matters could have a material adverse effect on each of our banks. AsCitizens and Suncrest during this transition period and for an undetermined period after consummation of the merger.

17


The combined company may fail to realize cost savings for the merger.

Although CVB, Citizens and Suncrest expect to realize cost savings from the merger when fully phased in, it is possible that these potential cost savings may not be realized fully or realized at all, or may take longer to realize than expected. For example, future business developments may require the combined company to continue to operate or maintain some facilities or support functions that are currently expected to be combined or reduced. Cost savings also depend on the combined company’s ability to combine the businesses of Citizens and Suncrest in a result of such disruptionsmanner that permits those costs savings to be realized. If the combined company is not able to combine the two companies successfully, these anticipated cost savings may not be fully realized or realized at all, or may take longer to realize than expected. This in turn could reduce or otherwise adversely affect the perceived potential for such disruptions, our competitors may be successful at luring key employees and customers away from us. The successprofitability of the combined company following the merger may depend in large part on the ability to integrate the two businesses, business models and cultures. If we are not able to integrate our operations successfully and timely, the expected benefits of the merger may not be realized.adversely affect its stock price.

Regulatory approvals necessary to complete the merger may not be received, may take longer than expected or may impose conditions that are not presently anticipated or cannot be met.

Before the merger may be completed, various approvals must be obtained from the bank regulatory and other governmental authorities. These governmental entities may impose conditions on the granting of such approvals. Such conditions or changes and the process of obtaining regulatory approvals could have the effect of delaying completion of the merger or of imposing additional costs or limitations on CVB Financial following the merger. The regulatory approvals may not be received at any time, may not be received in a timely fashion and may contain conditions on the completion of the merger that are not anticipated or cannot be met. It is a condition to closing the merger that no regulatory approval shall contain or shall have resulted in, or reasonably be expected to result in the imposition of, any burdensome condition on the combined company following the merger.

-22-


The merger agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms and the merger may not be completed.

The merger agreement is subject to a number of conditions thatwhich must be fulfilled in order to complete the merger.close. Those conditions include, approval ofbut are not limited to, the merger agreement by Valley shareholders, receipt of requisiteSuncrest shareholder approval, the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, subject to certain limitations set forth in the merger agreement, absence of orders prohibiting completion of the merger, effectiveness of the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part, approval of the shares of CVB Financial common stock to be issued to Valley shareholders for listing on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the continued accuracy of the representations and warranties by both parties and the performance by both parties of covenants and agreements, and the absence of a material adverse effect on either CVB Financial or Valley,Suncrest since the satisfaction of certain financial tests by Valley and the performance by both parties of their covenants and agreements contained in the merger agreement, and CVB Financial’s receipt of a legal opinion from its tax counsel. These conditions to the closingdate of the merger may not be fulfilled, and accordingly, the merger may not be completed.agreement. In addition, ifCVB’s obligation to close is subject to satisfaction of the merger isfollowing minimum financial measures by Suncrest as of the measurement date: (i) adjusted common tier 1 capital of Suncrest shall be not completed by February 27, 2017, eitherless than $122.9 million, (ii) total non-interest bearing deposits of Suncrest shall be equal to or greater than $470 million, (iii) the adjusted total loans of Suncrest shall be equal to or greater than $745 million and (iv) the allowance for loan losses shall be not less than $8,504,000. See “The Merger Agreement—Conditions to Completion of the Merger” for a more complete discussion of the conditions to consummation of the merger. In addition, CVB Financial or Valley may choose not to proceed with the merger, and the parties can mutually decide to terminate the merger agreement at any time, beforeif Suncrest makes a change in recommendation or after Valley shareholders approvematerially breaches its non-solicitation covenants under the merger. Further, CVB Financialmerger agreement, and ValleySuncrest may elect to terminate the merger agreement in certain other circumstances. Ifto enter into a definitive agreement for a superior acquisition proposal. See “The Merger Agreement—Termination” for a more complete discussion of the circumstances under which the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, Valley maycould be requiredterminated. There can be no assurance that the conditions to pay a termination fee of $3,500,000 to CVB Financial. Please refer to the section entitled “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Termination; Termination Fee” beginning on page 67 for a description of these circumstances. Ifclosing the merger agreement is terminated, Valley will not paybe fulfilled or that the special dividend.merger will be completed.

Failure to complete the merger could negatively impact CVB Financial’s, Citizens Business Bank’s and/or Valley’s respective businesses, financial condition, resultsaffect the market price of operations and/orSuncrest common stock prices.and result in other adverse consequences.

If the merger agreement is terminated and the merger is not completed for any reason, Suncrest will be subject to a number of material risks, including the ongoing businessesfollowing:

the market price of CVB Financial, Citizens Business Bank and Valley may be adversely affected. The market prices of CVB Financial’s and Valley’s respectiveSuncrest common stock may decline to the extent that the current market price reflectsprices of its shares reflect a market assumption that the merger will be completed. In addition, CVB Financial and Valley may experience negative reactionscompleted;

costs relating to the termination of the merger from customers, depositors, investors, vendors and others with whom they deal, and neither CVB Financial nor Valley would realize any of the anticipated benefits of having completed the merger. The expenses of each of CVB Financial and Valley incurred in connection with the merger, such as legal, accounting and accountingfinancial advisory fees, and, in specified circumstances, termination fees, must be paid even if the merger is not completed and mayits anticipated benefits not be recoveredrealized;

the diversion of Suncrest’s management’s attention from the day-to-day business operations or pursuit of other party.

Further,strategic opportunities and the potential disruption to its employees and business relationships during the period before the completion of the merger may make it difficult to regain financial and market positions if the merger agreement is terminated anddoes not occur;

if the ValleySuncrest board of directors seeks another merger or business combination, Valley shareholdersholders of the Suncrest common stock cannot be certain that ValleySuncrest will be able to find a party willing to pay thean equivalent or greater consideration than that which CVB Financialit is expected to receive in the merger; and

if a termination of the merger agreement triggers payment by Suncrest of a termination fee, this could have a material adverse effect on Suncrest’s financial position.

18


For further information on the closing conditions and the termination provisions of the merger agreement, see “The Merger Agreement—Termination” on page 71 and “The Merger Agreement—Conditions to Completion of the Merger” on page 69.

The termination fee and the restrictions on solicitation contained in the merger agreement may discourage other companies from trying to acquire Suncrest.

Until the completion of the merger, with certain exceptions, Suncrest is prohibited from initiating, soliciting, encouraging or knowingly facilitating any inquiries with respect to an acquisition proposal, such as a merger, business combination or similar transaction, with any person or entity other than CVB. In addition, Suncrest has agreed to pay a termination fee of $8,325,000 to CVB if it terminates the merger agreement to, among other things, enter into a definitive agreement relating to an acquisition proposal or if the other party terminates the merger agreement because, among other things, its board of directors fails to recommend the merger or makes a change in its recommendation of the merger, or fails to comply with the provisions of the merger agreement prohibiting solicitation of other acquisition proposals. These provisions could discourage other companies from trying to acquire Suncrest even though such other companies might be willing to offer greater value to Suncrest shareholders than offered in the merger.merger agreement. The payment of the termination fee also could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of Suncrest.

CVB Financial is not required to completeImpairment of goodwill resulting from the merger if Valley does not meet certain financial measures.may adversely affect our results of operations.

Goodwill and other intangible assets are expected to increase as a result of the merger. Based on CVB’s preliminary purchase price allocation, goodwill of approximately $61.8 million and core deposits intangibles of approximately $2.0 million are currently expected to be recorded by CVB Financial’s obligation to completeas a result of the merger is subject tomerger. The actual amount of goodwill and core deposits intangibles recorded may be materially different and will depend on a number of conditions,factors, including but not limitedchanges in the net assets acquired and changes in the fair values of the net assets acquired. Potential impairment of goodwill and amortization of other intangible assets could adversely affect CVB’s financial condition and results of operations. CVB assesses its goodwill and other intangible assets and long-lived assets for impairment annually and more frequently when required by generally accepted accounting principles. CVB is required to Valley’s satisfying certain financial conditionsrecord an impairment charge if circumstances indicate that the asset carrying values exceed their fair values. CVB’s assessment of goodwill, other intangible assets, or long-lived assets could indicate that an impairment of the carrying value of such assets may have occurred or may occur in a future accounting period, in each case, that could result in a material, non-cash write-down of such assets, which could have a material adverse effect on CVB’s results of operations and limits. For example,future earnings.

The market price of CVB common stock after the merger agreement provides that Valley must satisfymay be affected by factors different from those affecting the following financial conditions: (1) asshares of the last day of the month preceding the closing date (or, if the merger occurs during the first six days of the month, the last day of the second month immediately preceding the closing date), Valley’s closing tangible common equity shall not be less than the greater of (a) $37,000,000 (or, if Valley has completed the sale of one specified loan, $37,500,000)Suncrest or (b) the amount necessary for Valley to achieve a tangible common equity ratio of at least 8.0% as of such date; (2) the allowance for loan loss ratio shall not be less than 1.1%; (3) total assets shall not be less than $410,000,000; (4) average accruing loans shall not be less than $295,000,000; and (5) average noninterest-bearing deposits shall not be less than $150,000,000. If Valley does not satisfy any one of these conditions, CVB Financial would not be obligated to complete the merger and the merger might not occur.

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Valley will be subject to business uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the merger is pending.currently.

Uncertainty about the effectUpon completion of the merger, on employeesholders of Suncrest common stock will become holders of CVB common stock. CVB’s business differs in important respects from that of Suncrest, and, customers may have an adverse effect on Valley and consequently, ifaccordingly, the merger occurs, on CVB Financial. These uncertainties may impair Valley’s ability to attract, retain and motivate key personnel until the merger is completed, and could cause customers and others that deal with Valley to seek to change existing business relationships with Valley, which could negatively affect its results of operations. Retentionoperations of certain employees may be challenging while the merger is pending, as certain employees may experience uncertainty about their future roles with CVB Financial. If key employees depart, CVB Financial’s business followingcombined company and the merger could be harmed and/or Valley’s business would be harmed if the merger is not completed and Valley then continues as an independent bank. In addition, the merger agreement restricts Valley from making certain acquisitions and loans and taking other specified actions until the merger occurs without the consentmarket price of CVB Financial. These restrictions may prevent Valley from pursuing attractive business opportunities that may arise prior tocommon stock after the completion of the merger. Seemerger may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting the section entitled “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Covenantsindependent results of operations of each of CVB and Agreements—Conduct of Businesses Prior to the CompletionSuncrest. For a discussion of the Merger” beginningbusinesses of CVB and Suncrest and of some important factors to consider in connection with those businesses, see the information provided under “Information about the Companies – CVB Financial Corp. and Citizens Business Bank on page 58 of76, “Information about the Companies – Suncrest Bank” on page 77 and documents incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus for a descriptionand referred to under “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” on page 87.

The shares of CVB common stock to be received by holders of Suncrest common stock will have different rights from the shares of Suncrest common stock.

Upon completion of the restrictive covenants to which Valley is subject.merger, Suncrest shareholders will become CVB shareholders and their rights as shareholders will be governed by the articles of incorporation of CVB and CVB’s bylaws. The rights associated

Some of the directors and officers of Valley may have interests and arrangements that may have influenced their decisions to support or recommend that you approve the merger.

The interests of some of the directors and officers of Valley may be different from those of Valley shareholders generally, and directors and officers of Valley may be participants in arrangements that19


with Suncrest common stock are different from or in addition to, thosethe rights associated with CVB common stock. Please see “Comparison of Valley shareholders. These interests are described inRights of Shareholders of CVB and Suncrest” for more detail in the section of this proxy statement/prospectus entitled “THE MERGER—Interests of Valley Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” beginning on page 49.information.

Valley shareholdersHolders of Suncrest common stock will have a significantly reduced ownership percentage and voting interest after the merger and will exercise less influence over management.

Valley shareholdersHolders of Suncrest common stock currently have the right to vote in the election of the board of directors of Valley and on certain other matters affecting Valley. TheSuncrest. Upon the completion of the merger, will transfer control of Valley to CVB Financial and, indirectly, to the shareholderseach Suncrest shareholder who receives shares of CVB Financial. When the merger occurs, each Valley shareholder (other than shareholders exercising dissenters’ rights with respect to all of their shares of Valley stock)common stock will become a shareholder of CVB Financial with a percentage ownership of CVB Financial muchthat is substantially smaller than suchthe shareholder’s percentage ownership of Valley.Suncrest. In the aggregate, ValleyCVB current shareholders and Suncrest current shareholders are expected to own approximately 1.6%94% and 6%, respectively, of the outstanding shares of CVB Financial’s common stock when the merger is completed (excluding any shares they may already own).completed. Because of this, ValleySuncrest common shareholders will have significantly less influence on the management and policies of CVB Financialthe combined company than they now have on the management and policies of Valley.Suncrest.

The merger agreement contains provisions that may discourage other companies from trying to acquire Valley for greater merger consideration.

The merger agreement contains provisions that may discourage a third party from submitting a business combination proposal to Valley that might result in greater value to Valley shareholders than does the merger. These provisions include a general prohibition on Valley from soliciting, or, subject to certain exceptions, entering into discussions with, any third party regarding any acquisition proposal or offers for competing transactions. The members of the board of directors of Valley have agreed to vote their shares of Valley common stock in favor of the Valley merger proposal and the adjournment proposal and against any alternative transaction. Valley also has an obligation to submit the merger proposal to a vote by its shareholders, even if Valley receives a proposal that its board of directors believes is superior to the merger, unless the merger agreement is validly terminated prior to the special meeting. The shareholders that are party to the voting and support agreements described in this paragraph beneficially own and are entitled to vote in the aggregate

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approximately 19% of the outstanding shares of Valley common stock as of the record date. In addition, Valley may be required to pay CVB Financial a termination fee of $3,500,000 in certain circumstances involving acquisition proposals for competing transactions. For further information, please see the sections entitled “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Voting and Support Agreements” beginning on page 72 and “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Termination; Termination Fee” beginning on page 69.

The combined company expects to incur substantial expenses related to the merger, and CVB Financial is not required to complete the merger if Valley’s merger-related expenses exceed certain limits.

The combined company expects to incur substantial expenses in connection with the consummation of the merger and the combining of the business, operations, networks, systems, employees, technologies and policies and procedures of the two companies. Although CVB Financial and Valley have assumed that a certain level of transaction and combination expenses would be incurred, there are a number of factors beyond their control that could affect the total amount or the timing of their combination expenses. Many of the expenses that will be incurred, by their nature, are difficult to estimate accurately at the present time. Under the merger agreement, if certain transaction costs exceed an aggregate of $3.5 million, the amount by which this threshold is exceeded could negatively impact Valley’s net equity and its ability to meet the tangible common equity minimum closing condition contained in the merger agreement, in which case CVB Financial could decide not to complete the merger.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANIES

CVB Financial Corp. and Citizens Business Bank

CVB Financial is a California corporation that is registered as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. As of September 30, 2016, CVB Financial had consolidated total assets of approximately $8.0 billion, total loans and lease finance receivables of approximately $4.2 billion, total deposits of approximately $6.3 billion, customer repurchase agreements of approximately $0.58 billion and total shareholders’ equity of approximately $1.0 billion. CVB Financial had 771 full-time equivalent employees as of September 30, 2016. CVB Financial’s principal executive office is located at 701 N. Haven Avenue, Suite 350, Ontario, California 91764.

CVB Financial provides a wide range of banking services through Citizens Business Bank, its wholly owned subsidiary. Citizens Business Bank is a California state-chartered bank headquartered in Ontario, California, and has been conducting business since 1974, originally under the name Chino Valley Bank.

Citizens Business Bank is an independent community bank that offers a full range of banking services in 42 Business Financial Centers located in the Inland Empire, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County and the Central Valley areas of California. Citizens Business Bank also has eight Commercial Banking Centers. Although able to take deposits, these centers operate primarily as sales offices and focus on business clients and their principals, professionals and high-net-worth individuals. These centers are located in Burbank, Encino, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, Torrance and Upland, California. Citizens Business Bank also has three trust offices in Ontario, Newport Beach and Pasadena, California. These offices serve as sales offices for Citizens Business Bank’s wealth management, trust and investment products.

Through its network of banking offices, Citizens Business Bank emphasizes personalized service combined with a full range of banking and trust services for businesses, professionals and individuals. Although Citizens Business Bank focuses the marketing of its services to small- and medium-sized businesses, a full range of banking, investment and trust services are made available to the local consumer market.

Citizens Business Bank offers a standard range of bank deposit products. These include checking, savings, money market and time certificates of deposit for both business and personal accounts. Citizens Business Bank’s deposit accounts are insured by the FDIC up to applicable limits.

Citizens Business Bank provides a full complement of lending products, including commercial, agribusiness, consumer, real estate loans and equipment and vehicle leasing. Commercial products include lines of credit and other working capital financing, accounts receivable lending and letters of credit. Agribusiness products are loans to finance the operating needs of wholesale dairy farm operations, cattle feeders, livestock raisers and farmers. Citizens Business Bank also provides bank-qualified lease financing for municipal governments. Financing products include automobile leasing and financing, lines of credit, credit cards and home equity loans and lines of credit. Real estate loans include mortgage and construction loans.

Citizens Business Bank also offers a wide range of specialized services designed for its commercial customers, including cash management systems for monitoring cash flow, a credit card program for merchants, courier pick-up and delivery, payroll services, remote deposit capture, electronic funds transfers by way of domestic and international wires and automated clearinghouse, and online account access.

Citizens Business Bank offers financial services and trust services through its CitizensTrust division. These services include fiduciary services, mutual funds, annuities, 401(k) plans and individual investment accounts.

As a bank holding company, CVB Financial is subject to the supervision of the Federal Reserve. It is required to file with the Federal Reserve reports and other information regarding its business operations and the

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business operations of its subsidiaries. As a California state-chartered bank, Citizens Business Bank is subject to supervision, periodic examination and regulation by the Department of Business Oversight and by the FDIC as its primary federal regulator.

CVB Financial’s principal executive office is located at 701 North Haven Avenue, Suite 350, Ontario, California 91764, telephone number: (909) 980-4030.

CVB Financial common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CVBF.”

Additional information about CVB Financial and its subsidiaries may be found in the documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. Please also see the section entitled “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION” beginning on page i.

Valley

General

Valley is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. As of September 30, 2016, Valley had consolidated total assets of approximately $429.9 million, total loans and lease finance receivables of approximately $309.8 million, total deposits of approximately $374.4 million and shareholders’ equity of approximately $50.7 million. Valley had 80.5 full-time-equivalent employees as of September 30, 2016.

Valley provides a wide range of banking services through Valley Business Bank, its wholly-owned subsidiary. Valley Business Bank is a California state-chartered bank headquartered in Visalia, California, and has been conducting business since 1996, originally under the name Bank of Visalia. Valley Business Bank offers a full range of credit and depository services primarily to small- and medium-sized businesses. Valley Business Bank currently operates from four full-service banking offices in Visalia, Fresno, Tulare and Woodlake, California. Valley Business Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC up to the maximum limits allowable by law.

For the year ended December 31, 2015:

Net income was $4,457,211, or $1.51 per diluted share, an increase of $205,980 or 4.8% from the prior year’s $4,251,231, or $1.43 per diluted share;

Total assets as of December 31, 2015 were $421.3 million, a 3.1% increase over December 31, 2014;

Deposits decreased by $7.1 million to $352.2 million at December 31, 2015, a 2.0% decrease from December 31, 2014;

Capital increased by 5.9% or $2,591,024, ending 2015 at $46,786,172; and

The loan portfolio increased to $298,513,157 at December 31, 2015, compared to $264,490,919 at the end of 2014, an increase of 12.9%.

As of and for the period ended September 30, 2016:

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $3,270,170, or $1.12 per diluted share, an increase of $293,549 or 9.9% from $2,976,621 or $1.00 per diluted share for the same period of 2015;

Total assets were $429.9 million, a 7.0% increase over September 30, 2015:

Deposits increased by $22.7 million to $374.4 million, a 6.5% increase over September 30, 2015;

Capital increased by 10.9% or $5.0 million from September 30, 2015 to $50.7 million at September 30, 2016; and

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The loan portfolio increased to $309.8 million, compared to $289.2 million at September 30, 2015, an increase of $20.6 million or 7.1%.

Services

Valley’s focus is providing highly personalized banking services to entrepreneurial businesses, professional firms and nonprofit organizations, along with their owners and key managers. Valley offers a full range of deposit accounts, including personal and business/professional checking accounts, savings accounts, attorney-client trust accounts, money market demand accounts, time certificates of deposit and tiered accounts for larger depositors. Valley also provides other customary banking products and services, including, among other things, notary public services and wire transfers. Other convenience-oriented services and products Valley offers are direct payroll deposits, bank-by-mail services, merchant bank card processing, telephone transfers, ATM debit cards, and ACH origination. Valley also offers a full complement of convenience-oriented services including automated teller machines, remote deposit capture, courier service for bank transactions and a 24-hour Internet online banking capability to allow clients to obtain account information, transfer funds between accounts, and place stop payment orders.

Valley also provides a full array of lending products tailored to meet the needs of clients in its service market. These products include business lines of credit, term loans, loans guaranteed in whole or part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, or “SBA,” and state guaranteed loans, equipment loans, accounts receivable and inventory financing, construction loans, commercial real estate loans, letters of credit, individual lines of credit, auto and other consumer loans.

There have been no significant changes in the types of services offered by Valley since its inception, except in connection with new types of accounts allowed by statute or regulation in recent years. Valley has no present plans regarding “a new line of business” requiring the investment of a material amount of its total assets. Most of Valley’s business originates from within Tulare and Fresno Counties and is primarily focused on loans to professional services, manufacturers, building contractors, developers, retailers, wholesalers and business service companies. Valley’s business, based upon performance to date, does not appear to be seasonal. Except as described above, no material portion of Valley’s loans is concentrated within a single industry or group of related industries, nor is Valley dependent upon a single customer or group of related customers for a material portion of its deposits. Management of Valley is unaware of any material effect upon Valley’s capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position as a result of federal, state or local environmental regulation.

Service Areas

Valley’s current market areas are Tulare and Fresno counties and surrounding areas in Central California. Valley attracts the majority of its loan and deposit business from the residents and numerous small- to medium-sized businesses, professional firms, and service entities located in Central California. Valley does not have direct dealings with any foreign sources and has no known risks in any international business.

Competition

The banking and financial services business in California generally, and in Valley’s service area specifically, is highly competitive. The increasingly competitive environment is a result primarily of changes in regulation, changes in technology and product delivery systems, and the accelerating pace of consolidation among financial services providers.

Valley’s business is concentrated in its service area that originates from within Tulare and Fresno Counties, including but not restricted to the following communities: Visalia, Fresno, Tulare and Woodlake, California. In order to compete with other financial institutions in its service area, Valley relies principally upon direct personal contact by officers, directors, employees, and shareholders; and specialized services such as courier pick-up and

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delivery of non-cash banking items. In addition, Valley has an experienced lending and marketing officer base. Larger banks may have a competitive advantage because of higher lending limits and major advertising and marketing campaigns. Larger banks also perform services, such as trust services, international banking, discount brokerage and insurance services, that are not offered by Valley.

Increasing levels of competition in the banking and financial services businesses may reduce market share or cause the prices charged for services to fall. Results may differ in future periods depending on the nature or level of competition. The increasingly competitive environment is a result primarily of sustained low market interest rates, changes in regulation, changes in technology and product delivery systems, and the accelerating pace of consolidation among financial services providers.

Commercial banks such as Valley compete with savings banks, credit unions, other financial institutions, securities brokerage firms, and other entities for funds. For instance, yields on corporate and government debt securities and other commercial paper affect the ability of commercial banks to attract and hold deposits. Commercial banks also compete for loans with savings banks, credit unions, consumer finance companies, mortgage companies and other lending institutions.

Properties

Valley currently operates out of its full-service headquarters in Visalia and from three branch offices located in Fresno, Tulare and Woodlake, California. Valley owns the real property where the Visalia, Tulare and Woodlake offices are located. Valley leases the Fresno facility.

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VALLEY SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

General

This proxy statement/prospectus is being provided to Valley shareholders as part of a solicitation of proxies by the Valley board of directors for use at the special meeting and at any adjournments or postponements of such meeting. Valley commenced mailing this proxy statement/prospectus and the enclosed form of proxy to its shareholders entitled to vote at the Valley special meeting on or about January 18, 2017.

Date, Time and Place of the Special Meeting

The special meeting will be held at the Visalia Country Club located at 625 North Ranch Road, Visalia California 93291 on February 16, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. (Pacific Time).

Record Date for the Special Meeting; Shares Entitled to Vote

Only holders of record of Valley common stock at the close of business on December 20, 2016 which is the record date for the special meeting, are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the meeting. On the record date, Valley had 3,002,014 shares of its common stock issued, outstanding and eligible to vote at the special meeting. As of the record date, Valley had approximately 313 holders of its common stock of record.

Quorum

A majority of the shares of Valley common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote on the record date must be represented in person or by proxy at the special meeting in order for a quorum to be present for purposes of transacting business. Proxies marked as abstaining (including proxies containing broker non-votes) on any matter to be acted upon by shareholders will be treated as present at the meeting for purposes of determining a quorum but will not be counted as votes cast on such matters. If there is no quorum at the special meeting, the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting may adjourn the special meeting to another date.

Purposes of the Special Meeting

The special meeting is being held to consider and vote on the following proposals:

1.

Approval of the Merger Agreement.To consider and vote upon an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated September 22, 2016, as amended, and the transactions contemplated therein pursuant to which (i) Valley will merge with and into CVB Financial, the separate corporate existence of Valley will cease and CVB Financial will survive and continue to exist as a California corporation, (ii) each share of Valley common stock (other than shares as to which dissenters’ rights are properly exercised) will be converted into the right to receive cash and common stock of CVB Financial, the parent company of Citizens Business Bank, in accordance with and as determined by the merger agreement and (iii) holders of Valley common stock as of the date of the merger would be entitled to receive a special cash dividend. We refer to this proposal as the “merger proposal.”

2.

Grant of Discretionary Authority to Adjourn Meeting. To consider and vote upon a proposal to grant discretionary authority to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary, to permit further solicitation of proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the terms of the merger agreement. We refer to this proposal as the “adjournment proposal.”

Recommendation of the Valley Board of Directors

The Valley board of directors recommends that Valley shareholders vote:

FOR” the approval of the merger proposal; and

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FOR” the approval of the adjournment proposal.

The Valley board of directors unanimously approved the merger agreement and the merger and has determined that the merger is in the best interests of Valley and its shareholders. See “THE MERGER—Background of the Merger” beginning on page 38 and “THE MERGER—Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the Valley Board of Directors” beginning on page 41.

In considering the recommendation of the Valley board of directors with respect to the merger, Valley shareholders should be aware that some of the ValleySuncrest directors and executive officers may have interests in the merger that are different from, or are in addition to, the interests of the shareholders Suncrest.

Suncrest’s executive officers and directors have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of ValleySuncrest shareholders generally. See “THE MERGER—Such interests include the following: (1) many of Suncrest’s executive officers and directors have unvested stock options and/or Suncrest Stock Awards that will be accelerated and vest in full on the completion of the merger; (2) Suncrest’s executive officers are participants in plans and party to agreements that provide for severance payments and other benefits upon a change in control of Suncrest and/or a qualifying termination of employment following such a change in control; and (3) Suncrest’s directors and executive officers are entitled to continued indemnification and insurance coverage following the closing of the merger. These interests are described in more detail under the section entitled “The Merger—Interests of ValleySuncrest Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger”Merger.”

Litigation may be filed against CVB or Suncrest (or their respective boards of directors) that could prevent or delay the completion of the merger or result in the payment of damages following completion of the merger.

In connection with the merger, it is possible that shareholders may file putative class action lawsuits against CVB or Suncrest (or their respective boards of directors). Among other remedies, these shareholders could seek to enjoin the merger. The outcome of any such litigation is uncertain. If a dismissal is not granted or a settlement is not reached, such potential lawsuits could prevent or delay completion of the merger and result in substantial costs to CVB and Suncrest, including any costs associated with indemnification obligations of CVB or Suncrest. The defense or settlement of any lawsuit or claim that remains unresolved at the time the merger is consummated may adversely affect the combined company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and market price.

The fairness opinion received by the Suncrest board of directors from MJC has not been, and is not expected to be, updated to reflect any changes in circumstances that may have occurred since the date of the opinions.

The fairness opinion of MJC was delivered to the Suncrest board of directors on July 27, 2021. Changes in the operations and prospects of CVB or Suncrest, general market and economic conditions and other factors which may be beyond the control of CVB and Suncrest may have altered the value of CVB or Suncrest or the sale prices of shares of CVB common stock and Suncrest common stock as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, or may alter such values and sale prices by the time the merger is completed. The opinion from MJC does not speak as of any date other than July 27, 2021. For a description of the opinion that Suncrest received from its financial advisor, see “The Merger—Opinions of Suncrest’s Financial Advisor beginning on page 52.35. For a description of the other factors considered by the Suncrest board of directors in determining to approve the merger, see “The Merger—Suncrest’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Merger by the Suncrest Board of Directors” beginning on page 32.

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NumberCAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This proxy statement/prospectus contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Votesthe Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to CVB, Citizens, Suncrest and the combined company. These statements may be made directly in this proxy statement/prospectus or they may be made a part of this proxy statement/prospectus by appearing in other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by CVB and incorporated herein by reference. These statements include statements regarding the period following completion of the merger.

Each Valley shareholder is entitledWords such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will,” “should,” “plans,” “may,” “intend,” “projects,” “possibility,” “aims,” “target,” “objective,” “goal,” “seek” and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance of CVB, Citizens, Suncrest, the combined company or the merger help identify forward-looking statements. All of these forward-looking statements are CVB’s or Suncrest’s management’s present expectations or forecasts of future events and are subject to cast one vote,a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in personthe forward-looking statements. In addition to the factors relating to the merger discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” beginning on page 16, the following risks related to the businesses of CVB, Citizens and Suncrest, among others, could cause CVB’s, Citizens’ or by proxy, for each share heldSuncrest’s actual results or those of the combined company to differ materially from those described in that shareholder’s namethe forward-looking statements:

the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on the booksbanking industry, the health and safety of ValleySuncrest and Citizens’ employees, and their business prospects, as well as the effects on their customers, suppliers and financial condition;

difficulties and delays in integrating Citizens and Suncrest and achieving anticipated synergies, cost savings and other benefits from the merger;

higher than anticipated transaction costs; deposit attrition, operating costs, customer loss and business disruption following the merger, including difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees, may be greater than expected; local, regional, national and international economic and market conditions, political events and public health developments and the impact they may have on Citizens, its customers and its assets and liabilities;

Citizens’ ability to attract deposits and other sources of funding or liquidity;

supply and demand for commercial or residential real estate and periodic deterioration in real estate prices and/or values in California or other states where Citizens lends; a sharp or prolonged slowdown or decline in real estate construction, sales or leasing activities; changes in the financial performance and/or condition of Citizens’ borrowers, depositors, key vendors or counterparties; changes in Citizens’ levels of delinquent loans, nonperforming assets, allowance for credit losses and charge-offs;

the costs or effects of mergers, acquisitions or dispositions CVB may make, whether CVB is able to obtain any required governmental approvals in connection with any such mergers, acquisitions or dispositions, and/or Citizens’ ability to realize the contemplated financial or business benefits associated with any such mergers, acquisitions or dispositions;

the effects of new laws, regulations and/or government programs, including those laws, regulations and programs enacted by federal, state or local governments in the geographic jurisdictions in which Citizens does business in response to the current national emergency declared in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic;

the impact of the record datefederal CARES Act and the significant additional lending activities undertaken by CVB in connection with the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program enacted thereunder, including risks to CVB with respect to the uncertain application by the Small Business Administration of new borrower and loan eligibility, forgiveness and audit criteria; the effects of the

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CVB’s participation in one or more of the new lending programs temporarily established by the Federal Reserve, including the Main Street New Loan Facility, the Main Street Priority Loan Facility and the Nonprofit Organization New Loan Facility, and the impact of any related actions or decisions by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and its special purpose vehicle established pursuant to such lending programs;

the effect of changes in other pertinent laws, regulations and applicable judicial decisions (including laws, regulations and judicial decisions concerning financial reforms, taxes, bank capital levels, allowance for credit losses, consumer, commercial or secured lending, securities and securities trading and hedging, bank operations, compliance, fair lending, the CRA, employment, executive compensation, insurance, cybersecurity, vendor management and information security technology) with which CVB and its subsidiaries must comply or believe CVB should comply or which may otherwise impact CVB;

changes in estimates of future reserve requirements and minimum capital requirements, based upon the periodic review thereof under relevant regulatory and accounting standards, including changes in the Basel Committee framework establishing capital standards for bank credit, operations and market risks;

the accuracy of the assumptions and estimates and the absence of technical error in implementation or calibration of models used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments or currently expected credit losses or delinquencies; inflation, changes in market interest rates, securities market and monetary fluctuations; changes in government-established interest rates, reference rates or monetary policies, including the possible imposition of negative interest rates on bank reserves; the impact of the anticipated phase-out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) on interest rate indexes specified in certain of our customer loan agreements and in Citizens’ interest rate swap arrangements, including any economic and compliance effects related to the expected change from LIBOR to an alternative reference rate;

changes in the amount, cost and availability of deposit insurance; disruptions in the infrastructure that supports CVB’s business and the communities where CVB is located, which are concentrated in California, involving or related to public health, physical site access and/or communication facilities; cyber incidents, attacks, infiltrations, exfiltrations, or theft or loss of CVB, customer or employee data or money;

political developments, uncertainties or instability, catastrophic events, acts of war or terrorism, or natural disasters, such as earthquakes, drought, the effects of pandemic diseases, climate change or extreme weather events, that may affect electrical, environmental and communications or other services, computer services or facilities CVB may use, or that may affect CVB’s assets, customers, employees or third parties with whom CVB conducts business;

CVB’s timely development and implementation of new banking products and services and the perceived overall value of these products and services by customers and potential customers;

CVB’s relationships with and reliance upon outside vendors with respect to certain of CVB’s key internal and external systems, applications and controls;

changes in commercial or consumer spending, borrowing and savings patterns, preferences or behaviors; technological changes and the expanding use of technology in banking and financial services (including the adoption of mobile banking, funds transfer applications, electronic marketplaces for loans, block-chain technology and other financial products, systems or services);

CVB’s ability to retain and increase market share, to retain and grow customers and to control expenses; changes in the competitive environment among banks and other financial services and technology providers; competition and innovation with respect to financial products and services by banks, financial institutions and non-traditional providers including retail businesses and technology companies; volatility in the credit and equity markets and its effect on the mattersgeneral economy or local or regional business conditions or on CVB’s capital, deposits, assets or customers;

22


fluctuations in the price of CVB’s common stock or other securities, and the resulting impact on CVB’s ability to raise capital or to make acquisitions; the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted from time-to-time by the principal regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over CVB, as well as by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard-setters;

changes in CVB’s organization, management, compensation and benefit plans, and CVB’s ability to recruit and retain or expand or contract its workforce, management team, key executive positions and/or CVB’s board of directors; CVB’s ability to identify suitable and qualified replacements for any executive officers who may leave their employment, including CVB’s Chief Executive Officer;

the costs and effects of legal, compliance and regulatory actions, changes and developments, including the initiation and resolution of legal proceedings (including any securities, lender liability, bank operations, check or wire fraud, financial product or service, data privacy, health and safety, consumer or employee class action litigation); regulatory or other governmental inquiries or investigations, and/or the results of regulatory examinations or reviews; ongoing relations with various federal and state regulators, including, but not limited to, the SEC, Federal Reserve Board, FDIC and CDFPI;

success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items and all other factors set forth in CVB’s public reports, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and particularly the discussion of risk factors within that document.

Neither CVB nor Suncrest undertakes any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. For additional information about factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, please see the information provided under “Information about the Companies – Suncrest Bank” on page 77, “Information about the Companies – CVB Financial Corp. and Citizens Business Bank” on page 76 and documents incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus and referred to under “Where You Can Find Additional Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference”.

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SPECIAL MEETING

Date, Time and Place of the Special Meeting

This proxy statement/prospectus is being furnished to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Suncrest board of directors in connection with the special meeting of Suncrest shareholders. The special meeting is scheduled to be submitted to the vote of the shareholders.

Votes Required; Voting Agreements

The votes required for each proposal areheld as follows:

The merger proposal.The affirmative vote[•], 2021

[•]

[•]

[•]

[•], local time

We expect to hold the special meeting in person, but we continue to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 closely. Accordingly, we are planning for the possibility that the special meeting may be subject to special precautions, including limitations on the number of participants in one room or other limitations. In that regard, only shareholders will be admitted to the special meeting. No guests will be permitted. For safety and security purposes, you will need to obtain authorization in advance to attend the special meeting in person. To do so, please make your request by mail to Suncrest Bank at least a majority501 West Main Street, Visalia, California 93291, Attention: Jean Carandang or by email at jcarandang@suncrestbank.com. Suncrest must receive your request for pre-authorization on or before [].

Purpose of the sharesSpecial Meeting

Suncrest shareholders of Valley common stock outstanding is requiredrecord as of [•], 2021 will be asked to approve this proposal.

The adjournment proposal.Assuming a quorum is present,consider and vote upon the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the shares of Valley common stock, present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to votefollowing proposals at the special meeting, including any postponement or adjournment thereof:

Proposal No. 1—Merger Proposal

Suncrest is requiredasking its shareholders to approve this proposal.

Valley’s directors and executive officers collectively hold, as of the record date for the special meeting, 579,122 shares, or approximately 19% of Valley common stock eligible to vote at the special meeting. Pursuant to voting agreements more fully described under the section “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Voting and Support Agreements” beginning on page 72, each of Valley’s directors and executive officers has agreed to vote his, her or its shares of Valley common stock “FOR” approvalprincipal terms of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereinby the merger agreement, including the merger and the cancellation of each outstanding share of Suncrest common stock, other than any dissenting shares and excluded shares, in exchange for the right to receive 0.6970 shares of CVB common stock and $2.69 per share in cash, subject to the merger consideration adjustments and other terms in the merger agreement. Holders of Suncrest common stock should read this proxy statement/prospectus carefully and in its entirety, including the annexes, for more detailed information concerning the merger agreement and the merger. A copy of the form of voting agreement is attached as Exhibit A to the merger agreement which is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus asAppendixAnnex A.

After careful consideration, the Suncrest board of directors unanimously approved the merger and the merger agreement and determined that the merger is incorporated hereinfair to, and in the best interests of, Suncrest shareholders. See “The Merger—Suncrest’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Merger by reference.the Suncrest Board of Directors” included elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus for a more detailed discussion of the recommendation of the Suncrest board of directors.

The Suncrest board of directors unanimously recommends that Suncrest shareholders vote “FOR” the merger proposal.

VotingProposal No. 2—Adjournment Proposal

The special meeting may be adjourned to another time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to permit, among other things, further solicitation of Proxiesproxies if necessary to obtain additional votes in favor of the merger proposal.

Whether

24


If, at the special meeting, the number of shares of Suncrest common stock present or notrepresented and voting in favor of the merger proposal is insufficient to approve such proposal, Suncrest intends to move to adjourn the special meeting in order to solicit additional proxies for the approval of the merger proposal.

In the adjournment proposal, Suncrest is asking its shareholders to authorize the holder of any proxy solicited by the Suncrest board of directors on a discretionary basis to vote in favor of adjourning the special meeting to another time and place for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies, including the solicitation of proxies from Suncrest shareholders who have previously voted.

The Suncrest board of directors unanimously recommends that Suncrest shareholders vote “FOR” the adjournment proposal.

Record Date for the Special Meeting

The Suncrest board of directors has fixed the close of business on [•], 2021 as the record date for determination of Suncrest shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting. On the record date, [•] shares of Suncrest common stock were outstanding and there were [•] holders of record.

Quorum; Votes Required

A majority of the outstanding shares of Suncrest common stock entitled to vote on the record date must be present, either in person or by proxy, to constitute a quorum at the special meeting. If a quorum is present, in order to be approved, the proposals require the following votes:

The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Suncrest common stock outstanding on the record date will be required to approve the principal terms of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.

Approval of the adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Suncrest common stock represented (in person or by proxy) at the special meeting and voting on the proposal (which affirmative vote constitutes at least a majority of the required quorum).

At the special meeting, each share of Suncrest common stock will be entitled to one vote on all matters properly submitted to Suncrest shareholders.

Each of the directors and executive officers and certain shareholders of Suncrest has entered into a voting and support agreement with CVB, pursuant to which such Suncrest shareholder has agreed to vote “FOR” the merger proposal. As of the record date, these shareholders beneficially owned and were entitled to vote [•] shares of Suncrest common stock, representing approximately 23% of the shares of Suncrest common stock outstanding on that date.

Attending the Special Meeting

We expect to hold the special meeting in person, but we continue to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 closely. Accordingly, we are planning for the possibility that the special meeting may be subject to special precautions, including limitations on the number of participants in one room or other limitations. In that regard, only shareholders will be admitted to the special meeting. No guests will be permitted. For safety and security purposes, you planwill need to obtain authorization in advance to attend the special meeting we urge youin person. To do so, please make your request by mail to complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and to return it promptly in the envelope provided. Returning the proxy card will not affectSuncrest Bank at 501 West Main Street, Visalia, California 93291, Attention: Jean Carandang or by email at jcarandang@suncrestbank.com. Suncrest must receive your right to attendrequest for pre-authorization on or before [].

Proxies

All shares of Suncrest common stock represented by properly executed proxies (including those given through voting by telephone or Internet) received before or at the special meeting and vote will, unless properly revoked, be voted

25


in person. You may also vote overaccordance with the Internet or by telephone. Instructions for all voting methods caninstructions indicated on those proxies. If no instructions are indicated on a properly executed proxy, the shares represented thereby will be found on the proxy card included with this proxy statement/prospectus.

If you properly fill in your proxy card and send it to us in time to vote, your “proxy” (the individual(s) named on your proxy card) will vote your shares as you have directed. IF NO INSTRUCTION IS SPECIFIED WITH RESPECT TO A MATTER TO BE ACTED UPON, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE PROPOSALS LISTED ON THE PROXY AS FOLLOWS:voted:

 

FORapproval of the principal terms of the merger proposal;agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger; and

 

FOR” the adjournment proposal.of the special meeting if necessary or appropriate in the judgment of the Suncrest board of directors.

If you return a properly executed proxy card or voting instruction card and have indicated that you have abstained from voting, your Suncrest common stock represented by the proxy will be considered present at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof solely for purposes of determining a quorum.

If your shares are held in an account at a broker or bank or other nominee, you must instruct the broker or bank or other nominee on how to vote your shares by following the instructions provided to you by your broker or bank or other nominee. If you do not provide voting instructions to your broker or bank or other nominee, your shares will not be voted on any proposal on which your broker or bank or other nominee does not have discretionary authority to vote. Under applicable rules, your broker or bank or other nominee does not have discretionary authority to vote on the merger proposal or the adjournment proposal. Consequently, failure to provide instructions to your bank, broker or other nominee on how to vote will result in your shares not being counted as present for purposes of establishing a quorum at the meeting and not being voted on the proposals.

Because approval of the principal terms of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Suncrest common stock outstanding as of the record date, abstentions, failures to vote and failure to provide instructions to your bank, broker or other nominee on how to vote will have the same effect as votes against the merger proposal, including the merger. Accordingly, we urge you to mark each applicable box on the proxy card or voting instruction card to indicate how to vote your shares.

Because this is a special meeting, no matter or proposal other than the proposals described in this proxy statement/prospectus may be brought before the special meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof.

If you are a Suncrest shareholder of record, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by:

 

-31-filing a written notice of revocation with the Corporate Secretary of Suncrest;


Abstentionsgranting a subsequently dated proxy; or

if you are a holder of record, appearing in person and Broker Non-Votesvoting at the Suncrest special meeting.

If you hold your shares of ValleySuncrest common stock through an account at a broker or bank, you should contact your broker or bank to change your vote.

Attendance at the special meeting will not in “street name” (thatand of itself constitute revocation of a proxy. If the special meeting is postponed or adjourned, it will not affect the ability of shareholders of record as of the record date to exercise their voting rights or to revoke any previously granted proxy using the same methods described above, except in certain circumstances that are not currently anticipated. Suncrest would notify shareholders if such circumstances were to occur.

Voting by Telephone or Internet

Suncrest shareholders of record will have the option to submit their proxy cards by telephone or Internet. Please note that there are separate arrangements for voting your shares depending on whether your shares are registered in Suncrest’s stock records in your name or in the name of a broker, bank or other holder of record. If you hold

26


your shares through a broker, bank or other nominee),holder of record, you must voteshould check your shares through your broker. You should receive a form from your broker asking how you want to vote your shares. Follow the instructions on that form to giveproxy card or voting instructions to your broker. Under the rules that govern brokers which are voting with respect to shares held in “street name,” brokers have the discretion to vote such shares on routine, but not on non-routine, matters. At the special meeting, none of the proposals to be presented constitute a routine matter. THEREFORE, YOUR BROKER MAY NOT VOTE YOUR SHARES “FOR” ANY OF THE VALLEY PROPOSALS SET FORTH IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, INCLUDING THE APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER, WITHOUT YOUR SPECIFIC DIRECTION. A “broker non-vote” occurs when your broker does not vote on a particular proposal because the broker does not receive instructions from the beneficial owner and does not have discretionary authority. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you instruct your broker or nominee how to vote your shares. Therefore, if you wish to be represented, you must vote by completing the information that is sentinstruction card forwarded to you by your broker, or nominee.

Revoking Proxies

Valley shareholders who hold their shares in certificate form may revoke their proxies at any time before the time their proxies are voted at the special meeting by (i) filing with the Corporate Secretary of Valley, an instrument revoking it or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or (ii) appearing in person at the special meeting and advising the chairman of the Valley board of directors of the holder’s intent to vote at the special meeting.

Written notices of proxy revocations must be sent so that they will be received before the taking of the vote at the special meeting as follows:

Valley Commerce Bancorp

701 West Main Street

Visalia, California 93291

Attention: Fred P. LoBue, Jr., Corporate Secretary

For shareholders whose shares are held in “street name” and if you have instructed your brokerbank or other nomineeholder of record to vote your shares, you must follow directions received from your broker or other nominee in order to change those instructions.see which options are available.

Dissenters’ Rights

HoldersSuncrest shareholders of Valley common stock will have dissenters’ rights with respect to the proposal to approve the merger agreement and the merger. After the special meeting, a notice will be sent advising shareholders if the merger has been approved. In order to perfect dissenters’ rights, a shareholder of Valley common stock must do the following:record may submit their proxies:

 

Not vote “FOR”through the merger agreementInternet by visiting a website established for that purpose at www.cstproxyvote.com and following the merger;instructions provided on that website,

 

Makeby telephone by calling the toll-free number (866) 894-0536 in the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada on a timely written demand upon Valley for purchasetouch-tone phone and following the recorded instructions, or

by completing, signing, dating and mailing their proxy card in cashthe pre-addressed envelope that accompanies the delivery of paper proxy cards.

Dissenters’ Rights

In connection with the merger, Suncrest shareholders will have the opportunity to exercise dissenters’ rights in accordance with certain procedures specified in California Corporations Code Sections 1300, et. seq., which sections are attached as Annex C to this proxy statement/prospectus. Suncrest shareholders who do not vote in favor of the dissenting shareholder’smerger may demand that Suncrest acquire their shares of Suncrest common stock for cash at their fair market value as of September 22, 2016, which demand includes:

the number of the shares held of record by the dissenting shareholder that such holder demands be paid in cash, and

what the dissenting shareholder claims to be the fair market value of his or her shares as of September 22, 2016 immediately prior to announcement of the terms of the merger;

Have the dissenting shareholder’s demand received by Valley within 30 days after the date on which the notice of the approval of the merger by the outstanding shares is mailed to the shareholder;

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Submit certificates representing the dissenting shareholder’s shares for endorsement in accordance with Section 1302 of the California Corporations Code; and

Comply with such other procedures as are required by Chapter 13 of the California Corporations Code.

If dissenters’ rights are properly perfected, such dissenter has the right to cash in the amount equal to the fair market value of its shares of Valley common stock as of September 22, 2016,July 27, 2021, the day of, and immediately prior to, the first public announcement of the terms of the merger. The Valley board of directors has determined the fair market value for each share of Valley common stock to be $16.55 as of September 22, 2016 based upon the last reported trading price of Valley common stock on the OTC Pink market on September 22, 2016, the day of, and immediately prior to, the first announcement of the termsmerger, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in consequence of the merger. Please readSuncrest shareholders dissenting must file written demands that Suncrest acquire their shares of Suncrest common stock for cash and comply with the section entitled “DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS OF VALLEY SHAREHOLDERS” beginningother procedural requirements set forth in California Corporations Code Sections 1300, et. seq. For additional details and information on how to exercise your dissenters’ rights, please refer to “The Merger—Dissenters’ Rights for Holders of Suncrest Shares on page 7853 and seeAppendix DAnnex C for additional information. to this proxy statement/prospectus.

If dissenters’ rights are perfected and exercised or capable of being perfected and exercised with respect to more than 10% of Valley’s outstanding shares of common stock, then CVB Financial is not obligated to complete the merger and could terminate the merger agreement.

Other Matters

Because it is a special meeting of shareholders, no other matters may be presented for consideration by shareholders at the special meeting.

Solicitation of Proxies

The ValleySuncrest board of directors is soliciting proxies for the special meeting. ValleySuncrest will pay for the cost of solicitation of proxies. In addition to solicitation by mail, Valley’sSuncrest’s directors, officers and employees may also solicit proxies from shareholders by telephone, facsimile, or in person. ValleySuncrest will not pay any additional compensation to these directors, officers or employees for these activities but may reimburse them for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

If Valley management deems it advisable, the services of individuals or companies that are not regularly employed by Valley may be used in connection Suncrest has also retained Georgeson LLC to assist with the solicitation of proxies.proxies at an estimated cost of $10,000. Arrangements will also be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to send the proxy materials to beneficial owners. ValleySuncrest will, upon request, reimburse those brokerage houses and custodians for their reasonable expenses in so doing.

Attending the Special Meeting

All Valley shareholders as of the record date, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend the special meeting.27

If you hold your shares of Valley common stock in your name as a shareholder of record and you wish to attend the special meeting, please bring your proxy and evidence of your stock ownership, such as your most recent account statement, to the special meeting. You must also bring valid photo identification.

If your shares of Valley common stock are held in “street name” in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or nominee and you wish to attend the special meeting, you need to bring a copy of a bank or brokerage statement to the special meeting reflecting your stock ownership as of the record date. You must also bring valid photo identification.

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THE MERGER PROPOSAL

As discussed throughout this proxy statement/prospectus, Valley is asking its shareholders to approve the merger proposal. Holders of Valley common stock should read carefully this proxy statement/prospectus in its entirety, including the appendices, for more detailed information concerning the merger agreement and the merger. In particular, holders of Valley common stock are directed to the merger agreement, and the amendment thereto, copies of which are attached asAppendix A andAppendix B to this proxy statement/prospectus.

The Valley board of directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the merger proposal.

Each of the directors of Valley has entered into a voting and support agreement with CVB Financial and Valley, pursuant to which they have agreed to vote “FOR” the merger proposal. For more information regarding the voting and support agreements, please see the section entitled “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Voting and Support Agreements” beginning on page 72.

THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL

If there are not sufficient shares of Valley common stock represented to constitute a quorum at the special meeting or if the number of shares of Valley common stock voting “FOR” approval of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated therein is not sufficient to approve that proposal at the meeting, then the person(s) designated as the proxy holder stated in the proxy card of Valley intends to move to adjourn the special meeting in order to enable the Valley board of directors to solicit additional proxies for approval of the merger proposal.

In this proposal, Valley is asking shareholders to grant discretionary authority to the person(s) designated as the proxy holder stated in the proxy card to move to adjourn the special meeting if there are not sufficient shares represented to constitute a quorum at the meeting or if the number of shares voting for approval of the merger proposal is not sufficient to approve that proposal at the meeting. If the shareholders of Valley approve the adjournment proposal, Valley could adjourn the special meeting to a later date and use the additional time to solicit additional proxies, including the solicitation of proxies from shareholders that have previously voted on the merger proposal. Among other things, approval of the adjournment proposal could mean that, even if Valley has received proxies representing a sufficient number of votes against approval and adoption of the merger proposal, Valley could adjourn the special meeting without a vote on the merger proposal and seek to convince the holders of those shares to change their votes to votes in favor of the approval and adoption of the merger proposal.

If the special meeting is adjourned so that the Valley board of directors can solicit additional proxies to approve the merger proposal, Valley will not be required to give any notice to shareholders of the adjourned meeting’s place, date and time other than an announcement of the place, date and time provided at the special meeting.

Vote Required

At the special meeting, the adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the shares voted in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, but will be treated as present at the meeting for purposes of determining a quorum.

Brokers may not vote on the adjournment proposal without specific instructions from the person who beneficially owns the shares. Thus, shares held by a broker to whom you do not give instructions on how to vote will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on the adjournment proposal. However, if the number of affirmative votes cast for the adjournment proposal is a majority of the votes cast, but such votes do not constitute a majority of the quorum required to transact business at the special meeting, then abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote against the merger proposal.

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Recommendation of the Valley Board of Directors

The Valley board of directors recommends a vote“FOR” granting discretionary authority to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary, to permit further solicitation of proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the merger proposal.

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THE MERGER

The following is a discussionThis section of the merger and the material terms of the merger agreement, as amended, between CVB Financial and Valley. You are urged to read carefully the merger agreement and the amendment thereto in their entirety. Copies of the merger agreement and the amendment are attached asAppendix A andAppendix B to this proxy statement/prospectus and incorporated by reference herein.describes material aspects of the proposed merger, including the merger agreement. This summary does not purport to be complete and may not contain all of the information about the merger agreement that is important to you. This section is not intendedYou should carefully read this entire document and the other documents we refer you to provide you with any factualfor a more complete understanding of the merger. In addition, we incorporate important business and financial information about CVB Financial, Citizens Business Bank, Valley or Valley Business Bank. Such information can be found elsewhere ininto this proxy statement/prospectus and inby reference. You may obtain the public filings CVB Financial makes withinformation incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus without charge by following the SEC, as describedinstructions in the section entitled “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION” beginning on page i.“Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Terms of the MergerGeneral

Transaction Structure

TheCVB, Citizens and Suncrest have entered into the merger agreement, provides for CVB Financial’s acquisition of Valley through the merger of Valley with and into CVB Financial, with CVB Financial continuing as the surviving corporation.

Immediately following the merger, Valley Business Bank,pursuant to which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Valley,Suncrest will merge with and into Citizens, Business Bank, withthe separate existence of Suncrest will cease and Citizens Business Bank continuingwill continue as the surviving corporation (we sometimes referimmediately upon the closing of the merger. The terms of the merger are set forth in the merger agreement, a copy of which is attached to this merger between the subsidiary banksproxy statement/prospectus as the “bank merger.”)Annex A.

Merger Consideration and Special Dividend

In the merger, alleach outstanding sharesshare of ValleySuncrest common stock will be converted into an aggregate of 1,942,673 shares of CVB Financial common stock and $23,400,000 in cash, subject to potential adjustment depending on the average closing price of CVB Financial common stock and Valley’s merger-related expenses. In addition, under the merger agreement, Valley will pay a special dividend to holders of Valley common stock. The amount of the special dividend will depend on Valley’s tangible common equity as of the end of the month immediately prior to the closing of the merger and would have been approximately $13,700,000 if the merger had been completed on October 31, 2016, based on Valley’s tangible common equity as of September 30, 2016. Based on the 3,002,014 shares of Valley common stock outstanding and the closing price of CVB Financial common stock of $22.48 per share reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on January 9, 2017 and Valley’s tangible common equity capital as of September 30, 2016 and assuming the average closing price of CVB Financial common stock is $22.48, each share of Valley common stock would be converted into the right to receive 0.57570.6970 shares of CVB Financial common stock, valued at $12.94 and $7.79 inwith cash and would entitle the holder to receive a cash dividend in the estimated amount of $4.56, having a combined value of approximately $25.30 per share of Valley common stock. Valley shareholders will receive cashpaid in lieu of any fractional shares, of CVB Financial common stock. As a result of the merger, Valley shareholders would own approximately 1.6% of CVB Financial’s outstanding common stock after the merger is completed, excluding any shares of CVB Financial common stock they may already own.

The value of theand $2.69 per share in cash, subject to certain merger consideration and the special dividend that Valley shareholders will receive in connection with the merger is subject to change. The number of shares of CVB Financial common stock that Valley shareholders may receiveadjustments set forth in the merger is fixed, subject to a pricing collar requiring the aggregate merger consideration to have a value of not less than $50,597,000 and not more than $62,253,000, subject to potential adjustment based on Valley’s merger-related transaction expenses. The merger agreement provides that if the weighted average closing price of CVB Financial common stock for the 10 trading days ending five trading days before the merger is $20.00 or greater, the aggregate number of shares of CVB Financial common stock that holders of Valley common stock receive will be reduced. If the average closing price of CVB Financial common stock is less than $14.00 then CVB, in CVB’s discretion, will either increase the number of shares of CVB Financial common stock included the stock consideration, increase cash included in the cash consideration, or

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some combination of these so that the aggregate merger consideration is not less than $50,597,000, subject to adjustment based on Valley’s merger-related transaction expenses. CVB may not increase the aggregate cash consideration such that the aggregate cash consideration, when combined with the amounts, if any, paid or payable to holders of dissenter shares, would exceed 58% of the combined value of the aggregate cash consideration, the aggregate stock consideration and the amounts if any, paid or payable to holders of dissenter shares.

The aggregate cash consideration of $23,400,000 is subject to potential downward adjustment by the amount, if any, that Valley’s total merger-related transaction expenses exceed $3,500,000.

The following table shows the implied value of the merger consideration into which one share of Valley common stock would be converted in the merger at various hypothetical average closing prices of CVB Financial common stock atagreement. At the effective time of the merger, assuming that there are 3,002,014 shares of Valley common stock outstanding:

  

Implied Price

CVBF Average

Closing Price

 

Per Share

Exchange

Ratio(1)

 

Per Share

Stock

Amount(1)(2)

 

Per Share

Cash

Amount(3)

 

Per Share

Merger

Consideration

Value(2)(3)

$23.00

 0.5627 $12.94 $7.79 $20.74

  22.00

 0.5883   12.94   7.79   20.74

  21.00

 0.6163   12.94   7.79   20.74

  20.00

 0.6471   12.94   7.79   20.74

  19.00

 0.6471   12.30   7.79   20.09

  18.00

 0.6471   11.65   7.79   19.44

  17.00

 0.6471   11.00   7.79   18.80

  16.00

 0.6471   10.35   7.79   18.15

  15.00

 0.6471     9.71   7.79   17.50

  14.00

 0.6471     9.06   7.79   16.85

  13.00

 0.6969     9.06   7.79   16.85

  12.00

 0.7550     9.06  ��7.79   16.85

  11.00

 0.8236     9.06   7.79   16.85

(1)

For average closing prices below $14.00, assumes that CVB Financial will increase the number of shares of CVB Financial common stock included in the merger consideration, though CVB Financial could instead elect to increase the amount of cash or to increase both the number shares and amount of cash, provided that the value of the per share merger consideration is $16.85 per share of Valley common stock (assuming there is no adjustment on account on Valley’s merger-related transaction expenses and that there are 3,002,014 shares of Valley common stock outstanding).

(2)

Assumes that the closing price of CVB Financial common stock on the date of the merger will be equal to the indicated average closing price.

(3)

Assumes that the cash consideration is not reduced as a result of Valley’s merger-related transaction expenses.

Further,each Suncrest Stock Award will automatically accelerate in full and be converted into the amount of the special dividend that Valley will payright to its shareholders depends on Valley’s tangible common equity as of the final date of the month immediately preceding the merger (or, if the Merger occurs during the first six days of the month, the final date of the second month immediately preceding the Merger). The aggregate amount of the special dividend will be equal to the amount by which Valley’s tangible common equity exceeds the greater of (1) $37,000,000 (or, if Valley has sold a specified loan, $37,500,000) or (2) the amount required to achieve an 8.0% tangible common equity ratio as of the final day of the month immediately preceding the closing date of the merger. Therefore, the amount of the special dividend will generally increase as Valley recognizes net earnings and will generally decease as Valley recognizes net losses, if

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any. Valley shareholders will receive a pro rata portion of the stock and cash merger consideration and the special dividend. Based on Valley’s common equity at September 30, 2016, Valley’s shareholders would have received approximately $13.7 million as a special dividend or approximately $4.56 cash per share, in addition to the merger consideration.

The exchange ratio in the merger agreement doeswill not permit Valleybe adjusted to issue additional sharesreflect CVB common stock price changes between now and the closing.

The cash consideration is subject to reduction, on a per share basis, by the sum of the following, if any:

a common equity tier 1 capital adjustment (i.e., the amount, if any, by which the adjusted common equity tier 1 capital of Suncrest is below the tier 1 benchmark, multiplying such difference, if any, by 1.5); plus

a transaction costs adjustment in the amount, if any, by which certain specified transaction costs of Suncrest exceed $5.8 million.

Based on the closing price of CVB common stock on July 27, 2021, the last trading day prior to the public announcement of the merger, and $2.69 per share in cash consideration and assuming no merger consideration adjustments, the merger consideration represented a value of $16.09 per share of Suncrest common stock. Using the closing price of CVB common stock on [•], 2021 and including $2.69 per share in cash consideration, the merger consideration represented a value of $[•] per share of Suncrest common stock. Accordingly, the dollar value of the stock consideration that Suncrest shareholders may receive will change depending on fluctuations in the market price of CVB common stock and there are no options to purchasewill not be known at the time you vote on the merger. You may obtain current stock quotations for CVB common stock, outstanding. Therefore,which is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CVBF.”

Based on the 0.6970 exchange ratio and the number of shares of ValleySuncrest common stock outstanding as of the date of the merger agreement, and assuming no merger consideration adjustments, CVB expects that approximately 8.5 million shares of its common stock will not change. No fractional sharesbecome issuable and approximately $33 million in cash will be issued. CVB Financial will pay cash in lieu of fractional shares.

Treatment of Valley Stock Options

The merger agreement provides that all outstanding stock optionspaid to purchase Valley common stock, to the extent not exercised, will be cancelled and the holderSuncrest shareholders as a result of the option will be entitled to receive, subject to any required tax withholding, an amount in cash, without interest, equal tomerger. In addition, based on the amount by which, if any, the value of the per share merger consideration to be received by holders of Valley stock exceeds the exercise price per share of the option, multiplied byset forth above and assuming the number of shares of ValleySuncrest stock underlyingoptions outstanding as of the option, whether or not vested. As

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date of January 9, 2016, however, allclosing is the same as of the date of the merger agreement, CVB anticipates that an additional $6 million will be paid to holders of Suncrest stock options at the closing. Giving effect to purchase Valleythe merger, Suncrest shareholders would hold, in aggregate, approximately 6% of CVB’s outstanding common stock had been exercisedfollowing the merger.

At the effective time of the merger, (i) any Suncrest common stock held by CVB or any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CVB or by Suncrest or any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Suncrest, other than those held in a fiduciary capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted, which are referred to as excluded shares, and there were(ii) any dissenting shares (subject to the procedures for dissenting shares described herein) will automatically be cancelled and retired and will cease to exist and no outstanding options to purchase shares of Valley common stock.consideration will be issued in exchange therefor.

Background of the Merger

Each of the CVB Financial and Valley’sSuncrest board of directors and management regularly review their respective business strategies, opportunities and challenges as part of their consideration and evaluation of their respective long-term prospects, with the goal of enhancing value for their respective shareholders.

For Valley’sthe Suncrest board of directors, those strategiesevaluations have included, among other things,considerations, the business and regulatory environment facing financial institutions generally, as well as conditions and ongoing consolidation in the financial services industry. Over the last few years, Valley’s board of directors has identified that one of the concerns for Valley is the importance of succession planning, because certain members of executive management are approaching retirement age and Valley will also need to find new directors to replace those who may plan to retire. Strategic discussion topics have typically involved a review of current and projected market conditions, theSuncrest’s results of operations, of Valley, certain peer group information comparisons, reported merger and acquisition activity and selected industry information and analysis provided to the Suncrest board of directors by its management and financial advisors.

Valley, on a regular basis,Suncrest has regularly evaluated strategic combinations through the acquisition of financial institutions in the Central Valley or the Central Coast area andof California, as well as strategic combinations with other financial institutions as a means of growing asset size, remaining more competitive and delivering a greater value for ValleySuncrest shareholders. In the normal course of its business, ValleySuncrest has, from time to time, received unsolicited verbal inquiries from various sources regarding possible interest in a potential business combination transaction. The general policy of Valley’s board of directors was to explore those opportunities where Valley would be the successor entity.

In late 2015, Valley discussed2020, Suncrest began discussions regarding a potential strategic transaction where Valley would not be the successor entity, but would become part ofwith a larger organization. Through this process, Valley recognized that its significant levelfinancial institution, which we refer to as Institution A, concerning Institution A’s potential acquisition of capital presentedSuncrest.

Following a challenge because most acquiringnumber of discussions with Institution A, Suncrest engaged MJC to act as Suncrest’s exclusive financial institutions were not paying premiums for excess capital. Rather, merger consideration was often basedadvisor on premiums being paid on capital ratios between 8% to 9%;March 7, 2021. MJC is an investment banking firm with little or no premium attributable to capitalsubstantial experience in excess of that range.

During this time Valley had conversations with Gary Steven Findley of Gary Steven Findley & Associates, whosimilar transactions. Over the years, MJC has conducted strategic planning exercises for ValleySuncrest and its board of directors for the last few years and, as a result, was familiar

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with Valley’s operation,Suncrest’s operations, as well as the merger and acquisition environment. DuringOn behalf of the last few years, Findley had discussedSuncrest board’s Mergers and Acquisitions Committee (the “M&A Committee”), MJC undertook an analysis of Institution A and other potential parties that appeared to have the financial ability to acquire Suncrest at a premium to its market value. This analysis also included the prospects of community banks in general; the current market conditionsmerger and stand-alone value of Valley, as well as possible alternative strategic partners.

In late 2015 Valley was approachedacquisition environment within the banking industry; the opportunity for Suncrest to better leverage its strengths and minimize its risks by a financial entity about a business combination. This financial institution was familiar with the Central Valley marketplace and was interestedengaging in a strategic business combination where Valley would be acquired by thatto enhance shareholder value; the prospects of Suncrest finding a potential partner; the potential risks associated with pursuing a potential business combination, including the disclosure of confidential information to Suncrest’s competitors; the consequences of an abandoned transaction to Suncrest’s shareholders, employees and customers; and the standalone financial entity for cashforecast of Suncrest and stock. Several conversations occurred between Valley and that other financial institution. When the conversations withmerits of continuing operations on a standalone basis.

At the financial entity that had approached Valley did not materialize with a value acceptable to Valley’s board of directors, Valley, through its President and Chief Executive Officer Allan W. Stone, made contact with CVB Financial regarding CVB Financial’s interest in expanding its business in the Central Valley.

Over many years, CVB Financial has considered acquisitions as a means of achieving growth and expanding its market. Most recently and consistent with this strategy, on February 29, 2016, CVB Financial acquired County Commerce Bank, which was based in Oxnard, California and had approximately $256 million in assets. Previously, in 2014, CVB Financial acquired American Security Bank, which was based in Newport Beach, California and had approximately $431 million in assets.

CVB Financial had completed other acquisitions and had established offices in the Central Valley over the last several years. In February, 2016, conversation began between Allan W. Stone and Chris Myers, President and CEO of CVB Financial, about a strategic combination that would involve both stock of CVB Financial, cash and a special dividend to Valley shareholders in the amountdirection of the excess capital of Valley. Allan W. StoneSuncrest M&A Committee, MJC initiated conversations in March 2021 with two larger financial institutions, which we refer to as Institution B and representatives of Valley, as well asInstitution C, and CVB Financial, met in early Marchorder to further discuss the strategic combination between CVB Financial and Valley, and preliminary information was disseminated between the parties. Based upon those conversations, an additional meeting was held on March 28, 2016 between the partiesprovide Suncrest with potential alternatives to discuss the cash, stock and special dividend that would be paid to Valley shareholders as part of the transaction.

ThroughoutInstitution A. In addition, beginning during the month of March 2021, as a result of overtures from MJC, CVB’s CEO and Suncrest’s CEO engaged in detailed discussions about a possible merger transaction between Suncrest and Citizens. Suncrest subsequently executed mutual non-disclosure agreements with Institution B on March 25, 2021, Institution C on April 2016, additional discussions took place concerning strategic combinations, focusing2, 2021, and CVB on March 23, 2021.

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On March 26, 2021, Mr. McMullan met with CVB’s CEO, David A. Brager, in Ontario, California.

On April 1, 2021, Mr. McMullan and Jean M. Carandang, Suncrest’s Chief Financial Officer, together with MJC, held a video conference call with Institution B to further familiarize Institution B’s leadership team with Suncrest and the value of CVB Financial shares, the capital ratios of Valley, the amount of the special dividend and overall timingopportunity of a potential transaction. Based upon those conversations, a draft letter of intent was submitted by CVB Financial to Valley on

On or around April 27, 2016, and additional discussions took place between the parties with regard to the letter of intent. The board of directors of Valley3, 2021, Mr. McMullan had a meeting on May 3, 2016telephone call with Institution C to further discuss the letter of intent, and based upon conversations during that meeting, additional conversations were heldfamiliarize Institution C’s leadership team with representatives of CVB Financial, which resulted in a revised letter of intent dated May 4, 2016 being submitted to the board of directors of Valley.

The board of directors of Valley met on May 5, 2016 to evaluate the letter of intent, at which time Findley was available to discuss the value of the offer. The value of the merger consideration offered, combined with the anticipated amount of the special cash dividend to be paid to Valley shareholders, was estimated at approximately $70 million. The number of shares being offered by CVB Financial was 1,942,673 shares,Suncrest and the amountopportunity of cash being delivereda potential transaction.

On April 21, 2021, CVB’s financial advisor, Piper Sandler & Co., which we refer to Valley shareholders byas Piper Sandler, provided an initial due diligence request list to Suncrest. The following day, Suncrest provided Piper Sandler and CVB Financial was $23.4 million. There was also discussion with regardaccess to a cap of Valley’s professional feesvirtual data room with due diligence materials.

On April 24, 2021, Institution C’s financial advisor provided an initial due diligence request list to Suncrest, and other transaction costs of Valley identified with the transaction, amounting to $3.5 million.

In the meeting of May 5, 2016, Valley’s board of directors discussed the merits of the letter of intent and analyzed the price terms, merits, risks and strategic reasons for and against the transaction. On May 5, 2016, Valley’s board of directors accepted CVB Financial’s letter of intent, and authorized and the execution of a nondisclosure agreement/confidentiality agreement dated May 4, 2016. Subsequently, on May 11, 2016 CVB Financial was provided with access to an electronica virtual data room which Valley began to populate with due diligence materials. From

On April 30, 2021, at the request of Institution C, Suncrest and MJC held a video conference which included Suncrest’s executive management team and the executive management team from Institution C, to discuss several topics of interest to Institution C.

During the week of May through September 15, 2016, Valley3, 2021, Institution A, Institution C, and CVB Financial continued mutual due diligenceverbally proposed an offer structured on fixed exchange ratios. Institution B elected not to participate in this process.

On May 16, 2021, MJC provided Institution A, Institution C and negotiatedCVB’s financial advisor, Piper Sandler, with a bid instruction letter outlining subjects and matters that should be included in a letter of intent.

At an executive session of the merger agreementCVB and related matters with the help of each institution’s legal and financial advisors.

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On July 11, 2016,Citizens boards on May 17, 2021, representatives of CVB Financial and Valley met and discussed the termsPiper Sandler reviewed a detailed presentation, key strategic considerations, including a pro forma financial analysis of a potential combination of the due diligence being been conductedtwo banks, a range of possible acquisition scenarios and economic terms, and various permutations of CVB stock and cash that could be offered as consideration for any purchase.

On May 20, 2021, Institution C submitted a nonbinding letter of intent proposing an acquisition of Suncrest in an all-stock transaction in which Suncrest shareholders would receive shares of Institution C’s common stock based on a fixed exchange ratio. The value of the importanceconsideration proposed by Institution C was $214.9 million or an implied value of $17.53 per share, based on the 20-day volume-weighted average closing price of Institution C’s common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Including an increased amountadditional estimated $7.3 million payable to holders of shareholders’ equitySuncrest stock options, the total value of Institution C’s offer was approximately $222.2 million.

Subsequently, following further discussions among the parties and their respective advisors, on May 21, 2021, the board of CVB reviewed and approved, in form and substance, a letter of intent (LOI) to be delivered by Valley as part of the transaction. From such date, until September 22, 2016, the parties engaged in significant discussion with regard to Suncrest containing the terms and conditions of a proposed acquisition offer.

On May 23, 2021, the executive management teams of Suncrest and CVB held a video conference call to discuss several topics of interest to CVB.

On May 24, 2021, CVB submitted a nonbinding letter of intent with a consideration mix of $3.40 in cash and 0.5960 of a share of CVB common stock for each share of Suncrest common stock, with an implied value of $17.00 per share of Suncrest common stock, based on the 20-day volume-weighted average closing price of CVB common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Including an additional estimated $6.8 million payable to holders of Suncrest stock options, the total value of CVB’s offer was approximately $215.2 million.

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On May 25, 2021, the Suncrest M&A Committee convened a meeting to consider the respective letters of intent received from CVB and Institution C. Institution A elected not to submit a letter of intent providing for a business combination with Suncrest. Representatives of MJC and Suncrest’s outside legal counsel, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP, which we refer to as Sheppard Mullin, attended this meeting. After reviewing the two letters of intent and consultation with its outside advisors, the Suncrest M&A Committee directed MJC to inform both parties that they would need to improve their bids.

On May 26, 2021, after additional discussions among the parties and their respective advisors, CVB’s board of directors approved the issuance of a revised nonbinding letter of intent. The revised LOI offered aggregate merger consideration of 8,542,432 shares of common stock and $32,908,463 cash, equating to a per share consideration mix of 0.6970 of a share of CVB common stock and $2.69 in cash for each share of Suncrest common stock. The total value of CVB’s revised offer as of this date was $228.1 million.

On May 27, 2021, the Suncrest M&A Committee met to consider CVB’s revised offer and the existing offer from Institution C. Representatives of MJC and Sheppard Mullin attended this meeting. At the direction of the Suncrest M&A Committee, Mr. McMullan requested that CVB make changes to its letter of intent concerning, among other things, certain closing conditions, the requirement that Suncrest executives enter into non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements with CVB, adherence to the Suncrest severance policy for Suncrest employees and the length of CVB’s period of exclusivity and anticipated timing of the completion of the transaction.

On June 2, 2021, CVB submitted a revised nonbinding letter of intent. The consideration amount was unchanged from CVB’s May 26, 2021 letter of intent, but the revised letter of intent included a number of updated terms in response to Suncrest’s requests.

On June 3, 2021, Suncrest accepted and executed CVB’s letter of intent and MJC advised Institution C that Suncrest had chosen to pursue a transaction with a different party. Later that day, Piper Sandler, on behalf of CVB, provided MJC with an updated due diligence request list. Suncrest again provided Piper Sandler and CVB access to a virtual data room and began uploading additional documents in response to CVB’s requests. Immediately thereafter, Mr. Brager and designated executives of CVB and Citizens commenced their due diligence review of Suncrest, and Mr. Brager and such designated executives reported on the ongoing results of such due diligence review to CVB’s and Citizens’ respective boards during executive session meetings held on June 16 and July 21, 2021.

On July 5, 2021, the Suncrest M&A Committee held a meeting at which a representative of Sheppard Mullin was present. At that meeting, a representative of Sheppard Mullin reviewed the material terms of CVB’s draft of the merger consideration, as well asagreement and discussed the special dividend andprocess for executing on the amount of shareholders’ equity to bemerger with CVB. On July 14, 2021, Sheppard Mullin delivered by Valley asa revised draft of the month priormerger agreement to closing.CVB’s outside legal counsel, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, which we refer to as Manatt, reflecting comments from the Suncrest M&A Committee and Sheppard Mullin.

On August 12, 2016, Valley receivedOver the first draftfollowing days, representatives of CVB and Suncrest discussed and negotiated various terms of the proposed merger agreement and overancillary agreements, including certain financial tests and closing conditions to the next 40 daysmerger and which members of the parties, financial advisorsSuncrest board and the legal counsel negotiated the termsmanagement would sign non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements.

On July 26, 2021, Manatt provided a final version of the merger agreement and ancillary agreements to Sheppard Mullin, which was in turn distributed to the related merger documents.

On September 13, 2016, Valley’sSuncrest board of directors convened a special meetinglater that day.

Only July 27, 2021, the Suncrest board of directors, together with representatives from MJC and Gary Steven Findley & Associates, Valley’s legal counsel, provided a detailed overview ofSheppard Mullin, met by teleconference to consider the merger agreement and related exhibits, including voting agreements and non-solicitationancillary agreements. At thatthis meeting, Vining SparksMJC reviewed the financial aspects of the proposed merger and rendered its verbalto the Suncrest board an opinion which was confirmed in writing as of September 22, 2016, to the effect that, as of that date and subject to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered, and

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qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Vining SparksMJC as set forth in such opinion, the merger consideration to be received by the holders of Valley common stock, inclusive of the special dividend, in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders. Thethe holders of Suncrest common stock. Among other matters considered, the Suncrest board of directors of Valley determined that if a few final issues withreviewed the draft merger agreement could be resolved, most significantly the inclusionspecific terms of a walk-away collar giving Valley the right to terminate the merger agreement, if the average tradingform and value of the consideration to be received by Suncrest shareholders, the price and historical performance of CVB’s common stock, current market conditions including comparable bank merger and acquisition transactions, and the implications of the merger for Suncrest employees and customers. Following these discussions, review and analysis of materials provided to the board of directors and discussion among the members of the board of directors, the Suncrest board of directors determined that the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby are advisable and in the best interests of Suncrest and its shareholders, and the Suncrest board of directors unanimously voted to approve and adopt the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby.

On July 27, 2021 a special joint meeting of the CVB and Citizens board of directors was held to review the proposed merger agreement and the related ancillary documents, copies of which were provided to the boards in advance of the meeting. Representatives of Manatt and Piper Sandler also attended this meeting. Among other things, Mr. Brager and other executive officers of CVB discussed with the boards the terms of the proposed merger, the negotiations to date and the diligence undertaken by CVB and its advisors in respect of Suncrest. A representative of Piper Sandler and a representative of Manatt reviewed with the boards of directors the material terms of the proposed draft definitive agreements. A representative of Piper Sandler also reviewed the financial aspects of the proposed merger and financial analysis related to the merger. Following these discussions, review and analysis of materials provided to the boards of directors and discussion among the members of the boards of directors, the CVB and Citizens board of directors determined that the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby are advisable and in the best interests of CVB and its shareholders, and the CVB and Citizens’ boards of directors unanimously voted to approve and adopt the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby.

On July 27, 2021, the merger agreement and ancillary agreements were executed and delivered by CVB, Citizens and Suncrest. The transaction was publicly announced in the afternoon of July 27, 2021. Based on a $19.23 per share closing price of CVB Financial common stock fell below a specified level shortly prioron July 27, 2021, the aggregate merger consideration to closingbe paid to Suncrest shareholders was approximately $197 million, or $16.09 per share of Suncrest common stock.

Suncrest’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Merger by the Suncrest Board of Directors

The Suncrest board of directors has determined that the merger is fair to and in the best interests of Suncrest and its shareholders and, by the unanimous vote of all of the directors of Suncrest, approved and adopted the merger agreement and the conditions to and treatment of a potential sale of a certain charged-off loan, they would be in a positionmerger. ACCORDINGLY, THE SUNCREST BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT ALL SUNCREST SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE MERGER PROPOSAL.

In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement and other related documents.

On September 19, 2016, a meeting was held with representatives of CVB Financial, including CVB Financial’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Chris Myers, CVB Financial’s Chairman of the Board, Ray O’Brien, CVB Financial’s Chief Financial Officer, Allen Nicholson, and a representative of CVB Financial’s investment banker, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., along with Valley’s fulltransactions contemplated thereby, the Suncrest board of directors and Gary Steven Findley. At that meeting, there was discussion with regard to the inclusion of a walk-away collar giving Valley the right to terminateevaluated the merger agreement ifin consultation with Suncrest executive management, as well as Suncrest’s legal counsel and financial advisor, and considered numerous factors, including the averagefollowing:

an extensive review of strategic options available to Suncrest;

CVB’s business, financial condition, results of operations, asset quality, earnings and prospects, and the performance of CVB’s common stock on both a historical and prospective basis;

the risks and prospects of Suncrest remaining independent, including (i) the challenges of the current and prospective economic, regulatory and competitive environment facing the financial services industry generally, and Suncrest in particular, including the importance of scale in the financial services industry, the anticipated prolonged low interest rate environment and its potential effect on net interest margin, the current historically low income tax rate, and the current

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low level of credit losses; (ii) the increasing costs associated with banking regulation, compliance and technology, including the substantial cost that Suncrest would have to incur in either 2022 or 2023 to replace its core banking system; and (iii) the anticipated costs of continuing to develop and enhance Suncrest’s business capabilities;

the results that Suncrest could expect to achieve by remaining independent in light of the aforementioned risks and prospects, and the likely value to Suncrest shareholders of that course of action, as compared to the value of the merger consideration to be received in connection with a merger with CVB;

the financial terms of the merger;

the structure of the merger consideration, payable in both shares of CVB common stock, which will allow Suncrest shareholders to participate in the future performance of the combined company’s business and synergies resulting from the merger and from improved conditions for financial institutions or in the general economy, and cash;

that the merger consideration represented an implied stock price premium of 7.6%, based on the closing prices of Suncrest common stock and CVB common stock on July 27, 2021, the last trading day prior to the public announcement of the merger, an implied stock price premium of 11.9%, based on the closing price of CVB FinancialSuncrest common stock fell below a specified level shortly prior to closing and CVB Financial the right to terminate the merger agreement if the average trading price of CVB Financial common stock rose a specified level shortly prior to closing, the conditions to and treatment of a potential sale of a certain charged-off loan,on July 27, 2021 and the expectations among the respective parties related to merger transaction. After those discussions, the Valley board of directors unanimously approved the merger agreement and other related documents, subject to the merger agreement’s inclusion of a walk-away collar and agreed-upon provisions concerning the sale of a specified loan. CVB Financial and Valley subsequently negotiated a walk-away collar that would allow CVB Financial to terminate the merger agreement if thevolume weighted average closing price of CVB Financial common stock were $20.50over a twenty day period ending on July 26, 2021, and an implied stock price premium of 21.9%, based on the closing price of Suncrest common stock on July 27, 2021 and the issuance price of CVB common stock as reflected in the letter of intent signed by Suncrest on June 2, 2021;

the expected pro forma financial impact of the merger, taking into account anticipated cost savings and other factors, and the fact that the merger is expected to be accretive to the combined company in terms of earnings per share in 2022, with modest tangible book value dilution;

the advantages of being part of a larger financial institution, such as CVB, including the potential for operating efficiencies, the ability to leverage overhead costs, and the generally higher trading multiples of larger financial institutions;

the need for greater liquidity for Suncrest shareholders, and the fact that CVB’s common stock is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or greaterthe Exchange Act, and publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market;

the fact that would allow ValleyCVB has historically paid dividends on its common stock;

the ability of CVB’s management team to terminatesuccessfully integrate and operate the business of the combined company after the merger, as evidenced by the success of CVB and Citizens in completing and integrating previous mergers of community banks;

the terms of the merger agreement, ifincluding the averagerepresentations, covenants, deal protection and termination provisions and the size of the termination fee payable by Suncrest in certain circumstances in relation to the overall transaction size;

the fact that the merger agreement does not include any unrealistic closing conditions based on the financial performance of Suncrest between signing and closing of the merger;

the likelihood that the merger will be completed on a timely basis, including the likelihood that the merger will receive all necessary regulatory approvals in a timely manner;

the fact that the merger agreement does not preclude a third party from making an unsolicited acquisition proposal to Suncrest and that, under certain circumstances more fully described under “The Merger Agreement—Covenants and Agreements—No Solicitation of Alternative Transactions” on page 63, Suncrest may furnish non-public information to, and enter into discussions with, such a third party regarding a qualifying acquisition proposal;

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the ability of the Suncrest board of directors to change its recommendation that Suncrest shareholders vote to approve the merger agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the merger agreement (including the right of CVB to match any competing bid and the payment by Suncrest of a termination fee);

Suncrest’s management’s view that the merger will allow for greater opportunities for Suncrest’s clients, customers and other constituencies, and that the potential synergies, low loan and deposit concentration levels allowing greater growth in all classes of commercial lending, deposit gathering, and diversification resulting from the merger will enhance product offerings and customer service beyond the level believed to be reasonably achievable by Suncrest on an independent basis;

the expectation that the merger will qualify as a “reorganization” for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

the prices paid and the terms of other recent comparable combinations of banks and bank holding companies;

the financial presentation, dated July 27, 2021, of MJC to the Suncrest board and the written opinion, dated July 27, 2021, of MJC to the Suncrest board, as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of the opinion, to the holders of Suncrest common stock of the merger consideration, as more fully described below under “Opinion of Suncrest’s Financial Advisor;” and

the Suncrest board’s review and discussions with Suncrest’s management and advisors concerning Suncrest’s due diligence examination of the operations, financial condition and regulatory compliance programs and prospects of CVB.

The Suncrest board also considered the potential adverse consequences of the proposed merger, including:

the stock consideration being based on a fixed exchange ratio and the resulting risk that the consideration to be paid to Suncrest shareholders could be adversely affected by a decrease in the trading price of CVB Financial common stock were $13.50prior to the closing of the merger;

the potential that the cash merger consideration could be reduced if Suncrest’s common equity tier 1 capital on a prescribed measurement date is below $122.9 million or less.if certain of Suncrest’s transaction expenses exceed $5.8 million;

the potential for diversion of management and employee attention, and for employee attrition, during the period following the announcement of the merger and prior to the completion of the merger, and the potential effect on Suncrest’s business and relations with customers, service providers and other stakeholders, whether or not the merger is completed;

the risk that Suncrest might not satisfy some or all of the financial measures that are conditions to CVB’s obligation to complete the merger;

the potential that certain provisions of the merger agreement prohibiting Suncrest from soliciting, and limiting its ability to respond to, proposals for alternative transactions, and requiring the payment of a termination fee could have the effect of discouraging an alternative proposal;

the interests of Suncrest’s officers and directors with respect to the merger apart from their interests as holders of Suncrest common stock, and the risk that these interests might influence their decision with respect to the merger;

the requirement that Suncrest conduct its business in the ordinary course and the other restrictions on the conduct of Suncrest’s business prior to completion of the merger, which may delay or prevent Suncrest from undertaking business opportunities that may arise pending completion of the merger;

The CVB Financial34


the regulatory and other approvals required in connection with the merger and the possibility that such regulatory approvals may not be received in a timely manner and may include the imposition of burdensome conditions;

the transaction costs and expenses that will be incurred in connection with the merger, including the costs of integrating the businesses of Suncrest and CVB;

the possible effects on Suncrest should the parties fail to complete the merger, including the increased difficulty of resuming operations with a standalone strategy, the possible effects on the price of Suncrest common stock, and the business and opportunity costs;

the risk of litigation arising from shareholders in respect of the merger agreement or transactions contemplated thereby; and

the other risks described under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 16, and the risks of investing in CVB common stock identified in the “Risk Factors” sections of CVB’s periodic reports filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference herein.

This description of the information and factors considered by the Suncrest board of directors held a meeting on September 21, 2016, which was also attended by CVB Financial’s managementis not intended to be exhaustive, but is believed to include all material factors the Suncrest board of directors considered. In determining whether to approve and its legalrecommend the merger agreement, the Suncrest board of directors did not assign any relative or specific weights to any of the foregoing factors, and financial advisors.individual directors may have weighed factors differently. After a thorough discussion, CVB Financial’sdeliberating with respect to the merger and the merger agreement, considering, among other things, the reasons discussed above, the Suncrest board of directors approved the merger agreement and the other related agreements with Valleymerger as being in the best interests of Suncrest and its officers and directors that are contemplated byshareholders, based on the total mix of information available to the Suncrest board of directors.

This explanation of Suncrest’s reasons for the merger agreement.and other information presented in this section is forward-looking in nature and should be read in light of the section entitled “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

On September 21, 2016, final execution copiesSuncrest’s board of directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement and recommends that Suncrest shareholders vote “FOR” approval of the merger agreement were distributed.proposal.

On September 22, 2016, and pursuant to the resolutions adopted by eachOpinion of CVBSuncrest’s Financial and Valley’sAdvisor

Suncrest’s board of directors CVB Financialengaged MJC Partners, LLC to act as its financial advisor and Valley entered intoto provide an opinion of the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the shareholders of Suncrest of the merger agreement datedconsideration.

Suncrest’s board of directors selected MJC based upon its reputation, its knowledge of financial institution and its experience as a financial advisor in mergers and acquisitions of September 22, 2016. On September 22, 2016, afterfinancial institutions similar to the closemerger. Suncrest imposed no limitations on MJC’s investigations or the procedures it followed to render its opinion.

MJC acted as an independent financial advisor to the Suncrest board of trading ondirectors in connection with the NASDAQ Global Select Market, a joint press release announcingproposed merger and participated in certain of the negotiations leading to the execution of the merger agreement was issued by CVB Financial and Valley.

-40-


Asagreement. At the July 27, 2021 meeting, at which the Suncrest board of December 5, 2016, CVB Financial common stock had traded above $20.50 for 15 consecutive trading days and the merger agreement’s walk-away collar provision would entitle CVB Financial to terminatedirectors approved the merger agreement, if CVB Financial’s common stock continued to trade at such levels during the 10 trading days ending on the fifth trading day prior to the anticipated date of the merger. During the weeks of December 5, 2016 and December 12, 2016, representatives of CVB Financial and Valley discussed changing the walk-away collar to eliminate the ability of the parties to terminate the agreement and instead include a collar that would provide a cap and floor for the value of the aggregate merger consideration.

During the week of December 12, 2016, the parties discussed a proposed pricing collar requiring the aggregate merger consideration to have a value of not less than $50,597,000 and not more than $62,253,000, subject to potential adjustment. In addition, the parties discussed eliminating a provision making CVB Financial’s obligation to complete the merger subject to the condition that Valley’s merger-related transaction expenses not exceed $3,500,000 and that certain of those expenses not exceed certain sub-limits specified in the merger agreement.

On December 15, 2016, Valley’s board of directors convened a special meeting and Gary Steven Findley & Associates provided a detailed overview of the proposed material changes to the merger agreement. At that meeting, Vining Sparks reviewed the financial aspects of the proposed pricing collar and updatedMJC issued its written opinion to the effect, which was subsequently confirmed in writing as of December 19, 2016, that, as of that date, and subject to the procedures following, assumptions made, matters considered, and qualification and limits on the review undertaken by Vining Sparks as set forth in its opinion, and giving effect to the proposed pricing collar, the merger consideration to be received by Valley common stock, inclusive of the special dividend, was fair, from a financial point of view, to the shareholders of Suncrest. This proxy statement/prospectus summary of the MJC opinion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion. The full text of the opinion of MJC, dated July 27, 2021, which describes the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken, is attached hereto as Annex B. Suncrest shareholders should read this opinion in its entirety.

MJC’s opinion is directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the merger consideration, and, as such, holders. Atdoes not constitute a recommendation to any Suncrest shareholder as to how the meeting, Valley’sshareholder

35


should vote at the special meeting. The summary of the opinion of MJC set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion.

The following summary of the analyses performed by MJC is not a complete description of the analyses performed by MJC to render its fairness opinion and is not a complete description of the presentation made by MJC to the Suncrest board of directors unanimously approveddirectors. MJC did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis and factor considered by it, but rather made qualitative judgments about the proposed amendmentsignificance and relevance of each analysis and factor. MJC did not express any opinion as to the fairness of the amount or nature of the compensation to be received in the merger agreement.

The CVB Financial boardby any officer, director or employee of directors held a meeting on December 16, 2016, which was also attended by CVB Financial’s management. At the meeting, CVB Financial’s boardSuncrest, or any class of directors unanimously approved the amendmentsuch persons, if any, relative to the merger agreement.

CVBcompensation to be received by any other shareholder. MJC believes that its analyses and Valley entered into the amendment to the merger agreement on December 19, 2016. On December 20, 2016, after the closing of trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, CVBfollowing summary must be considered as a whole, and Valley issued a joint press release announcing the executionthat selecting portions of the amendment.

Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of Valley’s Board of Directors

Valley’s board of directors believes the proposed merger with CVB Financial is fair and in the best interestsanalyses without considering all factors could create an incomplete account of its shareholders,analyses and its fairness opinion.

To carry out its analyses and to render its opinion concerning the fairness of the per share merger consideration, MJC:

(1)

reviewed the merger agreement and terms of the proposed merger;

(2)

reviewed certain historical publicly available business and financial information concerning CVB and Suncrest, including among other things, quarterly and annual reports filed with the FDIC;

(3)

analyzed certain financial projections prepared by the managements of CVB and Suncrest;

(4)

reviewed certain potential scenarios, and business plans, provided by CVB and Suncrest, concerning Citizens following the merger;

(5)

reviewed the terms of recent merger and acquisition transactions, to the extent publicly available, involving banks and bank holding companies that MJC considered relevant; and

(6)

performed such other analyses and considered such other factors as MJC considered appropriate.

MJC also took into account its assessment of general economic, market and financial conditions and its experience in other transactions as well as its employeesknowledge of the banking industry and its general experience in securities valuations.

Without independent verification, MJC assumed the accuracy and completeness of the financial and other information and representations contained in the materials provided by Suncrest and in discussions with Suncrest. MJC assumed that financial forecasts, including, without limitation, the projections regarding under-performing and nonperforming assets and net charge-offs were reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting best currently available information and judgments of Suncrest, and that the forecasts will be realized in the amounts and at the times contemplated thereby. MJC did not evaluate the loan and lease portfolio to assess the adequacy of the allowances for losses, and assumed that the allowance is adequate to cover loan and lease losses. MJC did not conduct a physical inspection of any properties or facilities, did not review individual credit files, and did not make an independent evaluation or appraisal of any properties, assets, or liabilities of CVB or Suncrest, or any of their respective subsidiaries and MJC was not furnished with any such evaluations or appraisals. MJC assumed that the merger will be consummated substantially in accordance with the terms set forth in the merger agreement. MJC further assumed that the merger will be accounted for as a purchase under generally accepted accounting principles. MJC assumed that the merger is, and will be, in compliance with all laws and regulations that are applicable to CVB and Suncrest.

MJC reviewed the financial terms of the proposed merger. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the merger each share of Suncrest common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the transaction, except for certain shares as set forth in the Merger Agreement, shall be converted into the right to receive, subject to proration and the communities servedprovisions of the Merger Agreement, without interest: (i) a fractional share of CVB common stock determined by Valley. a fixed exchange ratio of 0.6970, plus (ii) cash in the amount

36


of $2.69 per share. MJC assumed for purposes of its analysis that the consideration mix for the issued and outstanding shares of Suncrest common stock, including consideration for options, would be 80.9% stock and 19.1% cash. MJC calculated an aggregate implied transaction value of approximately $204.3 million and an implied purchase price per share of $16.18 consisting of the implied value of 0.6970 shares of CVB common stock based on the closing price of CVB’s common stock on July 26, 2021 plus cash in the amount of $2.69. Based upon financial information for Suncrest as of or for the last twelve months (“LTM”) ended June 30, 2021 and the closing price of Suncrest’s common stock on July 26, 2021, MJC calculated the following implied transaction metrics:

Transaction Price Per Share / Tangible Book Value Per Share

151%

Transaction Price Per Share / LTM Earnings Per Share

12.7x

Tangible Book Premium / Core Deposits(1)

6.8%

Market Premium as of July 26, 2021

9.7%

(1)

Calculated as (aggregate deal value minus Suncrest’s tangible common equity) divided by (Suncrest’s non-time deposits).

MJC also calculated alternative aggregate and per share implied transaction values based on the volume weighted average closing price of CVB’s common stock over a twenty day period ending on July 26, 2021 and the issuance price stated on the Letter of Intent (“LOI”) signed on June 2, 2021. The aggregate implied transaction value was approximately $208.6 million with an implied price per share of $16.50 based on the volume weighted average closing price of CVB’s common stock over a twenty day period ending on July 26, 2021, and approximately $228.1 million with an implied price per share of $17.98 based on the issuance price stated on the LOI signed on June 2, 2021.

Based upon financial information for Suncrest as of or for the LTM ended June 30, 2021 and the closing price of Suncrest’s common stock on July 26, 2021, MJC calculated the following implied transaction metrics based on the volume weighted average closing price of CVB’s common stock over a twenty day period ending on July 26, 2021 and the issuance price stated on the LOI signed on June 2, 2021:

  July 26, 2021
(20-day
VWAP)
 June 2, 2021
(LOI Issuance
Price)

Transaction Price Per Share / Tangible Book Value Per Share

 154% 168%

Transaction Price Per Share / LTM Earnings Per Share

 12.9x 14.1x

Tangible Book Premium / Core Deposits(1)

 7.2% 9.0%

Market Premium as of July 26, 2021

 11.9% 21.9%

(1)

Calculated as (aggregate deal value minus Suncrest’s tangible common equity) divided by (Suncrest’s non-time deposits)

In reachingaddition, based on Wall Street analyst estimates, MJC calculated the amount of the dividend Suncrest shareholders could expect to receive following a combination with CVB through the year ending December 31, 2022 which demonstrated Suncrest shareholders would receive a cash dividend equivalent to 37% to 42.5% of total net income that Suncrest would generate on a stand-alone basis.

Present Value. Using Suncrest’s projected earnings and tangible book value for years ending December 31, 2021 through December 31, 2026 and assuming 7% to 8% annual asset growth through 2026, based on Suncrest guidance, MJC estimated the terminal value of Suncrest common stock as a multiple of tangible book value and as a multiple of earnings per share. MJC discounted the terminal values back to present value using a range of discount rates. For terminal values at the end of the fifth year, MJC performed two analyses, one assuming a trading multiple range from 1.43x to 1.63x times projected tangible book value per share, and the other assuming a trading multiple range from 16.1x to 18.1x times projected earnings per share. MJC calculated the present value

37


of these terminal amounts based on discount rates ranging from 9.8% to 11.8%. These rates and values were chosen to reflect different assumptions regarding the required rates of return of holders or prospective buyers of Suncrest’s common stock. The number of shares of Suncrest common stock outstanding remained constant in the projections at the then current number outstanding of 12,256,000. Based on projecting earnings per share of $1.66 in 2026 and tangible book value per share value of $18.70 at the end of 2026 and applying a range of multiples of earnings per share and tangible book value per share, MJC arrived at a range of present values from a low of $16.25 to a high of $20.08 on a tangible book value per share basis, and a low of $16.19 to a high of $19.75 on an earnings per share basis.

Terminal value as a multiple of tangible book value per share, discounted to present value

 
       Discount Rate 
     9.8  10.3  10.8  11.3  11.8

Terminal Price / TBV

   1.43x   $17.62  $17.27  $16.92  $16.58  $16.25 
   1.48x   $18.24  $17.87  $17.51  $17.16  $16.82 
   1.53x   $18.85  $18.47  $18.10  $17.74  $17.38 
   1.58x   $19.47  $19.07  $18.69  $18.31  $17.95 
   1.63x   $20.08  $19.68  $19.28  $18.89  $18.52 

Terminal value as a multiple of earnings per share, discounted to present value

 
       Discount Rate 
     9.8  10.3  10.8  11.3  11.8

Terminal Price / EPS

   16.1x   $17.56  $17.21  $16.86  $16.52  $16.19 
   16.6x   $18.11  $17.74  $17.38  $17.04  $16.70 
   17.1x   $18.65  $18.28  $17.91  $17.55  $17.20 
   17.6x   $19.20  $18.81  $18.43  $18.06  $17.70 
   18.1x   $19.75  $19.35  $18.96  $18.58  $18.21 

Comparable Transactions. MJC reviewed a group of comparable merger and acquisition transactions selected by MJC consisting of whole commercial bank acquisition transactions throughout the United States announced on or after January 1, 2021 with publicly available pricing data and in which the target’s total assets were between $750 million and $2 billion, resulting in 22 transactions satisfying the criteria. The group of comparable merger and acquisition transactions is summarized in the table immediately following.

38


22 U.S. Transactions

 

Acquirer Information

 

Target Information

  Transaction Overview 

Company

 

State

 

Company

 

City, State

 Total
Assets

($millions)
  Announce
Date
  Deal
Value
($millions)
  Multiples / Ratio 
 Price to
last 12
months
earnings
per
share
(x)
  Price to
tangible
book
value

(x)
  Tangible
book
value
premium
/ core
deposits
(%)
 

Blue Ridge Bankshares

 VA FVC Bankcorp Inc. Fairfax, VA $1,884.5   07/14/21  $306.9   16.9x   1.51x   8.5

Lakeland Bancorp

 NJ 1st Constitution Bancorp Cranbury, NJ $1,806.2   07/12/21  $243.7   12.3x   1.56x   6.5

Mid Penn Bancorp

 PA Riverview Financial Corp. Harrisburg, PA $1,374.8   06/30/21  $124.7   NM   1.28x   2.8

Valley National Bancorp

 NY Westchester Bank Holding Corp. White Plains, NY $1,313.1   06/29/21  $219.7   18.0x   1.69x   8.6

Columbia Banking System Inc.

 WA Bank of Commerce Holdings Sacramento, CA $1,829.1   06/23/21  $268.8   14.7x   1.66x   7.1

Farmers National Banc Corp.

 OH Cortland Bancorp Cortland, OH $791.7   06/23/21  $124.0   12.6x   1.51x   6.8

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.

 WI County Bancorp Inc. Manitowoc, WI $1,491.3   06/22/21  $220.6  

 

15.6x

 

  1.35x   6.9

Simmons First National Corp.

 AR 

Landmark Community Bank

 Collierville, TN $1,006.7   06/07/21  $146.3   14.0x   1.43x   8.0

Simmons First National Corp.

 AR Triumph Bancshares Inc. Memphis, TN $893.7   06/07/21  $131.6   17.2x   1.53x   8.8

United Bankshares, Inc.

 WV Community Bankers Trust Corp Richmond, VA $1,698.8   06/03/21  $304.7   14.2x   1.68x   11.7

First Bancorp

 NC Select Bancorp Inc. Dunn, NC $1,832.3   06/01/21  $314.3   23.8x   1.85x   11.0

United Community Banks Inc.

 GA Aquesta Financial Holdings Cornelius, NC $752.3   05/27/21  $129.2   18.1x   2.14x   11.8

Equity Bancshares Inc.

 KS American State Bancshares Inc. Wichita, KS $777.1   05/17/21  $76.8   21.6x   1.13x   1.5

Bank of Marin Bancorp

 CA American River Bankshares Rancho Cordova, CA $869.0   04/19/21  $134.7   18.7x   1.74x   8.4

HPS Investment Partners LLC

 NY 

Marlin Business

Services Corp.

 Mount Laurel, NJ $1,022.0   04/19/21  $299.5   NM   1.48x   NA 

Nicolet Bankshares Inc.

 WI Mackinac Financial Corp Manistique, MI $1,501.7   04/12/21  $248.3   18.3x   1.69x   NA 

VyStar CU

 FL Heritage Southeast Bancorp. Jonesboro, GA $1,571.2   03/31/21  $194.4   NM   1.84x   7.4

Peoples Bancorp Inc.

 OH Premier Financial Bancorp Inc. Huntington, WV $1,945.8   03/29/21  $292.4   12.9x   1.39x   NA 

Banc of California Inc.

 CA Pacific Mercantile Bancorp Costa Mesa, CA $1,587.6   03/22/21  $247.8   29.2x   1.53x   6.7

Stock Yards Bancorp Inc.

 

KY

 

Kentucky Bancshares Inc.

 

Paris, KY

 $1,200.5   01/27/21  $191.3   16.3x   1.71x   NA 

First Busey Corp.

 

IL

 

Cummins-American Corp.

 

Glenview, IL

 $1,395.4   01/19/21  $130.8   17.1x   1.12x   1.3

BancorpSouth Bank

 

MS

 

FNS Bancshares Inc.

 

Scottsboro, AL

 $786.5   01/13/21  $108.4   19.4x   1.54x   6.5
  25th Percentile $922.0   $131.0   14.5x   1.44x   6.6
 Average $1,333.3   $202.7   17.4x   1.56x   7.2
 Median $1,385.1   $207.1   17.1x   1.53x   7.3
 75th Percentile $1,671.0   $263.7   18.5x   1.69x   8.6

39


MJC calculated the average, median, 25th percentile rank, and 75th percentile rank in terms of deal price as a percent tangible book value; deal price as a percent of last-twelve-months earnings per share, and deal price minus tangible book value as a percent of core deposits. MJC applied these results to produce a range of implied values for Suncrest common stock based on last-twelve-months earnings per share, tangible book value, and core deposits as of June 30, 2021; taking the average of deal price as a percent of last-twelve-months earnings per share, deal price as a percent of tangible book value, and deal price minus tangible book value as a percent of core deposits to establish a range from 25th percentile to 75th percentile and median. MJC utilized the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile multiples to determine an implied value of Suncrest’s common stock. Based on this conclusion, Valley’sanalysis of the selected transactions, the implied value of Suncrest common stock using the average of the three multiples ranged from $16.92 to $20.15 when all transactions from both groups of transactions were considered as summarized in the tables immediately following.

22 U.S. transactions 
   Deal price multiple  Suncrest Bank implied value per share 
   25h
percentile
  Median  75th
percentile
  25th
percentile
   Median   75th
percentile
 

Deal price as a percent of last 12 months earnings per share

   14.5x   17.1x   18.5x  $18.43   $21.76   $23.59 

Deal price as a percent of tangible book value

   1.44x   1.53x   1.69x  $15.48   $16.44   $18.13 

Deal price minus tangible book value, as a percent of core deposits

   6.6  7.3  8.6 $16.84   $17.50   $18.72 
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Three factor average  $16.92   $18.57   $20.15 
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Metrics. MJC considered Suncrest’s financial performance as of or for the twelve months ended June 30, 2021 relative to the selected group of target institutions, considering target financial performance as of or for the most recent twelve months ended at the transaction announcement dates. Specifically, MJC considered four financial metrics: (1) tangible common equity as a percent of total assets, (2) last 12 months’ return on average assets, (3) last 12 months’ return on average equity, and (4) nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets. For this purpose, nonperforming assets include all nonaccrual loans, loans 90 days or more past due but still accruing, restructured loans, and other real estate owned.

   Tangible
common equity
as a percent of
total assets
  Last 12
months’
return on

average
assets
  Last 12
months’
return on
average
equity
  Nonperforming
assets as a
percent of total
assets
 

22 U.S. Transactions

  25th percentile   9.0  0.78  6.4  0.54
  Average   10.0  0.78  7.2  1.00
  Median   9.8  0.97  8.7  0.76
  75th percentile   10.2  1.07  10.4  1.03
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  Suncrest Bank   9.9  1.22  9.6  0.35
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Based on Suncrest’s financial performance as measured by these four financial metrics and the Present Value – tangible book value basis, present value – earnings per share basis and the comparable transaction analyses described above, MJC derived an estimated range of minimum and maximum values for Suncrest common stock as follows:

   Estimate of value per share 
   Minimum   Maximum 

Present Value – TBV basis

  $16.25   $20.08 

Present Value – EPS basis

  $16.19   $19.75 

U.S. M&A Transactions (22 transactions)

  $16.92   $20.15 

Estimated Range of Value

   $16.00 - $18.00     

40


Proforma Merger Analysis. MJC analyzed certain potential pro forma effects of the merger, based on the assumptions that (i) the merger is completed in the fourth calendar quarter of 2021 and (ii) each share of outstanding Suncrest common stock will be converted into the right to receive 0.6970 shares of CVB common stock and $2.69 in cash. MJC also incorporated the following assumptions: (i) financial projections for CVB for the years ending December 31, 2021 through December 31, 2023 based on Wall Street analyst estimates and per MJC thereafter through the year ending December 31, 2026 based on MJC estimates; (ii) internal financial projections for Suncrest for the years ending December 31, 2021 through December 31, 2026 based upon MJC estimates and discussions with Suncrest’s senior management; (iii) purchase accounting adjustments consisting of (a) a credit mark on loans and (b) core deposit intangibles; (iv) estimated annual cost savings based on estimates provided by CVB and its representatives; and (v) estimated, pre-tax, one-time transaction costs based on estimates provided by Suncrest. The analysis indicated that the merger could be accretive to CVB’s estimated earnings per share in 2022 and immediately dilutive to estimated tangible book value. In connection with these analyses, MJC considered and discussed with Suncrest’s board of directors discussed the proposed merger with itsand senior management of CVB how the analysis would be affected by changes in the underlying assumptions, including the impact of final purchase accounting adjustments determined at the closing of the merger, and withnoted that the actual results achieved by the combined company may vary from projected results and the variations may be material.

Based on these analyses and other investigations and assumptions set forth in its financial and legal advisors and consideredopinion, MJC determined that as of July 27, 2021, the relative advantages and disadvantages of remaining independent rather than entering intodate on which the merger. Valley’sSuncrest’s board of directors unanimously recommend that Valley’sapproved the merger agreement, the merger consideration was fair from a financial point of view to Suncrest shareholders.

MJC’s Relationship. MJC is acting as Suncrest’s financial advisor in connection with the merger.MJC received a fee of $100,000 for rendering its written opinion to the Suncrest board of directors concerning the fairness to Suncrest shareholders vote in favor of the merger agreementconsideration. This fee is creditable against a transaction success fee equal to $2,300,000 which MJC will be entitled to receive if the merger is completed. In addition, Suncrest has agreed to indemnify MJC against certain claims or liabilities arising out of MJC’s engagement. In the two years prior the issuance of this opinion, MJC had a material relationship with Suncrest for which MJC received compensation, in the form of a retainer, to act as Suncrest’s financial advisor and consummationto render certain financial advisory and investment banking services in connection with Suncrest’s consideration of strategic alternatives.

CVB’s Reasons for the Merger

In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

In unanimously approving the merger agreement, the merger and other transactions contemplated in the merger agreement, inclusive of the special dividend as being in the best interests of Valley and its shareholders and recommending that Valley shareholders vote “FOR” the merger proposal, Valley’sCVB board of directors consulted with Valley’sCVB senior management, as well as its financial and legal advisors, and considered a number of factors, including the following material factors:

 

Its knowledgeeach of Valley’sCVB’s, Suncrest’s and the combined company’s business, operations, financial condition, asset quality, earnings capital and prospects both as an independent organization, as a possible acquirer executing its strategic plan and as a part of a combined company with CVB Financial, as well as under various other alternative scenarios;

-41-


Its understanding of CVB Financial’s business, operations, regulatory and financial condition, asset quality, earnings, capital and prospects, taking into account presentations by senior management of the results of the due diligence review and information from Vining Sparks and Gary Steven Findley & Associates;prospects;

 

Its belief that the merger will resultopportunity to grow CVB’s presence in the Sacramento region of California and complement CVB’s existing franchise and the opportunity to strengthen and consolidate its position in the Central Valley shareholders becoming shareholdersarea of a premier, locally-operated Southern California commercial banking franchise with a diversified revenue stream, strong capital ratios, a well-balanced loan portfolio and an attractive funding base that has the potential to deliver a higher value to Valley’s shareholders than alternatives to the merger;California;

 

The complementary nature of the cultures and product mix of Valley and CVB Financial, including strategic focus, target markets and client service, which management believes should facilitate integration and implementation of the transaction;

The expanded possibilities, including organic growth and future acquisitions and other strategic transactions, that would becost savings available to the combined company given its larger size, asset base, capital, market capitalization and trading liquidity and footprint;

The fact that the combined value of the per share merger consideration and special dividend for holders of Valley shareholders in the estimated amount of $23.71 per share represents a premium of approximately 43% over the $16.55 last reported trading price of Valley common stock on the OTC Markets’ OTC Pink market on September 22, 2016 (the day of, and immediately prior to, the first announcement of the terms of the merger), and the belief that the transaction is likely to provide substantial future value to Valley’s shareholders,proposed merger, as well as the benefit of additional liquidity enjoyed by shareholders in a NASDAQ-listed security such aspotential for revenue enhancement, which create the shares of common stock ofopportunity for CVB Financial;

The importance of dealing with succession planning issues, both from the standpoint of the board of directors of Valley, as well as management;

The opinion, dated as of September 22, 2016, delivered to the Valley board of directors by Vining Sparks, which was updated as of December 19, 2016, to the effect that, as of the date of the opinion and as of the date of the update, and based upon and subject to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Vining Sparks as set forth in such opinion, the merger consideration to be received by the holders of Valley common stock in the proposed merger, inclusive of the special dividend, is fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders;

The fact that CVB Financial’s offer, combined with the estimated value of the special dividend, was in the aggregate significantly higher than the aggregate offering price that was discussed with another potential merger partner in late 2015;

The familiarity of Valley’s management team with CVB Financial’s management team, and the belief of Valley’s management that the management and employees of Valley and CVB Financial possess complementary skills and expertise;

Its belief that the potential of combining with a larger company will provide additional products and services to better grow and retain Valley’s customers, that the combined, more diversified, customer base will improve and diversify future revenue sources, and thathave greater future earnings and prospects will be strongercompared to CVB’s earnings and prospects on a combinedstand-alone basis;

 

The effectsthe potential risks associated with successfully integrating CVB’s business, operations and workforce with those of the merger on Valley employees, including the retentionSuncrest, and CVB’s past record of a significant numberintegrating acquisitions and realizing projected benefits of Valley employees, which would, in turn, increase the retention of Valley customers and the likelihood of success of the combined companies;acquisitions;

 

Its understanding of the currentits review and prospective environment in which Valleydiscussions with CVB’s management and CVB Financial operate, including national and local economic conditions, the interest rate environment, increasing operating costs resulting from regulatory initiatives and compliance mandates, the competitive

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environment for financial institutions generally, and the likely effect of these factors on Valley both with and without the proposed transaction;

The reports of Valley’s management to Valley’s board of directorsadvisors concerning the operations, financial condition and prospectsdue diligence examination of CVB Financial and the expected financial impact of the merger on the combined company, including pro forma assets, earnings, deposits and other financial metrics;Suncrest;

 

The limited availability of acquisition opportunities that met, or would meet going forward, the strategic goals of Valley, including growth in the current environment;opportunity to add customers at branches and leverage Citizens’ existing operations and platform;

 

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The ability to diversify outside of the Central Valley with the proposed transaction between Valley andmanagement’s expectation that CVB Financial;

The merger being consistent with Valley’s strategic plan, including achieving strong earnings growth and improving customer attraction, retention and service;

The complementary fit of Valley and CVB Financial because of the nature of the markets served and the products offered by the two institutions;

The enhancement of the combined company’s competitive position expected to result from the merger, including that the combined company is expectedwill continue to have a greater market reach with expanded resources and broader product offerings in areas currently served by Valley;

The ability of CVB Financial to complete the merger from a financial and regulatory perspective;

The equity interest in the combined company that Valley’s existing shareholders will receive in the merger, which will allow such shareholders to continue to participate in the future success of the combined company;

The cash proceeds to be received by Valley shareholders, including the cash portion of the merger consideration and the special dividend;

The greater market capitalization and trading liquidity of CVB Financial common stock, which is listed on NASDAQ Global Select Market, in the event that Valley shareholders desire to sell the shares of CVB Financial common stock to be received by them followingstrong capital position upon completion of the merger;

 

Its understanding that the merger is intended to qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code,Suncrest’s financial position and as such, the merger generally is intended to result in favorable U.S. federal income tax consequences to all of the parties, including Valley’s shareholders; anddeposit base;

 

Itsthe analysis, presentations and materials presented by its financial advisor, Piper Sandler;

its review with its independent legal advisor, Gary Steven Findleyadvisors, including Manatt, Phelps & Associates, of the material termsPhillips, LLP, of the merger agreement and other agreements, including the board’s ability, under certain circumstances, to withdraw its recommendation to Valley’s shareholders and to consider another acquisition proposal, subject to the potential payment by Valley of a termination fee of $3.5 million to CVB Financial and payment of certain expenses, which Valley’s board of directors concluded was reasonable in the context of termination fees in comparable transactions and in light of the overall termsprovisions of the merger agreement.agreement designed to enhance the probability that the merger will be completed on terms acceptable to CVB;

 

Its belief that by eliminating CVB Financial’s right to terminate the merger agreement because the average closing price of CVB Financial common stock is above $20.50 or because Valley’s merger-related transaction expenses exceed the limits or sublimits specified in the merger agreement, the amendment to the merger agreement reduces the possibility that CVB could elect to terminate the merger agreement and not complete the merger.

Valley’s board of directors also considered a number of potential risks and uncertainties associated with the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, in connection with its deliberation of the proposed transaction, including, without limitation, the following:

The possibility that CVB Financial may not be able to retain all officers and employees of Valley after the merger;

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The potential risk of diverting management attention and resources from the operation of Valley’sCVB’s business and towards the completion of the merger;merger and the integration of Suncrest;

 

The restrictions on the conduct of Valley’s business prior to the completion of the merger, which are customary for public company merger agreements involving financial institutions, but which, subject to specific exceptions, could delay or prevent Valley from undertaking business opportunities that may arise or anyregulatory and other action it would otherwise take with respect to the operations of Valley absent the pending merger;

The potential risks associated with achieving anticipated cost synergies and savings and successfully integrating Valley’s business, operations and workforce with those of CVB Financial;

The risked that merger-related costs will be greater than expected or would exceed the limits set forth in the merger agreement;

The fact that the interests of certain of Valley’s directors and executive officers may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of Valley’s other shareholders;

The fact that a portion of the merger consideration consists of a fixed number of shares of CVB Financial common stock;

The fact that, while Valley expects that the merger will be consummated, there can be no assurance that all conditions to the parties’ obligations to complete the merger agreement will be satisfied, including the risk that necessary regulatory or shareholder approvals might not be obtained and, as a result, the merger may not be consummated;

The risk of potential employee attrition and/or adverse effects on business and customer relationships as a result of the pending merger;

The risk that the terms of the merger agreement, including provisions relating to the payment of a termination fee under specified circumstances, although required by CVB Financial as a condition to its willingness to enter into a merger agreement, could have the effect of discouraging other parties that might be interested in a transaction with Valley from proposing such a transaction;

The risk that Valley might not satisfy some or all of the financial measures that are conditions to CVB Financial’s obligation to complete the merger, in which case CVB Financial could decide not to complete the merger;

The possibility that the merger might not be completed and the impact of a public announcement of the termination of the merger agreement on, among other things, the market price of Valley common stock and Valley operating results, particularly in light of the costs incurred in connection with the transaction;merger and CVB’s belief that such regulatory approvals will be received in a reasonably timely manner and without the imposition of unacceptable conditions; and

 

The other factors described in this proxy statement/prospectus.the possibility of litigation challenging the merger, and CVB’s belief that any such litigation would be without merit.

The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by Valley’sthe CVB board of directors is not intended to be exhaustive, but includes the material factors considered by Valley’sthe CVB board of directors. In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, Valley’s board of directors did not quantify or assign any relative weights to the factors considered, and individual directors may have given different weights to different factors. Valley’s board of directors considered all these factors as a whole, including discussions with, and questioning of Valley’s management and Valley’s independent financial and legal advisors, and overall considered the factors to be favorable to, and to support, its determination.

Valley’s board of directors unanimously approved the merger agreement and unanimously recommends that Valley’s shareholders voteFORthe approval of the merger proposal.

The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the Valley board of directors is not intended to be exhaustive, but includes the material factors considered by the Valley board of directors. In

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reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, the ValleyCVB board of directors did not quantify or assign any relative weights to the factors considered, and individual directors may have given different weights to different factors. The ValleyCVB board of directors considered all these factors as a whole, including discussions with, and questioning of, Valley’sCVB’s senior management and Valley’s independent financial and legalCVB’s advisors, and overall considered the factors to be favorable to, and to support its determination.determination to approve entering into the merger agreement.

This summaryexplanation of CVB’s reasons for the reasoning of Valley’s board of directorsmerger and other information presented in this section is forward-looking in nature and therefore, should be read in light of the section entitled “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.

CVB’s board of directors realized that there can be no assurance about future results, including results expected or considered in the factors discussed underlisted above, such as assumptions regarding enhanced business prospects, anticipated cost savings and earnings accretion/dilution. The CVB board of directors concluded, however, that the potential positive factors outweighed the potential risks of completing the merger.

Governing Documents

The articles of incorporation and bylaws of CVB and Citizens will continue to be the articles of incorporation and bylaws of CVB and Citizens following the merger, in each case until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by applicable law. Citizens’ articles of incorporation and bylaws, as in effect immediately prior to the closing of the merger, will be the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the combined company.

The rights of Suncrest shareholders who continue as CVB shareholders after the merger will be governed by the articles of incorporation and bylaws of CVB rather than the articles of incorporation and bylaws of Suncrest. For more information, please see the section entitled “CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS”Comparison of Rights of Shareholders of CVB and Suncrest beginning on page 20 of this proxy statement/prospectus.78.

Opinion of Vining Sparks for Valley’s Board of Directors

Valley’s board of directors retained Vining Sparks to render financial advisory and investment banking services. Vining Sparks is a nationally recognized investment banking firm with substantial expertise in transactions similar to the proposed transaction and is familiar with Valley and its business. As part of its investment banking business, Vining Sparks is regularly engaged in the valuation of financial services companies and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes.

On September 22, 2016, Vining Sparks delivered its opinion to Valley that the merger consideration and the amount of the special dividend to be received by Valley common shareholders in the proposed transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to Valley’s common shareholders. The full text of Vining Sparks’ opinion, as updated on December 19, 2016, is attached asAppendix C to this proxy statement/prospectus and should be read in its entirety.

Vining Sparks’ opinion was directed to Valley’s board of directors and is limited to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the merger consideration and the amount of the special dividend to be received by Valley common shareholders in the proposed transaction. It did not address Valley’s underlying business decision to proceed with the proposed transaction or constitute a recommendation to the Valley board of directors as to how it should vote on the merger, and does not constitute a recommendation to any holder of Valley common stock as to how such shareholder should vote in connection with the merger. Vining Sparks did not express any opinion as to the fairness of the amount or nature of the compensation to be received in the merger by Valley’s officers, directors or employees, or class of such persons, relative to the compensation to be received by Valley’s shareholders.

Vining Sparks’ opinion was reviewed and approved by Vining Sparks’ Fairness Opinion Committee in conformity with its policies and procedures established under the requirements of Rule 5150 of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

For purposes of Vining Sparks’ opinion and in connection with its review of the proposed transaction, Vining Sparks has, among other things:

reviewed the terms of the merger agreement dated September 22, 2016 and amended December 19, 2016 made available to Vining Sparks;

reviewed certain publicly available financial statements, both audited (where available) and un-audited, and related financial information of Valley and CVB Financial, including those included in their respective annual reports for the past two years and their respective quarterly reports for the past two years;

reviewed certain internal financial information and financial forecasts relating to the business, earnings, cash flows, assets and prospects of Valley furnished to Vining Sparks by Valley management;

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held discussions with members of executive and senior management of Valley concerning the past and current results of operations of Valley, its current financial condition and management’s opinion of its future prospects;

reviewed reported market prices and historical trading activity of CVB Financial and Valley common stock;

reviewed certain financial performance and stock market information for Valley and CVB Financial and compared such information with similar data available for certain other financial institutions the securities of which are publicly traded;

reviewed publicly available consensus “street estimates” of CVB Financial earnings for 2016 through 2018;

reviewed the financial terms of merger and acquisition transactions, to the extent publicly available, involving financial institutions and financial institution holding companies that Vining Sparks deemed to be relevant; and

reviewed such other information, financial studies, analyses and investigations, as Vining Sparks considered appropriate under the circumstances.

In conducting its review and arriving at its opinion, Vining Sparks has assumed and relied, without independent verification, upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information that has been provided to it by Valley and CVB Financial, and their respective representatives, and of the publicly available information that was reviewed by Vining Sparks. Vining Sparks is not an expert in the evaluation of the adequacy of allowances for loan losses and it did not independently verify the adequacy of such allowances. Vining Sparks assumed that the allowance for loan losses set forth in the financial statements of CVB Financial and Valley were adequate to cover such losses and complied fully with applicable law, regulatory policy and sound banking practice as of the date of such financial statements. Vining Sparks did not conduct a physical inspection of any of the properties or facilities of Valley or CVB Financial, did not make any independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets, liabilities or prospects of Valley or CVB Financial, was not furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal, and did not review any individual credit files.

Vining Sparks relied upon the management of Valley as to the reasonableness of the financial and operating forecasts, and projections (and the assumptions and bases therefore) provided to or reviewed by Vining Sparks, and Vining Sparks assumed that such forecasts and projections reflect the best currently available estimates and judgments of Valley management. Valley does not publicly disclose internal management forecasts, projections or estimates of the type furnished to or reviewed by Vining Sparks in connection with its analysis of the financial terms of the proposed transaction, and such forecasts and estimates were not prepared with a view towards public disclosure. Vining Sparks relied upon the management of CVB Financial as to the reasonableness of the publicly available consensus “street estimates” of CVB Financial earnings. It is understood that these forecasts and estimates referred to above were based on numerous variables and assumptions that are inherently uncertain and which may not be within the control of the management of Valley or CVB Financial, including without limitation to, the general economic, regulatory and competitive conditions. Accordingly, actual results could vary materially from those set forth in such forecasts and estimates.

Vining Sparks’ opinion is necessarily based on economic, market, and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to it as of, the date of its opinion. Events occurring after the date thereof, including but not limited to, changes affecting the securities markets, the results of operations or material changes in the assets or liabilities of CVB Financial or Valley could materially affect the assumptions used in preparing the opinion. Vining Sparks assumed that there were no material changes in the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects of either Valley or CVB Financial since the date of the last financial statements of each entity that were made available to Vining Sparks. Vining Sparks assumed that all of the representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement and all related agreements are

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true and correct, that each party to the merger agreement will perform all of the covenants required to be performed by each party under such agreement and that the conditions precedent in the merger agreement are not waived.

In delivering its opinion to the board of directors of Valley, Vining Sparks prepared and delivered to Valley’s board of directors written materials containing various analyses and other information. The following is a summary of the material financial analyses performed by Vining Sparks in connection with the preparation of its opinion and does not purport to be a complete description of all the analyses performed by Vining Sparks. The summary includes information presented in tabular format, which should be read together with the text that accompanies those tables. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process involving various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances. Therefore, an opinion is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Vining Sparks believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of such analyses and the factors considered therein, without considering all factors and analyses, could create an incomplete view of the analyses and the processes underlying its opinion. In its analyses, Vining Sparks made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, business and economic conditions, and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Valley, CVB Financial and Vining Sparks. Any estimates contained in Vining Sparks’ analyses are not necessarily indicative of future results or values, which may be significantly more or less favorable than such estimates. Estimates of values of companies do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which companies or their securities may actually be sold.

Vining Sparks’ opinion was based on information available to Vining Sparks through the date of its opinion and conditions as they existed and could be evaluated on the date thereof. Vining Sparks reviewed the financial terms of the proposed transaction set forth in the merger agreement as amended and for purposes of the financial analyses described below, Vining Sparks calculated an implied transaction value of $25.30 per share. The calculation was based on the 3,002,014 shares of Valley common stock outstanding, the closing price of CVB Financial common stock of $22.30 per share reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on December 16, 2016, a Special Dividend of $13.7 million based on Valley’s tangible common equity capital as of September 30, 2016, and assuming the average closing price of CVB Financial common stock is $22.30, each share of Valley common stock would be converted into the right to receive 0.5804 shares of CVB Financial common stock valued at $12.94, $7.79 in cash and would entitle the holder to receive a cash dividend in the amount of $4.56, having a combined value of approximately $25.30 per share of Valley common stock.

Selected Company Analysis—CVB Financial.Vining Sparks used publicly available information to compare selected financial and market trading information for CVB Financial and a selected group of financial institutions. The CVB Financial peer group consisted of publicly traded California banks with total assets between $5 billion and $25 billion with a return on assets greater than 0.00%, excluding merger targets. While Vining Sparks believes that the companies listed below are similar to CVB Financial, none of these companies have the same composition, operations, size or financial profile as CVB Financial.

Company

Ticker

City

State

Banc of California, Inc.

BANCIrvineCA

Cathay General Bancorp

CATYLos AngelesCA

Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach

FMBLLong BeachCA

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

HOPELos AngelesCA

Opus Bank

OPBIrvineCA

PacWest Bancorp

PACWBeverly HillsCA

Westamerica Bancorporation

WABCSan RafaelCA

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To perform this analysis, Vining Sparks used financial information as of September 30, 2016, a price of $22.30 for CVB Financial (the closing price ending on December 16, 2016) and pricing data for the peer group as of December 16, 2016 obtained from SNL Financial LC. The following table sets forth the comparative financial and market data:

   CVB Financial  Peer Group
Median
 

Total Assets (in millions)

  $8,045.0   $11,216.4  

Return on Average Assets

   1.24  1.11

Return on Average Equity

   10.12  8.65

Equity/Assets

   12.47  12.72

Loans/Deposits

   67.95  94.20

Loan Loss Reserve/Gross Loans

   1.42  1.00

Nonperforming Assets/Assets

   0.50  0.58

Efficiency Ratio

   44.56  50.84

Price/Book Value Per Share

   2.40  1.44

Price/Tangible Book Value Per Share

   2.65  2.07

Price/Last 12 Months’ Earnings Per Share

   23.5  19.3

Selected Company Analysis—Valley.Vining Sparks used publicly available information to compare selected financial and market trading information for Valley and a selected group of financial institutions. The Valley peer group consisted of publicly traded California banks with total assets between $300 million and $500 million with a return on assets greater than 0.00%, excluding merger targets. While Vining Sparks believes that the companies listed below are similar to Valley, none of these companies have the same composition, operations, size or financial profile as Valley.

Company

TickerCityState

AltaPacific Bancorp

ABNKSanta RosaCA

American Riviera Bank

ARBVSanta BarbaraCA

Bank of Santa Clarita

BSCASanta ClaritaCA

Bank of Southern California, N.A.

BCALSan DiegoCA

CommerceWest Bank

CWBKIrvineCA

Communities First Financial Corp.

CFSTFresnoCA

Community 1st Bancorp

CFBNAuburnCA

Mission Valley Bancorp

MVLYSun ValleyCA

New Resource Bank

NWBNSan FranciscoCA

PBB Bancorp

PBCALos AngelesCA

Private Bancorp of America, Inc.

PBAMLa JollaCA

Redwood Capital Bancorp

RWCBEurekaCA

Suncrest Bank

SBKKVisaliaCA

United American Bank

UABKSan MateoCA

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To perform this analysis, Vining Sparks used financial information as of September 30, 2016, obtained from SNL Financial LC. The following table sets forth the comparative financial data:

   Valley  Peer Group
Median
 

Total Assets (in millions)

  $429.9   $352.0  

Return on Average Assets

   1.05  0.83

Return on Average Equity

   9.06  7.60

Equity/Assets

   11.80  9.97

Loans/Deposits

   82.75  83.72

Loan Loss Reserve/Gross Loans

   1.10  1.22

Nonperforming Assets/Assets

   0.78  0.23

Efficiency Ratio

   71.73  66.40

Stock Trading History. Vining Sparks reviewed the closing per share market prices and volumes for CVB Financial common stock and Valley common stock on a daily basis from September 21, 2015 to December 31, 2016. CVB Financial is listed for trading on NASDAQ under the symbol “CVBF”. For the period between December 16, 2015 and December 16, 2016, the closing price of CVB Financial common stock ranged from a low of $14.02 to a high of $23.01, with an average closing price for the period of $17.19. The closing price on December 16, 2016 was $22.30 per share and the average daily trading volume for CVB Financial was 575,186 shares.

Valley common stock trades on the OTC Pink Sheets under the ticker symbol “VCBP”. For the period between September 21, 2015 and September 21, 2016, the closing price of Valley common stock ranged from a low of $15.20 to a high of $17.00, with an average closing price for the period of $15.85. The closing price on September 21, 2016 was $16.90 per share and the average daily trading volume for Valley was 1,545 shares. The transaction value of $24.11 per share represented a 43% premium over Valley’s closing price on September 21, 2016.

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Analysis of Selected Financial Institution Transactions. Vining Sparks reviewed certain publicly available information regarding selected merger and acquisition transactions (the “Comparable Transactions”) announced from January 1, 2015 to December 16, 2016 involving 32 Western financial institutions with total assets under $4 billion and a return on assets over 0.00%. The transactions included in the group are shown in the following chart. This data was obtained from SNL Financial LC.

Acquirer:

Acquired Company:

Western Alliance Bancorporation

Bridge Capital Holdings

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc.

Absarokee Bancorporation, Inc.

Heritage Commerce Corp

Focus Business Bank

FNB Bancorp

America California Bank

Heartland Financial USA, Inc.

Premier Valley Bank

PBB Bancorp

First Mountain Bank

Northwest Bancorporation, Inc.

Fairfield Financial Holdings

American Riviera Bank

Bank of Santa Barbara

Suncrest Bank

Sutter Community Bank

California Bank of Commerce

Pan Pacific Bank

HomeStreet, Inc.

Orange County Business Bank

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

Security California Bancorp

CVB Financial Corp.

County Commerce Bank

RBB Bancorp

TFC Holding Company

Pacific Commerce Bancorp

ProAmérica Bank

Sierra Bancorp

Coast Bancorp

State Bank Corp.

Country Bank

Midland Financial Co.

1st Century Bancshares, Inc.

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc.

Flathead Bank of Bigfork

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

Treasure State Bank

Cascade Bancorp

Prime Pacific Financial Services

Mechanics Bank

California Republic Bancorp

Central Valley Community Bancorp

Sierra Vista Bank

Cathay General Bancorp

SinoPac Bancorp

Commencement Bank

Thurston First Bank

AltaPacific Bancorp

Commerce Bank

Suncrest Bank

Security First Bank

Heartland Financial USA, Inc.

Founders Bancorp

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

TFB Bancorp, Inc.

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc.

Cascade Bancorp

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

Heritage Oaks Bancorp

Bay Commercial Bank

First ULB Corp.

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Vining Sparks reviewed the multiples of transaction value to stated book value, transaction value to tangible book value, transaction value to last twelve months earnings, transaction value to assets and tangible book premium to core deposits and calculated high, low, mean and median multiples for the Comparable Transactions. These ratios were compared with corresponding transaction ratios for the proposed merger based on the current implied transaction value of $25.30 per share, for Valley common stock. The results of the analysis are set forth in the following table:

   Valley
Transaction
Value
  Comparable Transactions 
Transaction Multiples:  $25.30  Low  Median  Mean  High 

Transaction Value less Special Dividend/Required Equity of $37.5 Mill.

   1.66  0.89  1.32  1.38  2.22

Transaction Value less Special Dividend/Required Tang. Equity of $37.5 Mill.

   1.66  0.89  1.34  1.45  2.22

Transaction Value/2015 Earnings

   16.76  1.92  26.36  28.17  68.84

Transaction Value/Assets

   17.67  8.48  15.78  16.21  28.13

Tangible Premium/ Core Deposits

   7.23  (1.58)%   6.33  7.38  19.80

No company or transaction used as a comparison in the above analysis is identical to Valley or the proposed transaction. Accordingly, an analysis of these results is not strictly mathematical. An analysis of the results of the foregoing involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of Valley and the companies included in the Comparable Transactions.

Present Value Analysis. Vining Sparks calculated the present value of theoretical future earnings of Valley and compared the transaction value to the calculated present value of Valley’s common stock on a stand-alone basis. Based on projected earnings for Valley of $4.5 million in 2016, $4.6 million in 2017, $5.2 million in 2018, $5.6 million in 2019 and $6.0 million in 2020, discount rates ranging from 10% to 18%, and including a residual value, the stand-alone present value of Valley common stock indicated an implied range of values per share of $11.07 to $24.11.

Discount Rate  18%   16%   14%   12%   10% 

Present Value (in thousands)

  $33,229    $38,488    $45,668    $56,053    $72,388  

Present Value (per share)

  $11.07    $12.82    $15.21    $18.67    $24.11  

Discounted Cash Flow Analysis.Using a discounted cash flow analysis, Vining Sparks estimated the net present value of the future streams of after-tax cash flow that Valley could produce to benefit a potential acquirer, referred to as dividendable net income, and added a terminal value. Based on projected earnings for Valley for 2016 through 2020, Vining Sparks assumed after-tax distributions to a potential acquirer such that its tier 1 leverage ratio would be maintained at 8.00%. The terminal value for Valley was calculated based on Valley’s projected 2020 tangible equity, the median price to tangible book multiple paid in the Comparable Transactions and utilized discount rates ranging from 10% to 18%. This discounted cash flow analysis indicated an implied range of values per share of Valley common stock of $15.98 to $20.10.

Discount Rate  18%   16%   14%   12%   10% 

Present Value (in thousands)

  $47,984    $50,627    $53,544    $56,770    $60,345  

Present Value (per share)

  $15.98    $16.86    $17.84    $18.91    $20.10  

In the two years prior to the issuance of this opinion, Vining Sparks engaged in securities and loan sales and trading activity with Valley and CVB Financial and/or their subsidiary banks for which Vining Sparks was paid commissions or other fees, which may include mark-ups on the purchase or sale of loans and securities. Pursuant to the terms of an engagement letter with Valley, Vining Sparks received a fee of $55,000 plus expenses up to

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$1,000 upon delivery of its opinion. Vining Sparks’ fee is not contingent upon consummation of the proposed transaction. In addition, Valley has agreed to indemnify Vining Sparks against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of or incurred in connection with its engagement, including liabilities and expenses which may arise under the federal securities laws.

Management and Board of Directors and Officers of CVB Financialand Citizens After the Merger

Upon completionThe directors and officers of CVB and Citizens immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will be the compositiondirectors and officers of the boardssurviving corporation until the earlier of directors of CVB Financialtheir resignation or removal or until their respective successors are duly appointed and Citizens Business Bank will remain unchanged. The current directors and executive officers of CVB Financial are expected to continue in their current positions. qualified.

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Information about the current CVB Financial directors and executive officers can be found in the documentsproxy statement for the 2021 CVB annual meeting of shareholders listed under the section entitled “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION” beginningIncorporation of Certain Documents by Reference on page i.87 and “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Interests of ValleySuncrest Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger

In considering the recommendationrecommendations of the ValleySuncrest board of directors, with respect to the merger, ValleySuncrest shareholders should be aware that thecertain directors and executive officers of ValleySuncrest have certain interests in the merger that may be differentdiffer from, or may be in addition to, the interests of ValleySuncrest shareholders generally. These interests are described in more detail and quantified below. The ValleySuncrest board of directors was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in approvingwhen it approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and in making its recommendationrecommendations that Valleythe Suncrest shareholders vote to approve the merger proposal. These interests areFor purposes of all Suncrest agreements and plans described in further detail below.below, the completion of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement will constitute a change of control or term of similar meaning.

Stock Ownership

TheAs of [•], 2021, the directors and executive officers of ValleySuncrest beneficially owned, as ofin the record date a total of 579,122aggregate [•] shares of ValleySuncrest common stock, representing approximately 19%[•]% of the total outstanding shares of ValleySuncrest common stock.stock outstanding on that date. Each of the directorsSuncrest director and three additional executive officers of Valley haveofficer has entered into a voting and support agreement with CVB and Suncrest, pursuant to which he or she has agreed, among other things, they have agreed to vote anyall of his or her shares they beneficially ownof Suncrest common stock in favor of the merger proposal and other matters required to be approved or adopted to effect the adjournment proposal.merger and any other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The voting agreements are substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the merger agreement, which is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus. Each of the directors and executive officers of ValleySuncrest will receive the same per share mergerstock consideration for their shares of Suncrest common stock as the other shareholdersSuncrest shareholders.

Treatment of Valley.Suncrest Equity Awards

Suncrest Options. At the effective time of the merger, each Suncrest option that is outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, whether vested or unvested, will be cancelled and will only entitle the holder of such Suncrest option to receive, as soon as administratively practicable after the effective time, an amount in cash equal to the product of (i) the total number of shares subject to such Suncrest option and (ii) the excess, if any, of (A) the Stock Option Cashout Price over (B) the exercise price per share under such Suncrest option, less any applicable taxes required to be withheld with respect to such payment. Any Suncrest options which have an exercise price per share that is greater than or equal to the Stock Option Cashout Price will be cancelled at the effective time of the merger for no consideration or payment.

Suncrest Stock Awards. At the effective time of the merger, each Suncrest Stock Award will, automatically and without any required action on the part of the holder thereof, accelerate in full and such Suncrest Stock Awards will be converted into, and become exchanged for, the merger consideration, less applicable taxes required to be withheld with respect to such vesting.

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The table below sets forth information regarding the Suncrest options and Suncrest Stock Awards held by each of Suncrest’s executive officers and directors as of November 15, 2021. The total payout value of each Suncrest option and Suncrest Stock Award is determined by reference to the latest available closing price of the common stock of CVB, which was $19.16.

Name Number of
Vested
Options Held
  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
of Vested
Options ($)
  Number of
Unvested
Stock
Options Held
  Weighted
Average Exercise
Price of
Unvested
Options ($)
  Value of
Accelerated
Options ($)
  Total Number of
Unvested
Suncrest Stock
Awards
  Value of
Accelerated
Suncrest
Stock Awards
  Total Value
($)
 

Executive Officers

        

Ciaran McMullan

  512,550   9.66   12,500   9.75   78,682   —     —     3,351,088 

Jean Carandang

  28,800   11.00   19,200   11.00   96,855   —     —     242,138 

Steven Jones

  19,800   11.00   13,200   11.00   66,588   5,000   80,223   246,693 

Peter Nutz

  67,000   9.47   28,000   11.00   141,247   —     —     581,743 

Non-Employee Directors

   ��  —       —   

William A. Benneyan

  16,000   8.56   4,000   11.00   20,178   —     —     139,131 

David C. Crinklaw

  16,000   8.56   4,000   11.00   20,178   —     —     139,131 

John A. DiMichele

  —      —      —     —     —      

Daniel C. Jacuzzi

  6,000   11.00   4,000   11.00   20,178   —     —     50,445 

Dale B. Margosian

  16,000   8.56   4,000   11.00   20,178   —     —     139,131 

Chadwick B. Meyer

  —      —      —     —     —     —   

Florencio (Frank) Paredez

  16,000   8.56   4,000   11.00   20,178   —     —     139,131 

Matthew B. Pomeroy

  6,000   11.00   4,000   11.00   20,178   —     —     50,445 

Marc R. Schuil

  16,000   8.56   4,000   11.00   20,178   —     —     139,131 

Eric M. Shannon

  16,000   8.56   4,000   11.00   20,178   —     —     139,131 

Michael E. Thurlow

  16,000   8.56   4,000   11.00   20,178   —     —     139,131 

Darrell E. Tunnell

  16,000   8.56   4,000   11.00   20,178   —     —     139,131 

Eric J. Wilkins

  16,000   8.56   4,000   11.00   20,178   —     —     139,131 

Payments Under Employment Agreement and Change in Control Payments Under Agreements

Employment AgreementsAgreement

Valley. Suncrest is party to agreementsan employment agreement with certainCiaran McMullan. Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. McMullan currently receives an annual base salary of its executive officers$300,000. Mr. McMullan’s employment agreement also provides that providehe is eligible to earn an annual incentive compensation payment in an amount equal to up to 2.0% of Suncrest’s annual pre-tax income, prorated for severanceany partial year of service, or such other amount as the Suncrest board of directors shall approve.

Mr. McMullan’s employment agreement provides that he will receive certain benefits in the event of certain qualifying events, includinga “Change in connection withControl” (as defined therein). Upon the occurrence of a qualifying termination of employment following a changeChange in control.

Pursuant to the change in control agreement, dated as of December 28, 2015, between Valley and Allan W. Stone, President and Chief Executive Officer, upon his qualifying termination following a change in control,Control, Mr. StoneMcMullan will be entitled to receive benefits consisting of (i) a lump sum cash payment in an amount equal to: (i)to two (2) times the sum of his annual then-current

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(A) annual base salary;salary and (B) the average bonus or incentive compensation amount paid to him in the three (3) year period immediately preceding his termination, less applicable withholding deductions; (ii) payments equalacceleration of vesting of any equity awards granted to two yearshim; and (iii) in the event of his yearly bonus, auto allowance,termination of employment, continuation of COBRA coverage for Mr. McMullan and country clubhis dependents for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of such termination. Suncrest’s obligation to pay the premium costs related to such COBRA continuation will terminate upon the earlier of the expiration of twenty-four (24) months from the date of termination or the date of commencement of comparable insurance coverages for Mr. McMullan by another employer.

Mr. McMullan’s receipt of the benefits described above is subject to his execution of a general release of claims in favor of Suncrest.

Change in Control Agreements. Suncrest is a party to a Change in Control Agreement with four executives, Jean Carandang, Steven Jones, Peter Nutz and gym dues; and (iii) continued insurance benefits through age 65. The benefits paid under (i) and (ii) will be paidDennis Johnson (each, a “Change in 24 equal installments.

Pursuant toControl Agreement”). Each Change in Control Agreement provides that the change in control agreement, dated as of December 28, 2015, between Valley and Roy Estridge, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, upon his qualifying termination following a change in control, Mr. Estridgeexecutive will be entitled to receive certain benefits in the event of a “Change in Control” (as defined therein) during the executive’s employment by Suncrest.

Such benefits will consist of (i) a lump sum cash payment in an amount equal to: (i) twoto one (1) times his annual then-currentthe executive’s (A) annual base salary;salary during the year in which a Change in Control occurs and (B) the average annual bonus or incentive compensation amount paid to the executive in the three (3) calendar year period ending immediately preceding the year in which the Change in Control occurs, less applicable withholding deductions; (ii) payments equalacceleration of vesting of any equity awards granted to two years of his yearly bonus, auto allowance, and gym dues;the executive; and (iii) continuedcontinuation of COBRA coverage for the executive and his or her dependents, in the event the executive’s service to Suncrest is terminated, for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of termination. Suncrest’s obligation to pay the premium costs related to such COBRA continuation shall terminate upon the earlier of the expiration of twelve (12) months from the date of termination or the date of commencement of comparable insurance benefits through age 65. The benefits paid under (i) and (ii) will be paidcoverages for the executive by another employer.

Each Change in 24 equal installments.

Pursuant toControl Agreement provides that the executive’s receipt of the change in control agreement, dated asbenefits provided for thereunder shall be subject to the executive’s execution of December 28, 2015, between Valley and William Kitchen, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, upon his qualifying termination following a change

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an effective general release in control, Mr. Kitchen will be entitled to receive an amount equal to: (i) his annual then-current annual base salary; (ii) his yearly bonus, auto allowance, and gym dues; and (iii) continued insurance benefits for one year following the change in control. Mr. Kitchen has, however, has accepted an offerfavor of employment with Citizens Business Bank following the merger and will not receive aSuncrest. The change in control or severancebenefits payable under each such Change in Agreement are also subject to reduction to the extent such benefits would result in the payment as a result of the merger. See “—Offer of Employment to William Kitchen,” below.

Deferred Compensation and Split Dollar Agreements

In the merger agreement, CVB Financial has agreed to assume Valley’s deferred compensation agreements with certain of its executive officers, including Messrs., Stone, Estridge and Kitchen. A qualifying termination of the executive officer’s employment in connection with a change in control may accelerate the vesting of a participant’s account balance, however,parachute payment within the interestsmeaning of Mr. Stone and Mr. Estridge in their deferred compensation accounts are already fully vested and Mr. Kitchen has been offered a position of employment with CVB Financial following the merger and, therefore, the vesting of his account balance is not expected to accelerate as a result of the merger.

CVB Financial has agreed to assume the split dollar agreements, as well as underlying bank owned life insurance policies, currently in effect between Valley and certain executive officers, including Messrs. Stone, Estridge and Kitchen. The split dollar agreements provide that, upon such officer’s death, the officer’s beneficiary will receive a specified payment from the underlying life insurance proceeds.

Engagement of Allan W. Stone as a Consultant

Citizens Business Bank has agreed to engage Allan W. Stone as a consultant for a period of three months, subject to and commencing as of the close of the merger. For this period of engagement, Mr. Stone will receive aggregate compensation of $30,000. Under the terms of this consulting agreement, Mr. Stone has agreed to assist and advise Citizens Business Bank in connection with (i) organizing and serving as co-chair of a regional advisory board with an executive of Citizens Business Bank, (ii) making customer retention calls, (iii) making customer introductions and introductory calls, (iv) assisting with employee retention, (v) attending regional banking events and receptions, (vi) working with executives of Citizens Business Bank on marketing strategies, relationship expansion and cross-sell opportunities, (vii) promoting Citizens Business Bank’s business, products and services and (viii) other matters relating to the foregoing or as mutually agreed by Citizens Business Bank and Mr. Stone from time to time.

Even though Mr. Stone’s services to the combined banks will continue following the merger pursuant to the consulting agreement, he will still be deemed to have been terminated from Valley due to a change in control and, accordingly, he will still be entitled to receive the severance payments under his change in control agreement with Valley, dated December 28, 2015.

Offer of Employment of William Kitchen

Citizens Business Bank has offered William Kitchen, Valley’s Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, employment following completion of the merger in a non-executive position with a base salary of $182,790. Mr. Kitchen’s employment will be at-will.

Summary of Payments to Certain Executive Officers

The following table summarizes certain payments to be received by the executive officers of Valley as a result of the consummation of the transactions under the merger agreement. The amounts are calculated as of September 22, 2016, the day of, and immediately prior to, the first announcement of the merger and not reflect reductions, if any, that may result if the amounts exceed the threshold set forth in sectionSection 280G of the Internal Revenue Code in accordance with the executive’s employment agreement. These estimated amounts are based on

Code.

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multiple assumptions that may or may not actually occur, including assumptions described in this proxy statement/prospectus. SomeIndemnification and Insurance of these assumptions are based on information not currently availableDirectors and as a result, the actual amounts, if any, to be received by an executive officer may differ from the amounts set forth below.

Name

  Cash(1)   Perquisites/
Benefits(2)
   Total 

Allan W. Stone

  $706,542    $138,700    $845,242  

Roy Estridge

  $555,084    $117,000    $672,084  

William Kitchen

  $0    $0    $0(3) 

(1)

Represents cash amount payable under change in control agreements with respect to termination of employee following a change in control.

(2)

Represents estimated cash amount payable on behalf of employee with respect to insurance premium payments under such employee’s employment agreement in connection with a change of control.

(3)

Because he has accepted an offer of employment with Citizens Business Bank, Mr. Kitchen will not receive a payment under his change in control agreement as a result of the merger. Upon a qualifying termination following the merger, Mr. Kitchen would have been entitled to receive cash payments totaling $222,809.

Summary of Payments of Merger-Related CompensationOfficers

The cash amounts to be paid to the executive officers described in the table and footnotes above will be paid in a series of monthly payments following the merger, as specified in the executive’s change in control agreement. These amounts will not be deducted from Valley’s tangible common equity for purposes of determining the amount of the special dividend or whether Valley has satisfied the tangible common equity measure that is a condition to CVB Financial’s obligation to complete the merger to the extent that such payments and any other change in control payments do not exceed $1,800,000 in the aggregate.

Indemnification

Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, each of CVB Financial hasand Citizens (as the surviving corporation) have agreed, from and after the effective time of the merger, to indemnify and hold harmless each of Valley’s present and former directorsdirector and officersofficer of against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of actions or omissions of such persons in the course of performing their duties for Suncrest occurring at or prior tobefore the effective time of the merger, including alland to advance expenses as incurred to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law; provided, however, the person to whom such expenses are advanced provides an undertaking to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification.

Pursuant to the merger agreement, CVB or Citizens (as the surviving corporation) have agreed to provide that portion of director’s and officer’s liability insurance for a period of six (6) years following the effective time of the merger to reimburse each present and former director and officer of Suncrest with respect to claims against such persons arising from facts or events which occurred at or before the effective time of the merger, which insurance will contain terms and conditions providing substantially equivalent benefits as the current policies of

45


the director’s and officer’s liability insurance maintained by Suncrest, covering without limitation, the merger and other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement at an aggregate cost up to but not exceeding 250% of the current annual premium for such insurance.

Merger-Related Compensation for Suncrest’s Named Executive Officers

This section sets forth the information required by Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K regarding the compensation of each of Suncrest’s named executive officers that is based on or otherwise relates to the merger. The consummation of the merger will constitute a change of control of Suncrest under the terms of the employment agreements and other employment arrangements between Suncrest and its named executive officers. The table below describes the estimated potential payments to each of Suncrest’s named executive officers under the terms of their employment arrangements, their Suncrest equity awards and the merger agreement. The severance benefits shown reflect only the additional payments or benefits that the individual would have received upon the occurrence of an involuntary termination. The amounts shown do not include the value of payments or benefits that would have been earned absent such an involuntary termination.

Please note the amounts shown in the table are estimates only and are based on assumptions regarding events that may or may not actually occur, including assumptions described in this proxy statement/prospectus and in the notes to the table below, which may or may not actually occur or may occur at times different than the time assumed. The figures in the table are estimates based on compensation levels as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and an assumed effective date of November 15, 2021, for both the merger agreement also providesand, where applicable, termination of the named executive officer’s employment. As a result of the foregoing assumptions, the actual amounts, if any, to be received by a named executive officer may materially differ from the amounts set forth below.

Potential Change in Control Payments to Named Executive Officers

Name

  Cash
($) (1)
   Equity
($) (2)
   Perquisites/
Benefits
($) (3)
   Total
($) (4)
 

Ciaran McMullan

   796,043    78,682    32,359    907,084 

Jean Carandang

   310,739    96,855    25,316    432,910 

Steven Jones

   301,499    146,810    25,316    473,625 

Peter Nutz

   342,592    141,247    25,280    509,119 

(1)

Pursuant to the employment agreement between Mr. McMullan and Suncrest dated as of April 1, 2017 (the “McMullan Employment Agreement”), in the event that a change in control of Suncrest occurs during Mr. McMullan’s employment with Suncrest, Mr. McMullan would be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to two (2) times (i) his annual base salary during the year of termination; plus (ii) the average bonus or incentive compensation amount paid to him in the three (3) year period immediately preceding the termination. These cash payments to Mr. McMullan constitute a single-trigger (closing of the merger) benefit that will be received solely because of the merger and regardless of whether Mr. McMullan is terminated.

Each of Ms. Carandang and Messrs. Jones and Nutz is party to a Change in Control Agreement with Suncrest, which entitles the executive to certain benefits upon a change in control of Suncrest. In the event of such a change in control, the executive will be entitled to receive a cash payment in an amount equal to the sum of the executive’s (i) annual base salary during the year in which a Change in Control occurs; and (ii) the average annual bonus or incentive compensation amount paid to the executive in the three (3) calendar year period ending immediately preceding the year in which the Change in Control occurs. These cash payments to Ms. Carandang and Messrs. Jones and Nutz are single-trigger (closing of the merger) benefits that either Valleywill be received solely because of the merger and regardless of whether a named executive officer is terminated.

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The cash payments described in this column include the following components:

Name

  Base Salary
($)
   Bonus
($)
   Total
($)
 

Ciaran McMullan

   600,000    196,043    796,043 

Jean Carandang

   250,000    60,739    310,739 

Steven Jones

   245,000    56,499    301,499 

Peter Nutz

   270,000    72,592    342,592 

(2)

Outstanding Suncrest stock options, whether vested or unvested, will be cancelled and cashed out as set forth in the merger agreement, and outstanding Suncrest Stock Awards, whether vested or unvested, will be accelerated in full and such Suncrest Stock Awards will be converted into, and become exchanged for, the merger consideration, in each case as described under “Treatment of Suncrest Equity Awards” above. The amount listed in this column represents the estimated value of the unvested stock options and Suncrest Stock Awards held by the named executive officers as to which vesting will occur at the effective time of the merger. The payments calculated below with respect to each award were based on a price per share of CVB’s common stock of $19.16, which represents the average closing trading price of CVB common stock over the first five business days following the first public announcement of the merger. The acceleration, cancellation and cash out of such unvested stock options, and the acceleration and exchange of such Suncrest Stock Awards, are single-trigger (closing of the merger) benefits that will be received solely because of the merger and regardless of whether a named executive officer is terminated.

Name

  Number of Unvested
Stock Options
Subject to
Acceleration
   Value of
Accelerated
Stock Option
Vesting
   Number of
Unvested
Suncrest Stock
Awards Subject
to Acceleration
   Value of
Accelerated
Suncrest Stock
Awards
   Total Value of
Unvested
Equity
Acceleration
 

Ciaran McMullan

   12,500   $78,682    —     $        —     $78,682 

Jean Carandang

   19,200    96,855    —     $—     $96,855 

Steven Jones

   13,200    66,588    5,000   $80,223   $146,810 

Peter Nutz

   28,000    141,247    —      —      141,247 

(3)

Pursuant to the McMullan Employment Agreement, in the event that Mr. McMullan’s employment with Suncrest is terminated in connection with a Change in Control, Mr. McMullan will be entitled to continuation of COBRA coverage for Mr. McMullan and his dependents for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of termination. Suncrest has estimated the value of such benefits to be $1,348.29 per month. These payments are considered to be single-trigger benefits, as they will become payable upon any termination of employment.

Pursuant to their respective Change in Control Agreements, in the event that Ms. Carandang and Messrs. Jones and Nutz are terminated, the executive would be entitled to continuation of COBRA coverage for the executive and his or CVB Financial will purchase “tail coverage”her dependents for a period of six years in ordertwelve (12) months from the date of termination. Suncrest has estimated the value of such benefits to continue providing liability insurance, including directors’be (i) $2,106.64 per month for Mr. Nutz; and officers’ liability insurance,(ii) $2,109.64 for Ms. Carandang and Mr. Jones. These payments to Ms. Carandang and Messrs. Jones and Nutz are considered to be single-trigger benefits, as they will become payable upon any termination of employment.

(4)

The amounts in this column represent the aggregate dollar value of the amounts in the preceding three columns. All of these payments are considered to be single-trigger benefits.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to U.S. holders (as defined below) of Suncrest common stock who exchange shares of Suncrest common stock for shares of CVB

47


common stock and cash pursuant to the officersmerger. This discussion does not address the tax consequences of transactions effectuated prior or subsequent to, or concurrently with, the merger (whether or not such transactions are undertaken in connection with the merger).

The following discussion is based on the Code, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions and directorspublished administrative rulings, all as currently in effect as of Valley.the date hereof, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Any such change could affect the continuing validity of this discussion.

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. holder” means a holder of Suncrest common stock who is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

a citizen or resident of the United States;

a corporation, or an entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof (including the District of Columbia);

a trust that (1) is subject to (A) the primary supervision of a court within the United States and (B) the authority of one or more “U.S. persons” to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a “U.S. person”; or

an estate that is subject to U.S. federal income tax on its income regardless of its source.

If a partnership (including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds Suncrest common stock, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding Suncrest common stock, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of the merger.

This discussion addresses only those Suncrest shareholders that are U.S. holders and that hold their Suncrest common stock as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and does not address (i) tax consequences applicable to Suncrest shareholders that are not U.S. holders, (ii) all U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to particular Suncrest shareholders in light of their individual circumstances, or (iii) Suncrest shareholders that are subject to special rules, such as:

financial institutions;

pass-through entities or investors in pass-through entities;

regulated investment companies;

real estate investment trusts;

insurance companies;

tax-exempt organizations;

dealers in securities or currencies;

certain expatriates or other persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;

traders in securities that elect to use a mark to market method of accounting;

persons who exercise dissenters’ rights;

persons that hold Suncrest common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, constructive sale, conversion transaction, or other integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes; or

shareholders who acquired their shares of Suncrest common stock through the exercise of an employee stock option or otherwise as compensation or through a tax-qualified retirement plan.

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In addition, the discussion does not address those subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code or any state, local or foreign tax consequences of the merger, nor does it address any federal laws other than those pertaining to income tax.

CVB and Suncrest have structured the merger to qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In connection with the filing of the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part, (i) CVB has received an opinion of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP that, as of the date of such opinion, if certain factual circumstances exist, the merger will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and (ii) Suncrest has received an opinion of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP that, as of the date of such opinion, if certain factual circumstances exist, the merger will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Additionally, CVB will not be required to consummate the merger unless CVB receives an additional opinion of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, dated as of the closing date of the merger, confirming that the merger will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Similarly, Suncrest will not be required to consummate the merger unless Suncrest receives an additional opinion of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP, dated as of the closing date of the merger, confirming that the merger will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. The opinions of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP and Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP regarding the merger will be based on factual assumptions, representations, warranties and covenants, including those contained in the merger agreement and in tax representation letters provided by CVB, Citizens and Suncrest. The accuracy of such assumptions, representations and warranties, and compliance with such covenants, could affect the conclusions set forth in such opinions. Neither of these opinions will be binding on the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or on any court. CVB and Suncrest have not requested and do not intend to request any ruling from the IRS as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger. Accordingly, each Suncrest shareholder should consult his, her or its tax advisor with respect to the particular tax consequences of the merger to such holder. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the merger will qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

Tax Consequences of the Merger Generally. On the basis of the opinions delivered in connection herewith:

no gain or loss will be recognized by CVB or Suncrest as a result of the merger;

gain (but not loss), if any, will be recognized by those U.S. holders who receive shares of CVB common stock and cash in exchange for shares of Suncrest common stock pursuant to the merger in an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the amount of gain realized (i.e., the excess of the sum of the amount of cash (excluding any cash received in lieu of a fractional share) and the fair market value of the CVB common stock received pursuant to the merger over the adjusted tax basis in the Suncrest common stock surrendered), and (2) the amount of cash received by such holder of Suncrest common stock (excluding any cash received in lieu of a fractional share);

the aggregate tax basis in the shares of CVB common stock received by a U.S. holder of Suncrest common stock in the merger (including any fractional share interests deemed received and sold as described below) will equal the aggregate tax basis of the Suncrest common stock surrendered, decreased by the amount of cash received in the merger (excluding any cash received in lieu of a fractional share), and increased by the amount of gain, if any, recognized (excluding any gain recognized with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share) on the exchange (regardless of whether such gain is classified as capital gain, or as ordinary dividend income, as discussed below); and

the holding period of CVB common stock received in exchange for shares of Suncrest common stock (including fractional shares of CVB common stock deemed received and sold as described below) will include the holding period of the Suncrest common stock that is surrendered in the merger.

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If a U.S. holder of Suncrest common stock acquired different blocks of Suncrest common stock at different times or at different prices, any gain or loss will be determined separately with respect to each block of Suncrest common stock and such holder’s basis and holding period in his or her shares of CVB common stock may be determined with reference to each block of Suncrest common stock. Any such holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the manner in which cash and CVB common stock received in the exchange should be allocated among different blocks of Suncrest common stock and with respect to identifying the bases or holding periods of the particular shares of CVB common stock received in the merger.

Taxation of Gains. Gain that U.S. holders of Suncrest common stock recognize in connection with the merger generally will constitute capital gain and will constitute long-term capital gain if such holders have held (or are treated as having held) their Suncrest common stock for more than one year as of the date of the merger. Long-term capital gain of non-corporate U.S. holders of Suncrest common stock is generally taxed at preferential rates. In some cases, if a U.S. holder of Suncrest common stock actually or constructively owns CVB stock other than CVB stock received pursuant to the merger, the recognized gain could be treated as having the effect of a distribution of a dividend under the tests set forth in Section 302 of the Code, in which case such gain would be treated as dividend income. Because the possibility of dividend treatment depends primarily upon each U.S. holder’s particular circumstances, including the application of various constructive ownership rules, U.S. holders of Suncrest common stock should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the foregoing rules to their particular circumstances.

Cash Received Instead of a Fractional Share of CVB Common Stock. If a U.S. holder of Suncrest common stock receives cash instead of a fractional share of CVB common stock, he or she will be treated as having received the fractional share of CVB common stock pursuant to the merger and then as having exchanged the fractional share of CVB common stock for cash in a redemption by CVB. As a result, the U.S. holder of Suncrest common stock will generally recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the basis allocable to the fractional share interest as set forth above. Subject to the discussion above regarding possible dividend treatment, this gain or loss will generally be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if, as of the effective date of the merger, the holding period for such shares is greater than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Additional Medicare Tax. Certain non-corporate U.S. holders of Suncrest common stock whose income exceeds certain thresholds may also be subject to an additional 3.8% tax on their “net investment income” up to the amount of such excess. Gain or loss recognized in the merger will be includable in such holder’s net investment income for purposes of this tax. Non-corporate U.S. holders of Suncrest common stock should consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible effect of this tax.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting. Payments of cash to a U.S. holder of Suncrest common stock may, under certain circumstances, be subject to information reporting and backup withholding, unless such holder provides proof of an applicable exemption satisfactory to CVB and the exchange agent or, in the case of backup withholding, furnishes its correct taxpayer identification number and generally otherwise complies with all applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Any amounts withheld from payments to a U.S. holder of Suncrest common stock under the backup withholding rules do not represent additional tax and will be allowed as a refund or credit against such holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished in a timely manner to the IRS.

Reporting Requirements. If a U.S. holder of Suncrest common stock who receives CVB common stock in the merger is considered a “significant holder,” such holder will be required (1) to file a statement with such holder’s U.S. federal income tax return providing certain facts pertinent to the merger, including the tax basis (determined immediately before the exchange) in the Suncrest common stock surrendered and the fair market value (determined immediately before the exchange) of the CVB common stock received in the merger, and (2) to retain permanent records of these facts relating to the merger. A “significant holder” for this purpose is any U.S. holder of Suncrest common stock who, immediately before the merger, (i) owns at least 1% (by vote or value) of Suncrest common stock or (ii) owns Suncrest securities with a tax basis of $1 million or more.

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The discussion set forth above does not address all U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to U.S. holders of Suncrest common stock and may not be applicable to such holders that are subject to special rules. It is not a complete analysis or discussion of all potential tax effects that may be important to you. Thus, you are strongly encouraged to consult your tax advisor as to the specific tax consequences resulting from the merger, including tax return reporting requirements, the applicability and effect of federal, state, local, and other tax laws and the effect of any proposed changes in the tax laws.

Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger

Completion of the merger is subject to the receipt of all approvals required to complete the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, and the bank merger, from the Federal Reserve, FDIC and the Department of Business OversightCDFPI and the expiration of any applicable statutory waiting periods, in each case subject to the condition that none of the approvals shall contain any “materially burdensome regulatory condition.”

The merger agreement defines a “materially burdensome regulatory condition” as any action, condition or restriction that

would reasonably be reasonably likely following the merger, to have a material adverse effect on CVB; or

require CVB, Financial, Citizens Business Bank or Valley (measuredthe combined company to increase its capital levels or accept any restriction on its ability to operate its businesses, in each case, that would materially reduce the economic benefits of the merger to CVB and Citizens to such a scale relative to Valley) or to materially restrict or impose a material burden ondegree that CVB Financialand Citizens, in connectiongood faith after consultation with the transactions contemplated bySuncrest, would not have entered into the merger agreement had such conditions, restrictions or with respect torequirements been known as of the business or operationsdate of the merger agreement.

CVB Financial. CVB Financial and ValleySuncrest have agreed to take all actions that are necessary, proper and advisable in connection with obtaining all regulatory approvals and have agreed to fullyreasonably cooperate with theeach other in the preparation and filinguse their respective commercially reasonable efforts to obtain as promptly as practicable all consents and approvals of the regulatory applications and other documents necessaryall governmental authorities to complete the transactions contemplated byconsummate the merger. CVB Financial and ValleySuncrest have filed applications and notifications to obtain these regulatory approvals.

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Although the parties currently believe they should be able to obtain all required regulatory approvals or waivers in a timely manner, they cannot be certain when or if they will obtain them or, if obtained, whether they will contain any materially burdensome regulatory condition to the merger.

FDIC Application Underunder the Bank Merger Act

Prior approval of the bank merger is required pursuant to Section 18(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, which we refer to as the “Bank Merger Act.” Because Citizens Business Bank is a state-chartered bank that is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, Citizens Business Bank is required to file its Bank Merger Act application with the FDIC. In evaluating an application filed under the Bank Merger Act, the FDIC takes into consideration, among other things: (i) the competitive impact of the proposed transactions, (ii) financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the banks that are party to the merger, (iii) the convenience and needs of the communities served by the banks and their compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act,CRA, (iv) the banks’ effectiveness in combating money-laundering activities, and (v) the extent to which the proposed transactions would result in greater or more concentrated risks to the stability of the U.S. banking or financial system. In connection with its review under the Bank Merger Act, the FDIC provides an opportunity for public comment on the application for the merger and is authorized to hold a public meeting or other proceeding if it determines that would be appropriate.

The CRA requires that the bank regulatory authorities, in deciding whether to approve the merger, assess the records of performance of Citizens and Suncrest in meeting the credit needs of the communities they serve, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. A less than satisfactory CRA rating could delay or block the consummation of the merger.

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Citizens received a composite rating of “satisfactory” at its most recent CRA performance evaluation, and Suncrest received a composite rating of “satisfactory” at its most recent CRA performance evaluation. Citizens and Suncrest believe that the merger will facilitate the enhancement of the combined company’s performance under CRA guidelines as Citizens offers a broader range of services and products that will enhance the lending, investment and service offerings of Suncrest’s customers particularly for low to moderate income businesses and individuals. Additionally, the combined company will gain efficiencies that will allow, among other factors, for more investment in alternative delivery channels such as mobile banking, ATMs, and call centers. Citizens and Suncrest believe that the merger meets all the material requirements of the CRA, although there is no assurance that bank regulatory authorities will approve the merger or will approve the merger without imposing conditions on the completion of the merger or requiring changes to the terms of the merger. In the event that any such conditions or changes are imposed, they could have the effect of delaying completion of the merger or imposing additional costs on or limiting the growth, revenues or other aspects of the business of the combined company following the merger. In addition, while both Citizens and Suncrest have garnered positive CRA ratings, as part of the review process under the CRA, it is not unusual for the bank regulatory authorities to receive protests and other adverse comments from community groups and others. If any such protests or adverse comments are submitted in connection with the present merger, any resulting evaluation by the bank regulatory authorities could prolong the period during which the merger is subject to review or could influence any decision by such authorities to approve or impose conditions on the approval of the merger.

Transactions approved by the FDIC under the Bank Merger Act generally may not be completed until 30 days after the approval of the FDIC is received, during which time the Department of Justice may challenge the transaction on antitrust grounds. With the approval of the FDIC and the concurrence of the Department of Justice, the waiting period may be reduced to no less than 15 days. The commencement of an antitrust action would stay the effectiveness of such an approval unless a court specifically orders otherwise. In reviewing the merger, the Department of Justice could analyze the merger’s effect on competition differently than does the FDIC, and, therefore, it is possible that the Department of Justice could reach a different conclusion than the FDIC does regarding the merger’s effects on competition. A determination by the Department of Justice not to object to the merger may not prevent the filing of antitrust actions by private persons or state attorneys general.

California Department of Business OversightFinancial Protection and Innovation (CDFPI) Application

Because Citizens Business Bank and Valley Business BankSuncrest are California state-chartered banks, the prior approval of the Department of Business Oversight will beCDFPI is required under the California Financial Code to merge Valley Business BankSuncrest with and into Citizens Business Bank.Citizens.

In reviewing the merger of Valley Business BankSuncrest with and into Citizens, Business Bank, the Department of Business OversightCDFPI will take into consideration, among other things: (i) the competitive impact of the merger, (ii) the adequacy of the surviving depository corporation’s shareholders’ equity and financial condition, (iii) whether the directors and executive officers of the surviving depository institution will be satisfactory, (iv) whether the surviving depository corporation will afford reasonable promise of successful operation and whether it is reasonable to believe that the surviving depository corporation will be operated in a safe and sound manner and in compliance with all applicable laws, and (v) whether the merger is fair, just and equitable to the disappearing depository corporation and the surviving depository corporation.

Federal Reserve Approval under the Bank Holding Company Act

CVB Financial is a bank holding company under Section 3 of the BHC Act. Section 3(a) of the BHC Act generally requires the prior approval of the Federal Reserve for any bank holding company to merge with any other bank holding company or to acquire direct or indirect ownership or control over more than five percent of the voting shares of a bank. The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco has confirmed, however, that no application is required because the merger between CVB FinancialCitizens and ValleySuncrest is part of a transaction that involves the merger of their subsidiary banks, which is the subject of a separate application under the Bank

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Merger Act and CVB Financial will not operate Valley Business BankSuncrest but instead Valley Business BankSuncrest will merge into Citizens Business Bank immediately after the merger.

Applications Relating to Accordingly, the Special Dividend

With respect tomerger meets the special dividend, Valley Business Bank is required to obtain prior approval from the Commissioner of Business Oversightrequirements of the Stateapproval exemption set forth in Section 225.12(d)(1) of CaliforniaRegulation Y under the California Financial Code and the FDIC under the FDIC’s regulations before Valley Business Bank can pay the amount of the special dividend to Valley as the amount of the special dividend is in excess of the amount that may be paid under California law without prior approval. On November 3, 2016, Valley Business Bank filed applications with the Department of Business Oversight and FDIC to allow it to make a dividend payment to Valley and on November 3, 2016, Valley informed the Federal Reserve of its intent to pay the special dividend to its shareholders.BHC Act.

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Additional Regulatory Approvals, Notices and Filings

Additional notifications, filings and/or applications may be submitted to various other federal and state regulatory authorities and self-regulatory organizations in connection with the merger.

Although CVB, FinancialCitizens and ValleySuncrest expect to timely obtain the required regulatory approvals, there can be no assurances as to whether, or when, these regulatory approvals will be obtained, the terms and conditions on which the approvals will be granted or whether there will be litigation challenging such approvals. There can likewise be no assurances that U.S. or state regulatory authorities or other parties will not attempt to challenge the merger on antitrust grounds, on the basis of the Community Reinvestment ActCRA or for other reasons or, if any such challenge is made, as to the result of the challenge.

Accounting Treatment

In accordance with current accounting guidance, the merger will be accounted for using the acquisition method. The result of this is that (i) the recorded assets and liabilities of CVB Financial will be carried forward at their recorded amounts, (ii) CVB Financial’sCVB’s historical operating results will be unchanged for the prior periods being reported and (iii) the assets and liabilities of ValleySuncrest will be adjusted to fair value at the date of the merger. In addition, all identified intangibles will be recorded at fair value and included as part of the net assets acquired. The amount by which the purchase price, consisting of the value of shares of CVB Financial common stock to be issued to former ValleySuncrest shareholders, the cash consideration, and the cash to be paid in lieu of fractional shares and to former option holders, exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired, including identifiable intangibles of ValleySuncrest and liabilities assumed at the merger date, will be reported as goodwill of CVB Financial.CVB. In accordance with current accounting guidance, goodwill is not amortized and will be evaluated for impairment annually. Identified intangibles will be amortized over their estimated lives. Further, the acquisition method of accounting results in the operating results of ValleySuncrest being included in the operating results of CVB Financial beginning from the date of completion of the merger.

Public Trading Markets

CVB Financial common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CVBF.” ValleySuncrest common stock is quoted on the OTC PinkOTCQX market under the symbol “VCBP.“SBKK.” Upon completion of the merger, ValleySuncrest common stock will cease trading on the OTC Pink market.OTCQX. CVB Financial common stock issuable in the merger will be listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

Exchange of Shares in the Merger

CVB Financial will appoint Computershare Corporate Services as the exchange agent to handle the exchange of shares of ValleySuncrest common stock for shares of CVB Financial common stock and cash. As soon as

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reasonably practicable after the effective time of the merger, the exchange agent will send to each holder of record of ValleySuncrest common stock at the effective time of the merger who holds shares of ValleySuncrest common stock, a letter of transmittal and instructions for effecting the exchange of ValleySuncrest common stock certificates for the per share merger consideration the holder is entitled to receive under the merger agreement. Upon surrender of stock certificates or book entry shares for cancellation, along with the executed letter of transmittal and other documents described in the instructions, a ValleySuncrest shareholder will receive the cash and any whole shares of CVB Financial common stock such holder is entitled to receive under the merger agreement and cash in lieu of any fractional shares of CVB Financial common stock such holder is entitled to receive. After the effective time, neither ValleySuncrest nor CVB FinancialCitizens will register any transfers of shares of ValleySuncrest common stock.

Dissenters’ Rights for Holders of Suncrest Shares

The shares of Suncrest common stock held by Suncrest shareholders who do not vote their Suncrest common stock in favor of the merger proposal and who properly demand the purchase of such shares in accordance with

 

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Chapter 13 of the California Corporations Code will not be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration otherwise payable for Suncrest common stock upon consummation of the merger, but will instead be converted into the right to receive such consideration as may be determined to be due pursuant to Chapter 13 of California Corporations Code.

The following discussion is not a complete statement of the law pertaining to dissenters’ rights under the California Corporations Code. The full text of Sections 1300 through 1313 of the California Corporations Code is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex C and is incorporated herein by reference. Annex C should be reviewed carefully by any Suncrest shareholder who wishes to exercise dissenters’ rights or who wishes to preserve the right to do so, since failure to comply with the procedures of the relevant statute in any respect will result in the loss of dissenters’ rights.

All references in Sections 1300 through 1313 of the California Corporations Code and in this summary to a “shareholder” are to the holder of record of Suncrest common stock as to which dissenters’ rights are asserted. A person having a beneficial interest in Suncrest common stock held of record in the name of another person, such as a broker, bank or nominee, cannot enforce dissenters’ rights directly and must act promptly to cause the holder of record to follow the steps summarized below properly and in a timely manner to perfect such person’s dissenters’ rights.

ANY HOLDER OF SUNCREST COMMON STOCK WISHING TO EXERCISE DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS IS URGED TO CONSULT LEGAL COUNSEL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO EXERCISE SUCH RIGHTS. FAILURE TO COMPLY STRICTLY WITH ALL OF THE PROCEDURES SET FORTH IN CHAPTER 13 OF THE CALIFORNIA CORPORATIONS CODE, WHICH CONSISTS OF SECTIONS 1300-1313, WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF A SHAREHOLDER’S STATUTORY DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS.

Under the California Corporations Code, Suncrest common stock must satisfy each of the following requirements to qualify as dissenting shares, which are referred to as dissenting shares:

such dissenting shares must have been outstanding on the record date;

such dissenting shares must not have been voted in favor of the merger proposal;

the holder of such dissenting shares must timely make a written demand that Suncrest repurchase such dissenting shares at fair market value (as defined below); and

the holder of such dissenting shares must submit certificates representing such dissenting shares for endorsement (as described below).

A vote “AGAINST” the merger proposal, or abstaining from voting, does not in and of itself constitute a demand for appraisal under California law.

Pursuant to Sections 1300 through 1313 of the California Corporations Code, holders of dissenting shares may require Suncrest to repurchase their dissenting shares at a price equal to the fair market value of such shares determined as of the day before the first announcement of the terms of the merger, excluding any appreciation or depreciation as a consequence of the proposed merger, but adjusted for any stock split, reverse stock split or stock dividend that becomes effective thereafter, referred to as the “fair market value.”

Within 10 days following approval of the merger proposal by Suncrest shareholders, Suncrest is required to mail a dissenter’s notice to each person who did not vote in favor of the merger proposal. The dissenter’s notice must contain the following:

a notice of the approval of the merger proposal;

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a statement of the price determined by Suncrest to represent the fair market value of dissenting shares (which will constitute an offer by Suncrest to purchase such dissenting shares at such stated price unless such shares lose their status as “dissenting shares” under Section 1309 of the California Corporations Code);

a brief description of the procedure for such holders to exercise their rights as dissenting shareholders; and

a copy of Sections 1300 through 1304 of Chapter 13 of the California Corporations Code.

Within 30 days after the date on which the notice of the approval of the merger proposal by the outstanding shares is mailed to dissenting shareholders, Suncrest or its transfer agent must have received from any dissenting shareholder a written demand that Suncrest repurchase such shareholder’s dissenting shares. The written demand must include the number and class of dissenting shares held of record by such dissenting shareholder that the dissenting shareholder demands that Suncrest purchase. Furthermore, the written demand must include a statement of what such dissenting shareholder claims to be the fair market value of the dissenting shares (which will constitute an offer by the dissenting shareholder to sell the dissenting shares at such price). In addition, within such same 30-day period, a dissenting shareholder must submit to Suncrest or its transfer agent certificates representing any dissenting shares that the dissenting shareholder demands Suncrest purchase, so that such dissenting shares may either be stamped or endorsed with the statement that the shares are dissenting shares or exchanged for certificates of appropriate denomination so stamped or endorsed. If the dissenting shares are uncertificated, then such shareholder must provide written notice of the number of shares which the shareholder demands that Suncrest purchase within 30 days after the date of the mailing of the notice of the approval of the merger proposal. The demand, statement and Suncrest certificates should be delivered by overnight courier to:

Suncrest Bank

501 West Main Street

Visalia, California 93291

Attention: Corporate Secretary

or

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company

17 Battery Place, 8th Floor

New York, New York 10004

Attention: Suncrest Bank (SBKK)

If upon the dissenting shareholder’s surrender of the certificates representing the dissenting shares, Suncrest and a dissenting shareholder agree upon the price to be paid for the dissenting shares and agree that such shares are dissenting shares, then the agreed price is required by law to be paid (with interest thereon at the legal rate on judgments from the date of the agreement) to the dissenting shareholder within the later of (i) 30 days after the date of such agreement or (ii) 30 days after any statutory or contractual conditions to the completion of the merger are satisfied.

If Suncrest and a dissenting shareholder disagree as to the price for such dissenting shares or disagree as to whether such shares are entitled to be classified as dissenting shares, such holder has the right to bring an action in the California Superior Court of the proper county, within six months after the date on which the notice of the shareholders’ approval of the merger proposal is mailed, to resolve such dispute. In such action, the court will determine whether the Suncrest common stock held by such shareholder are dissenting shares and/or the fair market value of such dissenting shares.

In determining the fair market value for the dissenting shares, the court may appoint one or more impartial appraisers to make the determination. Within a time fixed by the court, the appraisers, or a majority of them, will make and file a report with the court. If the appraisers cannot determine the fair market value within 10 days of

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their appointment, or within a longer time determined by the court, or the court does not confirm their report, then the court will determine the fair market value. Upon a motion made by any party, the report will be submitted to the court and considered evidence as the court considers relevant. The costs of the dissenters’ rights action, including reasonable compensation to the appraisers appointed by the court, will be allocated between Suncrest and the dissenting shareholder(s) as the court deems equitable. However, if the appraisal of the fair market value of Suncrest shares exceeds the price offered by Suncrest in the notice of approval, then Suncrest will pay the costs. If the fair market value of the shares awarded by the court exceeds 125% of the price offered by Suncrest, then the court may in its discretion impose additional costs on Suncrest, including attorneys’ fees, fees of expert witnesses and interest.

Suncrest shareholders considering whether to exercise dissenters’ rights should consider that the fair market value of their Suncrest common stock determined under Chapter 13 of the California Corporations Code could be more than, the same as or less than the value of consideration to be paid in connection with the merger, as set forth in the merger agreement. Also, Suncrest reserves the right to assert in any appraisal proceeding that, for purposes thereof, the fair market value of dissenting shares is less than the value of the merger consideration to be issued and paid in connection with the merger, as set forth in the merger agreement. Suncrest shareholders considering whether to exercise dissenters’ rights should consult with their tax advisors for the specific tax consequences of the exercise of dissenters’ rights.

Strict compliance with certain technical prerequisites is required to exercise dissenters’ rights. Suncrest shareholders wishing to exercise dissenters’ rights should consult with their own legal counsel in connection with compliance with Chapter 13 of the California Corporations Code. Any Suncrest shareholder who fails to strictly comply with the requirements of Chapter 13 of the California Corporations Code, attached as Annex C to this proxy statement/prospectus, will forfeit the right to exercise dissenters’ rights and will, instead, receive the consideration to be issued and paid in connection with the merger, as set forth in the merger agreement.

Except as expressly limited by Chapter 13 of the California Corporations Code, dissenting shares continue to have all the rights and privileges incident to their shares until the fair market value of their shares is agreed upon or determined.

Dissenting shares lose their status as “dissenting shares,” and holders of dissenting shares cease to be entitled to require Suncrest to purchase such shares, upon the happening of any of the following:

the merger is abandoned;

the dissenting shares are transferred before their submission to Suncrest for the required endorsement;

the dissenting shareholder and Suncrest do not agree on the status of the shares as dissenting shares or do not agree on the purchase price, but neither Suncrest nor the shareholder files a complaint or intervenes in a pending action within six months after Suncrest mails a notice that its shareholders have approved the merger; or

with Suncrest’s consent, the dissenting shareholder withdraws the shareholder’s demand for purchase of the dissenting shares.

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THE MERGER AGREEMENT

The following is a summarysection of this proxy statement/prospectus describes the material terms and conditions of the merger agreement. This summary does not purport to be complete and may not contain all of the information about the merger agreement that is important to you. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the merger agreement, which is incorporated by reference and attached as amended,Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus. We urge you to read the full text of the merger agreement since it, and not the following description, constitutes the agreement of CVB, Citizens and Suncrest.

Explanatory Note Regarding the Merger Agreement

The merger agreement is described in this proxy statement/prospectus, and a copy of whichit is attachedincluded asAppendixAnnex A andAppendix B to and incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement/prospectus.prospectus, to provide you with important information regarding the proposed merger. The rightsrepresentations, warranties and obligationscovenants made in the merger agreement by CVB, Citizens and Suncrest are qualified by and subject to important limitations agreed to by the parties in connection with negotiating the terms of the merger agreement. In particular, in your review of the representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement and described in this summary, it is important to bear in mind that the representations and warranties were negotiated with the principal purposes of establishing the circumstances in which a party to the merger agreement may have the right not to complete the merger if the representations and warranties of the other party prove to be untrue, whether due to a change in circumstances or otherwise, and allocating risk between the parties to the merger agreement, rather than establishing matters as facts. The representations and warranties may also be subject to a contractual standard of materiality different from those generally applicable to shareholders or reports and documents filed with the SEC and in some cases are governedqualified by disclosures that were made by each party to the express termsother, which disclosures were reflected in schedules to the merger agreement that have not been described or included in this proxy statement/prospectus, including Annex A. Factual disclosures about CVB and conditionsCitizens contained in the public reports filed by CVB with the SEC may also supplement, update or modify the factual disclosures and representations about CVB and Citizens contained in the merger agreement. Further, information concerning the subject matter of the representations and warranties in the merger agreement, which do not purport to be accurate as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, may have changed since the date of the merger agreement, and not by this summarysubsequent developments or any othernew information containedqualifying a representation or warranty may have been included in this proxy statement/prospectus. You are urged to read the merger agreement carefully and in its entirety before making any decisions regarding the merger.

Effects of the Merger

The merger agreement provides for the merger of ValleySuncrest with and into CVB Financial with CVB FinancialCitizens, the separate existence of Suncrest will cease and Citizens will continue as the surviving corporation inimmediately upon the closing of the merger. The merger agreement provides that the articles of incorporation and the bylaws of CVB FinancialCitizens as in effect immediately prior to the merger will be the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the surviving corporation. The merger agreement further provides that, immediately after the merger of Valley and CVB Financial, Valley Business Bank will merge with and into Citizens Business Bank, with Citizens Business Bank as the surviving bank.

As a result of the merger, there will no longer be any shares of ValleySuncrest common stock authorized, issued or outstanding. ValleySuncrest shareholders will only participate in CVB Financial’sCVB’s future earnings and potential growth through their ownership of CVB Financial common stock. All of the other incidents of direct ownership of ValleySuncrest common stock, such as the right to vote on certain corporate decisions, to elect directors and to receive dividends and distributions from Valley,Suncrest, will be extinguished at the effective time of the merger. All of the property, rights, privileges and powers of CVB FinancialCitizens and ValleySuncrest will vest in the surviving corporation, and all claims, obligations, liabilities, debts and duties of CVB FinancialCitizens and ValleySuncrest will become the claims, obligations, liabilities, debts and duties of the surviving corporation.

Effective Time of the Merger

The merger agreement provides that the merger will be consummated onno later than the lastfifth business day offollowing the month in which the lastsatisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions includingin the receiptmerger agreement (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the consummation of all regulatory and shareholder approvals and after the expiration of all regulatory waiting periods,merger), which are satisfied or waived, described below,

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unless the parties to the merger agreement agree to another date is selected by mutual agreement of CVB Financial and Valley.date. The merger will be consummated legally at the time the agreement of merger between ValleyCitizens and CVB Financial,Suncrest, the form of which is included as Exhibit BC to the merger agreement, has been duly filed withcertified by the Secretary of State of the State of California.California and filed with the CDFPI. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the parties expect that the merger will be effectivecompleted in the fourth quarter of 2021 or early in the first quarter of 2017.2022. The merger agreement provides that if the conditions to the merger have been satisfied such that the merger would otherwise close in December, 2021, the parties have agreed that the merger will close instead in January, 2022. However, there can be no assurance as to when or whether the merger will occur.

If the merger is not completed by the close of business on February 28, 2017,the outside date, the merger agreement may be terminated by either ValleySuncrest or CVB, Financial, unless the failure of the closing to occur by such date is due to the failure of the party seeking to terminate the merger agreement to perform or observe the covenants and agreements of such party set forth in the merger agreement.

For a description of the transaction structure and merger consideration, please see the section entitled “THE MERGER—Terms of the Merger”The Merger—Merger Consideration” beginning on page  36.28.

Covenants and Agreements

Conduct of Businesses Prior to the Completion ofBusiness Pending the Merger

ValleySuncrest Conduct of Business Pending the Merger

Under the merger agreement, Suncrest has agreed that, prior toduring the effective timeperiod before completion of the merger, it will generally except as permitted by the merger agreement or consented to by CVB, Suncrest will:

conduct its business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices. In addition, Valley has agreed to use commerciallypractice in all material respects,

 

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use its commercially reasonable best efforts to maintain and preserve intact its business organization and advantageous business relationships and goodwill with governmental entities, customers, suppliers, distributors, creditors, lessors, officers and employees and business associates; keep available the services of its employees and agents; perform its material obligations under its material contracts; maintain in full force and effect insurance comparable in amount and scope of coverage to that maintained by it at the time the merger agreement was signed; agents,

maintain its allowance for loaninsurance, and lease losses in accordance with past practices and methodologies and generally accepted accounting principles (except as a result of changes in generally accepted accounting principles or as directed by a governmental entity); charge off all loans and other assets deemed uncollectible or classified as “loss” in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable law or as directed by a governmental entity); and maintain loan classification policies and procedures in accordance with industry best practices consistent with past practice. Valley has also agreed not to

take anyno action that is intended to or would reasonably be expected to adversely affect or materially delay the ability to obtain any necessary regulatory approvals, required forto perform its covenants and agreements or to consummate the transactions contemplatedmerger.

In addition to the above agreements regarding the conduct of business generally, Suncrest has agreed to specific restrictions relating to the conduct of its businesses, including prohibitions of the following (in each case subject to exceptions specified in the merger agreement or its performanceand except as consented to by CVB):

other than pursuant to Suncrest options and Suncrest Stock Awards outstanding on the date of its covenants and agreements in the merger agreement, or its consummation of the merger or other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

In addition to the general covenants above, Valley has agreed that prior to the effective time of the merger, subject to specified exceptions, it will not, and will not permit any of its subsidiaries to, without the written consent of CVB Financial:

issue or sell additional shares of its capital stock, or securities convertible or exchangeable into, or exercisable for, any shares of its capital stock, except upon exercise of stock options outstanding on the date of the merger agreement;stock;

 

make, declare, pay or set aside for payment any dividend or other distribution on its capital stock, other than the special dividend and quarterly cash dividends consistent with Valley’s past practices with respect to timing and amount;stock;

 

adjust, split, combine, redeem, reclassify, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of its stock or other securities;

 

amend or modify the material terms of;of, waive, release or assign any rights under;under, terminate, renew or allow to renew automatically;automatically, make any payment not then required under; knowinglyunder, fail to comply with or violate the terms of;of or enter into (i) any material contract, lease or regulatory agreement, (ii) any restriction on its ability to conduct its business as it is conducted at the time the merger agreement was entered into or (iii) any contract governing the terms of ValleySuncrest common stock, related rights or any outstanding debt instrument;instrument, in each case, which is not terminable on 60 days’ notice or less without the payment of any amount other than for products delivered or services performed;

 

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sell, transfer, mortgage, lease, encumber or otherwise dispose of any of its assets, deposits, business or properties other than in the ordinary course of business and in a transaction that, together with other such transactions, isdoes not material to Valley taken as a whole;exceed $50,000;

 

acquire (other than by way of foreclosures, in satisfaction of a debt or in a fiduciary capacity) all or any portion of the assets, business, deposits or properties of any other entity, except in the ordinary course of business and in a transaction that, together with other such transactions, is not material to it, taken as a whole, and would not reasonably be expected to present a material risk that the completion of the merger will be materially delayed or the required regulatory approvals will not be more difficult to obtain;obtained;

 

amend Valley’sthe articles of incorporation or bylaws of Suncrest or those of its subsidiaries;

 

except as and when required under applicable law or an employee benefit plan, (i) increase the salary, wages or benefits of any director, officer or employee, except for ordinary-course, merit-based increases in the base salary of employees (not exceeding 110% in the aggregate) consistent with past practice, but not more than 2.5% of the employee’s current base salary;practice; (ii) accrue, grant, pay or agree to pay any bonus or other incentive compensation, except for bonuses and other incentive compensation payable on an annual basis in the ordinary course of business consistent in all material respects with past practice for the year ending December 31, 2021, not exceeding (solely for each individual whose employment terminates upon consummation of the merger), the lessor of (1) 110% of the amount of such bonusesemployee’s annual bonus for the year ended December 31, 20162020 (pro-rated for the portion of the calendar year prior to the closing date) and (2) the amount accrued as of the closing date on the Suncrest financial statements with respect to such employee; (iii) adopt or amend any employee benefit plan; (iv) grant any new equity award; and (v) grant or pay any severance, retention, retirement or termination pay other than pursuant to Valley’s existing 2016 bonus plan(A) the Suncrest employee benefit plans in an aggregate amount not to exceed 110%effect as of the aggregate amount paid under Valley 2015 bonus plandate of the merger agreement or pursuant(B) a pool for retention payments to certain Suncrest employees to be mutually agreed upon by CVB and Suncrest;

accelerate the payment or vesting of, or lapsing of restrictions with respect to, any retention plan adopted withstock-based compensation;

fund any rabbi trust or similar arrangement or take any action to fund or in any other way secure the concurrencepayment of CVB Financial;compensation or benefits under any employee benefit plan;

 

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adopt any employee benefit plan; grant any new equity award; terminate the employment or services of any officer or employee who is party to a change in control agreement other than for cause; enter into any collective bargaining or other agreement with a labor organization; or forgive or issue any loans to any director, officer or employee;

forgive or issue any loans to any director, officer or employee;

 

hire any officer, employee or other service provider, except for a non-executive officer in the ordinary course of business and at an annual base salary not to exceed that of the person being replaced;consistent with past practices;

 

enter into any collective bargaining or other agreement with a labor organization;

knowingly take, or omit to take, any action that would prevent or impede, or could reasonably be expected to prevent or impede, the merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code;

 

make any contributions to Suncrest’s 401(k) Plan outside of the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

incur or guarantee any indebtedness for borrowed money, other than in the ordinary course of business other than advancesconsistent with past practice and provided further that the maturity period for any such indebtedness shall not exceed 90 days from the Federal Home Loan Bankdate of San Franciscoincurrence of such indebtedness;

assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for the Federal Reserve Bankobligations of San Franciscoany other person (other than the endorsement of checks, commercial paper, bankers acceptances and bank drafts in the ordinary course of business consistent with a term of not more than one week;past practice);

 

enter into any new line of business or make any material change in any basic policies and practices with respect to the operation of its business;

 

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make any investment either by contributions to capital, property transfers or purchase of any property or assets of any person other than (i) in accordance with Suncrest’s investment policies in effect as of the date of the merger agreement and (ii) purchases of direct obligations of the United States of America or sellits government agencies with a remaining maturity of one year or dispose of any suchless;

materially change Suncrest’s investment or purchase, acquire, sell or dispose of any securities of any type;portfolio;

 

settle any action, suit, claim, proceeding, order or investigation for consideration not in excess of $50,000 individually or $100,000 in excess of $100,000 when combined with other settlements;the aggregate;

 

alter materially change its interest ratesrate or fees forpricing fee or fee pricing policies with respect to depository accounts, except as determined in good faith to be necessary or advisable based on changes in market conditions, and consistentor waive any material fees with its policies;respect thereto;

 

change its interest rate policy or other risk management policies, procedures or practices or fail to follow such policies;

 

grant or commit to grant any new extension of credit to any obligor (whether a new or existing relationship) (i) if such extension of credit together with all other credit then outstanding to the same borrower and its affiliates, would equal or exceed $1,000,000 or anyif Suncrest’s aggregate relationship exposure to such obligor, including as a result of such extension, is at least $4,000,000; (ii) if such extension of credit withis secured by commercial real estate and is for at least $2,000,000; (iii) if such extension is an SBA loan where Suncrest was identified through a zeronon-bank referral or below-market rates, other than those specified loans in progress on the datelender and is for at least $500,000; or (iv) if such extension of merger agreement;credit is not secured by commercial real estate and is for at least $1,000,000;

 

renewgrant or commit to grant any extensionrenewal or modification of credit that would exceed $1,000,000, except on terms which are substantially similar to those of thean existing extension of credit to any obligor if such extension of credit would equal or which are more favorable to Valley;exceed $3,000,000;

 

sell any real estate, charge off any assets, compromise on any debt or release any collateral on loans if such sale, charge-off, compromise or release would exceed $50,000$100,000 in the aggregate, providedaggregate;

renew any extension of credit that Valley may sell a specified loan to a party that is not affiliated with the borrowerwould equal or Valley for $1,000,000exceed (i) $250,000 if rated Substandard; or more;(ii) $500,000 if rated Special Mention;

 

purchase any loan or loan participation;participation, or participate in any extension of credit;

 

securitize any loan or create any special purpose funding or variable interest entity;entity other than on behalf of clients;

 

invest in any mortgage-backed or mortgage-related securities that would be considered “high-risk” securities or enter into a derivatives transaction;

 

solicit, accept, renew or roll over over:

any brokered deposits or funds obtained through the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service or similar listing service deposits with a maturity in excess of 90 days;

any ordinary commercial or open any newconsumer interest bearing deposit account that pays an effectivewithout a maturity or with a maturity of 12 months or less, in each case, by offering a yield that exceeds the prevailing effective yields providedyield set forth in a schedule to the merger agreement; and

any ordinary commercial or consumer interest bearing time deposit with a maturity in excess of 12 months by offering a yield that exceeds the Federal Reserve;yield for a deposit with the same maturity set forth in the Suncrest deposit rate sheet in effect as of April 16, 2021;

 

apply for the opening, relocation or closing of any branch office;

make any changes to the Suncrest deposit rate sheet in effect as of April 16, 2021;

 

make any capital expenditures other than capital expenditures in the ordinary and usual course of business consistent with past practice in amounts not exceeding $50,000$25,000 individually or $100,000 in the aggregate;

 

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pay, loan or advance any amount to, or sell, transfer or lease any properties, rights or assets (real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible) to, or enter into any arrangement or agreement with, any of its officers or directors or any of their family members, or any affiliates or associates (as defined under the Exchange Act) of any of its officers or directors, other than loans originated in the ordinary course of business;

 

make or commit to make any loan or amend the terms of any outstanding loan to any directors, officers andor principal shareholders of ValleySuncrest or waive any rights with respect to any such loan;loan (other than a renewal of a loan in the ordinary course of business, without a material change in terms, and in compliance with Regulation O and all other applicable laws);

 

change its tax or accounting policies and procedures;procedures unless required by generally accepted accounting principles or any governmental entity;

 

change its fiscal year for tax or accounting purposes;

 

other than as required by generally accepted accounting principles or any governmental entity, reduce any material accrual or reserve, including its allowance for loan and lease losses (which allowance at all times shall not be less than $8,504,000, or change the methodology with respect to any such reserves;reserves or allowances;

 

make any material change in any basic policies and practices with respect to loans, deposits and services, liquidity management and cash flow planning, marketing, deposit origination, lending, reserves for loan or lease losses, budgeting, profit and tax planning, personnel practices or any other material aspect of its business or operations;

 

grant any power of attorney or similar authority;

 

take title to any real property without conducting prior thereto an environmental investigation, which investigation shall disclose the absence of any suspected environmental contamination;

acquire direct or indirect control over any entity, whether by stock purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise or make any other investment either by purchase of securities, contributions to capital, property transfers or purchase of any property or assets of any other Person,person, except, in either instance, in connection with a foreclosure of collateral or conveyance of such collateral in lieu of foreclosure taken in connection with collection of a loan in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and with respect to loans made to third parties who are not affiliates of Valley;Suncrest;

 

except as required by a governmental entity, make or change any material tax elections; change or consent to any change in itsSuncrest’s method of accounting for tax purposes, except as required by applicable tax law; take any position on any tax return filed on or after the date of the merger agreement, settle or compromise any material tax liability, claim or assessment; enter into any closing agreement, waive or extend any statute of limitations with respect to a material amount of taxes; surrender any right to claim a refund for taxes; or file any material amended tax return;

make any charitable contributions exceeding, individually or in the aggregate, 110% of total charitable contributions made by Suncrest during 2020, as determined and pro-rated on a quarterly basis;

issue any written communication to any Suncrest employee related to employee benefits or compensation for post-closing employment;

foreclose upon or otherwise take title to real property without first obtaining a Phase 1 environmental report, except as otherwise permitted in the merger agreement;

 

take any action, or omit to take any action, that is intended to or would reasonably be likely to result in any of its representations and warranties in the merger agreement becoming untrue in any respect, any of the conditions to the merger not being satisfied or delayed, or a violation or breach of any provision of the merger agreement; or

 

agree to take, or make any commitment to take, any of the foregoing prohibited actions.

In addition to

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CVB Forbearance

Under the general covenants above,merger agreement, CVB Financial has agreed that, prior toduring the effective timeperiod before completion of the merger, subjectexcept as permitted by the merger agreement or consented to specified exceptions, itby Suncrest, CVB will not, and will not permit any of its subsidiaries to, without the written consent of Valley:not:

 

conduct its business other than in the ordinary course consistent with past practice in all material respects;

take any action that would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impede or materially delay the consummation of the merger;

knowingly take or omit to take any action that would reasonably be expected to prevent materially impede or materially delay the merger;

willfully take, or willfully omit to take, any action that is reasonably likely to result in any of the conditions set forth in the merger agreement (other than conditions to CVB Financial’s and Citizens Business Bank’s obligations) not being satisfied;

willfully take, or willfully omit to take, any action that would prevent or impede the merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code;

amend its articles of incorporation or bylaws in a manner that would adversely affect the holders of Suncrest common stock relative to and disproportionate to all other holders of CVB common stock;

accept any offer from any third party involving a business combination, unless such offer is conditioned upon the performance by CVB and Citizens of all of their obligations under the merger agreement; and

 

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except astake or omit to take any action that is intended to or would notreasonably be reasonably expectedlikely to haveresult in (i) a material adverse effect with respecton CVB (ii) any of the conditions to CVB Financial and Citizens Business Bank, willfully fail to file all reports with the SEC andmerger not being satisfied or materially delayed, or (iii) a material violation or breach of any other filings required to be filed with any applicable governmental entity.provision of the merger agreement.

Regulatory Matters

CVB Financial and ValleySuncrest have agreed to promptly prepare and file this proxy statement/prospectus, and CVB Financial has agreed to promptly prepare and file with the SEC athe registration statement on Form S-4, of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part.part, in connection with the issuance of shares of CVB Financial and Valley have eachcommon stock in the merger. Each party has agreed to use their commerciallyits reasonable best efforts to have the Form S-4 registration statement declared effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as promptly as practicable after such filing. CVB Financial and Valley have agreed to furnish all information concerning themselves, their affiliates and the holders of their capital stock to the other and provide such other assistance and cooperation as may be reasonably requested in connection with the preparation, filing and distribution of the Form S-4 and this proxy statement/prospectus.

CVB Financial and ValleySuncrest have agreed to cooperate with each other and use their respective commercially reasonable best efforts to promptly prepare and file all necessary documentation to effect all applications, notices, petitions and filings and to obtain as promptly as practicable all permits, consents, waivers, approvals and authorizations of all third parties and any governmental entityauthorities that are necessary or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated bymerger. Nothing contained in the merger agreement will be deemed to require CVB or Citizens to take any action, or commit to take any action, or agree to any condition or restriction, in connection with obtaining the foregoing permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of governmental authorities that would reasonably be likely to be a materially burdensome regulatory condition. Under the merger agreement, a materially burdensome regulatory condition includes any action, condition or restriction that (i) would reasonably expected be likely to have a material adverse effect on CVB or (ii) require CVB, Citizens or the combined company to raise additional capital or accept any restriction on its ability to operate its businesses that would materially reduce the economic benefits of the merger to CVB and Citizens to such a degree that CVB and Citizens would not have entered into the merger agreement had such conditions, restrictions or requirements been known as of the date of the merger agreement.

Shareholder ApprovalMeeting

The ValleySuncrest has agreed to take all action necessary to convene a meeting of its shareholders, as promptly as reasonably practicable after the Form S-4 registration statement is declared effective, and in no event later than 45 days after the Form S-4 registration statement is declared effective, for the purpose of obtaining its shareholders approval of the merger.

Except as permitted under the terms of the merger agreement, the Suncrest board of directors hasshall at all times prior to and during such special meeting unanimously resolvedrecommend such approval and shall use its commercially

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reasonable efforts to recommend to Valley shareholders that they adoptsolicit and approveobtain such approval. Unless the merger agreement (subject to certain exceptions, following the receipt of a superior acquisition proposal (as defined below)), to submit the merger agreement to Valley shareholders for approval (unless the merger agreement has beenis terminated in accordance with its terms) and to include itsterms, Suncrest will convene such meeting regardless of whether or not (i) the Suncrest board of directors has made an adverse change in recommendation that Valley shareholders adopt and approve the merger agreement and use its reasonable best efforts to obtain from its shareholders a vote adopting the merger agreement (subject to certain exceptions, following the receipt of a superioror (ii) an acquisition proposal).

NASDAQ Listing

CVB Financial has agreed to use its reasonable commercial efforts to cause the shares of CVB Financial common stock to be issued in the merger to be approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, subject to official notice of issuance, prior to or at the effective time of the merger.

Employee Matters

Employees of Valley who become employees of Citizens Business Bank, referred to as “continuing employees,” will be eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans of Citizens Business Bank on the same terms as such plans and benefits are generally offered to employees of Citizens Business Bank in comparable positions. For purposes of determining covered employees’ eligibility and vesting (but not for benefit accruals) under the employee benefit plans of Citizens Business Bank, for severance benefits and for vacation entitlement (to the extent permitted by applicable law), Citizens Business Bank will recognize such employees’ years of service with the Valley. Valley’s existing benefit plans will be terminated at the time of the merger, except for Valley’s deferred compensation plans. After the effective time of the merger, CVB shall cause Citizens Business Bank to provide a severance benefit to each person who was an employee of Valley immediately before the effective time (except for any employee who is a party to any agreement providing severance) and whose employment is terminated involuntarily, other than for “Cause”proposal (as defined below), by Citizens Business Bank within 12 months after the effective time from a third party has been made.

No Solicitation of the merger. The severance benefit will consist of a lump-sum severance payment equal to such employee’s regularly scheduled base salary or base wages at the time of

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termination of employment, for a number of weeks equal to two weeks plus one week for each full year of continuous service completed by such employee with Valley and Citizens Business Bank at the time of termination of employment, subject to applicable tax withholding and subject further to the employee’s signing a release of claims in favor of CVB Financial and Citizens Business Bank and allowing it to become effective. “Cause” means the employee’s personal dishonesty, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, failure to comply with any valid and legal directive of CVB Financial or Citizens Business Bank, failure to perform stated duties or violation of any law, rule, regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or order of any governmental entity.Alternative Transactions

The merger agreement permits Valleycontains detailed provisions prohibiting Suncrest from seeking an alternative transaction to establish a “retention” programthe merger. Under these “no solicitation” provisions, none of Suncrest nor any of its officers, directors and employees shall, and Suncrest will cause its officers, directors, agents, representatives, advisors and affiliates not to:

initiate, solicit, encourage or knowingly facilitate any inquiries with respect to, compensate certain Valley employees who remainor make any proposal or offer that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to lead to, an acquisition proposal (as defined below);

engage or enter into, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions with Valley throughor provide any confidential information to any person relating to, or engage in any negotiations concerning, or otherwise cooperate with or assist or participate in, or encourage or knowingly facilitate any such inquiries, proposals, discussions or negotiations or any effort or attempt to make an acquisition proposal or other proposal that could reasonably be expected to lead to an acquisition proposal; or

approve, endorse or recommend, or propose to approve, endorse or recommend, or enter into, any letter of intent, agreement in principle, merger agreement, asset purchase or share exchange agreement, option agreement or other similar agreement related to any acquisition proposal or propose or agree to do any of the effective timeforegoing.

Suncrest has further agreed that it will:

immediately terminate any activities, discussions or negotiations conducted prior to the date of the merger and/agreement with any third parties with respect to any acquisition proposal; and

enforce any confidentiality or similar agreement relating to an acquisition proposal and request and confirm the return or destruction of any confidential information provided to any person pursuant to any such confidentiality or similar agreement.

The “no solicitation” restrictions notwithstanding, if Suncrest receives an unsolicited bona fide written acquisition proposal after the date of the merger agreement, it may engage in discussions and negotiations with Citizens Business Bank throughor provide nonpublic information to the completionentity or person in response to such acquisition proposal, but only if:

the Suncrest board of key systems conversions followingdirectors receives the merger. The payment will be conditioned upon such employee not resigningacquisition proposal prior to the conversion date.

Subject to the requirements of applicable law, Citizens Business Bank has agreed to take commercially reasonable actions as are necessary to cause the group health plan maintainedapproval by Citizens Business Bank and applicable insurance carriers, third-party administrators and any other third parties, to the extent such group health plan is made available to employees of Valley at the timeSuncrest shareholders of the merger proposal;

Suncrest first enters into a confidentiality agreement with the person making such acquisition proposal on terms no less restrictive to waive any evidence of insurability requirements, waiting periodsthe counterparty than those contained in confidentiality agreement between CVB and any limitations asSuncrest and that expressly permits Suncrest to preexisting medical conditionscomply with its obligations under the group health planmerger agreement;

the Suncrest board of directors concludes in good faith such acquisition proposal constitutes or is reasonably likely to result in a superior proposal (as defined below); and

the Suncrest board of directors determines that engaging in such discussions and negotiations with, or providing such nonpublic information or data to, such person is necessary in order for the Suncrest board of directors to comply with its fiduciary duties to its shareholders under applicable law.

Suncrest will notify CVB promptly (in no event later than 24 hours) after receipt of any acquisition proposal, or any request for nonpublic information relating to employeesan acquisition proposal, or any inquiry from any person seeking

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to have discussions or negotiations with Suncrest relating to an acquisition proposal or any other indication that any person is considering making an acquisition proposal. Suncrest will also notify CVB promptly (in no event later than 24 hours) if it enters into discussions or negotiations concerning any acquisition proposal or provides nonpublic information or data relating to an acquisition proposal. Suncrest will keep CVB promptly and fully informed of Valleythe status and terms of any acquisition proposals, offers, discussions or negotiations on a current basis, including providing copies of any draft definitive agreement reflecting an acquisition proposal. Suncrest will provide CVB with at least five business days’ notice prior to each meeting of the timeSuncrest board of directors (or any committee thereof) at which the Suncrest board of directors (or any committee thereof) considers and determines whether any offer constitutes a superior proposal.

For purposes of the merger and their spouses and eligible dependents (but onlyagreement, the term “acquisition proposal” means, any proposal or offer that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to the extent that such preexisting condition limitations did not applylead to, a transaction to effect:

a merger, reorganization, share exchange, consolidation, business combination, recapitalization or were satisfied under the group health plan maintained by Valley prior to the closing) and to provide employees of Valley at the time of the merger with credit, for the calendar year in which the closing occurs, for the amount of any out-of-pocket expenses and copayments or deductible expenses that are incurred by them during the calendar year in which the merger occurs under a group health plan maintained by Citizens Business Banksimilar transaction involving Suncrest or any of its affiliates (unlesssubsidiaries that, if consummated, would result in any person (or the shareholders of such employeesperson) beneficially owning 15% or more of Valley were, when employed by Valley, participantsany class of equity securities of Suncrest (or of the surviving parent entity in such transaction) or of any of its subsidiaries;

any purchase or sale or other acquisition of 15% or more of Suncrest’s consolidated assets;

any purchase or sale of, or tender or exchange offer for, or other acquisition of, Suncrest’s voting securities that, if consummated, would result in any person (or the shareholders of such person) beneficially owning 15% or more of any class of equity securities or any amount of Suncrest (or of the surviving parent entity in such transaction) or of any of its subsidiaries; or

a Health Maintenance Organization health plan).liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Suncrest.

Prior to the effective timeFor purposes of the merger Valley shall terminateagreement, the term “superior proposal” means an unsolicited bona fide written acquisition proposal that the Suncrest board of directors, after consultation with its 401(k) planfinancial advisors and legal advisors, and taking into account all legal, financial, regulatory, shareholder approval risk and other aspects of the proposal and the person making the proposal (including any other employee benefit plansbreak-up fees, expense reimbursement provisions and conditions to consummation), concludes in good faith:

is more favorable to the shareholders of Suncrest, from a financial point of view, than the merger (after taking into account break-up fees, expense reimbursement provisions and conditions to consummation, as well as all adjustments and modifications to the merger terms that CVB Financial may identify, other than Valley’s executive’s supplemental compensation agreement, salary continuation agreements and split dollar agreements, which CVB Financial will maintain following the merger. Valley will provide CVB Financial with evidence ofpropose);

is not subject to any financing contingencies or, if financing is required, then such terminationsfinancing is reasonably committed to the satisfactionthird party making the acquisition proposal and is reasonably likely to be provided; and

is reasonably likely to receive all required governmental approvals on a timely basis and otherwise reasonably capable of CVB Financial.being completed on a timely basis on the terms proposed.

The merger agreement specifies that noneFor the purpose of its provisions confer upon any employee of Valley who is employed by Citizens Business Bank after the merger any right with respect to continuance of employment or other service. Nor doesdefining “superior proposal” in the merger agreement, interfereeach reference to “15%” in any way with the rightdefinition of CVB Financial“acquisition proposal” shall be deemed to terminatebe a reference to “50%”.

Suncrest Board Recommendation

Subject to the employment or other association of any person at any time. The merger agreement creates no third-party beneficiary right in any person. The terms of the merger agreement, dothe Suncrest board of directors (including committees) shall not:

withdraw, modify or qualify its recommendation in favor of the merger in a manner adverse to CVB, or adopt a resolution to withdraw, modify or qualify such recommendation in a manner adverse to CVB or take any other action that is or becomes disclosed publicly and which can reasonably be interpreted as indicating that the Suncrest board of directors does not constitutesupport the merger and the merger agreement or does not believe that the merger and the merger agreement are in the best interests of its shareholders;

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fail to reaffirm, without qualification, its recommendation or fail to state publicly, without qualification, that the merger and the merger agreement are in the best interests of its shareholders within five business days after CVB requests in writing that such action be taken;

fail to announce publicly within 10 business days after a tender offer or exchange offer relating to Suncrest common stock shall have been commenced, that it recommends rejection of such tender or exchange offer;

fail to issue within 10 business days after an amendmentacquisition proposal is publicly announced with respect to Suncrest a press release announcing its opposition to such acquisition proposal; or

approve, endorse or recommend any acquisition proposal.

Each of the foregoing actions is referred to in the merger agreement as a “change in recommendation.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to the conditions described below, the board of directors of Suncrest may, at any time prior to the approval of the principal terms of the merger by Suncrest shareholders, make a change in recommendation in response to a superior proposal if:

after the date of the merger agreement, an unsolicited, bona fide written offer to effect a transaction constituting a superior proposal is made to Suncrest and is not withdrawn;

such offer was not obtained or made as a direct or indirect result of a breach of, or interfere in any wayaction inconsistent with, the rightmerger agreement;

Suncrest has complied with its obligations to provide notices to CVB of any acquisition proposal and other matters requiring notice under the merger agreement;

at least two business days prior to each meeting of the Suncrest board of directors at which it will consider and determine whether any such offer constitutes a superior proposal, Suncrest provides CVB Financialwith a written notice specifying the meeting date and time, the reasons for holding such meeting, the terms and conditions of such offer (including a copy of any draft definitive agreement reflecting such offer) and the identity of the party making such offer;

the Suncrest board of directors determines in good faith, after taking into account the advice of a financial advisor of nationally recognized reputation and its subsidiariesoutside legal counsel, that such offer constitutes a superior proposal;

the Suncrest board of directors does not effect, or cause Suncrest to effect, a change in recommendation at any time within three business days after CVB receives written notice confirming that the Suncrest board of directors has determined that the offer is a superior proposal and intends to effect a change in recommendation;

during the three business day period, if requested by CVB, Suncrest engages in good faith negotiations with CVB to amend terminate or otherwise discontinue,the merger agreement in such a manner that the offer that was determined to constitute a superior proposal no longer constitutes a superior proposal;

at the end of such three business day period, such offer has not been withdrawn and continues to constitute a superior proposal (taking into account any or all CVB Financial employee planschanges to the terms of the merger agreement as a result of negotiations); and any other plans, practices or policies

the Suncrest board of CVB Financialdirectors reasonably determines in effect from timegood faith, after taking into account the advice of its outside legal counsel that, in light of the superior proposal, a change in recommendation is required for the Suncrest board of directors to time.comply with its fiduciary duties to its shareholders under applicable law.

Indemnification and Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance

FromThe merger agreement provides that, from and after the effective time of the merger, CVB Financial has agreed toand Citizens will indemnify and hold harmless each person who, prior to the effective time, is or was apresent and former director orand officer of ValleySuncrest against any costs or

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expenses, (includingincluding reasonable attorneys’ fees),fees, judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of actions or omissions occurring at or prior to the effective time of the merger, including the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.agreement, to the extent such indemnified parties are indemnified as of the date of the merger agreement to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law. CVB Financial shallwill also advance expenses as

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incurred to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, provided thatlaw. Further, CVB and Citizens shall assume, perform and observe the indemnified personobligations of Suncrest under Suncrest’s articles of incorporation and bylaws and Suncrest’s agreements in effect as of the date of the merger agreement to whom expenses are advanced provides an undertakingindemnify such directors and officers for their acts and omissions occurring at or prior to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined that hethe effective time of the merger in their capacity as directors or she is not entitled to indemnification.officers.

The merger agreement also provides that either Valley or CVB Financial shall purchasewill maintain, for a period of six years from the effective time of the merger, director’s and officer’s liability insurance tail coverage that serves to reimburse the present and former officers and directors of ValleySuncrest with respect to claims against such directors and officers arising from facts or events occurringwhich occurred at or before the merger (including the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement). The price of such insurance coverage shall not exceed 250% of the annual cost of Valley’s current director’s and officer’s liability insurance policy. The insurance coverage shall have a term of six years following the effective time of the merger or, if less, the longest term that may be obtained for an amount equal to 250% of the annual cost of Valley’s current director’s and officer’s liability insurance policy.merger. Such insurance shall contain at least the same coverage and amounts, and contain terms and conditions no less advantageous to such officers and directors as the parties entitledcoverage provided by Suncrest; although CVB will not be required to indemnity underexpend in the aggregate for such six-year period more than 250% of the amount expended on an annual basis by Suncrest to maintain or procure such insurance. If CVB is unable to maintain or obtain such insurance, CVB will obtain as much comparable insurance as is available at a cost in the aggregate for such six-year period up to 250% of the current annual premium. In lieu of the foregoing requirements, CVB (or Suncrest) may obtain, at or prior to the effective time of the merger, a six-year prepaid “tail” policy on terms and conditions providing substantially equivalent benefits as the current policies of the directors’ and officers’ liability insurance maintained by Suncrest with respect to matters arising at or prior to the effective time of the merger subject to the same expense limitation.

Employment Matters

Except as otherwise provided in the merger agreement, all employee benefit plans of Suncrest will be discontinued and employees of Suncrest who become employees of Citizens, referred to as that coverage currently provided by Valley’s existing insurance policies.

Special Dividend

The merger agreement provides that Valley shall declare“continuing employees,” will be eligible to participate in the special dividend payable to holdersemployee benefit plans of Valley common stock asCitizens beginning on the first day of the month immediately after the closing date of the merger. The aggregate amountmerger on the same terms as such plans and benefits are generally offered to employees of Citizens in comparable positions. Continuing employees (other than any employees of Suncrest who have employment contracts or change-in-control agreements with Suncrest) who are terminated within one year of the special dividendclosing date (other than for cause), however, shall not exceed the amount by which Valley’s tangible common equity exceeds the greater of (1) $37,000,000 (or, if Valley has completed the sale of a specified loanreceive severance benefits in accordance with the merger agreement, $37,500,000) or (2) the amount of tangible common equity necessary for Valley to achieve a tangible common equity capital ratio of 8.0%.Suncrest’s severance policy. For purposes of determining continuing employees’ eligibility and vesting (but not for benefit accruals under any defined benefit plan) under the amountemployee benefit plans of Citizens and entitlement to severance and vacation benefits (to the special dividend, Valley’s tangible common equity excludesextent permitted by applicable law), Citizens will recognize such employees’ years of service with Suncrest. Suncrest shall terminate its 401(k) plan no later than the impact of Valley’s merger-related transaction costs and any adjustments made by Valley at CVB Financial’s request pursuant to the merger agreement and will be measured as of the last day of the month immediately preceding the merger (or, if the merger occurs during the first six days of the month, the last day of the second month immediately preceding the merger). Each Valley shareholder will receive a pro rata portion of the special dividend based on the number of shares of Valley common stock held of record on the closing date of the merger.

The merger agreement requires ValleySubject to seek, andthe requirements of applicable law, Citizens has agreed to take commercially reasonable actions as are necessary to cause Valley Business Bankthe group health plan maintained by Citizens and applicable insurance carriers and any other third parties, to seek,the extent such group health plan is made available to continuing employees, to waive any regulatory approvals necessaryevidence of insurability requirements, waiting periods and any limitations as to permit thempreexisting medical conditions under the group health plan applicable to paycontinuing employees and their spouses and eligible dependents (but only to the special dividend without violation of applicable law. Valley is required to depositextent that such preexisting condition limitations did not apply or were satisfied under the aggregate amount of the special dividend with its stock transfer agent at least three business daysgroup health plan maintained by Suncrest prior to the closing) and to provide continuing employees with credit, for the calendar year in which the closing occurs, for the amount of any out-of-pocket expenses and copayments or deductible expenses that are incurred by them during the calendar year in which the merger occurs under a group health plan maintained by Citizens or any of its affiliates.

Subject to the requirements of applicable law, continuing employees whose employment continues with Citizens through the end of 2021, will be entitled to receive their accrued annual bonus (subject to reduction for any

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amount that may have been previously paid by Suncrest with respect to such annual period) on the earlier of (i) the same time as Citizens pays out its bonuses in 2022 for similarly situated employees, and (ii) the date that any such continuing employee’s employment is terminated if such termination occurs after December 31, 2021 and prior to the date that Citizens pays out its bonuses in 2022 for similarly situated employees. Suncrest employees whose employment with Citizens is terminated after the effective time of the merger and prior to the end of 2021 will receive their pro-rated accrued annual bonuses (subject to reduction for any amount that may have been previously paid by Suncrest with respect to such annual period) on the date of termination. The foregoing annual bonuses, however, shall not exceed 110% of the merger.

No Solicitationamount of such employee’s annual bonus for the year ended December 21, 2020 (pro-rated for the portion of the year in which the closing occurs).

The merger agreement providesspecifies that none of Valley norits provisions confer upon any employee of its officers, directors and employees shall, and Valley will cause its officers, directors, agents, representatives, advisors and affiliates not to, initiate, solicit, encourage or knowingly facilitateSuncrest who is employed by Citizens after the merger any inquiries or the making of proposalsright with respect to continuance of employment or engage inother service. No current or former employee, independent contractor or any negotiations concerning, or provideother individual associated with Suncrest shall be regarded for any confidential or nonpublic information or data to, or have any discussions with, any person relating to, any alternative acquisition proposal (as defined below) or otherwise facilitate any effort to attempt or make or implement an alternative acquisition proposal. However, if at any time afterpurpose as a third-party beneficiary under the datemerger agreement. The terms of the merger agreement do not constitute an amendment of, or interfere in any way with the right of CVB and priorits subsidiaries to but not after, obtainingamend, terminate or otherwise discontinue, any or all CVB employee plans and any other plans, practices or policies of CVB in effect from time to time.

Stock Market Listing

CVB has agreed to apply to have the shares of CVB common stock to be issued in the merger approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, which is the principal trading market for existing shares of CVB common stock. It is a condition to CVB’s and Suncrest’s obligations to complete the merger that such approval is obtained, subject to official notice of issuance. Following completion of the merger, agreement by Valley shareholders, Valley receives an unsolicited bona fide alternative acquisition proposalSuncrest common stock will cease trading and the board of directors of Valley concludes in good faith that such alternative acquisition proposal constitutes, or is reasonably expected to result in, a superior acquisition proposal (as defined below), then Valley and its board of directors may, and Valley may permit representatives to, furnish or cause towill no longer be furnished nonpublic information and participate in such negotiations or discussions to the extent that the board of directors of Valley concludes in good faith (and basedquoted on the advice of its legal counselOTCQX market.

Representations and its financial advisers) that its failure to take such actions would breach or would be more likely than not to breach its fiduciary duties to shareholders under applicable law; provided that prior to providing any such nonpublic information or engaging in any such negotiations, Valley must have entered into a confidentiality agreement with such third party on terms no less favorable to Valley than the confidentiality agreement between Valley and CVB Financial, and which expressly permits Valley to comply

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with its obligations pursuant to the merger agreement. Valley will immediately cease and cause to be terminated any activities, discussions or negotiations conducted before the date of the merger agreement with any persons other than CVB Financial with respect to any alternative acquisition proposal and will use its commercially reasonable efforts, to (i) enforce any confidentiality or similar agreement relating to an alternative acquisition proposal and (ii) within 10 business days after the date of the merger agreement, to request and confirm the return or destruction of any confidential information provided to any person (other than CVB Financial and its affiliates) pursuant to any such confidentiality or similar agreement. Valley must promptly (and in any event within two business days) advise CVB Financial following receipt of any alternative acquisition proposal, any discussions or negotiations that are sought to be initiated or continued or any request for nonpublic information or inquiry that would reasonably be expected to lead to any alternative acquisition proposal and the substance thereof (including the identity of the person making such alternative acquisition proposal) and keep CVB Financial promptly apprised of any related developments, discussions and negotiations (including the terms and conditions of any such request, inquiry or alternative acquisition proposal, or all amendments or proposed amendments thereto) on a current basis (it being understood that for the avoidance of doubt that no such communications to CVB Financial will be deemed an adverse change of recommendation, as defined below). Valley agrees that it will contemporaneously provide to CVB Financial any confidential or nonpublic information concerning Valley that it may provide to any other person in connection with any alternative acquisition proposal.

An “alternative acquisition proposal,” which the merger agreement refers to as a “company acquisition proposal,” is a tender or exchange offer, proposal for a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving Valley or any proposal or offer to acquire in any manner more than 10% of the voting power in, or more than 10% of the fair market value of the business, assets or deposits of, Valley or any public announcement of a proposed plan or intention to do any of the foregoing or any agreements to engage in any of the foregoing, other than the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and any sale of whole loans and securitizations in the ordinary course.

A “superior acquisition proposal,” which the merger agreement refers to as a “Valley superior proposal,” is an unsolicited bona fide written alternative acquisition proposal that the board of directors of Valley concludes in good faith to be more favorable from a financial point of view to its shareholders than the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and to be reasonably capable of being consummated on the terms proposed, (i) after receiving the advice of its financial advisors (who shall be Vining Sparks or another nationally recognized investment banking firm), (ii) after taking into account the likelihood of consummation of such transaction on the terms set forth therein and (iii) after taking into account all legal, financial (including the financing terms of any such proposal), regulatory and other aspects of such proposal (including any expense reimbursement provisions and conditions to closing) and any other relevant factors permitted under applicable law, and after taking into account any amendment or modification to the merger agreement agreed to by CVB Financial; provided that for purposes of the definition of “superior acquisition proposal,” the references to “more than 10%” in the definition of alternative acquisition proposal will be deemed to be references to “50%.”

None of the members of the board of directors of Valley may, except as expressly permitted by the merger agreement, withdraw or materially and adversely modify his recommendation that Valley shareholders vote to approve the merger agreement, or recommend to Valley shareholders an alternative acquisition proposal other than the merger, which we refer to as an “adverse change of recommendation,” or cause or commit Valley to enter into any agreement or understanding other than the confidentiality agreement referred to above relating to any alternative acquisition proposal made to Valley. Nevertheless, in the event that Valley receives an alternative acquisition proposal that the Valley board of directors concludes in good faith constitutes a superior acquisition proposal, the board of directors of Valley may make an adverse change of recommendation or terminate the merger agreement as long as Valley gives CVB Financial prior written notice at least five business days before taking such action and during such five-business-day period Valley negotiates in good faith with CVB Financial to enable CVB Financial to make an improved offer that is at least as favorable to the shareholders of Valley as such alternative acquisition proposal.

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Under certain circumstances Valley must pay CVB Financial a termination fee of $3,500,000 if it terminates the merger agreement following its receipt of an alternative acquisition proposal or a superior acquisition proposal. For more information, please see the section entitled “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Termination; Termination Fee” beginning on page 69.Warranties

Suncrest Representations and Warranties

The merger agreement contains representations and warranties made by ValleySuncrest to CVB Financialand Citizens relating to a number of matters, including the following:

 

corporate organization, qualification to do businessgoverning documents and corporate power;subsidiaries;

 

capitalization;

 

requisite corporate authority to enter into the merger agreement and to complete the contemplated transactions;authority;

 

absence of conflicts with governing documents, applicable laws or certain agreements as a result of entering into the merger agreement or completing the merger;consents and approvals;

 

timely filing ofregulatory and governmental reports;

 

conformity with generally accepted accounting principles of Valley’s financial statements;

 

no undisclosed liabilities;

broker’s fees payable in connection with the merger;fees;

 

absence of certain changes or events since December 31, 2015;

absence of undisclosed liabilities;changes;

 

compliance with applicable law;

 

regulatory matters;

inapplicability of takeover laws;

 

employment and employee benefits matters;

 

government authorizations;accuracy of Suncrest information provided in this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

fairness opinion from financial advisor;

 

accuracy of Valley information provided in this proxy statement/prospectus;

legal proceedings;

 

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material contracts;

 

environmental matters;

 

taxes and tax returns;

 

intellectual property;property, IT systems and privacy;

 

real estate properties and assets;

 

insurance;

 

accounting and internal controls;

 

no derivatives;

 

loan matters;deposits;

loans, notes and other borrowing arrangements;

 

investment securities;

 

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affiliaterelated party transactions;

 

operating losses;

 

laboremployee and employmentlabor matters;

 

trust activities; and

 

information technology, securitycredit card operations.

CVB Representations and privacy matters.Warranties

The merger agreement also contains representations and warranties made by CVB Financialand Citizens to ValleySuncrest relating to a number of matters, including the following:

 

corporate organization, qualification to do business, corporate powergoverning documents and subsidiaries;

 

capitalization;

 

requisite corporate authority to enter into the merger agreementauthority;

consents and to complete the contemplated transactions;approvals;

regulatory and governmental reports;

financial statements;

broker’s fees;

 

absence of conflicts with governing documents, applicable laws or certain agreements as a result of entering into the merger agreement or completing the merger;

required regulatory consents necessary in connection with the merger;

proper filing of documents with regulatory agencies and the SEC and the accuracy of information contained in the documents filed;

conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and SEC requirements of CVB Financial’s financial statements filed with the SEC;

broker’s fees payable in connection with the merger;

absence of certain changes or events since December 31, 2015;any material adverse effect on CVB;

 

compliance with applicable law;

 

absence of certain changes;

IT systems;

inapplicability of takeover laws;

regulatory approvals;

accuracy of CVB Financial information provided in this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

legal proceedings; and

 

accounting and internal controls.controls;

related party transactions;

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taxes;

employee benefit plans; and

insurance.

Certain of these representations and warranties by ValleySuncrest and CVB Financial are qualified as to “knowledge,” “materiality” or “material adverse effect.”

“Material adverse effect” means, with respect to any party, a materialany fact, event, change, effect, condition, occurrence, development, circumstance, effect or state of facts that (a) individually or in the aggregate, has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, materially adverse effect onto the business, assets, or deposit liabilities, properties,results of operations, or condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of such party and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, or (b) prevents, materially delays or materially impairs the ability of such party to perform its obligations under the merger agreement to consummate the merger; except that a “material adverse effect” shall not be deemed to include effects arising out of, relating to orthe extent resulting from (i) changes after the date of the merger agreement in applicable laws and regulations, including any change in applicable generally accepted accounting principles or regulatory accounting requirements generally affecting other companies in the banking industries in which such party and its subsidiaries operate;requirements; (ii) changes in laws general applicability to companies of similar size in the banking industries in which such party and its subsidiaries operate;U.S. economy or U.S. financial markets; (iii) changes in global, nationaleconomic, business or regional politicalfinancial conditions or general economic or market conditions (including changes in prevailing interest rates, credit availability and liquidity, currency exchange rates, and price levels or trading volumes in the U.S. or foreign securities markets) affecting other companies ingenerally effecting the banking industries in whichindustry; (iv) any action taken by such party and its subsidiaries operate; (iv) changes in the credit markets, any downgrades in the credit markets or adverse credit events resulting in deterioration in the credit markets generally and including changes to any previously correctly applied asset marks resulting therefrom; (v) a decline in the trading price of CVB Financial’s common stock that would not entitle a party to terminate the merger agreement in accordance with its terms or a failure, in and of

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itself, to meet earnings projections, but not, in either case, including any underlying causes thereof; (vi) any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, or declared or undeclared acts of war or terrorism; or (vii) actions or omissions taken with the priorother party’s written consent of the other party or that was expressly required by the merger agreement, exceptagreement; (v) any failure in and of itself by such party to meet internal or other estimates (but not the underlying facts or circumstances that contributed to such failure); and (vi) the commencement of any litigation that was primarily the result of the announcement or public disclosure of the merger agreement; provided further that that effects attributable to or resulting from any of the changes events, conditions or trends described in clauses (i), (ii), or (iii), (iv) and (vi) shall not be excluded to the extent of any disproportionate impact they have on such party and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, as compared to other comparable companies in the banking industry in which such party and its subsidiaries operate. A material adverse effect also includes, with respect to any party, a material adverse effect on the ability of such party to consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement on a timely basis.industry.

The representations and warranties in the merger agreement do not survive the effective time of the merger, and as described below under the section entitled “THE MERGER AGREEMENT—Termination; The Merger Agreement—Termination Fee”Fee beginning on page 69,72, if the merger agreement is validly terminated, there will be no liability or damages arising under the representations and warranties of CVB Financial or Valley,Suncrest, or otherwise under the merger agreement, unless CVB Financial or ValleySuncrest willfully and intentionally breached the merger agreement.

Conditions to Completion of the Merger

Conditions to Each Party’s ObligationsObligations.

The respective obligations of each of CVB Financial and ValleySuncrest to complete the merger are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

 

receipt by Suncrest of Suncrest shareholders’ approval;

the requisite approvalreceipt of all required regulatory approvals including from the merger agreement by Valley’s shareholders;Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC and the CDFPI ;

 

the effectiveness of theCVB’s SEC registration statement on Form S-4, of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part, and the absence of a stop order suspending effectiveness or proceeding initiated or threatened by the SEC for that purpose;

no injunction or decree or law prohibiting the consummation of the merger shall be in effect;

the shares of CVB common stock to be issued in the merger shall have been approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Select Market; and

the aggregate value of CVB common stock to be issued in the merger must represent at least 42% of the aggregate cash plus such value of aggregate CVB common stock value.

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Conditions to Obligation of Suncrest

The obligation of Suncrest to complete the merger is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Suncrest of the following conditions:

the accuracy of the representations and warranties of CVB and Citizens set forth in the merger agreement, subject to the materiality standards set forth in the merger agreement, as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the closing date of the merger as though made at and as of the closing date (except that representations and warranties that by their terms speak as of the date of the merger agreement or some other date need only be true and correct as of such date);

performance in all material respects by CVB and Citizens of the obligations required to be performed by them at or prior to the closing date of the merger;

the receipt by Suncrest of an officer’s certificate from CVB certifying satisfaction by CVB of the conditions related to accuracy of the representations and warranties and performance of covenants and obligations;

 

the absence of any order, injunction or decree that would prevent or make illegala material adverse effect on CVB since the completiondate of the merger.merger agreement; and

the receipt by Suncrest of the opinion of its tax counsel, dated the closing date of the merger, to the effect, that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

Conditions to ObligationsObligation of CVB Financialand Citizens

The obligation of CVB Financialand Citizens to complete the merger is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by CVB Financial of the following additional conditions:

 

the accuracy of the representations and warranties of ValleySuncrest set forth in the merger agreement, subject to the materiality standards set forth in the merger agreement, as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the closing date of the merger as though made at and as of the closing date (except that representations and warranties that by their terms speak as of the date of the merger agreement or some other than, in most cases, those failures todate need only be true and correct that would not reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse effect on Valley or CVB as the surviving corporation in the merger;of such date);

 

performance in all material respects by ValleySuncrest of the obligations required to be performed by it at or prior to the closing date;date of the merger;

 

CVB’s receipt by CVB Financial of an opinionofficer’s certificate from Suncrest certifying satisfaction by Suncrest of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP asthe conditions related to certain tax matters;accuracy of the representations and warranties and performance of covenants and obligations;

 

CVB’s receipt of all required regulatory approvals, nonesatisfactory evidence that as of the measurement date, which shall include any materially burdensome condition, and the expiration of all statutory waiting periods;we define below:

 

the adjusted common equity tier 1 capital of Suncrest shall be equal to or greater than the tier 1 benchmark;

the total non-interest bearing deposits of Suncrest shall be equal to or greater than $470 million;

the adjusted total loans of Suncrest shall be equal to our greater than $745 million; and

The allowance for loan losses shall not be less than $8,504,000;

all attorneys, accountants, investment bankers and other advisors and agents for Suncrest shall have submitted to Suncrest estimates of their fees and expenses, and Suncrest shall have prepared and submitted CVB a final calculation of all transaction costs, certified by Suncrest’s chief financial officer;

the absence of a material adverse effect on Suncrest since the date of the merger agreement;

the receipt by CVB of the opinion of its tax counsel, dated the closing date of the merger, to the effect, that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code;

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holders of not more than 10% of the outstanding shares of ValleySuncrest common stock shall have duly exercised their dissenters’ rights or haveunder Chapter 13 of the capacity to do so;California Corporations Code;

 

CVB shall have received the absencewritten resignation of any material adverse effect with respect to Valley;each director of Suncrest and each of its subsidiaries effective as of the effective time of the merger;

 

receipt by Valley of any required consents, copies of whichCVB shall behave received voting agreements, non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements and non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements from certain Suncrest directors, executive officers and shareholders; and

Suncrest shall have delivered to CVB Financial;a properly executed statement from special meeting the requirements of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.1445-2(c)(3) and 1.897-2(h)(1).

The merger agreement defines:

“adjusted common equity tier 1 capital” as (a) common equity tier 1 capital of Suncrest determined on the measurement date and calculated in the same manner as shown on Suncrest’s call report filed with its primary regulator, plus (b) specified approved transaction costs not to exceed the limits set forth in the merger agreement;

 

receipt of resignations from each director of Valley and its subsidiaries;

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receipt of voting and support agreements from each of“measurement date” as the Valley directors and its three executive officers (which, as noted, has been completed);

receipt of noncompetition and non-solicitation agreements from each of the Valley directors and its three executive officers (which, as noted, has been completed);

as of at least three (3) business days prior to the closing date, Valley shall have provided CVB Financial with satisfactory evidence that Valley has satisfied each of the following minimum financial conditions: (1) as of the last day of the month preceding the closing date, Valley’s closing tangible common shareholders’ equity (after giving effect to the special dividend but prior to any pre-closing adjustments otherwise required by the merger agreement and without the effect of up to $3,500,000 in Valley’s merger-related transaction expenses), shall not be less than the greater of (a) $37,500,000 if Valley has completed the sale of a specified nonperforming loan or, $37,000,000 if Valley has not completed the sale the loan or (b) the amount necessary for Valley to achieve a tangible common equity ratio of at least 8.0% as of such date; (2) the allowance for loan loss ratio, determined as of the final day of the month immediately preceding the month in which the closing date shall not be less than 1.1%; (3) total assets shall not be less than $410,000,000 as of the final day of the month immediately precedingoccurs, except that if the closing date; (4) average accruing loans for the 30-day period ending on the fifth business day prior to closing shall not be less than $295,000,000; and (5) average noninterest-bearing deposits for the 30-day period ending on the fifth business day prior to closing shall not be less than $150,000,000 (if the merger occurs duringwithin the first six10 days of any month, the month, then month-end measures“measurement date” will be made as the last day of the second month immediately preceding the closing);month in which the closing of the merger occurs, provided that if the closing does not occur on or before the fifth business day after the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions set forth in the merger agreement, then the parties will treat such fifth business day as the closing date solely for the purpose of determining the measurement date;

 

Valley shall have delivered an opinion from Crowe Horwath LLP that no agreement, contract or arrangement to which any employee“total non-interest bearing deposits” as the average daily balance of Valley is a party will result inSuncrest’s non-interest bearing deposits for the paymentcalendar month ending on the measurement date (exclusive of any amount that would not be deductiblebrokered deposits as defined by reason of Section 280G of the Code;

receipt of a properly executed statement from Valley that meets the requirements of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act;federal regulation); and

 

Allan W. Stone, President and Chief Executive Officer“adjusted total loans” as the balance of Valley, and Citizens Business Bank shall have entered into the consulting agreement (which, as noted, has been completed).

Conditions to Obligations of Valley

The obligation of Valley to complete the merger is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Valley of the following conditions:

the accuracy of the representations and warranties of CVB Financial as of the closing date of the merger, other than, in most cases, those failures to be true and correct that would not reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse effect on CVB Financial;

performance in all material respects by CVB Financial of its obligations required to be performed by it at or prior to the closing date;

the absence of any material adverse effect with respect to CVB Financial;

receipt of all required regulatory approvals and the expiration of all statutory waiting periods; and

the shares of CVB Financial common stock included in the merger consideration shall have been authorizedSuncrest’s total loans held for listinginvestment on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.measurement date, excluding loans generated under the federal Paycheck Protection Program.

Termination; Termination Fee

The merger agreement may be terminated under the following circumstances:

by mutual consent of CVB, Citizens and Suncrest authorized by their respective board of directors, at any time prior to the effective time of the merger, whether before or after approvalthe receipt of the merger agreement by Valley shareholders:

by mutual written consent of CVB Financial and Valley;requisite Suncrest shareholder approval;

 

by eitheraction of the CVB Financialboard of directors or Valley if a requisite regulatory approval is denied and such denial has become final and non-appealable, if a government entity advises CVB Financial or Valley that it will

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deny a requisite regulatory approval (or intends to revoke or rescind such an approval) in writing and such denial becomes unappealable or if a governmental entity of competent jurisdiction has issued a final, non-appealable order, injunction or decree permanently enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;

by either CVB Financial or Valleythe Suncrest board of directors, if the merger is not completed on or before February 28, 2017, unlessApril 30, 2022 (which date may be extended to June 30, 2022 if the only unsatisfied condition to completing the merger is receiving regulatory approval), which we refer to as the outside date, except to the extent that the failure of the closingmerger to occur be consummated results from the knowing action or inaction of the party seeking to terminate, which action or inaction is in violation of its obligations under the merger agreement;

by action of the CVB board of directors or the Suncrest board of directors, if the approval of any governmental authority required for consummation of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement has been denied by final and nonappealable action of such dategovernmental authority, or an application therefor has been permanently withdrawn by mutual agreement of the parties at the request or suggestion of a governmental authority, except to the extent that such denial is due to the failure of the party seeking to terminate the merger agreement to perform or observe the covenants and agreements of such party set forth inunder the merger agreement;

 

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by eitheraction of the CVB Financialboard of directors or Valleythe Suncrest board of directors, if Suncrest shareholder approval is not obtained;

by action of the CVB board of directors or the Suncrest board of directors, if there ishas been a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by the other party, such that if continuing on the closing date of anythe merger, the condition as to the accuracy of itsthe representations and warranties or the compliance with covenants agreements, representations or warranties that would, individually or in the aggregate with other breaches by such party, result in the failure of a closing condition of the other party would not be satisfied and such breach or condition is not curable or, if curable, is not cured within 30 calendar days followingafter written notice thereof is given by the terminating party (or such shorter period as remaining prior to the party committing the breach, or the breach, by its nature, cannot be cured within such time (providedoutside date); provided, that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in the merger agreement);

by either CVB Financial or Valley if Valley shareholders have not approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby at the duly convened Valley special meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, provided that the failure to obtain such shareholder approval was not caused by the terminating party’s material breach of any of its obligations under the merger agreement;

 

by CVB Financial prior to obtaining Valley shareholder approval, inaction of the event (a) Valley breaches in any material respect the merger agreement; (b) Valley or theCVB board of directors of Valley submits the merger agreement to Valley shareholders without recommending approval or withdraws or adversely modifies such recommendation or makes an adverse change of recommendation; (c) at any time afterprior to the end of 15 business days following receipt of anSuncrest shareholder approval if: (i) Suncrest materially breaches its non-solicitation obligations relating to alternative acquisition proposal,proposals; (ii) the Suncrest board of directors shall have effected a change in recommendation to its shareholders; (iii) the Suncrest board of Valleydirectors fails to reaffirmaffirm its recommendation within the shareholders vote to approverequired time period after an acquisition proposal is made; or (iv) the merger as promptly as practicable (but in any event within five business days after receipt of any written request to do so by CVB Financial); or (d)Suncrest board recommends a tender offer or exchangefails to recommend against such offer for outstanding shares of Valley common stock is publicly disclosed (other than by CVB Financial or one of its affiliates) and the board of directors of Valley recommends that its shareholders tender their shares in such tender or exchange offer or, within 10 business days after the commencement of such tender or exchange offer, the board of directors of Valley fails to recommend against acceptance of such offer;thereof; and

 

by Valley,action of the Suncrest board of directors at any time prior to obtaining Valleythe receipt of Suncrest shareholder approval in order to enter into a definitive agreement providing for a superior acquisition proposal (as defined above) (provided that Valley is not in material breach of any of the terms ofobtained by Suncrest without breaching the merger agreement and Valley pays CVB Financial a termination fee in advance of or concurrently with such termination, as described below); oragreement.

Termination Fee

by CVB Financial, by written notice to Valley if the volume-weighted average closing price of CVB Financial common stock reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for the ten trading days ending on the fifth trading day prior to closing is less than $11.00.

ValleySuncrest must pay CVB Financial a termination fee of $3,500,000$8,325,000 in any of the event that:following circumstances:

 

the merger agreement is terminated by ValleySuncrest in order to enter into a definitive agreement providing for a superior acquisition proposal;

 

CVB Financial terminates the merger agreement due to no company recommendation;(i) Suncrest materially breaching its non-solicitation obligations relating to alternative acquisition proposals; (ii) the Suncrest board of directors effecting a change in recommendation to its shareholders; (iii) the Suncrest board of directors failing to affirm its recommendation within the required time period after an acquisition proposal is made; or (iii) the Suncrest board recommending a tender offer or failing to recommend against such offer within 10 business days after commencement thereof; or

 

any person has made an alternative acquisition proposal, which proposal has been publicly announced, disclosedCVB or proposed and not withdrawn, and (a) thereafterSuncrest terminates the merger agreement for failure to consummate the merger by the outside date or CVB terminates the merger agreement for the failure of Suncrest to obtain the approval of its shareholders or if CVB terminates the merger agreement for an uncured breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by Suncrest, provided that the terminating party is terminated (i) by either party pursuantnot then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement; an acquisition proposal is made to Suncrest or to its shareholders publicly before the date of the special meeting; and Suncrest enters into a definitive agreement with respect to or consummates such acquisition proposal within 18 months of any such termination provision for delayof the merger agreement.

The termination fee could discourage other companies from seeking to acquire or pursuantmerge with Suncrest prior to completion of the termination provision formerger.

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no approval by Valley shareholders or (ii) by CVB Financial pursuant to the termination provision for breach and (b) within 18 months after such termination of the merger agreement, an alternative acquisition proposal is consummated or any definitive agreement with respect to an alternative acquisition proposal is entered into (provided that references to 10% in the definition of alternative acquisition proposal are deemed to be references to 50%).

Effect of Termination

If the merger agreement is validly terminated, the merger agreement will become void and of no effect, and none of Valley,Suncrest, CVB, Financial, any of their respective subsidiaries or any of their officers or directors will have any liability of any nature whatsoever under the merger agreement, or in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, except that (i) the provisions of the merger agreement relating to confidentiality obligations of

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the parties, the termination fees, publicity and certain other technical provisions will continue in effect notwithstanding termination of the merger agreement and (ii) neither ValleySuncrest nor CVB Financial shall be relieved or released from any liabilities or damages arising out of its willful and materialintentional breach of any provision of the merger agreement.

The purpose of the termination fee is to compensate CVB Financial for entering into the merger agreement, for taking actions to consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and for incurring the costs and expenses related to the merger and other losses and expenses, including foregoing the pursuit of other opportunities by CVB Financial. The payment of the termination fee is CVB Financial’s sole and exclusive remedy with respect to termination of the merger agreement, subject to a willful material breach by Valley or an action for fraud.

Amendments, Extensions and WaiversWaiver; Amendment

The merger agreement may be amended by the parties, by action taken or authorized by their respective boards of directors, at any time before or after approval of matters presented in connection with the merger by the shareholders of Valley, except that after any approval of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement by Valley shareholders there may not be, without further approval of such shareholders, any amendment of the merger agreement that would require further approval of Valley shareholders under applicable law.

At any time prior toBefore the effective time of the merger, the parties, by action taken or authorized by their respective boards of directors, may, to the extent legally allowed, (i) extend the time for the performance of any provisions of the obligationsmerger agreement may be:

waived, in whole or other actsin part, by the party benefitted by the provision or by both CVB and Suncrest; or

amended by an agreement in writing signed by CVB, Citizens and Suncrest.

After approval of the other party, (ii) waive any inaccuracies inmerger by Suncrest shareholders, however, no amendment may be made which would reduce the representations and warranties containedaggregate value of the consideration to be received by Suncrest shareholders in the merger agreement or (iii) waive compliance withwithout any of the agreements or conditions contained in the merger agreement. Any agreement on the part of a party to any extension or waiver must be in writing.

Stock Market Listing

CVB Financial has agreed to apply to have the shares of CVB Financial common stock to be issued in the merger approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, which is the principal trading market for existing shares of CVB Financial common stock. It is a condition to CVB Financial’s and Valley’s obligations to complete the merger that suchsubsequent approval is obtained, subject to official notice of issuance. Following completion of the merger, Valley common stock will cease trading and will no longer be quoted on the OTC Pink market.by Suncrest shareholders.

Fees and Expenses

All feesWhether or not the merger is completed, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the merger theand merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including(including costs and expenses of printing and mailing this proxy statement/prospectus, shalldocument) will be paid by the party incurring such fees or expenses, whether or not the merger is consummated, except for the termination fee that is payable solely by Valley in the instances described above.expense.

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Voting and Support Agreements

In connection with entering into the merger agreement and as an inducement to the willingness of CVB Financialand Citizens to enter into the merger agreement, each of Valley’sSuncrest’s directors and executive officers and certain of its shareholders executed and delivered to CVB Financial a voting and support agreement, which we refer to collectively as the “voting and support agreements.” Each Suncrest director and executive officer entered into the voting and support agreement in hissuch person’s capacity as the record or beneficial owner of shares of ValleySuncrest and not in hissuch person’s capacity as a director or executive officer of ValleySuncrest or as a trustee of any benefit plan. The following summary of the voting and support agreements is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the full text of the form of the voting and support agreementsagreement included as Exhibit A to the merger agreement, which is attached asAppendixAnnex A to this proxy statement/prospectus.

Pursuant to the voting and support agreements, each Suncrest shareholder party thereto agreed to vote hissuch person’s shares of ValleySuncrest common stock, as applicable:stock:

 

in favor of the merger, the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;

 

against any action or agreement that to such Suncrest shareholder’s knowledge would result in a breach in any material respect of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of Suncrest under the merger agreement; and

 

except with the prior written consent of CVB or as otherwise contemplated inor permitted by the merger agreement, against, the following actions (other than the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement): (1) any extraordinary corporate transactions, such as a merger, consolidation or other business combination;combination involving Suncrest; (2) any sale, lease or transfer of a material amount of ValleySuncrest assets; and (3) any change inother matter to the majorityextent such matter requires a Suncrest shareholder vote, that to the knowledge of the board of directors of Valley; (4) any material change in the present capitalization of Valley; (5) any amendment of Valley’s articles of incorporation or bylaws; (6) any other material change in Valley’s corporate structure or business; or (7) any other action that is intended orsuch shareholder could reasonably be extendedexpected to materially impede, interfere with, delay, postpone, discourage or materially adversely affect the merger.

Each directorconsummation of the merger and the three executive officers of Valley, in his capacity as a shareholder of Valley,other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Such Suncrest shareholders also irrevocably and unconditionally waived, and agreed not to enter intoexercise or perfect, any agreement or understanding withrights of appraisal, dissenters’ rights and any person or entitysimilar rights relating to vote or give instructions in any manner inconsistent with the above clauses.

Until the earlier of the termination of the merger agreement or the effective time, each directormerger. Such Suncrest shareholders also agreed not to, directly or indirectly:

 

sell, give, transfer, exchange, pledge, assign, hypothecate, encumber, tender or otherwise dispose of his shares of Valley common stock or such person’s Suncrest shares;

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enforce or permit execution of the provisions of any redemption, share purchase or sale, recapitalization or other agreement with respect to such shares;

Suncrest or any other person or enter into any contract, option or other agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to the transfer of directly or indirectly, any of thesuch person’s Suncrest shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable for shares, any other capital stock of Valley or any interest insuch shares;

deposit any of the foregoingsuch person’s Suncrest shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement with respect to such shares or grant any person;proxy or power of attorney with respect thereto;

 

enter into any swap or other arrangement with respect to the direct or indirect sale, assignment, transfer, exchange or other disposition of or transfer of any other agreementinterest in or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequencevoting of ownership of thesuch person’s Suncrest shares; orand

 

take any action that would make any of hissuch person’s representations or warranties contained in the voting and support agreement untrue or incorrect in any material respect or have the effect of preventing or disabling the shareholdersuch person from performing the shareholder’ssuch person’s obligations under the voting and support agreement.

Each director andSuch Suncrest shareholders, however, may transfer Suncrest shares to their immediate family or a trust for their benefit if the three executive officers of Valley, in his capacity as a shareholder of Valley, has further agreedtransferees agree to not directly or indirectly initiate, solicit, induce or knowingly encourage, or knowingly take any

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action to facilitate the making of, any inquiry, offer or proposal that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to lead to an alternative acquisition proposal, or participate in any discussion or negotiations regarding any alternative acquisition proposal, or furnish, or otherwise afford access, to any person (other than CVB Financial) to any information or data with respect to Valley or otherwise relating to an alternative acquisition proposal except as permittedbound by the merger agreement.voting and support agreements.

The obligations of thesuch Suncrest shareholders will terminate upon the earlier of the consummation of the merger or, if the merger is not consummated, upon the termination of the merger agreement.

As of the record date, the directors, executive officers and shareholders of Suncrest who have signed voting and support agreements beneficially owned and were entitled to vote [•] shares of Suncrest common stock, representing approximately 23% of the shares of Suncrest common stock outstanding on that date.

NoncompetitionNon-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Nonsolicitation AgreementsNon-Disclosure Agreement

In order for CVB Financial and Citizens Business Bank to have the full benefit of ownership of ValleySuncrest and the business it conducts, including its goodwill, followingconcurrently with the effective timeexecution and delivery of the merger each director of Valley (including Allan W. Stone,agreement, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Valley), Roy Estridge, Valley’s Executive ViceSuncrest entered into a non-competition, non-solicitation, and non-disclosure agreement and release, and all of the Suncrest directors other than the President and Chief FinancialExecutive Officer (who is also a director), have entered into non-competition, non-solicitationand William Kitchen, Valley’s Executive Vicenon-disclosure agreements, which we collectively refer to as the “non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements.” The following summaries of such agreements are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, the full text of the applicable non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreement included in the forms attached as Exhibits B-1 and B-2 to the merger agreement, which is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus.

Pursuant to the non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements, each of the President and Chief CreditExecutive Officer entered into a noncompetitionof Suncrest and nonsolicitation agreement with Citizens Business Bank, which provides that he will not:the Suncrest directors has agreed not to, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of CVB or Citizens:

 

without the written consent of Citizens Business Bank, directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, finance, control or participatehave any interest in the ownership, management, operation control or financingcontrol of, or be connected as an officer, director, employee,a shareholder, member, partner, principal, director, officer, manager, investor, organizer, founder, trustee, employee, advisor, consultant, agent or representative of or consultant or otherwise with, any business or enterprise engagedenganged in any business that is competitive with or similar to theproviding financial services provided by Valley within any of the California counties of Fresno, Kern, King, Madera or Tulare. “Financial services” means the origination, purchasing, selling and servicing of commercial, real estate, residential, construction and consumer loans and/or the solicitation and provision of deposit services and services related thereto.in California;

 

without the written consent of Citizens Business Bank, directly or indirectly, on behalf of any depository institution or its affiliates, (i) solicit or aid in the solicitation of any customers or prospective customers for financial services, (ii) of Suncrest;

solicit or aid in the solicitation of any officers or employees of ValleySuncrest, or (iii) from and after the effective time of the merger, Citizens as successor to Suncrest; and

induce or attempt to induce any person who is a customer or prospective customer, or induce or attempt to induce any supplier, distributor, officer or employee of ValleySuncrest, in each case, to terminate such person’s relationships with the Citizens Business Bank; in addition, at the request of CVB Financial or Citizens Business Bank, each director and executive officer agreesas successor to use his best efforts to retain the business of CVB and/or Citizens Business Bank and promote the acquisition of new business by CVB Financial and/or Citizens Business Bank.Suncrest.

 

use or disclose Valley’s trade secrets. The directors and executive officers also agree to deliver all documents, reports, drawings, designs, plans, proposals and other tangible evidence of trade secrets to CVB Financial and/or Citizens Business Bank. Trade secrets means the confidential customer and other information of Valley.74


The obligations undernon-employee directors have agreed to comply with the noncompetitionnon-competition and nonsolicitation agreements generally end on the second anniversary ofnon-solicitation covenants for a period ending 12 months after the effective time of the merger.

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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER

The following isPresident and Chief Executive Officer of Suncrest has agreed to comply with the non-competition covenants for a discussion of material U.S. federal income tax consequencesperiod ending 12 months after closing of the merger to U.S. holders (as defined below)and the non-solicitation covenants for a period ending 36 months after the effective time of Valley common stock that exchange their shares of Valley common stock for shares of CVB Financial common stock and cash in the merger. This discussion does

These directors and executive officers of Suncrest also have agreed, among other things, not address any tax consequences arising under the lawsto make use of any state, localtrade secrets of Suncrest or foreign jurisdiction, or underdisclose any U.S. federal lawstrade secrets to any other than those pertaining to the income tax, nor does it address any tax consequences arising under the unearned income Medicare contribution tax pursuant to the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. This discussion is based upon the Code, the regulations promulgated under the Code and court and administrative rulings and decisions, all in effectperson on the date of this proxy statement/prospectus. These authorities may change, possibly retroactively, and any change could affect the accuracy of the statements and conclusionsterms set forth in this discussion.the non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements.

This discussion addresses only those U.S. holdersCertain other executive officers of Valley common stock that hold their shares of Valley common stock as a “capital asset” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). Importantly, this discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to a particular U.S. holder in light of that U.S. holder’s individual circumstances or to a U.S. holder that is subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including, without limitation, a U.S. holder that is:

a financial institution;

a tax-exempt organization;

a regulated investment company;

a real estate investment trust;

an S corporation or other pass-through entity (or an investor in an S corporation or other pass-through entity);

an insurance company;

a mutual fund;

a controlled foreign corporation or passive foreign investment company;

a dealer or broker in stocksSuncrest have entered into non-solicitation and securities, or currencies;

a trader in securities that elects to use the mark-to-market method of accounting;

a holder of Valley common stock subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code;

a holder of Valley common stock that received Valley common stock through the exercise of an employee stock option, through a tax qualified retirement plan or otherwise as compensation;

a holder of Valley common stock that has a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar;

a holder of Valley common stock that holds Valley common stock as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale, conversion or other integrated transaction;

a person that is not a U.S. holder;

a U.S. holder subject to withholding under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or “FATCA”; or

a U.S. expatriate or certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States.

For purposes of this discussion, the term “U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of Valley common stock that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes (a) an individual citizen or resident of the United States, (b) a corporation (or any other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) organized in or

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under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (c) a trust if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) such trust was in existence on August 20, 1996 and has made a valid election to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (d) an estate, the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source.

If an entity or an arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds Valley common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. We strongly recommend that any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes that holds Valley common stock, and any partners in such partnership, consult their own tax advisors.

DETERMINING THE ACTUAL TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO A HOLDER OF VALLEY COMMON STOCK MAY BE COMPLEX AND WILL DEPEND IN PART ON THE HOLDER’S SPECIFIC SITUATION. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT EACH HOLDER OF VALLEY COMMON STOCK CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER IN ITS PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCE, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF THE ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX AND ANY STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN OR OTHER TAX LAWS AND OF CHANGES IN THOSE LAWS.

Tax Consequences of the Merger Generally

In connection with the filing with the SEC of the registration statement on Form S-4, of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part, CVB Financial’s tax counsel, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP,non-disclosure agreements, which we refer to collectively as “Manatt,the “non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements.has rendered its tax opinion to CVB Financial. It is the opinion of Manatt that, subject to the qualifications and assumptions described below, the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)The following summary of the Codenon-solicitation and the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger will be as described below. In addition, the obligation of CVB Financial to complete the merger is conditioned on, among other things, CVB Financial’s receipt of an opinion from Manatt, dated as of the closing date of the merger, that for U.S. federal income tax purposes the merger will be treated as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. The conditions relating to receipt of such closing tax opinion may be waived by CVB Financial. CVB Financial does not currently intend to waive the conditions related to its receipt of the closing tax opinion. In addition, the ability of Manatt to deliver such closing tax opinion is conditioned on the merger’s satisfying the continuity-of-proprietary-interest requirement. That requirement generally will be satisfied if CVB Financial common stock constitutes at least 42% of the value of the total merger consideration. The determination by tax counsel as to whether the merger will be treated as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code is based on the facts and law existing as of the closing date of the merger.

These opinions are and will be subject to customary qualifications and assumptions, including assumptions regarding the absence of changes in existing facts and the completion of the merger strictly in accordance with the merger agreement and the registration statement. In rendering its tax opinions, Manatt relied and will rely upon representations and covenants, including those contained in certificates of officers of CVB Financial and Valley, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Manatt, and will assume that these representations are true, correct and complete without regard to any knowledge limitation, and that these covenants will be complied with. If any of these assumptions or representations are inaccurate in any way, or any of the covenants are not complied with, these opinions could be adversely affected. The opinions represent Manatt’s best legal judgment but have no binding effect or official status of any kind, and no assurance can be given that contrary positions will not be taken by the Internal Revenue Service or a court considering the issues. In addition, we have not requested, nor do we intend to request, a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger. Accordingly, there can be no assurances that the Internal Revenue Service will not assert, or that a court will not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax consequences set forth below or

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any of the tax consequences described in the tax opinions. The following discussion assumes that the merger will be consummated as described in the merger agreement and in this proxy statement/prospectus and that CVB Financial will not waive the closing opinion condition described above in this paragraph.

U.S. Holders That Receive a Combination of CVB Financial Common Stock and Cash as Merger Consideration

If a U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in Valley common stock surrendered is less than the sum of the fair market value of the shares of CVB Financial common stock and the amount of cash (other than cash received in lieu of a fractional share of CVB Financial common stock) received by the U.S. holder pursuant to the merger, then the U.S. holder will recognize gain in an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the sum of the amount of cash (other than cash received in lieu of a fractional share of CVB Financial common stock) and the fair market value of CVB Financial common stock received, minus the adjusted tax basis of the Valley shares surrendered in exchange therefor, and (b) the amount of cash received by the U.S. holder (other than cash received in lieu of a fractional share of CVB Financial common stock). However, if a U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Valley shares surrendered is greater than the sum of the amount of cash (other than cash received in lieu of a fractional share of CVB Financial common stock) and the fair market value of CVB Financial common stock received, the U.S. holder’s loss will not be currently allowed or recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If a U.S. holder of Valley shares acquired different blocks of Valley shares at different times or different prices, it is recommended that the U.S. holder consult its tax advisor regarding the manner in which gain or loss should be determined for each identifiable block. Except to the extent any cash received is treated as a dividend as discussed below, any recognized gain generally will be long-term capital gain if, as of the effective date of the merger, the U.S. holder’s holding period with respect to the Valley shares surrendered exceeds one year. In some cases, if the U.S. holder actually or constructively owns CVB Financial common stock other than CVB Financial common stock received in the transaction, the recognized gain could be treated as having the effect of the distribution of a dividend under the tests described in Section 302 of the Code, in which case such gain would be treated as dividend income to the extent of such U.S. holder’s ratable share of accumulated earnings and profits (as calculated for U.S. federal income tax purposes). In such cases, it is recommended that U.S. holders that are corporations consult their tax advisors regarding the potential applicability of the “extraordinary dividend” provisions of the Code.

The aggregate tax basis of CVB Financial common stock received by a U.S. holder that exchanges its Valley shares for a combination of CVB Financial common stock and cash as a result of the merger (including any fractional share interests deemed received and redeemed for cash as described below) will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Valley shares surrendered in exchange therefor, reduced by the amount of cash received on the exchange (excluding cash received in lieu of a fractional share of CVB Financial common stock) plus the amount of any gain or dividend income recognized upon the exchange (excluding any gain recognized as a result of any cash received in lieu of a fractional share of CVB Financial common stock). The holding period of CVB Financial common stock received (including any fractional share deemed received and redeemed) will include the holding period of the Valley shares surrendered. We recommend that a U.S. holder receiving a combination of CVB Financial common stock and cash consult its own tax advisor regarding the manner in which cash and CVB Financial common stock should be allocated among the U.S. holder’s Valley shares and the manner in which the above rules would apply in the holder’s particular circumstance.

U.S. Holders That Receive Solely Cash Due to Exercise of Dissenters’ Rights

Upon the proper exercise of dissenters’ rights, the exchange of Valley shares solely for cash generally will result in recognition of gain or loss by the U.S. holder in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the U.S. holder’s tax basis in the Valley shares surrendered. The gain or loss recognized will be long-term capital gain or loss if, as of the effective date of the merger, the U.S. holder’s holding period for the Valley shares surrendered exceeds one year. The deductibility of capital lossesnon-disclosure agreements is subject to, limitations. In some cases, if a U.S. holder actually or constructively owns CVB Financial common stock after the merger, the cash received could be treated as having the effect of the distribution of a dividend under the tests set forth in

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Section 302 of the Code, in which case such U.S. holder may have dividend income up to the amount of the cash received. In such cases, it is recommended that U.S. holders that are corporations consult their tax advisors regarding the potential applicability of the “extraordinary dividend” provisions of the Code.

Cash Instead of a Fractional Share

If a U.S. holder receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of CVB Financial common stock, the U.S. holder will be treated as having received a fractional share of CVB Financial common stock pursuant to the merger and then as having exchanged the fractional share of CVB Financial common stock for cash in a redemption by CVB Financial. As a result, the U.S. holder generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the U.S. holder’s basis in the fractional share of CVB Financial common stock as set forth above. This gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if, as of the effective date of the merger, the U.S. holder’s holding period with respect to the fractional share (including the holding period of Valley common stock surrendered therefor) exceeds one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

The Special Dividend

The special dividend will be paid from the assets of Valley and is not merger consideration. Each recipient of a special dividend will have taxable income to the extent of that shareholder’s ratable share of the current or accumulated earnings and profits of Valley.

Backup Withholding

If a U.S. holder is a non-corporate holder of Valley common stock, the U.S. holder may be subject, under certain circumstances, to information reporting and backup withholding on any cash payments that the U.S. holder receives. A U.S. holder generally will not be subject to backup withholding, however, if the U.S. holder:

furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number, certifying that it is not subject to backup withholding on IRS Form W-9 or substitute or successor form included in the letter of transmittal that the U.S. holder will receive and otherwise complies with all the applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules; or

provides proof that it is otherwise exempt from backup withholding.

Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules are not an additional tax and will generally be allowed as a refund or credit against the U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability if the U.S. holder timely furnishes the required information to the Internal Revenue Service.

Certain Reporting Requirements

If a U.S. holder that receives CVB Financial common stock in the merger is considered a “significant holder,” such U.S. holder will be required (a) to file a statement with its U.S. federal income tax return providing certain facts pertinent to the merger, including such U.S. holder’s tax basis in, and the fair market value of, Valley common stock surrendered by such U.S. holder and (b) to retain permanent records of these facts relating to the merger. A “significant holder” is any Valley shareholder that, immediately before the merger, (y) owned at least 1% (by vote or value) of the outstanding stock of Valley or (z) owned Valley securities with a tax basis of $1.0 million or more.

HOLDERS OF VALLEY COMMON STOCK ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX RULES, OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN OR OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.

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DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS OF VALLEY SHAREHOLDERS

Valley shareholders who do not vote in favor of the merger agreement and who comply with the requirements set forth in Chapter 13 of the California General Corporation Law, which we refer to as the “Corporations Code,” may demand that Valley acquire their shares of Valley common stock for cash at their fair market value as of September 22, 2016, the day of, and immediately prior to, the first public announcement of the terms of the merger, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in consequence of the merger. The Valley board of directors has determined that the fair market value of the Valley shares on September 22, 2016 was $16.55 per share.

Any Valley shareholder wishing to exercise dissenters’ rights is urged to consult legal counsel before attempting to exercise dissenters’ rights. Failure to comply strictly with all of the procedures set forth in Chapter 13 of the Corporations Code, which consists of Sections 1300-1313, may result in the loss of a shareholder’s statutory dissenters’ rights. In such case, such shareholder will be entitled to receive the merger consideration under the merger agreement.

The following discussion is a summary of Chapter 13 of the Corporations Code, which sets forth the procedures for Valley shareholders to dissent from the proposed merger and to demand statutory dissenters’ rights of appraisal of their shares under the Corporations Code. The following discussion is not a complete statement of the provisions of the Corporations Code relating to the rights of Valley shareholders to receive payment of the fair market value of their shares and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the full text of Chapter 13such agreements in the form of Exhibit B-3 to the Corporations Code,merger agreement, which is provided in its entiretyattached asAppendix DAnnex A to this proxy statement/prospectus.

All references in Chapter 13Pursuant to respective non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements, certain executive officers of Suncrest have agreed, for periods of up to 24 months after the effective time of the Corporations Codemerger, not to, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of CVB or Citizens:

solicit or aid in the solicitation of any customers or prospective customers of Suncrest;

solicit or aid in the solicitation of any officers or employees of Suncrest, or from and after the effective time of the merger, Citizens as successor to Suncrest; and

induce or attempt to induce any person who is a customer or prospective customer, or induce or attempt to induce any supplier, distributor, officer or employee of Suncrest, in this sectioneach case, to terminate such person’s relationships with the Citizens as successor to Suncrest.

These executive officers of Suncrest also have agreed, among other things, not to make use of any trade secrets of Suncrest or disclose any trade secrets to any other person on the terms set forth in the non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreement.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANIES

CVB Financial Corp. and Citizens Business Bank

CVB is a “shareholder”California corporation that is registered as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, or the “BHC Act.” As of June 30, 2021, CVB had consolidated total assets of approximately $15.5 billion, total net loans of approximately $8.0 billion, total deposits of approximately $12.7 billion, and total shareholders’ equity of approximately $2.1 billion. CVB had 996 full-time equivalent employees as of June 30, 2021.

CVB provides a wide range of banking services through Citizens, its wholly-owned subsidiary. Citizens is a California state-chartered bank headquartered in Ontario, California, and has been conducting business since 1974, originally under the name Chino Valley Bank. Citizens is an independent community bank that offers a full range of banking services in 58 banking centers located in the Inland Empire, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and the Central Valley area of California. Citizens also operates three trust offices located in Ontario, Newport Beach and Pasadena. These offices serve as sales offices for its wealth management, trust and investment products.

Through its network of banking offices, Citizens emphasizes personalized service combined with a full range of banking and trust services for businesses, professionals and individuals. Although Citizens focuses the marketing of its services to small- and medium-sized businesses, a full range of banking, investment and trust services are made available to the holderlocal consumer market.

Citizens offers a standard range of recordbank deposit products. These include checking, savings, money market and time certificates of deposit for both business and personal accounts. Citizens’ deposit accounts are insured by the FDIC up to applicable limits.

Citizens provides a full complement of lending products, including commercial, agribusiness, consumer, real estate loans and equipment and vehicle leasing. Commercial products include lines of credit and other working capital financing, accounts receivable lending and letters of credit. Agribusiness products are loans to finance the operating needs of wholesale dairy farm operations, cattle feeders, livestock raisers and farmers. Citizens also provides bank-qualified lease financing for municipal governments. Financing products include automobile leasing and financing, lines of credit, credit cards and home equity loans and lines of credit. Real estate loans include mortgage and construction loans.

Citizens also offers a wide range of specialized services designed for its commercial customers, including cash management systems for monitoring cash flow, a credit card program for merchants, courier pick-up and delivery, payroll services, remote deposit capture, electronic funds transfers by way of domestic and international wires and automated clearinghouse, and online account access.

Citizens offers financial services and trust services through its CitizensTrust division. These services include fiduciary services, mutual funds, annuities, 401(k) plans and individual investment accounts.

As a bank holding company, CVB is subject to the supervision of the sharesFederal Reserve. It is required to file with the Federal Reserve reports and other information regarding its business operations and the business operations of Valleyits subsidiaries. As a California state-chartered bank, Citizens is subject to supervision, periodic examination and regulation by the CDFPI and by the FDIC as its primary federal regulator.

CVB’s principal executive office is located at 701 North Haven Avenue, Suite 350, Ontario, California 91764, telephone number: (909) 980-4030.

CVB common stock asis traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CVBF.”

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The foregoing information concerning CVB does not purport to which dissenters’ rights are asserted. A person having a beneficial interestbe complete. Certain additional information relating to CVB’s business, management, executive officer and director compensation, voting securities and certain relationships is incorporated by reference in the shares of Valley common stock held of record in the name of another person, such as a broker or nominee, cannot enforce dissenters’ rights directly and must act promptly to cause the holder of record to follow the steps summarized below properly and in a timely manner to perfect such person’s dissenters’ rights.

If dissenters’ rights are perfected and exercised or are capable of being perfected and exercised with respect to more than 10% of Valley outstanding shares of common stock, then CVB Financial has the option to terminate the merger agreement.

Even though a shareholder who wishes to exercise dissenters’ rights may be required to take certain actions following receipt of this proxy statement/prospectus to perfectfrom other documents filed by CVB with the Securities and Exchange Commission and listed under “Where You Can Find Additional Information.” If you desire copies of any of these documents, you may contact CVB at its dissenters’ rights, if the merger agreement is later terminated and the merger is abandoned, no Valley shareholder will have the right to any payment from Valleyaddress or CVB Financial, other than necessary expenses incurred in proceedings initiated in good faith and reasonable attorneys’ fees, by reason of having taken that action.telephone number indicated under “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Not Vote “For” the MergerSuncrest Bank

Any Valley shareholder who desires to exercise dissenters’ rights mustnot vote “FOR” the approval of the merger and the merger agreement. If a Valley shareholder returns a signed proxy without indicating a decision on the proposal, or returns a signed proxy card approving the proposal, his, her or its shares will be counted as votesSuncrest Bank, headquartered in favor of the merger proposal and such shareholder will lose any dissenters’ rights. Therefore, if you wish to dissent and you execute and return your proxy cardVisalia, California, is an independent community bank which was founded in the accompanying form, you must specify that you either disapprove of the proposal or abstain from voting on the proposal.

Notice of Approval by Valley

If the merger is approved by Valley shareholders, Valley is required within 10 days after the approval to send to those Valley shareholders who did not vote “FOR” the approval of the merger a written notice of

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approval of the merger by Valley’s shareholders accompanied by a copy of Sections 1300, 1301, 1302, 1303 and 1304 of the Corporations Code, a statement of the price determined by Valley to represent the fair market value of the dissenting shares immediately prior to the public announcement of the term of the merger agreement on September 22, 2016 and a brief description of the procedure to be followed if the shareholder desires to exercise dissenters’ right under the Corporations Code. The statement of price determined by Valley to represent the fair market value of dissenting shares, as set forth in the notice of approval, will constitute an offer by Valley to purchase the dissenting shares at the stated price if the merger is completed and the dissenting shares do not otherwise lose their status as such. Within 30 days after the date of the mailing of the notice of shareholder approval, a dissenting shareholder must submit to Valley, or its transfer agent for endorsement as dissenting shares, the stock certificates representing the Valley shares as to which such shareholder is exercising dissenters’ rights. If the dissenting shares are uncertificated, then such shareholder must provide written notice of the number of shares that the shareholder demands Valley purchase within 30 days after the date of the mailing of the notice of shareholder approval.

Written Demand for Payment

2008. In addition to preserve dissenters’ rights, athe Visalia headquarters office, there are seven full-service branches in the Central Valley shareholder must make a written demandarea of California and Sacramento. Suncrest’s principal business is to provide full-service commercial and retail banking services primarily in the Central Valley of California and Sacramento. Suncrest offers commercial and retail banking services designed for the purchasesmall and medium-sized businesses, professionals and retail customers located in five counties.

At June 30, 2021, Suncrest had consolidated total assets of theapproximately $1.37 billion, total net loans of approximately $860.3 million, total deposits of approximately $1.19 billion and total shareholder’s dissenting shares and payment to the shareholderequity of the fair market valueapproximately $172.5 million. Suncrest had 120 full-time equivalent employees as of Valley common stock withinJune 30, days after the date on which the notice of approval is mailed. Simply failing to return a proxy card, or indicating on your proxy card your disapproval of the merger, does not constitute a proper written demand under the Corporations Code. To comply with the requirements under the Corporations Code, the written demand must:2021.

specify the shareholder’s name and mailing address and the number and class of shares of Valley stock held of record which the shareholder demands that Valley purchase;

state that the shareholder is demanding purchase of the shares and payment of their fair market value; and

state the price that the shareholder claims to be the fair market value of the shares immediately prior to the first public announcement of the terms of the merger agreement on September 22, 2016; the statement of fair market value constitutes an offer by the shareholder to sell the shares to ValleySuncrest’s principal executive offices are located at that price.

Any written demands for payment should be sent to Valley Commerce Bancorp, Attention: Allan W. Stone, President and Chief Executive Officer, 701501 West Main Street, Visalia, California 93291. Shares of Valley93291, and its telephone number is (559) 802-1000.

Suncrest Bank common stock held by shareholders who have perfected their dissenters’ rights in accordance with Chapter 13 of the Corporations Code and have not withdrawn their demands or otherwise lost their dissenters’ rights are referred to as dissenting shares.

Payment of Agreed-Upon Price

If Valley and a dissenting shareholder agree that the shares are dissenting shares and agreeis quoted on the price ofOTC Markets’ OTCQX market under the shares, the dissenting shareholder is entitled to receive the agreed-upon price with interest at the legal rate on judgments from the date of that agreement and will not receive any of the merger consideration with respect to such shares. Payment for the dissenting shares must be made within 30 days after the later of the date of that agreement or the date on which all statutory and contractual conditions to the merger are satisfied. Payments are also conditioned on the surrender of any certificates representing the dissenting shares.

Determination of Dissenting Shares or Fair Market Value

If Valley denies that shares are dissenting shares or the shareholder fails to agree with Valley as to the fair market value of the shares, then, within six months after notice of approval of the merger is sent by Valley to its

symbol “SBKK.”

 

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shareholders, any shareholder demanding purchase of such shares as dissenting shares or any interested corporation may file a complaint in the Superior Court in the proper California county asking the court to determine whether the shares are dissenting shares or to determine the fair market value of the shareholder’s shares, or both, or may intervene in any action pending on such complaint. If a complaint is not filed or intervention in a pending action is not made within the specified six-month period, the dissenter’s rights are lost. If the fair market value of the dissenting shares is at issue, the court will determine, or will appoint one or more impartial appraisers to determine, such fair market value.

Maintenance of Dissenting Share Status

Except as expressly limited by Chapter 13 of the Corporations Code, holders of dissenting shares continue to have all the rights and privileges incident to their shares until the fair market value of their shares is agreed upon or determined. A holder of dissenting shares may not withdraw a demand for payment unless Valley consents to the withdrawal.

Dissenting shares lose their status as dissenting shares, and dissenting shareholders cease to be entitled to require Valley to purchase their shares, upon any of the following:

The merger is abandoned;

The shares are transferred before their submission to Valley for the required endorsement;

The dissenting shareholder and Valley do not agree on the status of the shares as dissenting shares or do not agree on the purchase price, but neither Valley nor the shareholder files a complaint or intervenes in a pending action within six months after Valley mails a notice that its shareholders have approved the merger; or

With Valley’s consent, the dissenting shareholder withdraws the shareholder’s demand for purchase of the dissenting shares.

To the extent that the provisions of Chapter 5 of the Corporations Code (which place conditions on the power of a California corporation to make distributions to its shareholders) prevent the payment to any holders of dissenting shares of the fair market value of the dissenting shares, the dissenting shareholders will become creditors of Valley for the amount that they otherwise would have received in the repurchase of their dissenting shares, plus interest at the legal rate on judgments until the date of payment, but be subordinate to all other creditors of Valley in any liquidation proceeding, with the debt to be payable when permissible under the provisions of Chapter 5 of the Corporations Code.

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COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDERS’ RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS OF CVB AND SUNCREST

Valley is incorporated under the laws of the State of California, and theThe rights of ValleySuncrest shareholders are governed by the laws of the State of California in particular,and the California Corporations Code, and Valley’s articles of incorporation, as amended, and Valley’s bylaws. As a resultbylaws of Suncrest. If the merger Valleyis completed, shareholders will receive shares of CVB Financial common stock andSuncrest will become CVB Financial shareholders. CVB Financial is incorporated under the lawsshareholders of the State of California, and theCVB. The rights of CVB Financial shareholders are governed by the laws of the State of California in particular,and the California Corporations Code and CVB Financial’s articles of incorporation, as amended, and CVB Financial’s bylaws.amended and restated bylaws of CVB. Thus, following the merger, the rights of ValleySuncrest shareholders who become CVB Financial shareholders in the merger will continue to be governed by the laws of the State of California, but will no longer be governed by Valley’sSuncrest’s articles of incorporation and bylaws butand instead will be governed by CVB Financial’sCVB’s articles of incorporation and CVB Financial’s bylaws.

Set forthThe table below is a summary comparison of material differences between the rights of Valley shareholders under Valley’s articles of incorporation and bylaws (left column) and the rights of CVB Financial shareholders under CVB Financial’s articles of incorporation and bylaws (right column). The summary set forth below discussessummarizes certain of the material differences between the rights of CVB FinancialSuncrest shareholders and ValleyCVB shareholders under such documents. Copiesand their respective constitutive documents as they are currently in effect. While CVB and Suncrest believe that the summary table includes the material differences between the rights of their respective shareholders prior to the merger, this summary does not include a complete description of all the differences between the rights of CVB shareholders and those of Suncrest shareholders, nor does it include a complete description of the full textspecific rights of CVB Financial’s articlesthe respective shareholders discussed. The inclusion of incorporation and CVB Financial’s bylaws currently in effect are available without charge by following the instructionsdifferences in the section entitled “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION” beginning on page i.rights of these shareholders in the table is not intended to indicate that all of such differences should necessarily be considered material by you or that other differences that you may consider equally important do not exist.

You are urged to read carefully the relevant provisions of the California Corporations Code, as well as CVB’s governing documents. To find out where copies of these documents can be obtained, see “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Authorized Capital Stock

 

ValleySuncrest Bank

  

CVB Financial Corp.

Authorized Capital Stock

Valley’sSuncrest’s articles of incorporation statesstate that the authorized capital stock of ValleySuncrest consists of 30,000,00025,000,000 shares of common stock without par value, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of November 4, 2016, there were 3,002,014[•], 2021, Suncrest had [•] shares of Valley common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding or designated.issued and outstanding. Subject to compliance with the California Financial Code, the California Corporations Code and Valley’sSuncrest’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, the ValleySuncrest board of directors may authorize the issuance of additional shares of common stock and preferred stock.

  

CVB Financial’sCVB’s articles of incorporation states that the authorized capital stock of CVB Financial consists of 225,000,000 shares of common stock, without par value, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, without par value. As of September 30, 2016, there were 108,097,493[•], 2021, CVB had [•] shares of CVB Financial common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding or designated.issued and outstanding. Subject to compliance with the California Corporations Code and CVB Financial’sCVB’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, the CVB Financial board of directors may authorize the issuance of additional shares of common stock and preferred stock.

Dividends

Dividends

Suncrest Bank

CVB Financial Corp.
The shareholders of ValleySuncrest are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by the Suncrest board of directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, as provided in the California Financial Code. The California Financial Code provides that a California state-chartered bank cannot make any distribution to its shareholders which exceeds the lesser of (a) the retained earnings of the bank; or (b) the net income of the bank for the last three fiscal years, less the amount of any distributions made by the bank or by anyThe shareholders of CVB are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by the board of directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, as provided in the California Corporations Code. The California Corporations Code provides that a corporation may make a distribution to its shareholders if retained earnings immediately prior to the dividend payout is at least equal to the sum of (a) amount of the proposed distribution.distribution plus (b) the preferential dividends arrears

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Suncrest BankCVB Financial Corp.
majority-owned subsidiary of the bank to the shareholders of the bank during such period. Notwithstanding the foregoing limitation, a bank, with the prior approval of the Commissioner of the CDFPI, may make a distribution to its shareholders which does not exceed the greatest of; (a) the retained earnings of the bank; (b) the net income of the bank for its last fiscal year; or (c) the net income of the bank for its current fiscal year. In certain circumstances, Suncrest may be required to obtain the prior approval of the FDIC to make capital distributions to shareholders of Suncrest.amount. In the event that sufficient retained earnings are not available for the proposed distribution, a corporation may, nevertheless, make a distribution if, it meets bothimmediately after the “quantitative solvency” anddistribution, the “liquidity” tests. In general, the quantitative solvency

The shareholders of CVB Financial are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by the board of directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, as provided in the California Corporations Code. The California Corporations Code provides that a corporation may make a distribution to its shareholders if retained earnings immediately prior to the dividend payout is at least equal to the amountvalue of the proposed distribution. In the event that sufficient retained earnings are not available for the proposed distribution, a corporation may, nevertheless, make a distribution if it meets both the “quantitative solvency” and the “liquidity”

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Valley

CVB Financial

test requires thatcorporation’s assets would equal or exceed the sum of its total liabilities plus the assets of the corporation equals at least 1.25 times its liabilities. The liquidity test generally requires that a corporation have current assets at least equal to current liabilities or, if the average of the earnings of the corporation before taxes on income and before interest expenses for the two preceding fiscal years was less than the average of the interest expense of the corporation for such fiscal years, then current assets must equal at least 1.25 times current liabilities.preferential dividends amount. In certain circumstances, ValleyCVB may be required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board to make capital distributions to shareholders of Valley.

tests. In general, the quantitative solvency test requires that the sum of the assets of the corporation equals at least 1.25 times its liabilities. The liquidity test generally requires that a corporation have current assets at least equal to current liabilities or, if the average of the earnings of the corporation before taxes on income and before interest expenses for the two preceding fiscal years was less than the average of the interest expense of the corporation for such fiscal years, then current assets must equal at least 1.25 times current liabilities. In certain circumstances, CVB Financial may be required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board to make capital distributions to shareholders of CVB Financial.

CVB.

Voting Rights

Voting Rights

Suncrest Bank

CVB Financial Corp.
Each outstanding share of Suncrest is generally entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders. In the electionSee also “Election of directors, each shareholder may cumulate votes and give one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of directors to be elected multiplied by the number of votes to which the shareholder’s shares are normally entitled or may distribute the shareholder’s votes on the same principle among as many candidates as the shareholder thinks fit.

No shareholder is entitled to cumulate votes in favor of any candidate or candidates unless such candidate’s or candidates’ names have been placed in nomination prior to the voting and the shareholder has given notice at the meeting prior to the voting of the shareholder’s intention to cumulate the shareholder’s votes. If any one shareholder has given such notice, this fact shall be announced to all shareholders and proxies present, who may then cumulate their votes for candidates in nomination.

In any election of directors, the candidates receiving the highest number of votes of the shares entitled to be voted for them, up to the number of directors to be elected by such shares, are elected.

Directors” below.
  

Each CVB Financial shareholder entitled to vote is entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. In the electionSee also “Election of directors, each shareholder may cumulate votes and give one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of directors to be elected multiplied by the number of votes to which the shareholder’s shares are normally entitled or may distribute the shareholder’s votes on the same principle among as many candidates as the shareholder thinks fit.

No shareholder is entitled to cumulate votes in favor of any candidate or candidates unless such candidate’s or candidates’ names have been placed in nomination prior to the voting and the shareholder has given notice at the meeting prior to the voting of the shareholder’s intention to cumulate the shareholder’s votes. If any one shareholder has given such notice, this fact shall be announced to all shareholders and proxies present, who may then cumulate their votes for candidates in nomination.Directors” below.

Qualification of Directors

 

In any election of directors, the candidates receiving the highest number of votes of the shares entitled to be voted for them, up to the number of directors to be elected by such shares, are elected.

Qualification of Directors

Valley’s bylaws provide that no person shall serve as a member of the board of directors: (i) who is a director, officer, employee, or agent for any other financial institution, or (ii) who has been or is the assignee of anyone who has any understanding with any other

Suncrest Bank
  

CVB Financial Corp.

Suncrest’s bylaws include no specific qualification for directors.CVB’s bylaws include no specific qualification for directors. CVB Financial’sCVB’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter provides that its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider specific factors when

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Valley

CVB Financial

financial institution, pursuant to which that person could be called upon to reveal or in any way utilize information obtained as a director or will, directly or indirectly, attempt to effect or encourage any action of Valley; or (iii) with the exception of directors who are also employees of Valley, who does not hold as beneficial owner a minimum of $25,000 fair market value of Valley common stock; provided, however, that the board of directors may permit a person who does not satisfy one or more of the qualifications listed above to serve as a member of the board of directors following the board’s determination that such action will not compromise the business plans or strategic focus of Valley.

evaluating potential director candidates, including the potential directors’ respective business background,and personal backgrounds, current responsibilities, community involvement, ownership of CVB Financial’sCVB’s voting securities, knowledge and contacts in the CVB Financial’sCVB’s industry and other industries relevant to the its business, ability to work as part of an effective group and ability to commit adequate time to serve as a director, but none of these factors is dispositive.

Number of Board of Directors

Number of Directors

Valley’sSuncrest Bank

CVB Financial Corp.

Suncrest’s bylaws state that the authorized number of directors constituting thethat may serve on Suncrest’s board of directors willcannot be from eight to 15, withless than nine nor more than seventeen, and the exact number within such range toof directors shall be determined from time to timethirteen until changed by a resolution of theresolutions amending such exact number duly adopted by Suncrest’s board of directors or by the shareholders at an annual meeting ofSuncrest shareholders. The number ofThere are currently fourteen directors is fixed by theon Suncrest’s board of directors at eight, and there are currently eight members of the Valley board of directors.

  

CVB Financial’sCVB’s bylaws state that the authorized number of directors constituting thethat may serve on CVB’s board of directors willcannot be fromless than seven to 13, with thenor more than thirteen. The exact number within said range toof directors shall be determinedfixed from time to timetime-to-time by a resolution adopted by CVB’s board of directors or by an amendment of the bylaws adopted by CVB’s board of directors. The number of directors is fixed by the board of directors at eight,ten, and there are currently eightten members of the CVB Financial board of directors.

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Election of Directors

Valley’sSuncrest Bank

CVB Financial Corp.

The minimum and maximum number of directors may be changed, or a definite number may be fixed without provision for an indefinite number, by a duly adopted amendment to Suncrest’s articles of incorporation or by an amendment to Suncrest’s bylaws duly adopted by the vote or written consent of the Suncrest shareholders holding a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, provided that an amendment reducing the fixed number or the minimum number of directors to a number less than five cannot be adopted if the votes cast against its adoption at a meeting, or the shares not consenting in the case of an action by written consent, are equal to more than 16 2/3% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon.

Pursuant to the merger agreement, the directors of CVB immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will be the directors of CVB following the closing of the merger

Election of Directors

Suncrest BankCVB Financial Corp.

Suncrest’s bylaws provide that the directors shall be elected at each annual meeting of shareholders of Suncrest. Each director shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which elected and until such director’s successor has been elected and qualified, except in the case of the death, resignation or removal.

In the election of directors, shareholders are entitled to cumulate votes either by giving one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of directors to be elected multiplied by the number of votes to which the shareholder’s shares are normally entitled, or by distributing the shareholder’s vote on the same principle among as many candidates the shareholder thinks fit, if the candidate or candidates’ names have been placed in nomination prior to the voting and the shareholder has given notice prior to the voting of the shareholder’s intention to cumulate the shareholder’s votes.

CVB’s bylaws provide that directors shall be elected annually by the shareholders at the annual meeting of the shareholders. If, for any reason, the annual meeting or an adjournment thereof is not held or the directors are not elected thereat, then the directors may be elected at any special meeting of the shareholders called and held for that purpose. The term of office of the directors shall begin immediately after their election and continue until their respective successors are elected and qualified.

CVB Financial’s bylaws provide that

In the election of directors, shallshareholders are entitled to cumulate votes and give one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of directors to be elected annuallymultiplied by the shareholders atnumber of votes to which the annual meeting ofshareholder’s shares are entitled, or distribute the shareholders. If, for any reason,shareholder’s vote on the annual meeting or an adjournment thereof is not held orsame principle among as many candidates the directors are not elected thereat, then the directors may be elected at any special meeting of the shareholders called and held for that purpose. The term of office of the directors shall begin immediately after their election and continue until their respective successors are elected and qualified.shareholder thinks fit.

Classification of the Board of Directors

Classification of Board of Directors

Valley’sSuncrest Bank

CVB Financial Corp.
Suncrest’s bylaws do not provide for a classified board of directors.

  

CVB Financial’sCVB’s bylaws do not provide for a classified board of directors.

Vacancies on the Board of Directors

Vacancies

Valley’sSuncrest Bank

CVB Financial Corp.
Suncrest’s bylaws provide that a vacancyvacancies on the board of directors, not including a vacancyexcept for vacancies created by the removal of a director, may be filled by approval of the board or, if the number of directors then in office is less than a quorum, by the unanimous written consent of the directors then in office, the affirmative vote of a

majority of the directors then in office at a
  

CVB Financial’sCVB’s bylaws provide that a vacancy on the board of directors may be filled by a majority of the remaining directors, even though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Any director so elected may hold office for the remainder of the full term of the director in which the vacancy

 

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Valley

Suncrest Bank
  

CVB Financial

Corp.

majoritymeeting held pursuant to notice or waivers of the remaining directors,notice, or by a sole remaining director. Any director so elected may hold office for the remainder of the full term of the director in which the vacancy occurred until such director’s successor is elected at an annual or special shareholders’ meeting. A vacancy created by the removal of a director may only be filled only by the approvalaffirmative vote of a majority of the shareholders. In addition,shares represented and voting at a duly held meeting at which a quorum is present (which shares voting affirmatively also constitute at least a majority of the shareholders may elect a director at any timerequired quorum), or by the unanimous written consent of all shares entitled to fill any vacancy not filled by directors.

vote thereon.
  

director in which the vacancy occurred until such director’s successor is elected at an annual or special shareholders’ meeting. The shareholders may elect a director at any time to fill any vacancy not filled by directors. Any such election by written consent other than to fill a vacancy created by removal requires the consent of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote.

vote for the election of directors.

Removal of Directors

Removal of Directors
Suncrest BankCVB Financial Corp.

AThe entire board of directors or any individual director may be removed from office without cause by athe affirmative vote of shareholders holding a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at an election of directors;on such removal; however, unless the entire board is removed, an individual director shall not be removed if the votes cast against removal, or not consenting in writing to such removal, would be sufficient to elect such director if voted cumulatively at an election at which the same total number of votesdirectors were cast. In addition, a director may also be removed from officecast, or, if such action is taken by the Superior Court of the county in which the principal office is located, at the suit of shareholders holding at least 10% ofwritten consent, all shares entitled to vote were voted, and the number of outstanding sharesdirectors authorized at the time of any class, in case of fraudulent or dishonest acts or gross abuse of authority or discretion with reference to Valley, in the manner provided by the law.such director’s most recent election were then being elected.

No reduction of the authorized number of directors shall have the effect of removing any director before his or her term of office expires.

  

A directorAny or all of the directors may be removed from office without cause if such removal is approved by a vote of shareholders holding a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at an election of directors;vote; however, unless the entire board is removed, an individual director shall not be removed if the votes cast against removal, or not consenting in writing to such removal, would be sufficient to elect such director if voted cumulatively at an election at which the total number of votes were cast, or, if such action is taken by written consent, all shares entitled to vote were voted, and the entire number of directors authorized at the time of the director’s most recent election were then being elected. CVB’s board of directors may declare vacant the office of a director who has been declared of unsound mind by an order of court or convicted of a felony. In addition, a director may also be removed from office by the Superior Court of the county in which the principal office is located, at the suit of shareholders holding at least 10% of the number of outstanding shares of any class, in case of fraudulent or dishonest acts or gross abuse of authority or discretion with reference to the corporation, in the manner provided by the law.

No reduction of the authorized number of directors shall have the effect of removing any director before his or her term of office expires.

Nomination of Director Candidates by Shareholders

Nomination of Director Candidates by Shareholders

Valley’sSuncrest Bank

CVB Financial Corp.
Suncrest’s bylaws permit any shareholder entitled to vote at the election of directors at an annual meeting to nominate candidates for election as directors, if written notice is delivered to the president of the corporation by the later of the close of business 21 days prior to any meeting of shareholders called for the election of directors or seven days after the date of mailing of notice of the meeting to shareholders.CVB’s bylaws permit shareholders who are entitled to vote for the election of directors to nominate a director for election if written notice is delivered to the presidentsecretary of the corporation at CVB’s principal executive offices not later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however,

81


Suncrest BankCVB Financial Corp.
that if the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, notice by the shareholder must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of 21 daysthe 90th day prior to anysuch annual meeting of shareholders called foror the election10th day following the day on which public announcement of directors or ten days after the date that a notice of thesuch meeting is mailed.first made by the corporation).

Shareholder Action Without a Meeting

Suncrest Bank  

CVB Financial’s bylaws permit shareholders who areFinancial Corp.

Directors may not be elected without a meeting by a consent in writing, except by unanimous written consent of all shares entitled to vote for the election of directors to nominatedirectors. However, a director for election ifmay be elected at any time to fill a vacancy provided that it was not created by removal of a director and that it has not been filled by the directors, by written notice is delivered to the presidentconsent of persons holding a majority of the corporationoutstanding shares entitled to vote for the election of directors.

Any other action which may be taken at any annual or special of shareholders may be taken without a meeting, and without prior notice if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by the holders of outstanding shares not less than 10 nor more than 60 days priorthe minimum number of votes that would be necessary to any meeting of shareholders called for election of directors. If fewer than 10 days’ notice of the meeting is given to shareholders,authorize or take such notice of intention to nominate must be received by the president of the corporation not later than the time fixed in the notice of the meeting for the opening of the meeting.

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Valley

CVB Financial

Advance Notice of Shareholder Proposals

Valley does not have an advance notice provision for the submission of shareholder proposals at its annual meeting of shareholders.

CVB Financial does not have an advance notice provision for the submission of shareholder proposals at its annual meeting of shareholders.

Shareholder Action Without a Meeting

Any action required to be taken by shareholders of Valley must be taken at a duly called annual meeting or a special meeting of shareholders. No action may be taken by written consent.at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted.

  

Any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of shareholders may be taken without a meeting and without prior notice if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by the holders of outstanding shares having not less than the minimum number of shareholders whose affirmative votevotes that would be requirednecessary to authorize or take suchthat action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereonon that action were present and voted. Unanimous

In the case of an election to fill a vacancy on the CVB board of directors that (i) was not created by removal or (ii) has not been filled by the board of directors in accordance with the provisions of CVB’s bylaws, a director may be elected to fill such vacancy by the written consent shall be requiredof the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote for the election of directorsdirectors. An election by the written consent of the shareholders to non-vacant positions.fill a vacancy created by removal may be made only by the unanimous written consent of the holders of all outstanding shares entitled to vote for the election of directors.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Special Meetings of Shareholders

Valley may call a special shareholders’ meeting at any time upon the request of the board of directors, the chairman of the board, the president, or Valley shareholders entitled to cast not less than 10% of the votes at such a meeting.

Suncrest Bank
  

CVB Financial may call a special shareholders’ meeting at any time upon the request of the board of directors, chairman of the board, the president, or of the CVB Financial shareholders entitled to cast not less than 10% of the votes at such a meeting.

Corp.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Valley’sSuncrest’s articles of incorporation (i) state that the liability of directors for monetary damages shall be eliminated to the fullest extent permissible under California law and (ii) authorize ValleySuncrest to indemnify agents for breach of duty to the corporation and its directors, officers, and agents,stockholders, through bylaw provisions or through agreements with such agents, or both, in excess of the indemnification otherwise permitted by Section 317 of the California Corporations Code, subject to the limits on such excess indemnification set forth in Section 204 of the California Corporations Code.

CVB’s articles of incorporation state that the liability of directors shall be eliminated to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

Valley’s bylaws provide that Valley will indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was an agent of Valley or is or was serving at the request of Valley as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, to the fullest extent permitted by law. Valley has entered into separate indemnification agreements with its directorspermissible under California law and officers for such purpose.

CVB Financial’s articles of incorporation authorize the corporation to indemnify its directors, officers, and agents, through bylaw provisions, agreements with such agents or other persons, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, in excess of the indemnification otherwise permitted by Section 317 of the California Corporations Code to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

82


Suncrest BankCVB Financial Corp.

 

CVB Financial’sSuncrest’s bylaws provide that CVB FinancialSuncrest will indemnify, to the extent allowable by applicable law, each of its directors, employees, officers and employees, and of its subsidiaries, who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in a proceedingagents against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any proceeding arising by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, employee, officer or agent, respectively, of the corporation. Suncrest’s bylaws also provide for the advancement of expenses and attorneys’ fees incurred in defending any civil or criminal action or proceeding for which indemnification is required under Suncrest’s bylaws, such amount to be repaid if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under Suncrest’s bylaws.

Suncrest has entered into separate indemnification agreements with its directors for such purpose.

CVB’s bylaws provide that CVB will have the power, to the extent and in the manner permitted by the California Corporations Code, to indemnify its directors, officers and employees and agents against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements, and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any proceeding arising by reason of the fact that any such person is or was an agent of the corporation. CVB Financial has entered into separate indemnification agreements with its directors for such purpose.

Amendments to Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

 

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Valley

Suncrest Bank
  

CVB Financial

Amendments to Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
Corp.

Valley’s articles of incorporation may be amended if approved by the board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares represented and voting at a duly held shareholder meeting at which a quorum is present. Valley’sSuncrest’s bylaws generally may be amended or repealed by the board of directors or the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote. A bylaw or amendment thereof changing the range of the authorized number of directors may be adopted, amended or repealed by the shareholders.

CVB Financial’s

Suncrest’s articles of incorporation may be amended by the affirmative vote of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote. CVB Financial’s

CVB’s bylaws may be amended or repealed by the board of directors or the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote. An amendment reducing the number of directors on a fixed-number board or the minimum number of directors on a variable-number board to a number less than five cannot be adopted if the votes cast against its adoption at a meeting, are equal to more than 16-2/3% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote.

CVB’s articles of incorporation may be amended by the affirmative vote of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote.

Dissenters’ Rights

Dissenters’ Rights

ValleySuncrest Bank

CVB Financial Corp.
Suncrest does not have any capital stock outstanding that is listed on a national securities exchange and, therefore, all outstanding shares of the capital stock of ValleySuncrest generally have dissenters’ rights with respect to a business combination or other reorganization requiring their vote. However,vote under the California Corporations Code; provided, however, the California Financial Code provides that dissenters’ rights will not apply to shareholders of Suncrest in a merger if Suncrest was the surviving depository corporation. In addition, a business combination where ValleySuncrest shareholders possess more than of 5/6 of the voting power of the surviving corporation such shareholders dowill not have dissenters’ rights.

require the vote of Suncrest shareholders.
  

Under the California Corporations Code, because CVB Financial’s common stock is listed on a national securities exchange certified by the California Commissioner of the Department of Business Oversight,CDFPI, holders of CVB Financial common stock do not have dissenters’ rights with respect to a business combination or other reorganization requiring their vote, unless their shares are subject to transfer restrictions or are exchanged for merger consideration other than solely securities listed on a national securities exchange certified by the California Commissioner of the Department of Business OversightCDFPI and cash in lieu of fractional shares.

 

-86-83


BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF VALLEYSUNCREST COMMON STOCK

The following table setstables set forth certain information as of January 9, 2017,[•], 2021, the record date for Valley’sSuncrest’s special meeting, concerning the beneficial ownership of Valley’sSuncrest’s outstanding common stock: (i)stock by each of Valley’s directors; (ii) by each of Valley’s executive officers; and (iii) by allSuncrest’s directors, and executive officers of Valley as a group. Management is not aware of any change in control of Valley that has occurred since January 1, 2016 or of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change in control of Valley otherand greater than the pending merger. As used with respect to Valley, the term “executive officer” means the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Valley’s other vice presidents are not considered to be executive officers of Valley and are specifically excluded from participation in policy-making by resolution of the Valley board of directors.five percent (5%) shareholders. The information has been obtained from Valley,Suncrest, or from information furnished directly by the individual or entity named below to Valley.

Suncrest. As of January 9, 2017,the record date, there were 3,002,014[•] shares of ValleySuncrest common stock issued and outstanding. For purposes

Except as otherwise indicated, each person has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of Suncrest common stock they beneficially own (or, where applicable, shared power with such individual’s spouse with respect to shares owned as Suncrest property). Due to the joint ownership of some of the shares and the common control of some of the entities and trusts reported below, certain shares of Suncrest common stock are listed under more than one beneficial owner. Each of the individuals and entities named below disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of their pecuniary interest, if any, therein, and the inclusion of shares of Suncrest common stock in the tables below shall not be deemed an admission of beneficial ownership of all the reported shares for any purpose.

Directors and Executive Officers

The following table sets forth the number and percentage of shares of Suncrest common stock beneficially owned, as of the record date, by: (i) each of Suncrest’s directors; (ii) each of Suncrest’s named executive officers; and (iii) all directors and named executive officers of Suncrest as a group. Beneficial ownership amounts do not include Suncrest stock options that the beneficial owner has the right to acquireare unvested as of, and will not vest within 60 days of, January 9, 2017 are deemed to be issuedthe record date, but that, at the effective time of the merger, will automatically accelerate and outstandingvest in full, as set forth in “The Merger—Interests of Suncrest Directors and have been treated as outstandingExecutive Officers in determining the amount and nature of beneficial ownership and in calculating the percentage of ownership of those individuals possessing such interest, but not for any other individuals. As of January 9, 2017, however, no options to acquire shares of Valley common stock were outstanding.Merger—Suncrest Stock Options” beginning on page 43.

 

Name of Beneficial Owners(1)

  

Position

 Shares of
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned(2)
  Percent of
Class(2)
 

Walter A. Dwelle

  

Chairman and Director

  134,049    4.46

Roy O. Estridge

  

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer

  21,383    0.71

Donald A. Gilles

  

Director

  51,620(3)   1.72

Philip R. Hammond, Jr.

  

Director

  94,058(4)   3.13

Russell F. Hurley

  

Vice Chairman and Director

  61,582    2.05

William R. Kitchen

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer

  14,652    0.49

Fred P. LoBue, Jr.

  

Secretary and Director

  87,921(5)   2.93

Kenneth H. Macklin

  

Director

  39,835(6)   1.33

Barry R. Smith

  

Director

  41,871(7)   1.39

Allan W. Stone

  

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

  32,151    1.07

All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (10 in number)

    579,122    19.29
Name of Beneficial Owners(1)  Position  Shares of
Common
Stock
Beneficially
Owned(2)
   Percent
of
Class(3)
 

William A. Benneyan(4)

  Director   64,759    0.53

David C. Crinklaw(5)

  Director   352,991    2.88

John A. DiMichele(6)

  Director   271,542    2.22

Daniel C. Jacuzzi(7)

  Director   118,138    0.96

Dale B. Margosian(8)

  Director   88,562    0.72

Ciaran McMullan(9)

  Director, President and Chief Executive Officer   530,647    4.17

Chadwick B. Meyer(10)

  Director   50,000    0.41

Florencio (Frank) Paredez(11)

  Director   49,962    0.41

Matthew B. Pomeroy (12)

  Director   42,000    0.34

Marc R. Schuil(13)

  Director   50,298    0.41

Eric M. Shannon(14)

  Director   81,062    0.66

Michael E. Thurlow(15)

  Director   387,987    3.16

Darrell E. Tunnell(16)

  Director   45,562    0.37

Eric J. Wilkins (17)

  Director   53,490    0.44

Jean M. Carandang(18)

  Chief Financial Officer   58,200    0.47

Steven C. Jones(19)

  Chief Operating Officer   54,981    0.45

Peter Nutz(20)

  Chief Credit Officer   80,034    0.65

All Directors and Named Executive Officers as a Group (17 Persons)

     2,380,215    19.43

 

(1)

Except as shown, theThe address for all personseach director and executive officer of Suncrest is c/o Valley Commerce Bancorp, 701 W.Suncrest Bank, 501 West Main Street, Visalia, California 93291.

84


(2)

SubjectBeneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act. Under that rule and for purposes of the table above, (i) if a person has decision making power over either the voting or the disposition of any shares, that person is generally deemed to applicable community property lawsbe a beneficial owner of those shares; and shared(ii) if two or more persons have decision making power over either the voting and investment power withor the disposition of any shares, they will be deemed to share beneficial ownership of those shares. In addition, a spouse, the persons listed have sole voting and investment power with respectperson is deemed to suchown beneficially shares unless otherwise noted.of common stock which that person was able to acquire on [•], 2021 or will become entitled to acquire at any time within 60 days thereafter, on exercise of options outstanding issued under our equity incentive plan or otherwise.

(3)

Includes 5,048The percentage is based on the total number of shares held inof Suncrest’s common stock outstanding as of [•], 2021, plus for each person or group, the namenumber of his spouse.option shares which are vested or will vest within 60 days of [•], 2021 (but not for purposes of computing the percentage of the outstanding shares that are beneficially owned by any other person).

(4)

Includes 15,25333,500 shares held in a family trust with his spouse.to which Mr. Benneyan is the trustee; 500 shares held by Mr. Benneyan’s spouse; 495 shares held in a business entity in which Mr. Benneyan has voting and investment power; and 16,000 options which are vested or will vest within 60 days.

(5)

Includes 4,99328,775 shares held in a family trust to which Mr. Crinklaw is the name of his spouse.trustee; and 16,000 options which are vested or will vest within 60 days.

(6)

Includes 13,159264,935 shares held by Vintage Equipment Profit Sharing Plan.in a family trust to which Mr. DiMichele is the trustee; and 6,607 shares held in Mr. DiMichele’s individual retirement accounts.

(7)

Includes 6,73748,000 shares held in trust with his spouse.Mr. Jacuzzi’s individual retirement account; and 6,000 options which are vested or will vest within 60 days.

(8)

Includes 16,000 options held by Mr. Margosian which are vested or will vest within 60 days.

(9)

Includes 475,050 options held by Mr. McMullan which are vested or will vest within 60 days.

(10)

All shares are held in a family trust to which Mr. Meyer is the trustee.

(11)

All shares are held jointly by Mr. Paredez and he has voting and investment power. Includes 16,000 options held by Mr. Paredez which are vested or will vest within 60 days.

(12)

Includes 6,000 options held by Mr. Pomeroy which are vested or will vest within 60 days.

(13)

All shares are held in a family trust to which Mr. Schuil is the trustee. Includes 16,000 options held by Mr. Schuil which are vested or will vest within 60 days.

(14)

All shares are held in a family trust to which Mr. Shannon is the trustee. Includes 16,000 options held by Mr. Shannon which are vested or will vest within 60 days.

(15)

All shares are held in a family trust to which Mr. Thurlow is the trustee. Includes 16,000 options held by Mr. Thurlow which are vested or will vest within 60 days.

(16)

Includes 16,000 options held by Mr. Tunnell which are vested or will vest within 60 days.

(17)

Includes 41,922 shares held jointly with Mr. Wilkin’s spouse; 1,272 shares held in UTMA accounts; 2,864 shares held in Mr. Wilkin’s individual retirement account; 1,432 shares held in Mr. Wilkin’s spouse’s individual retirement account; and 6,000 options which are vested or will vest within 60 days.

(18)

Includes 21,000 shares held in Ms. Carandang’s individual retirement account; and 28,800 options which are vested or will vest within 60 days.

(19)

Includes 33,909 shares held in a family trust to which Mr. Jones is the trustee; 1,272 shares held in Mr. Jones’s individual retirement account; and 19,800 options which are vested or will vest within 60 days.

(20)

Includes 12,000 shares held jointly with Mr. Nutz’s spouse; and 67,000 options which are vested or will vest within 60 days.

 

-87-85


Principal Shareholders

No persons areThe following table sets forth the number and percentage of shares of Suncrest common stock beneficially owned, as of [•], 2021, by each person, other than any directors, who is known to managementSuncrest to own directly or indirectly,be the beneficial owner of more than five percent or more(5%) of Valley’s outstandingSuncrest common stock as of January 9, 2017, except as follows:stock.

 

Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner

  Amount of
Beneficial Ownership
   Percent of Class 

The Banc Fund Company, LLC

208 South LaSalle Street

Chicago, Illinois 60604

   257,503     8.58

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Name and Address of Beneficial Owner  Amount of
Beneficial
Ownership
   Percent of
Class
 

Castle Creek Capital Partners VI, L.P.

   1,221,645    9.97

6051 El Tordo, P. O. Box 1329

Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

    

BancFunds Co LLC

   847,306    6.92

20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 3300

Chicago, IL 60606

    

LEGAL AND TAX OPINIONSMATTERS

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP will deliver prior to the effective time of the merger its opinion to CVB Financial as to certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger. Please see the section entitled “MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER” beginning on page 71. The validity of the CVB Financial common stock to be issued in connection with the merger will be passed upon for CVB Financial by its Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP.LLP, counsel to CVB.

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP and Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP will provide opinions regarding certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger for CVB and Suncrest, respectively, at the closing of the merger. Please see the section entitled “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger.”

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of CVB Financial as of December 31, 20152020 and 2014,2019, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015,2020, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20152020, have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the reportreports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

OTHER MATTERSSHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR NEXT YEAR

Valley’s bylaws provide that no matters may be brought before a special shareholders’ meeting other than as set forth inSuncrest Bank

If the notice to shareholders of the special shareholders’ meeting. Consequently, no mattersmerger is consummated, there will be presentedno annual meeting of Suncrest shareholders for consideration2022. If the merger is not consummated, then Suncrest will hold an annual meeting as soon as practicable and any shareholder proposals intended to be presented at the specialannual meeting other than as describedmust follow the procedures prescribed in this proxy statement/prospectus.

Suncrest’s bylaws.

 

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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows CVB Financial to incorporate certain information into this proxy statement/prospectus by reference to other information that has been filed with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this proxy statement/prospectus, except for any information that is superseded by information in this proxy statement/prospectus. The documents that are incorporated by reference contain important information about the companies and you should read this proxy statement/prospectus together with any other documents incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus.

This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates by reference the following documents that have previously been filed with the SEC by CVB Financial:CVB:

 

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed on February 29, 2016 and the amendment to such report field on March 24, 2016;

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed on March 1, 2021;

 

Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting filed on April 6, 2016;

Proxy Statement for the CVB 2021 Annual Meeting filed on April 5, 2021;

 

Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 filed on May 10, 2016, the quarter ended June 30, 2016 filed on August 9, 2016, and the quarter ended September 30, 2016 filed on November 9, 2016;

Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March  31, 2021 and June 30, 2021, filed on May 10, 2021 and August 9, 2021, respectively;

 

Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on April 13, 2016; April 27, 2016; May 5, 2016; May 20, 2016; June 29, 2016; July 29, 2016 (and the amendment thereto filed on August 3, 2016); September 23, 2016; and December 20, 2016; and

Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on January  29, 2021, February  11, 2021, April  13, 2021, May  20, 2021, May  21, 2021 and July 28, 2021; and

 

The description of CVB Financial common stock contained in the Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated June 11, 2001, which registers its common stock under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, together with any amendments or reports filed with the SEC for the purpose of updating the description.

The description of CVB common stock contained in the Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated June 11, 2001, which registers its common stock under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, together with any amendments or reports filed with the SEC for the purpose of updating the description.

In addition, CVB Financial is incorporating by reference any documents it may file with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and prior to the date of the special meeting of ValleySuncrest shareholders; provided, however, that CVB Financial is not incorporating by reference any information furnished (but not filed), except as otherwise specified herein.

CVB Financial files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other business and financial information with the SEC. You may obtain the information incorporated by reference and any other materials CVB Financial files with the SEC without charge by following the instructions in the section entitled “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION” beginning on page iWhere You Can Find Additional Information.”

None of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Neither CVB, Financial nor ValleyCitizens and Suncrest has authorized anyone to give any information or make any representation about the merger or the respective companies that is different from, or in addition to, that contained in this proxy statement/prospectus or in any of the materials that have been incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus. Therefore, if anyone does give you information of this sort, you should not rely on it. If you are in a jurisdiction where offers to exchange or sell, or solicitations of offers to exchange or purchase, the securities offered by this proxy statement/prospectus or the solicitation of proxies are unlawful, or if you are a person to whom it is unlawful to direct these types of activities, then the offer presented in this proxy statement/prospectus does not extend to you. The information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus speaks only as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies.

 

-90-87


AppendixANNEX A

Execution Version

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER

dated as of July 27, 2021

by and betweenamong

CVB FINANCIAL CORP.,

CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK,

and

VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORP

September 22, 2016SUNCREST BANK

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page 

ARTICLE I      MERGER1 CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

   A-1 

1.01

 1.1The Merger

Certain Definitions

   A-1 

1.02

 1.2Effective Time

Rules of Interpretation; Construction Provisions

   A-1
1.3Effects of the MergerA-2
1.4Conversion of StockA-2
1.5Valley Stock OptionsA-3
1.6Articles of Incorporation and BylawsA-4
1.7Board of Directors and OfficersA-4
1.8Bank MergerA-4A-13 

ARTICLE II      ARTICLE II EXCHANGE OF SHARES2 THE MERGER

   A-4A-13 

2.01

 2.1Delivery of

The Merger Consideration

   A-4A-13 

2.02

 2.2Exchange Procedures

Effective Time; Closing Date

   A-5A-14 

ARTICLE III      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF VALLEY

A-7
3.1Corporate OrganizationA-7
3.2CapitalizationA-8
3.3Authority; No ViolationA-9
3.4Consents and ApprovalsA-10
3.5ReportsA-10
3.6Financial Statements; ControlsA-11
3.7Broker’s FeesA-12
3.8Absence of ChangesA-12
3.9Compliance with Applicable LawA-12
3.10State Takeover Laws; Rights Agreement3 CONSIDERATION; EXCHANGE PROCEDURES

   A-14 

3.01

 3.11Employee Benefit Plans

Effect on Capital Stock

   A-14 

3.02

 3.12Approvals

Exchange Procedures

   A-16A-15 

3.03

 3.13OpinionA-16
3.14Valley InformationA-16
3.15Legal ProceedingsA-17
3.16Material ContractsA-17
3.17Environmental Matters

Treatment of Equity Awards

   A-18 
3.18Taxes

ARTICLE 4 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SUNCREST

   A-19 

4.01

 3.19Reorganization

Corporate Organization

   A-20A-19 

4.02

 3.20Intellectual Property

Capitalization

   A-20A-19 

4.03

 3.21Properties

Authority; No Violation

   A-21 

4.04

Consents and Approvals

A-21
3.22

4.05

 Insurance

Reports

A-21

4.06

Financial Statements

   A-22 

4.07

 3.23Accounting and Internal Controls

Broker’s Fees

   A-23 

4.08

 3.24Derivatives

Absence of Changes

   A-23 

4.09

 3.25Loan Matters

Compliance with Applicable Law

   A-24 

4.10

State Takeover Laws

A-27

4.11

Employee Benefit Plans

A-27

4.12

Approvals

A-29

4.13

Opinion

A-30

4.14

Suncrest Information

A-30

4.15

Legal Proceedings

A-30

4.16

Material Contracts

A-30

4.17

Environmental Matters

A-32

4.18

Taxes

A-33

4.19

Reorganization

A-34

4.20

Intellectual Property; IT Systems; Privacy

A-34

4.21

Properties

A-35

A-i


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(Continued)

 

     Page
3.26Community Reinvestment Act ComplianceA-25 

4.22

 3.27Bank Secrecy Act Compliance

Insurance

   A-26A-37 

4.23

 3.28Investment Securities

Accounting and Internal Controls

   A-26A-37 

4.24

 3.29Related Party TransactionsA-26
3.30Operating LossesA-26
3.31Employee and Labor MattersA-26
3.32Trust MattersA-27
3.33Information Technology; Security & PrivacyA-28
3.34Accuracy and Completeness of Information FurnishedA-28
ARTICLE IV      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CVBA-29
4.1Corporate OrganizationA-29
4.2CapitalizationA-29
4.3Authority; No ViolationA-30
4.4Consents and ApprovalsA-30
4.5ReportsA-31
4.6Financial StatementsA-31
4.7Broker’s FeesA-32
4.8Absence of ChangesA-32
4.9Compliance with Applicable LawA-32
4.10ApprovalsA-32
4.11CVB InformationA-32
4.12Legal ProceedingsA-32
4.13Accounting and Internal ControlsA-32
4.14ReorganizationA-33
4.15Accuracy and Completeness of Information FurnishedA-33
ARTICLE V      COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESSA-33
5.1Conduct of Valley Prior to the Effective TimeA-33
5.2Valley ForbearancesA-34
5.3CVB ForbearancesA-38
ARTICLE VI      ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

Derivatives

   A-38 

4.25

 6.1Regulatory Matters

Deposits

   A-38 

4.26

 6.2Reasonable Best Efforts

Loan Matters

   A-40A-39 

4.27

 6.3Access to InformationA-40
6.4Shareholder Approval

Investment Securities

   A-41 

4.28

 6.5Nasdaq Listing

Related Party Transactions

   A-41 

4.29

 6.6Employee Matters

Operating Losses

   A-41 

4.30

Employee and Labor Matters

A-41

4.31

Trust Matters

A-42

4.32

Credit Card Operations

A-43

4.33

Representations and Warranties

A-44

ARTICLE 5 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND CITIZENS

A-44

5.01

Corporate Organization

A-44

5.02

Capitalization

A-44

5.03

Authority; No Violation

A-45

5.04

Consents and Approvals

A-46

5.05

Reports

A-46

5.06

Financial Statements

A-46

5.07

Broker’s Fees

A-47

5.08

No Parent Material Adverse Effect

A-47

5.09

Compliance with Applicable Law

A-47

5.10

Absence of Changes

A-50

5.11

IT Systems

A-50

5.12

State Takeover Laws

A-50

5.13

Approvals

A-50

5.14

Parent Information

A-51

5.15

Legal Proceedings

A-51

5.16

Accounting and Internal Controls

A-51

5.17

Related Party Transactions

A-52

5.18

Taxes

A-52

5.19

Parent Employee Benefit Plans

A-53

 

iiA-ii


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(Continued)

 

     Page
6.7Indemnification; Directors’ and Officers’ InsuranceA-43 

5.20

 6.8Special DividendA-43
6.9No SolicitationA-44
6.10Takeover LawsA-46
6.11Schedule UpdatesA-46
6.12Notification of Certain MattersA-46
6.13Third-Party AgreementsA-46
6.14Pre-Closing AdjustmentsA-47
6.15Shareholder Litigation and ProtestsA-47
ARTICLE VII      CONDITIONS PRECEDENTA-48
7.1Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation to Effect the MergerA-48
7.2Conditions to Obligations of CVB and Citizens Business BankA-48
7.3Conditions to Obligations of ValleyA-51
ARTICLE VIII      TERMINATION AND AMENDMENTA-52
8.1TerminationA-52
8.2Effect of TerminationA-53
8.3Fees and Expenses

Insurance

   A-54 

5.21

Reorganization

A-54
8.4

5.22

 Amendment

Representations and Warranties

A-54

ARTICLE 6 COVENANTS

   A-55 

6.01

 8.5Extension; WaiverA-55
ARTICLE IX      GENERAL PROVISIONS

Interim Operations

   A-55 

6.02

 9.1Closing

Parent Forbearance

   A-55A-61 

6.03

 9.2Non-survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements

Reasonable Best Efforts

   A-55A-61 

6.04

 9.3Notices

Access to Information

   A-55A-61 

6.05

 9.4Interpretation

Regulatory Matters

   A-56A-62 

6.06

 9.5Counterparts

Registration Statement

   A-56A-63 

6.07

 9.6Entire Agreement

Suncrest Shareholder Approval

   A-56A-64 

6.08

 9.7Governing Law; Jurisdiction

Reserved

   A-57A-64 

6.09

 9.8Waiver of Jury Trial

No Solicitation

   A-57A-65 

6.10

 9.9Publicity

Takeover Laws

   A-57A-67 

6.11

 9.10Assignment; Third-Party Beneficiaries

Schedule Updates

   A-57A-68 

6.12

 9.11Specific Performance

Certain Policies

   A-57A-68 

6.13

 9.12Valley Disclosure Schedule

Indemnification; Director’s and Officer’s Insurance

   A-58A-68

6.14

Employee Benefit Plans

A-70

6.15

Notification of Certain Matters

A-71

6.16

Third-Party Agreements

A-71

6.17

Nasdaq Listing

A-72

6.18

Press Releases

A-72

6.19

Shareholder Litigation and Protests

A-72 

Exhibit A – Form of Voting and Support AgreementARTICLE 7 CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER

  A-73

Exhibit B – Form of Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement7.01

 

Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation to Effect the Merger

A-73

Exhibit C – Form of Agreement of Merger7.02

 

Conditions to Obligation of Suncrest

A-73

Exhibit D – Form of Bank Merger Agreement7.03

 

Conditions to Obligation of Parent and Citizens

A-74

ARTICLE 8 TERMINATION

A-76

8.01

Termination

A-76

8.02

Effect of Termination

A-77

8.03

Fees and Expenses

A-78

 

iiiA-iii


INDEXTABLE OF DEFINED TERMSCONTENTS

 

  

Section

Page 

Acquisition ProposalARTICLE 9 MISCELLANEOUS

   6.9(d)A-79 

Adverse Change of Recommendation9.01

Survival

   8.1(c)A-79 

Adverse Shareholder Action9.02

Waiver; Amendment

   SeeA-79 

Advisors9.03

Counterparts

   7.2(m)A-79 

Affiliate9.04

Governing Law and Venue

   3.6(d)A-79 

Affiliated9.05

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

   3.6(d)A-79 

Aggregate Cash Amount9.06

Notices

   1.4(d)(i)A-80 

Agreement9.07

Entire Understanding; No Third Party Beneficiaries

   PreambleA-81 

Agreement of Merger9.08

Effect

   1.2A-81 

Allowance for Loan Loss Ratio9.09

Severability

   7.2(n)(i)A-81 

Approvals9.10

Enforcement of the Agreement

   6.1(b)A-81 

Average Non-Interest Bearing Deposits9.11

Assignment

   7.2(n)(ii)

Average Accruing Loans

7.2(n)(vii)

Bank Merger

1.8

Bank Merger Agreement

1.8

BHC Act

3.1(a)

Book-Entry Share

1.4(e)

Business Day

9.4

California Secretary

1.2

Cause

6.6(e)

Certificate

1.4(e)

CGCL

1.1(a)

Change of Control Payments

3.16(a)

Citizens Business Bank

1.8

Closing

9.1

Closing Balance Sheet

7.2(n)(iii)

Closing Date

9.1

Closing Tangible Common Equity

7.2(n)(v)

Closing Tangible Common Equity Minimum

7.2(n)(vi)

Code

Recitals

Commissioner

3.1(c)(ii)

Confidentiality Agreement

6.3(c)

Controlled Group Liability

3.11(g)

Covered Entity

6.6(a)

CRA

3.26

CVB

Preamble

CVB Articles

4.1(b)

CVB Average Closing Price

1.4(d)(iii)

CVB Bylaws

4.1(b)

CVB Capitalization Date

4.2(a)

CVB Common Stock

4.2(a)

CVB Preferred Stock

4.2(a)

CVB SEC Reports

4.5(b)
CVB Stock Plans4.2(a)

D&O Insurance

6.7(b)

Derivative Transaction

3.24

Determination Date

8.1(f)(iii)

Dissenting Share(s)

1.4(a)

Effective Time

1.2

Employee Benefit Plan

3.11(a)

End Date

8.1(b)(ii)A-81 


INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS

(Continued)Exhibits

 

Exhibit A

Form Voting and Support Agreement

Section

Enforceability ExceptionsExhibit B-1

  3.3(a)Form Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement – All non-employee directors of the Suncrest Board

Environmental Laws

3.17

ERISA

3.11(a)

ERISA Affiliate

3.11(f)

Exchange Act

3.14

Exchange Agent

2.1

Exchange Agent Agreement

2.1

Exchanged Shares

2.2(a)

Excepted Loan

5.2(r)

FDIC

3.1(c)(ii)

Federal Reserve

3.1(a)

Form S-4

3.4

GAAP

3.2(b)

Governmental Entity

3.4

Indemnified Parties

6.7(a)

Intellectual Property

3.20(e)(i)

Investment Security

3.28

IRS

3.18

IT Assets

3.20(e)(ii)

Knowledge of CVB

9.4

Knowledge of Valley

9.4

Law

3.3(b)

Lease

3.21(a)

Letter of Transmittal

2.2(a)

Liens

3.3(b)

Loans

3.25(a)

Material Adverse Effect

3.8

Material Contract

3.16(a)

Materially Burdensome Regulatory Condition

6.1(d)

Measurement Date

7.2(n)(iv)

Merger

Recitals

Merger Consideration

1.4(a)

Multiemployer Plan

3.11(f)

Multiple Employer Plan

3.11(f)

Nasdaq

4.4

Non-Competition Agreements

Recitals

Notice of Superior Proposal

6.9(c)(ii)(2)

Option Termination Date

1.5(a)

Per Share Cash Amount

1.4(d)(iv)

Per Share Exchange Ratio

1.4(d)(v)

Per Share Merger Consideration Value

1.5(b)(ii)

Permitted Encumbrances

3.21(a)

Person(s)

9.4

Pre-Dividend Common Equity

6.8

Previously Disclosed

9.12(b)

Proxy Statement

3.4

Regulatory Agencies

3.5(a)

Regulatory Agreement

3.9(c)

2


INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS

(Continued)

Section

Requisite Regulatory ApprovalsExhibit B-2

  Form Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement – Suncrest officers identified on Section 7.03(j)(iii) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule
7.2(d)

Sarbanes-Oxley ActExhibit B-3

  Form of Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement – Suncrest officers identified on Section  7.03(j)(iv) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule
3.9(a)

SECExhibit C

  Form of Agreement of Merger
3.4

Securities ActSuncrest Disclosure Schedule

3.2(a)(iii)

Special Dividend

6.8

Subsidiary

3.1(c)(iv)

Support Agreements

Recitals

Surviving Corporation

Recitals

Takeover Laws

3.10(a)

Tax

3.18

Tax Return

3.18

Taxes

3.18

Total Assets

7.2(n)(ix)

Trade Secrets

3.20(e)(i)

Trading Day

1.4(d)(vi)

Transaction Costs

7.2(n)(viii)

Treasury Shares

1.4(b)

Valley

Preamble

Valley Acquisition Proposal

8.3(b)(ii)(2), 6.9(a)

Valley Articles

3.1(b)

Valley Audited Financial Statements

3.6(a)

Valley Board Recommendation

6.4

Valley Bylaws

3.1(b)

Valley Capitalization Date

3.2(a)(i)

Valley Closing Shares

1.4(d)(ii)

Valley Common Stock

3.2(a)

ValleyParent Disclosure Schedule

9.12(a)

Valley Filings

3.5(a)

Valley Financial Statements

3.6(a)

Valley Interim Financial Statements

3.6(a)

Valley IT Systems

3.33

Valley Leased Properties

3.21(a)

Valley Licensed Intellectual Property

3.20(e)(iii)

Valley Owned Intellectual Property

3.20(e)(iv)

Valley Owned Properties

3.21(a)

Valley Real Property

3.21(a)

Valley Shareholder Approval

3.3(a)

Valley Shareholder Meeting

6.4

Valley Stock Award

3.2(a)(i)

Valley Stock Option

1.5(a)

Valley Stock Plans

1.5(b)(i)

Valley Superior Proposal

6.9(d)

Valley Termination Fee

8.3(b)(i)

VBB

1.8

Voting Debt

3.2(a)(iii)

Withdrawal Liability

3.11(f)

 

3A-iv


AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER

This THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER, dated as of September 22, 2016July 27, 2021 (this “Agreement”), is entered into by and betweenamong CVB Financial Corp., a California corporation (“CVBParent”), Citizens Business Bank, a California state-chartered bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (“Citizens), and Valley Commerce Bancorp,Suncrest Bank, a California corporationstate-chartered bank (“ValleySuncrest,” together with Parent and Citizens, each a “Party” and collectively hereinafter the “Parties”).

RECITALS

A. TheWHEREAS, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and in accordance with the California General Corporation Law (the “CGCL”) and the California Financial Code (the “CFC”), Suncrest will merge with and into Citizens (the “Merger”), with Citizens continuing as the surviving banking corporation in the Merger (sometimes referred to in such capacity as the “Surviving Corporation”);

WHEREAS, the respective Boardsboards of Directorsdirectors of CVBeach of Parent (the “Parent Board”), Citizens (the “Citizens Board”) and ValleySuncrest (the “Suncrest Board”) have determined that it isthis Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby are fair to and in the best interests of their respective companies and their respective shareholders, to consummateas applicable, and have approved and declared advisable this Agreement and the strategic business combination transaction provided for in this Agreement.

B. Ontransactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, all upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Valley will merge withherein;

WHEREAS, for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and, where applicable, state and into CVB (the “Merger”)local income tax purposes), with CVB as the surviving corporation in the Merger (sometimes hereinafter referred to as the “Surviving Corporation”).

C. The partiesParties intend that the Merger shallwill qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and that this Agreement shallwill constitute a “plan of reorganization” for purposes of Sections 354 and 361 of the Code.Code;

D. As anWHEREAS, as a condition and inducement for CVBto the Parties’ willingness to enter into this Agreement, each member of Valley’sthe Suncrest Board, of Directorseach Suncrest executive officer and certain shareholders of its executive officersSuncrest have simultaneously herewith entered into a Voting and Support Agreements (theAgreement (each aSupport AgreementsVoting Agreement) and Non-Competition and Non-Solicitationcollectively, the “Voting Agreements (the “Non-Competition Agreements”), each dated as of the date hereof and substantially in the formsform attached hereto asExhibit A with Parent and Suncrest;

WHEREAS, as a condition and inducement to Parent’s and Citizens’ willingness to enter into this Agreement, each member of the Suncrest Board and each of its executive officers have simultaneously herewith entered into, as applicable, a Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement or a Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement, each dated as of the date hereof and substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit BB-1, B-2 or B-3with CVB.Parent; and

E. The partiesWHEREAS, the Parties desire to make certain representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the Merger and also to prescribe certain conditions to the Merger.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants,foregoing and the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement,set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the partiesParties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I1

MERGERCERTAIN DEFINITIONS

1.11.01 Certain Definitions. The Mergerfollowing terms are used in this Agreement with the meanings set forth below:

2020 Audited Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.06(a).

(a) Subject toAcquisition Proposal” has the termsmeaning set forth in Section 6.09(a).

A-1


ADA” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.21(b).

“Adjusted Common Equity Tier 1 Capital” means Common Equity Tier 1 Capital plus Approved Transaction Costs.

Adjusted Total Loans” means the balance of Suncrest’s total loans held for investment on the Measurement Date, excluding PPP Loans. Adjusted Total Loans shall consist of those loans, and conditionscalculated in the same manner as shown on Schedule RC, Line 4(b) of this Agreement,Suncrest’s Call Report as filed with its primary banking regulator for the period ended June 30, 2021, excluding PPP Loans. For comparative purposes, the Adjusted Total Loans as of March 31, 2021, as calculated in accordance with this definition, was $722,317,000.

Adjusted Total Loans Benchmark” means $745,000,000.

Affiliate” means, as to any Person, any other Person which, directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” of a Person shall mean the California General Corporation Law (the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by Contract or otherwise.

CGCLAgreement), has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Agreement of Merger” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(a).

Aggregate Cash Consideration” means (a) the product of (i) two dollars and sixty-nine cents ($2.69) and (ii) the number of shares of Suncrest Common Stock outstanding at the Effective Time, Valleyless (b) the sum of (i) the Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Adjustment and (ii) the Transaction Costs Adjustment.

ALLL Minimum shall merge with and into CVB. CVB shall bemean the Surviving Corporation in the Merger and shall continue its existence under the Lawsnumber specified on Schedule RC. Line 4.C. of the StateSuncrest Call Report filed with the FDIC as of California underJune 30, 2021, provided, however, in no event shall the name “CVB Financial Corp.ALLL Minimum be less than $8,504,000.

ApprovalsAshas the meaning set forth in Section 6.05(a).

Approved Transaction Costs” means all expenses, costs and fees to be paid or incurred by Suncrest (or any of its Affiliates or successors thereto) from June 1, 2021 through the Effective Time,Measurement Date in connection with the separate corporate existence of Valley shall cease.

(b) CVB may at any time change the structure or method of effecting the combinations contemplatedconsummation by this Agreement;provided,however, that no such change shall, without the consent of Valley, (i) materially alter or change the amount or kind of the Merger Consideration (as defined below) or the amount of the Special Dividend, (ii) materially adversely affect the tax consequences of the Merger to shareholders of Valley, or (iii) impede or delay in any material respect the receipt of the Requisite Regulatory Approvals or consummationSuncrest of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.Agreement, which, solely for purposes of calculating Adjusted Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, shall not exceed:

1.2(a) $5.8 million, in the aggregate, for all of the Transaction Costs identified on Section 1.01(a) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule (provided further that, with respect to any specific Transaction Cost identified in such Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, such Transaction Cost shall also not exceed, solely for purposes of calculating Adjusted Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, the applicable individual dollar limit set forth in Section 1.01(a) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule for such Transaction Cost); Effective Timeplus. Subject

(b) if applicable, any attorneys’ fees and costs, including expense reimbursement, and all amounts paid in settlement or otherwise, in connection with any investigations, actions, claims, suits or hearings brought, if any, with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby as described in Section 6.19 herein; plus

(c) any fees and costs paid to the termsnationally recognized accounting firm designated in accordance with Section 4.11(k) herein; plus

(d) any fees and conditionscosts paid with Parent’s prior written consent in connection with complying with Section 6.16 herein.

A-2


Bank Secrecy Act” means the Currency and Foreign Transaction Reporting Act (31 U.S.C. Section 5311 et seq.), as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act and their implementing regulations.

Bankruptcy and Equity Exception” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.03(a).

Book-Entry Share” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).

Business Day” means Monday through Friday of this Agreement,each week, except a legal holiday recognized as such by the United States federal government or any day on which banking institutions in the State of California are authorized or before the Closing Date, the parties will execute and cause an agreement of merger in substantially the form attached hereto as ofExhibit B (the “Agreement of Merger”)obligated to be filed withclose.

California Secretary” means the Secretary of State of the State of California.

Call Report” means a Report of Condition and Income filed by a banking institution with the applicable federal banking agency.

Cardholder” means a person or persons in whose name(s) a Credit Card Account has been established in connection with a Credit Card pursuant to a Credit Card Account Agreement.

Cash Consideration” means the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the Aggregate Cash Consideration by (ii) the number of shares of Suncrest Common Stock outstanding at the Effective Time.

CDFPI” means the California (the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.

California SecretaryCertificate) as provided has the meaning set forth in Section 1103 of3.01(a).

CFC” has the CGCL. The Merger shall become effective on the date and at the time (the “Effective Time”) that the Agreement of Merger has been filed with the California Secretary.


1.3Effects of the Merger. At and after the Effective Time, the Merger shall have the effectsmeaning set forth in the applicable provisionsrecitals.

Change of Control Payments” has the CGCL.meaning set forth in Section 4.16(a).

1.4ConversionCitizens” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble of Stock. Atthis Agreement.

Citizens Articles” means the Effective Time, by virtuearticles of incorporation of Citizens, as amended.

Citizens Board” has the Merger and without any further actionmeaning set forth in the Recitals.

Citizens Bylaws” means the bylaws of Citizens, as amended.

Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(b).

Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(b).

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Common Equity Tier 1 Capital” means the total Tier 1 capital of Suncrest as determined on the partMeasurement Date and calculated in the same manner as shown on Suncrest’s Call Report as filed with its primary banking regulator for the period ended June 30, 2021. For comparative purposes, the Common Equity Tier 1 Capital as of ValleyMarch 31, 2021, as calculated in accordance with this definition, was $118,163,000.

Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Adjustment” shall mean the product obtained by multiplying the (a) positive difference, if any, between (i) the Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Benchmark and (ii) Adjusted Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, by (b) one and one-half (1.5). For avoidance of doubt, and as an example only, if the difference between the Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Benchmark and Adjusted Common Equity Tier 1 Capital is $50,000, the Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Adjustment would be $75,000. If Adjusted Common Equity Tier 1 Capital is greater than the Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Benchmark, there shall be no Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Adjustment.

A-3


Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Benchmark” shall mean the greater of (a) Suncrest’s Common Equity Tier 1 Capital as of June 30, 2021 and (b) $118,163,000.

Confidentiality Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.04(c).

Continuing Employees” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.14(a).

Contract or CVBContracts” means any agreement, lease, license, contract, insurance policy, note, mortgage, indenture, instrument, arrangement or other obligation.

Controlled Group Liability” has the shareholdersmeaning set forth in Section 4.11(g).

CRA” means the Community Reinvestment Act of either1977, as amended.

CRA Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.09(m).

Credit Card” means a card that may be used by the holder to purchase goods and services and to obtain cash advances through open-end revolving credit, commonly known as a credit or charge card.

Credit Card Account Agreement” means an agreement (including related disclosure) between or on behalf of Suncrest and a Person or Persons under which the foregoing:Credit Card Accounts are established and Credit Cards are issued to or on behalf of such Person or Persons.

(a)Valley Common StockCredit Card Accounts” means all accounts established by or on behalf of Suncrest under which a purchase, cash advance or credit transaction may be or has been made by a Cardholder by means of a Credit Card.

Credit Card Associations” means VISA U.S.A., Inc., VISA International Inc. and MasterCard International Incorporated.

D&O Insurance” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.13(b). Each

Deposit Agreements” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.25(c).

Deposit Insurance Fund” means the Deposit Insurance Fund administered by the FDIC.

Derivative Transaction” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.24.

Determination Date” means the fifth (5th) Business Day prior to the Closing Date.

Dissenting Share” means any share of ValleySuncrest Common Stock (other than shares that areis owned by shareholders who have perfected and not withdrawn a demand for dissenters’ rights pursuant to Chapter 13 of the CGCL.

Effective Time” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(a).

ELAN” means U.S. Bank National Association dba Elan Financial Services.

Employee Benefit Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.11(a).

Environmental Laws” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.17(a)

Equal Credit Opportunity Act” means the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1691 et seq.), as amended.

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

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ERISA Affiliate” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.11(f).

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Exchange Agent” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(a).

Exchange Fund” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(a).

Exchange Ratio” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).

Excluded Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(c).

Fair Housing Act” means the Fair Housing Act (420 U.S.C. Section 3601 et seq.), as amended.

FDIC” means the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Federal Reserve Act” means the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, as amended.

Federal Reserve Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, consistently applied over the period involved.

Governmental Authority” means any federal, state or local court, tribunal, arbitral, governmental, administrative or regulatory authority (including any Regulatory Agencies), agency, commission, body or other governmental entity or instrumentality, and any stock exchange or industry self-regulatory organization.

Hazardous Substance” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.17(g).

Home Mortgage Disclosure Act” means the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (12 U.S.C. Section 2801 et seq.), as amended.

Indemnified Party” or “Indemnified Parties” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.13(a).

Intellectual Property” means any and all: (a) trademarks, service marks, brand names, collective marks, Internet domain names, logos, symbols, slogans, designs and other indicia of origin, together with all translations, adaptations, derivations and combinations thereof, all applications, registrations and renewals for the foregoing, and all goodwill associated therewith and symbolized thereby; (b) patents and patentable inventions (whether or not reduced to practice), all improvements thereto, and all invention disclosures and applications therefor, together with all divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part, revisions, renewals, extensions, reexaminations and reissues in connection therewith; (c) confidential proprietary business information, Trade Secrets and know-how, including processes, schematics, business and other methods, technologies, techniques, protocols, formulae, drawings, prototypes, models, designs, unpatentable discoveries and inventions; (d) copyrights in published and unpublished works of authorship (including databases and other compilations of information), and all registrations and applications therefor, and all renewals, extensions, restorations and reversions thereof; and (e) other intellectual property rights.

Intellectual Property Registrations” means all Suncrest Owned Intellectual Property that are subject to any issuance, registration, application or other filing by, to or with any Governmental Authority or authorized private registrar in any jurisdiction, including registered trademarks, domain names and copyrights, issued and reissued patents and pending applications for any of the foregoing.

Investment Security” means any equity security or debt security as defined in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 320.

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IRS” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Knowledge” (a) with respect to Suncrest, means (i) the actual knowledge of the persons set forth in Section 1.01 of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule and (ii) the knowledge that any such person in the preceding clause (a)(i) would be reasonably expected to obtain after making the same inquiry and exercising the same diligence that a reasonably prudent business person in the ordinary and usual course of the performance of his or her responsibilities would make and exercise; and (b) with respect to Parent, means (i) the actual knowledge of the persons set forth in Section 1.01(b) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule and (ii) the knowledge that any such person in the preceding clause (b)(i) would be reasonably expected to obtain after making the same inquiry and exercising the same diligence that a reasonably prudent business person in the ordinary and usual course of the performance of his or her responsibilities would make and exercise.

Law” means any federal, state, foreign, or local law, statute, ordinance, rule, order, regulation, writ, injunction, directive, judgment, administrative interpretation, treaty, decree, administrative, judicial or arbitration decision and any other executive, legislative, regulatory or administrative proclamation or other requirement of any Governmental Authority.

Lease” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.21(a).

Lien” means any mortgage, deed of trust, easement, declaration, restriction, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, option, right of first refusal, equity interest, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), preference, participation interest, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever relating to that property, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing and the filing of any financing statement under the UCC or comparable law of any jurisdiction to evidence any of the foregoing..

Loans” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.26(a).

Material Contract” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.16(a).

Materially Burdensome Regulatory Condition” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.05(b).

Measurement Date” means the last day of the month immediately preceding the month in which the Closing Date occurs; provided, however if the Closing Date occurs within the first ten (10) days of any month, the Measurement Date shall be the last day of the second month immediately preceding the month in which the Closing Date occurs; and providedfurther, that if the Closing Date does not occur on or before the fifth (5th) Business Day after the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VII (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the consummation of the Merger), the Parties shall treat such fifth (5th) Business Day as the Closing Date solely for the purpose of determining the Measurement Date. As an example, and for avoidance of doubt, if the Closing Date occurs on October 5, 2021, the Measurement Date shall mean August 31, 2021. As an additional example, and for avoidance of doubt, if December 15, 2021 is the fifth (5th) Business Day after the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VII (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the consummation of the Merger), but the Closing Date does not occur until January 15, 2021, the Measurement Date shall mean November 30, 2021.

Merger” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.

Merger Consideration” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).

Monthly Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.04(b).

Multiemployer Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.11(f).

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Multiple Employer Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.11(f).

Nasdaq” means the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

“Off-The-Shelf Licenses” means nonexclusive licenses or other Contracts entered into by Suncrest for software or services that are generally commercially available on standard terms that require license, maintenance, support and other fees of less than $25,000 per year.

OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Operating Loss” means any individual loss resulting from cash shortages, lost or misposted items, disputed clerical and accounting errors, forged checks, payment of checks over stop payment orders, counterfeit money, wire transfers made in error, theft, robberies, defalcations, check kiting, fraudulent use of credit cards or electronic teller machines, any other fraudulent acts, civil money penalties, fines, litigation, claims, arbitration awards or other similar acts or occurrences.

Option Consideration” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(a).

OSHA” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.21(b).

Outside Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01(b).

Parent” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Parent Articles” means the articles of incorporation of Parent, as amended.

Parent Average Closing Price” means the 20-day volume weighted average closing price of a share of Parent Common Stock as quoted on Nasdaq as of the Determination Date.

Parent Board” means the board of directors of Parent.

Parent Bylaws” means the bylaws of Parent, as amended.

Parent Capitalization Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.02(a).

Parent Common Stock” means the common stock, no par value, of Parent.

Parent Disclosure Schedule” means the schedule delivered by Parent to Suncrest before the execution and entry into this Agreement which sets forth, among other things, items the disclosure of which is necessary or appropriate either in response to an express disclosure requirement contained in a provision hereof or as an exception to one or more representations or warranties contained in this Agreement or to one or more covenants contained herein.

Parent Filings” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.05(a).

Parent Material Adverse Effect” shall mean any fact, event, change, condition, occurrence, development, circumstance, effect or state of facts that:

(a) individually or in the aggregate, has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, materially adverse to the business, assets, deposit liabilities, results of operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of Parent and its Subsidiaries, in each case taken as a whole or (b) prevents, materially delays or materially impairs the ability of Parent and its Subsidiaries to perform its respective obligations under this Agreement to consummate the Merger; provided, however, that no fact, event, change, condition, occurrence, development, circumstance, effect

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or state of facts to the extent resulting from any of the following shall be considered in determining whether a Parent Material Adverse Effect has occurred or is in existence:

(i) changes, after the date hereof, in Laws, rules and regulations of general applicability, or of general applicability to banks, or interpretations thereof of general applicability, or of general applicability to banks, by Governmental Authorities, including any change in GAAP or regulatory accounting requirements,

(ii) changes in the economy or financial markets, generally, in the United States, or

(iii) changes in economic, business or financial conditions generally affecting the banking industry,

providedfurther, that the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) shall not apply to the extent such fact, event, change, condition, occurrence, development, circumstance, effect, action, omission or state of facts of the type referred to therein, has a disproportionate impact on the business, assets, deposit liabilities, results of operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of Parent and its Subsidiaries compared to other comparable companies within the banking industry, in which case the disproportionate effect will be taken into account; or

(iv) any action taken by Parent or Citizens with Suncrest’s express written consent or any action taken by Parent or Citizens that Parent or Citizens was expressly required to take pursuant to the terms of this Agreement;

(v) any failure, in and of itself, by Parent to meet internal or other estimates, predictions, projections or forecasts for revenue, net income or any other measure of financial performance (except to the extent that, with respect to this clause (v), the facts or circumstances giving rise or contributing to failure to meet estimates, predictions, projections or forecasts, may be deemed to constitute or be taken into account in determining whether there has been, a Parent Material Adverse Effect, except to the extent such facts or circumstances are themselves excepted from the definition of Parent Material Adverse Effect pursuant to any other clause of this definition); or

(vi) the commencement of any litigation that was primarily the result of the announcement or public disclosure of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

Parent Preferred Stock” means the preferred stock of Parent.

Parent Regulatory Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.09(k)

Parent SEC Reports” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.05(b).

Parties” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble to this Agreement.

Permitted Encumbrances” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.21(a).

Person” means any individual, bank, corporation (including not-for-profit), joint-stock company, general or limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, estate, business trust, trust, association, organization, Governmental Authority or other entity of any kind or nature.

PPP Loans” shall mean those loans generated under the federal Paycheck Protection Program promulgated pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.

Previously Disclosed” means, (a) when used with respect to Suncrest, information set forth by Suncrest in the applicable section of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule or any other section of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule (so long as it is reasonably apparent on its face from the context that the disclosure in such other paragraph of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule is also applicable to the section of this Agreement in

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question) and, (b) when used with respect to Parent, means (i) information set forth by Parent in the applicable section of the Parent Disclosure Schedule or any other section of the Parent Disclosure Schedule (so long as it is reasonably apparent on its face from the context that the disclosure in such other paragraph of its Parent Disclosure Schedule is also applicable to the section of this Agreement in question) or (ii) information disclosed in any report, schedule, form or other document filed with or furnished to the SEC (including the exhibits and other information incorporated therein) by Parent, as applicable, since December 31, 2020 but prior to the date hereof (excluding any disclosures set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” and in any section relating to forward-looking, safe harbor or similar statements or to any other disclosures in such reports to the extent they are cautionary, predictive, or forward-looking in nature).

Prospectus/Proxy Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.06(a).

Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.06(a).

Regulatory Agencies” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.05(a).

Regulatory Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.09(k).

Sanctioned Countries” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.09(h).

Sanctions” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.09(h).

Sarbanes-Oxley Act” means the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Share” and “Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).

Stock Consideration” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).

Stock Option Cashout Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(a).

Subsidiary” means, as to any Person, a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity of which shares of stock or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power (other than stock or such other ownership interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) to elect a majority of the board of directors or other managers of such corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity are at the time owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person.

Suncrest” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble of this Agreement.

Suncrest 401(k) Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.14(a).

Suncrest Articles” means the articles of incorporation of Suncrest, as amended.

Suncrest Audited Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.06(a).

Suncrest Board” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Suncrest Board Recommendation” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.07(b).

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Suncrest Bylaws” means the bylaws of Suncrest, as amended.

Suncrest Capitalization Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.02(a).

Suncrest Change in Recommendation” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.09(e).

Suncrest Common Stock” means the common stock, no par value per share, of Suncrest.

“Suncrest Disclosure Schedule” means the schedule delivered by Suncrest to Parent and Citizens before the execution and entry into this Agreement which sets forth, among other things, items the disclosure of which is necessary or appropriate either in response to an express disclosure requirement contained in a provision hereof or as an exception to one or more representations or warranties contained in this Agreement or to one or more covenants contained herein.

Suncrest Filings” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.05(a).

Suncrest Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.06(a).

Suncrest Interim Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.06(a).

Suncrest IT Systems” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.20(d).

Suncrest Leased Properties” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.21(a).

Suncrest Licensed Intellectual Property” means the Intellectual Property owned by third Persons that is used in or necessary for the operation of the respective businesses of Suncrest and each of its Subsidiaries as presently conducted.

Suncrest Material Adverse Effect” shall mean any fact, event, change, condition, occurrence, development, circumstance, effect or state of facts that:

(a) individually or in the aggregate, has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, materially adverse to the business, assets, deposit liabilities, results of operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries, in each case taken as a whole or (b) prevents, materially delays or materially impairs the ability of Suncrest to perform its obligations under this Agreement to consummate the Merger; provided, however, that no fact, event, change, condition, occurrence, development, circumstance, effect or state of facts to the extent resulting from any of the following shall be considered in determining whether a Suncrest Material Adverse Effect has occurred or is in existence:

(i) changes, after the date hereof, in Laws, rules and regulations of general applicability, or of general applicability to banks, or interpretations thereof of general applicability, or of general applicability to banks, by Governmental Authorities, including any change in GAAP or regulatory accounting requirements,

(ii) changes in the economy or financial markets, generally, in the United States,

(iii) changes in economic, business or financial conditions generally affecting the banking industry,

providedfurther, that the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) shall not apply to the extent such fact, event, change, condition, occurrence, development, circumstance, effect, action, omission or state of facts of the type referred to therein, has a disproportionate impact on the business, assets, deposit liabilities, results of operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries compared to other comparable companies within the banking industry, in which case the disproportionate effect will be taken into account;

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(iv) any action taken by Suncrest with Parent’s express written consent or any action taken by Suncrest that Suncrest was expressly required to take pursuant to the terms of this Agreement;

(v) any failure in and of itself by Suncrest to meet internal or other estimates, predictions, projections or forecasts of revenue, net income or any other measure of financial performance (except to the extent that, with respect to clause (v) the facts or circumstances giving rise or contributing to failure to meet estimates, predictions, projections or forecasts may be deemed to constitute or be taken into account in determining whether there has been, a Suncrest Material Adverse Effect, except to the extent such facts or circumstances are themselves excepted from the definition of Suncrest Material Adverse Effect pursuant to any other clause of this definition); or

(vi) the commencement of any litigation that was primarily the result of the announcement or public disclosure of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

Suncrest Option” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(a).

Suncrest Owned Intellectual Property” means Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries.

Suncrest Owned Properties” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.21(a).

Suncrest Rate Sheet” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01(u).

Suncrest Real Properties” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.21(a).

Suncrest Shareholder Approval” means the approval of the principal terms of this Agreement by the affirmative vote or requisite consent of a majority of the outstanding shares of Suncrest Common Stock entitled to vote thereon at the Suncrest Shareholder Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Suncrest Shareholder Meeting” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.07(a).

Suncrest Stock Awards” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(b).

Suncrest Stock Plan” means the Suncrest Bank 2013 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan.

Superior Proposal” means an unsolicited bona fide written Acquisition Proposal that the Suncrest Board concludes in good faith, after consultation with its financial advisors and legal advisors, taking into account all legal, financial, regulatory, shareholder approval risk and other aspects of the proposal and the Person making the proposal (including any break-up fees, expense reimbursement provisions and conditions to consummation), (a) is more favorable to the shareholders of Suncrest, from a financial point of view, than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (after taking into account all adjustments or modifications that Parent may propose pursuant to the terms hereof), (b) is not subject to any financing contingencies or, if financing is required, then such financing is reasonably committed to the third party making the Acquisition Proposal and is reasonably likely to be provided and (c) is reasonably likely to receive all required governmental approvals on a timely basis and otherwise reasonably capable of being completed on a timely basis on the terms proposed; provided that, for purposes of this definition of “Superior Proposal,” the term “Acquisition Proposal” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.09(a), except that each reference to “15%” in the definition of “Acquisition Proposal” shall be deemed to be a reference to “50%”.

Surviving Corporation” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.

Takeover Laws” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.10.

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Tax” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “Taxes” and “Taxable”) means (i) all federal, state, local and foreign taxes, charges, fees, customs, duties, levies or other assessments, however denominated, including all net income, gross income, profits, gains, gross receipts, sales, use, value added, goods and services, capital, production, transfer, franchise, windfall profits, license, withholding, payroll, employment, disability, employer health, excise, estimated, severance, stamp, occupation, property, environmental, unclaimed property, unemployment, capital stock or any other taxes, charges, fees, customs, duties, levies or other assessments of any nature whatsoever, together with all interest, penalties and additions imposed with respect to such amounts and any interest in respect of such penalties and additions, and (ii) any liability for the payment of any amount of the type described in the immediately preceding clause (i) as a result of being a member of a consolidated, affiliated, unitary or combined group with any other Person at any time prior to and through the Effective Time.

Tax Returns” means any return, amended return or other report (including elections, declarations, forms, disclosures, schedules, estimates and information returns) required to be filed with any taxing authority with respect to any Taxes including any documentation required to be filed with any taxing authority or to be retained in respect of information reporting requirements imposed by the Code or any similar foreign, state or local Law.

Termination Fee” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03(b).

“Total Non-Interest Bearing Deposits” means the average daily balance of Suncrest’s non-interest bearing deposits for the calendar month ending on the Measurement Date (exclusive of brokered deposits as defined in 12 C.F.R Section 337.6(a)(2)). For comparative purposes, the Total Non-Interest Bearing Deposits for the calendar month ending March 31, 2021, as calculated in accordance with this definition, was $466,714,000.

Total Non-Interest Bearing Deposits Benchmark” means $470,000,000.

Trade Secrets” means any and all confidential proprietary business information, trade secrets, knowledge and know-how, including processes, schematics, business and other methods, technologies, techniques, protocols, formulae, drawings, prototypes, models, designs, customers and customer information, lists of customers, vendor, supplier and related information, list of vendors and suppliers, financial information, rate sheets, plans, concepts, strategies or products, unpatentable discoveries and inventions.

Transaction Costs” means all expenses, costs and fees to be paid or incurred by Suncrest (or any of its Affiliates or successors thereto) in connection with consummation of the transactions described herein.

Transaction Costs Adjustment” means the positive difference, if any, between (a) the aggregate of the Transaction Costs identified on Section 1.01(a) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule that are incurred or paid by Suncrest after June 1, 2021 and (ii) $5.8 million. If such Transaction Costs are less than $5.8 million, there shall be no Transaction Costs Adjustment.

USA PATRIOT Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, as amended (Pub. L. No. 107-56).

Volcker Rule” means 12 U.S.C. § 1851 and the regulations promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the FDIC, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the SEC in connection therewith.

Voting Agreements” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.

Voting Debt” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.02(a).

Withdrawal Liability” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.11(f).

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1.02Rules of Interpretation; Construction Provisions. Unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) when a reference is made in this Agreement to Articles, Sections, Subsections, Exhibits or Schedules, such reference shall refer, respectively, to Articles, Sections, Subsections, Exhibits or Schedules of this Agreement, unless otherwise indicated;

(b) the table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement;

(c) whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”;

(d) the phrase “furnished” or “made available” in this Agreement shall mean that the information referred to has been made available if requested by the Party to whom such information is to be made available, including as posted in the respective Party’s data room;

(e) the phrases “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and words of similar import shall be deemed to refer to this Agreement as a whole, including the Exhibits and Schedules hereto, and not to any particular provision of this Agreement;

(f) references in the Agreement to any gender include the other gender;

(g) the word “day” means calendar day;

(h) the terms defined in the singular have a comparable meaning when used in the plural and vice versa;

(i) the term “dollars” and the symbol “$” mean United States Dollars;

(j) references in this agreement to the “United States” means the United States of America and its territories and possessions; and

(k) except as otherwise specifically provided herein, when calculating the period of time within which, or following which, any act is to be done or step taken pursuant to this Agreement, the date that is the reference day in calculating such period shall be excluded. If the last day of the period is a non-Business Day, the period in question shall end on the next Business Day.

ARTICLE 2

THE MERGER

2.01 The Merger.

(a) The Combination. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, in accordance with the CGCL and the CFC, at the Effective Time, Suncrest shall merge with and into Citizens, Citizens shall be the Surviving Corporation in the Merger and shall continue to exist as a California state-chartered bank under the Laws of the State of California and the separate corporate existence of Suncrest shall cease.

(b) Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws; Directors and Officers. The Citizens Articles and Citizens Bylaws as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be those of the Surviving Corporation. The directors and officers of Citizens immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation, until such time as their successors shall be duly elected and qualified.

(c) Effect of the Merger. At the Effective Time, the effect of the Merger shall be as provided in the applicable provisions of the CGCL and CFC.

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2.02 Effective Time; Closing Date.

(a) Effective Time. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, on or prior to the Closing Date, the Parties shall cause an Agreement of Merger in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “Agreement of Merger”) to be certified by the California Secretary pursuant to §1103 of the CGCL and filed with the CDFPI pursuant to §4887 of the CFC. The Merger provided for herein shall become effective at the time the Agreement of Merger has been filed with the CDFPI, or such later time as may be agreed by the Parties and specified in the Agreement of Merger (the time the Merger becomes effective being the “Effective Time”).

(b) Closing Date. The closing of the Merger (the “Closing”) shall take place on the date when the Effective Time is to occur (the “Closing Date”). Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article 7 (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the consummation of the Merger, but subject to the fulfillment or waiver of those conditions), the Parties shall cause the Effective Time to occur no later than the fifth (5th) Business Day after such satisfaction or waiver (except as the Parties may otherwise agree to in writing); provided, however, if, as a result of satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in this Agreement the Effective Time would otherwise occur between November 30, 2021 and January 6, 2022, the Parties shall cause the Effective Time to occur on January 7, 2022 or such other date thereafter mutually agreed to by the Parties hereto.

ARTICLE 3

CONSIDERATION; EXCHANGE PROCEDURES

3.01Effect on Capital Stock. At the Effective Time, as a result of the Merger and without any action on the part of any Person:

(a) Outstanding Suncrest Common Stock. Each share of Suncrest Common Stock (each, a “Dissenting Share” and, collectively, “Shares”), excluding Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares,”)) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall become and be converted into the right to receive (i) cash in an amount equal to the Per Share Cash Amount,Consideration and (ii) 0.6970 shares (the “Exchange Ratio”) of Parent Common Stock (the “Stock Consideration” together with the Cash Consideration, the “Merger Consideration”), without interest thereon, and (ii) the number of whole shares of CVB Common Stock equal to the Per Share Exchange Ratio (rounded up or down to the nearest whole share) (such cash and such shares collectively, the “Merger Consideration”).thereon. At the Effective Time, all shares of Valley Common StockShares (other than Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares) shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be cancelled and retired and shall cease to exist.exist, and each holder of a certificate that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented any Shares (a “Certificate”) and each holder of a Share not represented by a Certificate (a “Book-Entry Share”), other than any Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares, shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive:

(i) the Merger Consideration; plus

(ii) any dividends or distributions to which the holder thereof has the right to receive pursuant to Section 3.02(d); plus

(iii) any cash in lieu of fractional shares which such holder has the right to receive pursuant to Section 3.02(e).

(b)Outstanding Parent Common Stock and Citizens Common Stock. Each share of Parent Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain an issued and outstanding share of Parent Common Stock and shall not be affected by the Merger. Each share of common stock of Citizens issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain issued and outstanding and shall automatically and for all purposes be deemed to represent one share of common stock of the Surviving Corporation.

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(c) Cancellation of Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares. (i) Any shares of ValleySuncrest Common Stock ownedheld by Valley as treasury stock or owned, directly or indirectly, by Valley, CVBParent or any direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of CVB’s Subsidiaries (otherParent or by Suncrest or any direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of Suncrest, other than those held in a fiduciary capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted)contracted (“TreasuryExcluded Shares”), and (ii) subject to Section 1.4(g)3.01(d), any Dissenting Shares shall automatically be cancelled and retired and shall cease to exist at the Effective Time of the Merger and no consideration shall be issued in exchange therefor.

(c)No Effect on Outstanding CVB Stock. Each share of CVB Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain an issued and outstanding share of CVB Common Stock and shall not be affected by the Merger.

(d) For purposes of this Agreement:

(i) “Aggregate Cash Amount” means $23,400,000, minus, without duplication, (1) the amount, if any, that the Transaction Costs exceed $3,500,000 and (2) the aggregate of the amounts, if any, that any component(s) of the Transactions Costs exceed(s) the respective amounts set forth in Section 7.2(l) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule.

(ii) “Valley Closing Shares” means the aggregate number of shares of Valley Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Valley Closing Shares shall not exceed the number of shares outstanding on the Valley Capitalization Date, plus any shares of Valley Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to duly exercised Valley Stock Options outstanding on the date of this Agreement that are disclosed in Section 3.2(a)(ii) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule.

(iii) “CVB Average Closing Price” means the daily closing volume-weighted average price of CVB Common Stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (based on “regular way trading”) for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Days ending on the fifth (5th) Trading Day before the Closing Date.

(iv) “Per Share Cash Amount” means the quotient of the Aggregate Cash Amount divided by Valley Closing Shares.

(v) “Per Share Exchange Ratio” means the quotient of 1,942,673 shares of CVB Common Stock divided by the Valley Closing Shares.

(vi) “Trading Day” means a day that CVB Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ capital market.

(e)Effect of Conversion. All of the shares of Valley Common Stock converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration pursuant to this Article I shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be

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cancelled and shall cease to exist as of the Effective Time, and each certificate previously representing any such shares of Valley Common Stock (each, a “Certificate”) and each non-certificated share of Valley Common Stock represented by book-entry (each, a “Book-Entry Share”) shall thereafter represent only the right to receive the Merger Consideration into which the shares of Valley Common Stock represented by such Certificate or Book-Entry Share have been converted pursuant to this Section 1.4 and Section 2.2(f).

(f)Adjustments. If, between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, the outstanding shares of CVB Common Stock shall have been increased, decreased, changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or securities as a result of a reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or other similar change in capitalization, an appropriate and proportionate adjustment shall be made to the Per Share Exchange Ratio.

(g)Dissenting Shares.

(i) No later than ten (10) days following the date that the ValleySuncrest Shareholder Approval is received, ValleySuncrest or the Surviving Corporation shall provide each record holder of ValleySuncrest Common Stock entitled to vote on the Merger with a notice including the information set forth in Section 1301(a) of the CGCL.

(ii) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no Dissenting Shares shall be converted into or represent a right to receive the applicable consideration for such shares set forth in this Agreement, if any, but the holder of such Dissenting Shares shall only be entitled to such dissenters’ rights as are granted by Chapter 13 of the CGCL. If a holder of shares of ValleySuncrest Common Stock who demands that ValleySuncrest purchase such shares of Valley Common Stock under Chapter 13 of the CGCL shall thereafter effectively withdraw or lose (through failure to perfect or otherwise) such holders’ dissenters’ rights with respect to such shares of ValleySuncrest Common Stock then, as of the occurrence of such withdrawal or loss, each such share of ValleySuncrest Common Stock shall be deemed as of the Effective Time to have been converted into and represent only the right to receive, in accordance with this Section 1.4,3.01, the Merger Consideration for such shares set forth in this Article I.3.

(iii) ValleySuncrest shall comply in all respects with the provisions of Chapter 13 of the CGCL with respect to the Dissenting Shares. ValleySuncrest shall give CVBParent (A) prompt notice of any written demands for purchase of any such shares of ValleySuncrest Common Stock pursuant to Chapter 13 of the CGCL, attempted withdrawals of such demands and any other instruments served pursuant to Chapter 13 of the CGCL and received by ValleySuncrest in connection therewith and (B) the opportunity to direct all negotiations and proceedings with respect to purchase of any shares of ValleySuncrest Common Stock under Chapter 13 of the CGCL. ValleyCGCL; provided that Parent shall act in a commercially reasonable manner in directing any such negotiations or proceedings. Suncrest shall not, except with the prior written consent of Parent or as required by Law, voluntarily make any payment with respect to any demands for purchase of ValleySuncrest Common Stock or offer to settle or settle any such demands without the prior written consent of CVB.demands.

1.5Valley Stock Options.3.02 Exchange Procedures.

(a) Valley shall take all actions that may be reasonably necessary or that CVB reasonably considers appropriate to provide that (i) each holder of an outstanding option to purchase Valley common stock granted under any Valley Stock Plan (a “Valley Stock Option”) (whether or not then vested or exercisable) shall be provided with written notice at least 60 days prior to the Option Termination Date pursuant to which all outstanding Valley Stock Options held by such holder shall become fully vested and may be exercised by such holder on or before the Business Day immediately preceding the Closing (the “Option Termination Date”) and (ii) to the extent that any such Valley Stock Option is not so exercised prior to, and continues to be outstanding immediately prior to, the Option Termination Date, such Valley Stock Options shall be cancelled as of the Effective Time without consideration therefore.

(b) For purposes of this Agreement,

(i) “Valley Stock Plans” means Valley’s 2007 Equity Incentive Plan and Valley’s Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan; and

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(ii) “Per Share Merger Consideration Value” means the quotient of (x) the sum of (1) the Aggregate Cash Amount plus (2) the product of the Per Share Exchange Ratio multiplied by the CVB Average Closing Price multiplied by the Valley Closing Shares, divided by (y) the Valley Closing Shares.

(c) At least thirty (30) days prior to the Closing Date ,Valley shall obtain a written acknowledgement and waiver (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to CVB) from each holder of a Valley Stock Option in existence at such time (i) confirming the number of Valley Stock Options held, (ii) electing to exercise the Valley Stock Option on or before the Option Termination Date and (iii) confirming the cancelation of such Valley Stock Options if not exercised prior to the Effective Time and (iv) containing waivers for such other matters as reasonably determined by CVB. Valley shall provide a copy of each such acknowledgement and waiver to CVB at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the Closing Date.

(d) Prior to the Effective Time, the Board of Directors of Valley and the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Valley, as applicable, shall adopt any necessary resolutions to effectuate the provisions of Section 1.5(a) – (c).

1.6Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. At the Effective Time, the Articles of Incorporation of CVB, as amended, as then in effect, will be the Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation, and the Bylaws of CVB, as amended, as then in effect, will be the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.

1.7Board of Directors and Officers. From and after the Effective Time, the directors and officers of CVB shall consist of the persons serving as directors and officers of CVB immediately prior to the Effective Time and such directors and officers shall in each case hold office until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified, or their earlier death, resignation or removal.

1.8Bank Merger. On the Closing Date and immediately following the Merger, Valley Business Bank (“VBB”), a California state-chartered bank and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Valley, will merge (the “Bank Merger”) with and into Citizens Business Bank, a California state-chartered bank and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of CVB (“Citizens Business Bank”). The Bank Merger shall become effective at the time specified in Section 4887 of the California Financial Code. The parties shall cause the Bank Merger to become effective immediately after the Effective Time. Citizens Business Bank shall be the surviving entity in the Bank Merger and shall continue its corporate existence under the name “Citizens Business Bank”, and at the effective time of the Bank Merger, the separate corporate existence of VBB shall cease and outstanding shares of VBB shall be canceled without consideration. The Bank Merger shall be implemented pursuant to an agreement of merger substantially in the form ofExhibit D to this Agreement (the “Bank Merger Agreement”). In order to obtain the necessary state and federal regulatory approvals for the Bank Merger, the parties hereto shall cause the following to be accomplished prior to the filing of applications for regulatory approval: (a) Valley shall cause the Bank Merger Agreement to be duly executed by VBB and delivered to Citizens Business Bank, (b) CVB shall cause Citizens Business Bank to adopt the Bank Merger Agreement, CVB, as the sole shareholder of Citizens Business Bank, shall approve the Bank Merger Agreement and CVB shall cause the Bank Merger Agreement to be duly executed by Citizens Business Bank and delivered to VBB. Valley shall cause VBB, and CVB shall cause Citizens Business Bank, to execute such an agreement of merger and such other documents and certificates (in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to CVB and Valley) as are necessary to make the Bank Merger effective immediately following the Effective Time.

ARTICLE II

EXCHANGE OF SHARES

2.1Delivery of Merger Consideration and Special Dividend AmountAgent; Exchange Fund. At or prior to the Effective Time, CVBParent shall (a) deposit, or shall cause to be deposited, with an exchange agent which shall be a bank or trust company selected by CVB and reasonably acceptable to ValleyParent (the “Exchange Agent”), pursuant tofor the benefit of the holders of Shares (in each case, other than holders of Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares):

(i) an agreement (the

amount in cash equal to:

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Exchange Agent Agreement”) entered into(A) the Cash Consideration multiplied by the number of Shares (other than Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, shares of CVB Common Stock issuable pursuant to Section 1.4(a), an amount in cash to make the payments pursuant to Sections 1.4(a) and, to the extent then determinable,Time; plus

(B) any cash payabledue in lieu of fractional shares pursuant to Section 2.2(f). At least three Business Days3.02(e); and

(ii) evidence of shares in book-entry form representing the shares of Parent Common Stock in exchange for Shares outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, Valley shall deposit with Valley’s stock transfer agent an amountdeliverable upon due surrender of the Certificates (or affidavits of loss in cash equallieu thereof as provided in Section 3.02(g)) or, in the case of Book-Entry Shares, upon adherence to the aggregate amountprocedures set forth in the transmittal materials, pursuant to the provisions of the Special Dividend with instructions to pay the Special Dividend to holders of Valley Common Stock in accordance withthis Section 6.8.3.02; and

2.2Exchange Procedures.

(a) As soon as reasonably practicableA-15


(iii) after the Effective Time, if applicable, any dividends or other distributions with respect to shares of Parent Common Stock (such amount in cash and certificates for shares of Parent Common Stock in the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) being hereinafter referred to as the “Exchange Fund”).

(b) Suncrest Notice. Suncrest shall notify Parent in writing prior to the Effective Time of the number of Shares, Excluded Shares and, to the extent practicable, Dissenting Shares outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, and shall cause Suncrest’s transfer agent to deliver to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Closing Date a list of the holders of Suncrest Common Stock and number of shares of Suncrest Common Stock held by each such holder in a format that is reasonably acceptable to the Exchange Agent and otherwise reasonably cooperate with the Exchange Agent.

(c) Exchange Procedures.

(i) Promptly after the Effective Time (and in any event within five (5) Business Days thereafter), Parent shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record of Certificate(s) or Book-Entry Shares which, immediately prior to(other than holders of Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares) notice advising such holders of the Effective Time, represented outstanding shareseffectiveness of Valley Common Stock whose shares were converted into the right to receive the Merger, Consideration pursuant to Section 1.4 (“Exchanged Shares”), (i) a letter ofincluding appropriate transmittal (the contents of which shall be reasonably acceptable to Valley and which shall specifymaterials specifying that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to Certificate(s) or Book-Entry Sharesthe Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of Certificate(s)the Certificates (or affidavits of loss in lieu thereof, as provided in Section 3.02(g)) and instructions for surrendering the Certificates (or affidavits of loss in lieu thereof) to the Exchange Agent (such materials and instructions to include customary provisions with respect to delivery of an “agent’s message” with respect to Book-Entry Shares and to be in such Certificate(s))form and have such provisions as Parent and Suncrest may reasonably agree).

(ii) Upon the surrender of a Certificate (or affidavits of loss in lieu thereof as provided in Section 3.02(g)) or Book-Entry Shares to the Exchange Agent andin accordance with the terms of such transmittal materials, the holder of such Certificate or Book-Entry Shares shall be substantially in such form and have such other provisions as shall be prescribed by the Exchange Agent Agreement (the “Letter of Transmittal”) and (ii) instructions for use in surrendering Certificate(s) or Book-Entry Sharesentitled to receive in exchange for the Merger Consideration and any dividends or distributions to whichtherefor:

(A) a certificate (or evidence of shares in book-entry form, as applicable) representing that number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock that such holder is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 3.02; and

(B) a check in the amount (after giving effect to any required Tax withholdings as provided in Section 3.02(h)) equal to (1) the Cash Consideration that such holder is entitled to receive pursuant to Section 2.2(c).

(b) Upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of its Certificate(s) or Book-Entry Shares, accompanied by a properly completed Letter of Transmittal, a holder of Exchanged Shares will be entitled to receive promptly after such surrender in accordance with the Exchange Agent’s customary practice, the Merger Consideration in respect of the Exchanged Shares, including3.01; plus (2) any cash in lieu of fractional shares of CVB Common Stock, represented by its Certificate(s) or Book-Entry Sharesshares; plus (3) any unpaid non-stock dividends and any amounts payableother dividends or other distributions that such holder has the right to receive pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2(c)3.02(d). Until so surrendered, each such

(iii) The Certificate or Book-Entry Shares so surrendered shall represent after the Effective Time, for all purposes, only the right to receive, withoutforthwith be cancelled. No interest the Merger Consideration andwill be paid or accrued on any cash in lieu of fractional shares of CVB Common Stock to be issued or paid in consideration thereofamount payable upon due surrender of such Certificate or Book-Entry Shares in accordance with, and any dividends or distributions to which such holder is entitled pursuant to, this Article II.

(c) No dividends or other distributions with respect to CVB Common Stock shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate or Book-Entry Shares with respect to the shares of CVB Common Stock represented thereby, in each case unless and until the surrender of such Certificate or Book-Entry Share in accordance with this Article II. Subject to the effect of applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Laws, following surrender of any such Certificate or Book-Entry Share in accordance with this Article II, the record holder thereof shall be entitled to receive, without interest, (i) the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore payable with respect to the whole shares of CVB Common Stock represented by such Certificate or Book-Entry Share and paid prior to such surrender date, and/or (ii) at the appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other distributions payable with respect to shares of CVB Common Stock represented by such Certificate or Book-Entry Shares with a record date after the Effective Time (but before such surrender date) and with a payment date subsequent to the issuance of the CVB Common Stock issuable with respect to such CertificateCertificates or Book-Entry Shares.

(d)(iv) In the event of a transfer of ownership of a Certificate or Book-Entry Shares representing Exchanged Shares that areis not registered in the stock transfer records of Valley,Suncrest, a certificate representing the proper number of shares of CVBParent Common Stock, the Per Share Cash Amount plustogether with a check for any cash in lieuto be paid upon due surrender of fractional shares of CVB Common Stock with respectthe Certificate, may be issued and/or paid to such Exchanged Shares shall be issued or paid in exchange therefor to a Person other thantransferee if the Person in whose nameExchange Agent is presented with the Certificate or Book-Entry Shares so surrendered is registered if the Certificate or Book-Entry Shares formerly representing such Exchanged Shares shall be properly endorsed and/or otherwise be in proper form forall documents required to evidence and effect such transfer and the Person requesting such payment or issuance shall payto evidence that any applicable stock transfer or other similar taxes required

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by reason of the payment or issuance to a Person other than the registered holder of the Certificate or Book-Entry Shares, or establish to the reasonable satisfaction of CVB that the tax hasTaxes have been paid or isare not applicable. The Exchange Agent (or, subsequent to the earlier of (x) the twelve (12) month anniversary of the Effective Time and (y) the expiration or termination of the Exchange Agent Agreement, CVB or the Surviving Corporation) shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any cash otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of Exchanged Shares such amounts as the Exchange Agent, CVB or the Surviving Corporation, as the case may be, is required to deduct and withhold under the Code, or any provision of state, local or foreign Tax Law, with respect to the making of such payment. To the extent the amounts are so withheld by the Exchange Agent, CVB or the Surviving Corporation, as the case may be, and timely paid over to the appropriate Governmental Entity such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of Exchanged Shares in respect of whom such deduction and withholding was made by the Exchange Agent or CVB, as the case may be.

(e)(v) After the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the stock transfer books of ValleySuncrest of the shares of ValleySuncrest Common Stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time other than to settle transfers of such ValleySuncrest Common Stock that occurred prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time, Certificates or Book-Entry Shares representing any such shares of Valley Suncrest

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Common Stock are presented for transfer to the Exchange Agent, they shall be cancelled and exchanged for the applicable Merger Consideration and any cash in lieu of fractional shares of CVBParent Common Stock to be issued or paid in consideration therefor in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article II.3.

(f) Notwithstanding anything(d) Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares; Voting. All shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the contrary containedMerger shall be deemed issued and outstanding as of the Effective Time and if a dividend or other distribution is declared by Parent in respect of the Parent Common Stock, the record date for which is at or after the Effective Time, that declaration shall include dividends or other distributions in respect of all shares issuable pursuant to this Agreement. No dividends or other distributions in respect of the Parent Common Stock shall be paid to any holder of any unsurrendered Certificate or Book-Entry Shares until such Certificate (or affidavit of loss in lieu thereof as provided in Section 3.02(g)) or Book-Entry Shares are surrendered for exchange in accordance with Section 3.02(c). Subject to the effect of applicable Laws, following surrender of any such Certificate (or affidavit of loss in lieu thereof as provided in Section 3.02(g)) or Book-Entry Shares, there shall be issued and/or paid to the holder of the certificates representing whole shares of Parent Common Stock issued in exchange therefor, without interest, (i) at the time of such surrender, the dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore payable with respect to such whole shares of Parent Common Stock and not paid and (ii) at the appropriate payment date, the dividends or other distributions payable with respect to such whole shares of Parent Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time but with a payment date subsequent to surrender.

(e) Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no fractional shares of CVBParent Common Stock shallwill be issued upon the surrenderand any holder of Certificates or Book-Entry Shares for exchange, no dividend or distribution with respectentitled to CVBreceive a fractional share of Parent Common Stock but for this Section 3.02(e) shall be payable on or with respect to any fractional share, and such fractional share interests shall not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any other rights of a shareholder of CVB. In lieu of the issuance of any such fractional share, CVB shall pay to each former shareholder of Valley who otherwise would be entitled to receive such fractional share an amounta cash payment in cashlieu thereof (rounded to the nearest cent), which payment shall be determined by multiplying (i) the CVBParent Average Closing Price by (ii) the fraction of athe share (after taking into account all shares of Valley Common Stock held by such holder at the Effective Time and rounded(rounded to the nearest thousandth when expressed in decimal form) of CVBParent Common Stock to which such holder would otherwise be entitled to receive pursuant to Section 1.4.3.01(a).

(g)(f) Termination of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Merger Consideration or the cash for the Special Dividend deposited with the Exchange AgentFund that remains unclaimed by the shareholders of ValleySuncrest as of the twelve (12)nine (9) month anniversary of the Effective Time will be transferred to CVB.Parent. In such event, any former shareholders of ValleySuncrest who have not theretofore complied with this Article II3 shall thereafter look only to CVBParent with respect to the Merger Consideration, any cash in lieu of any fractional shares, and any unpaid dividends and distributions on the CVBParent Common Stock deliverable in respect of each share of ValleySuncrest Common Stock such shareholder holds as determined pursuant to this Agreement, in each case, without any interest thereon. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of CVB,Parent, the Surviving Corporation, the Exchange Agent or any other Person shall be liable to any former holder of shares of ValleySuncrest Common Stock for any amount delivered in good faith to a public official pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Laws.

(h)(g) Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In the event that any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the Person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if reasonably required by CVB or the Exchange Agent,Parent, the posting by such Person of a bond in suchcustomary amount as CVB may determine is reasonably necessary as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such Certificate, the Exchange Agent will issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the applicable Merger Considerationshares of Parent Common Stock and any cash, unpaid dividends or other distributions that would be payable or deliverable in respect thereof pursuant to this Agreement.Agreement had such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate been surrendered.

(h) Withholding Rights. Each of Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the Merger Consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of Shares such amounts as it determines is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code or any other applicable state, local or foreign Tax Law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by the Surviving Corporation or Parent, as the case may be, such withheld amounts (i) shall be remitted by Parent or the Surviving Corporation to the applicable Governmental Authority, and (ii) shall be

 

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treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of Shares in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by the Surviving Corporation or Parent, as the case may be. In the event Parent or the Surviving Corporation determine it must deduct and withhold with respect to the payment of Parent Common Stock hereunder, Parent or the Surviving Corporation, as the case may be, shall be entitled to satisfy such withholding first out of any Cash Consideration otherwise payable to the Person with respect to which such withholding is being made.

(i) Adjustments. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if, between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, the issued and outstanding Shares or securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for Shares or the issued and outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock or securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for shares of Parent Common Stock, shall have been changed into a different number of shares or a different class by reason of any reclassification, stock split (including a reverse stock split), stock dividend or distribution, recapitalization, redenomination, merger, issuer tender or exchange offer, or other similar transaction, then the Exchange Ratio and the Merger Consideration shall be equitably adjusted and as so adjusted shall, from and after the date of such event, be the Exchange Ratio and the Merger Consideration, respectively, for purposes of this Agreement.

3.03 Treatment of Equity Awards.

(a) Treatment of Options. At the Effective Time, each option to purchase shares of Suncrest Common Stock (a “Suncrest Option“) under the Suncrest Stock Option Plan outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, whether vested or unvested, shall be cancelled and shall only entitle the holder of such Suncrest Option to receive, as soon as administratively practicable after the Effective Time, an amount in cash equal to the product of (i) the total number of Shares subject to such Suncrest Option and (ii) the excess, if any, of (A) the Stock Option Cashout Price over (B) the exercise price per Share under such Suncrest Option (such amount, the “Option Consideration”), less any applicable Taxes required to be withheld with respect to such payment; provided that to the extent reasonably practicable, Parent shall fund the Option Consideration to be paid with respect to Suncrest Options by funding the necessary amounts to the payroll processor of the Suncrest or Parent or any of their respective Affiliates (the “Payroll Processor”) for payment by the Payroll Processor of the Option Consideration to the applicable holders of such Suncrest Options and the applicable Tax authorities, which payments in all events shall be made on the first regular payroll date of Parent following the Closing Date. For the avoidance of doubt, any Suncrest Option which has an exercise price per share of Suncrest Common Stock that is greater than or equal to the Stock Option Cashout Price shall be cancelled at the Effective Time for no consideration or payment. For purposes of this Agreement, the “Stock Option Cashout Price” shall mean an amount, rounded to the nearest cent, equal to (i) the Cash Consideration per share plus (2) the product of (x) the Parent Average Closing Price and (y) the Exchange Ratio.

(b) Treatment of Restricted Stock Awards/Deferred Share Awards. At the Effective Time, any vesting conditions applicable to each outstanding restricted stock award or deferred share award (a “Suncrest Stock Award” and collectively, the “Suncrest Stock Awards”) under the Suncrest Stock Plan shall, automatically and without any required action on the part of the holder thereof, accelerate in full and such Suncrest Stock Awards shall be converted into, and become exchanged for, the Merger Consideration (less applicable Taxes required to be withheld with respect to such vesting.

(c) Suncrest Actions. At or prior to the Effective Time, the Suncrest Board shall adopt any resolutions and take any actions that are necessary to effectuate the treatment of the Suncrest Options and Suncrest Stock Awards pursuant to Section 3.03(a) and (b) and the cancellation of the Suncrest Stock Plan and Parent shall have received evidence satisfactory to such effect. Suncrest shall take all actions that are necessary to ensure that from and after the Effective Time neither Parent nor the Surviving Corporation will be required to deliver shares of Suncrest Common Stock or other capital stock of Suncrest, Parent or the Surviving Corporation to any Person pursuant to or in settlement of Suncrest Options and Suncrest Stock Awards.

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ARTICLE III4

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF VALLEYSUNCREST

Except as Previously Disclosed, ValleySuncrest hereby represents and warrants to CVBParent and Citizens as follows:

3.14.01 Corporate Organization.Organization.

(a)Organization. Valley Organization. Suncrest is a corporationCalifornia state-chartered commercial bank duly incorporated and validly existing and in good standing under the Lawslaws of the State of California. ValleySuncrest is duly authorized by the CDFPI to conduct the business of a commercial bank under the CFC. Suncrest has the requisite corporate power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. Suncrest is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate to have a Suncrest Material Adverse Effect. The deposit accounts of Suncrest are insured by the FDIC through the Deposit Insurance Fund to the fullest extent permitted by Law, all premiums and assessments required to be paid in connection therewith have been paid when due, and no proceedings for the termination of such insurance are pending or, to the Knowledge of Suncrest, threatened.

(b) Articles and Bylaws. True, complete and correct copies of the Suncrest Articles and the Suncrest Bylaws, as in effect as of the date of this Agreement, have been made available to Parent. The Suncrest Articles and the Suncrest Bylaws made available to Parent are in full force and effect.

(c) Subsidiaries. Section 4.01(c) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of all Subsidiaries of Suncrest (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes any Subsidiaries of such Subsidiaries), the ownership interest of Suncrest in each such Subsidiary, as well as the ownership interest of any other Person or Persons in each such Subsidiary, and a description of the business of each Subsidiary (or, in the case of a Subsidiary that Suncrest considers to be “inactive,” a statement to that effect and a description of the business previously conducted by such Subsidiary). Each Subsidiary of Suncrest (i) is duly incorporated or duly formed, as applicable to each such Subsidiary, and validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization, (ii) has the requisite corporate (or similar) power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and, (iii) except as would not reasonably be expected, to individually or in the aggregate, to have a Suncrest Material Adverse Effect, on Valley, is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary. Valley is duly registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (theFederal Reserve”) as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”).

(b)Articles and Bylaws. True, complete and correct copies of the Articles of Incorporation of Valley (the “Valley Articles”), and the Bylaws of Valley (the “Valley Bylaws”), as in effect as of the date of this Agreement, have been provided to CVB. The Valley Articles and the Valley Bylaws provided to CVB are in full force and effect. True, complete and correct copies of the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws or other similar charter documents of each Subsidiary of Valley have been have been provided to CVB and are in full force and effect.

(c)Subsidiaries.

(i) Section 3.1(c) to the Valley Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of all Subsidiaries of Valley as of the date hereof and any material joint ventures, formal partnerships or similar arrangements in which Valley or any of its Subsidiaries has a limited liability, partnership or other equity interest (and the amount and percentage of any such interest). Section 3.1(c) to the Valley Disclosure Schedule also sets forth a list identifying the number and owner of all outstanding capital stock or other equity securities of each Subsidiary of Valley, options, warrants, stock appreciation rights, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, shares of any capital stock or other equity securities of such Subsidiary, or agreements by which such Subsidiary may become bound to issue additional shares of its capital stock or other equity securities, or options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments for any shares of its capital stock or other equity securities and the identity of the parties to any such agreements. Valley does not, directly or indirectly, beneficially own any equity securities or similar interests of any entity or any interest in a partnership or joint venture of any kind other than the Subsidiaries. There is no person whose results of operations, cash flows, changes in shareholders’ equity or financial position are consolidated in the financial statements of Valley other than the Subsidiaries listed in Section 3.1(c) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule.

(ii) Each of Valley’s Subsidiaries is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the states of its incorporation. Each of Valley’s Subsidiaries has the requisite corporate power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and, except as would not reasonably be expected to individually or in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect on Valley, is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary. VBB is duly authorized by the Commissioner of the California Department of Business Oversight (the “Commissioner”) to conduct the business of a commercial bank under the California Financial Code. The deposit accounts of VBB are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) through the DepositInsurance Fund to the fullest extent permitted by Law, all premiums and assessments required to be paid in connection therewith have been paid when due, and no proceedings for the termination of such insurance are pending or, to the Knowledge of Valley, threatened.

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(iii) There are no restrictions on the ability of any Subsidiary of ValleySuncrest to pay dividends or distributions to Suncrest, except, in the case of a Subsidiary that is a regulated entity, for restrictions on dividends or distributions generally applicable to all such regulated entities.

(iv) As used True, complete and correct copies of the articles of incorporation, bylaws and similar governing documents of each Subsidiary of Suncrest as in full force and effect as of the date of this Agreement have been provided to Parent. Other than the term “Subsidiary” has the meaning ascribed to it inSubsidiaries of Suncrest listed on Section 2(d)4.01(c) of the BHC Act, except that when such term is used with respect to anSuncrest Disclosure Schedule, Suncrest does not, directly or indirectly, beneficially own any equity securities or similar interests of any entity that is notor any interests of any entity or any interest in a bank holding company, the meaning shall nonetheless be deemed to apply to such entity.partnership or joint venture of any kind.

3.2Capitalization.4.02 Capitalization.

(a) The authorized capital stock of ValleySuncrest consists of 30,000,000twenty-five million (25,000,000) shares of common stockSuncrest Common Stock and ten million (10,000,000) shares of Suncrest Preferred Stock. As of the date of this Agreement (the “Valley Common StockSuncrest Capitalization Date”) and 10,000,000, 12,256,000 shares of preferred stock, of which 30,000 shares have been designated as Series A Junior Participant Preferred Stock.

(i) As of, September 21, 2016 (the “Valley Capitalization Date”), (A) 2,870,977 shares of ValleySuncrest Common Stock were issued and outstanding (which includes 6,500 Suncrest Stock Awards) and (B) no shares of Valley’s preferred stockthe Suncrest Common

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Stock were issued or outstanding.

(ii) As of the Valley Capitalization Date, no shares of Valley Common Stock wereotherwise reserved for issuance and no other equity-based awards or rights are outstanding, except in connection with awards under the Valley Stock Plans to purchase no more than 384,570for (i) 948,050 shares of ValleySuncrest Common Stock of which (A) 131,037 sharessubject to outstanding Suncrest Options were reservedoutstanding and available for issuance upon exercise of outstanding Valley Stock Options and (B) 253,533(ii) 400,871 shares of Valleythe Suncrest Common Stock were reserved and available for issuance pursuant to future awards under the ValleySuncrest Stock Plans. No shares of Valley Common Stock issued as restricted stock awards under any of the Valley Stock Plans and subject to forfeiture (“Valley Stock Awards”) are issued or outstanding.Plan. As of the ValleySuncrest Capitalization Date, no shares of Valley’s preferred stockSuncrest Preferred Stock were designated orissued and outstanding and no shares of Suncrest Preferred Stock were reserved for issuance other than 30,000 shares of preferred stock designated as Series A Junior Participant Preferred Stock.

(iii)issuance. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Valleythe Suncrest Common Stock and all of the capital stock of each Subsidiary of Valley have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability attaching torights. As of the ownership thereof. Other than a cash dividend of $0.10 per share of Valley Common Stock declared by the Valley Board of Directors on August 16, 2016, which cash dividend has a record date of September 6, 2016 and an ex-dividend date of September 2, 2016,Suncrest Capitalization Date, there are no outstanding dividends, whether current or accumulated, due or payable on any of the capital stock of Valley. As of the date of this Agreement, noSuncrest. No bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries having the right to vote on any matters on which shareholders of ValleySuncrest may vote (“Voting Debt”) are issued or outstanding. There are no contractual obligations of ValleySuncrest or any Subsidiary of Valley (1)its Subsidiaries (i) to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock of ValleySuncrest or any equity security of ValleySuncrest or its Subsidiaries or any securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of ValleySuncrest or (2)its Subsidiaries or (ii) pursuant to which ValleySuncrest or any of its Subsidiaries is or could be required to register shares of ValleySuncrest capital stock or other securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).Act. Except for the SupportVoting Agreements, there are no voting trusts or other voting agreements or understandings to which Valley,Suncrest, any Subsidiary of Suncrest or, to the Knowledge of Valley,Suncrest, any of their respective officers or directors, is a party with respect to the voting of any ValleySuncrest Common Stock, Voting Debt or other equity securities of Valley.Suncrest. Except pursuant to this Agreement, the Suncrest Options and Valleythe Suncrest Stock Options, ValleyAwards, Suncrest does not have and is not bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or agreements of any character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of the capital stock of Valley,Suncrest, Voting Debt of ValleySuncrest or any other equity securities of Valley.Suncrest. Section 3.2(a)4.02(a) of the ValleySuncrest Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of all ValleySuncrest Options and Suncrest Stock Options, Valley Stock Awards or any other equity-based awards, outstanding as of the ValleySuncrest Capitalization Date, specifying on a holder-by-holder basis (A)(i) the name of such holder, (B)(ii) the number of shares subject to each such award, or the number of Common Stock Options held by such holder, (C)(iii) as applicable, the grant date of each such award, (D)and (iv) as applicable, the vesting schedule of each such award, and (E)award.

(b) Except as disclosed in Section 4.02(a), since the exercise price for each such Valley Stock Option.

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(b) Other than the Valley Stock Options issued under the Valley Stock Plans that are outstanding as of the ValleySuncrest Capitalization Date, and listed in Section 3.2(a) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, no other equity-based awards or rights are outstanding as of the Valley Capitalization Date. Since the Valley Capitalization Date through the date hereof, ValleySuncrest has not (i) issued or repurchased any shares of Valleythe Suncrest Common Stock, Voting Debt or other equity securities of Valley, other than in connection with exercise of Valley Stock Options in accordance with their terms that were outstanding on the Valley Capitalization DateSuncrest, or (ii) issued or awarded any options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units, deferred equity units, awards based on the value of ValleySuncrest capital stock or any other equity-based awards. With respect to each grant of Valley Stockthe Suncrest Options (1)(i) each such grant was made in accordance with the terms of the applicable ValleySuncrest Stock PlansPlan and all applicable Laws and (2)(ii) each such grant was properly accounted for in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States applied to banks or banking holding companies for the applicable period(s) (“GAAP”) in the financial statements (including the related notes) of ValleySuncrest in accordance with all applicable Laws. All Valley Stock Options granted by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries have been granted with a per share exercise or reference price at least equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date the option was granted, within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and associated U.S. Department of the Treasury guidance, and each Valley Stock Option has a grant date identical to the date on which the Board of Directors of Valley or compensation committee of the Board of Directors of Valley actually awarded such option. FromExcept as Previously Disclosed, from January 1, 20152020 through the date of this Agreement, except as set forth in Section 3.2(b)neither Suncrest nor any of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, Valleyits Subsidiaries has not (A)(i) accelerated the vesting of or lapsing of restrictions with respect to any stock-based compensation awards or long-term incentive compensation awards, (B)(ii) with respect to executive officers of Valley,Suncrest or its Subsidiaries, entered into or amended any employment, severance, change of control or similar agreement (including any agreement providing for the reimbursement of excise taxes under Section 4999 of the Code) or (C)(iii) adopted or amended any Suncrest stock bonus or compensation plan.

3.3(c) All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity ownership interests of each Subsidiary of Suncrest are owned by Suncrest, directly or indirectly, free and clear of any Liens, and all of such shares or equity ownership interests are duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights. No Subsidiary of Suncrest has or is bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, commitments or agreements of any character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary or any securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary.

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4.03 Authority; No Violation.Violation.

(a) ValleySuncrest has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. VBB has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver the Bank Merger Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly approved and this Agreement duly adopted unanimously by the Suncrest Board. The Suncrest Board of Directors of Valley. As of the date of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of Valley has unanimously determined that the Merger, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, is in the best interests of ValleySuncrest and its shareholders and has directed that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby be submitted to Valley’sSuncrest’s shareholders for approval at a duly held meeting of such shareholders and has adopted a resolution to the foregoing effect. The execution and delivery of the Bank Merger Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly approved and the Bank Merger Agreement has been duly adopted unanimously by the Board of Directors of VBB and by Valley as the sole shareholder of VBB. Except for the approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the outstanding Valley Common Stock (the “ValleySuncrest Shareholder Approval,”) no other corporate proceedings on the part of Valley or VBBSuncrest are necessary to approve this Agreement or to consummate the Merger, the Bank Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by ValleySuncrest and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by CVB)Parent) constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Valley,Suncrest, enforceable against ValleySuncrest in accordance with its terms (except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, moratorium, reorganization, receivership, conservatorship, or similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally and those of a depository institution insured by the FDIC and subject to general principles of equity and Section 8(b)(6)(D) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. Section 1818(b)(6)(D) (as applicable) (the “Enforceability ExceptionsBankruptcy and Equity Exception)).

(b) Except as set forth in Section 3.3(b) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, neitherNeither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Valley,Suncrest, nor the consummation by Valley, as the case may be,Suncrest of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by ValleySuncrest with any of the terms or provisions of this

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Agreement, nor the consummation by VBB of the Bank Merger, will (i) violate any provision of Valley’sthe Suncrest Articles, the Suncrest Bylaws, or VBB’s Articlessimilar documents of Incorporation or Bylaws,Suncrest’s Subsidiaries or (ii) assuming that the consents, approvals and filings referred to in Section 3.44.04 are duly obtained and/or made, (A) violate in any law, statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order, injunction or decree issued, promulgated or entered into by or withmaterial respects any Governmental Entity (each, a “Law”) applicable to Valley orSuncrest, any of its Subsidiaries or any of itstheir respective properties or assets or (B) violate or conflict with in any material respect, result in a material breach of any provision of or the loss of any material benefit under, constitute a material default (or an event that, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a material default) under, result in the termination of or a right of termination or cancellation under, accelerate the performance required by, or result in the creation of any liens, pledges, charges, claims and security interests and similar encumbrances (“Liens”),Lien upon any of the respective properties or assets of ValleySuncrest or VBBany of its Subsidiaries under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any material note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, Lease,lease, franchise, permit, agreement, bylawContract, or other instrument or obligation to which ValleySuncrest or VBBany of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which itany of them or any of itstheir respective properties or assets is bound.bound, except with respect to clause (ii)(B) for any such violations conflict, breach, default, termination, cancellation , acceleration, or creation as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Suncrest Material Adverse Effect.

3.44.04Consents and Approvals.Approvals. Except for (a) the filing by CVBParent with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) of a registration statementthe Registration Statement on Form S-4 (or such other applicable form) (the “Form S-4”) that includes a proxy statement in definitive form relating to the meeting of Valley’s shareholders to be held in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Prospectus/Proxy Statement,”), and declaration of effectiveness of the Form S-4,Registration Statement, (b) filings of applications andor notices with, and approvals or waivers by, the Commissioner pursuant to the California Financial Code and approval of or non-objection to such applications, filings and notices with respect to the Bank Merger, (c) the filing of a bank merger application withFederal Reserve Board, the FDIC, pursuant to the Bank Merger Act of 1960,CDFPI or FINRA, as amended, (d)may be required, and (c) the filing of the Agreement of Merger withcertified by the California Secretary (e) the filing of the Bank Merger Agreementpursuant and filed with the California Secretary and the Commissioner, (f) Valley’s filing of a notice concerning the MergerCDFPI in accordance with FINRA, (g) such filings and approvals as are required to be made or obtained under the securities or “blue sky” Laws of various states in connection with the issuance of the shares of CVB Common Stock pursuant to the Agreement, and (h) the filing by CVB with the Federal Reserve under the BHC Act for such approvals, waiver or non-objection as may be necessary for CVB to acquire Valley,Section 2.02(a), no consents or approvals of or filings or registrations with any foreign, federalGovernmental Authority are required to be made or state banking or other regulatory, self-regulatory or enforcement authorities or any courts, administrative agencies or commissions or other governmental authorities or instrumentalities (each a “Governmental Entity”), are necessaryobtained by Suncrest in connection with the consummationexecution, delivery and performance by ValleySuncrest of the Mergerthis Agreement or VBB ofto consummate the Bank Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

3.5Reports.4.05 Reports.

(a) EachSuncrest and each of Valley and VBBits Subsidiaries have timely filed all reports, registrations, statements and certifications (including all Call Reports), together with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto (collectively, “ValleySuncrest Filings”) that they were required to file since January 1, 20132019 with (i) the Federal Reserve,FDIC, (ii) the FDIC, (iii) the CommissionerCDFPI and any other state banking or other state regulatory authority, (iii) the Federal Reserve, (iv) the U.S. Small Business Administration, (v) the SEC, (vi) any other federal, state or foreign regulatory authority and (vii)(vi) any

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applicable industry self-regulatory organizations (collectively, “Regulatory Agencies”) and with each other applicable Governmental Entity,Authority, and all other reports and statements required to be filed by them since January 1, 2013,2019, including any report or statement required to be filed pursuant to the Laws, rules or regulations of the United States, any state, any foreign entity, or any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity,Authority, have paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith, and there are no violations or exceptions in any such report or statement that are unresolved as of the date hereof.hereof except as set forth in the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule As of their respective dates, each of such ValleySuncrest Filings (i) complied in all material respects with all Laws and regulations enforced or promulgated by the Governmental EntityAuthority with which it was filed (or was amended so as to be in compliance promptly following discovery of any such noncompliance) and (ii) did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact. ValleySuncrest has made available to CVBParent true and correct copies of all such Valley Filings.Suncrest Filings, including its Call Report for the period ending March 31, 2021. Each Call Report of Suncrest since January 1, 2019 fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial position of Suncrest and the results of its operations at the date and for the period indicated in conformity with the Instructions for the Preparation of Call Reports as promulgated by applicable Governmental Authorities.

(b) ValleySuncrest is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable listing and corporate governance rules and regulations of the FINRA with respect to the quotation of Valleythe Suncrest Common Stock on the OTC Pink.

OTCQX Market.

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3.64.06 Financial Statements; Controls.Statements.

(a) ValleySuncrest has deliveredmade available to CVBParent correct and complete copies of (i) the audited consolidated balance sheets of ValleySuncrest as of December 31, 2013, 20142018, 2019, and 2015,2020 and the related audited consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 20142018, 2019, and 20152020 (“ValleySuncrest Audited Financial Statements”) and, (ii) an unaudited, projected balance sheet of ValleySuncrest as of August 31, 2016,June 30, 2021, and the related unaudited statements of projected income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the eight monthsperiod ended August 31,2016June 30, 2021 (the “ValleySuncrest Interim Financial Statements”), and (iii) the Call Report (including the financial statements therein) filed by Suncrest for the period ended March 31, 2021. The Suncrest Audited Financial Statements, the Suncrest Interim Financial Statements, the financial statements contained in the Call Report filed by Suncrest for the period ended March 31, 2021 and any other Call Report filed by Suncrest after the date hereof, and the Monthly Financial Statements are referred to herein, individually, as a “Suncrest Financial Statement” and, together with Valley Auditedcollectively, as the “Suncrest Financial Statement, the “Valley Financial Statements). ValleySuncrest has also deliveredmade available to CVBParent true, correct and complete copies of each management letter or other letter delivered to ValleySuncrest or any of its Subsidiaries by Crowe HorwathEide Bailly LLP (and its predecessor Vavrinek, Trine, Daly & Co.) in connection with Valleythe Suncrest Audited Financial Statements or relating to any review of the internal controls of ValleySuncrest or any of its subsidiaries since January 1, 2013. The ValleyDecember 31, 2018. Each of the Suncrest Financial Statements (i) fairly presents in all material respects or will fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial condition of Valley,Suncrest and its Subsidiaries, respectively, as of the respective dates indicated and itstheir respective consolidated results of operations and statements of cash flows, for the respective periods then ended, subject, in the case of the ValleySuncrest Interim Financial Statements and the Monthly Financial Statements, to normal recurring adjustments;adjustments that are not material; (ii) havehas been or will be prepared in accordance with GAAP and/or applicable regulatory accounting principles or banking regulations consistently applied (except as otherwise indicated therein); (iii) sets forth or will set forth as of the respective dates indicated adequate reserves for loan losses and other contingencies; and (iv) areis or will be based upon the books and records of Valley.Suncrest and its Subsidiaries. To Suncrest’s Knowledge, there will be no negative discrepancy between and among the Suncrest Interim Financial Statements, the financial statements included in the Call Report filed by Suncrest for the period ended June 30, 2021, and the 2020 Audited Financial Statements.

(b) The books and records of ValleySuncrest and each of its Subsidiaries have been maintained in all material respects in accordance with GAAP and any other applicable legal and accounting requirements and reflect only actual transactions. As of the date hereof, Crowe HorwathEide Bailly LLP has not resigned (or informed ValleySuncrest that it intends

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to resign) or been dismissed as independent public accountants of ValleySuncrest as a result of or in connection with any disagreements with ValleySuncrest on a matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure.

(b) Neither Valley(c) Except as Previously Disclosed in Section 4.06(c) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any liability or obligation of any nature whatsoever (whether absolute, accrued, contingent, determined, determinable or otherwise and whether due or to become due), except for (i) those liabilities that are reflected or reserved against on the consolidated balance sheet of ValleySuncrest included in the ValleySuncrest Interim Financial Statements (including any notes thereto), and (ii) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since June 30, 2016 which have been Previously DisclosedDecember 31, 2018, or (iii) in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Except for those liabilities described in subsections (i) through (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence, there is no basis for the asserting against Valley or any liability, obligation or claim that may reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c)(d) Since January 1, 2013,2019, (i) neither ValleySuncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to theits Knowledge, of Valley, any director, officer, employee, auditor, accountant or representative of ValleySuncrest or any of its Subsidiaries, has received or otherwise obtained knowledgeKnowledge of any complaint, allegation, assertion or claim, whether written or oral, regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of ValleySuncrest or any of its Subsidiaries or their respectiveits internal accounting controls, relating to periods after January 1, 2013, including any complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that ValleySuncrest or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of its directors, officers or employees, has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices or fraudulent practices, and (ii) to Suncrest’s Knowledge, no attorney representing ValleySuncrest or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or not employed by ValleySuncrest or any of its Subsidiaries, has reported evidence of a violation of securities Laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation, relating to periods after January 1, 2013, by ValleySuncrest or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents to the ValleySuncrest Board of Directors or the VBB Board of Directors or any respective committee thereof or to any director or officer of ValleySuncrest or any of its Subsidiaries.

(d) Neither Valley(e) Except as Previously Disclosed on Section 4.06(e) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, or has any commitment to become a party to, any joint venture, off-balance sheet partnership or any similar contractContract or arrangement (including any contractContract or arrangement relating to any transaction or relationship between or between Valleyamong Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any unconsolidated Affiliate, including any structured finance, special purpose or limited purpose entity or Person, on the other hand, or any “off-balance“off-balance sheet arrangement”), where the result, purpose or intended effect of such contract or arrangement is to avoid disclosure of any material transaction involving, or

.

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material liabilities of, Valley in Valley Audited Financial Statements or Valley Unaudited Financial Statements. For purposes of this Agreement, “Affiliate” and “Affiliated” mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such first Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” (including, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as applied to any Person, means the possession directly or indirectly of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of that Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities by contract or otherwise.

3.74.07Brokers Fees. Neither Valley, VBBSuncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to Suncrest’s Knowledge, any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents has utilized any broker, finder or financial advisor or incurred any liability for any broker’s fees, commissions or finder’s fees in connection with the Merger the Bank Merger or any other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.Agreement, other than to MJC Partners, LLC pursuant to a letter agreement, a true, complete and correct copy of which has been previously delivered to Parent.

3.84.08Absence of Changes. Except as set forth in Section 3.8 of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, since December 31, 2015: (1) ValleyChanges. Since January 1, 2021:

(a) Suncrest and each of its Subsidiaries have each conducted itstheir respective businessbusinesses only in the ordinary and usual course of its business; (2)the businesses consistent with past practices;

(b) no damage, destruction or other casualty loss (whether or not covered by insurance) that may involve a loss of more than $100,000$50,000 has been experienced by ValleySuncrest or any of its Subsidiaries; (3)

(c) there has been no direct or indirect redemption, purchase or other acquisition by ValleySuncrest or any of its Subsidiaries of any equity securities or anyand no declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or other distribution on or in respect of its respective capital stock,any Suncrest Common Stock, whether consisting of money other personal property, real property or other things of value; (4) neither Valley nor anyvalue other than a special dividend of its Subsidiaries has taken any$0.25 per share payable on each share of the actions that Valley has agreed not to take or permit the Valley Subsidiaries to take from the date hereof through the Effective Time pursuant to Section 5.2; (5)Suncrest Common Stock declared on February 11, 2021 for shareholders of record as of February 22, 2021; and

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(d) no event, change or development or combination of changes or developments has occurred that have had or would reasonably be expected to have either individually or in the aggregate, a Suncrest Material Adverse Effect on Valley. As used in this Agreement, the term “Material Adverse Effect” means, with respect to any party, a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets or deposit liabilities, properties, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of such party and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole;provided,however, that, with respect to this clause (a), a “Material Adverse Effect” shall not be deemed to include effects arising out of, relating to or resulting from (A) changes after the date hereof in applicable GAAP or regulatory accounting requirements generally affecting other companies in the banking industries in which such party and its Subsidiaries operate, (B) changes after the date hereof in Laws general applicability to companies of similar size in the banking industries in which such party and its Subsidiaries operate, (C) changes after the date hereof in global, national or regional political conditions or general economic or market conditions (including changes in prevailing interest rates, credit availability and liquidity, currency exchange rates, and price levels or trading volumes in the United States or foreign securities markets) affecting other companies in the banking industries in which such party and its Subsidiaries operate, (D) changes after the date hereof in the credit markets, any downgrades in the credit markets, or adverse credit events resulting in deterioration in the credit markets generally and including changes to any previously correctly applied asset marks resulting therefrom, (E) a decline in the trading price of CVB Common Stock or a failure, in and of itself, to meet earnings projections, but not, in either case, including any underlying causes thereof, (F) any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, or declared or undeclared acts of war or terrorism, or (G) actions or omissions taken with the prior written consent of the other party or expressly required by this Agreement, except that effects attributable to or resulting from any of the changes, events, conditions or trends described in clauses (A), (B), (C), (D) and (F) shall not be excluded to the extent of any disproportionate impact they have on such party and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other companies in the banking industry in which such party and its Subsidiaries operate; or (b) the ability of such party to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement on a timely basis.Effect.

3.94.09Compliance with Applicable Law.

(a) Except as set forth in Section 3.9 of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, each of ValleySuncrest and each of its Subsidiaries holds,hold, and hashave at all times since December 31, 2013January 1, 2019 held, all licenses, franchises, permits and

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authorizations from Governmental Authorities which are necessary for the lawful conduct of their respective businesses and ownership of their respective properties, rights and assets under and pursuant to applicable Law (and have paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith) and, to the Knowledge of Valley,Suncrest, no suspension or cancellation of any such necessary license, franchise, permit or authorization is threatened. Except as set forth in Section 3.9 of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, Valley

(b) Since January 1, 2019 Suncrest and each of its Subsidiaries hashave complied in all material respects with, and isare not in material default or violation of,

(i) any applicable Law, including all Laws related to data protection or privacy, the USA PATRIOT Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B, the Fair Housing Act, the Community Reinvestment Act,CRA, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z, the Truth in Savings Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Electronic FundFunds Transfer Act, the Flood Disaster Protection Act, the Military Lending Act, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act,the Volcker Rule, any regulations promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Interagency Policy Statement on Retail Sales of Nondeposit Investment Products, the SAFE Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Regulation X, the California Business and Professions Code, the California Financial Code and any other Law relating to bank secrecy, discriminatory lending, financing or leasing practices, money laundering prevention, Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, and Regulation W, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), and all agencylegal requirements relating to the origination, sale and servicing of loans, and

(ii) any posted or internal privacy policies relating to data protection or privacy, including without limitation, the protection of personal information, and neither Valleyinformation.

(c) Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries has any Knowledge of, nor have any of themor has received from a Governmental EntityAuthority since January 1, 2012,2019, written notice of, any material defaults or violations of any applicable Law relating to ValleySuncrest or any of its Subsidiaries.

(b) Valley and each(d) To the Knowledge of Suncrest, neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries has properly administeredengaged in any unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices in violation of applicable Law, including the rules promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and there are no allegations, claims or disputes to which Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries is a party that allege, or to the Knowledge of Suncrest, no Person has threatened or threatens to allege, that Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries has engage in any unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices in violation of applicable Law, including the rules promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

(e) Since January 1, 2019, to the Knowledge of Suncrest, there do not exist any facts or circumstances that would cause Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries to be deemed to be operating in violation in any material respect of the Bank Secrecy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, any order issued with respect to anti-money laundering by OFAC, or any other applicable anti-money laundering Law, as well as the provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act/anti-money laundering program adopted by Suncrest or its Subsidiaries. The Suncrest Board has adopted and implemented a Bank Secrecy Act/anti-money laundering program that, to Suncrest’s Knowledge, also meets the applicable requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act and the regulations thereunder, and Suncrest has not received written notice from any Governmental Authority that such program has been

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deemed ineffective in meeting the five pillars requirements: (1) development of internal policies, procedures and related controls, (2) designation of a BSA Officer, (3) thorough and ongoing training, (4) independent review for compliance and (5) customer due diligence. Each of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries has complied in all material respects all accounts for which it actswith any requirements to file reports and other necessary documents as a fiduciary, including accounts for which it serves as a trustee, agent, custodian, personal representative, guardian, conservatorrequired by the USA PATRIOT Act and the regulations thereunder.

(f) To the Knowledge of Suncrest, there do not exist any facts or investment advisor,circumstances that would cause Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries to be deemed not to be in accordancesatisfactory compliance in any material respect with the termsapplicable privacy of customer information requirements contained in any federal and state privacy Laws, including without limitation, in Title V of the governing documentsGramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 and applicable Law. Nonethe regulations promulgated thereunder, as well as the provisions of Valleythe information security program adopted by Suncrest and its Subsidiaries. To Suncrest’s Knowledge, since January 1, 2018, no non-public customer information has been disclosed to or accessed by an unauthorized third party in a manner that would cause Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries to undertake any remedial action. No claims are pending and, to its Knowledge, no claims have been asserted or threatened against Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries or any director, officerare likely to be asserted or employee of Valleythreatened against Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries by any Person alleging a violation of such Person’s privacy, personal or confidentiality rights under any such Laws, policies or procedures. With respect to all personal information described herein, Suncrest has committed any breach of trust or fiduciary dutytaken, to Suncrest’s Knowledge, all steps reasonably necessary (including implementing and monitoring compliance with measures with respect to any such fiduciary account,technical and physical security) to protect the accountings for each such fiduciary account are true and correct and accurately reflectinformation in a manner consistent in all material respects with the assets of such fiduciary account.Laws, policies or procedures referred to herein.

(c)(g) Neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any cease-and-desist order or enforcement action issued by, nor is Valley or any of its Subsidiaries a party to any written agreement, or consent agreement or memorandum of understanding with, or party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking with, or subject to any capital directive by, or since January 1, 2013 adopted any board resolutions at the request of, any Governmental Entity (each a “Regulatory Agreement”), nor has Valley or any of its Subsidiaries been advised since January 1, 2013 and prior to the date hereof by any Governmental Entity that it is considering issuing, initiating, ordering or requesting any such Regulatory Agreement.

(d) Neither ValleySuncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the Knowledge of Valley,Suncrest, any of their respective directors, officers, agents, employees or any other Persons acting on their behalf, (i) has violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1 et seq., as amended, or any other similar applicable foreign, federal or state legal requirement, (ii) has made or provided, or caused to be made or provided, directly or indirectly, any payment or thing of value to a foreign official, foreign political party, candidate for office or any other Person while knowing or having a reasonable belief that the Person will pay or offer to pay the foreign official, party or candidate, for the purpose of influencing a decision, inducing an official to violate their lawful duty, securing an improper advantage, or inducing a foreign official to use their influence to affect a governmental decision, (iii) has paid, accepted or received any unlawful contributions, payments, expenditures or gifts in connection with the business conducted by Suncrest, (iv) has violated or operated in noncompliance with any export restrictions, money laundering Law, anti-terrorism Law or regulation, anti-boycott regulations or embargo regulations or (v) is currently subject to any United States sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Treasury Department.

(h) None of Suncrest, any of its Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of Suncrest, any director, officer, agent, employee, Affiliate or other Person on behalf of Suncrest or its Subsidiaries, is (a) engaged in any services (including financial services), transfers of goods, software or technology, or any other business activity related to (i) Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria or the Crimea region of Ukraine claimed by Russia (the “Sanctioned Countries”), (ii) the government of any Sanctioned Country, (iii) any Person located in, resident in, formed under the laws of, or owned or controlled by the government of, any Sanctioned Country, or (iv) any Person made subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by the United States Government, including, without limitation, OFAC’s list of Specially Designated Nationals, or by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, the United Kingdom’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (Her Majesty’s Treasury), or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), (b) engaged in any transfers of goods, technologies or services (including financial services) that may assist the governments of Sanctioned Countries or facilitate money laundering or other activities proscribed by United States Law, (c) is a Person currently the subject of any Sanctions or (d) located, organized or resident in any Sanctioned Country.

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(i) Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries:

(i) provides investment management, investment advisory or sub-advisory services to any person, including management and advice provided to separate accounts and participation in wrap fee programs, and that is required to register with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; or

(ii) is, or is required to be registered as, a broker-dealer, a commodity trading advisor, commodity pool operator, futures commission merchant or introducing broker under any applicable Laws.

(j) To the Knowledge of Suncrest, Suncrest does not accept deposits from, has not originated any Loan to and does not otherwise transact business with any Person engaged in the manufacture, production, distribution, sale, or other dispensation of marijuana. To the Knowledge of Suncrest, no borrower under any Loan (i) is engaged in the manufacture, production, distribution, sale or other dispensation of marijuana or (ii) leases any assets to any Person engaged in the manufacture, production, distribution or dispensation of marijuana. To the Knowledge of Suncrest, Suncrest has timely and properly filed all mandatory Suspicious Activity Reports related to marijuana and has complied with applicable guidance related to marijuana banking from any Governmental Entity.

(k) Except as Previously Disclosed, neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any cease-and-desist or other order or other enforcement action issued by, or is a party to any written agreement, consent agreement or memorandum of understanding with, or is a party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking to, or is subject to any order or directive by, or has been ordered to pay any civil money penalty or other fines by, or has received any supervisory letter from, or has adopted any policies, procedures or board resolutions at the request or suggestion of, any Governmental Authority (each, a “Regulatory Agreement”), nor has Suncrest or any Suncrest Subsidiary been advised since January 1, 2019 by any Governmental Authority that it is considering issuing, initiating, ordering or requesting any such Regulatory Agreement. To Suncrest’s Knowledge,, Suncrest and each of its Subsidiaries are in compliance with each Regulatory Agreement to which it is party or subject, and neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice from any Governmental Authority indicating that either Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries is not in compliance with any such Regulatory Agreement. There is no unresolved violation, criticism or exception by any Governmental Authority with respect to, nor is there any unpaid civil money penalty, fine, restitution or other amounts otherwise due and payable under, any Regulatory Agreement.

(l) As of June 30, 2021, Suncrest is “well-capitalized” (as that term is defined in the relevant FDIC regulations).

(m) Suncrest is in compliance in all material respect with the applicable provisions of the CRA and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Except as Previously Disclosed, Suncrest has not received a CRA rating of less than “satisfactory” in any of its three (3) most recently completed exams. Suncrest has no Knowledge that its compliance under the CRA should constitute grounds for either the denial by any Governmental Authority of any application to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the imposition of a materially burdensome condition in connection with the approval of any such application, or the existence of any fact or circumstance or set of facts or circumstances which would reasonably be expected to result in Suncrest having its current rating lowered. (i) Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any agreement, undertaking, order, directive, liability, or any other commitment or obligation with any Governmental Authority or any other Persons (including any third party group representing community interests) regarding or otherwise relating to Suncrest’s policies, practices or relations with customers, vendors or clients or any other CRA-related matter (each, a “CRA Agreement”), (ii) neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries has been advised since January 1, 2019 by any Governmental Authority or other Persons that it is considering issuing, initiating, ordering, or requesting, as applicable, any such CRA Agreement; (iii) Suncrest and each of its Subsidiaries are in compliance with each CRA Agreement to which it is party or subject, and neither Suncrest nor

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any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice from any Governmental Authority or other Persons indicating that either Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries is not in compliance with any such CRA Agreement; (iv) there is no unresolved violation, criticism, claim, liability or exception by any Governmental Authority with respect to any CRA Agreement; and (v) Suncrest has not received any notice from, and does not have any Knowledge of, any third-party group representing community interests raising concerns or objections with respect to its policies, practices or relations with customers, vendors or clients, or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

4.10State Takeover Laws. No “business combination,” “fair price,” “affiliate transaction,” “moratorium,” “control share,” “takeover” or “interested shareholder” Law or other similar anti-takeover statue or regulation (collectively, the “Takeover Laws”) is applicable to Suncrest with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Suncrest does not have any shareholder rights plan, “poison pill” or similar plan or arrangement in effect.

4.11 Employee Benefit Plans

(a) Section 4.11 of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, complete and correct list of each employee benefit plan, program, policy, practice, Contract, or other arrangement providing benefits to any current or former employee, officer or director of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries or any beneficiary or dependent thereof that is sponsored or maintained by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries or to which Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries contributes or is obligated to contribute, whether or not written, including, without limitation, any employee welfare benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA, any employee pension benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA (whether or not such plan is subject to ERISA) and any equity purchase plan, option, equity bonus, phantom equity or other equity plan, profit sharing, bonus, retirement (including compensation, pension, health, medical or life insurance benefits), employment agreement, deferred compensation, excess benefit, incentive compensation, retention, severance, change in control or termination pay, hospitalization or other medical or dental, vision or life or other insurance (including any self-insured arrangements), supplemental unemployment, salary continuation, sick leave or other leave of absence benefits, short- or long-term disability, or vacation benefits plan, program, practice, agreement or policy or other arrangement providing employee benefits, employment-related compensation, fringe benefits or other benefits (whether qualified or nonqualified, funded or unfunded) (each an “Employee Benefit Plan”).

(b) Suncrest has delivered or made available to Parent a true, correct and complete copy of the following documents to the extent applicable to each Employee Benefit Plan: (i) each writing constituting a part of such Employee Benefit Plan, including, without limitation, all plan documents, trust agreements, insurance Contracts and other funding vehicles; (ii) the most recent Annual Report (Form 5500 Series) and accompanying schedules; (iii) all investment policy statements or guidelines, investment management and advisory agreements, and third party administration agreements; (iv) the current summary plan description and any material modifications thereto; (v) the most recent annual valuation or actuarial report; (vi) the most recent determination or opinion letter from the IRS;(vii) discrimination testing results for the three (3) most recent plan years; and (viii) reports of Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage (Forms 1094-C and 1095-C) for the three (3) most recent calendar years. Except as specifically provided in the foregoing documents delivered or made available to Parent, there are no amendments to any Employee Benefit Plan that have been adopted or approved nor has Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries undertaken to make any such amendments or to adopt or approve any new Employee Benefit Plan. No Employee Benefit Plan is maintained outside the jurisdiction of the United States, or covers any employee residing or working outside of the United States.

(c) Each Employee Benefit Plan intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code and each related trust intended to qualify under Section 501(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination or may rely upon a prototype or volume submitter opinion letter from the IRS with respect to each such Employee Benefit Plan as to its qualified status under the Code, and no fact or event has occurred since the date of such letter or letters from the IRS that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the qualified status of any such Employee Benefit Plan or the exempt status of any such trust.

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(d) With respect to each Employee Benefit Plan, Suncrest and its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects, and are now in material compliance with all provisions of ERISA, the Code and all Laws and regulations applicable to such Employee Benefit Plans and each Employee Benefit Plan has been administered in all material respects in accordance with its terms. There is not now, nor do any circumstances exist that could reasonably be expected to give rise to, any requirement for the posting of security with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan or the imposition of any lien on the assets of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries under ERISA or the Code. None of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in a transaction with respect to any applicable Employee Benefit Plan that, assuming the taxable period of such transaction expired as of the date hereof, would subject Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries to a tax or penalty imposed by either Section 4975 of the Code or Section 502(i) of ERISA.

(e) All contributions required to be made to any Employee Benefit Plan by applicable Law or regulation or by any plan document or other contractual undertaking, and all premiums due or payable with respect to insurance policies funding any Employee Benefit Plan, for any period through the date hereof have been timely made or paid in full or, to the extent not required to be made or paid on or before the date hereof, have been accrued on the Suncrest Financial Statements to the extent required under GAAP. Each Employee Benefit Plan that is an employee welfare benefit plan under Section 3(1) of ERISA is either (i) funded through an insurance company contract and is not a “welfare benefit fund” with the meaning of Section 419 of the Code or (ii) unfunded.

(f) (i) No Employee Benefit Plan is a “multiemployer plan” within the meaning of Section 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of ERISA (a “Multiemployer Plan”) or a plan that has two or more contributing sponsors at least two of whom are not under common control, within the meaning of Section 4063 of ERISA (a “Multiple Employer Plan”); (ii) none of Suncrest or its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective ERISA Affiliates has, at any time during the last six years, contributed to or been obligated to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan; (iii) none of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective ERISA Affiliates has incurred any Withdrawal Liability that has not been satisfied in full; and (iv) no Employee Benefit Plan is subject to Title IV or Section 302 of ERISA or to Sections 412 or 430 of the Code. “ERISA Affiliate” means, with respect to any entity, trade or business, any other entity, trade or business that is a member of a group described in Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001(b)(1) of ERISA that includes the first entity, trade or business, or that is a member of the same “controlled group” as the first entity, trade or business pursuant to Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA. “Withdrawal Liability” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as those terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

(g) There does not exist, nor, to the Knowledge of Suncrest, do any circumstances exist that could reasonably be expected to result in, any Controlled Group Liability that would be a liability of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries following the Closing. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective ERISA Affiliates, has engaged in any transaction described in Section 4069 or Section 4204 or 4212 of ERISA. “Controlled Group Liability” means any and all liabilities (i) under Title IV of ERISA, (ii) under section 302 of ERISA, (iii) under Sections 412 and 4971 of the Code, (iv) as a result of a failure to comply with the continuation coverage requirements of Section 601 et seq. of ERISA and Section 4980B of the Code, (v) as a result of a failure to comply with the group health care coverage requirements of Sections 4980D or 4890H of the Code and (vi) under corresponding or similar provisions of state, local or foreign Laws or regulations.

(h) None of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries has any liability for life, health, medical or other welfare benefits to former employees or beneficiaries or dependents thereof, except for health continuation coverage as required by Section 4980B of the Code or Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA or corresponding or similar provisions of state Laws and at no expense to Suncrest and its Subsidiaries and except for long-term and short-term disability benefit plans (all of which are insured and none of which are self-insured) and severance arrangements set forth on Section 4.11(h) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, including liability amounts.

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(i) There are no pending or threatened claims (other than routine claims for benefits in the ordinary course), lawsuits or arbitrations which have been asserted, threatened or instituted, and to the Knowledge of Suncrest, no set of circumstances exists which may reasonably give rise to a claim or lawsuit against any of the Employee Benefit Plans, Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries or any fiduciaries of the Employee Benefit Plans with respect to their duties to or under the Employee Benefit Plans, or the assets of any trust under any of the Employee Benefit Plans. Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action to take corrective action or to make a filing under any voluntary correction program of the IRS, the U.S. Department of Labor or any other Governmental Authority with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan, and neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries has any Knowledge of any plan defect that would qualify for correction under any such program. No audit or other proceeding by a Governmental Authority is pending or, to Suncrest’s Knowledge, threatened with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan.

(j) Each Employee Benefit Plan that is a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and associated Treasury Department guidance has been operated in compliance with, and is in documentary compliance with, Section 409A of the Code and Treasury regulations and IRS guidance thereunder. No compensation payable by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries has been reported as nonqualified deferred compensation in the gross income of any individual or entity, and subject to an additional tax, as a result of the operation of Section 409A of the Code, and no arrangement exists with respect to a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that would result in income inclusion under Section 409A(b) of the Code.

(k) Except as Previously Disclosed on Section 4.11(k) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule or as required under the terms of this Agreement, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, either alone or together with any other event or events, will (i) result in any payment (including, without limitation, bonus, retention, severance, change in control, forgiveness of indebtedness or otherwise) becoming due under any Employee Benefit Plan, whether or not such payment is contingent, (ii) increase any payments or benefits otherwise payable under any Employee Benefit Plan, (iii) result in the acceleration of the time of payment, vesting or funding of any benefits including, but not limited to, the acceleration of the vesting and exercisability of any equity awards, whether or not contingent, (iv) result in any limitation on the right of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries to amend, merge or terminate any Employee Benefit Plan, or (v) require the funding of any trust or other funding vehicle established to provide benefits under any Employee Benefit Plans. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the Merger, either alone or in combination with another event will result in any payment or benefit (whether in cash or property or the vesting of property) to any “disqualified individual” (as such term is defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.280G-1) that would, individually or in combination with any other such payment or benefit, constitute an “excess parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code) that would not be deductible under Section 280G of the Code. As of the Closing, Suncrest shall have received, as of a date no earlier than five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the written confirmation of a nationally recognized accounting firm reasonably acceptable to Parent that no agreement, Contract or arrangement to which any employee of Suncrest is a party will result in the payment of any amount that would not be deductible by reason of Section 280G of the Code. No Employee Benefit Plan provides for the gross-up or reimbursement of Taxes under Section 4999 or 409A of the Code, or otherwise.

(l) Each individual who renders service to Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries who is classified by Suncrest or such Subsidiary, as applicable, as having the status of an independent contractor or other non-employee status for any purpose (including for purposes of taxation and tax reporting and participation under Employee Benefits Plans) is properly so characterized.

4.12Approvals. As of the date of this Agreement, Suncrest has no Knowledge why all regulatory approvals from any Governmental Authority required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement should not be obtained on a timely basis.

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4.13Opinion. The Suncrest Board has received the opinion of MJC Partners, LLC that, as of the date hereof, and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the Merger Consideration to be paid to the holders of the Suncrest Common Stock in the Merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders.

4.14Suncrest Information. The information relating to Suncrest and its Subsidiaries that is provided by Suncrest or its representatives for inclusion in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement and the Registration Statement, or in any application, notification or other document filed with any other Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading. The portions of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus/Proxy Statement relating to Suncrest and its Subsidiaries and other portions within the reasonable control of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries will comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

4.15 Legal Proceedings.

(a) Except as Previously Disclosed on Section 4.15(a) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any legal, administrative, arbitration, investigatory or other proceeding (including, without limitation, any investigation, action, or proceeding with respect to Taxes) pending or, to the Knowledge of Suncrest, is any of the foregoing proceedings threatened, or which Suncrest has reason to believe may be threatened, against or affecting Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective current or former directors or officers, or may involve a claim or claims asserting a liability of $100,000 individually, or $200,000 or more in the aggregate, or may otherwise restrict the conduct of business by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries. Section 4.15 of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule includes, with respect to each matter identified, if applicable, the case title, the court, the court file number, the date filed, the law firm representing Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries and such other information as may be reasonably requested by Parent.

(b) Except as set forth on Section 4.15(b) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, (i) there is no outstanding judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree, stipulation or award of any Governmental Authority or by arbitration, against or affecting Suncrest or its assets or business that (A) has had or may have a Suncrest Material Adverse Effect, (B) requires any payment by, or excuses an obligation of a third party to make any payment to, Suncrest of an amount exceeding $50,000 or (C) has the effect of prohibiting any material business practice of, or the acquisition, retention or disposition of property by Suncrest or (D) would apply to Parent or any of its Affiliates after the Merger, and (ii) to the Knowledge of Suncrest, there is no legal, administrative, arbitration, investigatory or other proceeding pending or that has been threatened, or which Suncrest has reason to believe may be threatened, against or affecting any director, officer, employee, agent or representative of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries, in connection with which any such Person has or may have rights to be indemnified by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries.

4.16 Material Contracts.

(a) Except as Previously Disclosed on Section 4.16(a) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, bound by or subject to any Contract (whether written or oral) (each, a “Material Contract”):

(i) that contains a non-compete or client or customer non-solicit requirement or any other provisions that materially restricts the conduct of, or the manner of conducting, any line of business of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries (or, upon consummation of the Merger, of Parent, Citizens or any of their respective Subsidiaries);

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(ii) that obligates Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries (or, upon consummation of the Merger, of Parent, Citizens or any of their respective Subsidiaries) to conduct business with any third party on an exclusive or preferential basis in each case that involves the payment of more than $50,000 per annum;

(iii) that requires referrals of business or requires Suncrest or any of its Affiliates to make available investment opportunities to any Person on a priority or exclusive basis in any material respect;

(iv) that relates to the incurrence of indebtedness by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries (other than deposit liabilities, trade payables, federal funds purchased, advances and loans from the Federal Home Loan Bank and securities sold under agreements to repurchase or other liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) including any sale and leaseback transactions, capitalized leases and other similar financing transactions;

(v) that grants any right of first refusal, right of first offer or similar right with respect to any assets, rights or properties of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries;

(vi) that limits the payment of dividends by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries;

(vii) that relates to a joint venture, partnership, limited liability company agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement with any third party, or to the formation, creation or operation, management or control of any partnership or joint venture with any third parties;

(viii) that relates to an acquisition, divestiture, merger or similar transaction and which contains representations, covenants, indemnities or other obligations (including indemnification, “earn-out” or other contingent obligations) that are still in effect;

(ix) that provides for payments to be made by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective successors upon or as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (“Change of Control Payments”);

(x) that was not negotiated and entered into on an arm’s-length basis;

(xi) that provides for the guarantee or indemnification by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries of any Person, except for Contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business providing for customary and immaterial indemnification;

(xii) that is a consulting agreement or data processing, software programming or licensing Contract involving the payment of more than $50,000 per annum;

(xiii) that grants to a Person any right in Suncrest Owned Intellectual Property or grants to Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries a license to any Intellectual Property rights of another Person, in each case that involves the payment or more than $50,000 per annum or is material to the conduct of the businesses of Suncrest;

(xiv) to which any Affiliate, officer, director, employee, independent contractor or consultant of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or beneficiary (exclusive of any deposit or loan relationships set forth on Section 4.26(f) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule);

(xv) that would prevent, materially delay or materially impede Suncrest’s ability to consummate the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby;

(xvi) that contains a put, call or similar right pursuant to which Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries could be required to purchase or sell, as applicable, any equity interests of any Person or assets;

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(xvii) that involves the payment, on a one-time basis or over the life of the term of the agreement, of $50,000 or more or is not terminable by Suncrest on thirty (30) days or less notice and without penalty (other than deposit liabilities, trade payables, federal funds purchased, and advances and loans from the Federal Home Loan Bank); or

(xviii) that is otherwise not entered into in the ordinary course of business or that is material to Suncrest or any Subsidiary of Suncrest or their financial condition or results of operations.

(b) Suncrest has previously furnished to Parent true, correct and complete copies of each Material Contract. Each Material Contract is a valid and legally binding agreement of Suncrest or one of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, and, to the Knowledge of Suncrest, the counterparty or counterparties thereto, is enforceable in accordance with its terms (subject to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception) and is in full force and effect. Suncrest and each of its Subsidiaries have duly performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by them prior to the date hereof under each Material Contract. Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries, and, to the Knowledge of Suncrest, any counterparty or counterparties, is in breach of any provision of any Material Contract. No event or condition exists that constitutes, after notice or lapse of time or both, will constitute, a breach, violation or default on the part of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries under any such Material Contract or provide any party thereto with the right to terminate such Material Contract.

(c) Section 4.16(c) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of (i) all Material Contracts pursuant to which consents or waivers are or may be required and (ii) all notices which are required to be given, in each case, prior to the performance by Suncrest of this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby.

4.17 Environmental Matters.

(a) Suncrest and its Subsidiaries are in compliance, in all material respects with any Law relating to: (i) the protection or restoration of the environment, health and safety as it relates to Hazardous Substance handling or exposure or the protection of natural resources; (ii) the handling, use, presence, disposal, release or threatened release of, or exposure to, any Hazardous Substance; or (iii) noise, odor, wetlands, indoor air, pollution, contamination or any injury to Persons or property from exposure to any Hazardous Substance (collectively, “Environmental Laws”).

(b) There are no proceedings, claims, or actions pending, or, to the Knowledge of Suncrest, investigations of any kind, pending, or to the Knowledge of Suncrest, threatened, by any Person, court, agency, or other Governmental Authority or any arbitral body, against Suncrest or its Subsidiaries relating to material liability under any Environmental Law. There are no agreements, orders, judgments or decrees by or with any court, regulatory agency or other Governmental Authority or settlements with any Person that impose any material liabilities or obligations on Suncrest or its Subsidiaries under, relating to or in respect of any Environmental Law.

(c) To Suncrest’s Knowledge, there have been, no releases of any Hazardous Substances at any real property (currently or formerly owned, operated, or leased by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries) under circumstances which could reasonably be expected to result in any material liability of Suncrest or its Subsidiaries under any Environmental Law.

(d) To Suncrest’s Knowledge, there are no underground storage tanks on, in or under any of the Suncrest Real Properties and no underground storage tanks have been closed or removed from any Suncrest Real Properties except in compliance with Environmental Laws in all material respects.

(e) Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries during the past five years has received any written notice from any Person or Governmental Authority that Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries or the

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operation or condition of any real property ever owned (exclusive of any security interest) or operated by any of them (including any real estate owned) are currently in violation of or otherwise are alleged to have liability under any Environmental Laws or relating to Hazardous Substances, including, but not limited to, responsibility (or potential responsibility) for the cleanup or other remediation of any Hazardous Substances at, on, beneath or originating from any such property) for which a material liability is reasonably likely to be imposed upon Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries.

(f) Suncrest has made available to Parent and Citizens all asbestos surveys and reports, mold surveys and reports, lead surveys and reports, reports on environmental exposure, underground tank removal reports and Phase I and Phase II environmental reports (environmental assessments) issued during the past five years, which are in its possession, with respect to any properties currently owned or leased by it.

(g) For purposes of this Agreement, “Hazardous Substance” shall include, but is not limited to, (i) any petroleum or petroleum products, natural gas, or natural gas products, radioactive materials, asbestos, mold, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, transformers or other equipment that contains dielectric fluid containing levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and radon gas; (ii) any chemicals, materials, waste or substances defined as or included in the definition of “hazardous substances,” “hazardous wastes,” “hazardous materials,” “extremely hazardous wastes,” “restricted hazardous wastes,” “toxic substances,” “toxic pollutants,” “contaminants,” or “pollutants,” or words of similar import, under any Environmental Laws; and (iii) any other chemical, material, waste or substance which is in any way regulated as hazardous or toxic by any federal, state or local government authority, agency or instrumentality, including mixtures thereof with other materials, and including any regulated building materials, such as asbestos and lead.

4.18 Taxes.

(a) Suncrest and each of its Subsidiaries (i) have prepared in good faith and duly and timely filed (taking into account any extension of time) all Tax Returns required to be filed by any of them and all such filed Tax Returns are true, complete and accurate in all material respects; (ii) have paid in full all Taxes that are required to be paid or made adequate provision in the financial statements of Suncrest; (iii) have withheld from amounts owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor or third party all amounts that Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to have withheld and have timely paid such withheld amounts to the relevant Tax authority; and (iv) have disclosed and reserved for any uncertain Tax positions.

(b) To Suncrest’s Knowledge, none of the Tax Returns of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries are currently under any audit, suit, proceeding, examination or assessment by the IRS or the relevant state, local or foreign Tax authority and neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice from any Tax authority that an audit, suit, proceeding, examination or assessment in respect of such Tax Returns or matters pertaining to Taxes are pending or threatened.

(c) No deficiencies for any Taxes have been asserted or assessments made against Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries that have not been paid or resolved in full. No claim has been made in writing during the past five (5) years against Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries by any Tax authorities in a jurisdiction where Suncrest or its Subsidiaries does not file Tax Returns that Suncrest or its Subsidiaries is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction.

(d) Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries has granted any waiver, extension or comparable consent regarding the application of the statute of limitations with respect to Taxes or Tax Return that has not expired, nor has any request for any such waiver or consent been made with respect to any statute of limitations that has not since expired.

(e) Suncrest is not, and during the past five (5) years has never been, a “United States real property holding corporation” within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code.

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(f) No Liens for Taxes exist with respect to any of the assets of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries, except for Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable.

(g) Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any closing agreements, private letter rulings, technical advice memoranda or similar agreement or rulings with any Tax authority, nor have any been issued by any Tax authority.

(h) Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries (A) is or has ever been a member of an affiliated, combined, consolidated or unitary Tax group for purposes of filing any Tax Return, other than an affiliated, combined, consolidated or unitary Tax group of which Suncrest is or was the common parent, (B) has any liability for Taxes of any Person (other than Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law), as a transferee or successor, by Contract or otherwise, (C) is a party to or bound by any Tax sharing or allocation agreement or has any other current or potential contractual obligation to indemnify any Person (other than Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries) with respect to Taxes, (D) has, or has ever had, a permanent establishment in any country other than the country of its organization, or (E) has granted to any Person any power of attorney that is currently in force with respect to any Tax matter.

(i) None of Suncrest, any of its Subsidiaries, or any Person acting on their behalf has applied for, been granted, or agreed to any accounting method change for which it will be required to take into account any adjustments pursuant to Section 481(a) of the Code (or any similar provisions of state, local or foreign Law) after the Closing Date, nor will Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries (or their successor by merger) be required to take into account income after the Effective Time any items economically realized prior to the Effective Time.

(j) Suncrest and each of its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with all requirements to report information for Tax purposes to any individual or Tax authority, and have collected and maintained all material certifications and documentation in valid and complete form with respect to any such reporting obligation, including, without limitation, valid IRS Forms W-8 and W-9.

(k) Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries has participated in any “reportable transactions” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b).

(l) Suncrest has made available to Parent and Citizens true, correct and complete copies of the United States federal income Tax Returns filed by Suncrest and its Subsidiaries for each of the five fiscal years ended December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, and will make available, if filed before the Closing Date, such Tax Returns to be filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

(m) None of Suncrest or its Subsidiaries has been a “distributing corporation” or “controlled corporation” (i) in any distribution occurring during the last 30 months that was purported or intended to be governed by Section 355 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law) or (ii) in any distribution that could otherwise constitute part of a “plan” or “series of related transactions” (within the meaning of Section 355(e) of the Code) of which the Merger is a part.

4.19 Reorganization. To Suncrest’s Knowledge, none of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries has taken or agreed to take any action, or is aware of any fact or circumstance, that would prevent or impede, or could reasonably be expected to prevent or impede, the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

4.20 Intellectual Property; IT Systems; Privacy.

(a) Section 4.20 of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule sets forth an accurate and complete list all (i) Intellectual Property Registrations, (ii) other Suncrest Owned Intellectual Property that are not registered but

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that are material to Suncrest’s business and operations (excepting Trade Secrets) and (iii) Suncrest Licensed Intellectual Property (excepting Off-The-Shelf Licenses). Each of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries (i) solely owns (beneficially, and of record where applicable), free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Encumbrances and non-exclusive licenses entered into in the ordinary course of business, all right, title and interest in and to its respective Suncrest Owned Intellectual Property, and (ii) to the Knowledge of Suncrest, has valid and sufficient rights and licenses to all of Suncrest Licensed Intellectual Property. With respect to each item of Suncrest Licensed Intellectual Property, to Suncrest’s Knowledge, the license, sublicense or Contract covering such item is legal, valid, binding, enforceable and in full force and effect, and neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries is in material default under or violation of any such license, sublicense or Contract.

(b) To the Knowledge of Suncrest, the operation of Suncrest and each of its Subsidiary’s respective businesses as presently conducted does not infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate the Intellectual Property rights of any third Person, and no Person has asserted in writing that Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries has infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated any third Person’s Intellectual Property rights. To the Knowledge of Suncrest, no third Person has infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated any of Suncrest’s or any of its Subsidiary’s rights in Suncrest Owned Intellectual Property.

(c) Suncrest and each of its Subsidiaries has taken commercially reasonable measures to protect (i) their rights in their respective Suncrest Owned Intellectual Property and (ii) the confidentiality of all Trade Secrets that are owned, used or held by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries, and to the Knowledge of Suncrest, such Trade Secrets have not been used, disclosed to or discovered by any Person except pursuant to appropriate non-disclosure agreements which have not been breached.

(d) All information technology and computer systems and services (including software, information technology and telecommunication hardware and other equipment) relating to the transmission, storage, maintenance, organization, presentation, generation, processing or analysis of data and information, whether or not in electronic format, used in or necessary to the conduct of Suncrest’s and its Subsidiaries’ business (collectively, “Suncrest IT Systems”) have been properly maintained, stored, operated and processed by technically competent personnel, in accordance with standards set by the manufacturers or otherwise in accordance with standards prudent in the industry (including strong passwords), to ensure proper operation, monitoring and use. The Suncrest IT Systems are in material compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines as required by applicable Law. Suncrest has commercially reasonable disaster recovery plans, procedures and facilities for its business and has taken commercially reasonable steps to safeguard Suncrest IT Systems. Suncrest IT Systems are in good working condition to effectively perform all information technology operations necessary to conduct consolidated business.

(e) Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries has experienced within the past three (3) years any material disruption to, or material interruption in, its conduct of its business attributable to a defect, bug, breakdown, cyber or security breach, ransomware event or other failure or deficiency of the Suncrest IT Systems. Suncrest and each of its Subsidiaries has taken commercially reasonable measures to provide for the backup and recovery of the data and information necessary to the conduct of their businesses (including such data and information that is stored on magnetic or optical media in the ordinary course) without material disruption to, or material interruption in, the conduct of their respective businesses.

4.21 Properties.

(a) Suncrest or one of its Subsidiaries (i) has good and insurable title to all the properties and assets owned by Suncrest or one of its Subsidiaries including, but not limited to, any automated teller machines (the “Suncrest Owned Properties”), free and clear of all Liens of any nature whatsoever, except (A) statutory Liens securing payments not yet due, (B) Liens for real property Taxes not yet due and payable, (C) easements, rights of way, and other similar encumbrances that do not adversely affect the value or affect the use of the properties or assets subject thereto or affected thereby or otherwise impair business operations at such properties

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as bank facilities, and (D) such imperfections or irregularities of title or Liens as do not materially affect the use of the properties or assets subject thereto or affected thereby or otherwise materially impair business operations at such properties (collectively, “Permitted Encumbrances”), and (ii) is the lessee of all leasehold leased by Suncrest or one of its Subsidiaries (the “Suncrest Leased Properties” and, collectively with the Suncrest Owned Properties, the “Suncrest Real Properties”), free and clear of all Liens of any nature whatsoever, except for Permitted Encumbrances, and is in possession of the properties purported to be leased thereunder, and each such lease is valid without default thereunder by Suncrest or, to the Knowledge of Suncrest, the lessor. None of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries owns, and no such entity is in the process of foreclosing (whether by judicial process or by power of sale) or otherwise in the process of acquiring title to, except pursuant to foreclosures which are pending in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, any real property or premises on the date hereof in whole or in part. Section 4.21 of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule contains a complete and correct list of all Suncrest Owned Properties. Section 4.21 of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule contains a complete and correct list of all Suncrest Leased Properties and together with a list of all applicable leases and the name of the lessor (each, a “Lease”).

(b) Each of the Suncrest Real Properties (i) complies in all material respects with all applicable Laws, including all laws, regulations, ordinances, or orders relating to zoning, building and use permits, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (the “ADA”), the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970 (“OSHA”) and all similarly motivated state and local laws , and (ii) may, under applicable zoning ordinances, be used for the purposes for which it currently is used as a matter of right rather than by grant of variance or as a conditional or nonconforming use. Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notices from any Governmental Authority of any violations of, any claims made or threatened regarding noncompliance with, or any governmental or regulatory actions or investigations instituted or threatened regarding noncompliance with, the ADA, OSHA or any similarly motivated state and local Laws. Suncrest and its Subsidiaries have accrued all expenses necessary to comply with any ADA or OSHA requirements on its Interim Financial Statements.

(c) All buildings, structures, improvements and fixtures on each of the Suncrest Real Properties and the equipment located thereon are adequate for the conduct of the business of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries as presently conducted, ordinary wear and tear excepted. All tangible properties of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries that are material to the business, financial condition, results of operations of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries are in a good state of maintenance and repair, except for ordinary wear and tear, and are adequate for the conduct of the business of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries as presently conducted.

(d) Each of the leases for the Suncrest Leased Property is valid and existing and in full force and effect, and no party thereto is in material default and no notice of a claim of default by any party has been delivered to Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries, or is now pending, and there does not exist any event that with notice or the passing of time, or both, would constitute a material default or excuse performance by any party thereto, provided that with respect to matters relating to any party other than Suncrest or one of its Subsidiaries, the foregoing representation is based on the Knowledge of Suncrest.

(e) As to Suncrest and its Subsidiaries, none of the Suncrest Real Properties has been condemned or otherwise taken by any Governmental Authority and, to the Knowledge of Suncrest, no condemnation or taking is threatened or contemplated and none thereof is subject to any claim, Contract or Law which might adversely affect its use or value for the purposes now made of it. None of the premises or properties of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any current interests of third parties or other restrictions or limitations that would materially impair or be materially inconsistent with the current use of such property by Suncrest or such Subsidiary.

(f) Suncrest has made available to Parent true, accurate and complete copies of each of the following to the extent in the possession or control of Suncrest or its Subsidiaries and in any way related to any of the Suncrest Real Properties: (i) title commitments together with legible copies of all underlying exceptions, (ii) title policies, (iii) environmental reports, (iv) zoning reports and zoning letters, and (v) licenses and permits.

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(g) Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries has applied for or received permission to open any additional branch or operate at any other location.

4.22Insurance. Section 4.22 of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule lists all insurance policies and bonds maintained by Suncrest. Except as set forth on Section 4.22 of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, (a) Suncrest and each of its Subsidiaries is, and at all times within five (5) years hereof each has been, insured with insurers and has insurance coverage adequate to insure against all risks normally insured against by companies reasonably consistent with industry practice, (b) neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default under any policy of insurance or bond such that it could be cancelled, and all such insurance policies and bonds maintained by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries are in full force and effect and, except for expirations in the ordinary course of business, will remain so through and after the Closing, and (c) Suncrest and each of its Subsidiaries has filed claims with, or given notice of claims to, its insurers with respect to all material matters and occurrences for which it believes it has coverage. Suncrest has furnished Parent and Citizens with true and complete copies of all insurance policies and bonds identified on Section 4.22 of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, including all amendments and supplements thereto, and true and complete copies of all current or pending insurance claims, and any other insurance claims filed since January 1, 2018.

4.23 Accounting and Internal Controls.

(a) The records, systems, controls, data and information of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries are recorded, stored, maintained and operated under means (including any electronic, mechanical or photographic process, whether computerized or not) that are under the exclusive ownership and direct control of Suncrest or its Subsidiaries or accountants (including all means of access thereto and therefrom). Suncrest and its Subsidiaries have devised and maintain internal control over financial reporting that is designed to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of its financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Such internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of Suncrest, (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Suncrest are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of Suncrest, and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Suncrest’s assets that could have a material effect on its financial statements.

(b) Suncrest has previously disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation prior to the date hereof, to its auditors and the audit committee of the Suncrest Board: (i) any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in its internal controls over financial reporting. Suncrest has made available to Parent and Citizens (i) a summary of any such disclosure made to Suncrest’s auditors and audit committee and (ii) any material communication since January 1, 2019 made by management or Suncrest’s auditors to the audit committee required by the audit committee’s charter or professional standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. Since January 1, 2019, no complaints from any source regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and no concerns from Suncrest employees regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters, have been received by Suncrest. Suncrest has made available to Parent a summary of all complaints or concerns relating to other matters made since January 1, 2019 through Suncrest’s whistleblower hot-line or equivalent system for receipt of employee concerns regarding possible violations of Law.

(c) Since January 1, 2019, (i) neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the Knowledge of Suncrest, any director, officer, auditor, accountant or representative of it or any of its Subsidiaries has received or otherwise had or obtained Knowledge of any material complaint, allegation, assertion or written claim regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods (including with respect to

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loan loss reserves, write-downs, charge-offs and accruals) of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective internal accounting controls, including any material complaint, allegation, assertion or written claim that Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices, and (ii) no attorney representing Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or not employed by it or any of its Subsidiaries, has reported evidence of a material violation of securities Laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by it or any of its officers or directors to the Suncrest Board or any committee thereof or to any of its directors or officers.

4.24Derivatives. Except as set forth in Section 4.24 of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to nor has any of such entities agreed to enter into an exchange-traded or over-the-counter equity, interest rate, foreign exchange or other swap, forward, future, option, cap, floor or collar or any other Contract (whether or not included on the balance sheet) that is a derivative Contract or a Contract whose effect or intent is similar to a derivative Contract (including various combinations thereof) or owns securities that are referred to generically as “structured notes,” “high risk mortgage derivatives,” “capped floating rate notes,” or “capped floating rate mortgage derivatives” (each, a “Derivative Transaction”). All Derivative Transactions, whether entered into for the account of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries or for the account of a customer of Suncrest, were entered into in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with prudent banking practice and applicable Laws and other policies, practices, and procedures employed by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries is, as applicable and with counterparties believed to be financially responsible at the time, and are legal, valid and binding obligations of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, enforceable against it in accordance with their terms except as such enforcement may be limited by the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception. Suncrest and each of its Subsidiaries has duly performed in all material respects all of its obligations thereunder to the extent required, and, to its Knowledge, there are no breaches, violations or defaults or allegations or assertions of such by any party thereunder. The financial position of Suncrest on a consolidated basis under or with respect to each such Derivative Transaction has been reflected in all material respects in the books and records of Suncrest in accordance with GAAP.

4.25 Deposits.

(a) The deposits held by Suncrest have been solicited, originated and administered in accordance with the terms of the respective governing documents and all Applicable Laws, in each case, in all material respects. Suncrest has the right to assign to Citizens by operation of the Merger all of the deposits held by Suncrest at the Closing without the requirement to obtain any consent from depositors or any other third parties other than any Governmental Authority whose approval is required for the Merger as set forth in this Agreement. To Suncrest’s Knowledge, there are no deposits held by Suncrest that are subject to any judgment, decree or order of any Governmental Authority, other than customary garnishments, levies and orders affecting depositors generally.

(b) The interest and any other credits and amounts have been accrued on the deposits of Suncrest, in each case, in all material respects in accordance with GAAP and applicable Law (including regulatory accounting principles) and Suncrest’s records accurately reflect in all material respects such accrual of interest, credits or other amounts in the ordinary and regular course of its business relating to such deposits. Suncrest has complied in all material respects with all laws, rules and regulations of the IRS regarding taxpayer identification number certification, interest information reporting, and backup withholding of interest payable on all deposits held by Suncrest. Except for any deposits securing a Loan or as otherwise disclosed in the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, to Suncrest’s Knowledge, no deposits held by Suncrest have been pledged to any other Person or are subject to any claims that are superior to the rights of Person(s) shown on the records of Suncrest as the owner(s) of such deposits, other than claims against such owners such as state and federal tax liens, garnishments, and other judgment claims that have matured or may mature into claims against the respective deposits. Except as Previously Disclosed, none of Suncrest’s deposits is a “brokered deposit” as defined in 12 C.F.R. Section 337.6(a)(2).

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(c) Suncrest has provided Citizens with forms of all deposit agreements of Suncrest (the “Deposit Agreements”) and all such forms contain all material terms of the relevant deposit accounts. Each of the agreements relating to deposits of Suncrest is valid, binding, and enforceable upon Suncrest and, to the Knowledge of Suncrest, each other party thereto in accordance with its terms subject to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception.

4.26 Loan Matters.

(a) Each loan, loan agreement, note or borrowing arrangement (including leases, credit enhancements, commitments, letters of credit, guarantees and interest-bearing assets, interests in loan participations and assignments, customer liabilities on bankers acceptance and all other binding commitments and obligations to extend credit) in which Suncrest or any Subsidiary of Suncrest is a creditor (collectively, “Loans”) currently outstanding (i) is evidenced by notes, agreements or other evidences of indebtedness that are true, genuine and what they purport to be, (ii) to the extent secured, is secured by a valid, perfected and enforceable Lien on the secured property having the priority described in Suncrest’s records and the applicable security agreement and; (iii) contains customary and enforceable provisions such that the rights and remedies of the holder thereof shall be adequate for the realization against any collateral therefore, none of which has been waived by Suncrest; and (iv) to the Knowledge of Suncrest, is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor named therein, enforceable in accordance with its terms (subject to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception). The notes or other credit or security documents with respect to each such outstanding Loan were in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws at the time of origination or purchase by Suncrest or its Subsidiaries.

(b) Each outstanding Loan was solicited and originated, and is and has been administered and, where applicable, serviced, and the relevant Loan files are being maintained in material accordance with the relevant notes or other credit or security documents and Suncrest’s written underwriting standards, in each case in compliance in all material respects with all applicable requirements of applicable Law and government programs. Each outstanding Loan is held by Suncrest for investment and not for sale.

(c) None of the agreements pursuant to which Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries has sold or is servicing (i) Loans or pools of Loans or (ii) participations in Loans or pools of Loans, in each case, contains any obligation to repurchase such Loans or interests therein or to pursue any other form of recourse against Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries, other than any obligations of, or recourse against, Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries that arise, by the express terms of any such agreement, upon a breach or default by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries of such agreement.

(d) Section 4.26(d) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of each Loan that as of June 30, 2021, and will set forth each Loan that as of the Determination Date, (i) (A) was contractually past due 90 days or more in the payment of principal and/or interest, (B) was on non-accrual status, (C) was classified as “substandard,” “doubtful,” “loss,” “classified,” “criticized,” “credit risk assets,” “concerned loans,” “watch list,” “impaired” or “special mention” (or words of similar import) by Suncrest, any of its Subsidiaries or any Governmental Authority (D) a specific reserve allocation existed in connection therewith or (E) was required to be accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring in accordance with ASC 310-40, and (ii) each asset of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries that as of June 30, 2021 and as of the Determination Date was classified as “other real estate owned,” “other repossessed assets” or as an asset to satisfy Loans, and the book value thereof as of such date. For each Loan identified in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence, Section 4.26(e) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule sets forth the outstanding balance, including accrued and unpaid interest, on each such Loan and the identity of the borrower thereunder as of June 30, 2021 and also will set forth such information as of the Determination Date.

(e) The allowance for loan losses reflected in reports by Suncrest to each Governmental Authority has been and will be established in compliance with the requirements of all regulatory criteria, and the allowance for loan losses shown in the Suncrest Financial Statements has been and will be established and

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maintained in accordance with GAAP and applicable Law and in a manner consistent with Suncrest’s internal policies. The allowance for loan losses reflected in such reports and the allowance for loan losses shown in the Suncrest Financial Statements, in the opinion of management, was or will be adequate as of the dates thereof.

(f) Section 4.26(f) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of all Loans as of the date of this Agreement, and will set forth a list of all Loans as of the Determination Date, by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries to any directors, executive officers and principal shareholders (as such terms are defined in Regulation O of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve (12 C.F.R. Part 215)) of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries. There are no employee, executive officer, director or other Affiliate Loans on which the borrower is paying a rate other than that reflected in the note or other relevant credit or security agreement or on which the borrower is paying a rate which was not in compliance with Regulation O, and all such Loans are and were originated in compliance with all applicable Laws.

(g) Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries is now nor has it ever been since January 1, 2018 subject to any fine, suspension, settlement or other Contract or other administrative agreement or sanction by, or any reduction in any loan purchase commitment from, any Governmental Authority or agency relating to the origination, sale or servicing of mortgage or consumer Loans or Loans guaranteed by any governmental agency.

(h) Since January 1, 2019, each of Suncrest and each of its Subsidiaries has complied with in all material respects, and all documentation in connection with the origination, processing, underwriting and credit approval of any residential mortgage loan originated by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries satisfied in all material respects: (i) all applicable Laws with respect to the origination, insuring, purchase, sale, pooling, servicing, subservicing, loan modification, loss mitigation or filing of claims in connection with such mortgage loans, including, to the extent applicable, all Laws relating to real estate settlement procedures, consumer credit protection, truth in lending Laws, usury limitations, fair housing, transfers of servicing, collection practices, equal credit opportunity and adjustable rate mortgages, in each case applicable as of the time of such origination, processing, underwriting or credit approval; (ii) the responsibilities and obligations relating to such mortgage loans set forth in any Contract between Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries and any agency, loan investor or insurer; (iii) the applicable rules, regulations, guidelines, procedures, handbooks and other requirements of any agency, loan investor or insurer, in each case applicable as of the time of such origination, processing, underwriting or credit approval; and (iv) the terms and provisions of any mortgage or other collateral documents and other loan documents with respect to each such mortgage loan; in each case applicable as of the time of such origination, processing, underwriting or credit approval.

(i) Since January 1, 2019, no loan investor has indicated in writing to Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries that it has terminated or intends to terminate its relationship with Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries for poor performance, poor loan quality or concern with respect to Suncrest’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ compliance with Laws.

(j) Since January 1, 2019, Suncrest and its Subsidiaries have not engaged in, and, to the Knowledge of Suncrest, no third-party vendors (including outside law firms and other third-party foreclosure services providers) used by Suncrest or by any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in, directly or indirectly, (i) any foreclosures in violation of any applicable Law, including but not limited to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, or in breach of any binding Regulatory Agreement or (ii) the conduct referred to as “robo-signing” or any other similar conduct of approving or notarizing documents relating to mortgage loans that do not comply with any applicable Law.

(k) Since January 1, 2019, Suncrest has not foreclosed upon, managed or taken a deed or title to, any real estate (other than single-family residential properties) without complying with all applicable FDIC environmental due diligence standards (including FDIC Bulletin FIL-14-93, and update FIL-98-2006) or foreclosed upon, managed or taken a deed or title to, any such real estate if the environmental assessment indicates the liabilities under Environmental Laws are likely in excess of the asset’s value.

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4.27 Investment Securities. Each of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries has good title to all Investment Securities owned by it (except those sold under repurchase agreements or held in any fiduciary or agency capacity), free and clear of any Lien, except (a) as set forth in the financial statements included in the Suncrest Financial Statements or (b) to the extent such securities or commodities are pledged in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice to secure obligations of Suncrest or its Subsidiaries. All Investment Securities are valued on the books of Suncrest in accordance with GAAP in all material respects. Suncrest and its Subsidiaries employ investment, securities, risk management and other policies, practices and procedures that are reasonable in the context of their respective businesses, and Suncrest and its Subsidiaries have, since January 1, 2018, been in compliance with such policies, practices and procedures in all material respects. Except for restrictions that exist for securities that are classified as “held to maturity”, none of the Investment Securities held by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any restriction (contractual or statutory) that would materially impair the ability of the entity holding such investment freely to dispose of such investment at any time.

4.28 Related Party Transactions. Except as Previously Disclosed in Section 4.28 of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, for ordinary course bank deposit and except for compensation arrangements of the type available to directors and employees of Suncrest or its Subsidiaries generally, there are no current transactions or series of related transactions, agreements, arrangements or understandings, nor are there any currently proposed transactions or series of related transactions, between Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any current or former director or officer of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries or any Person who beneficially owns (which, for purposes of this Agreement, shall be as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Exchange Act) five percent (5%) or more of the Suncrest Common Stock (or any of such Person’s immediate family members or Affiliates) (other than Subsidiaries of Suncrest) on the other hand.

4.29 Operating Losses. Except as Previously Disclosed or as accounted for in the Suncrest Financial Statements, to the Knowledge of Suncrest, since January 1, 2019, no event has occurred, and no action has been taken or omitted to be taken by any employee of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries that has resulted in the incurrence by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries of an Operating Loss or that might reasonably be expected to result in the incurrence by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries of an Operating Loss after the date hereof, which, net of any insurance proceeds payable in respect thereof, exceeds, or would exceed $25,000 individually or when aggregated with all other Operating Losses, $100,000 during such period.

4.30 Employee and Labor Matters.

(a) Section 4.30(a) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule contains a complete and correct list, as of the date of this Agreement, of the name of each employee, job description, job location, title, current annual base salary, other compensation and wage and hour exemption status of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries and a list of all Contracts or commitments by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries to increase the compensation or to modify the conditions or terms of employment. All persons who have been treated as independent contractors by Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries for tax purposes have met the criteria to be so treated under applicable Law. No executive or group of employees has informed Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries of his, her or their intent to terminate employment with Suncrest or its Subsidiaries. Suncrest has previously furnished to Parent and Citizens true and complete copies of all offer letters, employment agreements, or any other Contract, commitment, obligation or liability on the part of Suncrest with respect to employee salary, bonus, other compensation or benefits, including any retention or stay bonus or minimum bonus guaranties.

(b) Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries is, nor at any time since January 1, 2019 was, a party to or bound by any labor or collective bargaining agreement and to the Knowledge of Suncrest, there are no organizational campaigns, petitions or other activities or proceedings of any labor union, workers’ council or labor organization seeking recognition of a collective bargaining unit with respect to, or otherwise attempting to represent, any of the employees of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries or compel Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries to bargain with any such labor union, workers’ council or labor organization. There are no labor

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related controversies, strikes, slowdowns, walkouts or other work stoppages pending or, to the Knowledge of Suncrest, threatened (in writing) and neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries has experienced any such labor related controversy, strike, slowdown, walkout or other work stoppage since January 1, 2019.

(c) Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, or otherwise bound by, any consent decree with, or citation by, any Governmental Authority relating to employees or employment practices. Each of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries is in material compliance with all applicable Laws relating to labor, employment, termination of employment or similar matters, including but not limited to Laws relating to discrimination, disability, classification of workers, labor relations, hours of work, payment of wages and overtime wages, pay equity, immigration, workers compensation, working conditions, employee scheduling, occupational safety and health, family and medical leave, and employee terminations, and has not engaged in any unfair labor practices or similar prohibited practices.

(d) Except as Previously Disclosed in Section 4.30(d) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, there are no complaints, lawsuits, arbitrations, administrative proceedings, or other proceedings of any nature pending or, to the Knowledge of Suncrest, threatened against Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries brought by or on behalf of any applicant for employment, any current or former employee, any Person alleging to be a current or former employee, any class of the foregoing, or any Governmental Authority, relating to any such Law, or alleging breach of any express or implied contract of employment, wrongful termination of employment, or alleging any other discriminatory, wrongful or tortious conduct in connection with the employment relationship.

(e) No executive officer or group of employees has informed Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries of his, her or their intent to terminate employment.

(f) No Person has claimed in writing, or to Suncrest’s Knowledge has valid reason to claim, that any employee or former employee of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries (i) is in violation of any material term of any employment agreement, confidentiality agreement, non-competition agreement or any restrictive covenant with such Person; (ii) has improperly disclosed or utilized any trade secret, confidential or proprietary information or documentation belonging to such Person in connection with their employment; or (iii) has interfered in the employment relationship with such Person and any of its present or former employees in violation of any Law or enforceable agreement between such Person and the applicable employee.

(g) Suncrest has made available to Parent and Citizens prior to the date of this Agreement a copy of all material written policies and procedures related to the employees of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries and a written description of all material unwritten policies and procedures related to the employees of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries.

(h) To Suncrest’s Knowledge, all employees of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries are authorized to work in the United States of America. A Form I-9 has been properly completed and retained with regard to each such employee.

4.31 Trust Matters. Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries exercises trust powers, including, but not limited to, trust administration, and neither it nor any predecessor has exercised such trust powers for a period of at least three (3) years prior to the date hereof. The term “trusts” as used in this Section 4.31 includes (i) any and all common-law or other trusts between an individual, corporation or other entities and Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries or a predecessor, as trustee or co-trustee, including, without limitation, pension or other qualified or nonqualified employee benefit plans, compensation, testamentary, inter vivos, and charitable trust indentures; (ii) any and all decedents’ estates where Suncrest, or any of its Subsidiaries or a predecessor is serving or has served as a co-executor or sole executor, personal representative or administrator, administrator de bonis non, administrator de bonis non with will annexed, or in any similar fiduciary capacity; (iii) any and all guardianships, conservatorships or similar positions where Suncrest, or any of its Subsidiaries or a predecessor is serving or has served as a co-grantor or a sole grantor or a conservator or co-conservator of the estate, or in any similar

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fiduciary capacity; and (iv) any and all agency and/or custodial accounts and/or similar arrangements, including plan administrator for employee benefit accounts, under which Suncrest, or any of its Subsidiaries or a predecessor is serving or has served as an agent or custodian for the owner or other party establishing the account with or without investment authority.

4.32 Credit Card Operations.

(a) Neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries

(i) originates, maintains or administers credit card accounts other than pursuant to a Contract with ELAN under which Suncrest is an agent bank of ELAN and cards are issued to customers by ELAN; or

(ii) provides, or has provided, merchant credit card processing services to any merchants.

(b) Since January 1, 2018, all of the Credit Card Accounts (i) have been marketed by Suncrest and (ii) to the Knowledge of Suncrest, have been solicited, originated, maintained and serviced by ELAN as agent bank for Suncrest, in each case, in compliance in all material respects with all applicable policies and procedures of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries, all applicable Laws, all applicable by-laws, rules and regulations of the relevant Credit Card Associations and all Contracts between ELAN or its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Suncrest and any of its Subsidiaries, on the other hand, true and complete copies of which have been provided by Suncrest to Parent and Citizens prior to the date hereof.

(c) All Credit Card Accounts are governed by Credit Card Account Agreements between ELAN and each Cardholder, in one of the representative forms made available to Parent and Citizens prior to the date hereof. To the Knowledge of Suncrest, all Credit Card Account Agreements are valid and legally binding obligations of the obligors thereon, including any co-signer, guarantor or surety, are enforceable against such obligors in accordance with their respective terms (subject to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception). To the Knowledge of Suncrest, each of the receivables relating to or arising under each Credit Card Account arose from or in connection with a bona fide sale or loan transaction (including any amounts in respect of finance charges, annual fees and similar fees and charges assessed on the Credit Card Accounts), and none of such Credit Card Accounts is subject to offset, recoupment, make-whole, or other adjustment or liability or any other valid and cognizable claim or defense of any obligor other than as may be permitted by applicable Law. To the Knowledge of Suncrest, the interest rates, fees and charges applicable to the Credit Card Accounts comply with the applicable Credit Card Account Agreements and all legal and regulatory requirements and the by-laws, rules and regulations of the relevant Credit Card Associations.

(d) Since January 1, 2018, except to fulfill its obligations under a Contract with ELAN, neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries has transferred, delivered or granted access to its list of customers, or any part thereof, to any person engaged, directly or indirectly, in the marketing or issuance of any Credit Card. The Contracts between ELAN and Suncrest provide that each Cardholder is a customer of ELAN (and not a customer of Suncrest). Such Contract contains an exclusivity requirement that restricts the conduct of, or the manner of conducting, the credit card operations by Suncrest, (or, upon consummation of the Merger, of Parent, Citizens or any of their respective Affiliates).

(e) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries has any Contract with ELAN or any other credit card issuer that would prevent the Surviving Corporation from soliciting Suncrest’s customers to accept another credit card issued by or on behalf of the Surviving Corporation. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not result in a breach or default, or in the acceleration of any payment or obligation or the termination of any right under, any Contract between Suncrest and ELAN.

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4.33 Representations and Warranties. To the Knowledge of Suncrest, the materials prepared by Suncrest and made available in the data room to Parent and Citizens in the course of their due diligence investigation of Suncrest contain no statements of material fact which are untrue. Except for the representations and warranties in this Article 4, neither Suncrest nor any other Person makes any express or implied representation or warranty with respect to Suncrest and its Subsidiaries, or their respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, conditions (financial or otherwise) or prospects, and Suncrest hereby disclaims any such other representations or warranties. In particular, without limiting the foregoing disclaimer, and except for the representations and warranties made by Suncrest in this Article 4, neither Suncrest nor any Person makes or has made any representation to Parent or any of Parent’s Affiliates or representatives with respect to any oral or written information presented to Parent or any of Parent’s Affiliates or representatives in the course of their due diligence investigation of Suncrest (including any financial projections or forecasts), the negotiation of this Agreement or in the course of the transactions contemplated hereby. Suncrest acknowledges and agrees that neither Parent nor any other Person has made or is making any express or implied representation or warranty other than those contained in Article 5.

ARTICLE 5

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND CITIZENS

Except as Previously Disclosed, Parent and Citizens, as applicable, hereby represent and warrant to Suncrest as follows:

5.01 Corporate Organization.

(a) Parent is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of California. Citizens is a California state-chartered commercial bank duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of California. Each of Parent and Citizens has the requisite corporate power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. Each of Parent and Citizens is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate a Parent Material Adverse Effect. Parent is duly registered as a bank holding company under the BHC Act.

(b) True, complete and correct copies of the Parent Articles and the Parent Bylaws, as in effect as of the date of this Agreement, have previously been publicly filed by Parent and made available to Suncrest True, complete and correct copies of the Citizens Articles and the Citizens Bylaws, as in effect as of the date of this Agreement, have been made available to Suncrest. The Parent Articles and Parent Bylaws and the Citizens Articles and Citizens Bylaws made available to Suncrest are in full force and effect.

(c) The deposit accounts of Citizens are insured by the FDIC through the Deposit Insurance Fund to the fullest extent permitted by Law, all premiums and assessments required to be paid in connection therewith have been paid when due, and no proceedings for the termination of such insurance are pending or, to the Knowledge of Parent, threatened.

5.02 Capitalization.

(a) The authorized capital stock of Parent consists of (i) 225,000,000 shares of Parent Common Stock, of which, as of July 26, 2021 (the “Parent Capitalization Date”), 135,898,689 were issued and outstanding, and (ii) 20,000,000 shares of Parent Preferred Stock, none of which was outstanding as of the Parent Capitalization Date. As of Parent Capitalization Date, 450,230 shares of Parent Common Stock were authorized for issuance upon exercise of options issued and 112,215 shares of Parent Common Stock were reserved for

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issuance for outstanding performance restricted stock units issued pursuant to Parent’s equity incentive plans. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof. As of the date of this Agreement, no Voting Debt of Parent is issued or outstanding. Except pursuant to this Agreement and the options and units described in this Section 5.02(a), Parent does not have and is not bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or agreements of any character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of Parent Common Stock, Parent Preferred Stock, Voting Debt of Parent or any other equity securities of Parent or any securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of Parent Common Stock, Parent Preferred Stock, Voting Debt of Parent or other equity securities of Parent. There are no contractual obligations of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (i) to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock of Parent or any equity security of Parent or its Subsidiaries or any securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of Parent or its Subsidiaries or (ii) pursuant to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is or could be required to register shares of Parent capital stock or other securities under the Securities Act. There are no voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which Parent, any Subsidiary of Parent or, to the Knowledge of Parent, any of their respective officers or directors, is a party with respect to the voting of any Parent Common Stock, Parent Preferred Stock, Voting Debt or other equity securities of Parent. The shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger will be duly authorized and validly issued and, at the Effective Time, all such shares will be fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof.

(b) All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity ownership interests of Citizens are owned by Parent, directly or indirectly, free and clear of any material Liens, and all of such shares or equity ownership interests are duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights. Citizens does not have or is not bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, commitments or agreements of any character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of Citizens or any securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of Citizens.

5.03 Authority; No Violation.

(a) Each of Parent and Citizens has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby have been duly, validly and unanimously approved and this Agreement duly adopted by each of the Parent Board and the Citizens Board, and each of the Parent Board and the Citizens Board has determined that the Merger, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, is advisable and in the best interests of Parent and its shareholders. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Parent and Citizens and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Suncrest) constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Parent and Citizens, enforceable against Parent and Citizens in accordance with its terms (subject to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception).

(b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation by Parent and Citizens, as applicable, of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by them with any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement, will (i) violate any provision of the Parent Articles, Parent Bylaws or similar documents of Parent’s Subsidiaries (including Citizens), or (ii) assuming that the consents, approvals and filings referred to in Section 5.04 are duly obtained and/or made, (A) violate in any material respects any Law applicable to Parent, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets or (B) violate or conflict with in any material respect, result in a material breach of any provision of or the loss of any material benefit under, constitute a material default (or an event that, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a material default) under, result in the termination of or a right of termination or cancellation under, accelerate the performance required by, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the respective

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properties or assets of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, franchise, permit, agreement, or other instrument or obligation to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them or any of their respective properties or assets is bound.

5.04 Consents and Approvals. Except for (a) any applicable filing with Nasdaq, (b) the filing with the SEC of a registration statement on Form S-4 that includes the Prospectus/Proxy Statement, and declaration of effectiveness of the Form S-4, (c) filings of applications or notices with, and approvals or waivers by, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC and the CDFPI, as may be required, and (d) Suncrest’s filing of a notice concerning the Merger with FINRA, no consents or approvals of or filings or registrations with any Governmental Authority are necessary in connection with the consummation by Parent or Citizens of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No consents or approvals of or filings or registrations with any Governmental Authority are necessary in connection with the execution and delivery by Parent of this Agreement.

5.05  Reports.

(a) Parent and each of its Subsidiaries have timely filed all reports, registration statements, proxy statements and other materials, together with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto (collectively, “Parent Filings”), that they were required to file since January 1, 2019 with the Regulatory Agencies and each other applicable Governmental Authority, and all other reports and statements required to be filed by them since January 1, 2019, including any report or statement required to be filed pursuant to the Laws, rules or regulations of the United States, any state, any foreign entity, or any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Authority, and have paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith, and there are no material violations or exceptions in any such material report or statement that are unresolved as of the date hereof. As of their respective dates, each of such Parent Filings (i) complied in all material respects with all Laws and regulations enforced or promulgated by the Governmental Authority with which it was filed (or was amended so as to be in compliance promptly following discovery of any such noncompliance) and (ii) did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact. Parent has made available to Suncrest true and correct copies of all such Parent Filings, including Citizens’ Call Report for the period ending March 31, 2021.

(b) An accurate and complete copy of each final registration statement, prospectus, report, schedule and definitive proxy statement filed with or furnished to the SEC by Parent pursuant to the Securities Act or the Exchange Act since January 1, 2019 (the “Parent SEC Reports”) is publicly available. No such Parent SEC Report, at the time filed, furnished or communicated (and, in the case of registration statements and proxy statements, on the dates of effectiveness and the dates of the relevant meetings, respectively), contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, except that information filed as of a later date (but before the date of this Agreement) shall be deemed to modify information as of an earlier date. As of their respective dates, all Parent SEC Reports complied as to form in all material respects with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto.

(c) Parent is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable listing and corporate governance rules and regulations of Nasdaq.

5.06 Financial Statements. The financial statements of Parent and its Subsidiaries included (or incorporated by reference) in the Parent SEC Reports (including the related notes, where applicable) (i) have been prepared from, and are in accordance with, the books and records of Parent and its Subsidiaries; (ii) fairly present in all material respects the consolidated results of operations, cash flows, changes in shareholders’ equity and consolidated financial position of Parent and its Subsidiaries for the respective fiscal periods or as of the respective dates therein set forth (subject in the case of unaudited statements to recurring year-end audit adjustments normal in nature and amount); (iii) complied as to form, as of their respective dates of filing with the SEC, in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto; and (iv) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently

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applied during the periods involved, except, in each case, as indicated in such statements or in the notes thereto. The books and records of Parent and its Subsidiaries have been maintained in all material respects in accordance with GAAP and any other applicable legal and accounting requirements and reflect only actual transactions. As of the date hereof, KPMG LLP has not resigned (or informed Parent that indicated it intends to resign) or been dismissed as independent public accountants of Parent as a result of or in connection with any disagreements with Parent on a matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure.

5.07Brokers Fees. Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to Parent’s Knowledge, any of their respective officers or directors have employed any broker, finder or financial advisor or incurred any liability for any broker’s fees, commissions or finder’s fees in connection with the Merger or any other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than to Piper Sandler & Co.

5.08 No Parent Material Adverse Effect. Since January 1, 2021, no event, change or development or combination of changes or developments have occurred that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.

5.09 Compliance with Applicable Law.

(a) Parent and each of its Subsidiaries hold, and have at all times since January 1, 2019 held, all licenses, franchises, permits and authorizations from Governmental Authorities which are necessary for the lawful conduct of their respective businesses and ownership of their respective properties, rights and assets under and pursuant to applicable Law (and have paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith) and, to the Knowledge of Parent, no suspension or cancellation of any such necessary license, franchise, permit or authorization is threatened.

(b) Parent and each of its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with, and are not in default or violation of,

(i) any applicable Law, including all Laws related to data protection or privacy, the USA PATRIOT Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B, the Fair Housing Act, the CRA, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z, the Truth in Savings Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Flood Disaster Protection Act, the Military Lending Act, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act,the Volcker Rule, any regulations promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Interagency Policy Statement on Retail Sales of Nondeposit Investment Products, the SAFE Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Regulation X, the California Business and Professions Code, the California Financial Code and any other Law relating to bank secrecy, discriminatory lending, financing or leasing practices, money laundering prevention, Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and all legal requirements relating to the origination, sale and servicing of loans, and

(ii) any posted or internal privacy policies relating to data protection or privacy, including without limitation, the protection of personal information.

(c) Except as Previously Disclosed, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries knows of, or has received from a Governmental Authority since January 1, 2019, notice of, any defaults or violations of any applicable Law relating to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries.

(d) To the Knowledge of Parent, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in any unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices in violation of applicable Law, including the rules promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and there are no allegations, claims or disputes to which Parent or

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any of its Subsidiaries is a party that allege, or to the Knowledge of Parent, no Person has threatened or threatens to allege, that Parent or any of its Subsidiaries has engage in any unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices in violation of applicable Law, including the rules promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

(e) To the Knowledge of Parent, there do not exist any facts or circumstances that would cause Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to be deemed to be operating in violation in any material respect of the Bank Secrecy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, any order issued with respect to anti-money laundering by OFAC, or any other applicable anti-money laundering Law, as well as the provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act/anti-money laundering program adopted by Parent or its Subsidiaries which would reasonably be likely to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect on Parent. The Parent Board has adopted and implemented a Bank Secrecy Act/anti-money laundering program that also meets the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act and the regulations thereunder, and Parent has not received written notice from any Governmental Authority that such program does not meet the five pillars requirements: (1) development of internal policies, procedures and related controls, (2) designation of a BSA Officer, (3) thorough and ongoing training, (4) independent review for compliance and (5) customer due diligence. Each of Parent and its Subsidiaries has complied in all material respects with any requirements to file reports and other necessary documents as required by the USA PATRIOT Act and the regulations thereunder.

(f) To the Knowledge of Parent, there do not exist any facts or circumstances that would cause Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to be deemed not to be in satisfactory compliance in any material respect with the applicable privacy of customer information requirements contained in any federal and state privacy Laws, including without limitation, in Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 and the regulations promulgated thereunder, as well as the provisions of the information security program adopted by Parent and its Subsidiaries. To Parent’s Knowledge, since January 1, 2019, no non-public customer information has been disclosed to or accessed by an unauthorized third party in a manner that would cause Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to undertake any remedial action. No claims are pending and, to its Knowledge, no claims have been asserted or threatened against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or are likely to be asserted or threatened against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries by any Person alleging a violation of such Person’s privacy, personal or confidentiality rights under any such Laws, policies or procedures. With respect to all personal information described herein, Parent has taken all steps reasonably necessary (including implementing and monitoring compliance with measures with respect to technical and physical security) to protect the information in a manner consistent in all material respects with the Laws, policies or procedures referred to herein.

(g) Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the Knowledge of Parent, any of their respective directors, officers, agents, employees or any other Persons acting on their behalf, (i) has violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1 et seq., as amended, or any other similar applicable foreign, federal or state legal requirement, (ii) has made or provided, or caused to be made or provided, directly or indirectly, any payment or thing of value to a foreign official, foreign political party, candidate for office or any other Person while knowing or having a reasonable belief that the Person will pay or offer to pay the foreign official, party or candidate, for the purpose of influencing a decision, inducing an official to violate their lawful duty, securing an improper advantage, or inducing a foreign official to use their influence to affect a governmental decision, (iii) has paid, accepted or received any unlawful contributions, payments, expenditures or gifts, (iv) has violated or operated in noncompliance with any export restrictions, money laundering Law, anti-terrorism Law or regulation, anti-boycott regulations or embargo regulations or (v) is currently subject to any United States sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. DepartmentUnited States Treasury Department.

(h) None of Parent, any of its Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of Parent, any director, officer, agent, employee, Affiliate or other Person on behalf of Parent or its Subsidiaries, is (a) engaged in any services (including financial services), transfers of goods, software or technology, or any other business activity related to (i) any Sanctioned Countries, (ii) the government of any Sanctioned Country, (iii) any Person located in, resident in, formed under the laws of, or owned or controlled by the government of, any Sanctioned Country, or (iv) any

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Person made subject of Sanctions, (b) engaged in any transfers of goods, technologies or services (including financial services) that may assist the governments of Sanctioned Countries or facilitate money laundering or other activities proscribed by United States Law, (c) is a Person currently the subject of any Sanctions or (d) located, organized or resident in any Sanctioned Country.

(i) Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries:

(i) provides investment management, investment advisory or sub-advisory services to any person, including management and advice provided to separate accounts and participation in wrap fee programs, and that is required to register with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; or

(ii) is, or is required to be registered as, a broker-dealer, a commodity trading advisor, commodity pool operator, futures commission merchant or introducing broker under any applicable Laws.

(j) To the Knowledge of Parent, Parent does not accept deposits from, has not originated any Loan to and does not otherwise transact business with any Person engaged in the manufacture, production, distribution, sale, or other dispensation of marijuana. To the Knowledge of Parent, no borrower under any Loan (i) is engaged in the manufacture, production, distribution, sale or other dispensation of marijuana or (ii) leases any assets to any Person engaged in the manufacture, production, distribution or dispensation of marijuana. To the Knowledge of Parent, Parent has timely and properly filed all mandatory Suspicious Activity Reports related to marijuana and has complied with applicable guidance related to marijuana banking from any Governmental Entity.

(k) Except as Previously Disclosed, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any cease-and-desist or other order or other enforcement action issued by, or is a party to any written agreement, consent agreement or memorandum of understanding with, or is a party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking to, or has been ordered to pay any civil money penalty or other fines at the request or suggestion of, any Governmental Authority (each, a “ParentRegulatory Agreement”), nor has Parent or any Parent Subsidiary been advised since January 1, 2019 by any Governmental Authority that it is considering issuing, initiating, ordering or requesting any such Regulatory Agreement. To Parent’s Knowledge, Parent and each of its Subsidiaries are in compliance with each Regulatory Agreement to which it is party or subject, and neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice from any Governmental Authority indicating that either Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is not in compliance with any such Regulatory Agreement. There is no unresolved violation, criticism or exception by any Governmental Authority with respect to, nor is there any unpaid civil money penalty, fine, restitution or other amounts otherwise due and payable under, any Parent Regulatory Agreement.

(l) As of June 30, 2021, Parent and Citizens are each “well-capitalized” (as that term is defined in the relevant regulations of the Treasury.institution’s primary banking regulator).

(m) Except as Previously Disclosed, Parent is in compliance in all material respect with the applicable provisions of the CRA and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Except as Previously Disclosed, Parent has not received a CRA rating of less than “satisfactory” in any of its three (3) most recently completed exams. Parent has no Knowledge that its compliance under the CRA should constitute grounds for either the denial by any Governmental Authority of any application to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the imposition of a materially burdensome condition in connection with the approval of any such application, or the existence of any fact or circumstance or set of facts or circumstances which would reasonably be expected to result in Parent having its current rating lowered. Except as Previously Disclosed, (i) neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any agreement, undertaking, order, directive, liability, or any other commitment or obligation with any Governmental Authority or any other Persons (including any third party group representing Suncrest interests) regarding or otherwise relating to Parent’s policies, practices or relations

 

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3.10with customers, vendors or clients or any other CRA-related matter (each, a “Parent CRA Agreement”), (ii) neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has been advised since January 1, 2019 by any Governmental Authority or other Persons that it is considering issuing, initiating, ordering, or requesting, as applicable, any such Parent CRA Agreement; (iii) Parent and each of its Subsidiaries are in compliance with each Parent CRA Agreement to which it is party or subject, and neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice from any Governmental Authority or other Persons indicating that either Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is not in compliance with any such Parent CRA Agreement; (iv) there is no unresolved violation, criticism, claim, liability or exception by any Governmental Authority with respect to any Parent CRA Agreement; and (v) Parent has not received any notice from, and does not have any Knowledge of, any third-party group representing Suncrest interests raising concerns or objections with respect to its policies, practices or relations with customers, vendors or clients, or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

5.10 Absence of Changes. Since January 1, 2021,

(a) Parent and its Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses only in the ordinary and usual course of the businesses consistent with past practices;

(b) no damage, destruction or other casualty loss (whether or not covered by insurance) that may involve a loss of more than $1,000,000 has been experienced by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to Parent’s Knowledge; and

(c) except as Previously Disclosed, there has been no direct or indirect redemption, purchase or other acquisition by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries of any equity securities and no declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or other distribution on or in respect of any Parent Common Stock, whether consisting of money other personal property, real property or other things of value.

5.11IT Systems. All information technology and computer systems and services (including software, information technology and telecommunication hardware and other equipment) relating to the transmission, storage, maintenance, organization, presentation, generation, processing or analysis of data and information, whether or not in electronic format, used in or necessary to the conduct of Parent’s and its Subsidiaries’ business (collectively, Parent IT Systems”) have been properly maintained, stored, operated and processed by technically competent personnel, in accordance with standards set by the manufacturers or otherwise in accordance with standards prudent in the industry (including strong passwords), to ensure proper operation, monitoring and use. The Parent IT Systems are in material compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines as required by applicable Law. Parent has commercially reasonable disaster recovery plans, procedures and facilities for its business and has taken commercially reasonable steps to safeguard Parent IT Systems. Parent IT Systems are in good working condition to effectively perform all information technology operations necessary to conduct consolidated business. Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has experienced within the past three (3) years any material disruption to, or material interruption in, its conduct of its business attributable to a defect, bug, breakdown, cyber or security breach or other failure or deficiency of the Parent IT Systems. Parent and each of its Subsidiaries has taken commercially reasonable measures to provide for the backup and recovery of the data and information necessary to the conduct of their businesses (including such data and information that is stored on magnetic or optical media in the ordinary course) without material disruption to, or material interruption in, the conduct of their respective businesses.

5.12State Takeover Laws; Rights AgreementLaws.

(a) No “business combination,” “fair price,” “affiliate transaction,” “moratorium,” “control share,” “takeover” or “interested shareholder” Law or other similar anti-takeover statue or regulation (collectively, the “Takeover Laws”) is are applicable to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) Neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries has Parent does not have any shareholder rights plan, “poison pill” or similar plan or arrangement in effect.

3.11Employee Benefit Plans.

(a) Section 3.11(a) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, complete and correct list of each employee benefit plan, program, policy, practice, or other arrangement providing benefits to any current or former employee, officer or director of Valley or any of its Subsidiaries or any beneficiary or dependent thereof that is sponsored or maintained by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries to which Valley or any of its Subsidiaries contributes or is obligated to contribute on the date hereof, whether or not written, including, without limitation, any employee welfare benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), any employee pension benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA (whether or not such plan is subject to ERISA) and any equity purchase plan, option, equity bonus, phantom equity or other equity plan, profit sharing, bonus, retirement (including compensation, pension, health, medical or life insurance benefits), supplemental retirement, deferred compensation, excess benefit, incentive compensation, severance, change in control or termination pay, agreements providing for Change of Control Payments, hospitalization or other medical or dental, life or other insurance (including any self-insured arrangements), supplemental unemployment, salary continuation, sick leave or other leave of absence benefits, short- or long-term disability, or vacation benefits plan or any other agreement or policy or other arrangement providing employee benefits, employment-related compensation, fringe benefits or other benefits (whether qualified or nonqualified, funded or unfunded) (each an “Employee Benefit Plan”).

(b) With respect to each Employee Benefit Plan, Valley has delivered or made available to CVB a true, correct and complete copy of: (i) each writing constituting a part of such Employee Benefit Plan, including, without limitation, all plan documents, benefit schedules, contracts and notices, and a written summary of any such Employee Benefit Plan that is not otherwise documented in writing; (ii) the most recent Annual Report (Form 5500 Series) and accompanying schedule; (iii) all investment policy statements or guidelines, delegations and charters related to any Employee Benefit Plan; (iv) each trust agreement, insurance contract, group annuity contract or other funding mechanism; (v) each agreement with any services provider, investment manager or investment advisor; (vi) the current summary plan description and any material modifications thereto; (vii) the most recent annual financial report; (viii) the most recent actuarial report; (ix) the most recent determination letter from the IRS; and (x) all correspondence with the IRS, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any other Governmental Entity. Except as specifically provided in the foregoing documents delivered or made available to CVB and, except as provided in this Agreement, there are no amendments to any Employee Benefit Plan that have been adopted or approved nor has Valley or any of its Subsidiaries undertaken to make any such amendments or to adopt or approve any new Employee Benefit Plan. No Employee Benefit Plan is maintained outside the jurisdiction of the United States, or covers any employee residing or working outside of the United States.

(c) Each Employee Benefit Plan intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code and each related trust intended to qualify under Section 501(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination or opinion letter from the IRS with respect to each such Employee Benefit Plan as to its qualified status under the Code, including all amendments to the Code effected by the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and subsequent legislation for the most recent cycle applicable to such qualified plan pursuant to Revenue Procedure 2005-66 (as amended or otherwise revised by subsequent IRS guidance), any such letter has not been revoked (nor has revocation been

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threatened) and no fact or event has occurred since the date of such letter or letters from the IRS that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the qualified status of any such Employee Benefit Plan or the exempt status of any such trust.

(d) With respect to each Employee Benefit Plan, Valley and each of its Subsidiaries has complied in all material respects, and is now in substantial compliance with all provisions of ERISA, the Code and all Laws and regulations applicable to such Employee Benefit Plans and each Employee Benefit Plan has been administered in all material respects in accordance with its terms. There is not now, nor do any circumstances exist that could reasonably be expected to give rise to, any requirement for the posting of security with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan or the imposition of any lien on the assets of Valley or any of its Subsidiaries under ERISA or the Code. Neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in a transaction with respect to any applicable Employee Benefit Plan that, assuming the taxable period of such transaction expired as of the date hereof, could subject Valley or any of its Subsidiaries to a tax or penalty imposed by either Section 4975 of the Code or Section 502(i) of ERISA.

(e) All contributions required to be made to any Employee Benefit Plan by applicable Law or regulation or by any plan document or other contractual undertaking, and all premiums due or payable with respect to insurance policies funding any Employee Benefit Plan, for any period through the date hereof have been timely made or paid in full or, to the extent not required to be made or paid on or before the date hereof, have been accrued on Valley Financial Statements to the extent required under GAAP. Each Employee Benefit Plan that is an employee welfare benefit plan under Section 3(1) of ERISA is either (i) funded through an insurance company contract and is not a “welfare benefit fund” with the meaning of Section 419 of the Code or (ii) unfunded.

(f) (i) No Employee Benefit Plan is a “multiemployer plan” within the meaning of Section 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of ERISA (a “Multiemployer Plan”) or a plan that has two or more contributing sponsors at least two of whom are not under common control, within the meaning of Section 4063 of ERISA (a “Multiple Employer Plan”); (ii) none of Valley nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has, at any time during the last six years, contributed to or been obligated to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan; (iii) neither Valley nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has incurred any Withdrawal Liability that has not been satisfied in full; and (iv) no Employee Benefit Plan is subject to Title IV or Section 302 of ERISA or to Sections 412 or 430 of the Code. “ERISA Affiliate” means, with respect to any entity, trade or business, any other entity, trade or business that is a member of a group described in Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001(b)(1) of ERISA that includes the first entity, trade or business, or that is a member of the same “controlled group” as the first entity, trade or business pursuant to Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA. “Withdrawal Liability” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as those terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

(g) There does not exist, nor, to the Knowledge of Valley, do any circumstances exist that could reasonably be expected to result in, any Controlled Group Liability that would be a liability of Valley or any of its ERISA Affiliates following the Closing. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither Valley nor any of its ERISA Affiliates, has engaged in any transaction described in Section 4069 or Section 4204 or 4212 of ERISA. “Controlled Group Liability” means any and all liabilities (i) under Title IV of ERISA, (ii) under Section 302 of ERISA, (iii) under Sections 412 and 4971 of the Code, (iv) as a result of a failure to comply with the continuation coverage requirements of Section 601 et seq. of ERISA and Section 4980B of the Code, (v) as a result of a failure to comply with the group health care coverage requirements of sections 4980D or 4890H of the Code and (vi) under corresponding or similar provisions of other applicable Laws or regulations.

(h) Except as set forth in Section 3.11(h) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries has any liability for life, health, medical or other welfare benefits to former employees or beneficiaries or dependents thereof, except for health continuation coverage as required by Section 4980B of the Code or Part 6 of Title I of ERISA and at no expense to Valley or any of its Subsidiaries. Valley and each of its Subsidiaries has reserved the right to amend, terminate or modify at any time all plans or arrangements providing for post-retirement welfare benefits.

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(i) Except as set forth in Section 3.11(i) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, there are no pending or threatened claims (other than routine undisputed claims for benefits in the ordinary course), lawsuits or arbitrations pertaining to any Employee Benefit Plan which have been asserted, threatened or instituted, and to the Knowledge of Valley, no set of circumstances exists which may reasonably give rise to a claim or lawsuit against Valley or any of its Subsidiaries, the Employee Benefit Plans, any fiduciaries thereof with respect to their duties to the Employee Benefit Plans or the assets under any of the Employee Benefit Plans. Valley has not taken any corrective action or made any filing under any voluntary correction program of the IRS, the U.S. Department of Labor or any other Governmental Entity with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan, and Valley has no knowledge of any plan defect that would qualify for correction under any such program. No audit or other proceeding by a Governmental Entity is pending or, to Knowledge of Valley, threatened with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan.

(j) Except as set forth in Section 3.11(j) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, each Employee Benefit Plan that is or was a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and associated U.S. Department of the Treasury guidance at all times since January 1, 2005, has been and is being operated in compliance with, and has been and is in documentary compliance with, Section 409A of the Code and IRS regulations and guidance thereunder. No compensation payable by Valley has been reportable as nonqualified deferred compensation in the gross income of any individual or entity, and subject to an additional tax, as a result of the operation of Section 409A of the Code and no arrangement exists with respect to a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that would result in income inclusion under Section 409A(b) of the Code.

(k) Except as set forth in Section 3.11(k) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, either alone or together with any other event or events, will (i) result in any payment (including, without limitation, severance, change in control, forgiveness of indebtedness or otherwise) becoming due under any Employee Benefit Plan, whether or not such payment is contingent, (ii) increase any payments or benefits otherwise payable under any Employee Benefit Plan, (iii) result in the acceleration of the time of payment, vesting or funding of any benefits including, but not limited to, the acceleration of the vesting and exercisability of any equity awards, whether or not contingent, (iv) result in any limitation on the right of Valley to amend, merge, terminate or receive a reversion of assets from any Employee Benefit Plan or related trust, (v) require the funding of any trust or other funding vehicle or (vi) limit or restrict the right of Valley or, after the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the Surviving Corporation, to merge, amend or terminate any of the Employee Benefit Plans. There is no agreement, contract or arrangement to which Valley is a party that could, individually or collectively, result in the payment of any amount that would not be deductible by reason of Section 280G of the Code, as determined without regard to Section 280G(b)(4) of the Code. No Employee Benefit Plan provides for the gross-up or reimbursement of Taxes under Section 4999 or 409A of the Code, or otherwise.

(l) Each individual who renders services to Valley who is classified by Valley as having the status of an independent contractor or other non-employee status for any purpose (including for purposes of taxation and tax reporting and participation under Employee Benefit Plans) is properly so characterized.

3.125.13Approvals. As of the date of this Agreement, Valley knows ofParent has no reasonKnowledge why all regulatory approvals from any Governmental EntityAuthority required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement should not be obtained on a timely basis.

3.13Opinion. The Board of Directors of Valley has received the opinion of Vining Sparks IBG, LP that, as of the date hereof, and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the Merger Consideration and the amount of the Special Dividend to be paid to the holders of Valley Common Stock in the Merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders.

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5.14 Parent Information. The information relating to ValleyParent and its Subsidiaries that is provided by ValleyParent or its representatives for inclusion in the Proxy Statement and Form S-4, or in any application, notification or other document filed

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with any other Regulatory Agency or other Governmental EntityAuthority in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading. The portions of the Form S-4 and the Prospectus/Proxy Statement relating to ValleyParent and its Subsidiaries and other portions within the reasonable control of ValleyParent and its Subsidiaries will comply in all material respects with the provisions of the SecurityExchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. The Form S-4 will comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the rules and regulations thereunder.

3.155.15Legal Proceedings. Except as set forth in Section 3.15 of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, neither Valley nor any of its SubsidiariesPreviously Disclosed, there is a party to any legal, administrative, arbitration, investigatoryno suit, action, investigation, claim, proceeding or other proceeding (including any investigation, action, or proceeding with respect to Taxes)review pending, or to the Knowledge of Valley, is any of the foregoing proceedings threatened, or which Valley has reason to believe may beParent, threatened against or affecting Valleyit or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respectivethe current or former directors or executive officers or may involve a claim or claims asserting a liability of $50,000 individually, or $100,000 or more in the aggregate, or may otherwise restrict the conduct of business by Valley. Section 3.15 of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, includes, with respect to each matter identified, if applicable, the case title, the court, the court file number, the date filed, the law firm representing Valleyit or any of its Subsidiaries and such otherthere are no facts or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to result in any claims against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries that would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect. There is no outstanding injunction, order, writ, award, judgment, settlement, arbitration ruling, decree or regulatory restriction imposed upon or entered into by Parent, any of its Subsidiaries or the assets of it or any of its Subsidiaries that would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.

5.16 Accounting and Internal Controls.

(a) The records, systems, controls, data and information as may be reasonably requested by CVB. Except as set forth on Section 3.15of Parent and its Subsidiaries are recorded, stored, maintained and operated under means (including any electronic, mechanical or photographic process, whether computerized or not) that are under the exclusive ownership and direct control of Parent or its Subsidiaries or accountants (including all means of access thereto and therefrom). Parent and its Subsidiaries have devised and maintain internal control over financial reporting (within the meaning of Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Such internal control over financial reporting is effective in providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and includes policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, thereassets of Parent, (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of Parent are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of Parent, and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Parent’s assets that could have a material effect on its financial statements. Parent has designed and implemented disclosure controls and procedures (within the meaning of Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) to ensure that material information relating to Parent and its Subsidiaries is no (i) outstanding judgment, order, writ, injunctionmade known to its management by others within those entities as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to make the certifications required by the Exchange Act and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and such disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

(b) Parent’s management has completed an assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting in compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for the year ended December 31, 2020, and such assessment concluded that such controls were effective. Parent has previously disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation prior to the date hereof, to its auditors and the audit committee of the Parent Board (A) any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or decree, stipulationoperation of internal controls over financial reporting and (B) any fraud, whether or awardnot material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in its internal controls over financial reporting.

(c) Since January 1, 2019, except as Previously Disclosed, (A) neither Parent nor any of any Governmental Entity or by arbitration, against, or,its Subsidiaries nor, to the Knowledge of Valley, affecting ValleyParent, any director, officer, auditor, accountant or representative of it or

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any of its Subsidiaries has received or otherwise had or obtained knowledge of any material complaint, allegation, assertion or written claim regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods (including with respect to loan loss reserves, write-downs, charge-offs and accruals) of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective assetsinternal accounting controls, including any material complaint, allegation, assertion or businesswritten claim that (A) has had or may have a Material Adverse Effect, (B) requires any payment by, or excuses an obligation of a third party to make any payment to, ValleyParent or any of its Subsidiaries of an amount exceeding $50,000,has engaged in questionable accounting or (C) has the effect of prohibiting any business practice of, or the acquisition, retention or disposition of property by Valleyauditing practices, and (B) to Parent’s Knowledge, no attorney representing Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or would apply to CVB or any of its Affiliates after the Merger, or (ii) legal, administrative, arbitration, investigatory or other proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of Valley that has been threatened, or which Valley has reason to believe may be threatened, against or affecting any director, officer, employee, agent or representative of Valleynot employed by it or any of its Subsidiaries, in connection with which any such Person has reported evidence of a material violation of securities Laws, breach of fiduciary duty or may have rights to be indemnifiedsimilar violation by Valleyit or any of its Subsidiaries. In addition thereto, neither Valley norofficers or directors to the Parent Board or any committee thereof or to any of its Subsidiaries is subjectdirectors or officers.

5.17Related Party Transactions. Except as Previously Disclosed, for ordinary course bank deposit and except for compensation arrangements of the type available to any ceasedirectors and desist or consent order or directive or a party to any written agreement or memorandumemployees of understanding with any Governmental Entity that restricts the conduct of its business, or in any manner relates to its business, capital adequacy, credit or compliance policiesParent or its management.

3.16Material Contracts.

(a) Section 3.16Subsidiaries generally, there are no transactions or series of the Valley Disclosure Schedule lists each agreement, contract, arrangement, commitmentrelated transactions, agreements, arrangements or understanding (whether writtenunderstandings, nor are there any currently proposed transactions or oral) to which Valleyseries of related transactions, between Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, is a party to, bound byon the one hand, and any current or subject to (each, a “Material Contract”): (i) that is a “material contract” within the meaningformer director or officer of Item 601(b)(10) of the SEC’s Regulation S-K; (ii) that contains a non-compete or client or customer non-solicit requirement or any other provisions that restricts the conduct of, or the manner of conducting, any line of business of Valley, VBB or any of their respective Affiliates (or, upon consummation of the Merger or the Bank Merger, of the Surviving Corporation, Citizens Business Bank or any of their respective Affiliates); (iii) that obligates Valley, VBB or any of their respective Affiliates (or, upon consummation of the Merger, of CVB, Citizens Business Bank or any of their respective Affiliates) to conduct business with any third party on an exclusive or preferential basis; (iv) that requires referrals of business or requires ValleyParent or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective Affiliates to make available investment opportunities to any Person on a priority or exclusive basis; (v) that relates to the incurrence of indebtedness by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries (other than deposit liabilities, trade payables, federal funds purchased, advances and loans from the Federal Reserve or the Federal Home Loan Bank and securities sold under agreements to repurchase, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) including any sale and leaseback transactions, capitalized leases and other similar financing transactions; (vi) that grants any right of first refusal, right of first offer or similar right with respect to any assets, rights or properties of Valley or any of its Subsidiaries; (vii) that limits the payment of dividends by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries; (viii) that relates to a joint venture,

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partnership, limited liability company agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement with any third party, or to the formation, creation or operation, management or control of any partnership or joint venture with any third parties, except in each case that relate to merchant banking investments by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business; (ix) that relates to an acquisition, divestiture, merger or similar transaction and which contains representations, covenants, indemnities or other obligations (including indemnification, “earn-out” or other contingent obligations) that are still in effect; (x) that provideswho beneficially owns (which, for payments to be made by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries or any of its successors upon or as a result of a change in control thereof (“Change of Control Payments”); (xi) that was not negotiated and entered into on an arm’s-length basis; (xii) that provides for the guarantee or indemnification by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries of any Person, except for contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business providing for customary and immaterial indemnification; (xiii) that is a consulting agreement or data processing, software programming or licensing contract involving the payment of more than $50,000 per annum (other than any such contracts which are terminable by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries on 60 days or less notice without any required payment or other conditions, other than the condition of notice); (xiv) that grants to a Person any right in Valley Owned Intellectual Property or grants to Valley or any of its Subsidiaries a license to Valley Licensed Intellectual Property (excluding licenses to shrink-wrap or click-wrap software), in each case that involves the payment or more than $50,000 per annum or is material to the conduct of the businesses of Valley or any of its Subsidiaries; (xv) to which any Affiliate, officer, director, employee or consultant of such party or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or beneficiary; (xvi) that would prevent, materially delay or materially impede Valley’s ability to consummate the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby any of its Subsidiaries’ ability to consummate the Bank Merger; (xvii) that contains a put, call or similar right pursuant to which Valley or any of its Subsidiaries could be required to purchase or sell, as applicable, any equity interests of any Person or assets; (xviii) that involves the payment, on a one-time basis or over the life of the term of the agreement, of $50,000 or more or is more than one year of in length and is not terminable by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries without penalty; (xix) any other agreement of any other kind which involves future payments or receipts or performances of services or delivery of items requiring payment of $50,000 or more to or by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries or is not terminable without penalty, other than payments made under or pursuant to loan agreements, participation agreements and other agreements for the extension of credit, each in the ordinary course of their business; or (xx) that is otherwise not entered into in the ordinary course of business or that is material to Valley or its financial condition or results of operations on a consolidated basis. Valley has Previously Disclosed true, correct and complete copies of each Material Contract.

(b) (i) Each Material Contract is a valid and legally binding agreement of Valley or a Subsidiary of Valley, as the case may be, and, to the Knowledge of Valley, the counterparty or counterparties thereto, is enforceable in accordance with its terms (subject to the Enforceability Exceptions) and is in full force and effect, (ii) Valley and each of its Subsidiaries has duly performed all obligations required to be performed by it prior to the date hereof under each Material Contract, (iii) neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any counterparty or counterparties, is in breach of any provision of any Material Contract, and (iv) no event or condition exists that constitutes, after notice or lapse of time or both, will constitute, a breach, violation or default on the part of Valley or any of its Subsidiaries under any such Material Contract or provide any party thereto with the right to terminate such Material Contract. Section 3.16(b) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of (x) all Material Contracts pursuant to which consents or waivers are or may be required and (y) all notices which are required to be given, in each case, prior to the performance by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries of this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby.

3.17Environmental Matters. (a) Valley and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance, and has at all times in the past complied, in all material respects with any federal, state or local Law, regulation, order, decree, permit, authorization, common Law or agency requirement relating to: (i) the protection or restoration of the environment, health and safety as it relates to hazardous substance handling or exposure or the protection of natural resources; (ii) the handling, use, presence, disposal, release or threatened release of, or exposure to, any hazardous substance; or (iii) noise, odor, wetlands, indoor air, pollution, contamination or any injury to Persons or property from exposure to any Hazardous Substance (collectively, “Environmental Laws”); (b) there are no

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proceedings, claims, actions, or, to the Knowledge of Valley, investigations of any kind, pending, or threatened, by any Person, court, agency, or other Governmental Entity or any arbitral body, against Valley or any of its Subsidiaries relating to liability under any Environmental Law and, to the Knowledge of Valley, there is no reasonable basis for any such proceeding, claim, action or investigation; (c) there are no agreements, orders, judgments or decrees by or with any court, regulatory agency or other Governmental Entity, or any agreements, indemnities or settlements with any Person that impose any liabilities or obligations under, relating to or in respect of any Environmental Law; (d) to Knowledge of Valley, there are, and have been, no releases of any hazardous substances, wastes or other environmental conditions at any property (currently or formerly owned, operated, or otherwise used by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries) under circumstances which could reasonably be expected to result in liability to or claims against Valley or any of its Subsidiaries relating to any Environmental Law; and (e) there are no reasonably anticipated future events, conditions, circumstances, practices, plans or legal requirements (in each case of Valley or any of its Subsidiaries) that could reasonably be expected to give rise to obligations or liabilities under any Environmental Law. Valley has made available to CVB all asbestos surveys and reports, mold surveys and reports, lead surveys and reports, reports on environmental exposure, underground tank removal reports and Phase I and Phase II environmental reports (environmental assessments) during the past five years with respect to any properties owned or leased by it any of its Subsidiaries. For purposes of this Agreement, “Hazardous Substance” shall include, but is not limited to, (i)be as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Exchange Act) five percent (5%) or more of the Parent Common Stock (or any petroleumof such Person’s immediate family members or petroleum products, natural gas, or natural gas products, radioactive materials, asbestos, mold, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, transformers orAffiliates) (other than Subsidiaries of Parent ) on the other equipment that contains dielectric fluid containing levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and radon gas; (ii) any chemicals, materials, waste or substances defined as or included in the definition of “hazardous substances,” “hazardous wastes,” “hazardous materials,” “extremely hazardous wastes,” “restricted hazardous wastes,” “toxic substances,” “toxic pollutants,” “contaminants,” or “pollutants,” or words of similar import, under any Environmental Laws; and (iii) any other chemical, material, waste or substance which is in any way regulated as hazardous or toxic by any federal, state or local government authority, agency or instrumentality, including mixtures thereof with other materials, and including any regulated building materials, such as asbestos and lead.hand.

3.18Taxes. Valley5.18 Taxes.

(a) Parent and each of its Subsidiaries (i) have prepared in good faith and duly and timely filed (taking into account any extension of time within which to file) all Tax Returns (as defined below) required to be filed by any of them and all such filed Tax Returns are true, complete and accurate; andaccurate in all material respects; (ii) have paid in full all Taxes (as defined below) that are required to be paid or that Valley is obligated to withholdmade adequate provision in the financial statements of Parent; (iii) have withheld from amounts owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor or third party except with respectall amounts that Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to matters contested in good faithhave withheld and have timely paid such withheld amounts to the relevant Tax authority; and (iv) have disclosed and reserved for which adequate reserves have been established and reflected on the financial statements of Valley. Noneany uncertain Tax positions.

(b) To Parent’s Knowledge, none of the Tax Returns of Parent or mattersany of its Subsidiaries are currently under any audit, suit, proceeding, examination or assessment by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or the relevant state, local or foreign Tax authority and Valleyneither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has not received written notice from any Tax authority that an audit, suit, proceeding, examination or assessment in respect of such Tax Returns or matters pertaining to Taxes are pending or threatened.

(c) No deficiencies for any Taxes have been asserted or assessments made against ValleyParent or any of its Subsidiaries that have not been paid or resolved in full. Since December 31, 2011, noNo claim has been made in writing during the past five (5) years against ValleyParent or any of its Subsidiaries by any Tax authorities in a jurisdiction where such ValleyParent or any such Subsidiary, as the case may be,its Subsidiaries does not file Tax Returns that ValleyParent or any of its Subsidiaries is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction. None of Valley or any of its Subsidiaries is, and during the past five years neither Valley

(d) Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has evergranted any waiver, extension or comparable consent regarding the application of the statute of limitations with respect to Taxes or Tax Return that has not expired, nor has any request for any such waiver or consent been made with respect to any statute of limitations that has not since expired.

(e) Parent is not, and during the past five (5) years has never been, a “United States real property holding corporation” within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code.

(f) No liensLiens for Taxes exist with respect to any of the assets of ValleyParent or any of its Subsidiaries, except for liensLiens for Taxes not yet due and payable or that are under good faith contest as disclosed on Section 3.18 of the Valley Disclosure Schedule.payable.

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(g) Neither ValleyParent nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any closing agreements, private letter rulings, technical advice memoranda or similar agreement or rulings with any Tax authority, nor have any been issued by any Tax authority, in each case that have any continuing effect after the Closing Date.authority.

(h) Neither ValleyParent nor any of its Subsidiaries (A) is or has ever been a member of an affiliated, combined, consolidated or unitary Tax group for purposes of filing any Tax Return, other than for purposes of filing,an affiliated, combined, consolidated or unitary Tax Returns, a group of which ValleyParent is or was the common parent, (B) has any liability for Taxes of any Person (other than Parent or any of its Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law) other than Taxes of members of the consolidated

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group of which Valley is the common parent,Law), as a transferee or successor, by Contract or otherwise, (C) is a party to or bound by any Tax sharing or allocation agreement or has any other current or potential material contractual obligation to indemnify any other Person (other than Parent or any of its Subsidiaries) with respect to Taxes, other than Taxes of members of the consolidated group of which Valley is the common parent, (D) has, or has ever had, a permanent establishment in any country other than the country of its organization, or (E) has granted to any Person any power of attorney that is currently in force with respect to any Tax matter.

(i) None of Valley,Parent, any of its Subsidiaries, noror any person actPerson acting on their behalf has applied for, been granted, or agreed or isto any accounting method change for which it will be required to maketake into account any adjustments after the Closing Date pursuant to Section 481(a) of the Code or(or any similar provisions of state, local or foreign LawLaw) after the Closing Date, nor will Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (or their successor by reasonmerger) be required to take into account income after the Effective Time any items economically realized prior to the Effective Time.

(j) Parent and each of a changeits Subsidiaries have complied in accounting method. To the Knowledge of Valley, no taxingall material respects with all requirements to report information for Tax purposes to any individual or Tax authority, has proposedand have collected and maintained all material certifications and documentation in valid and complete form with respect to any such adjustment, nor is any application pending with any taxing authority requesting permission for any changes in accounting methods that relate to its business or operations.reporting obligation, including, without limitation, valid IRS Forms W-8 and W-9.

(k) Neither ValleyParent nor any of its Subsidiaries has participated in any “listed“reportable transactions” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b). Valley has made available to CVB true and correct copies

(l) None of the United States federal income Tax Returns filed by Valley and each ofParent or its Subsidiaries for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Valley has not been a “distributing corporation” or “controlled corporation” (i) in any distribution occurring during the last 30 months that was purported or intended to be governed by Section 355 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law) or (ii) in any distribution that could otherwise constitute part of a “plan” or “series of related transactions” (within the meaning of Section 355(e) of the Code) of which the Mergers areMerger is a part. As used in this Agreement, (i) the term “Tax” (including, with correlative meaning, the term “Taxes”) includes all United States federal, state, local and foreign income, profits, franchise, gross receipts, environmental, customs duty, capital stock, severances, stamp, payroll, sales, employment, unemployment, disability, use, property, withholding, excise, production, value added, occupancy and other taxes, duties or assessments of any nature whatsoever, together with all interest, penalties and additions imposed with respect to such amounts and any interest in respect of such penalties and additions, and (ii) the term “Tax Return” includes all returns and reports (including elections, declarations, disclosures, schedules, estimates and information returns) required to be supplied to a Tax authority relating to Taxes.

3.19Reorganization. Neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken or agreed to take any action, and is not aware of any fact or circumstance, that would prevent or impede, or could reasonably be expected to prevent or impede, the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

3.20Intellectual Property5.19ParentEmployee Benefit Plans.

(a) Valley andWith respect to each employee benefit plan, program, policy, practice, Contract, or other arrangement providing benefits to any current or former employee, officer or director of its Subsidiaries (A) solely owns (beneficially, and of record where applicable), free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Encumbrances and non-exclusive licenses entered into in the ordinary course of business, all right, title and interest in and to its respective Valley Owned Intellectual Property, and (B) to the Knowledge of Valley, has valid and sufficient rights and licenses to all of Valley Licensed Intellectual Property. Valley Owned Intellectual Property is subsisting and, to the Knowledge of Valley, valid and enforceable.

(b) To the Knowledge of Valley, the operations of Valley and each of its Subsidiaries as presently conducted (including, for avoidance of doubt, Valley’s and its Subsidiaries’ use of Valley Licensed Intellectual Property) do not infringe, dilute, misappropriate or otherwise violate the Intellectual Property rights of any third Person, and no Person has asserted in writing that ValleyParent or any of its Subsidiaries has infringed, diluted, misappropriated or otherwise violated any third Person’s Intellectual Property rights. To the Knowledge of Valley, no third Person has infringed, diluted, misappropriated or otherwise violated any of Valley’s(including Citizens) or any of its Subsidiaries’ rights in Valley Owned Intellectual Property.

(c) Valley has taken reasonable measures to protect (A) its rights in its Valley Owned Intellectual Property and (B) the confidentiality of all Trade Secrets that are owned, usedbeneficiary or held by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries and to the Knowledge of Valley, such Trade Secrets have not been used, disclosed to or discovered by any Person except pursuant to appropriate non-disclosure agreements which have not been breached. To the Knowledge of Valley, no Person has gained unauthorized access to Valley’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ IT Assets since January 1, 2012.

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(d) Valley’s IT Assets operate and perform substantially as required by Valley and each of its Subsidiaries in connection with their respective businesses and have not materially malfunctioned or failed within the past two years. Valley and each of its Subsidiaries have implemented reasonable backup, security and disaster recovery technology and procedures consistent with industry best practices. Valley and each of its Subsidiaries are each compliant with all applicable Laws, rules and regulations, and their own privacy policies and commitments to their respective customers, consumers and employees, concerning data protection and the privacy and security of personal data and the nonpublic personal information of their respective customers, consumers and employees.

(e) For purposes of this Agreement,

(i) “Intellectual Property” means any and all: (i) trademarks, service marks, brand names, collective marks, Internet domain names, logos, symbols, slogans, designs and other indicia of origin, together with all translations, adaptations, derivations and combinationsdependent thereof all applications, registrations and renewals for the foregoing, and all goodwill associated therewith and symbolized thereby; (ii) patents and patentable inventions (whether or not reduced to practice), all improvements thereto, and all invention disclosures and applications therefor, together with all divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part, revisions, renewals, extensions, reexaminations and reissues in connection therewith; (iii) confidential proprietary business information, trade secrets and know-how, including processes, schematics, business and other methods, technologies, techniques, protocols, formulae, drawings, prototypes, models, designs, unpatentable discoveries and inventions (“Trade Secrets”); (iv) copyrights in published and unpublished works of authorship (including databases and other compilations of information), and all registrations and applications therefor, and all renewals, extensions, restorations and reversions thereof; and (v) other intellectual property rights.

(ii) “IT Assets” means, with respect to any Person, the computers, computer software, firmware, middleware, servers, workstations, routers, hubs, switches, data, data communications lines, and all other information technology equipment, and all associated documentation owned by such Person or such Person’s Subsidiaries.

(iii) “Valley Licensed Intellectual Property” means the Intellectual Property owned by third Persons that is used insponsored or necessary for the operation of the respective businesses of Valley and each of its Subsidiaries as presently conducted.

(iv) “Valley Owned Intellectual Property” means Intellectual Property owned or purported to be ownedmaintained by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries.

3.21Properties.

(a) Valley and each of its Subsidiaries (a) has good and insurable title to all the properties and assets owned by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, including, but not limited to, any automated teller machines (the “Valley Owned Properties”), free and clear of all Liens of any nature whatsoever, except (i) statutory Liens securing payments not yet due, (ii) Liens for real property Taxes not yet due and payable, (iii) easements, rights of way, and other similar encumbrances that do not adversely affect the value or affect the use of the properties or assets subject thereto or affected thereby or otherwise impair business operations at such properties as bank facilities and (iv) such imperfections or irregularities of title or Liens as do not materially affect the use of the properties or assets subject thereto or affected thereby or otherwise materially impair business operations at such properties (collectively, “Permitted Encumbrances”), and (b) is the lessee or subleassee of all leaseholds leased or subleased by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries (the “Valley LeasedProperties” and, collectively with the Valley Owned Properties, the “Valley Real Property”), free and clear of all Liens of any nature whatsoever, except for Permitted Encumbrances, and is in possession of the properties purported to be leased thereunder, and each such lease is valid without default thereunder by the lessee or subleassee or, to the Knowledge of Valley, the lessor. Neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries owns, or is in the

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process of foreclosing (whether by judicial process or by power of sale) or otherwise in the process of acquiring title to, except pursuant to foreclosures which are pending in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, any real property or premises on the date hereof in whole or in part. Section 3.21(a)-(a) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule contains a complete and correct list of all the Valley Owned Properties. Section 3.21(a)-(b) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule contains a complete and correct list of all Valley Leased Properties and together with a list of all applicable leases or subleases and the name of the lessor or sublessor (each, a “Lease”).

(b) All buildings, structures, improvements and fixtures on the Valley Real Property and the equipment located thereon are in good operating condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and conform to all applicable Laws. All tangible properties of Valley or any of its Subsidiaries that are material to the business, financial condition, results of operations of Valley and each of its Subsidiaries are in a good state of maintenance and repair, except for ordinary wear and tear, and are adequate for the conduct of the business of Valley and each of its Subsidiaries as presently conducted.

(c) To the Knowledge of Valley, the buildings, driveways and all other structures and improvements upon the Valley Owned Properties are all within the boundary lines of such property or have the benefit of valid easements and there are no encroachments thereon that would affect the use thereof. To the Knowledge of Valley, there are no outstanding requirements or recommendations by any insurance company that has issued a policy covering the Valley Owned Properties, or by any board of fire underwriters or other body exercising similar functions, requiring or recommending any repairs or work to be done on any such property.

(d) Each of the leases for the Valley Leased Property is valid and existing and in full force and effect, and no party thereto is in default and no notice of a claim of default by any party has been delivered to ValleyParent or any of its Subsidiaries or is now pending, and there does not exist any event that with notice or the passing of time, or both, would constitute a default or excuse performance by any party thereto,provided that with respect to matters relating to any party other than Valleywhich Parent or any of its Subsidiaries contributes or is obligated to contribute, including, without limitation, any employee welfare benefit plan within the foregoing representationmeaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA, and any employee pension benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA (whether or not such plan is based onsubject to ERISA) and any equity purchase plan, option, equity bonus, phantom equity or other equity plan, profit sharing, bonus, retirement (including compensation, pension, health, medical or life insurance benefits), employment agreement, deferred compensation, excess benefit, incentive compensation, severance, change in control or termination pay, hospitalization or other medical or dental, life or other insurance (including any self-insured arrangements), supplemental unemployment, salary continuation, sick leave or other leave of absence benefits, short- or long-term disability, or vacation benefits plan or any other agreement or policy or other arrangement providing employee benefits, employment-related compensation, fringe benefits or other benefits (whether qualified or nonqualified, funded or unfunded) (each a “Parent Benefit Plan”), Parent and its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects, and are now in substantial compliance with all provisions of ERISA, the Knowledge of Valley.

(e) AsCode and all Laws and regulations applicable to Valleysuch Parent Benefit Plans, and each Parent Benefit

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Plan has been administered in all material respects in accordance with its terms. All contributions required to be made prior to the date hereof to any Parent Benefit Plan by applicable Law or regulation or by any plan document or other contractual undertaking, and all premiums due and payable prior to the date hereof with respect to insurance policies funding any Parent Benefit Plan, have been timely made or paid in full. Except as would not reasonably be expected to result in any liability to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, none ofthere are no pending or threatened claims (other than routine claims for benefits in the Valley Real Property hasordinary course), lawsuits or arbitrations which have been condemnedasserted, threatened or otherwise taken by any Governmental Entityinstituted, and to the Knowledge of Valley,Parent, no condemnationset of circumstances exists which may reasonably give rise to a claim or takinglawsuit against the Parent Benefit Plans, any fiduciaries thereof with respect to their duties to the Parent Benefit Plans or the assets of any of the trusts under any of the Parent Benefit Plans.

(b) No Parent Benefit Plan is threateneda Multiemployer Plan or contemplateda Multiple Employer Plan; (ii) none of Parent and its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective ERISA Affiliates has, at any time during the last six years, contributed to or been obligated to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan; (iii) none thereofof Parent and its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective ERISA Affiliates has incurred any Withdrawal Liability that has not been satisfied in full; and (iv) no Parent Benefit Plan is subject to any claim, contractTitle IV or Law which might adversely affect its useSection 302 of ERISA or value for the purposes now made of it. To the Knowledge of Valley, noneto Sections 412 or 430 of the premises or propertiesCode. None of Valley or any ofParent and its Subsidiaries is subject tohas any current interests of third partiesliability for life, health, medical or other restrictionswelfare benefits to former employees or limitations that would impairbeneficiaries or be inconsistent with the current use of such propertydependents thereof, except for health continuation coverage as required by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries.

(f) Valley has delivered to CVB true, accurate and complete copies of eachSection 4980B of the followingCode or Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA and at no expense to the extent in the possessionParent and its Subsidiaries and except for long-term or control of Valleyshort-term disability plans and in any way related to any of the Valley Real Property: (i) title commitments together with legible copies of all underlying exceptions, (ii) title policies, (iii) environmental reports, (iv) zoning reports and zoning letters, and (v) licenses and permits.severance arrangements.

(g) Since January 1, 2015, VBB has not applied for or received permission to open any additional branch or operate at any other location.

3.225.20Insurance. Section 3.22 of the Valley Disclosure Schedule lists all insurance policies and bonds maintained by Valley and each of its Subsidiaries. Except as set forth on Section 3.22 of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, (i) ValleyPreviously Disclosed, (a) Parent and each of its Subsidiaries is, and at all times within five (5) years hereof each has been, insured with insurers and has insurance coverage adequate to insure against all risks normally insured against by companies in similar businesses and of comparable size, (ii)reasonably consistent with industry practice, (b) neither ValleyParent nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default under any policy of insurance or bond such that it could be cancelled, and all such insurance policies and bonds maintained by Valley and eachParent or any of its Subsidiaries are in full force and effect and, except for expirations in the ordinary course, will remain so through and after the Closing, and (iii) Valley(c) Parent and each of its Subsidiaries

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have has filed claims with, or given notice of claims to, its insurers with respect to all material matters and occurrences for which it believes it has coverage. Valley has furnished CVB with true and correct copies

5.21 Reorganization. To Parent’s Knowledge, none of all insurance policies and bonds identified on Section 3.22 of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, including all amendments and supplements thereto.

3.23Accounting and Internal Controls.

(a) The records, systems, controls, data and information of Valley and its Subsidiaries are recorded, stored, maintained and operated under means (including any electronic, mechanical or photographic process, whether computerized or not) that are under the exclusive ownership and direct control of Valley or accountants (including all means of access thereto and therefrom). Valley has devised and maintain internal control over financial reporting (within the meaning of Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Such internal control over financial reporting is effective in providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and includes policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of Valley, (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of Valley are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of Valley, and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Valley’s assets that could have a material effect on its financial statements. Valley has Previously Disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation prior to the date hereof, to its auditors and the audit committee of its Board of Directors: (A) any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting and (B) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in its internal controls over financial reporting.

(b) Since January 1, 2013, (A) neither Valley nor, to the Knowledge of Valley, any director, officer, auditor, accountant or representative of ValleyParent or any of its Subsidiaries has received or otherwise had or obtained knowledge of any material complaint, allegation, assertion or written claim regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods (including with respect to loan loss reserves, write-downs, charge-offs and accruals) of Valley or any of its Subsidiaries or its respective internal accounting controls, including any material complaint, allegation, assertion or written claim that Valley or any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices, and (B) no attorney representing Valley or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or not employed by it, has reported evidence of a material violation of securities Laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by it or any of its officers or directors to its board of directors or any committee thereof or to any of its directors or officers.

3.24Derivatives. Except as set forth in Section 3.24 of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to nor has agreed to enter into an exchange-traded or over-the-counter equity, interest rate, foreign exchange or other swap, forward, future, option, cap, floor or collar or any other contract that is not included on the balance sheet and is a derivative contract (including various combinations thereof) or owns securities that are referred to generically as “structured notes,” “high risk mortgage derivatives,” “capped floating rate notes,” or “capped floating rate mortgage derivatives” (each, a “Derivative Transaction”). All Derivative Transactions, whether entered into for the account of Valley or any of its Subsidiaries or for the account of a customer of Valley or any of its Subsidiaries, were entered into in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with prudent banking practice and applicable Laws and other policies, practices, and procedures employed by Valley and each of its Subsidiaries is and with counterparties believed to be financially responsible at the time, and are legal, valid and binding obligations of Valley or any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, enforceable against it in accordance with their terms (except as such enforcement may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions). Valley and each of its Subsidiaries have duly performed in all material respects all of its obligations thereunder to the extent required, and, to Knowledge of Valley, there are no breaches, violations or defaults or allegations or assertions of such by any party thereunder. The financial position of

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Valley on a consolidated basis under or with respect to each such Derivative Transaction has been reflected in all material respects in the books and records of Valley in accordance with GAAP.

3.25Loan Matters.

(a) Each loan, loan agreement, note or borrowing arrangement (including leases, credit enhancements, commitments, guarantees and interest-bearing assets) in which Valley or any of its Subsidiaries is a creditor (collectively, “Loans”) currently outstanding (i) is evidenced by notes, agreements or other evidences of indebtedness that are true, genuine and what they purport to be, (ii) to the extent secured, has been secured by valid Liens which have been perfected and (iii) to the Knowledge of Valley, is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor named therein, enforceable in accordance with its terms (subject to the Enforceability Exceptions). The notes or other credit or security documents with respect to each such outstanding Loan were in compliance with all applicable Laws at the time of origination or purchase by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries.

(b) Each outstanding Loan was solicited and originated, and is and has been administered and, where applicable, serviced, and the relevant Loan files are being maintained in accordance with the relevant notes or other credit or security documents and Valley’s written underwriting standards, in each case with all applicable requirements of applicable Law and government programs.

(c) None of the agreements pursuant to which Valley or any of its Subsidiaries has sold or is servicing (i) Loans or pools of Loans or (ii) participations in Loans or pools of Loans contains any obligation to repurchase such Loans or interests therein or to pursue any other form of recourse against Valley.

(d) Valley has Previously Disclosed to CVB all claims for repurchases by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries of Loans that were sold to third parties by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries that are outstanding or threatened (in writing), in each case, as of the date hereof or the Closing Date.

(e) Section 3.25(e) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of (i) each Loan that as of August 31, 2016 and as of the fifth (5th) Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date (A) was contractually past due 90 days or more in the payment of principal and/or interest, (B) was on non-accrual status, (C) was classified as “substandard,” “doubtful,” “loss,” “classified,” “criticized,” “credit risk assets,” “concerned loans,” “watch list,” “impaired” or “special mention” (or words of similar import) by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Governmental Entity (D) a specific reserve allocation existed in connection therewith or (E) was required to be accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring in accordance with ASC 310-40, (ii) each Loan that as of August 31, 2016 and as of the fifth (5th) Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date had an outstanding balance and/or unfunded commitment of $25,000 or more and that as of such date as to which (A) a reasonable doubt exists as to the timely future collectability of principal and/or interest, whether or not interest is still accruing or the Loans are less than 90 days past due or (B) the interest rate terms have been reduced and/or the maturity dates have been extended subsequent to the agreement under which the Loan was originally created due to concerns regarding the borrower’s ability to pay in accordance with such initial terms, and (iii) each asset of Valley that as of August 31, 2016 and as of the fifth (5th) Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date was classified as “other real estate owned,” “other repossessed assets” or as an asset to satisfy Loans, and the book value thereof as of such date. For each loan identified in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence, Section 3.25(e) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule sets forth the outstanding balance, including accrued and unpaid interest, on each such Loan and the identity of the borrower thereunder as of August 31, 2016 and as of the fifth (5th) Business Day immediately preceding the Closing Date.

(f) Section 3.25(f) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of all Loans as of the date of this Agreement by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries to any directors, officers and principal shareholders (as such terms are defined in Regulation O of the Federal Reserve (12 C.F.R. Part 215) of Valley or any of its Subsidiaries. There are no employee, officer, director or other Affiliate Loans on which the borrower is paying a rate other than that reflected in the note or other relevant credit or security agreement or on which the borrower is paying a rate which was not in compliance with Regulation O, and all such Loans are and were originated in compliance with all applicable Laws.

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(g) Section 3.25(g) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of all Loans (i) providing for zero rate, 1.23% interest rate or any other below-market rate of interest or below-market fees or other “teaser” rates or fees or their equivalents, (ii) as to which Valley or VBB, as applicable, has waived its right to collect interest or (iii) providing for an interest rate that is not consistent with Valley’s or VBB’s, as applicable, written policies with respect to Loan pricing in effect as of the date of this Agreement.

(h) Neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries is now, nor has it ever been, since January 1, 2013 subject to any fine, suspension, settlement or other contract or other administrative agreement or sanction by, or any reduction in any loan purchase commitment from, any Governmental Entity or agency relating to the origination, sale or servicing of mortgage or consumer Loans or Loans guaranteed by any governmental agency.

(i) Since January 1, 2013, Valley and each of its Subsidiaries has complied with, and all documentation in connection with the origination, processing, underwriting and credit approval of any mortgage loan originated by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries satisfied: (1) all applicable Laws with respect to the origination, insuring, purchase, sale, pooling, servicing, subservicing, loan modification, loss mitigation or filing of claims in connection with such mortgage loans, including, to the extent applicable, all Laws relating to real estate settlement procedures, consumer credit protection, truth in lending Laws, usury limitations, fair housing, transfers of servicing, collection practices, equal credit opportunity and adjustable rate mortgages, in each case applicable as of the time of such origination, processing, underwriting or credit approval; (2) the responsibilities and obligations relating to such mortgage loans set forth in any agreement or understanding between Valley and any Agency, loan investor or insurer; (3) the applicable rules, regulations, guidelines, procedures, handbooks and other requirements of any Agency, loan investor or insurer, in each case applicable as of the time of such origination, processing, underwriting or credit approval; and (4) the terms and provisions of any mortgage or other collateral documents and other loan documents with respect to each such mortgage loan; in each case applicable as of the time of such origination, processing, underwriting or credit approval.

(j) Since January 1, 2013, no customer of Valley or any of its Subsidiaries has indicated in writing to Valley or any of its Subsidiaries that it has terminated or intends to terminate its relationship with Valley or any of its Subsidiaries for poor performance, poor loan service or concern with respect to Valley’s any of its Subsidiaries’ compliance with Laws.

(k) Since January 1, 2013, neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in, and, to the Knowledge of Valley, no third-party vendors (including outside law firms and other third-party foreclosure services providers) used by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in, directly or indirectly, (1) any foreclosures in violation of any applicable Law, including but not limited to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, or in breach of any binding Regulatory Agreement or (2) the conduct referred to as “robo-signing” or any other similar conduct of approving or notarizing documents relating to mortgage loans that do not comply with any applicable Law.

(l) Since January 1, 2013, neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries has foreclosed upon, managed or taken a deed or title to, any real estate (other than single-family residential properties) without complying with all applicable FDIC environmental due diligence standards (including FDIC Bulletin FIL-14-93, and update FIL-98-2006) or foreclosed upon, managed or taken a deed or title to, any such real estate if the environmental assessment indicates the liabilities under Environmental Laws are likely in excess of the asset’s value.

3.26Community Reinvestment Act Compliance. VBB is in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (“CRA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder and has received a CRA rating of “satisfactory” or higher in its most recently completed exam, and Valley has no Knowledge that VBB’s compliance under the CRA should constitute grounds for either the denial by any Governmental Entity of any application to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the imposition of a materially burdensome condition in connection with the approval of any such application, or the existence of any fact or circumstance or set of facts or circumstances which would reasonably be expected to result in VBB having its

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current rating lowered. Neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries has received a written notice from any third-party group representing community interests raising concerns or objections with respect to its policies or practices in its relations or practices with customers, vendors or clients.

3.27Bank Secrecy Act Compliance. Neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries has been advised of any supervisory concerns regarding its compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. §5322, et seq.) or related state or federal anti-money laundering Laws, including (i) those provisions of the United States Code providing penalties for the laundering of monetary instruments (18 U.S.C. §1956) or engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity (18 U.S.C. §1957) and (ii) any “Know Your Customer” regulations, guidelines or supervisory policies and examination requirements.

3.28Investment Securities. Except as set forth on Section 3.28 of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries has (a) held any Investment Securities on December 31, 2015, (b) has or acquired, sold or disposed of any Investment Security since December 31, 2015, or (c) has held any Investment Security until maturity since December 31, 2015. For purposes of this Agreement, “Investment Security” means any equity security or debt security as defined in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 320.

3.29Related Party Transactions. Except for Loans set forth in Section 3.25(f) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, for ordinary course bank deposit, trust and asset management services on arms’ length terms, and “compensation” as defined in Item 402 of the SEC’s Regulation S-K, there are no transactions or series of related transactions, agreements, arrangements or understandings, nor are there any currently proposed transactions or series of related transactions, between Valley or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any current or former director or “executive officer” (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) of Valley or any of its Subsidiaries or any Person who beneficially owns (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Exchange Act) 5% or more of Valley Common Stock (or any of such Person’s immediate family members or Affiliates) on the other hand.

3.30Operating Losses. Section 3.30 of the Valley Disclosure Schedule sets forth any Operating Loss (as defined below) that has occurred at Valley or any of its Subsidiaries during the period after December 31, 2015, to the date of this Agreement. Except as set forth on Section 3.30 of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, to its Knowledge, no event has occurred, and no action has been taken or omitted to be taken by any employee of Valley or any of its Subsidiaries that has resulted in the incurrence by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries of an Operating Loss or that might reasonably be expected to result in the incurrence by Valley or any of its Subsidiaries of an Operating Loss after the date hereof, which, net of any insurance proceeds payable in respect thereof, exceeds, or would exceed $25,000 individually or when aggregated with all other Operating Losses, $50,000 during such period. For purposes of this Agreement, “Operating Loss” means any individual loss resulting from cash shortages, lost or misposted items, disputed clerical and accounting errors, forged checks, payment of checks over stop payment orders, counterfeit money, wire transfers made in error, theft, robberies, defalcations, check kiting, fraudulent use of credit cards or electronic teller machines, civil money penalties, fines, litigation, claims, arbitration awards or other similar acts or occurrences

3.31Employee and Labor Matters.

(a) Section 3.31(a) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule contains a complete and correct list, as of the date of this Agreement, of the name of each employee, job description, job location, title, current annual base salary, other compensation and wage and hour exemption status of Valley and each of its Subsidiaries and a summary of all Contracts or commitments by Valley to increase the compensation or to modify the conditions or terms of employment including all agreements regarding Change of Control Payments. All persons who have been treated as independent contractors by Valley for tax purposes have met the criteria to be so treated under applicable Law.

(b) Neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries is, nor at any time since January 1, 2013 were either of them, a party to or bound by any labor or collective bargaining agreement and, to the Knowledge of Valley, there

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are no organizational campaigns, petitions or other activities or proceedings of any labor union, workers’ council or labor organization seeking recognition of a collective bargaining unit with respect to, or otherwise attempting to represent, any of the employees of Valley or any of its Subsidiaries or compel Valley or any of its Subsidiaries to bargain with any such labor union, workers’ council or labor organization. There are no labor related controversies, strikes, slowdowns, walkouts or other work stoppages pending or, to the Knowledge of Valley, threatened (in writing) and neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries has experienced any such labor related controversy, strike, slowdown, walkout or other work stoppage since January 1, 2012. Neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, or otherwise bound by, any consent decree with, or citation by, any Governmental Entity relating to employees or employment practices. Valley and each of its Subsidiaries is in material compliance with all applicable Laws relating to labor, employment, termination of employment or similar matters, including but not limited to Laws relating to discrimination, disability, classification of workers, labor relations, hours of work, payment of wages and overtime wages, pay equity, immigration, workers compensation, working conditions, employee scheduling, occupational safety and health, family and medical leave, and employee terminations, and has not engaged in any unfair labor practices or similar prohibited practices. Except as set forth in Section 3.31(b) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, there are no complaints, lawsuits, arbitrations, administrative proceedings, or other proceedings of any nature pending or, to the Knowledge of Valley, threatened against Valley brought by or on behalf of any applicant for employment, any current or former employee, any Person alleging to be a current or former employee, any class of the foregoing, or any Governmental Entity, relating to any such Law, or alleging breach of any express or implied contract of employment, wrongful termination of employment, or alleging any other discriminatory, wrongful or tortious conduct in connection with the employment relationship.

(c) No executive or group of employees has informed Valley of his, her or their intent to terminate employment.

(d) No Person has claimed, or to Knowledge of Valley has valid reason to claim, that any employee or former employee of Valley (i) is in violation of any material term of any employment agreement, confidentiality agreement, non-competition agreement or any restrictive covenant with such Person; (ii) has improperly disclosed or utilized any trade secret, confidential or proprietary information or documentation belonging to such Person in connection with their employment; or (iii) has interfered in the employment relationship with such Person and any of its present or former employees in violation of any Law or enforceable agreement between such Person and the applicable employee.

(e) Valley has made available to CVB prior to the date of this Agreement a copy of all material written policies and procedures related to the employees of Valley and each of its Subsidiaries and a written description of all material unwritten policies and procedures related to the employees of Valley and each of its Subsidiaries.

(f) All employees of Valley and each of its Subsidiaries are authorized to work in the United States of America and a Form I-9 has been properly completed and retained with regard to each such employee.

3.32Trust Matters. Neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries exercises any trust powers, including, but not limited to, trust administration, and neither it nor any predecessor has exercised such trust powers for a period from and after January 1, 2013. The term “trusts” as used in this Section 3.32 includes (i) any and all common-law or other trusts between an individual, corporation or other entities and Valley and each of its Subsidiaries or a predecessor, as trustee or co-trustee, including, any pension or other qualified or nonqualified employee benefit plans, compensation, testamentary, inter vivos, and charitable trust indentures; (ii) any and all decedents’ estates where Valley or any of its Subsidiaries, or a predecessor is serving or has served as a co-executor or sole executor, personal representative or administrator, administrator de bonis non, administrator de bonis non with will annexed, or in any similar fiduciary capacity; (iii) any and all guardianships, conservatorships or similar positions where Valley or any of its Subsidiaries, or a predecessor is serving or has served as a co-grantor or a sole grantor or a conservator or co-conservator of the estate, or in any similar fiduciary capacity; and (iv) any and all agency and/or custodial accounts and/or similar arrangements, including plan administrator for employee

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benefit accounts, under which Valley or any of its Subsidiaries, or a predecessor is serving or has served as an agent or custodian for the owner or other party establishing the account with or without investment authority.

3.33Information Technology; Security & Privacy. All information technology and computer systems and services (including software, information technology and telecommunication hardware and other equipment) relating to the transmission, storage, maintenance, organization,presentation, generation, processing or analysis of data and information, whether or not in electronic format, used in or necessary to the conduct of Valley’s business on a consolidated basis (collectively, “Valley IT Systems”) have been properly maintained by technically competent personnel, in accordance with standards set by the manufacturers or otherwise in accordance with standards prudent in the industry (including strong passwords), to ensure proper operation, monitoring and use. Valley IT Systems are in material compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines as required by applicable Law. Valley has commercially reasonable disaster recovery plans, procedures and facilities for its business and has taken commercially reasonable steps to safeguard Valley IT Systems. Valley IT Systems are in good working condition to effectively perform all information technology operations necessary to conduct consolidated business. Neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries has experienced since January 1, 2012 any material disruption to, or material interruption in, its conduct of its business attributable to a defect, bug, breakdown, cyber or security breach or other failure or deficiency of Valley IT Systems. Each of Valley and its Subsidiaries has taken reasonable measures to provide for the backup and recovery of the data and information necessary to the conduct of its businesses (including such data and information that is stored on magnetic or optical media in the ordinary course) without material disruption to, or material interruption in, the conduct of their respective businesses. Neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries, is in breach of any material contract related to any Valley IT Systems. To the Knowledge of Valley, Valley and each of its Subsidiaries has at all times complied in all material respects with all applicable legal requirements (including but not limited to all regulatory standards and guidelines) relating to privacy, data protection and the collection and use of personal information gathered or accessed in the course of the operations of Valley and each of its Subsidiaries. Valley and each of its Subsidiaries has at all times complied in all material respects with all rules, policies and procedures established by Valley and its Subsidiaries, as applicable, from time to time with respect to the foregoing. No claims are pending and, to its Knowledge, no claims have been asserted or threatened against Valley or any of its Subsidiaries or are likely to be asserted or threatened against Valley or any of its Subsidiaries by any Person alleging a violation of such Person’s privacy, personal or confidentiality rights under any such Laws, policies or procedures. The consummation of the Merger, the Bank Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby will not breach or otherwise cause any violation of any such Laws, policies or procedures. With respect to all personal information described herein, Valley and each of its Subsidiaries has each taken all steps reasonably necessary (including implementing and monitoring compliance with measures with respect to technical and physical security) to protect the information in a manner consistent with the Laws, policies or procedures referred to herein. To the Knowledge of Valley, there has been no unauthorized access to or other misuse of that information.

3.34Accuracy and Completeness of Information Furnished. The representations and warranties made by Valley hereby or any other document delivered pursuant to the terms of this Agreement contain no statements of material fact which are untrue or misleading, or omit to state any material fact which is necessary under the circumstances to prevent the statements contained herein or therein from being misleading. Valley represents and warrants to CVB that the statements contained in this Article III are true, correct and complete as of the date of this Agreement, subject to and as qualified by the Valley Disclosure Schedule. The Valley Disclosure Schedule and the contents thereof including all documents delivered or provided in connection therewith, shall be confidential in accordance with Section 6.3(c) of this Agreement. Valley has made a good faith effort to ensure that the disclosure on each schedule of the Valley Disclosure Schedule corresponds to the section referenced herein. However, for purposes of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, any item disclosed on any schedule therein is deemed to be similarly disclosed with respect to all schedules under which such item may be relevant as and to the extent that it is reasonably clear on the face of such schedule that such item applies to such other schedule.

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ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CVB

Except as Previously Disclosed, CVB hereby represents and warrants to Valley as follows:

4.1Corporate Organization.

(a) CVB is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of California. Citizens Business Bank is a commercial bank duly formed and validly existing under the Laws of the State of California. Each of CVB and Citizens Business Bank has the requisite corporate power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, and except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on CVB, is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary. CVB is duly registered as a bank holding company under the BHC Act.

(b) True, complete and correct copies of the articles of incorporation of CVB (the “CVB Articles”) and bylaws of CVB (the “CVB Bylaws”), as in effect as of the date of this Agreement, have previously been publicly filed by CVB and made available to Valley. The CVB Articles and CVB Bylaws made available to Valley are in full force and effect.

(c) Citizens Business Bank (i) is duly incorporated validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization and (ii) has the requisite corporate (or similar) power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and, except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on CVB, is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary. The deposit accounts of Citizens Business Bank are insured by the FDIC through the Deposit Insurance Fund to the fullest extent permitted by Law, all premiums and assessments required to be paid in connection therewith have been paid when due, and no proceedings for the termination of such insurance are pending or, to the Knowledge of CVB, threatened.

4.2Capitalization.

(a) The authorized capital stock of CVB consists of (i) 225,000,000 shares of common stock, no par value per share (the “CVB Common Stock”), of which, as of June 30, 2016 (the “CVB Capitalization Date”), 107,946,952 were issued and outstanding, and (ii) 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value per share (“CVB Preferred Stock”), none of which were outstanding as of the CVB Capitalization Date. As of the CVB Capitalization Date, 1,124,078 shares of CVB Common Stock were authorized for issuance upon exercise of options issued pursuant to employee and director stock plans of CVB or a Subsidiary of CVB in effect as of the date of this Agreement (the “CVB Stock Plans”). All of the issued and outstanding shares of CVB Common Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof. As of the date of this Agreement, no Voting Debt of CVB is issued or outstanding. Except pursuant to this Agreement and the options described in this Section 4.2, CVB does not have and is not bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or agreements of any character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of CVB Common Stock, CVB Preferred Stock, Voting Debt of CVB or any other equity securities of CVB or any securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of CVB Common Stock, CVB Preferred Stock, Voting Debt of CVB or other equity securities of CVB. There are no contractual obligations of CVB or any of its Subsidiaries (i) to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock of CVB or any equity security of CVB or its Subsidiaries or any securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of CVB or its Subsidiaries or (ii) pursuant to

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which CVB or any of its Subsidiaries is or could be required to register shares of CVB capital stock or other securities under the Securities Act. There are no voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which CVB, any Subsidiary of CVB or, to the Knowledge of CVB, any of their respective officers or directors, is a party with respect to the voting of any CVB Common Stock, CVB Preferred Stock, Voting Debt or other equity securities of CVB. The shares of CVB Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger will be duly authorized and validly issued and, at the Effective Time, all such shares will be fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof.

(b) All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity ownership interests of Citizens Business Bank are owned by CVB, directly or indirectly, free and clear of any material Liens, and all of such shares or equity ownership interests are duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights. Citizens Business Bank does not have or is not bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, commitments or agreements of any character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of Citizens Business Bank or any securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of Citizens Business Bank.

4.3Authority; No Violation.

(a) CVB has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby have been duly, validly and unanimously approved and this Agreement duly adopted by the Board of Directors of CVB and the Board of Directors of CVB has determined that the Merger, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, is advisable and in the best interests of CVB its shareholders. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by CVB and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Valley) constitutes the valid and binding obligation of each of CVB, enforceable against CVB and Citizens Business Bank in accordance with its terms (subject to the Enforceability Exceptions). The Board of Directors of Citizens Business Bank has unanimously adopted and CVB, as the sole shareholder of Citizens Business Bank, has duly adopted, the Bank Merger Agreement.

(b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation by CVB or Citizens Business Bank, as applicable, of the Merger, the Bank Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance with any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement, will (i) violate any provision of the CVB Articles, CVB Bylaws or similar chartering documents of CVB’s Subsidiaries, or (ii) assuming that the consents, approvals and filings referred to in Section 4.4 are duly obtained and/or made, (A) violate any Law applicable to CVB, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets or (B) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a default (or an event that, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, result in the termination of or a right of termination or cancellation under, accelerate the performance required by, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the respective properties or assets of CVB or any of its Subsidiaries under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, franchise, permit, agreement, bylaw or other instrument or obligation to which CVB or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them or any of their respective properties or assets is bound except, with respect to clause (ii), for any such violation, conflict, breach, default, termination, cancellation, acceleration or creation as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on CVB or Citizens Business Bank.

4.4Consents and Approvals. Except for (a) any applicable filing with the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”), (b) the filing with the SEC of the Form S-4 and declaration of effectiveness of the Form S-4, (c) the filings of applications and notices with the Commissioner pursuant to the California Financial Code and approval of or non-objection to such applications, filings and notices with respect to the Bank Merger, (d) the filing of a bank merger application with the FDIC pursuant to the Bank Merger Act of 1960, as amended, (e) the filing of the

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Agreement of Merger with the California Secretary, (f) the filing of the Bank Merger Agreement with the California Secretary and the Commissioner, (g) Valley’s filing of a notice concerning the Merger with FINRA, (h) such filings and approvals as are required to be made or obtained under the securities or “blue sky” Laws of various states in connection with the issuance of the shares of CVB Common Stock pursuant to the Agreement, and (i) the filing by CVB with the Federal Reserve under the BHC Act for such approvals, wavier or non-objection as may be necessary for CVB to acquire Valley, no consents or approvals of or filings or registrations with any Governmental Entity are necessary in connection with the consummation by CVB or Citizens Business Bank of the Merger or the Bank Merger, as applicable, and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, No consents or approvals of or filings or registrations with any Governmental Entity are necessary in connection with the execution and delivery by CVB of this Agreement.

4.5Reports.

(a) CVB and each of its Subsidiaries have timely filed all reports, registration statements, proxy statements and other materials, together with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that they were required to file since January 1, 2013 with the Regulatory Agencies and each other applicable Governmental Entity, and all other reports and statements required to be filed by them since January 1, 2013, including any report or statement required to be filed pursuant to the Laws, rules or regulations of the United States, any state, any foreign entity, or any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity, and have paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith, and there are no material violations or exceptions in any such material report or statement that are unresolved as of the date hereof.

(b) An accurate and complete copy of each final registration statement, prospectus, report, schedule and definitive proxy statement filed with or furnished to the SEC by CVB pursuant to the Securities Act or the Exchange Act since January 1, 2013 (the “CVB SEC Reports”) is publicly available. No such CVB SEC Report, at the time filed, furnished or communicated (and, in the case of registration statements and proxy statements, on the dates of effectiveness and the dates of the relevant meetings, respectively), contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, except that information filed as of a later date (but before the date of this Agreement) shall be deemed to modify information as of an earlier date. As of their respective dates, all CVB SEC Reports complied as to form in all material respects with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto.

(c) CVB is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable listing and corporate governance rules and regulations of the Nasdaq.

4.6Financial Statements. The financial statements of CVB and its Subsidiaries included (or incorporated by reference) in the CVB SEC Reports (including the related notes, where applicable) (i) have been prepared from, and are in accordance with, the books and records of CVB and its Subsidiaries; (ii) fairly present in all material respects the consolidated results of operations, cash flows, changes in shareholders’ equity and consolidated financial position of CVB and its Subsidiaries for the respective fiscal periods or as of the respective dates therein set forth (subject in the case of unaudited statements to recurring year-end audit adjustments normal in nature and amount); (iii) complied as to form, as of their respective dates of filing with the SEC, in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto; and (iv) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied during the periods involved, except, in each case, as indicated in such statements or in the notes thereto. The books and records of CVB and its Subsidiaries have been maintained in all material respects in accordance with GAAP and any other applicable legal and accounting requirements and reflect only actual transactions. As of the date hereof, KPMG LLP has not resigned (or informed CVB that indicated it intends to resign) or been dismissed as independent public accountants of CVB as a result of or in connection with any disagreements with CVB on a matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure.

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4.7Brokers Fees. Neither CVB nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective officers or directors have employed any broker, finder or financial advisor or incurred any liability for any broker’s fees, commissions or finder’s fees in connection with the Merger or any other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than to Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

4.8Absence of Changes. Since December 31, 2015, no event, change or development or combination of changes or developments have occurred that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on CVB.

4.9Compliance with Applicable Law. CVB and each of its Subsidiaries hold, and have at all times since January 1, 2013 held, all licenses, franchises, permits and authorizations which are necessary for the lawful conduct of their respective businesses and ownership of their respective properties, rights and assets under and pursuant to applicable Law (and have paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith) and, to the Knowledge of CVB, no suspension or cancellation of any such licenses, franchise, permit or authorization is threatened in writing, except in each case where the failure to hold such license, franchise, permit or authorization, such fees or assessments or such suspensions or cancellations would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on CVB. CVB and each of its Subsidiaries have complied with, and are not in default or violation of any, applicable Law relating to CVB or any of its Subsidiaries that would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on CVB.

4.10Approvals. As of the date of this Agreement, CVB knows of no reason why all regulatory approvals from any Governmental Entity required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement should not be obtained on a timely basis.

4.11CVB Information. The information relating to CVB and its Subsidiaries that is provided by CVB or its representatives for inclusion in the Form S-4, or in any application, notification or other document filed with any other Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading. The portions of the Proxy Statement relating to CVB and its Subsidiaries and other portions within the reasonable control of CVB and its Subsidiaries will comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

4.12Legal Proceedings. Except as Previously Disclosed, there is no suit, action, investigation, claim, proceeding or review pending, or to the Knowledge of CVB, threatened against or affecting it or any of its Subsidiaries or any of the current or former directors or executive officers of it or any of its Subsidiaries and there are no facts or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to result in any claims against CVB or any of its Subsidiaries that would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on CVB. There is no outstanding injunction, order, writ, award, judgment, settlement, arbitration ruling, decree or regulatory restriction imposed upon or entered into by CVB, any of its Subsidiaries or the assets of it or any of its Subsidiaries that would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on CVB.

4.13Accounting and Internal Controls.

(a) The records, systems, controls, data and information of CVB and its Subsidiaries are recorded, stored, maintained and operated under means (including any electronic, mechanical or photographic process, whether computerized or not) that are under the exclusive ownership and direct control of CVB or its Subsidiaries or accountants (including all means of access thereto and therefrom). CVB and its Subsidiaries have devised and maintain internal control over financial reporting (within the meaning of Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Such internal control over financial reporting is effective in providing reasonable

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assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and includes policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of CVB, (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of CVB are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of CVB, and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of CVB’s assets that could have a material effect on its financial statements. CVB has designed and implemented disclosure controls and procedures (within the meaning of Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) to ensure that material information relating to CVB and its Subsidiaries is made known to its management by others within those entities as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to make the certifications required by the Exchange Act and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and such disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

(b) CVB’s management has completed an assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting in compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for the year ended December 31, 2015, and such assessment concluded that such controls were effective. CVB has previously disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation prior to the date hereof, to its auditors and the audit committee of its board of directors (A) any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting and (B) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in its internal controls over financial reporting.

(c) Since January 1, 2013, except as Previously Disclosed, (A) neither CVB nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the Knowledge of CVB, any director, officer, auditor, accountant or representative of it or any of its Subsidiaries has received or otherwise had or obtained knowledge of any material complaint, allegation, assertion or written claim regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods (including with respect to loan loss reserves, write-downs, charge-offs and accruals) of CVB or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective internal accounting controls, including any material complaint, allegation, assertion or written claim that CVB or any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices, and (B) no attorney representing CVB or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or not employed by it or any of its Subsidiaries, has reported evidence of a material violation of securities Laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by it or any of its officers or directors to its board of directors or any committee thereof or to any of its directors or officers.

4.14Reorganization. Neither CVB nor Citizen Business Bank has taken or agreed to take any action, or is aware of any fact or circumstance, that would prevent or impede, or could reasonably be expected to prevent or impede, the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section  368(a) of the Code.

4.15Accuracy5.22 Representations and CompletenessWarranties. To the Knowledge of Information Furnished. The representationsParent, the materials prepared by Parent and warrantiesCitizens and made by CVB hereby or any other document delivered pursuantavailable in the data room to Suncrest in the termscourse of this Agreementits due diligence investigation of Parent and Citizens contain no statements of material fact which are untrueuntrue. Except for the representations and warranties in this Article 5, neither Parent nor any other Person makes any express or misleading,implied representation or omitwarranty with respect to stateParent and its Subsidiaries, or their respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, conditions (financial or otherwise) or prospects, and Parent hereby disclaims any material fact whichsuch other representations or warranties. In particular, without limiting the foregoing disclaimer, and except for the representations and warranties made by Parent in this Article 5, neither Parent nor any Person makes or has made any representation to Suncrest or any of Suncrest’s Affiliates or representatives with respect to any oral or written information presented to Suncrest or any of Suncrest’s Affiliates or representatives in the course of their due diligence investigation of Parent (including any financial projections or forecasts), the negotiation of this Agreement or in the course of the transactions contemplated hereby. Parent acknowledges and agrees that neither Suncrest nor any other Person has made or is necessary under the circumstances to prevent the statementsmaking any express or implied representation or warranty other than those contained herein or therein from being misleading.in Article 4.

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ARTICLE V6

COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

5.1Conduct of Valley Prior to the Effective Time6.01 Interim Operations. Except (a) as Previously Disclosed, asotherwise expressly contemplated byrequired or permitted by this Agreement or as required by applicable Law, (b) as Parent may approve in writing or with(c) as set forth in Section 6.01 of the prior written consent of CVB,Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, during the period from the date of this Agreement tountil the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article VIII, Valley8, Suncrest shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (i) conduct its business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice in all material respects, (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to maintain and preserve intact its business organization and advantageous

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business relationships, and goodwill with Governmental Entities,Authorities, customers, suppliers, distributors, creditors, lessors, officers and employees and business associates and keep available the services of Suncrest and its Subsidiaries’ present employees and agents, and perform its material obligations under all Material Contracts, (iii) maintain in full force and effect insurance comparable in amount and scope of coverage to that now maintained by it, (iv) maintain its allowance for loan and lease losses in accordance with past practices and methodologies and GAAP (providing however, that any changes in practices or methodology shall be attributable solely to changes in GAAP or as directed by a Governmental Entity), (v) charge off all Loans and other assets, or portions thereof, deemed uncollectible or classified as “loss” in accordance with GAAP and applicable Law or as directed by a Governmental Entity, (vi) maintain loan classification policies and procedures in accordance with industry best practices consistent with past practice, and (vii)(iv) take no action that is intended to or would reasonably be expected to adversely affect or materially delay the ability of any of Valley, CVBeither Suncrest or Citizens Business BankParent to obtain any necessary approvals of any Governmental EntityAuthority required for the transactions contemplated hereby or to perform its covenants and agreements under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

5.2Valley Forbearances. During Without limiting the periodgenerality of and in furtherance of the foregoing, from the date of this Agreement tountil the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article VIII,8, except (A) as Previously Disclosed, asotherwise expressly contemplatedrequired or permitted by this Agreement or as required by applicable Law, Valley(B) as Parent may approve in writing or (C) as set forth in Section 6.01 of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, Suncrest shall not without the prior written consent of CVB and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to:

(a) (i) Other than pursuant to Suncrest Options and Suncrest Stock Awards outstanding on the date of this Agreement, issue, sell or otherwise permit to become outstanding, or dispose of or encumber or pledge, or authorize or propose the creation of, any additional shares of its capital stock, or securities convertible or exchangeable into, or exercisable for, any shares of its capital stock, or any options, warrants or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of such capital stock or such convertible or exchangeable securities or receive a cash payment based on the value of any shares of such capital stock, or (ii) permit any additional shares of its capital stock, or securities convertible or exchangeable into, or exercisable for, any shares of its capital stock, or any options, warrants or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of such capital stock or such convertible or exchangeable securities or receive a cash payment based on the value of any shares of such capital stock, to become be subject to new grants, in each case except as required pursuant to the exercisegrant, or settlement(iii) directly or indirectly adjust, split, combine, redeem, reclassify, purchase or otherwise acquire, any shares of Valley Stock Options outstanding on the date hereof in accordance with the terms of the applicable Valley Stock Plan and the agreement governing the applicable Valley Stock Option, in each case as in effect on the date hereof.its stock or other securities.

(b) Make, declare, pay or set aside for payment any dividend on or in respect of, or declare or make any distribution on any shares of its capital stock or directly or indirectly adjust, split, combine, redeem, reclassify, purchase or otherwise acquire, any shares of its stock or other securities other than (i) quarterly cash dividends consistent,stock.

(c) Except with respect to timing and amount, with Valley’s past practices and policiescontracts relating to loans made in effect asthe ordinary course of the date of this Agreement, declared on or prior to the final day of the month immediately preceding the Closing Date with a record date that precedes the Closing Date and (ii) the Special Dividend.

(c) Amendbusiness, amend or modify the material terms of, waive, release or assign any rights under, terminate, renew or allow to renew automatically, make any payment not then required under, knowinglyfail to comply with or violate the terms of or enter into (i) any Material Contract, Lease, Regulatory Agreement, CRA Agreement, or any contractContract that would be a Material Contract if it were in existence on the date hereof or other binding obligation that is material to Valley,Suncrest and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) any restriction on the ability of ValleySuncrest or any of its Subsidiaries to conduct its business as it is presently being conducted or (iii) any contractContract governing the terms of ValleySuncrest Common Stock or rights associated therewith or any other outstanding capital stock or any outstanding instrument of indebtedness.indebtedness, in each case which is not terminable at will or within sixty (60) calendar days or less notice without payment of any amount other than for products delivered or services performed through the date of termination.

(d) Sell, transfer, mortgage, lease, guarantee, encumber, license, let lapse, cancel, abandon or otherwise create any Lien on or otherwise dispose of or discontinue any of its assets, deposits, business or

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properties (other than sales pursuant to Section 5.2(p)6.01(p), which Section 5.2(p)6.01(p) will exclusively govern such sales), except for sales, transfers, mortgages, leases, guarantees, encumbrances, licenses, lapse, cancellation, abandonments or other dispositions or discontinuances in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and in a transaction that, together with other such transactions, isdoes not material to Valley taken as a whole.exceed $50,000.

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(e) Acquire (other than by way of foreclosures or acquisitions of control in a fiduciary or similar capacity or in satisfaction of debts previously contracted in good faith, in each case in the ordinary course of business) all or any portion of the assets, business, deposits or properties of any other entity, except in the ordinary course of business and in a transaction that, together with other such transactions, is not material to it and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and would not reasonably be expected to present a material risk that the Closing Date will be materially delayed or that the Requisite Regulatory Approvalsany requisite regulatory approvals will not be more difficult to obtain.obtained.

(f) Amend Valleythe Suncrest Articles or Valleythe Suncrest Bylaws, or similar governing documents of any of its Subsidiaries.

(g) Except as and solely when required under applicable Law or (subject to Section 6.6) the terms of any Employee Benefit Plan in effect as of the date hereof (taking into account actions required by Section 6.14):

(i) increase in any manner the salary, wages,compensation, bonus or pension, welfare, severance or other benefits of any of the current or former directors, officers, employees or other service providers of ValleySuncrest or any of its Subsidiaries, in effect as of June 30, 2016, except for ordinary course merit-based increases in the base salary of employees (other than directors or executive officers, or individuals who are party to an employment agreement or change of control agreement with, Valley or its Subsidiaries) ondirectors) (not exceeding 110% in the anniversary of the employee’s hire date andaggregate) consistent with past practice but not to exceed two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the employee’s base salary, or as set forth in Section 6.01(g)(ii) below,

(ii) accrue, grant, pay or agree to pay any annual, quarterly, monthly or other bonus or other incentive compensation except as described(excluding any severance, retention, retirement or termination pay, which shall be subject to clause (v) of this Section 6.01(g) below), other than:

(A) any bonuses and other incentive compensation that are payable by Suncrest on Section 5.2(g)(ii)an annual basis in the ordinary course of business consistent in all material respects with past practice for the year ending December 31, 2021; provided, however, such bonuses shall not exceed, solely for each such individual whose employment terminates upon consummation of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, Merger, the lesser of (i) 110% of the amount of such employee’s annual bonus for the year ended December 31, 2020 (pro rated for the portion of the calendar year prior to the closing date) and (ii) the amount accrued as of the Closing Date on the Suncrest Financial Statements with respect to such employee.

(iii) become a party to, establish, amend, alter a prior interpretation of in a manner that enhances rights or materially increases costs, commence participation in, terminate or commit itself to the adoption of any Employee Benefit Plan or plan that would be an Employee Benefit Plan if in effect as of the date hereof, other than de minimis amendments in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or as required pursuant to the terms of such Employee Benefit Plan,

(iv) grant (or commit to grant) any new equity award,

(v) grant, pay or increase (or commit to grant, pay or increase) any severance, retention, retirement or termination pay, other than in connection with termination of employment pursuant to any(i) the Employee Benefit PlanPlans in effect as of the date hereof as listed on Section 6.01(g)(v)(i) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule; and (ii) a pool for retention payments to the Suncrest employees by Suncrest to be mutually agreed upon by the Parties in an amount not exceeding the ordinary courseamount set forth in Section 6.01(g)(v)(ii) of business consistent with past practice, the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, and provided further that, except for the aggregate amount specifically set forth on Section 6.01(g)(v)(ii) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, no retention award or retention payment shall be made by Suncrest pursuant to such retention pool unless the terms and conditions of such retention award and payment (including (A) the selection of each participant, (B) each participant’s proposed retention payment amount, (C) the employment and other conditions that each participant must satisfy before payment is due and (D) the timing for each retention payment) have been approved by Parent,

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(vi) accelerate the payment or vesting of, or lapsing of restrictions with respect to, any stock-based compensation (including the Suncrest Stock Options and Suncrest Stock Awards) other than as expressly stated in Section 3.03, long-term incentive compensation, deferred compensation or any bonus or other incentive or deferred compensation,

(vii) cause the funding of any rabbi trust or similar arrangement or take any action to fund or in any other way secure the payment of compensation or benefits under any Employee Benefit Plan,

(viii) terminate the employment or services of any executive officer or employee who is party to a change in control agreement other than for cause,

(ix) enter into any collective bargaining or other agreement with a labor organization,

(x) forgive or issue any loans to any current or former officer, employee or director of ValleySuncrest or its Subsidiaries,

(xi) make any SubsidiarySuncrest contributions to the Suncrest 401(k) Plan outside of Valley or (xi)the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

(xii) hire any officer, employee or other service provider except for non-executive positions in the ordinary course of business and at an annual base salary not to exceed thatconsistent with past practices, including as a result of vacancies arising on or after the Person being replaced.date hereof.

(h) TakeKnowingly take, or omit to take, any action that would prevent or impede, or could reasonably be expected to prevent or impede, the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

(i) (i) Incur or guarantee any indebtedness for borrowed money, other than overnight advances from the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank or the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (or term advances with a term of not more than one week)in amounts and at maturities in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, and provided further that the maturity period for any such indebtedness shall not exceed a period of ninety (90) days from the date of incurrence of such indebtedness or (ii) assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for the obligations of any other Person.Person (other than the endorsement of checks, commercial paper, bankers acceptances and bank drafts in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice).

(j) Enter into any new line of business or make any material change in any basic policies and practices with respect to pricing or risk profile of loans, deposits and services, liquidity management and cash flow planning, marketing, deposit origination, lending, budgeting, profit and tax planning, personnel practices or any other material aspect of Valley’sSuncrest’s or its Subsidiaries’ business or operations, except as required by Law or requested by any Regulatory Agency or in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and Valley’s polices in effect as of the date of this Agreement, including adjustments in interest rates generally.Governmental Authority;

(k) (i) MakeOther than in accordance with the investment policies of Suncrest or any of its Subsidiaries in effect on the date hereof or in securities transactions as provided in (ii) below, make any investment either by contributions to capital, property transfers or purchase of any property or assets of any Person, (ii) other than purchases of direct obligations of the United States of America or sellobligations of United States government agencies which are entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States of America, in any case with a remaining maturity at the time of purchase of one year or disposeless, purchase or acquire securities of any type; or (iii) materially change the composition of the Investment Securities in its securities portfolio, including any changes in the credit quality or the duration of the Investment Securities; provided, however, that in the case of Investment Securities, Suncrest may purchase Investment Securities if, within two (2) Business Days after Suncrest requests in writing (which request shall describe in detail the investment securities to be purchased and the price thereof) that Parent consent to making of any such investmentpurchase, Parent has approved such request in writing (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld) or (ii) purchase, acquire, sell or disposehas not responded in writing to such request.

(l) Except as set forth in Section 6.01(l) of securities of any type.

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(l) Enterthe Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, enter into any settlement, compromise or similar agreement with respect to, any action, suit, claim, proceeding, order or

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investigation to which ValleySuncrest or any of its Subsidiaries is or becomesbecome a party after the date of this Agreement, which settlement, compromise, agreement or action, suit, claim, proceeding, order or investigation that is settled in an amount and for consideration not in excess of $50,000 individually or $100,000 in the aggregate and that would not (i) impose any material restriction on the business of Valley or any of its Subsidiariesthe Surviving Corporation or (ii) create adverse precedent for claims that are reasonably likely to be material to Valleyit or any of its Subsidiaries.Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

(m) Other than as determined to be necessary or advisable by ValleySuncrest in the good faith exercise of its discretion based on changes in market conditions,condition and subject in any event to clause (u) below of this Section 6.01, alter materially its interest rate or pricing fee or fee pricing policies with respect to depository accounts of any of its Subsidiaries or, other than in the ordinary course of business, waive any material fees with respect thereto.

(n) Except as required by applicable Law or by a Regulatory Agency,Governmental Authority, (i) implement or adopt any material change in its interest rate and other risk management policies, procedures or practices or (ii) fail to follow in all material respects, Valley’sSuncrest’s or its applicable Subsidiary’s existing policies or practices with respect to managing its exposure to interest rate and other risk.

(o) Grant or commit to grant any new extension of credit thatto any obligor (whether a new or existing relationship) (i) provides for zero rate, 1.23% interest rate or any other below-market rate of interest, below-market fees or other “teaser” rates or fees or their equivalents other than those pending loans listed in Section 5.1(o) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule or (ii) would, alone or together with all other credit then committed or outstanding to the same Person and all Affiliated Persons, exceed $1,000,000 (including, if applicable, those pending loans listed in Section 5.1(o) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule), unless, in the case of any extension of credit described in clause (ii) only, Valley provides written notice to CVB describing the pertinent terms of the proposed extension of credit, which shall include all related credit write-ups, and CVB does not object to such extension of credit would equal or exceed $1,000,000 if Suncrest’s aggregate relationship exposure to such obligor, including as a result of such extension, is at least $4,000,000; (ii) if such extension of credit is secured by commercial real estate and is for at least $2,000,000; (iii) if such extension is an SBA loan where Suncrest was identified through a non-bank referral or lender and is for at least $500,000 or (iv) if such extension of credit is not secured by commercial real estate and is for at least $1,000,000; in each case, consent shall be deemed granted if within three (3) Business Days of its receiptwritten notice delivered to Citizens’ Chief Credit Officer or his designee, notice of such notice andobjection is not received by Suncrest;

(p) Grant or commit to grant any other information related to therenewal or modification of an existing extension of credit requestedto any obligor if such extension of credit would equal or exceed $3,000,000; in each case, consent shall be deemed granted if within three (3) Business Days of written notice delivered to Citizens’ Chief Credit Officer or his designee, notice of objection is not received by CVB.Suncrest;

(p)(q) Sell any real estate owned, charge-off any assets, make any compromises on debt, release any collateral on loans or commit to do any of the foregoing, if such sale, charge-off, compromise or release would exceed $50,000$100,000 in the aggregate.aggregate (consent shall be deemed granted if within three (3) Business Days of written notice delivered to Citizens’ Chief Credit Officer or his designee, notice of objection is not received by Suncrest).

(q)(r) Renew or commit to renew any extension of credit that would exceed $1,000,000 unless eitherequal or exceed: (i) the extension of credit is renewed on terms substantially similar to those of the existing extension of credit or are more favorable to Valley than those of the existing extension of credit and the characteristics of the borrower have not substantially changed$250,000 if rated Substandard; or (ii) Valley provides written notice to CVB describing the pertinent terms of the renewal or commitment, which$500,000 if rated Special Mention; in each case consent shall include all related credit write-ups, and CVB does not object to such renewal or commitmentbe deemed granted if within three (3)two (2) Business Days of its receiptwritten notice delivered to Citizens’ Chief Credit Officer or his designee, notice of such notice and any other information related to the proposed renewal or commitment requestedobjection is not received by CVB.Suncrest.

(r) Sell, or commit to sell, or purchase(s) Purchase or commit to purchase any Loan or participation in any extension of credit, or make, acquire a participation in or reacquire an interest in a participation sold of any extension of credit, or renew or extend the maturity of any participation in any extension of credit,providedhowever, Valley may sell all (but not some) of the Excepted Loan for a sale price of $1,000,000 or greater to a party that is not an Affiliate of Valley, an Affiliate or immediate family member of any of Valley’s officers or directors, a borrower under the Excepted Loan or any Affiliate or immediate family member of any such borrower. “Excepted Loan” means the loan specified on Section 5.2(r) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule.credit.

(s)(t) Enter into any securitizations of any Loans or create any special purpose funding or variable interest entity other than on behalf of clients.

(t)(u) Invest in any mortgage-backed or mortgage related securities that would be considered “high-risk” securities under applicable regulatory pronouncements or enter into any Derivatives Transaction.

derivatives transaction.

 

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(u) Accept,(v) (i) Solicit, accept, renew or roll over any brokered deposits or funds obtained through the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service or similar listing service deposits with a maturity in excess of ninety (90) days;

(ii) except as provided in clause (iii) of this Section 6.01(v), solicit, accept, renew or openroll over any newordinary commercial or consumer interest bearing deposit account that payswithout a maturity or with a maturity of twelve (12) months or less, in each case, by offering an effective yield that exceeds the prevailingamount set forth in Section 6.01(v)(ii) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule;

(iii) with respect to any of the customers identified in Section 6.01(v)(iii) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, solicit, accept, renew or roll over any ordinary commercial or consumer interest bearing deposit without a maturity or with a maturity of twelve (12) months or less from such customer by offering an effective yields providedyield that exceeds an amount equal to the amount shown in Section 6.01(v)(iii) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule;

(iv) solicit, accept, renew or roll over any ordinary commercial or consumer interest bearing time deposit with a maturity in excess of twelve (12) months by offering an effective yield that exceeds the Federal Reserve.applicable rate for a deposit with the same maturity set forth in the Suncrest deposit rate sheet in effect as of April 16, 2021, a true and complete copy of which is attached to Section 6.01(v)(iv) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule (the “Suncrest Rate Sheet”);

(v) Makemake any changes to the Suncrest Rate Sheet (including any changes to any of the interest rates and the maturitydates set forth in the Suncrest Rate Sheet) to the extent such changes affect or otherwise relate to ordinary commercial or consumer interest bearing time deposit with a maturity in excess of twelve (12) months, unless prior approval has been obtained in writing from Parent; and

(vi) grant any exception to clause (iv) of this Section 6.01(v) that would permit yields for ordinary commercial and consumer interest bearing time deposits with a maturity in excess of twelve (12) months in excess of the applicable rates set forth in the Suncrest Rate Sheet, unless prior approval has been obtained in writing from Parent.

(w) Except as Previously Disclosed, make application for the opening, relocation or closing of any, or open, relocate or close any, branch office, loan production office or other office or operations facility.

(w) Make(x) Except as set forth in Section 6.01(w) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, make any capital expenditures other than capital expenditures in the ordinary and usual course of business consistent with past practice in amountspractice; provided that such expenditures shall not exceeding $50,000exceed $25,000 individually or $100,000 in the aggregate.

(x)(y) Pay, loan or advance any amount to, or sell, transfer or lease any properties, rights or assets (real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible) to, or enter into any arrangement or agreement with, any of its officers or directors or any of their family members, or any Affiliates or associates (as defined under the Exchange Act) of any of its officers or directors, other than Loans originated in the ordinary course of business and, in the case of any such arrangements or agreements relating to compensation, fringe benefits, severance or termination pay or related matters, only as otherwise permitted pursuant to this Section 5.2(r).6.01.

(y)(z) Make or commit to make any Loan or amend the terms of any Loan outstanding on the date hereof to any directors, executive officers and principal shareholders (as such terms are defined in Regulation O of the Federal Reserve Board (12 C.F.R. Part 215)) of ValleySuncrest or any Subsidiaryof its Subsidiaries or waive any rights with respect to any such Loan.Loan (other than a renewal or extension of a Loan in the ordinary course of business, without a material change in terms, and in compliance with Regulation O and all other applicable laws).

(z)(aa) Change its tax or accounting policies and procedures or any method or period of accounting unless required by GAAP or a Governmental Entity.Authority.

(aa)(bb) Change its fiscal year for tax or accounting purposes.

(bb)

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(cc) Other than as required by GAAP or any Governmental Entity,Authority, reduce any material accrual or reserve, including its allowance for loan and lease losses any contingency reserve, litigation reserve, or tax reserve,(which allowance at all times shall not be less than the ALLL Minimum), or change the methodology by which such accounts generally have been maintained in accordance with past practices.

(cc)(dd) Make any material change in any basic policies and practices with respect to loans, deposits and services, liquidity management and cash flow planning, marketing, deposit origination, lending, reserves for loan orand lease losses, budgeting, profit and tax planning, personnel practices or any other material aspect of its business or operations.operations except as required by any Governmental Authority;

(dd)(ee) Grant any Person a power of attorney or similar authority.

(ee) Take title to any real property without conducting prior thereto an environmental investigation, which investigation shall disclose the absence of any suspected environmental contamination.

(ff) (i) Acquire direct or indirect control over any Person, whether by stock purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, or (ii) make any other investment either by purchase of securities (except the purchase of an Investment Security), contributions to capital, property transfers or purchase of any property or assets of any other Person, except, in either instance, in connection with a foreclosure of collateral or conveyance of such collateral in lieu of foreclosure taken in connection with collection of a loan in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and with respect to loans made to third parties who are not Affiliates of Valley.Suncrest.

(gg) MakeExcept as may be required by any Governmental Authority, make or change any material Tax elections, change or consent to any change in its or its Subsidiaries’ method of accounting for Tax purposes (except as required by applicable Tax Law), take any position on any Tax Return filed on or after the date of this Agreement, that differs from past practices, settle or compromise any Tax

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liability, claim or assessment, enter into any closing agreement, waive or extend any statute of limitations with respect to a material amount of Taxes, surrender any right to claim a refund for Taxes, or file any material amended Tax Return.

(hh) Make any charitable or similar contributions, except as Previously Disclosed or consistent with past practice and in amounts not to exceed, in the aggregate, 110% of the total charitable contributions amount made by Suncrest during the year ended December 31, 2020 (to be determined and pro-rated on a quarterly basis).

(ii) Issue any written communication to any employee of Suncrest or its Subsidiaries related to employment benefits or compensation for post-Closing employment without the prior consent of Parent which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed;

(jj) Foreclose upon or otherwise take title to or possession or control of any real property without first obtaining a Phase I environmental report thereon; provided, however, that neither Suncrest nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to obtain such a report: (i) where, after using commercially reasonable efforts, it is unable to gain access to the property, provided that Suncrest has provided notice to Parent that it has been unable to gain such access and as a result intends to foreclose without obtaining a Phase I environmental report thereon; or (ii) with respect to any one- to four-family, non-agricultural residential property of five acres or less to be foreclosed upon unless it has reason to believe that such property contains hazardous substances known or reasonably suspected to be in violation of, or require remediation under, Environmental Laws.

(kk) Take any action or omit to take any action that is intended to or would reasonably be likely to result in (i) any of Valley’sSuncrest’s representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement being or becoming untrue in any material respect at any time at or prior to the Effective Time, (ii) any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in Article VII7 not being satisfied or delayed, or (iii) a material violation or breach of any provision of this Agreement, except as may be required by applicable Law.

(ii)(ll) Agree to take, make any commitment to take, or adopt any resolutions of itsthe Suncrest Board of Directors in support of, any of the actions prohibited by this Section 5.2.6.01.

5.3CVB Forbearances.

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6.02 Parent Forbearance. Except as expressly permitted by this Agreement or with the prior written consent of Valley (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld),Suncrest or as required by applicable Law or policies imposed by any Governmental Authority, during the period from the date of this Agreement to the earlier of the Effective Time orand the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article VIII, CVB8, Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, except as may be required by applicable Law or policies imposed by any Governmental Entity:

(i) take, or omit to(a) conduct its business other than in the ordinary course consistent with past practice in all material respects; (b) take any action that would reasonably be expected to prevent, materially impede materially impair, or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including adversely affecting the ability of the parties to obtain the Requisite Regulatory Approvals of any Governmental Entity required to complete the transactions contemplated hereby, the Approvals, or the Valley Shareholder Approval or materially increase the period of time necessary to obtain such Requisite Regulatory Approvals or the Valley Shareholder Approval;

(ii) willfully(c) knowingly take, or willfully omit to take, any action that is reasonably likely to result in any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in Section 7.1 or Section 7.3 not being satisfied;

(iii) willfully take, or willfully omit to take, any action that would prevent or impede, or could reasonably be expected to prevent or impede, the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code; (d) amend any of their respective Articles or Bylaws, in each case in a manner that would adversely affect the holders of Suncrest Common Stock relative to and

(iv) except disproportionate to the all other holders of Parent Common Stock; (d) accept any offer from any third party involving Parent or any of its Subsidiaries in a business combination with such third party or entity, unless such offer is expressly conditioned upon the performance by Parent and Citizens (or their respective successor in interest) of all of their obligations under this Agreement (including payment of the Merger Consideration hereunder) in a manner such that holders of Suncrest Common Stock entitled to receive Parent Common Stock and cash in the Merger would receive, on account of the shares of Parent Common Stock and cash that they would be entitled to receive in the Merger pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, subject to completion of the Merger, the same consideration in the business combination, if completed, as other holders of Parent Common Stock; or (e) take any action or omit to take any action that is intended to or would notreasonably be reasonably expectedlikely to haveresult in (i) a Parent Material Adverse Effect, with respect to CVB and Citizens Business Bank, willfully fail to file all Parent SEC Reports and(ii) any other filings required to be filed with any applicable Governmental Entity.

ARTICLE VI

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

6.1Regulatory Matters.

(a) CVB and Valley shall reasonably promptly prepare and shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC, within forty-five (45) days of the dateconditions to the Merger set forth in Article 7 not being satisfied or materially delayed, or (iii) a material violation or breach of any provision of this Agreement.

6.03Reasonable Best Efforts. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each of Suncrest, Parent and Citizens agrees to cooperate with the Form S-4, which shall include the Proxy Statementother and a prospectus. Each of CVB and Valley shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the Form S-4 declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing, and Valley shall thereafter mail or deliver the Proxy Statement to its shareholders. CVB shall also use its reasonable best efforts in good faith to obtaintake, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, state securities Lawproper or “blue sky” permitsdesirable, or advisable on its part under this Agreement or under applicable Laws to consummate and approvals required to carry outmake effective the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement,hereby as promptly as practicable, including the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Article 7 hereof.

6.04 Access to Information

(a) The Parties agree that upon reasonable notice and Valleysubject to applicable Laws relating to exchange of information and in each case subject to the requirements that such requests or access shall not unreasonably interfere with the business or operations of the Party, it shall afford the other Party and its officers, employees, counsel, accountants and other authorized representatives reasonable access during normal business hours throughout the period prior to the Effective Time to its books, records, properties and personnel and to such other information as such other Party may reasonably request and, during such period, the Parties, shall furnish to the other Party promptly all information concerning Valleyits business, properties and personnel as the other may reasonably request. Neither Suncrest nor Parent, nor any of Parent’s Subsidiaries shall be required to provide access to or to disclose information to the extent such access or disclosure would jeopardize the attorney-client privilege of such party or its Subsidiaries or contravene any Law or binding agreement entered into prior to the date of this Agreement. The Parties shall make appropriate substitute disclosure arrangements under circumstances in which the restrictions of the preceding sentence apply. Parent and Citizens shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize any interference with Suncrest’s regular business operations during any such access to Suncrest’s property, books and records.

(b) As soon as reasonably practicable after they become available, but in no event more than twenty (20) days after the end of each calendar month ending after the date hereof and at least seven (7) Business Days before the Closing, Suncrest will furnish to Parent and Citizens: (i) consolidated financial statements (including balance sheets, statements of operations and stockholders’ equity) of as of and for such month then ended (including the month ended immediately prior to the Closing Date) (the “Monthly Financial

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Statements”); (ii) internal management reports showing actual financial performance against plan; (iii) to the extent permitted by applicable Law, any reports provided to the Suncrest Board or any committee thereof relating to the financial performance and risk management of it or any of its Subsidiaries, quarterly loan and delinquent loan status reports; (iv) all minutes of the Board of Directors, including all committees thereof (subject to redaction for any privileged information) and all minutes of any management credit committee; (v) all documentation supporting charge-off’s for any loans or restructuring of any loans during the preceding month; and (vi) a listing of all new and renewed loans and loan modifications, loan payoffs (meaning a closed paid note) and loan purchases with a balance of $100,000 or greater that were completed or made during the preceding month. In addition, Suncrest shall promptly furnish to Parent any quarterly problem loan reports and any annual term loan reviews which Suncrest prepares internally in the ordinary course of its business. Suncrest shall also promptly furnish to Parent and Citizens copies of all Call Reports that will be filed after the date hereof with any Regulatory Agencies, including all financial statements included in such Call Reports and any related work papers. Each of the Monthly Financial Statements and the holdersfinancial statements contained in any Call Report filed by Suncrest after the date hereof shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP and regulatory accounting principles and other applicable legal and accounting requirements, and reflect all period-end accruals and other adjustments. Such financial statements shall be accompanied by a certificate of Valley Common StockSuncrest’s chief financial officer to the effect that such financial statements continue to reflect accurately, as mayof the date of the certificate, the financial condition of Suncrest in all material respects. Such financial statements shall also reflect accruals for all Transaction Costs incurred as of the date of such financial statements in accordance with GAAP.

(c) All nonpublic information and materials provided pursuant to this Agreement shall be reasonably requestedsubject to the provisions of the Confidentiality Agreement entered into between the Parties dated March 23, 2021 (the “Confidentiality Agreement”).

(d) No investigation by a party hereto or its representatives shall affect or be deemed to modify or waive any representations, warranties or covenants of the other party set forth in connection with any such action.

this Agreement.

6.05 Regulatory Matters.

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(b)(a) The partiesParties shall reasonably cooperate with each other and use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to promptly prepare and file all necessary documentation, to effect all applications, notices, petitions and filings, to obtain as promptly as practicable all permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties and Governmental EntitiesAuthorities that are necessary or advisable to consummate the Merger, the Bank Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement as soonpromptly as reasonably possible,practicable, and to comply with the terms and conditions of all such permits, consents, approvals, and authorizations of all such third parties or Governmental Entities. CVBAuthorities; provided, however, any initial filings with Governmental Authorities in connection with the Merger shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to make all initial requisite regulatory filingsbe made by Parent and Citizens within thirty (30)forty-five (45) calendar days after the date hereof. Each of this Agreement (other than any noticeParent and Suncrest shall, upon request, furnish to the Federal Reserve underother all information concerning itself, its regulations, which willSubsidiaries, directors, officers and shareholders and such other matters as may be filedreasonably necessary or advisable in accordanceconnection with any statement, filing, notice or application made by or on behalf of Parent, Suncrest or any of their respective Subsidiaries to any Governmental Authority in connection with the timingMerger and the other transactions contemplated by such regulations or the request of the staff of the Federal Reserve). Valleythis Agreement. Suncrest and CVBParent shall have the right to review in advance and, to the extent practicable, each will consult the other on, in each case subject to applicable Laws, all the non-confidential information relating to ValleySuncrest or CVBParent (excluding any confidential financial information relating to individuals), as the case may be, and any of their respective Subsidiaries, that appear in any filing made with, or written materials submitted to, any third party or any Governmental EntityAuthority in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In exercising the foregoing right, each of the partiesParties shall act reasonably and as promptly as practicable. The partiesParties shall consult with each other with respect to the obtaining of all permits, consents, approvals and authorizations (collectively the “Approvals”) of all third parties and Governmental EntitiesAuthorities necessary or advisable to consummate the Merger, the Bank Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each partyParty will keep the other reasonably apprised of the status of matters relating to such Approvals and the completion of the Merger the Bank Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each party shall consult with the other in advance of any meeting or conference with any Governmental Entity in connection with the Merger, the Bank Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(c) Each of CVB and Valley shall, upon request, furnish to the other all information concerning itself, its Subsidiaries, directors, officers and shareholders and such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable in connection with the Proxy Statement, the Form S-4 or any other statement, filing, notice or application made by or on behalf of CVB, Valley or any of their respective Subsidiaries to any Governmental Entity in connection with the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each of CVB and Valley agrees, as to itself and its Subsidiaries, that none of the information supplied or to be supplied by it for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (i) the Form S-4 will, at the time the Form S-4 and each amendment or supplement thereto, if any, becomes effective under the Securities Act, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and (ii) the Proxy Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto will, at the date of mailing to shareholders and at the time of Valley’s meeting of its shareholders to consider and vote upon approval of this Agreement, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which such statement was made, not misleading. Each of CVB and Valley further agrees that if it becomes aware that any information furnished by it would cause any of the statements in the Form S-4 or the Proxy Statement to be false or misleading with respect to any material fact, or to omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein not false or misleading, to promptly inform the other party thereof and to take appropriate steps to correct the Form S-4 or the Proxy Statement, as applicable.

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(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained herein shall be deemed to require CVBParent or any of its Subsidiaries to take any action, or commit to take any action, or agree to any condition or restriction, in connection with obtaining the foregoing permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of Governmental EntitiesAuthorities that would reasonably be likely, in each case following the Effective Time (but regardless when the action, condition or restriction is to be taken or implemented), to (i) have a Parent Material Adverse Effect or (ii) require Parent, Citizens or the Surviving Corporation to increase its capital levels or accept any restrictions on CVB or Citizens Business Bank (measured on a scale relativeits ability to Valley) oroperate its businesses in each case that would materially restrict or impose a material burden on CVB or anyreduce the economic benefits of its Subsidiaries (including, after the Effective Time, Valley and its Subsidiaries) in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby to Parent and Citizens to such a degree that Parent and Citizens, in good faith after consultation with Suncrest, would not have entered into this Agreement had such conditions, restrictions or with respect torequirements been known at the businessdate hereof (any of clauses (i) or operation of CVB, Citizens Business Bank or any of their respective Subsidiaries (including, after the Effective Time, Valley and its Subsidiaries) (a(ii), aMaterially Burdensome Regulatory Condition”).

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(e) Each of CVB(c) From and Valley shall promptly adviseafter the other upon receiving any communication from any Governmental Entitydate hereof until the consent or approvalearlier of which is required for consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement that causes such party to believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that any Requisite Regulatory Approval will not be obtained or that the receipt of any such approval may be materially delayed.

6.2Reasonable Best Efforts. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each of Valley and CVB agrees to cooperate with the other and use its commercially reasonable efforts in good faith to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or desirable, or advisable on its part under this Agreement or under applicable Laws to consummate and make effective the Merger, the Bank Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby as promptly as practicable, including the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Article VII hereof.

6.3Access to Information.

(a) Upon reasonable notice and subject to applicable Laws, Valley shall afford to the officers, employees, accountants, counsel, advisors, agents and other representatives of CVB, reasonable access, during normal business hours during the period prior to the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, to all its properties, books, contracts, commitments, personnel and records, and, during such period, Valley shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, make available to CVB (i) a copy of each report, schedule, registration statement and other document filed or received by it or any of its Subsidiaries during such period pursuant to Article 8, (i) the requirements of federal securities Laws or federal or state banking Laws (other than reports or documents that Valley or its Subsidiaries are not permitted to disclose under applicable Law), (ii) all other information concerning its and its Subsidiaries’ business, properties and personnel as CVB may reasonably request and (iii) access to the necessary information (including Valley’s own good faith estimates as available and third-party reports, if any, commissioned by Valley at CVB’s request) in order to prepare a good faith estimate of the potential impact of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code with respect to amounts potentially payable to senior executives of Valley and its Subsidiaries in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Upon the reasonable request of Valley, CVB shall furnish such reasonable information about its and its Subsidiaries’ businesses as is reasonably relevant to Valley and its shareholders in connection with the Merger, the Bank Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Neither Valley nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to provide access to or to disclose information to the extent such access or disclosure would jeopardize the attorney-client privilege of such party or its Subsidiaries or contravene any Law or binding agreement entered into prior to the date of this Agreement. The parties shall make appropriate substitute disclosure arrangements under circumstances in which the restrictions of the preceding sentence apply. In addition to the foregoing, no later than the twenty-fifth (25th) calendar day of each month, Valley shall provide CVB with a listing of all new and renewed loans and loan modifications, loan payoffs and loan purchases with a balance of $100,000 or greater that were completed or made by VBB during the preceding month. CVB and Citizens Business BankParties shall use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to minimizecomply in all material respects with any interference with Valley’s regular business operations duringcommitments or obligations under any such accessRegulatory Agreement or CRA Agreement, and shall exercise their commercially reasonable efforts to Valley’s property, books and records.

(b) As soon as reasonably practicable after they become available, but in no event more than twenty-five (25) days after the end of each calendar month ending after the date hereof, Valley will furnish to CVB, (i) consolidated financial statements (including balance sheets, statements of operations and stockholders’ equity) of it and VBB (to the extent available) as of and for such month then ended,resolve any unresolved violation, criticism or exception thereunder; (ii) consolidating financial statements (including balance sheets, statements of operations and stockholders’ equity) of it and VBB (to the extent available) as of and for such month then ended, (iii) Valley’s and VBB’s internal management reports showing actual financial performance against plan, and (iv) to the extent permitted by applicable Law, the Parties shall keep each other informed of the status and progress of its compliance with any reports providedsuch CRA-related commitments or obligations; (iii) each Party shall promptly provide the other Parties of any notice, or other Knowledge of such Party, of any planned or threatened objection by any community group to the transactions contemplated hereby; and (iv) each Party shall cooperate with the other Parties to address and resolve any such protests as promptly as practicable, including by providing access to such information and employees of such Party as another Party may reasonably request.

6.06 Registration Statement.

(a) Parent and Suncrest shall prepare, and Parent shall file with the SEC, the Prospectus/Proxy Statement (as defined below), and Parent shall prepare and file with the SEC the Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be filed with the SEC by Parent in connection with the issuance of shares of Parent Common Stock in the Merger (including the Suncrest proxy statement and prospectus (the “Prospectus/Proxy Statement”) constituting a part thereof, the “Registration Statement”), as promptly as practicable after the date hereof. Suncrest shall, upon request, furnish to Parent all information concerning itself, its Valley’sSubsidiaries, directors, officers and VBB’s Boards of Directorsshareholders and such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable in connection with the Prospectus/Proxy Statement, the Registration Statement or any committee thereof relatingother statement, filing, notice or application made in connection therewith.

(b) Parent and Suncrest each shall use its reasonable best efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing, and promptly thereafter Suncrest shall mail the Prospectus/Proxy Statement to the financial performanceholders of Suncrest Common Stock. Parent shall reasonably promptly provide Suncrest with copies of any written comments and risk managementadvise Suncrest of Valleyany oral comments with respect to the Registration Statement received from the SEC. Each Party shall cooperate and provide the other with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on any amendment or VBB.supplement to the Registration Statement prior to filing such with the SEC.

(c) Suncrest and Parent each agrees, for itself and its Subsidiaries, that (i) the Registration Statement will not, at the time the Registration Statement becomes effective under the Securities Act, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case with respect to the information supplied or to be supplied by it or its Subsidiaries for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement, and (ii) the Prospectus/Proxy Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto will not, at the date of mailing to Suncrest shareholders and at the time of the Suncrest Shareholder Meeting to be held in connection with the Merger, contain any untrue statement of a

 

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(c) All nonpublicmaterial fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case with respect to the information supplied or to be supplied by it or its Subsidiaries for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement. Suncrest and materials provided pursuantParent will cause the Registration Statement to this Agreement shall be subjectcomply as to form in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Confidentiality Agreement entered into betweenSecurities Act and the parties dated May 4, 2016 (the “Confidentiality Agreement”).

(d) No investigationrules and regulations thereunder. Each of Suncrest and Parent agrees that if such Party shall become aware prior to the Effective Time of any information furnished by a party hereto or its representatives shall affect or be deemed to modify or waivesuch Party that would cause any representations, warranties or covenants of the statements in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement to be false or misleading with respect to any material fact, or that would result in an omission to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein not false or misleading, to promptly inform the other party set forth in this Agreement.Party thereof and to take the necessary steps to correct the Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

6.46.07 Suncrest Shareholder Approval. Valley agrees toApproval.

(a) Suncrest shall take, in accordance with applicable Law and Valleythe Suncrest Articles and ValleySuncrest Bylaws, all actionactions necessary to convene a duly called meeting or meetings of its shareholders (the “Suncrest Shareholder Meeting”) to be held as soon as reasonably practicable after the Form S-4Registration Statement is declared effective (but in no event later than sixty (60)forty-five (45) days after the Form S-4Registration Statement is declared effective), for the purpose of obtaining the Suncrest Shareholder Approval.

(b) Except to the extent specifically contemplated in Section 6.09 in the case of a special meeting or meetings of its shareholders duly called and held for such purposes (the “Valley Shareholder Meeting”) to consider and to obtainSuncrest Change in Recommendation, the Valley Shareholder Approval. Subject to Section 6.9(b)-(c), theSuncrest Board of Directors of Valley shall at all times prior to and during such special meetingSuncrest Shareholder Meeting unanimously recommend such approval and shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to solicit such approvaland obtain from the shareholders of Suncrest the Suncrest Shareholder Approval (the “Suncrest Board Recommendation”), including by communicating to its shareholders (the “Valley Board Recommendation”).its unanimous recommendation (and including such recommendation in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement) that they adopt and approve the principal terms of this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, unless this Agreement has terminated in accordance with its terms, this Agreement and the Merger shall be submitted to Valley’sSuncrest’s shareholders at Valleythe Suncrest Shareholder Meeting whether or not (x)(i) the Suncrest Board of Directors of Valley shall have effected an Adverse Change of Recommendation or (y)(ii) any CompanySuncrest Acquisition Proposal shall have been publicly proposed or announced or otherwise submitted to ValleySuncrest or any of its advisors. CVB may require Valley to adjourn, delay or postpone Valley Shareholder Meeting once for a period not to exceed thirty (30) calendar days (but prior to the date that is two (2) Business Days prior to the End Date) to solicit additional proxies necessary to obtain Valley Shareholder Approval. ValleySuncrest shall not, without the prior written consent of CVB,Parent, adjourn or postpone Valleythe Suncrest Shareholder Meeting;provided that ValleySuncrest may, without the prior written consent of CVB,Parent, adjourn or postpone the ValleySuncrest Shareholder Meeting (A) if on the date on which the ValleySuncrest Shareholder Meeting is originally scheduled, ValleySuncrest has not received proxies representing a sufficient number of shares of ValleySuncrest Common Stock to obtainconstitute a quorum necessary to conduct business at the ValleySuncrest Shareholder Approval, Valley shall adjourn the Valley Shareholder Meeting, until such date as shall be mutually agreed upon by Valley and CVB, which date shall not be less than five (5) Business Days nor more than ten (10) Business Days after the date of adjournment, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall continue to use all reasonable best efforts, together with its proxy solicitor, to assist in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders relating to the Valley Shareholder Approval, (B) after consultation with CVB,Parent, if the failure to adjourn or postpone the ValleySuncrest Shareholder Meeting would reasonably be expected to be a violation of applicable Law for the distribution of any required supplement or amendment to the Proxy Statement, or (C) after consultation with Valley,Parent, for a single period not to exceed ten (10) Business Days, to solicit additional proxies if necessary to obtain the ValleySuncrest Shareholder Approval. Parent may require Suncrest to adjourn, delay or postpone Suncrest Shareholder Meeting once for a period not to exceed ten (10) Business Days (but prior to the date that is five (5) Business Days prior to the Outside Date) to solicit additional proxies necessary to obtain the Suncrest Shareholder Approval. Once ValleySuncrest has established the record date for determining shareholders of ValleySuncrest entitled to vote at the ValleySuncrest Shareholder Meeting, ValleySuncrest shall not change such record date or establish a different record date for the ValleySuncrest Shareholder Meeting without the prior written consent of CVB,Parent, unless required to do so by applicable Law or the ValleySuncrest Articles or the ValleySuncrest Bylaws.

6.5Nasdaq Listing. Prior(c) Suncrest shall engage a proxy solicitor reasonably acceptable to Parent to assist in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders relating to the Closing Date, CVBSuncrest Shareholder Approval.

6.08Reserved.

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6.09No Solicitation.

(a) Suncrest agrees that neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of the officers, directors or employees of it or its Subsidiaries shall, file with Nasdaqand that it shall cause its and its Subsidiaries’ officers, directors, employees, agents, advisors, representatives (including any required noticesinvestment banker, attorney or formsaccountant retained by it or any of its Subsidiaries) and Affiliates, not to, directly or indirectly:

(i) initiate, solicit, encourage or knowingly facilitate any inquiries with respect to, listingor the sharesmaking of CVB Common Stockany proposal or offer that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to lead to, a transaction to effect, (A) a merger, reorganization, share exchange, consolidation, business combination, recapitalization or similar transaction involving it or any of its Subsidiaries that, if consummated, would result in any Person (or the stockholders of such Person) beneficially owning 15% or more of any class of equity securities or any amount of securities representing 15% or more of the total voting power of it (or of the surviving parent entity in such transaction) or of any of its Subsidiaries, or (B) any purchase or sale or other acquisition of 15% or more of the consolidated assets (including stock of its Subsidiaries) of it and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (C) any purchase or sale of, or tender or exchange offer for, or other acquisition of, its voting securities that, if consummated, would result in any Person (or the stockholders of such Person) beneficially owning 15% or more of any class of equity securities or any amount of securities representing 15% or more of the total voting power of it (or of the surviving parent entity in such transaction) or of any of its Subsidiaries, or (D) a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of it (any such proposal, offer or transaction in any of the preceding clauses (A), (B), (C) or (D) (other than a proposal or offer made by Parent or an Affiliate thereof) being hereinafter referred to as an “Acquisition Proposal”),

(ii) engage or enter into, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions with or provide any confidential information or data to any Person relating to, or engage in any negotiations concerning, or otherwise cooperate with or assist or participate in, or encourage or knowingly facilitate any such inquiries, proposals, discussions or negotiations or any effort or attempt to make an Acquisition Proposal or any other proposal that could reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal, or

(iii) approve, endorse or recommend, or propose to approve, endorse or recommend, or execute or enter into, any letter of intent, agreement in principle, merger agreement, asset purchase or share exchange agreement, option agreement or other similar agreement related to any Acquisition Proposal or propose or agree to do any of the foregoing.

(b) Subject to Section 6.09(c) below, Suncrest will immediately cease and cause to be issued interminated any activities, discussions or negotiations conducted before the Merger.date of this Agreement with any persons other than Parent and Citizens with respect to any Suncrest Acquisition Proposal and will, subject to applicable Law, (i) enforce any confidentiality or similar agreement relating to a Suncrest Acquisition Proposal and (ii) within ten (10) Business Days after the date hereof, request and confirm the return or destruction of any confidential information provided to any Person (other than Parent and its Affiliates) pursuant to any such confidentiality or similar agreement.

6.6Employee Matters.

(a) Except as otherwise provided(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, the Suncrest Board shall be permitted, at any time prior to the Suncrest Shareholder Approval, and subject to compliance by Suncrest with the other terms of this Section 6.09 and to Suncrest first entering into a confidentiality agreement (a copy of which shall be provided to Parent) with the Person making the Acquisition Proposal described on terms no less restrictive to the counterparty than those contained in the Confidentiality Agreement and that expressly permits Suncrest to comply with its obligations under this Section 6.09, to engage in discussions and negotiations with, or provide any nonpublic information or data to, any Person in response to an unsolicited bona fide written Acquisition Proposal by such Person made or renewed after the date of this Agreement and which the Suncrest Board (i) concludes in good faith constitutes or is reasonably likely to result in a Superior Proposal and (ii) determines that engaging in such discussions and negotiations with, or providing such nonpublic information

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or data to, such Person is necessary in order for the Suncrest Board to comply with its fiduciary duties to its shareholders under applicable Law.

(d) Suncrest shall notify Parent promptly (but in no event later than twenty four (24) hours) after receipt of any Acquisition Proposal, or any Employee Benefit Plan, all Employee Benefit Plansrequest for nonpublic information relating to Suncrest or any of Valley will be discontinued and employeesits Subsidiaries by any Person that informs Suncrest or any of Valley who become employees of Citizens Business Bank on the Closing Date (each such employee,its Subsidiaries that it is considering making, or has made, an Acquisition Proposal, or any inquiry from any Person seeking to have discussions or negotiations with Suncrest relating to a Covered Employee”) shall become eligible for the employee benefit plans of Citizens Business Bank on the same terms as such plans and benefits are generally offered from time to time to employees of Citizens Business Bank in comparable positions with Citizens Business Bank. Effective as of a date no later than the day immediately preceding the Closing Date, Valley shall file all required reportspossible Acquisition Proposal or any other indication that any Person is considering making an Acquisition Proposal with respect to the Valley Business Bank 401(k) Plan (the “Valley 401(k) Plan”) including without limitation a Form 5500 for 2015,it. Such notice shall be made orally and confirmed in writing, and shall terminateindicate the Valley 401(k) Planidentity of the Person making the Acquisition Proposal, inquiry or request and the material terms and conditions of any inquiries, proposals or offers. Suncrest shall also promptly, and in any event within twenty four (24) hours, notify Parent, orally and in writing, if it enters into discussions or negotiations concerning any Acquisition Proposal or provides nonpublic information or data to any Person in accordance with Section 6.09(c) (and shall promptly provide to Parent copies of all material nonpublic information so provided not previously provided to Parent) and shall keep Parent promptly and fully informed of the status and terms of any such proposals, offers, discussions or negotiations on a current basis, including by providing within twenty four (24) hours of receipt, a summary of all material terms of such proposals or offers (including any material changes in any terms), together with copies of all such proposals or offers if in writing (including all draft agreements). At least five (5) Business Days prior to each meeting of the Suncrest Board (or any committee thereof) at which the Suncrest Board (or any committee thereof) shall consider and determine whether any offer constitutes a Superior Proposal, Suncrest shall provide Parent with a written notice specifying the date and time of such meeting, the reasons for holding such meeting, the material terms and conditions of the offer that is the basis of the potential action by the Suncrest Board (or any committee thereof) (including a copy of any draft definitive agreement reflecting the offer) and the identity of the Person making the offer.

(e) Subject to Section 6.09(f), neither the Suncrest Board nor any committee of either thereof shall:

(i) withdraw, modify or qualify the Suncrest Board Recommendation in a manner adverse to Parent, or adopt a resolution to withdraw, modify or qualify the Suncrest Board Recommendation in a manner adverse to Parent or take any other Employee Benefit Plans identified by CVB to Valleyaction that is or becomes disclosed publicly and shall provide CVB with evidencewhich can reasonably be interpreted as indicating that the Valley 401(k) Plan hasSuncrest Board or any committee thereof does not support the Merger and this Agreement or does not believe that the Merger and this Agreement are in the best interests of its shareholders;

(ii) fail to reaffirm, without qualification, the Suncrest Board Recommendation or fail to state publicly, without qualification, that the Merger and this Agreement are in the best interests of its shareholders within five (5) Business Days after Parent requests in writing that such action be taken;

(iii) fail to announce publicly within ten (10) Business Days after a tender offer or exchange offer relating to the Suncrest Common Stock shall have been terminated (effective no latercommenced, that it recommends rejection of such tender or exchange offer;

(iv) fail to issue within ten (10) Business Days after an Acquisition Proposal is publicly announced with respect to Suncrest a press release announcing its opposition to such Acquisition Proposal;

(v) approve, endorse or recommend any such Acquisition Proposal with respect to Suncrest; or

(vi) resolve to take any action described in clauses (i) through (v) of this sentence (each of the foregoing actions described in clauses (i) through (vi) of this sentence being referred to herein as a “Suncrest Change in Recommendation”).

 

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than(f) Notwithstanding anything to the day immediately precedingcontrary contained in this Agreement, at any time prior to the Closing Date) pursuantSuncrest Shareholder Approval, the Suncrest Board may effect a Suncrest Change in Recommendation if:

(i) after the date of this Agreement, an unsolicited, bona fide written offer to resolutionseffect a transaction of Valleythe type referred to in the definition of the term Superior Proposal is made to Suncrest and is not withdrawn;

(ii) such unsolicited, bona fide, written offer was not obtained or made as a direct or indirect result of a breach of, or any action inconsistent with, this Agreement;

(iii) Suncrest has complied with its obligations to provide notices to Parent of any Acquisition Proposal and other matters requiring notice under this Section 6.09;

(iv) at least two (2) Business Days prior to each meeting of the Suncrest Board of Directors. The format which the Suncrest Board shall consider and substancedetermine whether any such offer constitutes a Superior Proposal, Suncrest provides the Parent with a written notice specifying the date and time of such resolutions shall be subjectmeeting, the reasons for holding such meeting, the material terms and conditions of the offer that is the basis of the potential action by the Suncrest Board (including a copy of any draft definitive agreement reflecting the offer) and the identity of the Person making the offer (it being agreed that any material change to the review and reasonable approval of CVB. Valley shall also take such other actions in furtherance of terminating the Valley 401(k) Plan as CVB may reasonably require. For purposes of determining such Covered Employees’ eligibility and vesting (but not for benefit accruals) under the employee benefit plans of Citizens Business Bank and entitlement to severance benefits and vacation entitlement (to the extent permitted by applicable Law), Citizens Business Bank shall recognize such employees’ years of service with Valley beginning on the date such employees commenced employment with Valley through the Closing Date. Citizens Business Bank shall take any actions necessary to allow participants in the Valley 401(k) Plan who become eligible to participate in the Citizens Business Bank 401(k) Plan to make rollover contributions (but not including the rollover of participant loans in accordance with the terms and conditions of such offer shall require a new notice and new two (2) Business Day period);

(v) the Citizens Business Bank 401(k) Plan.

(b) Valley’s Executive Supplemental Compensation Agreements, Salary Continuation AgreementsSuncrest Board determines in good faith, after obtaining and Split Dollar Arrangements set forth in Section 6.6(b)taking into account the advice of the Valley Disclosure Schedule shall continue in effecta financial advisor of nationally recognized reputation and shall be maintained by the Surviving Corporation following the Closing Date.

(c) Subject to the requirements of applicable Law, CVB shall cause Citizens Business Bank to take such commercially reasonable actions as are necessary to cause the group health plan maintained by Citizens Business Bank or an Affiliate thereof, and applicable insurance carriers, third party administrators and any other third parties, to the extent such group health plan is made available to employees of Valley on the Closing Date, to (i) waive any evidence of insurability requirements, waiting periods, and any limitations as to preexisting medical conditions under the group health plan applicable to employees of Valley on the Closing Date and their spouses and eligible dependents (but only to the extentits outside legal counsel, that such preexisting condition limitations didoffer constitutes a Superior Proposal;

(vi) the Suncrest Board does not applyeffect, or were satisfied undercause Suncrest to effect, a Suncrest Change in Recommendation at any time within three (3) Business Days after Parent receives written notice from Suncrest confirming that the group health plan maintainedSuncrest Board has determined that such offer is a Superior Proposal and intends to effect a Suncrest Change in Recommendation;

(vii) during such three (3) Business Day period, if requested by Valley priorParent, Suncrest engages in good faith negotiations with Parent to the Closing) and (ii) provide employees of Valley on the Closing Date with credit, for the calendar year in which the Closing occurs, for the amount of any out-of-pocket expenses and copayments or deductible expenses that are incurred by them during the calendar year in which the Closing occurs under a group health plan maintained by Citizens Business Bank or any of its Affiliates (unless such employees of Valley were, when employed by Valley, participants in a Health Maintenance Organization health plan).

(d) Without limiting the generality of Section 9.10, the provisions of this Section 6.6 are solely for the benefit of the parties toamend this Agreement in such a manner that the offer that was determined to constitute a Superior Proposal no longer constitutes a Superior Proposal;

(viii) at the end of such three (3) Business Day period, such offer has not been withdrawn and no current or former employee, independent contractor orcontinues to constitute a Superior Proposal (taking into account any other individual associated therewith shall be regarded for any purpose as a third-party beneficiary of this Agreement. In no event shallchanges to the terms of this Agreement proposed by Parent as a result of the negotiations required by clause (vii) or otherwise); and

(ix) the Suncrest Board reasonably determines in good faith, after obtaining and taking into account the advice of its outside legal counsel that, in light of such Superior Proposal, a Suncrest Change in Recommendation is required in order for the Suncrest Board to comply with its fiduciary duties to its shareholders under applicable Law.

(g) Nothing in this Section 6.09 (but subject to the terms set forth in Section 8.01) shall (i) permit Suncrest to terminate this Agreement or (ii) affect any other obligation of Suncrest under this Agreement. Unless this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, Suncrest shall not submit to the vote of its shareholders any Acquisition Proposal other than the Merger.

6.10TakeoverLaws. At all times prior to the Effective Time, Suncrest and Parent (as to themselves) shall: (a) take all reasonable action necessary to ensure that no Takeover Law is or becomes applicable to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including the Merger; and (b) if any Takeover Law becomes applicable to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, including the

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Merger, take all reasonable action necessary to ensure that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Merger, may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated hereby and otherwise to minimize the effect of such Takeover Law on this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger.

6.11 Schedule Updates. Not later than the tenth (10th) day of each calendar month between August 31, 2021 and the Closing Date, and at least seven (7) Business Days prior to the Closing (or with respect to matters requiring updating as of the Determination Date, on the Determination Date), Suncrest shall provide to Parent and Citizens a supplemental Suncrest Disclosure Schedule reflecting any required changes thereto between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date which would have been required to be set forth or described in such disclosure schedule or which is necessary to correct any information in any Suncrest representation or warranty or such disclosure schedule which has been rendered inaccurate thereby. Delivery of such supplemental disclosure schedules shall not cure a breach or modify a representation or warranty of this Agreement or for determining the satisfaction of any conditions to consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or otherwise affect the respective rights, obligations, representations, warranties, covenants or agreements of the Parties hereto. Any information set forth in any one section of Suncrest Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed to (i) establish, amend,apply to each other applicable section or modifysubsection of Suncrest Disclosure Schedule, respectively, if its relevance to the information called for in such section or subsection is reasonably apparent on its face notwithstanding the omission of any Employee Benefit Plan,cross-reference to such other section.

6.12 Certain Policies. Immediately prior to the Effective Time and provided that Parent has confirmed in writing that all conditions to its obligations to effect the Merger have been satisfied or any plan, program, agreement or arrangement maintained or sponsored by CVB, Valley or anywaived and that it is prepared to effect the Merger, Suncrest shall, consistent with GAAP, the rules and regulations of their respective Affiliates; (ii) alter or limit the abilitySEC and the rules and regulations of CVB or any of its Subsidiaries (including, after the Closing Date, the Surviving CorporationCDFPI, FDIC and its Subsidiaries) to amend,applicable banking Law, modify or terminatechange its loan, other real estate owned, accrual, reserve, Tax, litigation and real estate valuation policies and practices (including loan classifications and levels of reserves) so as to be applied on a basis that is consistent with that of Citizens; provided, however, that unless the modification or changes would otherwise be necessary to be consistent with applicable Law or with regulatory accounting principles and GAAP, no such modification or change shall constitute or be deemed to be a breach, violation of or failure to satisfy any Employee Benefit Plan, employmentrepresentation, warranty, covenant, agreement, or any other benefit or employment plan, program, agreement or arrangement after the Closing Date; or (iii) confer upon any current or former employee, independent contractorcondition or other service provider any right to employment or continued employment or continued service with CVB or any of its Subsidiaries (including, following the Closing Date, the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries), or constitute or create an employment or other agreement with any employee, independent contractor or other service provider.

(e) For a period of one (1) year following the Closing Date, CVB shall cause Citizens Business Bank to provide a lump sum severance payment to each Covered Employee (other than any Covered Employee having an agreement providing for severance) who is terminated by Citizens Business Bank other than for Cause in an amount equal to such employee’s regularly scheduled base salary or base wages at the time of termination of employment for a period equal to (i) two weeks plus (ii) one week for each full year of continuous service completed by such employee with Valley and Citizens Business Bank at the time of termination of employment (without proration for partial years), subject to applicable tax withholding and subject further the employee signing a release of claims in favor of CVB and Citizens Business Bank and allowing it to become effective. For

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purposesprovision of this Section 6.6(e), “Cause” shall mean the employee’s personal dishonesty, willful misconduct,Agreement or otherwise be considered in determining whether any such breach, of fiduciary duty involving personal profit,violation or failure to comply withsatisfy shall have occurred, or as an admission or acknowledgement by Suncrest that any validsuch modification or change is appropriate or required or that any financial statement or information previously provided by Suncrest was incorrect in any respect.

6.13 Indemnification; Director’s and legal directive of CVB, Citizens Business Bank, Valley and/or VBB, failure to perform stated duties, violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or order of any Governmental Entity.

6.7Indemnification; Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance.Officer’s Insurance.

(a) From and after the Effective Time, CVBeach of Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless each present and former director and officer of ValleySuncrest and its Subsidiaries (in each case, only when acting in such capacity) (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of actions or omissions occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, including the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, to the extent they are indemnified on the date hereof to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law,Law; and CVBParent and the Surviving Corporation shall also advance expenses as incurred to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law;provided that the Indemnified Party to whom expenses are advanced provides an undertaking to repay such advances (including to Citizens, as successor-in-interest to Suncrest) if it is ultimately determined that such Indemnified Party is not entitled to indemnification.

(b) Each Further, Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall assume, perform and observe the obligations of CVBSuncrest under the Suncrest Articles, the Suncrest Bylaws and Valley shall use commercially reasonable effortsthe agreements in effect as of the date of this Agreement and set forth in Schedule 6.13(a) of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule to cause the persons serving asindemnify those Persons who are or have been at any time been directors and officers of Suncrest for their acts and directors of Valley immediatelyomissions occurring at or prior to the Effective Time to be covered byin their capacity as directors or officers.

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(b) For a directors’period of six (6) years from the Effective Time, Parent or the Surviving Corporation shall provide that portion of director’s and officers’officer’s liability insurance tail policy obtained from Valley’s current insurance carrier or, if CVB can obtain a policy on more favorable pricing, an insurance carrier identified by CVB (the “(“D&O Insurance”), that serves to reimburse the present and former officers and directors (determined as of substantiallythe Effective Time) of Suncrest with respect to claims against such directors and officers arising from facts or events which occurred at or before the Effective Time, which D&O Insurance shall contain at least the same coverage and amounts, containingand contain terms and conditions which are generally notno less advantageous than Valley’s current policy with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to the Effective Time that were committed by such officers and directors, in their capacity as such for a period of six (6) yearsthat coverage currently provided,however, by Suncrest; provided, however, that in no event shall Parent or the cost ofSurviving Corporation be required to expend in the D&O Insurance policy beaggregate for such six (6)-year period more than two hundred and fifty percent (250%)250% of the current amount expended on an annual basis by Valley for its current policy;Suncrest to maintain or procure such D&O Insurance; provided,,further,, that if Parent or the Surviving Corporation is unable to maintain or obtain the D&O Insurance cannot be obtained as providedcalled for by this Section 6.7(b), CVB6.13, Parent or the Surviving Corporation shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain as much comparable insurance as is available;available at a cost in the aggregate for such six (6)-year period up to 250% of the current annual premium; provided,,further,, that officers and directors of ValleySuncrest may be required to make application and provide customary representations and warranties to anParent or the Surviving Corporation’s insurance carrier for the purpose of obtaining thesuch D&O Insurance.

(c) Any Indemnified Party wishing to claim indemnification under Section 6.7(a), upon learning In lieu of any claim, action, suit, proceedingthe foregoing, Parent shall or, investigation described above, will promptly notify CVB thereof;provided that failure to so notify will not affectwith the obligationsprior written consent of CVBParent, Suncrest may, purchase, at or under Section 6.7(a) unless andprior to the extent that CVB is actuallyEffective Time, a six (6)-year prepaid “tail” policy on terms and materially prejudicedconditions providing substantially equivalent benefits as a consequence.

(d) The provisionsthe current policies of this Section 6.7 are intended to be for the benefit of,directors’ and shall be enforceableofficers’ liability insurance maintained by each director or officer of Valleythe Suncrest and its Subsidiaries with respect to matters arising at or prior to the Effective Time, covering without limitation the Merger and histhe other transactions contemplated hereby, at an aggregate cost up to but not exceeding 250% of the current annual premium for such insurance (or as much comparable insurance as is available at a cost in the aggregate for such six (6) year period up to 250% of the current annual premium). If such prepaid “tail” policy has been obtained prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall cause such policy to be maintained in full force and effect, for its full term, and cause all obligations thereunder to be honored by Parent and the Surviving Corporation, and no other party shall have any further obligation to purchase or her heirs and representatives and shall be binding onpay for insurance pursuant to this Section 6.13(b). If Parent or the successors and assigns of CVB.

(e) In the event that either CVBSurviving Corporation or any of its successors or assigns shall (i) consolidatesconsolidate with or mergesmerge into any other personcorporation or entity and shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger or (ii) transferstransfer all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any person,other Person, then, and in each such case, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of CVBParent and the Surviving Corporation shall assume the obligations set forth in this Section 6.7.6.13. The provisions of this Section 6.13 are (i) intended to be for the benefit of, and will be enforceable by, each Indemnified Party and (ii) in addition to, and not in substitution for, any other rights to indemnification or contribution that any such Indemnified Person may have by contract or otherwise.

6.8(c) Any Indemnified Party wishing to claim indemnification under Section 6.13(a), upon learning of any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation described above, will promptly notify Parent or the Surviving Corporation thereof; Special Dividendprovided. Valley that failure to so notify will not affect the obligations of Parent or the Surviving Corporation under Section 6.13(a) unless and to the extent that Parent or the Surviving Corporation is actually and materially prejudiced as a consequence. In the event of any such claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation (whether arising before or after the Effective Time), (i) Parent or the Surviving Corporation shall have the right to assume the defense thereof and Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall not be liable to such Indemnified Party for any legal expenses or other counsel or any other expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Party in accordanceconnection with Applicable Law, declarethe defense thereof; provided, however, that none of Parent or the Surviving Corporation shall settle, compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any Claim for which indemnification has been sought by an Indemnified Party hereunder, unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such Claim or such Indemnified Party otherwise consents in writing to such settlement, compromise or consent, (ii) the Indemnified Party will cooperate in the defense of any such matter, and (iii) Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall not be liable for any settlement effected without its prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided, however, that Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall not have any obligation hereunder to any Indemnified Party if and when a one-time cash dividend payablecourt of competent jurisdiction shall ultimately determine, and such determination shall have become final, that the indemnification of such Indemnified Party in the manner contemplated hereby is prohibited by applicable Law.

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6.14 Employee Benefit Plans.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or pursuant to holdersthe terms of recordsuch Employee Benefit Plans, all Employee Benefit Plans of outstanding Valley Common Stock asSuncrest will be discontinued and employees of Suncrest who become employees of Citizens on the Closing Date in an aggregate amount that(such employees “Continuing Employees”) shall not exceedbecome eligible for the amount by whichemployee benefit plans of Citizens beginning on the Pre-Dividend Common Equity exceeds the greater of (a) the Closing Tangible Common Equity Minimum or (b) the amount of tangible common equity capital necessary for Valley to achieve a tangible common equity capital ratio of 8.0% (determined in accordance with GAAP,

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regulatory accounting requirements and Valley’s policies and procedures as of the date of this Agreement) as of the finalfirst day of the month immediately after the Closing Date on the same terms as such plans and benefits are generally offered from time to time to employees of Citizens in comparable positions with Citizens; provided, however, that Continuing Employees (other than any employees of Suncrest who have employment contracts or change-in-control agreements with Suncrest) who are terminated within one year of the Closing Date (other than for cause) shall receive severance benefits in accordance with Suncrest’s severance policy as described on Section 6.14 of the Suncrest Disclosure Schedule. Effective as of a date no later than the day immediately preceding the Closing Date, Suncrest shall terminate the Suncrest Bank 401(k) Profit Share Plan (the “Special DividendSuncrest 401(k) Plan”) and shall provide Parent with evidence that the Suncrest 401(k) Plan has been terminated (effective no later than the day immediately preceding the Closing Date) pursuant to resolutions of the Suncrest Board or take such other action with respect to the Suncrest 401(k) Plan as Parent shall reasonably request. The form and substance of such resolutions shall be subject to the review and reasonable approval of Parent. Suncrest shall also take such other actions in furtherance of terminating the Suncrest 401(k) Plan as Parent may reasonably require. For purposes of determining Continuing Employees’ eligibility and vesting (but not for benefit accruals under any defined benefit plan) under the employee benefit plans of Citizens and entitlement to severance benefits and vacation entitlement (to the extent permitted by applicable Law), butCitizens shall recognize such Continuing Employees’ years of service with Suncrest beginning on the date such employees commenced employment with Suncrest through the Closing Date. Citizens shall take any actions necessary to allow the former participants in the Suncrest 401(k) Plan who become eligible to participate in Citizens’ 401(k) Plan to make rollover contributions (including the rollover of participant loans) in accordance with the terms and conditions of Citizens’ 401(k) Plan.

(b) Subject to the requirements of applicable Law, Citizens shall take such commercially reasonable actions as are necessary to cause the group health plan maintained by Citizens or an Affiliate thereof, and applicable insurance carriers, third party administrators and any other third parties, to the extent such group health plan is made available to Continuing Employees on or after the first day of the month immediately after the Closing Date, to (i) waive any evidence of insurability requirements, waiting periods, and any limitations as to preexisting medical conditions under the group health plan applicable to Continuing Employees and their spouses and eligible dependents (but only if and to the extent that such dividend wouldpreexisting condition limitations did not cause Valley to fail to satisfy any condition to closing set forth in Section 7.2. As used herein, “Pre-Dividend Common Equity” shall mean Valley’s tangible common shareholders’ equity calculated in accordance GAAP, regulatory accounting requirements and Valley’s policies and procedures as ofapply or were satisfied under the date of this Agreement calculated as of the final day of the month immediately preceding the Closing, without giving effect to the Special Dividend, but prior to any pre-closing adjustments effectuated in accordance with Section 6.14 and the Transaction Costs. Valley shall seek, and shall cause VBB to seek, any approvals, consents or waivers necessary to enable Valley to pay the Special Dividend within 15 days of the date of this Agreement, and each of Valley and VBB shall have received, any such approvals, consents or waivers from any Governmental Entities necessary to enable Valley to pay the Special Dividend without violation of Applicable Law on the Closing Date. The amount of the Special Dividend payable on each share of Valley Common Stock outstanding as of the record date for the Special Dividend shall be equal to the quotient of the aggregate amount of the Special Dividend dividedgroup health plan maintained by the number of shares of Valley Common Stock outstanding on the Closing Date. Valley shall deposit the aggregate amount of the Special Dividend with its stock transfer agent at least three (3) Business DaysSuncrest prior to the Closing); and (ii) provide Continuing Employees with credit, for the calendar year in which the Closing and shall instruct its stock transfer agent to payoccurs, for the pro rata amount of any out-of-pocket expenses and copayments or deductible expenses that are incurred by them and their spouses and eligible dependents during the Special Dividend to holders of record of outstanding Valley Common Stock as ofcalendar year in which the Closing Date.

6.9No Solicitation.

(a) Valley agrees that none of itoccurs under a group health plan maintained by Citizens or any of its officers, directors and employees will, and it will cause its and its officers, directors, agents, representatives, advisors and Affiliates notAffiliates.

(c) Subject to initiate, solicit, encourage or knowingly facilitatethe requirements of applicable law, for those Continuing Employees whose employment continues with Citizens through the end of 2021, such Continuing Employees shall be entitled to receive their accrued annual bonus (subject to reduction for any inquiries or the making of proposalsamount that may have been previously paid by Suncrest with respect to or engagesuch annual period) on the earlier of (i) the same time as Citizens pays out its bonuses in any negotiations concerning, or provide any confidential or nonpublic information or data to, or have any discussions with, any Person relating to, any Acquisition Proposal made by a Person (other than CVB or Citizens Business Bank) to Valley or any of its officers, directors, agents, representatives, advisors2022 for similarly situated employees, and Affiliates (a “Valley Acquisition Proposal”) or otherwise facilitate any effort to attempt or make or implement a Valley Acquisition Proposal.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if at any time after(ii) the date hereofthat any such Continuing Employee’s employment is terminated if such termination occurs after December 31, 2021 and prior to butthe date that Citizens pays out its bonuses in 2022 for similarly situated employees. For those employees of Suncrest whose employment with Citizens terminates after the Effective Time and prior to the end of 2021, such employees shall receive their pro rated accrued annual bonuses (subject to reduction for any amount that may have been previously paid by Suncrest with respect to such annual period) on the date of such termination of employment. All such annual bonuses shall not after, obtainingexceed 110% of the Valley Shareholder Approval, Valley receives a bona fide Valley Acquisition Proposal andamount of such Valley Acquisition Proposal did not result from a breachemployee’s annual bonus for the year ended December 31, 2020 (pro rated for the portion of the year in which the Closing occurs).

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(d) Without limiting the generality of Section 9.07, the provisions of this Section 6.9, and6.14 are solely for the Boardbenefit of Directors of Valley concludes, in good faith, that such Valley Acquisition Proposal constitutes, or is reasonably expectedthe Parties to result in, a Valley Superior Proposal, then Valley and its Board of Directors may, and may permit its representatives to, furnish or cause to be furnished nonpublic information and participate in such negotiations or discussions to the extent that the Board of Directors of Valley concludes in good faith (and after conferring with outside legal counsel and its financial advisors) that the failure to take such action would breach or would be more likely than not to result in a breach of its fiduciary duties to Valley’s shareholders;provided that prior to providing any nonpublic information permitted to be provided pursuant to the foregoing proviso or engaging in any negotiations, it shall have entered into a confidentiality agreement with such third party on terms no less restrictive in the aggregate to the counterparty than those contained in the Confidentialitythis Agreement, and which expressly permits Valley to comply with its obligations pursuant to this Section 6.9. Subject to the foregoing and Section 6.9(c) below, Valley will immediately cease and cause tono current or former employee, independent contractor or any other individual associated therewith shall be terminatedregarded for any activities, discussions or negotiations conducted before the datepurpose as a third-party beneficiary of this Agreement with any persons other than CVB with respect to any Valley Acquisition Proposal and will use its commercially reasonable efforts, subject to applicable Law, to (i) enforce any confidentiality or similar agreement relating to a Valley Acquisition Proposal and (ii) within three (3) Business Days after the date hereof, request and confirm the return or destruction of any confidential information provided to any Person (other than CVB and its Affiliates) pursuant to any such confidentiality or similar agreement). Valley will promptly (and in anyAgreement. In no event within two (2) Business Days) advise CVB following receipt of any Valley Acquisition Proposal, any discussions or negotiations are sought to be initiated or continued or any request for nonpublic information or inquiry that would reasonably be expected to lead to any Valley Acquisition Proposal and the substance thereof (including the identity of the Person making such Valley Acquisition Proposal), and will keep CVB promptly apprised of any related developments,

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discussions and negotiations (including the terms and conditions of any such request, inquiry or Valley Acquisition Proposal, or all amendments or proposed amendments thereto) on a current basis (it being understood that for the avoidance of doubt that no such communications to CVB shall be deemed an Adverse Change of Recommendation). Valley agrees that it shall contemporaneously provide to CVB any confidential or nonpublic information concerning Valley that may be provided to any other Person in connection with any Valley Acquisition Proposal which has not previously been provided to CVB.

(c) (i) None of the Board of Directors of Valley or any committee thereof shall: (A) except as expressly permitted by, and after compliance with, Section 6.9(c)(ii)(B) hereof, make any Adverse Change of Recommendation; or (B) cause or permit Valley to enter into any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement, merger agreement or other agreement (other than a confidentiality agreement referred to in Section 6.9(b) entered into in compliance with Section 6.9(b)) relating to any Valley Acquisition Proposal made to Valley.

(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, at any time prior to, but not after, obtaining the Valley Shareholder Approval, the Board of Directors of Valley may make an Adverse Change of Recommendation or terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(d) if Valley receives a Valley Acquisition Proposal that is not withdrawn and the Board of Directors of Valley concludes in good faith that such Valley Acquisition Proposal constitutes a Valley Superior Proposal;provided that:

(1) The Board of Directors of Valley concludes in good faith (and based on the advice of outside legal counsel) that failure to take such actions would be more likely than not to result in a violation of its fiduciary duties under applicable Law;

(2) Valley provides CVB prior written notice at least five (5) Business Days prior to taking such action, which notice shall state that the Board of Directors of Valley has received a Valley Superior Proposal and, absent any revision to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of Valley has resolved to effect an Adverse Change of Recommendation or to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(d), as applicable, which notice shall specify the basis for such Adverse Change of Recommendation or termination, including the material terms of Valley Superior Proposal (a “Notice of Superior Proposal”) (it being understood for the avoidance of doubt that such Notice of Superior Proposal shall not be deemed an Adverse Change of Recommendation);

(3) during such five (5)-Business Day period (and, with respect to any modifications to any Valley Acquisition Proposal, an additional five (5) Business Day periods), Valley negotiates in good faith with CVB (to the extent that CVB wishes to negotiate) to enable CVB to make an improved offer that is favorable to the shareholders of Valley so that such Valley Acquisition Proposal would cease to constitute a Valley Superior Proposal; and

(4) at the end of such five (5)-Business Day period(s) (or such earlier time that CVB advises Valley that it no longer wishes to negotiate to amend this Agreement), the Board of Directors of Valley, after taking into account any modifications to the terms of this Agreement andbe deemed to (i) establish, amend, or modify any employee benefit plan, program, agreement or arrangement maintained or sponsored by Parent, Suncrest or any of their respective Affiliates; (ii) alter or limit the Merger agreed to by CVB after receiptability of such notice, continues to believe that such Valley Acquisition Proposal constitutes a Valley Superior Proposal.

(d) As used in this Agreement, “Acquisition Proposal” means a tender or exchange offer, proposal for a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving the partyParent or any of its Subsidiaries (including, after the Closing Date, the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries) to amend, modify or terminate any Employee Benefit Plan, employment agreement or any proposalother benefit or offeremployment plan, program, agreement or arrangement after the Closing Date; (iii) confer upon any current or former employee, independent contractor or other service provider any right to acquire in any manner more than 10% of the voting power in,employment or more than 10% of the fair market value of the business, assetscontinued employment or deposits of, the partycontinued service with Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (including, following the Closing Date, the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries), or constitute; or (iv) create an employment or other agreement with any public announcementemployee, independent contractor or other service provider. No provision of a proposed plan or intention to do any of the foregoing or any agreements to engage in any of the foregoing, other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and any sale of whole loans and securitizations in the ordinary course. As used in this Agreement, “Valley Superior Proposal” means an unsolicited bona fide written Valley Acquisition Proposal that did not otherwise result from a breach of this

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Section 6.9, that the Board of Directors of Valley concludes in good faith to be more favorable from a financial point of view to its shareholders than the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby and to be reasonably capable of being consummated on the terms proposed, (i) after receiving the advice of its financial advisors (who shall be Vining Sparks IBG, LP or another a nationally recognized investment banking firm), (ii) after taking into account the likelihood of consummation of such transaction on the terms set forth therein and (iii) after taking into account all legal, financial (including the financing terms of any such proposal), regulatory and other aspects of such proposal (including any expense reimbursement provisions and conditions to closing) and any other relevant factors permitted under applicable Law, and after taking into account any amendment or modification to this Agreement agreed to by CVB;provided that for purposes of the definition of “Valley Superior Proposal,” the references to “more than 10%” in the definition of Valley Acquisition Proposal shallwill be deemed to be references to “50%.”

6.10Takeover Laws. No party will take any action that would causechange the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be subject to requirements imposed by any Takeover Law and each of them will take all necessary steps within its control to exempt (or ensure the continued exemption of) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement from, or if necessary challenge the validity or applicability“at will” status of any applicable Takeover Law, as now or hereafter in effect. If any Takeover Laws becomes applicable to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, including the Merger, the parties shall take all reasonable action necessary to ensure that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Merger, may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated hereby and otherwise to minimize the effect of such Takeover Law on this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger.Continuing Employee.

6.11Schedule Updates. Not later than the twenty-fifth (25th) day of each calendar month between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, and at least seven (7) Business Days prior to the Closing, Valley shall provide to CVB a supplemental Valley Disclosure Schedule reflecting any required changes thereto between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date which would have been required to be set forth or described in such disclosure schedule or which is necessary to correct any information in any Valley representation or warranty or such disclosure schedule which has been rendered inaccurate thereby, with Schedule 3.25(e) to be updated with respect to Loans as of the last Business Day of the last calendar month prior to the Closing Date. Delivery of such supplemental disclosure schedules shall not cure a breach or modify a representation or warranty of this Agreement or for purposes of determining the satisfaction of any conditions to consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or otherwise affect the respective rights, obligations, representations, warranties, covenants or agreements of the parties to this Agreement.

6.126.15Notification of Certain Matters. In addition to the covenants set forth in Section 6.3(b) herein, ValleyEach of Suncrest and CVB willParent shall give prompt notice to the other of any fact, event or circumstance known to it that (a)(i) is reasonably likely, individually or taken together with all other facts, events and circumstances known to it, to result in anya Suncrest Material Adverse Effect with respect to it or (b)Parent Material Adverse Effect, as the case may be; or (ii) would cause or constitute a material breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained herein that reasonably could be expected to give rise, individually or in the aggregate, to a failure of a condition in Article VII.herein.

6.13Third-Party6.16Third-Party Agreements.

(a) The partiesParties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain (i) the consents or waivers required to be obtained from any third parties in connection with the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby (in such form and content as mutually agreed by the parties)Parties) promptly after the date of this AgreementAgreement; and (ii) the cooperation of such third parties (including at Parent’s request, with respect to the termination of Contracts following the Effective Time) to effect a smooth transition in accordance with the parties’Parties’ timetable at or after the Effective Time. Valley shall cooperate with CVB in minimizing the extent to which any contracts to which Valley is a party will continue in effect following the Effective Time, in addition to complying with the prohibitions in Section 5.2.

(b) Without limiting the generality of Section 6.13(a)6.16(a), Valleyeach of the Parties shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to provide data processing, item processing and other processing support or outside contractors to assist CVB in

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performing all tasks reasonably required to result in a successful conversion of the data and other files and records of ValleySuncrest and its Subsidiaries to CVB’sParent’s and Citizens’ production environment, in such a manner sufficient to ensure that a successful conversion will occur at the time (on or after the Effective Time) mutually agreed by the parties,Parties, subject to any applicable Laws, including Laws regarding the exchange of information and other Laws regarding competition. Among other things, ValleySuncrest shall:

(i) reasonably cooperate with CVBParent and Citizens to establish a mutually agreeable project plan to effectuate the conversion;

(ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to have Valley’sSuncrest’s outside contractors continue to support both the conversion effort and its ongoing needs until the conversion can be established;

(iii) provide, or use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain from any outside contractors, all data or other files and layouts reasonably requested by CVBParent and Citizens for use in planning the conversion, as soon as reasonably practicable;

(iv) provide reasonable access to Valley’sSuncrest’s personnel and facilities and, with the consent of its outside contractors, its outside contractors’ personnel and facilities, to enable the conversion effort to be completed on schedule; and

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(v) give notice of termination, conditioned upon the completion of the transactions contemplated by this Section 6.13(b),Agreement, of the contractsContracts of outside data, item and other processing contractors or other third-party vendors to which ValleySuncrest or any of its Subsidiaries are bound when directed to do so by CVB.Parent or Citizens.

(c) CVBEach of Parent and Citizens agrees that all actions taken pursuant to this Section 6.136.16 shall be taken in a manner intended to minimize disruption to the customary business activities of Valley.Suncrest and its Subsidiaries.

(d) ValleySuncrest shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to obtain the consents, approvals or waivers from the agreements set forth in Section 6.13(d)6.16(d) of the ValleySuncrest Disclosure Schedule and lessor estoppel certificates, in a form reasonably satisfactory to CVB,Parent, to all of ValleySuncrest Leased Property not earlier than thirty (30) calendar days nor later than five (5) calendar days prior to the Closing Date.

6.14Pre-Closing Adjustments6.17NasdaqListing. In additionPrior to the adjustments otherwiseClosing Date, Parent shall file with Nasdaq any required notices or forms with respect to the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger.

6.18 Press Releases. Suncrest and Parent shall consult with each other before issuing any press release with respect to the Merger and this Agreement and (except with respect to a Suncrest Change in Recommendation, subject to compliance with Section 6.09) and shall not issue any such press release or make any such public statements without the prior consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided, however, that a Party may, without the prior consent of the other Party (but after such consultation, to the extent practicable in the circumstances), issue such press release or make such public statements as may upon the advice of outside counsel be required by Law or the rules or regulations of Nasdaq or the SEC. Suncrest and Parent shall cooperate to develop all public announcement materials and make appropriate management available at presentations related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement at or beforeas reasonably requested by the Effective Time, Valley shall make such additional accounting entries or adjustments, including charge-offs of loans, as CVB shall direct, in compliance with applicable Laws, in order to implement its plans following the Closing or to reflect expenses and costs related to the Merger;provided,however, (i) Valley shall not be required to take such additional actions more than one (1) Business Day prior to the Closing or prior to the time CVB agrees in writing that all of the conditions to its obligations to close as set forth in Article VII have been satisfied or waived, and (ii) based upon consultation with counsel and accountants for Valley, no such additional adjustment shall (A) require any filing with any Governmental Entity, or (B) violate any Law applicable to Valley. Any such pre-closing adjustments that CVB shall direct shall be disregarded for purposes of determining the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 7.2(j) hereof, the Closing Tangible Common Equity, and any as reductions in the Aggregate Cash Amount.other Party.

6.156.19Shareholder Litigation and Protests. ValleyProtests. Parent and Suncrest shall each promptly advise CVB orally andnotify the other Party in writing of any shareholderthreatened or commenced litigation, or of any claim, controversy or contingent liability or any community-based protests that might reasonably be expected to be asserted or become the subject of litigation or regulatory review or filings with any Governmental Authority, against Valleythe notifying Party or affecting any of its directors relatingproperties, Subsidiaries or Affiliates and each of Parent and Suncrest shall promptly notify the other Party of any legal action, suit or proceeding or judicial, administrative or governmental investigation, pending or, to the Knowledge of the notifying Party, threatened against the notifying Party (or any of its Subsidiaries) that questions or might question the validity of this Agreement the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby, or any actions taken or to be taken by the notifying Party pursuant hereto or seeks to enjoin, materially delay or otherwise restrain the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. Each of Parent and thereby (an “Adverse Shareholder Action”) andSuncrest shall keep CVB fully informed regarding any such shareholder litigation, including providing all relevant documentation. Valley shall consult with CVB and give good faith consideration of its comments and advice and give CVBthe other Party the opportunity to participate in the defense or settlement of any shareholder litigation against such litigation,providedthat CVB shall payParty or its own expenses, subjectdirectors or officers relating to applicable Law. Nothe Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Neither Parent or Suncrest, or any of their Subsidiaries, may enter into any settlement agreement in connection withrespect of any shareholder litigation against such Adverse Shareholder Action shall be agreedParty or its directors or officers relating to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement without CVB’ssuch other Party’s prior written consent (which(such consent shall not to be unreasonably withheld conditioned or delayed).

For purposes of this Section 6.19, “participate” means that the non-litigating Party will be kept apprised of the proposed strategy and other significant decisions with respect to the litigation by the litigating Party (to the extent the attorney-client privilege, work product or other similar privilege between the litigating party and its counsel is not undermined or otherwise affected and to the extent permitted by law), and the non-litigating Party may offer comments or suggestions with respect to the litigation but will not be afforded any decision-making power or other authority over the litigation except for the settlement consent set forth above

 

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ARTICLE VII7

CONDITIONS PRECEDENTTO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER

7.17.01 Conditions to Each PartysParty’s Obligation to Effect the Merger.Merger. The respective obligationsobligation of the partieseach Party to effect the Merger shall beis subject to the satisfaction or written waiver at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:

(a)Shareholder Approval. The Valley Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained.

(b)Form S-4. The Form S-4 shall have become effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Form S-4 shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the SEC.

(c)No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality. No order, injunction or decree issued by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction or other Law preventing or making illegal the consummation of the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be in effect.

7.2Conditions to Obligations of CVB and Citizens Business Bank. The obligations of CVB to effect the Merger are also subject to the satisfaction, or waiver by CVB, at or prior to the Effective Time,each of the following conditions:

(a)Representations and WarrantiesShareholder Approval. The representations and warranties of Valley set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Effective Time as though made on and as of the Effective Time (except that representations and warranties that by their terms speak specifically as of the date of this Agreement or another date shall be true and correct as of such date);provided,however, that no representation or warranty of Valley (other than the representations and warranties set forth in (i) Sections 3.1(a), 3.2(b), 3.7, 3.8, 3.10, 3.11, 3.15, 3.16, 3.18, 3.23, 3.24, 3.25, 3.26, 3.28, 3.31, and 3.33 which shall be true and correct in all material respects, and (ii) Section 3.2(a), 3.3(a), and 3.3(b), which shall be true and correct in all respects) shall be deemed untrue or incorrect for purposes hereunder as a consequence of the existence of any fact, event or circumstance inconsistent with such representation or warranty, unless such fact, event or circumstance, individually or taken together with all other facts, events or circumstances inconsistent with any representation or warranty of Valley has had or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect on Valley or the Surviving Corporation;providedfurther, that for purposes of determining whether a representation or warranty is true and correct for purposes of this Section 7.2(a) any qualification or exception for, or reference to, materiality (including the terms “material,” “materially,” “in all material respects,” “Material Adverse Effect” or similar terms or phrases) in any such representation or warranty shall be disregarded; and CVBSuncrest shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of Valley byobtained the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer of Valley to the foregoing effect.Suncrest Shareholder Approval.

(b)Performance of Obligations of Valley. Valley shall have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Effective Time; and CVB shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of Valley by the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer of Valley to such effect.

(c)Tax Opinion. CVB shall have received an opinion of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, dated the Closing Date and based on facts, representations and assumptions described in such opinion, to the effect that the Merger will qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. In rendering such opinion, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, will be entitled to receive and rely upon customary certificates and representations of officers of CVB and Valley.

(d)Regulatory Approvals. (i) All consents, registrations, approvals, permits and authorizations required to be obtained prior to the Effective Time by ValleySuncrest or CVB (orParent or any of its Subsidiaries)their respective Subsidiaries from the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC and the Commissioner and NasdaqCDFPI which are necessary to consummate the Merger and (ii) any other regulatoryconsents, registrations, approvals, set forth in Sections 3.4permits and 4.4,authorizations from any Governmental Authority the failure of which to be obtained wouldis reasonably be expectedlikely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect

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on CVB or Valley, in each case required to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Merger and the Bank Merger,a Suncrest Material Adverse Effect shall have been made or obtained (as the case may be) and shall remain in full force and effect and all statutory waiting periods in respect thereof shall have expired, (all such approvals and the expiration of all such waiting periods being referred to as the “Requisite Regulatory Approvals”), and none of such consents, registrations, approvals, permits and authorizations shall contain any Materially Burdensome Regulatory Condition.

(c) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have become effective under the Securities Act. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued, and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or be threatened, by the SEC.

(d) Nasdaq Listing. The shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger pursuant to this Agreement shall have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq.

(e)No Injunction. No Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any Law (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) that is in effect and restrains, enjoins or otherwise prohibits consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(f) Minimum Parent Common Stock Consideration. The aggregate value of Parent Common Stock as of the Closing Date to be delivered to the holders of Shares must represent at least forty-two percent (42%) of the aggregate cash (including cash to be delivered to holders of Dissenting Shares) plus the value of aggregate Parent Common Stock delivered to the holders of Shares, in each case using the closing price of Parent Common Stock on the Nasdaq for the last trading day immediately prior to the Closing Date. Solely for purposes of this Section 7.01(f), holders of Dissenting Shares shall be deemed to receive an amount in cash for each Dissenting Share equal to the Cash Consideration plus the cash value of the Stock Consideration, with the cash value of the Stock Consideration determined solely for purposes of this Section 7.01(f), by multiplying (i) the Exchange Ratio by (ii) the closing price of Parent Common Stock on the Nasdaq for the last trading day immediately prior to the Closing Date (it being understood that the actual amount that would be payable to any holders of Dissenting Shares following completion of an appraisal proceeding would be determined pursuant to such appraisal proceeding in accordance with the applicable provisions of the CGCL).

7.02Conditions to Obligation of Suncrest. The obligation of Suncrest to consummate the Merger is also subject to the fulfillment or written waiver prior to the Effective Time of each of the following additional conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties.

(i) The representations and warranties of Parent and Citizens set forth in Section 5.01(a) (Corporate Organization), the second sentence of Section 5.02 (Capitalization), Section 5.03 (Authority; No

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Violation), Section 5.07 (Broker’s Fees) and Section 5.12 (Takeover Laws), shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (unless any such representation or warranty is made only as of a specific date, in which event such representation and warranty shall be so true and correct as of such specified date); and

(ii) The representations and warranties of Parent and Citizens set forth in Section 5.08 (No Parent Material Adverse Effect) shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date; and

(iii) The representations and warranties of Parent and Citizens set forth in this Agreement (other than the representations and warranties that are the subject of clause (i) and (ii) of this Section 7.02(a)) shall be true and correct in all respects (without giving effect to any “materiality,” “Parent Material Adverse Effect” or similar qualifiers contained in any such representations and warranties) as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (unless any such representation or warranty is made only as of a specific date, in which event such representation and warranty shall be so true and correct as of such specified date), except, in the case of this clause (iii), where the failure of any such representations and warranties to be so true and correct, in the aggregate, has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Performance of Obligations of Parent. Each of Parent and Citizens shall have performed in all material respects all covenants and obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Effective Time.

(c) Officers Certificate. Suncrest shall have received at the Closing a certificate dated the Closing Date and validly executed on behalf of Suncrest by the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer of Parent and Citizens certifying that the conditions specified in Sections 7.02(a) and 7.02(b).

(d) No Material Adverse Effect. Since the date hereof, no event shall have occurred or circumstance arisen that, individually or taken together with all other facts, circumstances or events, has had or is reasonably likely to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect with respect to Valley.Effect.

(f)Dissenting Shareholders(e) Tax Opinion. Holders of not more than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding shares of Valley Common Stock shall have duly exercised their dissenters’ rights under Section 1300 of the CGCL or otherwise have the capacity to exercise such dissenters’ rights in accordance with Section 1300 of the CGCL.

(g)Third Party Consents. Valley shall have obtained each of the consents listed in Schedule 3.16(b) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule and any consents of the type required to be identified in Schedule 3.16(b) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule but were not so identified as of the date of this Agreement. A copy of each such consent shall have been delivered to the CVB.

(h)Directors’ Resignations. CVBSuncrest shall have received the opinion of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, counsel to Suncrest, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that, on the basis of facts, representations and assumptions set forth or referred to in such opinion, the Merger will qualify for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. In rendering its opinion, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP may require and rely upon reasonable and customary representations contained in letters from each of Suncrest, Citizens and Parent.

7.03Conditions to Obligation of Parent and Citizens. The obligation of Parent and Citizens to consummate the Merger is also subject to the fulfillment or written resignationwaiver prior to the Effective Time of each director of Valley and each of its Subsidiaries (in such director’s capacity as a director) effective as of the Effective Time.following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties.

(i)Agreements The representations and warranties of DirectorsSuncrest set forth in Sections 4.01(a) (Corporate Organization), the first paragraph of Section 4.03 (Authority; No Violation), 4.07 (Broker’s Fees), 4.13 (Opinion) and Certain Officers4.10 (State Takeover Laws), shall be true and Employees. CVB shall have received (i),correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement a Non-Competition Agreement in the form ofExhibit B from each member of the Valley Board of Directors and each of the officers of Valley listed onAttachment 1 to Exhibit B and no action shall have been taken by any such person to rescind, terminate or breach any such agreement as of the Closing Date as though made on and (ii) a release in a form determined by CVB from each officeras of Valley who is entitled to receive a Change of Control Payment.

(j)Closing Balance Sheet. Valley shall have delivered the Closing Date Balance Sheet(unless any such representation or warranty is made only as of a specific date, in which event such representation and warranty shall be so true and correct as of such specified date);

(ii) The representations and warranties of Suncrest set forth in the second and third sentence of Section 4.02(a) (Capitalization) and the first sentence of Section 4.02(b) (Capitalization), shall be

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(except to CVBa de minimis extent) true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (unless any such representation or warranty is made only as of a specific date, in which event such representation and warranty shall be so true and correct as of such specified date); and

(iii) The representations and warranties of Suncrest set forth in Section 4.08(d) (No Suncrest Material Adverse Effect) shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date; and

(iv) The representations and warranties of Suncrest set forth in this Agreement (other than the representations and warranties that are the subject of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of this Section 7.03(a)) shall be true and correct in all respects (without giving effect to any “materiality,” “Suncrest Material Adverse Effect” or similar qualifiers contained in any such representations and warranties) as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (unless any such representation or warranty is made only as of a specific date, in which event such representation and warranty shall be so true and correct as of such specified date), except, in the case of this clause (iv), where the failure of any such representations and warranties to be so true and correct, in the aggregate, has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, a Suncrest Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Performance of Obligations of Suncrest. Suncrest shall have performed in all material respects all covenants and obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement at least three (3) Business Daysor prior to the Effective Time.

(c) Officers Certificate. Parent shall have received at the Closing Date.

(k)Financial Measures. As of at least three (3) Business Days prior toa certificate dated the Closing Date CVBand validly executed on behalf of Suncrest by the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer of Suncrest certifying that the conditions specified in Sections 7.03(a) and 7.03(b).

(d) Minimum Financial Measures. Parent shall have received satisfactory evidence that each of the following minimum financial threshold amounts has been met: (i) the Closing Tangible Common Equitymet as of the final day ofMeasurement Date:

(i) Adjusted Common Equity Tier 1 Capital shall be equal to or greater than the month immediately precedingAdjusted Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Benchmark;

(ii) Total Non-Interest Bearing Deposits shall be equal to or greater than the Closing DateTotal Non-Interest Bearing Deposits Benchmark;

(iii) Adjusted Total Loans shall be equal to or greater than the Adjusted Total Loans Benchmark; and

(iv) Allowance for loan losses shall not be less than the greater of (A) the Closing Tangible Common Equity Minimum or (B) the amount necessary for ValleyALLL Minimum.

(e) Expense Report. At least five (5) Business Days prior to achieve a tangible common equity ratio of at least 8.0% as of such date (determined in accordance with GAAP, regulatory accounting requirements and Valley’s policies and procedures as of the date of this Agreement); (ii) the Allowance for Loan Loss Ratio, determined as of the final day of the month immediately preceding the Closing Date, shall not be less than 1.1%; (iii) Total Assets shall not be less than $410,000,000 as of the final day of the month immediately preceding the Closing Date; (iv) Average Accruing Loans shall not be less than $295,000,000; and (v) Average Non-Interest Bearing Deposits shall not be less than $150,000,000.

(l)Transaction Costs. The Transaction Costs shall not exceed $3,500,000 and none of the components of the Transaction Costs listed in Section 7.2(l) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule shall exceed the respective amounts specified therein.

(m)Expense Report; Transaction Costs. Valley shall have caused itsall attorneys, accountants, auditors and investment bankers which rendered services to Valley in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (collectively, the “Advisors”) toand other advisors and agents for Suncrest shall have submitted to ValleySuncrest estimates of their fees and expenses for

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all services rendered in any respect in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and their reasonable estimates of the amounts of thetheir fees and expenses they expect to incur up to and including the Closing Date at least five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date. ValleySuncrest shall have prepared and submitted to CVBParent no later than five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date a final calculation of all Transaction Costs, certified by Valley’sSuncrest’s Chief Financial Officer with supportOfficer. Prior to the Closing Date (A) all advisors to Suncrest shall have submitted their final bills for all items therein in a formsuch fees and substance reasonableexpenses to CVB. BasedSuncrest for services rendered, and based on such summary, ValleySuncrest shall have prepared and submitted a final calculation of such fees and expenses, and Valley,(B) Suncrest shall have accrued and paid (immediately prior to the Effective Time) the amount of such fees and expenses as calculated above. Valleyabove, and (C) Suncrest shall have caused the Advisorsused its commercially reasonable efforts to submit their final bills forrequest from such fees and expenses to Valley for services rendered prior to the Closing Date and such Advisors shall have released Valley, CVB

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advisors a release of Suncrest, Parent and the Surviving Corporation from liability, or shall have advised them in writing that, upon payment in full of such amounts, they shall have no liability for any fees or expenses to such Advisors.

(n) For purposes of this Agreement,

(i) “Allowanceadvisors incurred for Loan Loss Ratio” means the ratio of (x) the amount of Valley’s allowance for loan losses as of such date, determined in accordance with GAAP, regulatory accounting requirements and Valley’s policies and procedures as of the date of this Agreement to (y) Valley’s accrual loans (net of fees) and non-accrual loans as of such date.

(ii) “Average Non-Interest Bearing Deposits” means the average of Valley’s total non-interest bearing deposits over the 30-day period ending on the Measurement Date.

(iii) “Closing Balance Sheet” means the a balance sheet of Valley as of the Measurement Date in a form and substance reasonably acceptable to CVB, the completeness and accuracy of which shall be certified by Valley’s Chief Financial Officer.

(iv) “Measurement Date” means the date that is five (5) Business Daysservices rendered prior to the Closing Date.

(v) “Closing Tangible Common Equity” means Valley’s tangible common shareholders’ equity calculated in accordance GAAP, regulatory accounting requirements and Valley’s policies and procedures as of the date of this Agreement, after giving effect to the Special Dividend but prior to any pre-closing adjustments effectuated in accordance with Section 6.14 and the Transaction Costs.

(vi) “Closing Tangible Common Equity Minimum” means $37,500,000, if Valley has completed the sale of the entire Excepted Loan as of the final day of the month immediately preceding the Closing Date as permitted by Section 5.2(r) or, $37,000,000, if Valley has not completed the sale of all of the entire Excepted Loan as of the final day of the month immediately preceding the Closing Date as permitted by Section 5.2(r).

(vii) “Average Accruing Loans” means the average of Valley’s gross Loans, net of deferred fees and discounts, less Valley’s Loans on non-accrual, determined in accordance with GAAP, regulatory accounting requirements and Valley’s policies and procedures as of the date of this Agreement, for the 30-day period ending on the Measurement Date.

(viii) “Total Assets” means Valley’s total assets, determined in accordance with GAAP.

(ix) “Transaction Costs” means the following expenses, costs and fees paid or to be paid in connection with consummation of the transactions described herein: (1) any contract termination fees payable to vendors as to which CVB has provided its agreement to terminate as of the Effective Time or such other time as may be appropriate including the costs and expenses of terminating data processing licenses and contracts indicated in Section 7.2(l) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, (2) Change in Control Payments, which shall not exceed the amount indicated in Section 7.2(l) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, (3) Valley’s legal, advisory and other professional fees and professional expenses rendered solely in connection with the transaction

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contemplated by this Agreement, up to the amounts indicated in Section 7.2(l) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, (4) Valley’s accounting and valuation fees and expenses rendered solely in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (5) D&O Insurance premiums and costs, and (6) Valley’s costs of printing and mailing the Proxy Statement and soliciting the Valley Shareholder Approval.

(o)280G Opinion. Valley shall have delivered to CVB the written confirmation, to be dated as of a date not earlier than five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, of Crowe Horwath LLP or another nationally recognized accounting firm reasonably acceptable to CVB, that no agreement, contract or arrangement to which any employee of Valley is a party will result in the payment of any amount that would not be deductible by reason of Section 280G of the Code, as determined without regard to Section 280G(b)(4) of the Code.

(p)FIRPTA Certificate. Valley shall have delivered to CVB a properly executed statement from Valley meeting the requirements of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.1445-2(c)(3) and 1.897-2(h)(1), dated as of the Closing Date.

(q)Consulting Agreement. The chief executive officer of Valley, Allan W. Stone, shall have entered into a consulting agreement with Citizens Business Bank in the form of Schedule 7.2(q) to this Agreement.

7.3Conditions to Obligations of Valley. The obligation of Valley to effect the Merger is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Valley at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:

(a)Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of CVB set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Effective Time as though made on and as of the Effective Time (except that representations and warranties that by their terms speak specifically as of the date of this Agreement or another date shall be true and correct as of such date);provided,however, that no representation or warranty of CVB (other than the representations and warranties set forth in (i) Sections 4.1(a), 4.3(a), 4.3(b) and 4.7, which shall be true and correct in all material respects, and (ii) Section 4.8, which shall be true and correct in all respects) shall be deemed untrue or incorrect for purposes hereunder as a consequence of the existence of any fact, event or circumstance inconsistent with such representation or warranty, unless such fact, event or circumstance, individually or taken together with all other facts, events or circumstances inconsistent with any representation or warranty of CVB has had or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material(f) No Material Adverse Effect on CVB;provided,further, that for purposes of determining whether a representation or warranty is true and correct for purposes of this Section 7.3(a), any qualification or exception for, or reference to, materiality (including the terms “material,” “materially,” “in all material respects,” “Material Adverse Effect” or similar terms or phrases) in any such representation or warranty shall be disregarded; and Valley shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of CVB by the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer of CVB to the foregoing effect.

(b)Performance of Obligations of CVB. CVB shall have performed in all material respects all of its obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Effective Time, and Valley shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of CVB by its Chief Executive Officers or the Chief Financial Officers to such effect.

(c)Regulatory Approvals. All Requisite Regulatory Approvals shall have been obtained and shall remain in full force and effect.

(d)No Material Adverse Effect. Since the date hereof, no event shall have occurred or circumstance arisen that, individually or taken together with all other facts, circumstances or events, has had or is reasonably likely to have a Suncrest Material Adverse Effect with respect to CVB.Effect.

(e)Listing(g) Dissenting Shareholders. TheHolders of not more than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding shares of CVBSuncrest Common Stock shall have duly exercised their dissenters’ rights under Chapter 13 of the CGCL.

(h) Tax Opinion. Parent shall have received the opinion of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, counsel to be issuedParent, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that, on the basis of facts, representations and assumptions set forth or referred to in such opinion, the Merger will qualify for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. In rendering its opinion, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP may require and rely upon reasonable and customary representations contained in letters from each of Suncrest, Citizens and Parent.

(i) Directors Resignations. Parent shall have received the written resignation of each director of Suncrest and each of its Subsidiaries (in such director’s capacity as a director) effective as of the Effective Time.

(j) Agreements of Directors and Certain Officers and Employees. Parent shall have received, as of the date of this Agreement:

(i) a Voting Agreement in the Mergerform of Exhibit A executed and delivered by each member of the Suncrest Board, each of the executive officers and each of the shareholders of Suncrest identified on Section 7.03(j)(i) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule;

(ii) a Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit B-1 executed and delivered by each non-employee director of the Suncrest Board;

(iii) a Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit B-2 executed and delivered by each of the executive officers of Suncrest identified on Section 7.03(j)(iii) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule; and

(iv) a Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit B-3 executed and delivered by each of the executive officers of Suncrest identified on Section 7.03(j)(iv) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule.

(k) FIRPTA Certificate. Suncrest shall have been authorized for listing ondelivered to Parent a properly executed statement from Suncrest meeting the Nasdaq, subject to official noticerequirements of issuance.

Treasury Regulations Sections 1.1445-2(c)(3) and 1.897-2(h)(1), dated as of the Closing Date.

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ARTICLE VIII8

TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT

8.18.01Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after approval of the matters presented in connection with the Merger by the shareholders of Valley or CVB:Suncrest:

(a)Mutual Consent by mutual consent of ValleyParent, Citizens and CVBSuncrest at any time in a written instrumentinstruction authorized by the BoardsSuncrest Board, Parent Board and Citizens Board;

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(b) by action of Directors of Valley and CVB;

(b)Either Partythe Suncrest Board or Parent Board, in the event that the Merger is not consummated by April 30, 2022 (the “Outside Date”); provided that the Outside Date may be extended to June 30, 2022 by either ValleyParent or CVB;Suncrest by written notice to the other party if the Closing shall not have occurred by such date, and on such date the conditions set forth in Section 7.01(b) have not been satisfied or waived and each of the other conditions to consummation of the Merger set forth in Article 7 has been satisfied, waived or remains capable of being satisfied, except to the extent that the failure of the Merger then to be consummated arises out of or results from the knowing action or inaction of the Party seeking to terminate pursuant to this Section 8.01(b) which action or inaction is in violation of its obligations under this Agreement;

(i)No Regulatory Approval – (A)(c) by action of the Suncrest Board or Parent Board if the approval of any Governmental Entity that must grant a Requisite Regulatory Approval has (1) denied a Requisite Regulatory Approval and such denial has become final and nonappealable, or (2) advised CVB and/or Valley in writing that it will not grant (or intends to rescind or revoke if previously approved) any such Requisite Regulatory Approval and such denial has become final and nonappealable, or (B) any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall have issued a final and nonappealable order, injunction or decree permanently enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal theAuthority required for consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

(ii)Delay – if the MergerAgreement shall not have been consummated ondenied by final and nonappealable action of such Governmental Authority, or before February 27, 2017 (the “End Date”);an application thereof shall have been permanently withdrawn by mutual agreement of Parent and Suncrest at the request or suggestion of a Governmental Authority; provided,, however, that no party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.1(b)(ii)8.01(c) if such denial shall not be availabledue to anythe failure of the party whose failureseeking to terminate this Agreement to perform or observe the covenants and agreements of such party set forth inunder this Agreement resulted in the failureAgreement;

(d) by action of the Merger to be consummatedSuncrest Board or Parent Board if the Suncrest Shareholder Approval is not obtained at the duly convened Suncrest Shareholder Meeting;

(e) by action of the End Date;

(iii)BreachSuncrest Board or Parent Board, if there shall have been a breach by the other Party of any of the covenants or agreements or any of the representations or warranties set forth in this Agreement on the part of Valley, in the case of a termination by CVB, or on the part of CVB , in the case of a termination by Valley,such other Party, which breach, either individually or in the aggregate, with other breacheswould result in, if occurring or continuing on the Closing Date, the failure of the condition set forth in Sections 7.01, 7.02, or 7.03, as the case may be, and which breach has not been cured within thirty (30) days following written notice thereof (or such shorter period as remaining prior to the Outside Date) to the breaching Party or, by its nature, cannot be reasonably cured within such party,time period; provided further that the terminating Party is not then in material breach of any representation warranty, covenant or agreement which would result in, if occurring or continuing on the Closing Date, the failure of the conditions set forth in Section 7.2Sections 7.01, 7.02 or 7.3, as the case may be, and which is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to the party committing such breach or by its nature or timing cannot be cured within such time period (provided that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein); or7.03;

(iv)No Valley Shareholder Approval if the Valley Shareholder Approval shall not have been obtained at the Valley Shareholder Meeting duly convened therefor or at any adjournment or postponement thereof at which a vote on the adoption of this Agreement was taken;provided,however, that no party may terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.1(b)(iv) if such party has breached in any material respect any of its obligations under this Agreement, in each case in a manner that caused the failure to obtain the Valley Shareholder Approval at the Valley Shareholder Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof (it being agreed by the parties that the failure to obtain the Valley Shareholder Approval where there is no such breach shall not constitute a breach in and of itself;

(c)No Valley Recommendation – by CVB,(f) at any time prior to such time as the ValleySuncrest Shareholder Approval, is obtained,by action of the Parent Board, in the event (A) Valley(i) Suncrest shall have breached in any material respect Section 6.9; (B) Valley or6.09; (ii) the Suncrest Board of Directors of Valley shall have submitted this Agreement to its shareholders withouteffected a recommendation for approval, or otherwise withdraws or materially and adversely modifies (or discloses its intention to withdraw or materially and adversely modify) its recommendation as contemplated by Section 6.9(c), or recommends to its shareholders a Valley Acquisition Proposal other than the Merger (an “AdverseSuncrest Change ofRecommendation”); (C)in Recommendation; (iii) at any time after the end of fifteen (15)ten (10) Business Days following receipt of an Acquisition Proposal, by Valley, the Suncrest Board of Directors of Valley shall have failed to reaffirm its ValleySuncrest Board Recommendation as promptly as practicable (but in any event within five (5) Business Days) after receipt of any written request to do so by CVB;Parent; or (D)(iv) a tender offer or exchange offer for outstanding shares of Valley

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Suncrest Common Stock shall have been publicly disclosed (other than by CVBParent or an Affiliate of CVB)Parent) and the Suncrest Board of Directors of Valley recommends that its shareholders tender their shares in such tender or exchange offer or, within ten (10) Business Days after the commencement of such tender or exchange offer, the Suncrest Board of Directors of Valley fails to definitively recommend against acceptance of such offer; or

(d)Valley Superior Proposal(g) by Valley,action of the Suncrest Board, prior to such time asthat the ValleySuncrest Shareholder Approval ishas been obtained, in order to enter into a definitive agreement providing for a Valley Superior Proposal;provided that (i) Valley issuch Superior Proposal shall not in materialhave resulted from any breach of any ofSection 6.09, (ii) the terms of this Agreement, and (ii) Valley Termination Fee is paid to CVB in advance of or concurrently with such termination in accordance with Section 8.3(b);

(e)Burdensome Condition. By CVB if any Regulatory Approval includes, or will not be issued without, the imposition of a Materially Burdensome Regulatory Condition; or

(f)Trading Collar.

(i) By Valley, upon written notice to CVB within the two (2) Business Days following the Determination Date (as defined below), in the event ofSuncrest Board, after satisfying all of the following:

(1) CVB does notrequirements set forth in Section 6.09, shall have the rightauthorized Suncrest to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Sections 8.1(b)(iii) or 8.1(c) of this Agreement, or CVB has the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Sections 8.1(b)(iii) or 8.1(c) of this Agreement and does not exercise such right; and

(2) The CVB Average Closing Price is less than $13.50.

(ii) By CVB, upon itsenter into a binding written notice to Valley within the two (2) Business Days following the Determination Date, in the event of all of the following:

(1) Valley does not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(b)(iii) of this Agreement, or Valley has the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(b)(iii) of this Agreement and does not exercise such right; and

(2) The CVB Average Closing Price is greater than $20.50.

(iii) For purposes of Section 7.1(f), “Determination Date” means the fifth (5th) Trading Day immediately preceding the anticipated Closing Date.

(iv) If CVB declares or effects a stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization, forward or reverse stock split, or similar transaction between the date of this Agreement and the Determination Date, the pricesdefinitive acquisition agreement providing for the CVB Common Stock usedconsummation of a transaction constituting a Superior Proposal; and (iii) such termination shall not be effective until Suncrest has paid the Termination Fee required by Section 8.03(b) to determine the CVB Average Closing Price shall be appropriately adjusted.Parent.

8.28.02Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this Agreement by either Valley or CVB as provided in Section 8.1,and the abandonment of the Merger pursuant to this Article 8, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and haveof no effect and nonewith no liability or further obligation of Valley, CVB,any kind on the part of any Party (or of any of its Subsidiariesdirectors, officers, employees, agents, legal and

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financial advisors or any of the officers or directors of any of them shall have any liability of any nature whatsoever under this Agreement, or in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,other representatives), except (i) that (i) Sections 6.3(c)6.04(c), 8.2, 8.3,8.02, 8.03, and 9.39.04 through 9.11 shall survive any termination of this Agreement and (ii) neither Valley nor CVBthat no such termination shall be relievedrelieve any Party of any liability or releaseddamages resulting from any liabilities or damages arising out of its willful and materialintentional breach of any provision of this Agreement;provided,however, no party hereto shall seek to obtain, or be entitled to, any recovery for consequential, indirect or punitive damages against any other party or any of such party’s Subsidiaries, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, attorneys, agents, advisers, managers, or Affiliates in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

Agreement.

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8.38.03  Fees and Expenses.Expenses.

(a) All fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Merger, this Agreement, and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including costs and expenses of printing and mailing the Prospectus/Proxy Statement) shall be paid by the partyParty incurring such fees or expenses, whether or not the Merger is consummated, except as otherwise provided in Section 8.3(b)8.03(b).

(b)Valley Termination Fee.

(i) In the event that this Agreement is terminated by Valley pursuant to Section 8.1(d) (Valley Superior Proposal) or CVB pursuant to Section 8.1(c) (No Valley Recommendation), then Valley Suncrest shall pay CVB a termination fee inof $8,325,000 (the “Termination Fee”) to Parent payable by wire transfer of immediately available funds in the amount of $3,500,000.00 (the “Valley Termination Fee”) by wire transfer to an account specified by CVB promptly, butParent in the event of any event prior to or concurrently with a terminationof the following:

(i) If Parent shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(d)8.01(f), Suncrest shall pay the Termination Fee on the Business Day immediately following such termination.

(ii) (A) If either Party shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(b) or no later than two (2) Business DaysSection 8.01(d) in the event that the Suncrest Shareholder Approval shall not have been obtained, or if Parent shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(e) or if Suncrest shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(g); (B) at any time after the date of this Agreement and at or before the date of the Suncrest Shareholder Meeting (or the date of termination, pursuantif applicable) an Acquisition Proposal (or an intention (whether or not conditional) to Section 8.1(c).

(ii) Inmake an Acquisition Proposal), whether or not relating to an Acquisition Proposal received prior to the event that any Persondate hereof, shall have been made a Valley Acquisition Proposal, which proposal has beenor renewed to Suncrest or the Suncrest Board or its shareholders and publicly announced disclosed or proposed and not withdrawn, and:

(1) hereafter this Agreement is terminated:

(a) by either party pursuant to Section 8.1(b)(ii) (Delay), or Section 8.1(b)(iv) (No Valley Shareholder Approval) but only if one or more of the following is true: (A) Valley has effected an Adverse Recommendation Change, (B) Valley has failed to hold the Valley Shareholders Meeting or otherwise breached any provision of Section 6.9 orbecome publicly known, and (C) Valley has held the Valley Shareholders Meeting and failed to obtain the Valley Shareholder Approval; or

(b) by CVB pursuant to Section 8.1(b)(iii) (Breach by Valley), and

(2)if within eighteen (18) months after the date of such termination of this Agreement, a Valley Acquisition Proposal shall have been consummatedSuncrest or any of its Subsidiaries executes any definitive agreement with respect to, a Valleyor consummates an Acquisition Proposal shall have been entered into (provided that(substituting for purposes of the foregoing, the term “Valley Acquisition Proposalthis clause (C) “50%shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.9(d) except that the references to “more than 10%for “15%” in the definition of Valley Acquisition Proposal shall be deemed to be references to “50%”);

thereof), then ValleySuncrest shall pay CVB ValleyCitizens the Termination Fee by wire transferupon the first to an account specified by CVB prior to the earlieroccur of the date of execution of asuch definitive agreement with respect to, or the date of the consummation of the transaction contemplated by such Valley Acquisition Proposal. In no event shall Valley be obligated to pay CVB Valley Termination Fee on more than one occasion or if Valley has paid any damages for breach and in no event shall Valley be obligated to pay CVB any damages if Valley has paid Valley Termination Fee.

(c)Liquidated Damages. Valley and CVB acknowledge Suncrest acknowledges that the agreements contained in this Section 8.38.03(b) above are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and that without thesesuch agreements neither partyParent would enternot have entered into this Agreement. TheAgreement, and that such amounts payable by Valley pursuant to Section 8.3(b)do not constitute liquidated damages and not a penalty and shall be the sole monetary remedy of CVB in the event of termination of this Agreement under such applicable section. In the event that Valleypenalty. If Suncrest fails to pay when dueParent any amounts payabledue under this Section 8.3, then (i)8.03(b) above within the party failing to sotime period specified therein, Suncrest shall pay shall reimburse the other party for all costs and expenses (including disbursements and reasonable fees of counsel)attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection with the collection of such overdue amount, and (ii) the party failing to so pay shall pay to the other party interest on such overdue amount (for the period commencing as ofby Parent from the date that such overdue amount was originallyamounts were required to be paid and endingin connection with any action, including the filing of any lawsuit, taken to collect payment of such amounts, together with interest on the date thatamount of any such overdue amount is actually paid in full)unpaid amounts at a rate per annum equal to the publicly announced prime rate publishedof interest printed inThe Wall Street Journalon the date such payment was required to be made.

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8.4Amendment. This Agreement(d) The Parties acknowledge and hereby agree that in no event shall Suncrest be required to pay the Termination Fee on more than one occasion, whether or not such termination fee may be amended bypayable under more than one provision of this Agreement at the parties, by action takensame or authorized by their respective Boardsat different times and the occurrence of Directors, atdifferent events.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, in any time before or after approvalcircumstance in which Parent receives payment of the matters presentedTermination Fee in connectionaccordance with Section 8.03, the Merger byreceipt of the Termination Fee in such circumstance shall constitute the sole and exclusive remedy of Parent and Citizens against Suncrest or any of its former, current or future shareholders, members, managers, directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates or assignees for any and all losses and damages suffered or incurred as a result of Valley;provided,however, that after any approvalthe failure of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by such shareholders, there may notto be without further approvalconsummated or for a breach or failure to perform hereunder (whether willfully, intentionally, unintentionally or otherwise) or otherwise arising out of, or

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directly or indirectly relating to, this Agreement, the negotiation, execution or performance hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby.

ARTICLE 9

MISCELLANEOUS

9.01Survival. None of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, including any rights arising out of any breach of such shareholders,representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements, shall survive the Effective Time other than Sections 6.13 and Article 9 herein. None of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in this Agreement or in any amendmentinstrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, including any rights arising out of any breach of such representations, warranties, covenants and agreement, shall survive termination of this Agreement prior to the Effective Time other than Sections 6.04(c), 8.02, 8.03 and this Article 9 which shall survive such termination.

9.02 Waiver; Amendment. Prior to the Effective Time, any provision of this Agreement may be (a) waived in whole or in part by the Party benefited by the provision or by both Parties or (b) amended or modified at any time, by an agreement in writing between the Parties hereto executed in the same manner as this Agreement, except that requires further approval under applicable Law. Thisafter the Suncrest Shareholder Approval is obtained, this Agreement may not be amended exceptif it would reduce the aggregate value of the consideration to be received by an instrumentSuncrest shareholders in writing signed on behalfthe Merger without any subsequent approval by such shareholders or be in violation of applicable Law.

9.03Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts (including by facsimile), each of which shall be deemed to constitute an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the parties hereto.same instrument.

8.5Extension; Waiver9.04Governing Law and Venue. At any time priorThis Agreement shall be deemed to be made in and in all respects shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with the Laws of the State of California, without regard to the Effective Time, the parties, by action taken or authorized by their respective Boardsconflict of Directors, may,law principles thereof. The Parties hereby irrevocably submit to the extent legally allowed, (a) extend the time for the performance of anyjurisdiction of the obligations or other actscourts of the other party, (b) waive any inaccuraciesState of California and the federal courts of the United States of America located in the representationsState of California solely in respect of the interpretation and warranties containedenforcement of the provisions of this Agreement and the other documents referred to in this Agreement, and in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and hereby waive, and agree to assert, as a defense in any action, suit or (c) waive complianceproceeding for the interpretation or enforcement hereof or of any such documents, that it is not subject thereto or that such action, suit or proceeding may not be brought or is not maintainable in said courts or that the venue thereof may not be appropriate or that this Agreement and any such document may not be enforced in or by such courts, and the Parties hereto irrevocably agree that all claims with respect to such action or proceeding shall be heard and determined in such California state or federal court. The Parties hereby consent to and grant any such court jurisdiction over the person of such Parties and over the subject matter of such dispute and agree that mailing of process or other papers in connection with any ofsuch action or proceeding in the agreementsmanner provided in Section 9.06 or conditions contained in this Agreement. Any agreement on the part of a party to any such extension or waiverother manner as may be permitted by Law, shall be valid only if set forth in a written instrument signed on behalf of such party, but such extension or waiver or failure to insist on strict compliance with an obligation, covenant, agreement or condition shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other failure.and sufficient service thereof.

ARTICLE IX9.05WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY DISPUTE WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ARISING OUT OF, OR RELATING TO, THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (A) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF THE OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (B) EACH PARTY

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UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (C) EACH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (D) EACH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 9.05. WITHOUT INTENDING IN ANY WAY TO LIMIT THE AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES SET FORTH IN SECTION 9.04 AND THIS SECTION 9.05, IF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY IS FILED IN A COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA BY OR AGAINST ANY PARTY, THE COURT SHALL, AND IS HEREBY DIRECTED TO, MAKE A GENERAL PROVISIONSREFERENCE PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE SECTION 638 TO A REFEREE (WHO SHALL BE A SINGLE ACTIVE OR RETIRED JUDGE) TO HEAR AND DETERMINE ALL OF THE ISSUES IN SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING (WHETHER OF FACT OR OF LAW) AND TO REPORT A STATEMENT OF DECISION; PROVIDED THAT AT THE OPTION OF ANY PARTY TO SUCH PROCEEDING, ANY SUCH ISSUES PERTAINING TO A “PROVISIONAL REMEDY” AS DEFINED IN CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE SECTION 1281.8 SHALL BE HEARD AND DETERMINED BY THE COURT.

9.1Closing. On the terms and subject to conditions set forth in this Agreement, the closing of the Merger (the “Closing”) shall take place at 10:00 a.m., Pacific Time, at the offices of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, counsel to CVB, on the last Business Day of the calendar month in which the last to be satisfied of the conditions set forth in Article VII is satisfied (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied or waived at the Closing but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions), which date is on or after February 1, 2017, or such other date as determined by mutual agreement of the parties (the “Closing Date”).

9.2Non-survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements. This Article IX and the agreements of Valley and CVB contained in Section 6.7 shall survive the consummation of the Merger. All other representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement shall terminate immediately upon the consummation of the Merger.

9.39.06Notices. All notices, requests, instructions and other communications in connection with this Agreementto be given hereunder by any Party to the other shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if personally delivered, personally, sent via facsimiletelecopied (with confirmation), mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid (return receipt requested) or delivered by an express courieremailed (with confirmation) to the partiessuch Party at the following addresses (or atits address set forth below or such other address for a party as such Party may specify by notice to the other Party; provided, that if given by email, such notice, request, instructions and other communication shall be specifiedconfirmed within one Business Day by like notice):dispatch pursuant to one of the other methods described herein.

(a) ifIf to CVBSuncrest to:

Suncrest Bank

501 West Main Street

Visalia, California 93291

Attention: Ciaran McMullan

Email: cmcmullan@suncrestbank.com

With a copy to:

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

650 Town Center Drive, 10th Floor

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Attention: Josh Dean, Esq.

Facsimile: (714) 428-5991

Email: jdean@sheppardmullin.com

If to Parent or Citizens Business Bank, to:

CVB Financial Corp.

701 North Haven Avenue

Ontario, California 91764

Attention: Christopher D. Myers, President & Chief

                 Executive OfficerDavid A. Brager

Facsimile: (909) 481-2120481-2103

withEmail: dabrager@cbbank.com

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With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

One Embarcadero Center, 30th Floor

San Francisco, California 94111

Attention: Craig D. Miller, Esq.

                 David Gershon, Esq.

Facsimile: (415) 291-7474

Email: cmiller@manatt.com

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(b) if to Valley, to:

Valley Commerce Bancorp

701 West Main Street

Visalia, California 93291

Attention: Allan W. Stone, President and

                 Chief Executive Officer

Facsimile: (559) 740-0747

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Gary Steven Findley & Associates

3808 East La Palma Avenue

Anaheim, California 92807

Attention: Gary Steven Findley, Esq.

Facsimile: (714) 630-7919

9.4Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement to Articles, Sections, Exhibits or Schedules, such reference shall be to an Article or Section of or Exhibit or Schedule to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” References to “the date hereof” shall mean the date of this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the phrase “Knowledge of Valley” and similar language means the actual knowledge, after reasonable investigation, of any of Valley’s officers listed on Section 9.4 of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, and the phrase “Knowledge of CVB” and similar language means the actual knowledge, after reasonable investigation, of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of CVB. For purposes of this definition, a “reasonable investigation” by a Person shall mean a review by the officer of such Person of documents and/or such other information that is reasonably related to the performance of the job functions or oversight responsibilities of such officer. As used in this Agreement, “Person” or “Persons” means any individual, bank, corporation (including not-for-profit), joint-stock company, general or limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, estate, business trust, trust, association, organization, Governmental Entity or other entity of any kind or nature. All schedules and exhibits hereto shall be deemed part of this Agreement and included in any reference to this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, “Business Day” means Monday through Friday of each week, except a legal holiday recognized as such by the United States federal government or any day on which banking institutions in the State of California are authorized or obligated to close. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction contained in this Agreement is held by a court or a federal or state regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions and covenants and restrictions contained in this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated. If for any reason such court or regulatory agency determines that any provision, covenant or restriction is invalid, void or unenforceable, it is the express intention of the parties that such provision, covenant or restriction be enforced to the maximum extent permitted.

9.5Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts (including by facsimile or other electronic means), all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other party, it being understood that each party need not sign the same counterpart.

9.69.07Entire AgreementUnderstanding; No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement (including the documentsSuncrest Disclosure Schedule and Parent Disclosure Schedule attached hereto and incorporated herein), the instruments referred to in this Agreement), together withVoting Agreements and the Confidentiality Agreement constitutesconstitute the entire agreement of the Parties hereto and supersedesthereto with reference to the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and supersede all other prior agreements, understandings, representations and understandings,warranties, both written and oral, between the partiesParties or their officers, directors, agents, employees or representatives, with respect to the subject matter hereof. Except for Section 6.13, nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any Person, other than the Parties hereto or their respective successors, any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.

9.08 Effect. No provision of this Agreement other than the Confidentiality Agreement.

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9.7Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Lawsto require Suncrest or Parent or any Affiliates or directors of the Stateany of California, without giving effectthem to its principles of conflicts of Laws. The parties hereto agree thattake any suit, action or proceeding brought by either partyomit to enforcetake any provision of,action which action or based onomission would violate any matter arising out ofapplicable Law (whether statutory or in connection with, this Agreementcommon Law), rule or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be brought in any federal or state court located in the State of California. Each of the parties hereto submitsregulation.

9.09Severability. Except to the jurisdiction of any such court in any suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of, or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and hereby irrevocably waives the benefit of jurisdiction derived from present or future domicile or otherwise in such action or proceeding. Each party hereto irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in any such court or that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

9.8Waiver of Jury Trial. Each party hereto acknowledges and agrees that any controversy that may arise under this Agreement, and in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby, is likely to involve complicated and difficult issues, and therefore each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right such party may have to a trial by jury in respect of any legal action, directly or indirectly, arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement or any documents referred to in this Agreement, or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each party certifies and acknowledges that (a) no representative, agent or attorney of any other party has represented, expressly or otherwise, that such other party would not, in the event of litigation, seek to enforce the foregoing waiver, (b) each party understands and has considered the implicationsapplication of this waiver, (c) each party makes this waiver voluntarily, and (d) each party has been inducedSection 9.09 would have a Suncrest Material Adverse Effect or a Parent Material Adverse Effect or would prevent, materially delay or materially impair the ability of Suncrest or Parent to enter into this Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications in this Section 9.8.

9.9Publicity. Neither Valley nor CVB shall, and none of Valley nor CVB shall permit any of their respective Subsidiaries to, issue or cause the publication of any press release or other public announcement with respect to, or otherwise make any public statement, or, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, any disclosure of nonpublic information to a third party, concerning,consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, any term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the prior consent (whichremaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of this Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed)interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

9.10Enforcement of CVB,the Agreement. The Parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the case of a proposed announcement, statement or disclosure by Valley or VBB, or of Valley, in the case of a proposed announcement, statement or disclosure by CVB or Citizens Business Bank;provided,however,event that any of either Valleythe provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with its specific terms or VBB, onwere otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the one hand,Parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or CVB or Citizens Business Bank, oninjunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the other, may, without the prior consentterms and provisions hereof in any court of the United States or any state having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other party (but after prior consultation with the other partyremedy to the extent practicable under the circumstances) issuewhich they are entitled at law or cause the publication of any press release or other public announcement to the extent required by Law or by the applicable rules and regulations of the Nasdaq.in equity.

9.10Assignment; Third-Party Beneficiaries9.11 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations under this Agreementof the Parties hereunder shall be assigned by either of the partiesParties (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other party (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). Any purportedParty, and any attempt to make any such assignment in contravention hereofwithout such consent shall be null and void. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by each of the partiesParties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Except for Section 6.7, which is intended to benefit each Indemnified Party and his or her heirs and representatives, nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any person, other than the parties hereto or their respective successors, any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.

9.11Specific Performance. The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms. It is accordingly agreed that, except as specifically set forth Section 8.3(c), each party acknowledges that money damages would be an insufficient remedy for any breach of this Agreement by such party and that such party would cause the other party hereto irreparable harm and that, accordingly, each party also agrees that in the event of any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement by such party, the other party shall be entitled to equitable relief without the

 

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requirement of posting a bond or other security, including in the form of injunctions and specific performance of the terms hereof, this being in addition to any other remedies to which such party is entitled at Law or in equity.

9.12Valley Disclosure Schedule.

(a) Before entry into this Agreement, Valley delivered to CVB a schedule (a “Valley Disclosure Schedule”) which sets forth, among other things, items the disclosure of which is necessary or appropriate either in response to an express disclosure requirement contained in a provision hereof or as an exception to one or more representations or warranties contained in Article III or to one or more covenants contained herein;provided,however, that notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the mere inclusion of an item as an exception to a representation or warranty shall not be deemed an admission that such item represents a material exception or material fact, event or circumstance or that such item has had or would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) For purposes of this Agreement, when used with respect to Valley, “Previously Disclosed” means, for Valley, information set forth by Valley in the applicable section of the Valley Disclosure Schedule or any other section the Valley Disclosure Schedule (so long as it is reasonably clear from the context that the disclosure in such other paragraph of the Valley Disclosure Schedule is also applicable to the section of this Agreement in question) and, when used with respect to CVB, means information concerning CVB set forth in the CVB SEC Reports.

[Signature page follows]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF,, the partiesParties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed in counterparts by their respectiveduly authorized officers, thereunto duly authorizedall as of the dateday and year first above written.

 

CVB FINANCIAL CORP.
By: 

/s/ E. Allen NicholsonDavid A. Brager

Name: E. Allen NicholsonDavid A. Brager
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief FinancialExecutive Officer

VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORPCITIZENS BUSINESS BANK
By: 

/s/ Allan W. StoneDavid A. Brager

Name: Allan W. StoneDavid A. Brager
Title:Chief Executive Officer

SUNCREST BANK
By:

/s/ Ciaran H. McMullan

Name:Ciaran H. McMullan
Title: President &and Chief Executive Officer

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER]

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Exhibit A

Form of Voting and Support Agreement

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EXHIBIT A

VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT

(WITH REVOCABLE PROXY)

This VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT (WITH REVOCABLE PROXY) (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of September 22, 2016[●], 2021 by and among CVB Financial Corp., a California corporation (“CVBParent”), and the shareholder of Valley Commerce Bancorp,Suncrest Bank, a California corporationstate-chartered bank (“ValleySuncrest”), that is a signatory to this Agreement (the “Shareholder”), and solely for purposes of the last sentence ofSectionSections 7 and 11, Valley.Suncrest.

Recitals

A. CVBParent, Citizens Business Bank, a California state-chartered bank and Valley have enteredwholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (“Citizens”) and Suncrest are concurrently entering into that certainan Agreement and Plan of MergerReorganization and ReorganizationMerger (and as it may be amended, the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of the date of this Agreement, pursuant to which ValleySuncrest will merge (the “Merger”) with and CVB,into Citizens, whereupon each issued and outstanding share of Valley’sSuncrest’s common stock (“ValleySuncrest Common Stock”) will be converted into the right to receive the consideration set forth in the Merger Agreement. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.

B. As a condition to itstheir willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, CVB hasParent and Citizens have required that the Shareholder, solely in his or herthe Shareholder’s capacity as a shareholder and beneficial owner or record holder of ValleySuncrest Common Stock, enter into, and the Shareholder has agreed to enter into, this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, for good and valuable consideration, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1.Representations and Warranties of the Shareholder. The Shareholder hereby represents and warrants to CVBParent and Citizens as follows:

(a)Authority; No Violation. The Shareholder has all necessary power and authority to enter into and perform all of the Shareholder’s obligations hereunder. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Shareholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the Shareholder, enforceable against the Shareholder in accordance with its terms, except to the extent enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and subject to the general principles of equity. If such Shareholder is married, and any of the Shares (as defined below) of such Shareholder constitute community property or otherwise need spousal approval for this Agreement to be legal, valid and binding, a spousal consent substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A hereto has been duly executed and delivered by such Shareholder’s spouse and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of such Shareholder’s spouse, enforceable against the Shareholder’s spouse in accordance with its terms, except to the extent enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and subject to the general principles of equity. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Shareholder will not violate any other agreement to which the Shareholder is a party, including any voting agreement, shareholders’ agreement, trust agreement or voting trust or similar arrangement. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Shareholder (and the Shareholder’s spouse, if the spouse’s consent or agreement is necessary to vote, sell or refrain from voting or selling the Shares (as defined below) or to agree or commit to do any of the foregoing) and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the Shareholder and such spouse, enforceable against the Shareholder and the Shareholder’s spouse in accordance with its terms.trust.

(b)Ownership of Shares. The Shareholder isAs used in this Agreement, “Shares” means the beneficial owner or record holder of the number of shares of ValleySuncrest Common Stock indicated underwhich the Shareholder’s name onShareholder owns of record or beneficially and has the signature page hereto (the “Existing Shares”, and together with anypower to vote, including the shares of ValleySuncrest Common Stock acquired by the Shareholder after the dateowned of this Agreement, the “Shares”) and,record or beneficially, with power to vote, as of the date of this Agreement, the which are listed on Schedule I hereto (the “Existing Shares constitute all”) and the shares of ValleySuncrest Common Stock owned of record or beneficiallyacquired by the Shareholder. With respectShareholder, with power to vote, after the date of this Agreement. The Existing Shares are

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owned by the Shareholder, subject to applicable community property laws, free and clear of all encumbrances, voting arrangements and commitments of every kind, except as would not restrict the performance of the Shareholder’s obligations under this Agreement. The Shareholder represents and warrants that the Shareholder has sole voting power and soleor shared power to issue instructions with respect to the matters set forth inSection 2 of this Agreement, sole power of disposition, sole power to demand appraisal rights and sole power to engage in actions set forth inSection 2 of this Agreement, with no restrictions on the voting rights, rights of disposition or otherwise, subject to applicable laws and the terms of this Agreement.vote all Existing Shares.

2.Voting Agreement and Agreement Not to Transfer.

(a) From the date of this Agreement until the Termination Date (as defined in Section 8 9 below) (the “Support Period”), except as set forth in Section 6 below, the Shareholder hereby agrees to vote all of the Shares (i) in favor of the Merger, the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreementthat, at any meeting of Suncrest’s shareholders of Valley (and at any adjournment or postponement thereof), however called, and in connection with any

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action of the shareholders of Valley taken by written consent of Suncrest’s shareholders in lieu of a meeting, the Shareholder will vote or cause to be voted all Shares held by the Shareholder as of the applicable voting record date:

(i) in favor of the approval of the principal terms of the Merger Agreement, the Merger, the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and any other matter that is required to be approved by Suncrest’s shareholders to facilitate the Merger;

(ii) against any action or agreement that to the knowledge of the Shareholder would result in a breach in any material respect of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of ValleySuncrest under this Agreement or the Merger Agreement,Agreement; and

(iii) except with the prior written consent of CVB or as otherwise contemplated in or permitted by the Merger Agreement or otherwise consented to by Parent, against the following actions (other than the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement): (A) any extraordinary corporate transactions, such as a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving Valley;Suncrest; (B) any sale, lease or transfer of a material amount of the assets of Valley;Suncrest; and (C) any change inother matter, to the majorityextent that such matter requires a Suncrest shareholder vote, that to the knowledge of the board of directors of Valley; (D) any material change in the present capitalization of Valley; (E) any amendment of Valley’s articles of incorporation or bylaws; (F) any other material change in Valley’s corporate structure or business; or (G) any other action that is intended orShareholder could be reasonably be extendedexpected to materially impede, interfere with, delay, postpone, discourage or materially adversely affect the Merger. consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

During the Support Period, the Shareholder shall not enter into any agreement or understanding with any Person or entity to vote or give instructions after the Termination Date in any manner inconsistent withclauses (i),(ii), or(iii) of the preceding sentence.

(b) DuringThe Shareholder hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, and agrees not to exercise or perfect, any rights of appraisal, any dissenters’ rights and any similar rights relating to the Merger that the Shareholder may directly or indirectly have by virtue of the ownership of any Shares if the Effective Time occurs.

(c) Except as otherwise contemplated or permitted by the Merger Agreement or otherwise consented to by Parent, during the Support Period, the Shareholder will not, directly or indirectly (i) sell, give, transfer, exchange, pledge, assign, hypothecate, encumber, tender or otherwise dispose of or encumber or make any offer or agreement relating to any of the foregoing with respect to the Shares (collectively, a “Transfer”), or(ii) enforce or permit execution of the provisions of any redemption, share purchase or sale, recapitalization or other agreement with ValleySuncrest or any other Person or enter into any contract, option or other agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to the Transfer of, directly or indirectly, any of the Shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable for Shares, any other capital stock of ValleySuncrest or any interest in any of the foregoing with any Person, (ii)(iii) except as set forth herein, deposit any Shares into a voting trust or enter into swap or any othera voting agreement or arrangement with respect to such Shares or grant any transaction that transfers,proxy or power of attorney with respect thereto, (iv) enter into any swap, contract, option or other arrangement or undertaking with respect to the direct or indirect sale, assignment, transfer, exchange or other disposition of or transfer of any interest in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequencevoting of ownership of theany Shares, (iii)(v) take any action that would make any of the Shareholder’s representations or warranties

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contained in this Agreement untrue or incorrect in any material respect or have the effect of preventing or disabling the Shareholder from performing the Shareholder’s obligations under this Agreement;providedhowever, that this Agreement shall not prohibit the Shareholder from (x) disposing of or surrendering to Suncrest shares underlying any equity award by Suncrest in connection with the vesting of such equity award for the payment of taxes thereon, if any, or (y) transferring and delivering any of the Shares to Valley to effect the exerciseany member of an option to purchase Valley Common Stock.

3.Cooperation. Except as set forth in Section 6 below, during the Support Period the Shareholder agrees that the Shareholder will not directlyShareholder’s immediate family or indirectly (i) initiate, solicit, induce or knowingly encourage, or knowingly take any action to facilitate the making of, any inquiry, offer or proposal which constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to lead to a Valley Acquisition Proposal,trust for the benefit of Shareholder or (ii) participateupon the death of Shareholder; provided that such a Transfer shall only be permitted if, as a precondition to such Transfer, the transferee agrees in any discussions or negotiations regarding any Valley Acquisition Proposal, or furnish, or otherwise afford access,writing, to any Person (other than CVB)be bound by and comply with the provisions of this Agreement. Once Suncrest Shareholder Approval has been obtained, the prohibitions provided for in Section 2(c) shall no longer apply to any information or data with respect to Valley relating to a Valley Acquisition Proposal.Shareholder.

3. REVOCABLE PROXY. THE SHAREHOLDERHEREBYREVOKESANYANDALLPREVIOUSPROXIESGRANTEDWITHRESPECTTOTHE SHARES. BYENTERINGINTOTHIS AGREEMENT,ANDSUBJECTTOTHETERMSOFTHISPARAGRAPH,THE SHAREHOLDERHEREBYGRANTS,ORAGREESTOCAUSETHEAPPLICABLERECORDHOLDERTOGRANT,AREVOCABLEPROXY (THEPROXY”)APPOINTING PARENT, DAVID BRAGER, ALLEN NICHOLSONAND RICHARD WOHL,ANDEACHOFTHEM,ASTHE SHAREHOLDERSATTORNEY-IN-FACTANDPROXY,WITHFULLPOWEROFSUBSTITUTION,FORANDINTHE SHAREHOLDERSNAME,TOVOTEOROTHERWISETOUTILIZESUCHVOTINGPOWERASSUCHPROXIESORTHEIRPROXIESORANYSUBSTITUTESHALL,INTHEIRSOLEDISCRETION,DEEMPROPERWITHRESPECTTOTHE SHARES. THEPROXYGRANTEDBYTHE SHAREHOLDERPURSUANTTOTHISSECTION 3ISGRANTEDINCONSIDERATIONOF PARENTENTERINGINTOTHIS AGREEMENTANDTHE MERGER AGREEMENTANDINCURRINGCERTAINRELATEDFEESANDEXPENSES. IFTHE SHAREHOLDERFAILSFORANYREASONTOBECOUNTEDASPRESENT,CONSENTORVOTETHE SHARESINACCORDANCEWITHTHEREQUIREMENTSOFPARAGRAPH 2 (ORANTICIPATORILYBREACHESSUCHPARAGRAPH),THEN PARENT (ANDANYOTHERPROXYNAMEDHEREIN)SHALLHAVETHERIGHTTOCAUSETOBEPRESENT,CONSENTORVOTETHE SHARESINACCORDANCEWITHTHEPROVISIONSOFPARAGRAPH 2. THEPROXYGRANTEDBYTHE SHAREHOLDERSHALLBEAUTOMATICALLYREVOKEDUPONTERMINATIONOFTHIS AGREEMENTINACCORDANCEWITHITSTERMS.

4.No Solicitation. Except as set forth in otherwise contemplated or permitted by the Merger Agreement, and subject to Section 6 below, hereof, during the Support Period, the Shareholder shall not, and shall not permit any attorney or other representative retained by the Shareholder to, directly or indirectly, (a) take any of the actions specified inprohibited by Section 6.9(a)[6.09(a)] of the Merger Agreement that ValleySuncrest has agreed not to take, (b) agree to release, or release, any Person from any obligation under any existing standstill agreement or agreement relating to Valley or (c)(b) participate in, directly or indirectly, a “solicitation” of “proxies” (as such terms are used in the rules of the SEC) or powers of attorney or similar rights to vote, or seek to advise or influence any Person with respect to the voting of, any shares of ValleySuncrest Common Stock in connection with any matter described in Section 2(a) of this Agreement, other than to recommend that shareholders of ValleySuncrest vote in favor of the adoption and approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger. Except as set forthMerger, or (c) (i) otherwise initiate, solicit, induce or knowingly encourage, or knowingly take any action to facilitate the making of, any inquiry, offer or proposal which constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to lead to, an Acquisition Proposal, or (ii) otherwise participate in Section 6 below, theany discussions or negotiations regarding any Acquisition Proposal, or furnish, or otherwise afford access, to any Person (other than Parent or Citizens) to any information or data with respect to Suncrest relating to an Acquisition Proposal. Shareholder agrees immediately to cease and cause to be terminated any activities, discussions or negotiations conducted before the date of this Agreement with any Persons other than CVBParent or Citizens with respect to any possible Valley Acquisition Proposal and will take all necessary stepsuse Shareholder’s commercially reasonable efforts to inform any representative retained by the Shareholder of the obligations undertaken by the Shareholder pursuant to thisSection 4.

5.Notice of Acquisitions; Proposals Regarding Prohibited TransactionsShare Acquisitions. The Shareholder hereby agrees to notify CVBParent promptly (and in any event within two (2) Business Days) in writing of the number of any additional

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shares of ValleySuncrest Common Stock or other securities of ValleySuncrest of which the Shareholder acquires beneficial or record ownership on or after the date of this Agreement. The Shareholder shall cause Valley to comply with the provisions of Sections 6.9(a) and 6.9(b) of the Merger Agreement as if he or she were Valley.

6.Shareholder Capacity. The Shareholder is entering this Agreement in the Shareholder’s capacity as the record or beneficial owner of the Shareholder’s Shares, and not in his or herthe Shareholder’s capacity as a director or

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executive officer of ValleySuncrest, as applicable, or as a trustee of any ValleySuncrest benefit plan. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall be deemed in any manner to limit or affect in any manner the discretion of the Shareholder to take any action, or fail to take any action, in his or herthe Shareholder’s capacity as a director of ValleySuncrest or executive officer of Suncrest, as applicable, or as a trustee of any benefit plan of Valley,Suncrest, that may be required of the Shareholder determines the Shareholder should take (or fail to take) in the exercise of the Shareholder’s duties and responsibilities as a director or executive officer of ValleySuncrest or as a trustee of any benefit plan of Valley.Suncrest.

7.Stop Transfer Order. In furtherance of this Agreement, the Shareholder hereby authorizes and instructs ValleySuncrest to enter a stop transfer order with respect to all of the Shareholder’s Shares for the Support Period. The ValleyPeriod, except for such Transfers as are as otherwise provided for or permitted by this Agreement. Suncrest agrees that it shall comply with such stop transfer instructions.

8.Ownership Rights. Parent acknowledges and agrees that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to vest in Parent any direct or indirect ownership or incidence of ownership of or with respect to any Shares. All rights, ownership and economic benefits of and relating to the Shares shall remain vested in and belong to the Shareholder, and Parent shall have no authority to exercise any power or authority to direct the Shareholder in the voting of any of the Shares, except as otherwise expressly provided herein.

9. Termination. This Agreement and the obligations of the Shareholderparties hereunder shall terminate upon the first to occur of (a) the Effective Time of the Merger or (b) the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms (the “Termination Date”).; provided, however, that this Section 9 and Section 11 hereof shall survive any such termination.

9.10. Specific Performance. The Shareholder acknowledges that it is a condition to the willingness of Parent to enter into the Merger Agreement that Shareholder execute and deliver this Agreement and that it will be impossible to measure in money the damages to CVB if Shareholder fails to comply with the obligations imposed by this Agreement and agrees that irreparable injury will result to CVBParent in the event of a breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement and that CVBParent may have no adequate remedy at law with respect thereto. Accordingly, in the event of a material breach of this Agreement, and in addition to any other legal or equitable remedy CVBParent may have, the Shareholder agrees that the entry of a preliminary injunction and a permanent injunction (including, without limitation, specific performance) by a court of competent jurisdiction, to restrain the violation or breach thereof by the Shareholder or any Affiliates, agents, or any other persons acting for or with the Shareholder in any capacity whatsoever, is an appropriate remedy for any such breach and that the Shareholder will not oppose the granting of such relief on the basis that CVBParent has an adequate remedy at law. The Shareholder further agrees that the Shareholder will not seek, and agrees to waive any requirement for, the securing or posting of a bond in connection with CVB’sParent’s seeking or obtaining such equitable relief. Such injunctive and other equitable remedies are cumulative and shall be CVB’s sole remedy under this Agreement, unless CVB shall have sought and been denied by a court of competent jurisdiction injunctive or other equitable remedies and such denial is other than by reason of violation of this Agreement by CVB, the Shareholder submits to the jurisdiction of such court in any such action.

10.11. Miscellaneous.

(a)Definitional Matters.

(i) All capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.

(ii) The descriptive headings herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

(b)Entire Agreement. This Agreement together with the Merger Agreement constitute the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

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(c)Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and other legal

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representatives. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any other person any rights or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

(d)Certain Events. The Shareholder agrees that this Agreement and the obligations hereunder shall attach to the Shares owned by Shareholder and shall be binding upon any Person to which legal ownership of thesuch Shares shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise, including, without limitation, the Shareholder’s heirs, executors, guardians, administrators, trustees or successors.successors, except to the extent enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and subject to the general principles of equity. Notwithstanding any Transfer of such Shares by thea Shareholder, the Shareholder or, as applicable, the Shareholder’s heirs, executors, guardians, administrators, trustees or successors, shall remain liable for the performance of all obligations under this Agreement.

(e)Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assigned without the prior written consent of the other party hereto, and any purported assignment without such consent shall be null and void.

(f)Modifications; WaiversModifications. This Agreement shall not be amended, altered or modified in any manner whatsoever, except by a written instrument executed by the parties hereto. No provision in this Agreement may be waived, except by means of a writing signed by the party against whom the waiver is sought to be enforced. The failure of any party hereto to enforce at any time any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed to be a waiver of such provision, nor in any way to affect the validity of this Agreement or any part hereof or the right of any party thereafter to enforce each and every such provision. No waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall be held to constitute a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.

(g)Governing Law. This Agreement and the legal relations between the parties hereto shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of California, without regard to the conflict of laws rules thereof. The state or federal courts located within the state of California shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any and all disputes between the parties hereto, whether in law or equity, arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the agreements, instruments and documents contemplated hereby and the parties consent to and agree to submit to the jurisdiction of such courts. Each of the parties hereby waives and agrees not to assert in any such dispute, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any claim that (i) such party is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of such courts, (ii) such party and such party’s property is immune from any legal process issued by such courts, or (iii) any litigation or other proceeding commenced in such courts is brought in an inconvenient forum. The parties hereby agreed that mailing of process or other papers in connection with any such action or proceeding in the manner provided in Section 10(k) of this Agreement or in other manner as may be permitted by law, shall be valid and sufficient services thereof and hereby waive any objections to services accomplished in the manner herein provided.

(h)Reliance on Counsel and Other Advisors. The Shareholder and his/her spouse has consulted with such legal, financial, technical or other experts as the Shareholder deems necessary or desirable before entering into this Agreement.

(i)Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, each of which shall remain in full force and effect.

(j)Counterparts and Execution. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement. Signatures sent by facsimile or in “pdf” format by email transmission shall have the same force as manual signed originals.

 

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(k)Notices. Any notices or other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given upon (i) transmitter’s confirmation of a receipt of a facsimile transmission to the email address set forth below, (ii) confirmed delivery by a standard overnight carrier or (iii) the expiration of five (5) business days after the day when mailed by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, addressed at the following addresses (or at such other address as the parties hereto shall specify by like notice):

If to CVB:Parent:

CVB Financial Corp.

701 North Haven Avenue

Ontario, California 91764

Attention: Christopher D. Myers, President & Chief Executive OfficerDavid A. Brager

Facsimile: (909) 481-2120481-2103

Email: dabrager@cbbank.com

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

One Embarcadero Center, 30th Floor

San Francisco, California 94111

Attention: Craig D. Miller, Esq.

Facsimile: (415) 291-7474Email: cmiller@manatt.com

If to Valley,Suncrest, to:

Valley Commerce BancorpSuncrest Bank

701 W.501 West Main St.Street

Visalia, CACalifornia 93291

Attention: Allan Stone, President and Chief Executive OfficerCiaran McMullan

Facsimile:Email: cmcmullan@suncrestbank.com

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Gary Steven Findley and AssociatesSheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

3808 East La Palma Avenue650 Town Center Drive, 10th Floor

Anaheim, California 92807Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Attention: Gary Steven Findley,Josh Dean, Esq.

Facsimile: (714) 630-7010428-5991

Email: jdean@sheppardmullin.com

If to the Shareholder, to the email or physical address noted on the signature page hereto.

[SIGNATURES APPEAR ON THE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING PAGE]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Support Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

CVB FINANCIAL CORP.
By:

Title:

By:

 
VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORP
By:Name: 

David A. Brager

Title: 

Chief Executive Officer

[Signature Page to Voting and Support Agreement]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

SHAREHOLDER:

SHAREHOLDER:

Name:
Number of Shares:Signature: 

Address for Notices:  

Print name:

1Address for Notices:

[●]

Email:

[Signature Page to Voting and Support Agreement]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

SUNCREST BANK

By:
Name: 

Ciaran McMullan

Title:

President and Chief Executive Officer

[Signature Page to Voting and Support Agreement]

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EXHIBIT A

Form of Spousal Consent1

The undersigned represents that the undersigned is the spouse of the Shareholder and that the undersigned has reviewed and is familiar with the terms of the Voting and Support Agreement (the “Agreement”), by and among CVB Financial Corp., a California corporation (“Parent”), Suncrest Bank, a California state-chartered bank (“Suncrest”), and the undersigned’s spouse (the “Shareholder”). All capitalized terms that are used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement. The undersigned hereby agrees that the interest of Shareholder in all property which is the subject of such Agreement shall be irrevocably bound by the terms of such Agreement and by any amendment, modification, waiver or termination signed by Shareholder. The undersigned further agrees that the undersigned’s community property interest in all property which is the subject of such Agreement shall be irrevocably bound by the terms of such Agreement, and that such Agreement shall be binding on the executors, administrators, heirs and assigns of the undersigned. The undersigned further authorizes Shareholder to amend, modify or terminate such Agreement, or waive any rights thereunder, and that each such amendment, modification, waiver or termination signed by Shareholder shall be binding on the community property interest of undersigned in all property which is the subject of such Agreement and on the executors, administrators, heirs and assigns of the undersigned, each as fully as if the undersigned had signed such amendment, modification, waiver or termination.

SPOUSE:
Signature:
Print name:

 

 

1 If spousal

Spousal signature required for and applies to Existing Shares (i) with respect to which Shareholder and his or her spouse have joint or shared voting power or (ii) in which spouse may have a community property interest.

[Signature Page to Voting

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SCHEDULE I: SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Information as of [●], 2021

Beneficial OwnerNumber of Existing Shares
      [●] (“Shareholder”)[●] total Existing Shares held by Shareholder, as beneficial owner, as follows:

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Exhibit B-1

Form of Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Support Agreement]Non-Disclosure Agreement

(Suncrest Non-Employee Directors)

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Exhibit BEXHIBIT B-1

NONCOMPETITIONNON-COMPETITION, NON-SOLICITATION AND NONSOLICITATIONNON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT

This NONCOMPETITIONNON-COMPETITION, NON-SOLICITATION AND NONSOLICITATIONNON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of September 22, 2016[●], 2021 is entered into by and between Citizens Business Bank, a California banking corporationstate-chartered bank (“CBBCitizens”), and [●] (“ShareholderDirector”).

RECITALS

A. Citizens, CVB Financial Corp., a California corporation (“CVB”), and parent corporation of CBB, and Valley Commerce Bancorp, a California corporationCitizens (“ValleyParent”), and parent corporation of Valley CommerceSuncrest Bank, a California banking corporationstate-chartered bank (“BankSuncrest”), have entered into that certain Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated as of September 22, 2016[●], 2021 (the “Merger Agreement”), which, among other things, contemplates the merger of Valley withSuncrest into Citizens (the “Merger”). By operation of the Merger, Citizens will succeed, without further transfer, to the rights, obligations, properties and into CVB (the “Merger”) followed immediately byassets of Suncrest, including all goodwill, trade secrets and other intellectual property of Suncrest, at the mergerEffective Time of Bank into CBB (the “Bank Merger”).the Merger.

B. ShareholderDirector is a director of Suncrest and beneficial owner of ValleySuncrest common stock. Director holds common stock, and a directoroptions, restricted stock awards and/or executive officerdeferred share awards of ValleySuncrest (“Suncrest Stock Awards”) that will be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration on the terms and Bank.

C. Shareholder, as a shareholder of Valley,conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement. Therefore, Director is or will be entitled to receive substantial consideration consisting of CVB’s common stock andmonetary payments of cash in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.Agreement pursuant to Director’s being the holder of a certain number of Suncrest Stock Awards.

D.C. As a condition and an inducement to CVBParent’s and Citizens’ willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, and in order to consummateprotect the Bankgoodwill, trade secrets and other intellectual property of Suncrest from after the Effective Time of the Merger, ShareholderDirector agrees to refrain from competing with and using trade secrets or soliciting customers or employees of BankSuncrest and, from and after the Effective Time of the Merger, Citizens as successor to Suncrest, in accordance with the terms hereof.

NOW, THEREFORE, in considerationD. Director and Citizens intend for the provisions of the premises and respective representations, warranties and covenants, agreements and conditions contained herein and in the Mergerthis Agreement and intending to be legally bound hereby, Shareholderin compliance with California Business and CBB agree as follows:Professions Code Section 16601 and further intend for it to be fully enforceable.

ARTICLE I

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

E. Except as otherwise provided herein, each capitalized term shall have the meaning given to such term in the Merger Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth:

Customer” means any Person with whom BankSuncrest has an existing relationship for Financial Services (as defined below) from the date of execution of the Merger Agreement until immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger.

Enterprise” means the provision of Financial Services conducted by BankSuncrest at any time from the date of execution of the Merger Agreement until immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger.

Financial Institution” means a “depository institution” as that term is defined in 12 C.F.R. Section 348.2, and any parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof orthereof.

Financial Services” means any other corporationbanking, financial or other business entity primarily engagedservices provided by a bank, trust company, credit union or other Financial Institution (including any Financial Institution or trust company in the origination or purchase of commercial or consumer loans and leases.

Financial Services” means (i)formation), including but not limited to the origination, purchasing, selling and servicing of commercial, real estate, residential, construction, consumer and consumer loans and/or (ii)other loans; the engagement of an agent bank to issue credit cards and process credit card transactions and billing; the issuance, origination, sale and servicing of letters of credit

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and swap arrangements; the solicitation and provision of deposit services and services related thereto.

thereto; and the provision of wire transfer, direct payment, foreign currency exchange, and other customary community banking services provided by Suncrest prior to the Effective Time of the Merger.


Prospective Customer” means any Person with whom BankSuncrest, to Director’s knowledge, has activelyspecifically pursued a relationship in writing (including through e-mail correspondence) to provide Financial Services at any time between the date of execution of the Merger Agreement and the Effective Time of the Merger.Merger; provided, however, that Suncrest’s general solicitation for business, such as through television or media advertising, does not constitute pursuit of a relationship.

Trade Secrets” means all secrets and other confidential information, ideas, knowledge, know-how, techniques, secret processes, improvements, discoveries, methods, inventions, sales, financial information, Customers, lists of Customers and Prospective Customers, broker lists, potential brokers, pricing of loans/deposits or other banking products or services, earnings credit rate, rate sheets, plans, concepts, strategies or products, as well as all documents, reports, drawings, designs, plans and proposals otherwise pertaining to same or relating to the business and properties of BankSuncrest or its subsidiaries and Parent, Citizens and its subsidiaries of which ShareholderDirector has acquired, or may hereafter acquire, knowledge and possession as a shareholder, director, officer or employee of BankSuncrest or, if applicable, Parent or Citizens, or as a result of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement,Agreement; providedhowever, notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, “Trade Secrets” shall not include any (i) information which is or has become available from a third party who learned the information independently and is not or was not bound by a duty orconfidentiality agreement of confidentiality with respect to such information; or (ii) information readily ascertainable from public, trade or other nonconfidential sources (other than as a result, directly or indirectly, of a disclosure or other dissemination in contravention of a confidentiality agreement).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and respective representations, warranties and covenants, agreements and conditions contained herein and in the Merger Agreement, and intending to be legally bound hereby, Director and Citizens agree as follows:

ARTICLE III

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS BY SHAREHOLDERDIRECTOR

ShareholderDirector acknowledges that:

2.1 CVB(a) Parent and Citizens would not enter into the Merger Agreement unless ShareholderDirector agrees not to enter into an activity that is competitive with or similar to the Enterprise in violation of this Agreement and that, accordingly, this Agreement is a material inducement for CVBParent and Citizens to enter into and to carry out the terms of the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, ShareholderDirector expressly acknowledges that he or she[he/she] is entering into this Agreement with CBBCitizens to induce CVBParent and Citizens to enter into and carry out the terms of the Merger Agreement.

2.2(b) By virtue of Shareholder’s[his/her] position with Bank, ShareholderSuncrest, Director has developed considerable expertise in the business operations of BankSuncrest and has access to Trade Secrets. ShareholderSecrets of Suncrest. Director recognizes that CVBParent and CBBCitizens would be irreparably damaged, and its substantial investment in BankSuncrest materially impaired, if Shareholder were to enter into an activity that is competitive with or similar to the Enterprise in violation of the terms of this Agreement, if ShareholderDirector were to disclose or make use of any Trade Secrets in violation of the terms of this Agreement, or if ShareholderDirector were to solicit Customers, Prospective Customers or employees of BankSuncrest or Citizens as successor to Suncrest from and after the Effective Time of the Merger in violation of the terms of this Agreement. Accordingly, ShareholderDirector expressly acknowledges that he or she[he/she] is voluntarily entering into this Agreement and that the terms and conditions of this Agreement are fair and reasonable to ShareholderDirector in all respects.

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ARTICLE II

NON-COMPETITION, NON-SOLICITATION AND NON-DISCLOSURE

2.1 Non-competition.

(a) From the date of this Agreement and for the period ending on the expiration of twelve (12) months after the Effective Time of the Merger (the “ApplicablePeriod”), Director shall not, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of Citizens,own, manage, operate, control, or have any interest in the ownership, management, operation, or control of, or be connected as a shareholder, member, partner, principal, director, officer, manager, investor, organizer, founder, trustee, employee, advisor, consultant, agent, or representative of or with, any business or enterprise engaged in providing Financial Services in the State of California.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, Director shall not be deemed to be in contravention of subsection (a) of this Section 2.1, if: (y) Director participates in any such business solely (A) as an officer or director of Parent or Citizens or (B) as a passive investor in up to 5% of the equity securities or 10% of the debt securities of a company or partnership, or (z) Director is employed by a business or enterprise that is engaged primarily in a business other than the provision of Financial Services which is competitive with or similar to the Enterprise and Director does not apply in any manner [his/her] expertise at such business or enterprise to that part of such business or enterprise that is competitive with or similar to the Enterprise.

2.2 Non-solicitation. During the Applicable Period, Director shall not, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of Parent or Citizens, on behalf of any Financial Institution,

(a) solicit or aid in the solicitation of any Customers or Prospective Customers for Financial Services,

(b) solicit or aid in the solicitation of any officers or employees of Suncrest or, from and after the Effective Time of the Merger, Citizens as successor to Suncrest, or

(c) induce or attempt to induce any Person who is a Customer or Prospective Customer, or induce or attempt to induce any supplier, distributor, officer or employee of Suncrest as of the date hereof or immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, to terminate such person’s relationships with, or terminate use of any banking service or product with, the Surviving Corporation.

The prohibitions set forth in this Section 2.2 shall not apply to general solicitations or attempted solicitations by employment agencies (so long as the agency was not directed to solicit a Person otherwise subject to the prohibitions of this Section 2.2) or the general advertising or general solicitations not specifically directed at such Person(s).

2.3 Trade Secrets. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and at all times after the date hereof, other than for the benefit of Suncrest, or as otherwise approved by Suncrest, and, after the Effective Time of the Merger (as such term is defined in the Merger Agreement), other than for the benefit of Parent and/or Citizens or as otherwise approved by Parent or Citizens in writing, Director (i) shall make no use of the Trade Secrets, or any part thereof; (ii) shall not disclose the Trade Secrets, or any part thereof, to any other Person, and (iii) shall deliver, on and after the Effective Time of the Merger, upon the request of Citizens, all documents, reports, drawings, designs, plans, proposals and other tangible evidence of Trade Secrets, now possessed or hereafter acquired by Director, to Parent and/or Citizens.

2.4 Exceptions. Director understands that misappropriation of a Trade Secret in breach of this Agreement may subject Director to liability under the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (the “DTSA”), entitle

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Citizens to injunctive relief and require Director to pay compensatory damages, double damages and attorneys’ fees. Nothing in the foregoing covenant shall in any way limit or impair any of the rights of Citizens or any affiliate with respect to any Trade Secret information, including, without limitation, any information that qualifies as a Trade Secret under the DTSA. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Director understands that [he/she] will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a Trade Secret that is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, in each case solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Director further understands that if [he/she] files a lawsuit for retaliation by Citizens or Parent for reporting a suspected violation of law, the Director may disclose the Trade Secrets of Citizens or Parent to Director’s attorney and use the Trade Secret information in the court proceeding if Director files any document containing the Trade Secret under seal and does not disclose the Trade Secret except pursuant to court order.

ARTICLE III

NONCOMPETITIONINDEPENDENCE OF OBLIGATIONS

The covenants of Director set forth in this Agreement shall be construed as independent of any other agreement or arrangement between Director, on the one hand, and Citizens on the other, and the existence of any claim or cause of action by Director against Suncrest, Citizens, Parent, or any of their respective Affiliates (or the existence of any claim or cause of action by Citizens or Parent against Director, as the case may be), shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement of such covenants against Director, or against Citizens or Parent, as the case may be.

ARTICLE IV

GENERAL

4.1 Amendments. To the fullest extent permitted by Law, this Agreement may be amended by agreement in writing of the parties hereto at any time.

4.2 Integration. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties in connection therewith.

4.3 Termination

(a) This Agreement shall terminate automatically without further action in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated prior to the Effective Time of the Merger.

(b) Unless sooner terminated pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section 4.3, the obligations of Director under Section 2.1 shall terminate at the end of the Applicable Period.

(c) Unless sooner terminated under subsection (a) of this Section 4.3, and except as provided in subsection (b) of this Section 4.3, the obligations of Director under this Agreement shall terminate only on the mutual agreement of Director, on the one hand, and Citizens or the Surviving Corporation, on the other hand.

4.4 Specific Performance. Director acknowledges and agrees that irreparable injury will result to Citizens in the event of a breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement and that Citizens may have no adequate remedy at law with respect thereto. Accordingly, in the event of a material breach of this Agreement, and in addition to any other legal or equitable remedy Citizens may have, Director agrees that the entry of a

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preliminary injunction and a permanent injunction (including, without limitation, specific performance) by a court of competent jurisdiction, to restrain the violation or breach thereof by Director or any Affiliates, agents, or any other persons acting for or with Director in any capacity whatsoever, is an appropriate remedy for any such breach and that Director will not oppose the granting of such relief on the basis that Citizens has an adequate remedy at law. Director submits to the jurisdiction of such court in any such action. In addition, after discussing the matter with Director, Citizens shall have the right to inform any third party that Citizens reasonably believes to be, or to be contemplating, participating with Director or receiving from Director assistance in violation of this Agreement, of the terms of this Agreement and the rights of Citizens hereunder, and that participation by any such persons with Director in activities in violation of Director’s agreement with Citizens set forth in this Agreement may give rise to claims by Citizens against such third party in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled at law or in equity.

4.5 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unreasonable as to duration, activity or subject, it shall be deemed to extend only over the maximum duration, range of activities or subjects as to which such provision shall be valid and enforceable under applicable Law. If any provisions shall, for any reason, be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein

4.6 Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder, shall be deemed to have been given if in writing and (a) delivered in person, (b) delivered by confirmed email transmission, (c) sent by overnight carrier, postage prepaid with return receipt requested or (d) mailed by certified or registered mail postage prepaid with return receipt requested, addressed as follows:

If to Citizens, addressed to:

c/o CVB Financial Corp.

701 North Haven Avenue

Ontario, California 91764

Attention: David A. Brager

Facsimile: (909) 481-2103

Email: dabrager@cbbank.com

With a copy addressed to:

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

One Embarcadero Center, 30th Floor

San Francisco, California 94111

Attention: Craig D. Miller, Esq.

Facsimile: (415) 291-7474

Email: cmiller@manatt.com

If to Director, addressed to:

Email:  

or at such other address and to the attention of such other person as a party may provide by notice to the other in accordance with this Section 4.6. Any such notice or communication shall be deemed received on the date

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delivered personally or delivered by confirmed facsimile transmission or on the next Business Day after it was sent by overnight carrier, postage prepaid with return receipt requested or on the third Business Day after it was sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid with return receipt requested.

4.7 Waiver of Breach. Any failure or delay by Citizens in enforcing any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as a waiver thereof. The waiver by Citizens of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by Director shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach or violation thereof. All waivers shall be in writing and signed by the party to be bound.

4.8 Assignment. This Agreement may be assignable by Citizens only in connection with a sale of all or substantially all of its assets or a merger or reorganization in which it is not the surviving corporation. Any attempted assignment in violation of this prohibition shall be null and void.

4.9 Binding Effect; Benefit to Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon Director and upon Director’s successor and representatives and shall inure to the benefit of Citizens and its successors, representatives and assigns.

4.10 Governing Law. This Agreement and the legal relations between the parties shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California applicable to contracts between California parties made and performed in this State

4.11 Headings. The descriptive headings of the several Articles and Sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement.

4.12 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each party hereto and delivered to each party hereto. Facsimiles containing original signatures shall be deemed for all purposes to be originally signed copies of the documents which are the subject of such facsimiles.

[SIGNATURES APPEAR ON THE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING PAGE]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK

By:

David A. Brager

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

[Signature Page to Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement (Suncrest Non-Employee Directors)]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

DIRECTOR

(Signature)

(Type or Print Director’s Name)

[Signature Page to Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement (Suncrest Non-Employee Directors)]

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Exhibit B-2

Form of Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement

(Suncrest Chief Executive Officer)

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EXHIBIT B-2

NON-COMPETITION, NON-SOLICITATION AND NONSOLICITATIONNON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT AND RELEASE

This NON-COMPETITION, NON-SOLICITATION AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT AND RELEASE (this “Agreement”) dated as of July [●], 2021 is entered into by and between Citizens Business Bank, a California state-chartered bank (“Citizens”), and [●] (“Shareholder”).

RECITALS

A. Citizens, CVB Financial Corp., a California corporation and parent corporation of Citizens (“Parent”), and Suncrest Bank, a California state-chartered bank (“Suncrest”), have entered into that certain Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated as of July [●], 2021 (the “Merger Agreement”), which, among other things, contemplates the merger of Suncrest into Citizens (the “Merger”). By operation of the Merger, Citizens will succeed, without further transfer, to the rights, obligations, properties and assets of Suncrest, including all goodwill, trade secrets and other intellectual property of Suncrest, at the Effective Time of the Merger.

B. Shareholder is a beneficial owner of Suncrest common stock and an executive officer of Suncrest. Shareholder holds Suncrest common stock, options, restricted stock awards and/or deferred share awards of Suncrest (“Suncrest Stock Awards”) that will be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration on the terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement.

C. Shareholder is entitled to receive substantial monetary payments in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement as a shareholder of Suncrest and pursuant to Shareholder’s change in control/severance agreement by and between Shareholder and Suncrest.

D. As a condition and an inducement to Parent’s and Citizens’ willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, and in order to protect the goodwill, trade secrets and other intellectual property of Suncrest from after the Effective Time of the Merger, Shareholder agrees to refrain from competing with and using trade secrets or soliciting customers or employees of Suncrest and, from and after the Effective Time of the Merger, Citizens as successor to Suncrest, in accordance with the terms hereof.

E. Shareholder and Citizens intend for the provisions of this Agreement to be in compliance with California Business and Professions Code Section 16601 and further intend for it to be fully enforceable.

F. Except as otherwise provided herein, each capitalized term shall have the meaning given to such term in the Merger Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth:

Customer” means any Person (i) with whom Suncrest has an existing relationship for Financial Services (as defined below) from the date of execution of the Merger Agreement until immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, or (ii) who is a customer of Citizens immediately prior to termination of Shareholder’s employment or other position with Citizens, if applicable.

Enterprise” means the provision of Financial Services conducted by Suncrest at any time from the date of execution of the Merger Agreement until immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger.

Financial Institution” means a “depository institution” as that term is defined in 12 C.F.R. Section 348.2, and any parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof.

Financial Services” means any banking, financial or other services provided by a bank, trust company, credit union or other Financial Institution (including any Financial Institution or trust company in

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formation), including but not limited to the origination, purchasing, selling and servicing of commercial, real estate, residential, construction, consumer and other loans; the engagement of an agent bank to issue credit cards and process credit card transactions and billing; the issuance, origination, sale and servicing of letters of credit and swap arrangements; the solicitation and provision of deposit services and services related thereto; and the provision of wire transfer, direct payment, foreign currency exchange, and other customary community banking services provided by Suncrest prior to the Effective Time of the Merger.

Prospective Customer” means any Person (i) with whom Suncrest has, to Shareholder’s knowledge, specifically pursued a relationship in writing (including through e-mail correspondence) to provide Financial Services at any time between the date of execution of the Merger Agreement and the Effective Time of the Merger or (ii) with whom Citizens has, to Shareholder’s knowledge, specifically pursued a relationship in writing (including through e-mail correspondence) to provide Financial Services at any time prior to termination of Shareholder’s employment or other position with Citizens, if applicable; provided, however, that Suncrest’s or Citizens’ general solicitation for business, such as through television or media advertising, does not constitute pursuit of a relationship.

Trade Secrets” means all secrets and other confidential information, ideas, knowledge, know-how, techniques, secret processes, improvements, discoveries, methods, inventions, sales, financial information, Customers, lists of Customers and Prospective Customers, broker lists, potential brokers, pricing of loans/deposits or other banking products or services, earnings credit rate, rate sheets, plans, concepts, strategies or products, as well as all documents, reports, drawings, designs, plans and proposals otherwise pertaining to same or relating to the business and properties of Suncrest or its subsidiaries and Parent, Citizens and its subsidiaries of which Shareholder has acquired, or may hereafter acquire, knowledge and possession as a shareholder, director, officer or employee of Suncrest or, if applicable, Parent or Citizens, or as a result of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement; providedhowever, notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, “Trade Secrets” shall not include any (i) information which is or has become available from a third party who learned the information independently and is not or was not bound by a confidentiality agreement with respect to such information; or (ii) information readily ascertainable from public, trade or other nonconfidential sources (other than as a result, directly or indirectly, of a disclosure or other dissemination in contravention of a confidentiality agreement).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and respective representations, warranties and covenants, agreements and conditions contained herein and in the Merger Agreement, and intending to be legally bound hereby, Shareholder and Citizens agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS BY SHAREHOLDER

3.1Shareholder acknowledges that:

(a) Parent and Citizens would not enter into the Merger Agreement unless Shareholder agrees not to enter into an activity that is competitive with or similar to the Enterprise in violation of this Agreement and that, accordingly, this Agreement is a material inducement for Parent and Citizens to enter into and to carry out the terms of the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, Shareholder expressly acknowledges that he is entering into this Agreement with Citizens to induce Parent and Citizens to enter into and carry out the terms of the Merger Agreement.

(b) By virtue of his position with Suncrest and, if applicable, Parent and/or Citizens after the Effective Time of the Merger, Shareholder has developed considerable expertise in the business operations of Suncrest and, if applicable, will develop considerable expertise in the business operations of Parent and Citizens and has access to Trade Secrets of Suncrest and, if applicable, will have access to Trade Secrets of Parent and Citizens. Shareholder recognizes that Parent and Citizens would be irreparably damaged, and its substantial

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investment in Suncrest materially impaired, if Shareholder were to enter into an activity that is competitive with or similar to the Enterprise in violation of the terms of this Agreement, if Shareholder were to disclose or make use of any Trade Secrets in violation of the terms of this Agreement, or if Shareholder were to solicit Customers, Prospective Customers or employees of Suncrest or Citizens as successor to Suncrest from and after the Effective Time of the Merger in violation of the terms of this Agreement. Accordingly, Shareholder expressly acknowledges that he is voluntarily entering into this Agreement and that the terms and conditions of this Agreement are fair and reasonable to Shareholder in all respects.

ARTICLE II

Noncompetition.NON-COMPETITION, NON-SOLICITATION AND NON-DISCLOSURE

2.1 Non-competition.

(a) From the date of this Agreement and for the period ending on the expiration of the twenty-four (24)twelve (12) months after the Effective Time of the Merger (the “NoncompeteApplicablePeriod”), Shareholder shall not, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of CBBCitizens, own, manage, operate, control, finance or participatehave any interest in the ownership, management, operation, control or financingcontrol of, or be connected as an officer, director, employee,a shareholder, member, partner, principal, director, officer, manager, investor, organizer, founder, trustee, employee, advisor, consultant, agent, or representative consultantof or otherwise with, any business or enterprise engaged in any business that is competitive with or similarproviding Financial Services in the State of California.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the Enterprise within any of the California Counties of Fresno, Kern, King, Madeira or Tulare (the “Territory”). Notwithstanding the above,contrary set forth herein, Shareholder shall not be deemed to be engaged directly or indirectly in any business in contravention of the

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immediately preceding sentence, if subsection (a) of this Section 2.1, if: (y) Shareholder participates in any such business solely (i)(A) as an officer or director of CVBParent or CBBCitizens or (ii)(B) as a passive investor in up to 5% of the equity securities or 10% of the debt securities of a company or partnership, provided such securities are publicly traded or (b)(z) Shareholder is employed by a business or enterprise that is engaged primarily in a business other than thatthe provision of Financial Services which is competitive with or similar to the Enterprise and Shareholder does not apply in any manner his or her expertise at such business or enterprise to that part of such business or enterprise that is competitive with or similar to the Enterprise.

3.22.2 NonsolicitationNon-solicitation. DuringFrom the date of this Agreement and for the period ending on the expiration of thirty-six (36) months after the Effective Time of the Merger (the “Non-SolicitApplicable Period”), Shareholder shall not, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of CBB,Parent or Citizens, on behalf of any Financial Institution, (i)

(a) solicit or aid in the solicitation of any Customers or Prospective Customers for Financial Services, or (ii)

(b) solicit or aid in the solicitation of any officers or employees of Bank,Suncrest or, (iii)from and after the Effective Time of the Merger, Citizens as successor to Suncrest, or

(c) induce or attempt to induce immediately any Person who is a Customer or a Prospective Customer, supplier, distributor, officer or employee of Bank(i) Suncrest as of the date hereof or immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger or (ii) Citizens immediately prior to termination of Shareholder’s employment or other position with Citizens, as applicable, in each case, to terminate such person’s relationships with, or terminate use of any banking service or product with, the Surviving Corporation.

The prohibitions set forth in this Section 2.2 shall not apply to take any action that would be disadvantageous to CBBgeneral solicitations or attempted solicitations by employment agencies (so long as the surviving corporation inagency was not directed to solicit a Person otherwise subject to the Bank Merger. Shareholder, uponprohibitions of this Section 2.2) or the reasonable request of CVBgeneral advertising or CBB, shall also agree to use his or her best efforts to retain the business of CVB and/or CBB and promote the acquisition of new business by CVB and/or CBB.general solicitations not specifically directed at such Person(s).

3.3

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2.3 Trade Secrets. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and at all times after the date hereof, other than for the benefit of Bank,Suncrest, or as otherwise approved by CVB or CBB,Suncrest, and, after the Effective Time of the Merger (as such term is defined in the Merger Agreement), other than for the benefit of the CVBParent and/or CBBCitizens or as otherwise approved by CVBParent or CBB,Citizens in writing, Shareholder (i) shall make no use of the Trade Secrets, or any other part thereof,thereof; (ii) shall not disclose the Trade Secrets, or any part thereof, to any other Person, and (iii) shall deliver, on and after the Effective Time of the Merger, upon the request of CBB,Citizens, all documents, reports, drawings, designs, plans, proposals and other tangible evidence of Trade Secrets, now possessed or hereafter acquired by Shareholder, to CVBParent and/or CBB.Citizens

3.42.4 Exceptions. Shareholder understands that misappropriation of a Trade Secret in breach of this Agreement may subject Shareholder to liability under the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (the “DTSA”), entitle Citizens to injunctive relief and require Shareholder to pay compensatory damages, double damages and attorneys’ fees. Nothing in the foregoing covenant shall in any way limit or impair any of the rights of Citizens or any affiliate with respect to any Trade Secret information, including, without limitation, any information that qualifies as a trade secret under the DTSA. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the contrary, Shareholder may disclose or reveal any information, whether including in whole or in part any Trade Secrets, that:

(a) Shareholder is required to disclose or reveal under any applicable Law, provided Shareholder makes a good faith request that the confidentiality of the Trade Secrets be preserved and, to the extent not prohibited by applicable Laws, gives CBB prompt notice of such requirement in advance of such disclosure.

(b) Shareholder is otherwise required to disclose or reveal by any Governmental Agency, as defined below, provided Shareholder makes a good faith request that the confidentiality of the Trade Secrets be preserved and, to the extent not prohibited by applicable Laws, gives CBB prompt notice of such requirement is advance of each disclosure;

(c) Upon the opinion of Shareholder’s counsel, Shareholder is compelled to disclose or else stand liable for contempt or suffer other censure or penalty imposed by any Governmental Entity, provided Shareholder makes a good faith request that the confidentiality of the Trade Secrets be preserved and, to the extent not prohibited by applicable Laws, gives CBB prompt notice of such requirement in advance of such disclosure.

In furtherance thereof, Shareholder understands that nothing containedhe will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a Trade Secret that is made (i) in this Agreement prohibits or limits Shareholder from filingconfidence to a charge or complaint with or reporting possible violations of federal, state, or local lawgovernment official, either directly or indirectly, or to any government agencyan attorney, in each case solely for the purpose of reporting or entity, including but not limited to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Departmentinvestigating a suspected violation of Justice, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporationlaw; or the California Department of Business Oversight (each(ii) in a Government Agency”),complaint or making other disclosures protecteddocument filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under the whistleblower provisions of any law or regulation.seal. Shareholder further understands that this Agreementif he files a lawsuit for retaliation by Citizens or Parent for reporting a suspected violation of law, the Shareholder may disclose the Trade Secrets of Citizens or Parent to Shareholder’s attorney and use the Trade Secret information in the court proceeding if Shareholder files any document containing the Trade Secret under seal and does not prohibitdisclose the Trade Secret except pursuant to court order.

ARTICLE III

RELEASE

3.1 Release. From and after the Effective Time of the Merger, Shareholder on Shareholder’s own behalf and on behalf of Shareholder’s past, present and future affiliates, agents, attorneys, administrators, heirs, executors, spouses, trustees, beneficiaries, representatives, successors and assigns claiming by or through Shareholder (collectively, the “Related Persons”), hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably RELEASES and FOREVER DISCHARGES (the “Release”) Suncrest and its current or former affiliates, subsidiaries, subdivisions, officers, directors, employees, managers, partners, principals, advisors, agents, stockholders, members, investors, equity holders or other representatives (including attorneys, accountants, consultants, bankers and financial advisors), successors (including Citizens), predecessors or assigns (each, a “Released Party” and collectively, the “Released Parties”) from the following (collectively, the “Releasing Party Claims”): any and all claims, demands, allegations, assertions, complaints, controversies, charges, duties (fiduciary or otherwise), breaches of duties, grievances, rights, causes of action, actions, suits, liabilities, debts, obligations, promises, commitments, agreements, guarantees, endorsements, duties, damages, costs, losses, debts and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and costs incurred) of any nature whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, known or unknown, disclosed or undisclosed, matured or unmatured, accrued or unaccrued, asserted or unasserted, absolute or contingent, determined or conditional, express or implied, fixed or variable and whether vicarious, derivative, joint, several or secondary) relating to the Released Parties, including, without limitation, any and all actions, activities, assets, liabilities and the ownership of any securities, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, absolute or contingent, direct or indirect or nominally or beneficially possessed or claimed by Shareholder, whether the same be in administrative proceedings, in arbitration, at law, in equity or mixed, which Shareholder ever had, now has or hereafter may have against any or all of the Released Parties, in respect of any and all agreements, liabilities or obligations entered into or incurred on or prior to the date hereof, or in respect of any event occurring or circumstances existing on or prior to the date hereof, whether or not

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relating to claims pending on, or asserted after, the date hereof; provided, however, that the foregoing release does not extend to, include or restrict or limit Shareholder’s cooperationin any way, and each Releasing Party hereby reserves such Releasing Party’s rights, if any, and the right of the other Releasing Parties, if any, to pursue any and all Releasing Party Claims that such Releasing Party may now or in the future have solely on account of (a) any existing rights of such Releasing Party under any severance agreement, employment agreement or other employee benefit plan of Suncrest of which Shareholder is a party or is otherwise a beneficiary thereof, (b) any rights or claims for benefits (other than any severance or deferred compensation) under benefit plans of Suncrest (or its successor) (including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, COBRA benefits and rights to account balances, earnings thereon and forfeiture allocations), (c) rights under any applicable workers’ compensation statutes arising out of compensable job related injuries, (d) any claims relating to salary, vacation pay or other compensation received in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (e) any Government Agency norrights to indemnification for serving as an officer, director, agent or employee of Suncrest or any affiliates of Suncrest, or serving at the request of Suncrest as a trustee or fiduciary of any benefit plan, provided that such rights exist as a matter of law or contract or pursuant to the corporate documents of such applicable company, (f) any rights under the Merger Agreement to the Merger Consideration and (g) any claim which, as a matter of applicable Law, cannot be released.

3.2 ADEA. Without limiting the scope of the Release in any way, Shareholder certifies that the Release constitutes a knowing and voluntary waiver of any and all rights or claims that exist or that he may have or may claim to have under the Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990, which is set forth at 29 U.S.C. § § 621, et seq. The Release does it precludenot govern any rights or limit Shareholder’sclaims that may arise under the ADEA after the date the Release is signed by Shareholder. If Shareholder is age 40 or over, (a) he is aware of his right to receiverevoke the Release at any time within the seven (7)-day period following the date he signs it and that the Release shall not become effective or enforceable until the seven (7)-day revocation period expires without revocation; and (b) he has been given an awardopportunity to consider fully the terms of the Release for informationforty-five (45) days, although Shareholder is not required to wait forty-five (45) days before signing the Release.

3.3 No Additional Facts. Shareholder agree that because the Release specifically covers known and unknown claims, Shareholder waives any and all rights under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, or under any comparable law of any other jurisdiction. Section 1542 states

“A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.”

Shareholder hereby expressly waives any rights Shareholder may have under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code or any other applicable law to preserve Releasing Party Claims which Shareholder does not know or suspect to exist in Shareholder’s favor at the time of executing the release provided in Section 3.1. Shareholder understands and acknowledges that Shareholder may discover facts different from, or in addition to, those which Shareholder knows or believes to be true with respect to the claims released herein, and agrees that the release provided in Section 3.1 shall be and remain effective in all respects notwithstanding any subsequent discovery of different or additional facts. If Shareholder discovers that any fact relied upon in entering into the release provided in Section 3.1 was untrue, or that any fact was concealed, or that an understanding of the facts or law was incorrect, Shareholder shall not be entitled to any Government Agency orrelief as a result thereof, and Shareholder surrenders any rights Shareholder might have to rescind the release provided in Section 3.1 on any ground. Such release is intended to be and is final and binding regardless of any claim filedof misrepresentation, promise made with such Government Agency.the intention of performing, concealment of fact, mistake of law, or any other circumstances whatsoever.

3.4 No Suits or Actions. Shareholder hereby irrevocably covenants to refrain from, and shall cause each of its Related Persons to refrain from, asserting any claim or demand, or commencing, instituting or causing to be

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commenced, any suit, proceeding or manner of action of any kind against any Released Party based upon any Releasing Party Claim. If Shareholder (or any of its Related Persons) does any of the things mentioned in the immediately preceding sentence, then Shareholder shall indemnify the Released Parties (or any of them) in the amount of the value of any final judgment or settlement (monetary or other) and any related cost (including reasonable legal fees) entered against, paid or incurred by the Released Parties (or any of them).

3.5 Revocation. Shareholder acknowledges that priorShareholder (a) has read the Release, (b) has been provided a full and ample opportunity to study it, including a period of at least forty-five (45) days if Shareholder is over forty (40) years old (or, if less than forty (40) years old, at least ten (10) days) within which to consider it (although Shareholder may voluntarily choose to execute the Release earlier), and (c) is signing it voluntarily with full knowledge that it is intended, to the maximum extent permitted by law, as a complete release and waiver of any and all claims, including without limitation any claims under ADEA. To revoke, Shareholder must send a written notice of revocation to CBBCitizens at the address set forth in Section 5.6 of this Agreement.

3.6 No Assignment of Releasing Party Claims. Shareholder represents and warrants to the Released Parties that there has been no assignment or authorization by CBB is not required for the above-referenced protected activities.other transfer of any interest in any Releasing Party Claim.

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ARTICLE IV

INDEPENDENCE OF OBLIGATIONS

The covenants of Shareholder set forth in this Agreement shall be construed as independent of any other agreement or arrangement between Shareholder, on the one hand, and CBBCitizens on the other, and the existence of any claim or cause of action by Shareholder against Bank, CBB, CVB,Suncrest, Citizens, Parent, or any of their respective Affiliates (or the existence of any claim or cause of action by CBBCitizens or CVBParent against Shareholder, as the case may be), shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement of such covenants against Shareholder, or against CBBCitizens or CVB,Parent, as the case may be.

ARTICLE V

GENERAL

5.1Amendments; WaiversAmendments. This Agreement may not be amended exceptTo the fullest extent permitted by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto. No provision inLaw, this Agreement may be waived, exceptamended by meansagreement in writing of a writing signed by the party against whom the waiver is sought to be enforced. The failure of any partyparties hereto to enforce at any time any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed to be a waiver of such provision, nor in any way to affect the validity of this Agreement or any part hereof or the right of any party thereafter to enforce each and every such provision. No waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall be held to constitute a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.time.

5.2Integration. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties in connection therewith.

5.3Termination.Termination.

(a) This Agreement shall terminate automatically without further action in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated prior to the Effective Time of the Merger.

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(b) Unless sooner terminated pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section 5.3, the obligations of Shareholder under Sections 2.1 and 2.2 shall terminate at the end of the Noncompete Applicable Period and the Non-Solicit Applicable Period, respectively. The Release shall continue to be in full force and effect indefinitely, unless this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 5.3(a)

(c) Unless sooner terminated under subsection (a) of this Section 5.3, and except as provided in subsection (b) of this Section 5.3, the obligations of Shareholder under this Agreement shall terminate only on the mutual agreement of Shareholder, on the one hand, and CBBCitizens or the Surviving Corporation, on the other hand.

5.4Specific Performance. Shareholder acknowledges and agrees that irreparable injury will result to CBBCitizens in the event of a breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement and that CBBCitizens may have no adequate remedy at law with respect thereto. Accordingly, in the event of a material breach of this Agreement, and in addition to any other legal or equitable remedy CBBCitizens may have, Shareholder agrees that the entry of a preliminary injunction and a permanent injunction (including, without limitation, specific performance) by a court of competent jurisdiction, to restrain the violation or breach thereof by Shareholder or any Affiliates, agents, or any other persons acting for or with Shareholder in any capacity whatsoever, is an appropriate remedy for any such breach and that Shareholder will not oppose the granting of such relief on the basis that CBBCitizens has an adequate remedy at law. Shareholder submits to the jurisdiction of such court in any such action. Shareholder agrees that he or she will not seek, and agrees to waive any requirement for, the securing or posting of a bond in connection with CBB’s seeking or obtaining such equitable relief. In addition, after discussing the matter with Shareholder, CBBCitizens shall have the right to inform any third party that CBBCitizens reasonably believes to be, or to be contemplating, participating with Shareholder or receiving from Shareholder assistance in violation of this Agreement, of the terms of this Agreement and the rights of CBBCitizens hereunder, and that participation by any such persons with Shareholder in activities in violation of Shareholder’s agreement with CBBCitizens set forth in this Agreement may give rise to claims by CBBCitizens against such third party in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled at law or in equity.

5.5 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unreasonable as to duration, activity or subject, it shall be deemed to extend only over the maximum duration, range of activities or subjects as to which such provision shall be valid and enforceable under applicable Law. If any provisions shall, for any reason, be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein

5.6 Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder, shall be deemed to have been given if in writing and (a) delivered in person, (b) delivered by confirmed email transmission, (c) sent by overnight carrier, postage prepaid with return receipt requested or (d) mailed by certified or registered mail postage prepaid with return receipt requested, addressed as follows:

If to Citizens, addressed to:

c/o CVB Financial Corp.

701 North Haven Avenue

Ontario, California 91764

Attention: David A. Brager

Facsimile: (909) 481-2103

Email: dabrager@cbbank.com

 

B-4A-111


With a copy addressed to:

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

One Embarcadero Center, 30th Floor

San Francisco, California 94111

Attention: Craig D. Miller, Esq.

Facsimile: (415) 291-7474

Email: cmiller@manatt.com

If to Shareholder, addressed to:

Email:  

or at such other address and to the attention of such other person as a party may provide by notice to the other in accordance with this Section 5.6. Any such notice or communication shall be deemed received on the date delivered personally or delivered by confirmed facsimile transmission or on the next Business Day after it was sent by overnight carrier, postage prepaid with return receipt requested or on the third Business Day after it was sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid with return receipt requested.

5.7 Waiver of Breach. Any failure or delay by Citizens in enforcing any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as a waiver thereof. The waiver by Citizens of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by Shareholder shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach or violation thereof. All waivers shall be in writing and signed by the party to be bound.

5.8 Assignment. This Agreement may be assignable by Citizens only in connection with a sale of all or substantially all of its assets or a merger or reorganization in which it is not the surviving corporation. Any attempted assignment in violation of this prohibition shall be null and void.

5.9 Binding Effect; Benefit to Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon Shareholder and upon Shareholder’s successor and representatives and shall inure to the benefit of Citizens and its successors, representatives and assigns.

5.10 Governing Law. This Agreement and the legal relations between the parties shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California applicable to contracts between California parties made and performed in this State.

5.11 Headings. The descriptive headings of the several Articles and Sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement.

5.12 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each party hereto and delivered to each party hereto. Facsimiles containing original signatures shall be deemed for all purposes to be originally signed copies of the documents which are the subject of such facsimiles.

[SIGNATURES APPEAR ON THE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING PAGE]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK

By:    David A. Brager
Title: Chief Executive Officer

[Signature Page to Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement and Release (Suncrest Chief Executive Officer)]

A-113


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

SHAREHOLDER

(Signature)

  (Type or Print Shareholder ‘s Name)

[Signature Page to Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement and Release (Suncrest Chief Executive Officer)]

A-114


Exhibit B-3

Form of Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement

(Suncrest Executive Officers)

A-115


EXHIBIT B-3

NON-SOLICITATION AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT AND RELEASE

This NON-SOLICITATION AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT AND RELEASE (this “Agreement”) dated as of [●], 2021 is entered into by and between Citizens Business Bank, a California state-chartered bank (“Citizens”), and [●] (“Employee”).

RECITALS

A. Citizens, CVB Financial Corp., a California corporation and parent corporation of Citizens (“Parent”), and Suncrest Bank, a California state-chartered bank (“Suncrest”), have entered into that certain Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated as of [●], 2021 (the “Merger Agreement”), which, among other things, contemplates the merger of Suncrest into Citizens (the “Merger”). By operation of the Merger, Citizens will succeed, without further transfer, to the rights, obligations, properties and assets of Suncrest, including all goodwill, trade secrets and other intellectual property of Suncrest, at the Effective Time of the Merger.

B. Employee is a beneficial owner of Suncrest common stock and an executive officer of Suncrest. Employee holds common stock, options, restricted stock awards and/or deferred share awards of Suncrest (“Suncrest Stock Awards”) that will be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration on the terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement.

C. Employee is entitled to receive substantial monetary payments in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement as an Employee of Suncrest and holder of Suncrest Stock Awards and/or pursuant to Employee’s change in control/severance agreement by and between Employee and Suncrest.

D. As a condition and an inducement to Parent’s and Citizens’ willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, and in order to protect the goodwill, trade secrets and other intellectual property of Suncrest from after the Effective Time of the Merger, Employee agrees to refrain from using trade secrets or soliciting customers or employees of Suncrest and, from and after the Effective Time of the Merger, Citizens as successor to Suncrest, in accordance with the terms hereof.

E. Employee and Citizens intend for the provisions of this Agreement to be in compliance with California Business and Professions Code Section 16601 to the extent applicable and further intend for it to be fully enforceable.

F. Except as otherwise provided herein, each capitalized term shall have the meaning given to such term in the Merger Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth:

Customer” means any Person (i) with whom Suncrest has an existing relationship for Financial Services (as defined below) from the date of execution of the Merger Agreement until immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger, or (ii) who is a customer of Citizens immediately prior to termination of Employee’s employment with Citizens, if applicable.

Financial Institution” means a “depository institution” as that term is defined in 12 C.F.R. Section 348.2, and any parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof.

Financial Services” means any banking, financial or other services provided by a bank, trust company, credit union or other Financial Institution (including any Financial Institution or trust company in formation), including but not limited to the origination, purchasing, selling and servicing of commercial, real estate, residential, construction, consumer and other loans; the engagement of an agent bank to issue credit cards and process credit card transactions and billing; the issuance, origination, sale and servicing of letters of credit and swap arrangements; the solicitation and provision of deposit services and services related thereto; and the provision of wire transfer, direct payment, foreign currency exchange, and other customary community banking services provided by Suncrest prior to the Effective Time of the Merger.

A-116


Prospective Customer” means any Person (i) with whom Suncrest has, to Employee’s knowledge, specifically pursued a relationship in writing (including through e-mail correspondence) to provide Financial Services at any time between the date of execution of the Merger Agreement and the Effective Time of the Merger or (ii) with whom Citizens has, to Employee’s knowledge, specifically pursued a relationship in writing (including through e-mail correspondence) to provide Financial Services at any time prior to termination of Employee’s employment or other position with Citizens, if applicable; provided, however, that Suncrest’s or Citizens’ general solicitation for business, such as through television or media advertising, does not constitute pursuit of a relationship.

Trade Secrets” means all secrets and other confidential information, ideas, knowledge, know-how, techniques, secret processes, improvements, discoveries, methods, inventions, sales, financial information, Customers, lists of Customers and Prospective Customers, broker lists, potential brokers, pricing of loans/deposits or other banking products or services, earnings credit rate, rate sheets, plans, concepts, strategies or products, as well as all documents, reports, drawings, designs, plans and proposals otherwise pertaining to same or relating to the business and properties of Suncrest or its subsidiaries and Parent, Citizens and its subsidiaries of which Employee has acquired, or may hereafter acquire, knowledge and possession as a shareholder, director, officer or employee of Suncrest or, if applicable, Parent or Citizens, or as a result of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement; providedhowever, notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, “Trade Secrets” shall not include any (i) information which is or has become available from a third party who learned the information independently and is not or was not bound by a confidentiality agreement with respect to such information; or (ii) information readily ascertainable from public, trade or other nonconfidential sources (other than as a result, directly or indirectly, of a disclosure or other dissemination in contravention of a confidentiality agreement).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and respective representations, warranties and covenants, agreements and conditions contained herein and in the Merger Agreement, and intending to be legally bound hereby, Employee and Citizens agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS BY EMPLOYEE

Employee acknowledges that:

(a) Parent and Citizens would not enter into the Merger Agreement unless Employee agrees not to use Trade Secrets or solicit customers and employees in violation of this Agreement and that, accordingly, this Agreement is a material inducement for Parent and Citizens to enter into and to carry out the terms of the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, Employee expressly acknowledges that [he/she] is entering into this Agreement with Citizens to induce Parent and Citizens to enter into and carry out the terms of the Merger Agreement.

(b) Employee acknowledges that by virtue of [his/her] position with Suncrest and, if applicable, Parent and/or Citizens after the Effective Time of the Merger, Employee has developed considerable expertise in the business operations of Suncrest and, if applicable, will develop considerable expertise in the business operations of Parent and Citizens and has access to Trade Secrets of Suncrest and, if applicable, will have access to Trade Secrets of Parent and Citizens upon the Effective Time of the Merger. Employee recognizes that Parent and Citizens would be irreparably damaged, and its substantial investment in Suncrest materially impaired, if Employee were to disclose or make use of any Trade Secrets in violation of the terms of this Agreement, or if Employee were to solicit employees of Suncrest or Citizens as successor to Suncrest from and after the Effective Time of the Merger in violation of the terms of this Agreement. Accordingly, Employee expressly acknowledges that [he/she] is voluntarily entering into this Agreement and that the terms and conditions of this Agreement are fair and reasonable to Employee in all respects.

A-117


ARTICLE II

NON-SOLICITATION AND NON-DISCLOSURE

2.1 Non-solicitation. From the date of this Agreement and for the period ending on the expiration of twenty-four (24)1 months after the Effective Time of the Merger (the “ApplicablePeriod”), Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of Parentor Citizens, on behalf of any Financial Institution,

(a) solicit or aid in the solicitation of any Customers or Prospective Customers for Financial Services,

(b) solicit or aid in the solicitation of any officers or employees of Suncrest or, from and after the Effective Time of the Merger, Citizens as successor to Suncrest, or

(c) induce or attempt to induce any Person who is a Customer or Prospective Customer, or induce or attempt to induce any supplier, distributor, officer or employee of (i) Suncrest as of the date hereof or immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger or (ii) Citizens immediately prior to termination of Employee’s employment with Citizens, as applicable, in each case, to terminate such person’s relationships with, or terminate use of any banking service or product with, the Surviving Corporation.

The prohibitions set forth in this Section 2.1 shall not apply to general solicitations or attempted solicitations by employment agencies (so long as the agency was not directed to solicit a Person otherwise subject to the prohibitions of this Section 2.1) or the general advertising or general solicitations not specifically directed at such Person(s).

2.2 Trade Secrets. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and at all times after the date hereof, other than for the benefit of Suncrest, or as otherwise approved by Suncrest, and, after the Effective Time of the Merger (as such term is defined in the Merger Agreement), other than for the benefit of Parent and/or Citizens or as otherwise approved by Parent or Citizens in writing, Employee (i) shall make no use of the Trade Secrets, or any part thereof; (ii) shall not disclose the Trade Secrets, or any part thereof, to any other Person, and (iii) shall deliver, on and after the Effective Time of the Merger, upon the request of Citizens, all documents, reports, drawings, designs, plans, proposals and other tangible evidence of Trade Secrets, now possessed or hereafter acquired by Employee, to Parent and/or Citizens.

2.3 Exceptions. Employee understands that misappropriation of a Trade Secret in breach of this Agreement may subject Employee to liability under the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (the “DTSA”), entitle Citizens to injunctive relief and require Employee to pay compensatory damages, double damages and attorneys’ fees. Nothing in the foregoing covenant shall in any way limit or impair any of the rights of Citizens or any affiliate with respect to any Trade Secret information, including, without limitation, any information that qualifies as a Trade Secret under the DTSA. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Employee understands that [he/she] will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a Trade Secret that is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, in each case solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Employee further understands that if [he/she] files a lawsuit for retaliation by Citizens or Parent for reporting a suspected violation of law, the Employee may disclose the Trade Secrets of Citizens or Parent to Employee’s attorney and use the Trade Secret information in the court proceeding if Employee files any document containing the Trade Secret under seal and does not disclose the Trade Secret except pursuant to court order.

1

12 months for Deputy CCO

A-118


ARTICLE III

RELEASE

3.1 Release. From and after the Effective Time of the Merger, Employee on Employee’s own behalf and on behalf of Employee’s past, present and future affiliates, agents, attorneys, administrators, heirs, executors, spouses, trustees, beneficiaries, representatives, successors and assigns claiming by or through Employee (collectively, the “Related Persons”), hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably RELEASES and FOREVER DISCHARGES (the “Release”) Suncrest and its current or former affiliates, subsidiaries, subdivisions, officers, directors, employees, managers, partners, principals, advisors, agents, stockholders, members, investors, equity holders or other representatives (including attorneys, accountants, consultants, bankers and financial advisors), successors (including Citizens), predecessors or assigns (each, a “Released Party” and collectively, the “Released Parties”) from the following (collectively, the “Releasing Party Claims”): any and all claims, demands, allegations, assertions, complaints, controversies, charges, duties (fiduciary or otherwise), breaches of duties, grievances, rights, causes of action, actions, suits, liabilities, debts, obligations, promises, commitments, agreements, guarantees, endorsements, duties, damages, costs, losses, debts and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and costs incurred) of any nature whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, known or unknown, disclosed or undisclosed, matured or unmatured, accrued or unaccrued, asserted or unasserted, absolute or contingent, determined or conditional, express or implied, fixed or variable and whether vicarious, derivative, joint, several or secondary) relating to the Released Parties, including, without limitation, any and all actions, activities, assets, liabilities and the ownership of any securities, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, absolute or contingent, direct or indirect or nominally or beneficially possessed or claimed by Employee, whether the same be in administrative proceedings, in arbitration, at law, in equity or mixed, which Employee ever had, now has or hereafter may have against any or all of the Released Parties, in respect of any and all agreements, liabilities or obligations entered into or incurred on or prior to the date hereof, or in respect of any event occurring or circumstances existing on or prior to the date hereof, whether or not relating to claims pending on, or asserted after, the date hereof; provided, however, that the foregoing release does not extend to, include or restrict or limit in any way, and each Releasing Party hereby reserves such Releasing Party’s rights, if any, and the right of the other Releasing Parties, if any, to pursue any and all Releasing Party Claims that such Releasing Party may now or in the future have solely on account of (a) any existing rights of such Releasing Party under any severance agreement, employment agreement or other employee benefit plan of Suncrest of which Employee is a party or is otherwise a beneficiary thereof, (b) any rights or claims for benefits (other than any severance or deferred compensation) under benefit plans of Suncrest (or its successor) (including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, COBRA benefits and rights to account balances, earnings thereon and forfeiture allocations), (c) rights under any applicable workers’ compensation statutes arising out of compensable job related injuries, (d) any claims relating to salary, vacation pay or other compensation received in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (e) any rights to indemnification for serving as an officer, director, agent or employee of Suncrest or any affiliates of Suncrest, or serving at the request of Suncrest as a trustee or fiduciary of any benefit plan, provided that such rights exist as a matter of law or contract or pursuant to the corporate documents of such applicable company, (f) any rights under the Merger Agreement to the Merger Consideration and (g) any claim which, as a matter of applicable Law, cannot be released.

3.2 ADEA. Without limiting the scope of the Release in any way, Employee certifies that the Release constitutes a knowing and voluntary waiver of any and all rights or claims that exist or that he/she may have or may claim to have under the Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990, which is set forth at 29 U.S.C. § § 621, et seq. The Release does not govern any rights or claims that may arise under the ADEA after the date the Release is signed by Employee. If Employee is age 40 or over, (a) [he/she] is aware of [his/her] right to revoke the Release at any time within the seven (7)-day period following the date [he/she] signs it and that the Release shall not become effective or enforceable until the seven (7)-day revocation period expires without revocation; and (b) [he/she] has been given an opportunity to consider fully the terms of the Release for forty-five (45) days, although Employee is not required to wait forty-five (45) days before signing the Release.

A-119


3.3 No Additional Facts. Employee agree that because the Release specifically covers known and unknown claims, Employee waives any and all rights under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, or under any comparable law of any other jurisdiction. Section 1542 states:

“A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.”

Employee hereby expressly waives any rights Employee may have under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code or any other applicable law to preserve Releasing Party Claims which Employee does not know or suspect to exist in Employee’s favor at the time of executing the release provided in Section 3.1. Employee understands and acknowledges that Employee may discover facts different from, or in addition to, those which Employee knows or believes to be true with respect to the claims released herein, and agrees that the release provided in Section 3.1 shall be and remain effective in all respects notwithstanding any subsequent discovery of different or additional facts. If Employee discovers that any fact relied upon in entering into the release provided in Section 3.1 was untrue, or that any fact was concealed, or that an understanding of the facts or law was incorrect, Employee shall not be entitled to any relief as a result thereof, and Employee surrenders any rights Employee might have to rescind the release provided in Section 3.1 on any ground. Such release is intended to be and is final and binding regardless of any claim of misrepresentation, promise made with the intention of performing, concealment of fact, mistake of law, or any other circumstances whatsoever.

3.4 No Suits or Actions. Employee hereby irrevocably covenants to refrain from, and shall cause each of its Related Persons to refrain from, asserting any claim or demand, or commencing, instituting or causing to be commenced, any suit, proceeding or manner of action of any kind against any Released Party based upon any Releasing Party Claim. If Employee (or any of its Related Persons) does any of the things mentioned in the immediately preceding sentence, then Employee shall indemnify the Released Parties (or any of them) in the amount of the value of any final judgment or settlement (monetary or other) and any related cost (including reasonable legal fees) entered against, paid or incurred by the Released Parties (or any of them).

3.5 Revocation. Employee acknowledges that Employee (a) has read the Release, (b) has been provided a full and ample opportunity to study it, including a period of at least forty-five (45) days if Employee is over forty (40) years old (or, if less than forty (40) years old, at least ten (10) days) within which to consider it (although Employee may voluntarily choose to execute the Release earlier), and (c) is signing it voluntarily with full knowledge that it is intended, to the maximum extent permitted by law, as a complete release and waiver of any and all claims, including without limitation any claims under ADEA. To revoke, Employee must send a written notice of revocation to Citizens at the address set forth in Section 5.6 of this Agreement.

3.6 No Assignment of Releasing Party Claims. Employee represents and warrants to the Released Parties that there has been no assignment or other transfer of any interest in any Releasing Party Claim.

ARTICLE IV

INDEPENDENCE OF OBLIGATIONS

The covenants of Employee set forth in this Agreement shall be construed as independent of any other agreement or arrangement between Employee, on the one hand, and Citizens on the other, and the existence of any claim or cause of action by Employee against Suncrest, Citizens, Parent, or any of their respective Affiliates (or the existence of any claim or cause of action by Citizens or Parent against Employee, as the case may be), shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement of such covenants against Employee, or against Citizens or Parent, as the case may be.

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ARTICLE V

GENERAL

5.1 Amendments. To the fullest extent permitted by Law, this Agreement may be amended by agreement in writing of the parties hereto at any time.

5.2 Integration. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties in connection therewith.

5.3 Termination.

(a) This Agreement shall terminate automatically without further action in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated prior to the Effective Time of the Merger.

(b) Unless sooner terminated pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section 5.3, the obligations of Employee under Sections 2.1 and 2.2 shall terminate at the end of the Applicable Period. The Release shall continue to be in full force and effect indefinitely, unless this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 5.3(a).

(c) Unless sooner terminated under subsection (a) of this Section 5.3, and except as provided in subsection (b) of this Section 5.3, the obligations of Employee under this Agreement shall terminate only on the mutual agreement of Employee, on the one hand, and Citizens or the Surviving Corporation, on the other hand.

5.4 Specific Performance. Employee acknowledges and agrees that irreparable injury will result to Citizens in the event of a breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement and that Citizens may have no adequate remedy at law with respect thereto. Accordingly, in the event of a material breach of this Agreement, and in addition to any other legal or equitable remedy Citizens may have, Employee agrees that the entry of a preliminary injunction and a permanent injunction (including, without limitation, specific performance) by a court of competent jurisdiction, to restrain the violation or breach thereof by Employee or any Affiliates, agents, or any other persons acting for or with Employee in any capacity whatsoever, is an appropriate remedy for any such breach and that Employee will not oppose the granting of such relief on the basis that Citizens has an adequate remedy at law. Employee submits to the jurisdiction of such court in any such action. In addition, after discussing the matter with Employee, Citizens shall have the right to inform any third party that Citizens reasonably believes to be, or to be contemplating, participating with Employee or receiving from Employee assistance in violation of this Agreement, of the terms of this Agreement and the rights of Citizens hereunder, and that participation by any such persons with Employee in activities in violation of Employee’s agreement with Citizens set forth in this Agreement may give rise to claims by Citizens against such third party in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled at law or in equity.

5.5Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unreasonable as to duration, activity or subject, it shall be deemed to extend only over the maximum duration, range of activities or subjects as to which such provision shall be valid and enforceable under applicable Law. If any provisions shall, for any reason, be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

A-121


5.6Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder, shall be deemed to have been given if in writing and (a) delivered in person, (b) delivered by confirmed facsimileemail transmission, (c) sent by overnight carrier, postage prepaid with return receipt requested or (d) mailed by certified or registered mail postage prepaid with return receipt requested, addressed as follows:

If to CBB,Citizens, addressed to:

Citizens Business Bankc/o CVB Financial Corp.

701 North Haven Avenue

Ontario, California 91764

Attention: Christopher D. MyersDavid A. Brager

Fax No.:Facsimile: (909) 483-7199481-2103

Email: dabrager@cbbank.com

With a copy addressed to:

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

One Embarcadero Center, 30th Floor

San Francisco, California 94111

Attention: Craig D. Miller.Miller, Esq.

Fax No:Facsimile: (415) 291-7474

Email: cmiller@manatt.com

If to Shareholder,Employee, addressed to:

 

 

 

  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Fax No: (    ) Email:

or at such other address and to the attention of such other person as a party may provide by notice to the other in accordance with this Section 5.6. 5.6. Any such notice or communication shall be deemed received on the date delivered personally or delivered by confirmed facsimile transmission or on the next Business Day after it was sent by overnight carrier, postage prepaid with return receipt requested or on the third Business Day after it was sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid with return receipt requested.

5.7Waiver of Breach. Any failure or delay by CBBCitizens in enforcing any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as a waiver thereof. The waiver by CBBCitizens of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by ShareholderEmployee shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach or violation thereof. All waivers shall be in writing and signed by the party to be bound.

5.8Assignment. This Agreement may be assignable by CBBCitizens only in connection with a sale of all or substantially all of its assets or a merger or reorganization in which it is not the surviving corporation. Any attempted assignment in violation of this prohibition shall be null and void.

B-5


5.9Binding Effect; Benefit to Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon ShareholderEmployee and upon ShareholderEmployee ‘s successor and representatives and shall inure to the benefit of CBBCitizens and its successors, representatives and assigns.

5.10Governing Law. This Agreement and the legal relations between the parties shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California applicable to contracts between California parties made and performed in this State.

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5.11Headings. The descriptive headings of the several Articles and Sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement.

5.12Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each party hereto and delivered to each party hereto. Facsimiles containing original signatures shall be deemed for all purposes to be originally signed copies of the documents which are the subject of such facsimiles.

[SIGNATURES APPEAR ON THE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING PAGE]

 

B-6A-123


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK

By:

David A. Brager

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

[Signature Page to Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement (Suncrest Officers)]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

CITIZENS BUSINESS BANKEMPLOYEE

 

By:
Title:
SHAREHOLDER

(Signature)

 

(Signature)

(Type or Print Shareholder’sEmployee’s Name)

 

B-7


Attachment 1 to Exhibit B

Officers Signing Noncompetition And Nonsolicitation Agreements

 

1.Allan W. Stone

 

2.Roy O. Estridge

[Signature Page to Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement (Suncrest Officers)]

 

3.Bill Kitchen

A-125


Exhibit C

AGREEMENT OF MERGERForm of Agreement of Merger

THIS AGREEMENT OF MERGER dated as(this “Agreement of [●] (this “AgreementMerger”), is made and entered into as of this day of , 2021, by and between,among CVB Financial Corp., a California corporation (“CVBParent”), Citizens Business Bank, a California state-chartered bank and wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Citizens”), and Valley Commerce Bancorp,Suncrest Bank, a California corporationstate-chartered bank (“ValleySuncrest”).

WHEREAS,, in connection with the Boards of Directors of CVB and Valley have approved, and deem it advisable and in the best interests of CVB, Valley and their respective shareholders, that CVB and Valley consummate the business transaction provided for in this Agreement in which Valley would merge with and into CVB (the “Merger”) as contemplatedtransactions described in that certain Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated as of September 22, 2016July __, 2021 (the “Reorganization Agreement”), by and among CVBParent, Citizens and Valley (the “Suncrest. Terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning given them in the Reorganization Agreement.

Plan of MergerRECITALS”),

WHEREAS, Parent, Citizens and Suncrest have entered into the Reorganization Agreement providing, among other things, for the execution and filingmerger of this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual agreements contained in this Agreement, the parties to this Agreement hereby agree that Valley shall be mergedSuncrest with and into CVBCitizens (the “Merger”).

WHEREAS, in accordanceconnection with the provisions ofReorganization Agreement, the laws ofParties desire to effectuate the State of CaliforniaMerger upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth as follows:in this Agreement of Merger and the Reorganization Agreement.

Section 1.The Merger.

(a)Effective Time. TheWHEREAS, the Parties intend that for federal income tax purposes the Merger shall become effective onqualify as a “reorganization” within the datemeaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and at the time that this Agreement of Merger is filed withshall constitute a “plan of reorganization” within in the California Secretary of State (the “Effective Time”).

(b)Effectmeaning of the Code.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants and agreements herein set forth and for the purpose of prescribing the terms and conditions of such Merger, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

THE MERGER. At

Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement of Merger and the Reorganization Agreement, at the Effective Time Valley(as defined in Article VIII hereof), Suncrest shall be merged with and into CVBCitizens which shall thereupon be surviving corporation (the “Surviving Corporation”), and the separate corporate existence of ValleySuncrest shall cease. CVB shall be the surviving corporation (the “Surviving Corporation”) in the Merger. The Surviving Corporation shall thereupon succeed, without other transfer, to all rights and properties of, and shall be subject to all the debts and liabilities of, Valley and the separate existence of Surviving Corporation as a California corporation, with all its purposes, objects, rights, powers, privileges and franchises, shall continue unaffected and unimpaired by the Merger.

(c)ARTICLE II

Name of Surviving CorporationNAME.

The name of the Surviving Corporation shall be “CVB Financial Corp.“Citizens Business Bank.

(d)ARTICLE III

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. From and after the Effective Time and until thereafter amended as provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of CVBCitizens as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, beat and after the Effective Time, continue to be the Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation.

ARTICLE IV

BYLAWS

The Bylaws of Citizens as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, at and after the Effective Time, continue to be the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.

(e)

A-126


ARTICLE V

Board of DirectorsRIGHTS AND DUTIES OF SURVIVING CORPORATION

At and Officers. The directors and officers of CVB atafter the Effective Time, willall rights, privileges, powers and franchises and all property and assets of every kind and description of Citizens and Suncrest shall be vested in and be held and enjoyed by the directorsSurviving Corporation, without further act or deed, and officersall the estates and interests of every kind of Citizens and Suncrest, including all debts due to either of them, shall be as effectively the property of the Surviving Corporation untilas they are removedwere of Citizens and Suncrest, and the title to any real estate vested by deed or their successors are electedotherwise in either Citizens or Suncrest shall not revert or be in any way impaired by reason of the Merger; and qualified.

(f)Further Actions. Valleyall rights of creditors and liens upon any property of Citizens and Suncrest shall executebe preserved unimpaired and deliver any documentsall debts, liabilities and instrumentsduties of Citizens and Suncrest shall take all actions, as requested bybe debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving Corporation necessaryand may be enforced against it to the same extent as if said debts, liabilities and duties had been incurred or desirable to evidence or carry out the Merger.contracted by it.

Section 2.Treatment of Shares.ARTICLE VI

(a)Shares of ValleyCONVERSION OF SHARES.

(i) At the Effective Time,In and by virtue of the Merger and without any action onat the partEffective Time, pursuant to this Agreement of Merger and the holdersReorganization Agreement, the shares of ValleySuncrest Common Stock and common stock eachof Citizens (“Citizens Common Stock”) outstanding at the Effective Time shall be treated as follows:

(a) Outstanding Suncrest Common Stock. Each share of Valley common stockSuncrest Common Stock, excluding Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, (other than shares that are “dissenting shares” within the meaning of Chapter 13 of the California General Corporation Law) shall become and be converted into the right to receive (i) [●] shares$2.69 in cash (the “Cash Consideration”) and (ii) 0.6970 of CVB common stock,a share of Parent Common Stock (the “Stock Consideration together with any cash in lieuthe Cash Consideration, the “Merger Consideration”), without interest thereon.

(b) Cancellation of fractional shares, and (ii) $[●] cash.

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(ii)Excluded Shares. (i) Any shares of Valley common stock ownedSuncrest Common Stock held by Valley as treasury stock or owned, directly or indirectly, by Valley, CVBParent or any direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of CVB’s subsidiaries (otherParent or by Suncrest or any direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of Suncrest, other than those held in a fiduciary capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted)contracted (“Excluded Shares”) shall automatically be cancelled and retired and shall cease to exist at the Effective Time of the Merger and no consideration shall be issued in exchange therefor.

(iii)(c) Dissenting Shares. Notwithstanding any provision of Valley common stock thatthis Agreement of Merger to the contrary, no Dissenting Shares shall be converted into or represent a right to receive the applicable consideration for such shares set forth in this Agreement of Merger and the Reorganization Agreement, if any, but the holder of such Dissenting Shares shall only be entitled to such dissenters’ rights as are “dissenting shares” within the meaning ofgranted by Chapter 13 of the California General Corporation Law will notCGCL. If a holder of shares of Suncrest Common Stock who demands that Suncrest purchase such shares under Chapter 13 of the CGCL shall thereafter effectively withdraw or lose (through failure to perfect or otherwise) such holders’ dissenters’ rights with respect to such shares of Suncrest Common Stock then, as of the occurrence of such withdrawal or loss, each such share of Suncrest Common Stock shall be converteddeemed as described in Section 3(a)(i), but from and afterof the Effective Time willto have been converted into and represent only the right to receive such value as maythe Merger Consideration.

(d) Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement of Merger, no fractional shares of Parent Common Stock will be issued and any holder of Shares entitled to receive a fractional share of Parent Common Stock shall be entitled to receive a cash payment in lieu thereof (rounded to the nearest cent), which payment shall be determined under Chapter 13by multiplying (i) the 20-day volume weighted average price of a share of Parent Common Stock as quoted on NASDAQ as of the California General Corporation Law.

(iv) At the Effective Time, the stock transfer books of Valley will be closed and no transfer of Valley common stock theretofore outstanding will thereafter be made.

(b)Shares of CVB. All shares of CVB common stock issued and outstandingfifth (5th) Business Day immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain outstanding and unaffectedClosing Date by (ii) the Merger.

Section 3.Termination and Amendment.

(a)Termination. This Agreement shall terminate priorfraction of the share (rounded to the Effective Timenearest thousandth when expressed in the event that the Plandecimal form) of Merger shall be terminated as provided therein.

(b)Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by CVB and Valley at any time prior to the Effective Time without the approval of the shareholders of CVB or Valley with respect to any of its terms except any change in its principal terms, the terms relating to the form or amount of consideration to be delivered to Valley shareholders in the Merger or as mayParent Common Stock which such holder would otherwise be required by the Plan of Merger or by law. This Agreement may not be amended, except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.

Section 4.Rules of Construction. Descriptive headings asentitled to the contents of particular sections are for convenience only and do not control or affect the meaning, construction or interpretation of this Agreement. Each use herein of the plural includes the singular and vice versa, in each case as the context requires or as it is otherwise appropriate. The word “or” is used in the inclusive sense. Any and all documents or instruments referred to herein are incorporated herein by reference hereto as though fully set forth herein verbatim. If there is any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Plan of Merger, the terms of the Plan of Merger are to control.

Section 5.Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which shall be deemed but one and the same instrument.

[Continued and to be signed on following page]

receive hereunder.

 

C-2A-127


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement of Merger as of the date first written above.

CVB FINANCIAL CORP
By:

[●]
[●]
By:

[●]
[●]
VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORP
By:

[●]
[●]
By:

[●]
[●]

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(e) Exhibit D

AGREEMENT OF MERGER

THIS AGREEMENT OF MERGER, dated as of [●], 2017 (this “Merger Agreement”), is made and entered into by and between Citizens Business Bank, a California banking corporation (“Citizens”), and Valley Business Bank, a California banking corporation (“Valley”).

WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of Citizens and Valley have approved, and deem it advisable and in the best interests of Citizens, Valley and their respective shareholders, that Citizens and Valley consummate the business transaction provided for herein in which Valley would merge with and into Citizens (the “Merger”) as contemplated in that Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger dated as of September 22, 2016 by and between CVB Financial Corp. and Valley Commerce Bancorp (the “Plan of Merger”), providing, among other things, for the execution and filing of this Merger Agreement and the consummation of the Merger.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual agreements contained in this Merger Agreement, Citizens and Valley hereby agree that Valley shall be merged with and into Citizens in accordance with the provisions of the laws of the State of California upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth as follows:

Section 1. The Merger.

(a)Effective Time. The Merger shall become effectiveEffect on the date and at the time that this Merger Agreement, as certified by the California Secretary of State, is filed with the California Department of Business Oversight pursuant to Section 4887(b) of the California Financial Code (the “Effective Time”).

(b)Effect of the Merger. At the Effective Time, Valley shall be merged with and into Citizens and the separate corporate existence of Valley shall cease. Citizens shall be the surviving corporation (the “Surviving Corporation”) in the Merger. The Surviving Corporation shall thereupon succeed, without other transfer, to all rights and properties of, and shall be subject to all the debts and liabilities of, Valley and the separate existence of Surviving Corporation as a California corporation, with all its purposes, objects, rights, powers, privileges and franchises, shall continue unaffected and unimpaired by the Merger.

(c)Name of Surviving Corporation. The name of the Surviving Corporation shall be “Citizens Business Bank.”

(d)Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. From and after the Effective Time and until thereafter amended as provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Citizens as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be and continue to be the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.

(e)Board of Directors. The directors and officers of Citizens at the Effective Time will be the directors and officers of the Surviving Corporation until they are removed or their successors are elected and qualified.

(f)Offices. All branch offices of Citizens and Valley that were in lawful operation immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue to be the branch offices of the Surviving Corporation upon consummation of the Merger, subject to the opening or closing of any offices which may be authorized by the Surviving Corporation and applicable regulatory authorities after the date of this Agreement.

Section 3. Treatment of Shares.

(a)Shares of Valley. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger, and without any action on the part of the holders of common stock of Valley (“Valley Common Stock”), each. Each share of ValleyCitizens Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, on and after the Effective Time, remain outstanding and shall automatically and for all purposes be cancelled without consideration.

(b)Shares of Citizens. All sharesdeemed to represent one share of common stock of the Surviving Corporation.

ARTICLE VII

FURTHER ACTION

The parties hereto shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, all such deeds and other instruments, and will take or cause to be taken all further or other action as they may deem necessary or desirable, in order to vest in and confirm to the Surviving Corporation title to and possession of all of Citizens’ and Suncrest’s property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises hereunder, and otherwise to carry out the intent and purposes of this Agreement of Merger.

ARTICLE VIII

EFFECTIVE TIME

The Merger will become effective upon the filing of a copy of this Agreement of Merger (bearing the certification of the Secretary of State of the State of California) and all other requisite accompanying certificates in the office of the California Commissioner of the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (the “Commissioner”). The date and time of such filing with the Commissioner is referred to herein as the “Effective Time.”

ARTICLE IX

SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

This Agreement of Merger shall be binding upon and enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns and transferees, but this Agreement of Merger may not be assigned by either party without the written consent of the other.

ARTICLE X

GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement of Merger has been executed in the State of California, and the laws of the State of California shall govern the validity and interpretation hereof and the performance by the parties hereto.

ARTICLE XI

TERMINATION

This Agreement of Merger may, by the mutual consent and action of the Boards of Directors of Parent, Citizens issued and outstanding immediatelySuncrest, be abandoned at any time before the filing of this Agreement of Merger with the Commissioner. This Agreement of Merger shall automatically be terminated and of no further force and effect if, prior to the Effective Time shall remain outstanding.of the Merger, the Reorganization Agreement is terminated in accordance with the terms thereof.

A-128


Section 4. Termination and Amendment.ARTICLE XII

SATISFACTION OF CONDITION AND OBLIGATIONS

(a)Termination. Notwithstanding    The obligations of Suncrest to proceed with the approval of this Merger Agreement byclosing are subject to the shareholders of Valleysatisfaction at or Citizens, this Merger Agreement shall terminate forthwith prior to the Effective Time inclosing of all of the event thatconditions to the Planobligations of Merger shall be terminated as therein provided.

(b)Amendment. This MergerSuncrest under the Reorganization Agreement, any one or more of which, to the extent it is or they are waivable, may be amendedwaived, in whole or in part, by Parent and Citizens.

(b)    The obligations of Parent and Citizens and Valleyto proceed with the closing are subject to the satisfaction at any timeor prior to the Effective Time withoutclosing of all of the conditions to the obligations of Citizens under the Reorganization Agreement, any one or more of which, to the extent it is or they are waivable, may be waived, in whole or in part, by Suncrest.

[The remainder of this page was intentionally left blank]

A-129


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Citizens and Suncrest, pursuant to the approval and authority duly given by resolution of the shareholderstheir respective Board of Valley or Citizens with respect to any of its terms except any change in its principal terms, the terms relating to the form or amount of consideration to be delivered to Valley shareholders in the Merger or as may otherwise be required by the PlanDirectors, have caused this Agreement of Merger or by law. This Merger Agreement may not be amended, except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.

(c)Counterparts. This Merger Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which shall be deemed but one and the same instrument.

[Continued and to be signed by their respective Presidents and Secretaries on following page]

the day and year first above written.

 

D-2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Merger Agreement as of the date first written above.

CITIZENS BUSINESS BANKVALLEY BUSINESS BANK
By:

By:

[●][●]
[●][●]
By:

By:

[●], Secretary[●], Secretary

D-3


APPENDIX B

FIRST AMENDMENT TO

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION

This FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION dated December 19, 2016 (thisAmendment) is made to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger dated as of September 22, 2016 (theMerger Agreement) by and between CVB Financial Corp., a California corporation (“CVB”), and Valley Commerce Bancorp, a California corporation (“Valley”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Merger Agreement.

RECITALS

WHEREAS,pursuant to Section 8.4 of the Merger Agreement, CVB and Valley wish to amend the Merger Agreement as set forth in this Amendment.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, CVB and Valley hereby agree as follows:

1.Amendments.

(a)Merger Consideration.

(i) Section 1.4(d)(v) is hereby amended and restated as follows:

(v) “Per Share Exchange Ratio” means the quotient of the Aggregate Stock Amount divided by the Valley Closing Shares.

(ii) Section 1.4(d)(i) is amended and restated as follows and a new subsection 1.4(d)(vii) is added as follows:

(i) “Aggregate Cash Amount” means $23,400,000 minus the amount, if any, that the Transaction Costs exceed $3,500,000.

(vii) “Aggregate Stock Amount” means 1,942,673 shares of CVB Common Stock, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 1.4(h).”

(iii) Section 1.4 is amended to include a new Section 1.4(h) as follows:

(h)Trading Collars:

(i) In the event that the Average Closing Price is less than $14.00, CVB shall, in its sole discretion, increase (x) the number of shares included in the Aggregate Stock Amount, (y) increase the Aggregate Cash Amount or (z) increase both the number of shares included in the Aggregate Stock Amount and the Aggregate Cash Amount, so that as a result of any such adjustments, the sum of the value of the Aggregate Stock Amount (based on the Average Closing Price) and the Aggregate Cash Amount shall be no less than $50,597,422, subject to reduction of the Aggregate Cash Amount as contemplated in Section 1.4(d)(i)providedhowever, that CVB may not elect to increase the Aggregate Cash Amount such that the sum of the Aggregate Cash Amount and any amounts paid or payable to holders of Dissenting Shares would exceed 58% of the sum of Aggregate Cash Amount, and any amounts paid or payable to holders of Dissenting Shares and the aggregate market value of the Aggregate Stock Amount, in each case giving effect to any adjustments hereunder, as of the Closing Date

B-1


(ii) In the event that the Average Closing Price is greater than $20.00, the Aggregate Stock Amount shall be reduced to the number of shares of CVB Common Stock equal to the quotient of $38,853,460 divided by the CVB Average Closing Price.

(b).Transaction Costs as Closing Condition. Section 7.2(l) is hereby deleted in its entirety and amended as follows: “(l)Reserved.” The deletion and amendment of Section 7.2(l) shall not affect Section 7.2(l) of the Valley Disclosure Schedule, which shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

(c)References to Merger Agreement. The term “Agreement” as defined in the Preamble of the Merger Agreement is hereby amended to refer to the Merger Agreement, as amended, restated, modified or otherwise supplemented from time to time, including without limitation, by this Amendment.

(d)References to Date of the Merger Agreement. Notwithstanding the execution of this Amendment, any and all references in the Merger Agreement to the date of the “Agreement” shall be a reference to September 22, 2016.

(e)End Date: Section 8.1(b)(ii) is hereby amended to change the date “February 27, 2017” to “February 28, 2017.”

(f)Termination. Section 8.1(f) is hereby amended and restated as follows:

(f) By CVB, upon its written notice to Valley within the two (2) Business Days following the Determination Date if the CVB Average Closing Price is less than $11.00. For purposes of Section 7.1(f), “Determination Date” means the fifth (5th) Trading Day immediately preceding the anticipated Closing Date. If CVB declares or effects a stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization, forward or reverse stock split, or similar transaction between the date of this Agreement and the Determination Date, the prices for the CVB Common Stock used to determine the CVB Average Closing Price shall be appropriately adjusted.

(g)Final Day of the Month. Section 9.4 is hereby amended to add the following sentence to the end of such section: “For purposes of Sections 5.2(b), 6.8, 7.2(k) and 7.2(n), if by the agreement of the parties, the Closing Date is after February 28, 2017 and on or before the sixth (6th) calendar day of the month, references to the final day of the month immediately preceding the Closing Date shall be interpreted to mean the final day of the month immediately preceding the month immediately preceding the Closing Date.”

2. Miscellaneous Provisions. Sections 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7 of the Merger Agreement are incorporated into this Amendment by reference as if they were a part hereof and for the purposes of thisSection 2, each reference to the “Agreement” therein shall be construed as a reference to this Amendment.

3. Survival of Merger Agreement. Except as amended hereby, all the terms of the Merger Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. This Amendment amends certain provisions of the Merger Agreement and together with the Merger Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter hereof and thereof.

B-2


SIGNATURES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE

B-3


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first written above.

CVB FINANCIAL CORP.
By: 

/s/ Christopher D. Myers

Name: Christopher D. MyersE. Allen Nicholson
Title:Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
By:
            , Secretary

CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK
By:
E. Allen Nicholson
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
By:
            , Secretary

SUNCREST BANK
By:
Ciaran McMullen
 President and Chief Executive Officer
VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORP
By: 

/s/ Allan W. Stone

Name: Allan W. Stone
Title:President & Chief Executive Officer            , Secretary

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRST AMENDMENT TO MERGER AGREEMENT]

A-130


ANNEX B

Fairness Opinion of MJC Partners, LLC

 

B-4LOGO


APPENDIX CJuly 27, 2021

Suncrest Bank

LOGO

September 22, 2016

Board of Directors

Valley Commerce Bancorp

701501 West Main Street

Visalia, CaliforniaCA 93291

Members of the Board:

YouWe understand that CVB Financial Corp. (“CVBF”) and its wholly owned subsidiary Citizens Business Bank (“CBB”), a California state-chartered bank, intend to enter into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated on or around July 27, 2021 (the “Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, Suncrest Bank (“SBKK”), a California state-chartered bank, will merge with and into CBB (the “Surviving Bank”) (the “Merger”). As a result of the Merger and on the terms and subject to conditions as outlined in the Agreement, SBKK shareholders will receive an aggregate merger consideration consisting of (i) 8,542,432 shares of CVBF common stock based on a fixed exchange ratio of 0.6970x and (ii) $2.69 per SBKK share in cash (the “Consideration”). Based on a CVBF share price of $19.36, this is the equivalent to a purchase price of $16.18 per share of SBKK common stock. In addition, each SBKK option holder will be entitled to receive in cash the positive difference, if any, between the sum of (i) $2.69 per SBKK stock option and (ii) the fixed exchange of 0.6970x multiplied by the 20-day volume weighted average price of CVBF common shares five business days prior to the closing date of the Merger and the exercise price of each SBKK stock option.

In connection with the Merger and Agreement, you have requested our opinionOpinion (the “Opinion”) as to whether the fairness,Consideration to be paid to SBKK pursuant to the Agreement is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holdersshareholders of SBKK.

MJC Partners LLC (“MJCP”), as part of its investment banking business, is continually engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, competitive bidding, private placements, and valuations for estate, corporate, and other purposes. As specialists in the banking industry, we have experience and knowledge of the outstanding sharesvaluation of common stock of Valley Commerce Bancorp, Visalia, California (“Valley”) of the consideration (the “Merger Consideration”) to be received by Valleybanking institutions. MJCP has had a material relationship in the merger (the “Merger”) of Valleypast with and into CVB Financial Corp., Ontario, California (“CVB”) pursuantSBKK for which we have received compensation during the past two years.

We were retained by SBKK to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger by and between CVB and Valley (the “Agreement”).

Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, each share of Valley Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into the right torender this Opinion. We will receive (i) cash in an amount equal to the Per Share Cash Amount, without interest thereon, and (ii) the number of whole shares of CVB Common Stock equal to the Per Share Exchange Ratio (rounded up or down to the nearest whole share) (such cash and such shares collectively, the “Merger Consideration”). The Per Share Cash Amount means the quotient of the Aggregate Cash amount of $23.4 million minus the amount, if any, that Transaction Costs exceed $3.5 million divided by Valley Closing Shares. The Per Share Exchange Ratio means the quotient of 1,942,673 shares of CVB Common Stock divided by Valley Closing Shares. Additionally, Valley shall declare a one-time cash dividend payable to holders of record of outstanding Valley Common Stock as of the Closing Date in an aggregate amount that shall not exceed the amount by which the Closing Tangible Common Equity exceeds $37,500,000, subject to adjustment as indicated in Section 7.2(n)(vi) (the “Special Dividend”). All capitalized items used in this letter shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement. The terms of the Merger are more fully set forth in the Agreement.

For purposes of this opinion andcompensation from SBKK in connection with our reviewservices and SBKK has agreed to indemnify us for certain liabilities arising out of our engagement.

During the course of our engagement and for the purposes of the proposed transaction,Opinion set forth herein, we have, among other things:have:

 

 1.(i)

Reviewedreviewed the Agreement and terms of the draft of the Agreement dated September 20, 2016;Merger;

 

 2.(ii)

Reviewedreviewed certain historical publicly available financial statements, both audited (where available)business and un-audited, and related financial information of Valleyconcerning SBKK, CVBF, and CVB,CBB, including those included in their respectiveamong other things, quarterly and annual reports forfiled with the past two years and their respective quarterly reports for the past two years;FDIC;

 

 3.(iii)

Reviewedanalyzed certain internal financial informationprojections prepared by SBKK management and certain financial forecasts relating to the business, earnings, cash flows, assets and prospects of Valley furnished to usprojections prepared by Valley;CVBF management;

 

 

Vining-Sparks Community Bank Advisory Group

1601 W. 38th Street • Suite 207 • Austin, Texas 78731

(512) 495-9890 • Fax (512) 495-9894

Member FINRA/SIPC1  |  Page

 

C-1B-1


Board of Directors

Valley Bancorp

September 22, 2016July 27, 2021

Page 2

of 3

 

 4.(iv)

Reviewed publicly available research reportsreviewed certain potential scenarios, and analyst earnings estimates for CVB asbusiness plans, provided by CVB;SBKK and CVBF, concerning the Surviving Bank;

 

 5.(v)

Heldheld discussions with members of executive andthe senior management of Valley concerningSBKK and CVBF for the past and current resultspurpose of operationsreviewing the future prospects of Valley, its current financial condition and management’s opinion of its future prospects;the Surviving Bank;

 

 6.(vi)

Reviewed reported market prices and historical trading activity of CVB and Valley common stock and reviewed the Trading Collar for CVB as defined in Section 8.1(f)terms of the Agreement;

7.

Reviewed the financial terms ofrecent merger and acquisition transactions, to the extent publicly available, involving financial institutionsbanks and financial institutionbank holding companies that we deemed to beconsidered relevant; and

 

 8.(vii)

Reviewedperformed such other information, financial studies, analyses and investigations,considered such other factors as we considered appropriate under the circumstances.have deemed appropriate.

We also took into account our assessment of general economic, market and financial conditions and our experience in other transactions as well as our knowledge of the banking industry and our general experience in securities valuations.

In giving our opinion,rendering this Opinion, we have assumed, and relied, without independent verification, upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information that has beenand representations contained in the materials provided to us by ValleySBKK and CVB,CVBF and their respective representatives,in the discussions with the management teams of both organizations. In that regard, we have assumed that the financial forecasts, including, without limitation, the synergies and ofprojections regarding under-performing and nonperforming assets and net charge-offs have been reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the publiclybest currently available information and judgments and estimates of SBKK and CVBF, and that was reviewed by us.such forecasts will be realized in the amounts and at the times contemplated thereby. We are not experts in the evaluation of loan and lease portfolios for purposes of assessing the adequacy of the allowances for loan losses with respect thereto and have not independently verified such allowances. We assumed that the aggregate allowancesuch allowances for loan losses set forthCVBF are in the financial statements of CVB and Valley isaggregate adequate to cover such losses and complied fully with applicable law, regulatory policy and sound banking practice as of the date of such financial statements.losses. We were not retained to and we did not conduct a physical inspection of any of the properties or facilities of ValleySBKK or CVB, didCVBF. In addition, we have not make anyreviewed individual credit files nor have we made an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities of SBKK or prospectsCVBF, or any of Valley or CVB,their respective subsidiaries and we were not furnished with any such evaluationevaluations or appraisal,appraisals.

We have assumed that the Merger will be consummated substantially in accordance with the terms set forth in the Agreement. We have further assumed that the Merger will be accounted for as a purchase under generally accepted accounting principles. We have assumed that the merger is, and did not review any individual credit files. Our opinionwill be, in compliance with all laws and regulations that are applicable to CVBF and SBKK.

The Opinion is necessarily based onsolely upon the information available to us and the economic, market and other conditionscircumstances, as in effect on, and the information made available to usthey exist as of the date hereof. Accordingly, itEvents occurring and information that becomes available after the date hereof could materially affect the assumptions and analyses used in preparing this Opinion. We have not undertaken to reaffirm or revise this Opinion or otherwise comment upon any events occurring or information that becomes available after the date hereof, except as otherwise agreed in our engagement letter.

This letter is important to understand that although subsequent developments may affect its opinion, we do not have any obligation to further update, revise, or reaffirm our opinion. We express no opinion on matters of a legal, regulatory, tax or accounting nature orsolely for the ability of the Merger, as set forth in the Agreement, to be consummated. No opinion is expressed as to whether any alternative transaction might be more favorable to holders of Valley’s common stock than the Merger.

Vining Sparks IBG, L.P. (“Vining Sparks”), as part of its investment banking business, is regularly engaged in the valuation of banks and bank holding companies, thrifts and thrift holding companies, and various other financial services companies, in connection with mergers and acquisitions and valuations for other purposes. In rendering this fairness opinion, we have acted on behalfinformation of the Board of Directors of ValleySBKK and will receive a fee for our services, which is payable upon delivery of this opinion.

Vining Sparks’ opinion as expressed herein is limited to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Considerationnot to be received by the holders of Valley common stock in the Merger and does not address Valley’s underlying business decisionused, circulated, quoted, or otherwise referred to proceed with the Merger. We have been retained on behalf of the Board of Directors of Valley, and our opinion does not constitute a recommendation tofor any director of Valley as to how such director should vote with respect to the Agreement. In rendering this opinion, we express no opinions with respect to the amount or nature of any compensation to any officers, directors, or employees of Valley or CVB, or any class of such persons relative to the considerationother purpose, nor is it to be received by the holders of the common stock of Valleyfiled with, included in, the transaction or with respect to the fairness of any such compensation.

C-2


Board of Directors

Valley Bancorp

September 22, 2016

Page 3

In the two years prior to the issuance of this opinion, Vining Sparks engaged in securities and loan sales and trading activity with Valley and CVB and/or their subsidiary banks for which Vining Sparks was paid commissions or other fees, which may include mark-ups on the purchase or sale of loans and securities.

Except as hereinafter provided, this opinion may not be disclosed, communicated, reproduced, disseminated, quoted or referred to at any time, to any third partyin whole or in part in any mannerproxy statement or for any purpose whatsoever withoutother document, except in each case in accordance with our prior written consent, which consent willshall not be unreasonably withheld, based upon review by uswithheld; provided, however, that we hereby consent to the inclusion and reference to this letter in any proxy statement, information statement, or tender offer document to

2  |  PageLOGO

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Board of Directors

July 27, 2021

Page 3 of 3

be delivered to the contentholders of any such public reference, which shall be satisfactory to usSBKK common stock in our reasonable judgment. Thisconnection with the Merger if and only if this letter is addressedquoted in full or attached as an exhibit to such document and directedthis letter has not been withdrawn prior to the Boarddate of Directors of Valley in your consideration of the Merger and is not intended to be and does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote with respect to the Merger. This opinion was approved by the fairness opinion committee of Vining Sparks.document.

Subject to the foregoing and based on our experience as investment bankers, our activities and assumptions as described above, and other factors we have deemed relevant, we are of the opinionOpinion as of the date hereof that the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of Valley common stock is fair, from a financial point of view.

Sincerely,

LOGO

VINING SPARKS IBG, L.P.

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LOGO

December 19, 2016

Board of Directors

Valley Commerce Bancorp

701 West Main Street

Visalia, California 93291

Members of the Board:

You have requested our opinion aspaid to SBKK pursuant to the fairness,Agreement is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holdersshareholders of the outstanding shares of common stock of Valley Commerce Bancorp, Visalia, California (“Valley”) of the consideration to be received by Valley in the merger (the “Merger”) of Valley with and into CVB Financial Corp., Ontario, California (“CVB”) pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger by and between CVB and Valley (the “Agreement”).

Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, each share of Valley Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into the right to receive (i) cash in an amount equal to the Per Share Cash Amount, without interest thereon, and (ii) the number of whole shares of CVB Common Stock equal to the Per Share Exchange Ratio (rounded up or down to the nearest whole share) (such cash and such shares collectively, the “Merger Consideration”). The Per Share Cash Amount means the quotient of the Aggregate Cash amount of $23.4 million minus the amount, if any, that Transaction Costs exceed $3.5 million divided by Valley Closing Shares. The Per Share Exchange Ratio means the quotient of 1,942,673 shares of CVB Common Stock divided by Valley Closing Shares. Should the average closing price of CVB Common Stock exceed $20.00 per share or fall below $14.00 per share, the resulting Per Share Exchange Ratio will be adjusted as referenced in the table pursuant to Amendment No. 1 to FormS-4 Registration Statement. Additionally, Valley shall declare aone-time cash dividend payable to holders of record of outstanding Valley Common Stock as of the Closing Date in an aggregate amount that shall not exceed the amount by which the Closing Tangible Common Equity exceeds $37,500,000, subject to adjustment as indicated in Section 7.2(n)(vi) (the “Special Dividend”). All capitalized items used in this letter shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement. The terms of the Merger are more fully set forth in the Agreement.

For purposes of this opinion and in connection with our review of the proposed transaction, we have, among other things:

1.

Reviewed the terms of the Agreement and Amendment No. 1 to FormS-4 Registration Statement;

2.

Reviewed certain publicly available financial statements, both audited (where available) andun-audited, and related financial information of Valley and CVB, including those included in their respective annual reports for the past two years and their respective quarterly reports for the past two years;

3.

Reviewed certain internal financial information and financial forecasts relating to the business, earnings, cash flows, assets and prospects of Valley furnished to us by Valley;

Vining-Sparks Community Bank Advisory Group

1601 W. 38th Street • Suite 207 • Austin, Texas 78731

(512)495-9890 • Fax (512)495-9894

Member FINRA/SIPC

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Board of Directors

Valley Bancorp

December 19, 2016

Page 2

4.

Reviewed publicly available research reports and analyst earnings estimates for CVB as provided by CVB;

5.

Held discussions with members of executive and senior management of Valley concerning the past and current results of operations of Valley, its current financial condition and management’s opinion of its future prospects;

6.

Reviewed reported market prices and historical trading activity of CVB and Valley common stock and reviewed the Trading Collar for CVB as defined in Section 8.1(f) of the Agreement and amended in Amendment No. 1 to FormS-4 Registration Statement;

7.

Reviewed the financial terms of merger and acquisition transactions, to the extent publicly available, involving financial institutions and financial institution holding companies that we deemed to be relevant; and

8.

Reviewed such other information, financial studies, analyses and investigations, as we considered appropriate under the circumstances.

In giving our opinion, we have assumed and relied, without independent verification, upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information that has been provided to us by Valley and CVB, and their respective representatives, and of the publicly available information that was reviewed by us. We are not experts in the evaluation of allowances for loan losses and have not independently verified such allowances. We assumed that the aggregate allowance for loan losses set forth in the financial statements of CVB and Valley is adequate to cover such losses and complied fully with applicable law, regulatory policy and sound banking practice as of the date of such financial statements. We were not retained to and we did not conduct a physical inspection of any of the properties or facilities of Valley or CVB, did not make any independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets, liabilities or prospects of Valley or CVB, were not furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal, and did not review any individual credit files. Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, market, and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof. Accordingly, it is important to understand that although subsequent developments may affect its opinion, we do not have any obligation to further update, revise, or reaffirm our opinion. We express no opinion on matters of a legal, regulatory, tax or accounting nature or the ability of the Merger, as set forth in the Agreement, to be consummated. No opinion is expressed as to whether any alternative transaction might be more favorable to holders of Valley’s common stock than the Merger.

Vining Sparks IBG, L.P. (“Vining Sparks”), as part of its investment banking business, is regularly engaged in the valuation of banks and bank holding companies, thrifts and thrift holding companies, and various other financial services companies, in connection with mergers and acquisitions and valuations for other purposes. In rendering this fairness opinion, we have acted on behalf of the Board of Directors of Valley and will receive a fee for our services, which is payable upon delivery of this opinion.

Vining Sparks’ opinion as expressed herein is limited to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of Valley common stock in the Merger and does not address Valley’s underlying business decision to proceed with the Merger. We have been retained on behalf of the Board of Directors of Valley, and our opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any director of Valley as to how such director should vote with respect to the Agreement. In rendering this opinion, we express no opinions with respect to the amount or nature of any compensation to any officers, directors, or employees of Valley or CVB, or any class of such persons relative to the consideration to be received by the holders of the common stock of Valley in the transaction or with respect to the fairness of any such compensation.

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Board of Directors

Valley Bancorp

December 19, 2016

Page 3

In the two years prior to the issuance of this opinion, Vining Sparks engaged in securities and loan sales and trading activity with Valley and CVB and/or their subsidiary banks for which Vining Sparks was paid commissions or other fees, which may includemark-ups on the purchase or sale of loans and securities.

Except as hereinafter provided, this opinion may not be disclosed, communicated, reproduced, disseminated, quoted or referred to at any time, to any third party or in any manner or for any purpose whatsoever without our prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, based upon review by us of the content of any such public reference, which shall be satisfactory to us in our reasonable judgment. This letter is addressed and directed to the Board of Directors of Valley in your consideration of the Merger and is not intended to be and does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote with respect to the Merger. This opinion was approved by the fairness opinion committee of Vining Sparks.

Subject to the foregoing and based on our experience as investment bankers, our activities as described above, and other factors we have deemed relevant, we are of the opinion as of the date hereof that the Merger Consideration and the amount of the Special Dividend to be received by the holders of Valley common stock is fair, from a financial point of view.SBKK.

 

Sincerely,

LOGO

LOGO
VINING SPARKS IBG, L.P.MJC PARTNERS, LLC

 

3  |  PageLOGO

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APPENDIX DANNEX C

§ 1300. Reorganization or short-form merger; dissenting shares; corporate purchase at fair market value; definitionsSections 1300-1313 of the California Corporations Code (Dissenters’ Rights)

CHAPTER 13. Dissenters’ Rights [1300—1313]

(Chapter 13 added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 682.)

1300.

(a)If the approval of the outstanding shares (Section 152) of a corporation is required for a reorganization under subdivisions (a) and (b) or subdivision (e) or (f) of Section 1201, each shareholder of the corporation entitled to vote on the transaction and each shareholder of a subsidiary corporation in a short-form merger may, by complying with this chapter, require the corporation in which the shareholder holds shares to purchase for cash at their fair market value the shares owned by the shareholder which are dissenting shares as defined in subdivision (b). The fair market value shall be determined as of the day of, and immediately prior to, the first announcement of the terms of the proposed reorganization or short-form merger, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in consequence of the proposed reorganization or short-form merger, as adjusted for any stock split, reverse stock split, or share dividend that becomes effective thereafter.

(b) As used in this chapter, “dissenting shares” means shares to which all of the following apply:

(1) That were not, immediately prior to the reorganization or short-form merger, listed on any national securities exchange certified by the Commissioner of Corporations under subdivision (o)(o) of Section 25100, and the notice of meeting of shareholders to act upon the reorganization summarizes this section and Sections 1301, 1302, 1303 and 1304; provided, however, that this provision does not apply to any shares with respect to which there exists any restriction on transfer imposed by the corporation or by any law or regulation; and provided, further, that this provision does not apply to any shares where the holder of those shares is required, by the terms of the reorganization or short-form merger, to accept for the shares anything except: (A) shares of any other corporation, which shares, at the time the reorganization or short-form merger is effective, are listed on any national securities exchange certified by the Commissioner of Corporations under subdivision (o)(o) of Section 25100; (B) cash in lieu of fractional shares described in the foregoing subparagraph (A); or (C) any combination of the shares and cash in lieu of fractional shares described in the foregoing subparagraphs (A) and (B).

(2) That were outstanding on the date for the determination of shareholders entitled to vote on the reorganization and (A) were not voted in favor of the reorganization or, (B) if described in paragraph (1), were voted against the reorganization, or were held of record on the effective date of a short-form merger; provided, however, that subparagraph (A) rather than subparagraph (B) of this paragraph applies in any case where the approval required by Section 1201 is sought by written consent rather than at a meeting.

(3) That the dissenting shareholder has demanded that the corporation purchase at their fair market value, in accordance with Section 1301.

(4) That the dissenting shareholder has submitted for endorsement, in accordance with Section 1302.

(c) As used in this chapter, “dissenting shareholder” means the recordholder of dissenting shares and includes a transferee of record.

§ 1301. Notice to holders of dissenting shares in reorganizations; demand for purchase; time; contents(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 473, Sec. 1. (AB 1680) Effective January 1, 2013.)

1301.

(a) If, in the case of a reorganization, any shareholders of a corporation have a right under Section 1300, subject to compliance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of subdivision (b) thereof, to require the corporation to purchase their shares for cash, that corporation shall mail to each of those shareholders a notice of the approval of the

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reorganization by its outstanding shares (Section 152) within 10 days after the date of that approval, accompanied by a copy of Sections 1300, 1302, 1303, and 1304 and this section, a statement of the price determined by the corporation to represent the fair market value of the dissenting shares, and a brief description of the procedure to be followed if the shareholder desires to exercise the shareholder’s right under those sections.

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The statement of price constitutes an offer by the corporation to purchase at the price stated any dissenting shares as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 1300, unless they lose their status as dissenting shares under Section 1309.

(b) Any shareholder who has a right to require the corporation to purchase the shareholder’s shares for cash under Section 1300, subject to compliance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of subdivision (b) thereof, and who desires the corporation to purchase shares shall make written demand upon the corporation for the purchase of those shares and payment to the shareholder in cash of their fair market value. The demand is not effective for any purpose unless it is received by the corporation or any transfer agent thereof (1) in the case of shares described in subdivision (b) of Section 1300, not later than the date of the shareholders’ meeting to vote upon the reorganization, or (2) in any other case, within 30 days after the date on which the notice of the approval by the outstanding shares pursuant to subdivision (a) or the notice pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1110 was mailed to the shareholder.

(c) The demand shall state the number and class of the shares held of record by the shareholder which the shareholder demands that the corporation purchase and shall contain a statement of what the shareholder claims to be the fair market value of those shares as determined pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 1300. The statement of fair market value constitutes an offer by the shareholder to sell the shares at that price.

§ (Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 473, Sec. 2. (AB 1680) Effective January 1, 2013.)

1302. Submission of share certificates for endorsement; uncertificated securities

Within 30 days after the date on which notice of the approval by the outstanding shares or the notice pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1110 was mailed to the shareholder, the shareholder shall submit to the corporation at its principal office or at the office of any transfer agent thereof, (a) if the shares are certificated securities, the shareholder’s certificates representing any shares which the shareholder demands that the corporation purchase, to be stamped or endorsed with a statement that the shares are dissenting shares or to be exchanged for certificates of appropriate denomination so stamped or endorsed or (b) if the shares are uncertificated securities, written notice of the number of shares which the shareholder demands that the corporation purchase. Upon subsequent transfers of the dissenting shares on the books of the corporation, the new certificates, initial transaction statement, and other written statements issued therefor shall bear a like statement, together with the name of the original dissenting holder of the shares.

§ 1303. Payment of agreed price with interest; agreement fixing fair market value; filing; time of payment(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 473, Sec. 3. (AB 1680) Effective January 1, 2013.)

1303.

(a) If the corporation and the shareholder agree that the shares are dissenting shares and agree upon the price of the shares, the dissenting shareholder is entitled to the agreed price with interest thereon at the legal rate on judgments from the date of the agreement. Any agreements fixing the fair market value of any dissenting shares as between the corporation and the holders thereof shall be filed with the secretary of the corporation.

(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 1306, payment of the fair market value of dissenting shares shall be made within 30 days after the amount thereof has been agreed or within 30 days after any statutory or contractual conditions to the reorganization are satisfied, whichever is later, and in the case of certificated securities, subject to surrender of the certificates therefor, unless provided otherwise by agreement.

§ 1304. Action to determine whether shares are dissenting shares or fair market value; limitation; joinder; consolidation; determination of issues; appointment of appraisers

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(Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 766, Sec. 24.)

1304.

(a) If the corporation denies that the shares are dissenting shares, or the corporation and the shareholder fail to agree upon the fair market value of the shares, then the shareholder demanding purchase of such shares as dissenting shares or any interested corporation, within six months after the date on which notice of the approval by the outstanding shares (Section 152) or notice pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1110 was mailed to the shareholder, but not thereafter, may file a complaint in the superior court of the proper county praying the court

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to determine whether the shares are dissenting shares or the fair market value of the dissenting shares or both or may intervene in any action pending on such a complaint.

(b) Two or more dissenting shareholders may join as plaintiffs or be joined as defendants in any such action and two or more such actions may be consolidated.

(c) On the trial of the action, the court shall determine the issues. If the status of the shares as dissenting shares is in issue, the court shall first determine that issue. If the fair market value of the dissenting shares is in issue, the court shall determine, or shall appoint one or more impartial appraisers to determine, the fair market value of the shares.

§ 1305. Report of appraisers; confirmation; determination(Amended by court; judgment; payment; appeal; costsStats. 2012, Ch. 473, Sec. 4. (AB 1680) Effective January 1, 2013.)

1305.

(a) If the court appoints an appraiser or appraisers, they shall proceed forthwith to determine the fair market value per share. Within the time fixed by the court, the appraisers, or a majority of them, shall make and file a report in the office of the clerk of the court. Thereupon, on the motion of any party, the report shall be submitted to the court and considered on such evidence as the court considers relevant. If the court finds the report reasonable, the court may confirm it.

(b) If a majority of the appraisers appointed fail to make and file a report within 10 days from the date of their appointment or within such further time as may be allowed by the court or the report is not confirmed by the court, the court shall determine the fair market value of the dissenting shares.

(c) Subject to the provisions of Section 1306, judgment shall be rendered against the corporation for payment of an amount equal to the fair market value of each dissenting share multiplied by the number of dissenting shares which any dissenting shareholder who is a party, or who has intervened, is entitled to require the corporation to purchase, with interest thereon at the legal rate from the date on which judgment was entered.

(d) Any such judgment shall be payable forthwith with respect to uncertificated securities and, with respect to certificated securities, only upon the endorsement and delivery to the corporation of the certificates for the shares described in the judgment. Any party may appeal from the judgment.

(e) The costs of the action, including reasonable compensation to the appraisers to be fixed by the court, shall be assessed or apportioned as the court considers equitable, but, if the appraisal exceeds the price offered by the corporation, the corporation shall pay the costs (including in the discretion of the court attorneys’ fees, fees of expert witnesses and interest at the legal rate on judgments from the date of compliance with Sections 1300, 1301 and 1302 if the value awarded by the court for the shares is more than 125 percent of the price offered by the corporation under subdivision (a) of Section 1301).

§

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(Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 766, Sec. 25.)

1306. Prevention of immediate payment; status as creditors; interest

To the extent that the provisions of Chapter 5 prevent the payment to any holders of dissenting shares of their fair market value, they shall become creditors of the corporation for the amount thereof together with interest at the legal rate on judgments until the date of payment, but subordinate to all other creditors in any liquidation proceeding, such debt to be payable when permissible under the provisions of Chapter 5.

§ (Repealed and added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 682.)

1307. Dividends on dissenting shares

Cash dividends declared and paid by the corporation upon the dissenting shares after the date of approval of the reorganization by the outstanding shares (Section 152) and prior to payment for the shares by the corporation shall be credited against the total amount to be paid by the corporation therefor.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 682.)

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§ 1308. Rights of dissenting shareholders pending valuation; withdrawal of demand for payment

Except as expressly limited in this chapter, holders of dissenting shares continue to have all the rights and privileges incident to their shares, until the fair market value of their shares is agreed upon or determined. A dissenting shareholder may not withdraw a demand for payment unless the corporation consents thereto.

§ 1309. Termination of dissenting share(Repealed and shareholder statusadded by Stats. 1975, Ch. 682.)

1309.

Dissenting shares lose their status as dissenting shares and the holders thereof cease to be dissenting shareholders and cease to be entitled to require the corporation to purchase their shares upon the happening of any of the following:

(a) The corporation abandons the reorganization. Upon abandonment of the reorganization, the corporation shall pay on demand to any dissenting shareholder who has initiated proceedings in good faith under this chapter all necessary expenses incurred in such proceedings and reasonable attorneys’ fees.

(b) The shares are transferred prior to their submission for endorsement in accordance with Section 1302 or are surrendered for conversion into shares of another class in accordance with the articles.

(c) The dissenting shareholder and the corporation do not agree upon the status of the shares as dissenting shares or upon the purchase price of the shares, and neither files a complaint or intervenes in a pending action as provided in Section 1304, within six months after the date on which notice of the approval by the outstanding shares or notice pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1110 was mailed to the shareholder.

(d) The dissenting shareholder, with the consent of the corporation, withdraws the shareholder’s demand for purchase of the dissenting shares.

§ (Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 473, Sec. 5. (AB 1680) Effective January 1, 2013.)

1310. Suspension of right to compensation or valuation proceedings; litigation of shareholders’ approval

If litigation is instituted to test the sufficiency or regularity of the votes of the shareholders in authorizing a reorganization, any proceedings under Sections 1304 and 1305 shall be suspended until final determination of such litigation.

§

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(Repealed and added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 682.)

1311. Exempt shares

This chapter, except Section 1312, does not apply to classes of shares whose terms and provisions specifically set forth the amount to be paid in respect to such shares in the event of a reorganization or merger.

§ 1312. Right of dissenting shareholder to attack, set aside or rescind merger or reorganization; restraining order or injunction; conditions(Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 919, Sec. 8.)

1312.

(a) No shareholder of a corporation who has a right under this chapter to demand payment of cash for the shares held by the shareholder shall have any right at law or in equity to attack the validity of the reorganization or short-form merger, or to have the reorganization or short-form merger set aside or rescinded, except in an action to test whether the number of shares required to authorize or approve the reorganization have been legally voted in favor thereof; but any holder of shares of a class whose terms and provisions specifically set forth the amount to be paid in respect to them in the event of a reorganization or short-form merger is entitled to payment in accordance with those terms and provisions or, if the principal terms of the reorganization are approved pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1202, is entitled to payment in accordance with the terms and provisions of the approved reorganization.

(b) If one of the parties to a reorganization or short-form merger is directly or indirectly controlled by, or under common control with, another party to the reorganization or short-form merger, subdivision (a) shall not

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apply to any shareholder of such party who has not demanded payment of cash for such shareholder’s shares pursuant to this chapter; but if the shareholder institutes any action to attack the validity of the reorganization or short-form merger or to have the reorganization or short-form merger set aside or rescinded, the shareholder shall not thereafter have any right to demand payment of cash for the shareholder’s shares pursuant to this chapter. The court in any action attacking the validity of the reorganization or short-form merger or to have the reorganization or short-form merger set aside or rescinded shall not restrain or enjoin the consummation of the transaction except upon 10 days’ prior notice to the corporation and upon a determination by the court that clearly no other remedy will adequately protect the complaining shareholder or the class of shareholders of which such shareholder is a member.

(c) If one of the parties to a reorganization or short-form merger is directly or indirectly controlled by, or under common control with, another party to the reorganization or short-form merger, in any action to attack the validity of the reorganization or short-form merger or to have the reorganization or short-form merger set aside or rescinded, (1) a party to a reorganization or short-form merger which controls another party to the reorganization or short-form merger shall have the burden of proving that the transaction is just and reasonable as to the shareholders of the controlled party, and (2) a person who controls two or more parties to a reorganization shall have the burden of proving that the transaction is just and reasonable as to the shareholders of any party so controlled.

§ (Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 919, Sec. 9.)

1313. Conversions deemed to constitute a reorganization; application of chapter

A conversion pursuant to Chapter 11.5 (commencing with Section 1150) shall be deemed to constitute a reorganization for purposes of applying the provisions of this chapter, in accordance with and to the extent provided in Section 1159.

(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 480, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2003.)

 

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 20.

Item 20.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of CVB Financial’sCVB’s articles of incorporation and bylaws.

CVB Financial is subject to the California General Corporation Law (the “CGCL”),Corporations Code, which provides a detailed statutory framework covering indemnification of any officer or other agent of a corporation who is made or threatened to be made a party to any legal proceeding by reason of his or her services on behalf of such corporation.

With respect to indemnification, the CGCLCalifornia Corporations Code provides that to the extent any officer, director or other agent of a corporation is successful “on the merits” in defense of any legal proceeding to which such person is a party or is threatened to be made a party by reason of his or her service on behalf of such corporation or in defense of any claim, issue, or matter therein, such agent shall be indemnified against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the agent in connection therewith, but does not require indemnification in any other circumstance. The CGCLCalifornia Corporations Code also provides that a corporation may indemnify any agent of the corporation, including officers and directors, against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in a third-party proceeding against such person by reason of his or her services on behalf of the corporation, provided the person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in the best interests of such corporation. The CGCLCalifornia Corporations Code further provides that in derivative suits a corporation may indemnify such a person against expenses incurred in such a proceeding, provided such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the corporation and its shareholders. Indemnification is not available in derivative actions (i) for amounts paid or expenses incurred in connection with a matter that is settled or otherwise disposed of without court approval or (ii) with respect to matters for which the agent shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless the court shall determine that such person is entitled to indemnification.

The CGCLCalifornia Corporations Code permits the advancing of expenses incurred in defending any proceeding against a corporate agent by reason of his or her service on behalf of the corporation upon the giving of a promise to repay any such sums in the event it is later determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified. Finally, the CGCLCalifornia Corporations Code provides that the indemnification provided by the statute is not exclusive of other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled, by bylaw, agreement or otherwise, to the extent additional rights are authorized in a corporation’s articles of incorporation. The law further permits a corporation to procure insurance on behalf of its directors, officers and agents against any liability incurred by any such individual, even if a corporation would not otherwise have the power under applicable law to indemnify the director, officer or agent for such expenses.

The Bylawsbylaws of CVB Financial provide that it shall, to the maximum extent permitted by the CGCL,California Corporations Code, have power to indemnify each of its agents against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any proceeding arising by reason of the fact any such person is or was an agent of the corporation, and shall have power to advance to each such agent expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding to the maximum extent permitted by that law.

Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance

CVB Financial presently maintains a policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that provides coverage sufficiently broad to permit indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933.

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Indemnification Agreements

CVB Financial has entered into an employment agreement with its chief executive officer agreeing, among other things, to indemnify him against liabilities relating to his services as a director and officer of CVB Financial and the advancement of expenses under certain circumstances. The employment agreement also requires CVB Financial to use its reasonable best efforts to purchase and maintain one or more policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance to cover liabilities asserted against, or incurred by, its chief executive officer. In addition, CVB Financial has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors.

Item 21.

Item 21.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) The following is a list of exhibits to this registration statement:

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit

No.Number

  

Description

Exhibit TitleIncorporated by
Reference to:
Date Filed
  2.1  

Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated September 22, 2016,July 27, 2021, by and betweenamong CVB Financial Corp., Citizens Business Bank and Valley Commerce BancorpSuncrest Bank (included as AppendixAnnex A to the proxy statement/prospectus contained in Part I of this Registration Statement).

N/AFiled herewith.
  2.2First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger dated December 19, 2016, by and between CVB Financial Corp. and Valley Commerce Bancorp (included as Appendix B to the proxy statement/prospectus contained in Part I of this Registration Statement).
  3.1  

Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to CVB Financial Corp.’s Quarterly Report on

Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 9, 2010).

2010
  3.2  

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits 3.2(A) and 3.2(B) toCVB Financial Corp.

Form 8-KJanuary 23, 2020
  4.1Form of CVB Financial Corp.’s Annual Report on Common Stock certificateForm 8-A12GJune 11, 2001
  4.2Description of CVB Financial Corp. Common StockForm 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2009).

March 2, 2020
  5.1  

Form of Opinion of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP regarding to the validity of the securities being registered.*

N/AFiled herewith.
  8.1  

Form of Opinion of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP regarding certain tax matters.*

N/AFiled herewith.
10.1  8.2  

Consulting Agreement dated September 22, 2016 by and between Citizens Business Bank and Allan W. Stone.*

Form of Opinion of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP regarding certain tax matters.
N/AFiled herewith.
10.221  

Offer letter for William Kitchen.*

Subsidiaries of the Company
Form 10-KMarch 1, 2021
23.1  

Consent of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm of the Registrant.*

CVB Financial Corp.
N/AFiled herewith.
23.2  

Consent of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)5.1).*

N/AFiled herewith.
23.3  

Consent of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1)8.1).*

N/AFiled herewith.
23.4Consent of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP (included in Exhibit 8.2).N/AFiled herewith.
24.1  

Power of Attorney (included on the signature page to the Registration Statement).*

N/AFiled herewith.
99.1  

Consent of Vining Sparks IBG, LP.*

MJC Partners, LLC
N/AFiled herewith.
99.2  

Form of Proxy for Special Meeting of Shareholders of Valley Commerce Bancorp.*Suncrest Bank

N/AFiled herewith.
99.3Form of Voting and Support Agreement (included as Exhibit A of Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus contained in this Registration Statement)N/AFiled herewith.


Exhibit

Number

Exhibit TitleIncorporated
by
Reference to:
Date Filed
99.4Form of Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement – Suncrest non-employee directors (included as Exhibit B-1 of Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus contained in this Registration Statement)N/AFiled herewith.
99.5Form of Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement and Release – Suncrest Chief Executive Officer (included as Exhibit B-2 of Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus contained in this Registration Statement)N/AFiled herewith.
99.6Form of Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure Agreement and Release – Other Suncrest Executives (included as Exhibit B-3 of Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus contained in this Registration Statement)N/AFiled herewith.
99.7Form of Merger Agreement (included as Exhibit C of Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus contained in this Registration Statement)N/AFiled herewith.

 

*Item 22.

Previously filed.Undertakings

Item 22. Undertakings

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(a) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

(1) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933.

(2) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) that,which, individually or in the aggregate,

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represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SECCommission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.

(3) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

(b) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered that remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(d) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.


(e) That prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a prospectus that is a part of this Registration Statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.

(f) That every prospectus (1) that is filed pursuant to paragraph (e) immediately preceding, or (2) that purports to meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 and is used in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(g) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions described in Item 20 above, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(h) To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the

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incorporated documents by first-class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

(i) To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrantregistrant has duly caused this Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Ontario, State of California, on January 11, 2017.September 14, 2021.

 

CVB FINANCIAL CORP.

By:

 

        /s/ Christopher D. Myers

/s/ David A. Brager
 

        Christopher D. Myers

David A. Brager
 

        President and Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below has made, constituted and appointed, and does hereby make, constitute and appoint, David A. Brager and E. Allen Nicholson, or either of them, as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead to affix his or her signature as director or officer or both, as the case may be, of the registrant, to any and all amendments and post-amendments to this registration statement, and generally to do all things in their names and in their capacities as officers and directors of the registrant to enable the registrant to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

*/s/ DAVID A. BRAGER

Raymond V. O’Brien IIIDavid A. Brager

  

Director and Chairman of the BoardChief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

January 11, 2017

*

George A. Borba, Jr.

Director and Vice Chairman

January 11, 2017

*

Stephen A. Del Guercio

Director

January 11, 2017

*

Robert M. Jacoby

Director

January 11, 2017

*

Anna Kan

Director

January 11, 2017

*

Kristina M. Leslie

Director

January 11, 2017

/s/ CHRISTOPHER D. MYERS

Christopher D. Myers

Director and Chief Executive Officer and
President (Principal Executive Officer)

January 11, 2017

*

Hal W. Oswalt

Director

January 11, 2017

September 14, 2021

/s/ E. ALLEN NICHOLSON

E. Allen Nicholson

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

January 11, 2017

September 14, 2021

*by:

/s/ CHRISTOPHER D. MYERS

Christopher D. Myers,

Attorney-in-fact

January 11, 2017

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit/s/ FRANCENE LAPOINT

No.Francene LaPoint

  

DescriptionSenior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

September 14, 2021
  2.1

/s/ RAYMOND V. O’BRIEN III

Raymond V. O’Brien III

  

AgreementDirector and PlanChairman of Reorganization and Merger, dated the Board

September 22, 2016, by and between CVB Financial Corp and Valley Commerce Bancorp (included as Appendix A to the proxy statement/prospectus contained in Part I of this Registration Statement).

14, 2021
  2.2

/s/ GEORGE A. BORBA, JR.

George A. Borba, Jr.

  

First Amendment to AgreementDirector and Plan of Reorganization and Merger dated December 19, 2016, by and between CVB Financial Corp. and Valley Commerce Bancorp (included as Appendix B to the proxy statement/prospectus contained in Part I of this Registration Statement).

Vice Chairman
September 14, 2021
  3.1

/s/ STEPHEN A. DEL GUERCIO

Stephen A. Del Guercio

  

Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to CVB Financial Corp.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 9, 2010).

Director
September 14, 2021
  3.2

/s/ RODRIGO GUERRA, JR.

Rodrigo Guerra, Jr.

  

Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits 3.2(A) and 3.2(B) to CVB Financial Corp.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2009).

Director
September 14, 2021
  5.1

/s/ ANNA KAN

Anna Kan

  DirectorSeptember 14, 2021


Opinion of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP regarding to the validity of the securities being registered.*/s/ MARSHALL V. LAITSCH

Marshall V. Laitsch

DirectorSeptember 14, 2021
  8.1

/s/ KRISTINA M. LESLIE

Kristina M. Leslie

  

Opinion of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP regarding certain tax matters.*

Director
September 14, 2021
10.1

/s/ JANE OLVERA

Jane Olvera

  

Consulting Agreement dated Director

September 22, 2016 by and between Citizens Business Bank and Allan W. Stone.*

14, 2021
10.2

/s/ HAL W. OSWALT

Hal W. Oswalt

  

Offer letter for William Kitchen.*

23.1Director 

Consent of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm of the Registrant.*

23.2

Consent of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).*

23.3

Consent of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1).*

24.1

Power of Attorney (included on the signature page to the Registration Statement).*

99.1

Consent of Vining Sparks IBG, LP.*

99.2

Form of Proxy for Special Meeting of Shareholders of Valley Commerce Bancorp.*

September 14, 2021

*

Previously filed.

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