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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

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FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 31, 2006

 

CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware		0-18630		95-4274680
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

777 North Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90012
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:     (213) 625-4700

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

        Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[  ]  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[  ]  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[  ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(d) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[  ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

Item 8.01    Other Events

        On March 31, 2006, Cathay General Bancorp announced in a press release that its subsidiary, Cathay Bank, has entered into an agreement to buy a 20% stake in First Sino Bank in China.  Cathay Bank is buying the shares from First Sino Bank's largest shareholder, Lotus Worldwide Ltd.  That press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

 

Item 9.01    Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d)    Exhibits

        99.1    Press Release of Cathay General Bancorp dated March 31, 2006.

 

 

SIGNATURE

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: March 31, 2006

                                                                                            CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP

                                                                                            By:  /s/ Heng W. Chen                            

                                                                                                   Heng W. Chen

                                                                                                   Executive Vice President and Chief

                                                                                                   Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Number        Exhibit

 

99.1             Press Release of Cathay General Bancorp dated March 31, 2006.