NORTHBAY FINANCIAL CORP
DEFM14A, 1996-03-01
SAVINGS INSTITUTION, FEDERALLY CHARTERED
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<PAGE>
 
                           SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION


Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Filed by the Registrant  [X]

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  [ ]

Check the appropriate box:

[ ]  Preliminary Proxy Statement

[X]  Definitive Proxy Statement

[ ]  Definitive Additional Materials

[ ]  Soliciting Material Pursuant to (S) 240.14a-11(c) or (S) 240.14a-12


 
                        NORTHBAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
     -------------------------------------------------------------------
               (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 
                        NORTHBAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
     -------------------------------------------------------------------
                  (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)

Payment of Filing Fee (check the appropriate box):

[ ]  $125 per Exchange Act Rules (6-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or 14a-6(j)(2).

[ ]  $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
     14a-6(i)(3).

[ ]  Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.

     1)  Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
         Common Stock, Par Value $.01
 
     2)  Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
         2,750,522 shares, 237,183 options
 
     3)  Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
         pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11: $15.75 per share, $15.75 per
         option less net aggregate exercise price of $1,193,497
 
     4)  Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: $45,862,856

[X]  Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.


[ ]  Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
     Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
     paid previously.  Identify the previous filing by registration statement
     number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

     1)   Amount previously paid:

     2)   Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

     3)   Filing Party:

     4)   Date Filed:

Notes:
<PAGE>
 
   

                               February 28, 1996
    

Dear Stockholder:

   
     You are cordially invited to attend a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the
"Meeting") of Northbay Financial Corporation ("Northbay"), the holding company
for Northbay Savings Bank, F.S.B. (the "Bank"), to be held at the Petaluma
Community Center located at 320 North McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma, California
on March 29, 1996, at 3:00 p.m., local time.
    

     The attached Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement
describe the formal business to be transacted at the Meeting. The primary
purpose of the Meeting is to consider and vote on a proposal to approve the
Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") which provides for the
merger of Northbay with a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of the West ("Bank
West").  In the merger, each share of Northbay common stock outstanding at the
time of the merger would be converted into the right to receive $15.75 in cash,
subject to potential downward adjustment, as provided in the Merger Agreement,
to a floor of $15.375.  Following the merger, Northbay stockholders will no
longer own any stock or have any interest in Northbay, nor will they receive, as
a result of the merger, any stock of Bank West.  Consummation of the merger is
subject to certain conditions, including the approval of all applicable
regulatory authorities and the stockholders of Northbay.

     The terms of the Merger Agreement were negotiated by the Board of Directors
in light of various factors, including Northbay's and Bank West's recent
operating results, current financial condition and future prospects. Kaplan
Associates Inc., Northbay's financial advisor, has advised your Board of
Directors that in its opinion the consideration to be received by Northbay
stockholders in the merger is fair from a financial point of view.

     At the Meeting, Northbay stockholders will consider and vote upon approval
of the merger.  The Board of Directors has unanimously approved the merger and
believes that the merger is in the best interests of Northbay and its
stockholders.  Accordingly, the Board of Directors unanimously recommends that
you vote FOR approval of the merger.

     Northbay stockholders also will consider and vote upon a proposal to
authorize adjournment of the Meeting, if necessary, to obtain sufficient votes
for approval of the merger.  If any other matters are properly brought before
the Meeting, the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy will vote the
shares represented by such proxy upon such matters as determined by a majority
of the Board of Directors.  You are urged to read the accompanying Proxy
Statement, which provides information regarding the merger and related matters.

   
     Your vote is important, regardless of the number of shares you own. In
order for the merger to be consummated, the Merger Agreement must be approved by
the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock
entitled to vote. Consequently, a failure to vote or a vote to abstain will have
the same effect as a vote against the Merger Agreement.  ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS, I URGE YOU TO SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE EVEN IF YOU CURRENTLY PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING.  This will not
prevent you from voting in person but will assure that your vote is counted if
you do not attend the Meeting.
    
                                               Sincerely,



                                               Herold Mahoney
                                               Chairman of the Board
                                                 and President
<PAGE>
 
                         NORTHBAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                                1360 Redwood Way
                           Petaluma, California 94954
                                 (707) 792-7400
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                         TO BE HELD ON  MARCH 29, 1996
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   
     NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the
"Meeting") of Northbay Financial Corporation ("Northbay"), the holding company
for Northbay Savings Bank, F.S.B. ("Northbay Savings" or the "Bank"), will be
held at the Petaluma Community Center located at 320 North McDowell
Boulevard, Petaluma, California, on March 29, 1996, at 3:00 p.m., local
time.
    

     A Proxy Card and a Proxy Statement for the Meeting are enclosed.

     The Meeting is for the purpose of considering and acting upon:

   
           1.   A proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated
                as of November 9, 1995 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among
                Northbay, Bank of the West ("Bank West") and NF Acquisition Co.
                ("NF Acquisition"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank West,
                pursuant to which (i) Northbay will merge with NF Acquisition,
                with Northbay the surviving corporation to be followed by the
                merger of Northbay and Northbay Savings with and into Bank West,
                with Bank West surviving the merger, and (ii) each outstanding
                share of Northbay common stock would be converted into the right
                to receive $15.75 in cash, subject to potential downward
                adjustment as provided in the Merger Agreement, to a floor of
                $15.375, without interest, subject to the terms and conditions
                contained in the Merger Agreement;

    
           2.   A proposal to adjourn the Meeting to solicit additional proxies
                in the event there are not sufficient votes to approve the
                foregoing proposal; and

           3.   Such other matters as may properly come before the Meeting or
                any adjournments or postponements thereof.

     The Board of Directors is not aware of any other business to come before
the Meeting.

   
     Any action may be taken on any one of the foregoing proposals at the
Meeting on the date specified above or on any date or dates to which, by
original or later adjournment or postponement, the Meeting may be adjourned or
postponed.  Stockholders of record at the close of business on February 22,
1996, are the stockholders entitled to vote at the Meeting and any adjournments
or postponements thereof.
    

     Under Delaware law, holders of Northbay common stock who dissent and do not
vote in favor of the merger are entitled to appraisal rights provided that they
strictly comply with certain statutory procedures explained in detail in the
attached proxy statement.

   
     You are requested to fill in and sign the enclosed  Proxy Card which is
solicited by the Board of Directors and to mail it promptly in the enclosed
envelope.  The proxy will not be used if you attend and vote at the Meeting in
person.
    

                                 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


                                 DONALD P. RAMATICI
                                 SECRETARY

   
Petaluma, California
February 28, 1996
    

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 IMPORTANT:  THE PROMPT RETURN OF PROXIES WILL SAVE NORTHBAY THE EXPENSE OF
 FURTHER REQUESTS FOR PROXIES IN ORDER TO INSURE A QUORUM.  A SELF-ADDRESSED
 ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.  NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF MAILED
 IN THE UNITED STATES.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
   
                                PROXY STATEMENT
                                       OF
                         NORTHBAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                    FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                          TO BE HELD ON MARCH 29, 1996

     This Proxy Statement is being furnished to the stockholders of Northbay
Financial Corporation ("Northbay"), a Delaware corporation and the holding
company for Northbay Savings Bank, F.S.B. ("Northbay Savings" or the "Bank"), in
connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of
Northbay (the "Board of Directors") from holders of outstanding shares of common
stock, par value $.10 per share, of Northbay (the "Common Stock") for use at the
Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Friday, March 29, 1996 at 3:00
p.m., local time, at the Petaluma Community Center, located at 320 North
McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma, California, and at any adjournments or
postponements thereof (the "Meeting").  This Proxy Statement and the related
proxy card are first being mailed to stockholders on or about February 28, 1996.

     At the Meeting, stockholders will consider and vote upon a proposal to
approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 9, 1995
(the "Merger Agreement"), by and among Northbay, Bank of the West ("Bank West"),
a California banking corporation, and NF Acquisition Co. ("NF Acquisition"), a
Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank West, pursuant to
which:  (i) NF Acquisition will be merged with and into Northbay, with Northbay
as the surviving corporation, followed by the merger of Northbay and Northbay
Savings with and into Bank West, with Bank West as the surviving corporation
(collectively, the "Merger"), and (ii) each outstanding share of Common Stock of
Northbay outstanding at the effective time of the Merger (the "Effective Time")
will be converted into the right to receive $15.75 in cash, subject to potential
downward adjustment as provided in the Merger Agreement, to a floor of $15.375,
without interest (the "Merger Consideration").  The Merger Agreement is included
as Appendix A hereto and incorporated by reference herein.  At the Meeting,
stockholders also will consider and vote upon a proposal to adjourn the Meeting,
if necessary, to permit further solicitation of proxies to approve the Merger.

     Consummation of the Merger is conditioned upon, among other things,
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement by the requisite vote of Northbay
stockholders and the receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals and consents.
For further information concerning the terms and conditions of the Merger, see
"PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER."

     No persons have been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation other than those contained in this Proxy Statement in connection
with the solicitation of proxies made hereby, and, if given or made, such
information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized
by Northbay or any other person.

     All information contained in this Proxy Statement relating to Bank West, NF
Acquisition and their affiliates has been supplied by Bank West for inclusion
herein and has not been independently verified.

     The Board of Directors knows of no additional matters that will be
presented for consideration at the Meeting.  Execution of the accompanying
proxy, however, confers on the designated proxyholders discretionary authority
to vote the shares of Common Stock covered thereby in accordance with their best
judgment on such other business, if any, that may properly come before the
Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

             The date of this Proxy Statement is February 28, 1996

    
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
<S>                                                                    <C>  
 
SUMMARY....................................................................  4
    The Merger.............................................................  4
    Parties to the Merger..................................................  4
    The Meeting............................................................  5
    Directors' Approval and Recommendation of the Merger...................  6
    Opinion of Financial Advisor...........................................  6
    Effective Time.........................................................  6
    Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.............................  6
    Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences................................  7
    Method of Payment/Surrender of Stock Certificates......................  7
    Conditions to Consummation of the Merger; Termination..................  7
    Regulatory Approvals...................................................  8
    Stock Option Agreement; Expense Reimbursement..........................  8
    Appraisal Rights.......................................................  8
    Accounting Treatment...................................................  8
    Market Prices and Dividends............................................  9

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION................................ 10

   
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
    MARCH 29, 1996......................................................... 12
    

SOLICITATION, VOTING AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES........................... 12

VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF............................ 13

PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER.................................................... 14
    General................................................................ 14
    Background of the Merger............................................... 15
    Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the Board of Directors.... 17
    Opinion of Financial Advisor........................................... 19
    Effective Time......................................................... 22
    Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger............................. 22
    Employee Matters and Impact on Employee Benefit Plans.................. 24
    Certain Proxies on Northbay Shares..................................... 24
    Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences................................ 24
    Surrender of Stock Certificates........................................ 25
    Regulatory Approvals................................................... 25
    Representations and Warranties......................................... 26
    Conditions to Consummation; Termination................................ 26
    Business Pending Consummation.......................................... 27
    Waiver................................................................. 28
    Stock Option Agreement................................................. 28
    Appraisal Rights....................................................... 29
    Expenses............................................................... 30
    Accounting Treatment................................................... 30

PROPOSAL II - APPROVAL OF ADJOURNMENT OF THE MEETING....................... 30

MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS OF NORTHBAY COMMON STOCK....................... 31

INFORMATION REGARDING BANK OF THE WEST..................................... 31

AVAILABLE INFORMATION...................................................... 32

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE............................ 32

EXPERTS.................................................................... 33

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>

<S>                                                                         <C>

INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS............................................  33

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS.....................................................  33

OTHER MATTERS.............................................................  34
   
APPENDIX A --  AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER............................... A-1
APPENDIX B --  SECTION 262 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW........ B-1
APPENDIX C --  OPINION OF KAPLAN ASSOCIATES, INC.......................... C-1
APPENDIX D --  STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT..................................... D-1
APPENDIX E --  QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER
                    ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 (EXCLUDED FROM EDGAR FILING... E-1
APPENDIX F --  PORTIONS OF THE 1995 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS......... F-1
APPENDIX G --  FORM OF PROXY.............................................. G-1
    
</TABLE>

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     SUMMARY
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   
     The following is a brief summary of certain information relating to the
Merger  contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.  This summary is not
intended to be a complete description of all material facts regarding Bank West
or Northbay and the matters to be considered at the Meeting, and is qualified in
all respects by the more detailed information appearing elsewhere herein and the
Appendices hereto.  A copy of the Merger Agreement is set forth as Appendix A to
this Proxy Statement and reference is made thereto for a complete description of
the terms of the Merger.
    

The Merger

   
     The Merger Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix A and
hereby incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement, provides for (i) the
merger of Northbay with and into an interim subsidiary of Bank West, (ii) the
subsequent merger of Northbay with and into Bank West with Bank West surviving
the merger and (iii) immediately thereafter, the merger of Northbay Savings with
Bank West.  Following the Merger, Northbay will cease to exist and Bank West
will succeed to all of the assets and liabilities of Northbay.  For a more
detailed description of the Merger, see "PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER."

     At the Effective Time (as hereinafter defined) of the Merger, each of the
outstanding shares of Northbay Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time will be converted into the right to receive $15.75 per share in
cash, subject to potential downward adjustment as provided in the Merger
Agreement, to a floor of $15.375, without interest (the "Merger Consideration").
As of February 22, 1996, there were 2,750,522 shares of Northbay Common Stock
issued and outstanding and outstanding stock options to acquire 237,183  shares
of Northbay Common Stock for an aggregate Merger Consideration on that date of
approximately $47.1 million, reflecting the total number of shares and options
to be exchanged times the purchase price.  Upon completion of the Merger, the
existing stockholders of Northbay will no longer own any stock or have any
interest in Northbay, nor will they receive, as a result of the Merger, any
stock of Bank West.
    

Parties to the Merger

   
     Bank West is a California chartered commercial banking corporation
headquartered in San Francisco, California.  It is the eighth largest bank in
the State of California with total assets of approximately  $4.4 billion and
total deposits of approximately  $3.6 billion at  December 31, 1995.  Its
deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC").  It
is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Banque Nationale de Paris ("BNP") of
Paris, France.

     Bank West conducts a general commercial banking business, providing
retail and corporate banking and trust services to individuals, institutions,
businesses and governments through 99 branches and other commercial banking
offices located primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area and elsewhere in
Northern California.  Bank West also generates indirect automobile loans and
leases, recreational vehicle loans, recreational marine vessel loans, equipment
leases and deeds of trust on single family residences through a network of
manufacturers, dealers, representatives and brokers in various states.

    

     Northbay was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on
October 5, 1988 for the purpose of becoming a savings and loan holding company.
On April 10, 1989, Northbay acquired all of the outstanding stock of Northbay
Savings issued in connection with Northbay Savings' conversion from a California
chartered mutual to a California chartered stock institution.

     Prior to the acquisition of all of the outstanding stock of Northbay
Savings, Northbay had no assets or liabilities and engaged in no business
activities.  Subsequent to the acquisition of Northbay Savings, Northbay has
engaged in no significant activity other than holding the stock of Northbay
Savings and operating through Northbay Savings a savings and loan business.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
   
     Northbay Savings was organized as a federally chartered mutual savings and
loan association in 1965 and converted to a California chartered mutual savings
and loan association in 1972.  In January, 1990, Northbay Savings amended its
charter to adopt the name "Northbay Savings Bank."  In January, 1990, Northbay
Savings converted to a federally chartered stock savings bank with the name
"Northbay Savings Bank, F.S.B."  At December 31, 1995, Northbay Savings had
total assets of  $396.8 million, deposits of  $284.1 million, and
stockholders' equity of  $35.4 million.  Based on total assets at that date,
the Bank was the second largest savings and loan institution headquartered in
Sonoma County, California insured by the Savings Association Insurance Fund
("SAIF") administered by the  FDIC.

     The Bank is primarily engaged in the business of attracting deposits from
the general public and using those deposits, together with other funds, to
originate mortgage loans for the purchase or construction of residential real
estate, multi-family real estate and commercial real estate.  At  December 31,
1995, substantially all of the Bank's real estate loans were secured by
properties located in California.  To a lesser extent, the Bank also originates
consumer loans and commercial business loans.  The Bank has been a participant
in the secondary mortgage market as both a purchaser and seller of loans.  In
the past, the Bank also engaged to a limited extent in real estate development
activities.  In March 1994, the Bank established full-service brokerage
capabilities and alternative investment services within each of the Bank's
branch offices pursuant to an agreement with PRIMEVEST Financial Services Inc.,
an independent registered broker-dealer.

    

     Northbay Savings conducts operations through its main office in Petaluma,
California, eight full service branch offices and one loan production office,
all within Sonoma County.  Petaluma is located approximately 40 miles north of
San Francisco.

     The executive offices of Northbay and the Bank are located at 1360 Redwood
Way, Petaluma, California, and the telephone number at that address is (707)
792-7400.

The Meeting

   
     Place, Time and Date; Purpose.  The Meeting of Stockholders will be held at
 3:00 p.m., local time, on March 29, 1996 at the Petaluma  Community Center,
located at  320 North McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma, California.  The purpose of
the Meeting is to consider and vote on a proposal to approve the Merger
Agreement.

     Record Date; Shares Entitled to Vote.  The presence, in person or by proxy,
of the holders of at least a majority all the shares of  Northbay Common Stock
entitled to vote at the meeting is required for a quorum.  The close of business
on February 22, 1996 has been fixed as the record date (the "Record Date") for
the determination of persons entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting.
As of the Record Date, there were 2,750,522 shares of Northbay Common Stock
issued and outstanding and entitled to vote.

     Vote Required.  Approval of the Merger Agreement will require the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares
of Northbay Common Stock entitled to be voted at the Meeting.  Approval of the
proposal to adjourn the Meeting to solicit additional proxies, if required,
would be subject to approval by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares
present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Meeting.
Stockholders who execute proxies retain the right to revoke them at any time
prior to being voted at the Meeting.  Northbay stockholders are entitled to one
vote at the Meeting for each share of Northbay Common Stock held of record at
the close of business on the Record Date.  As of the Record Date, the directors
and executive officers of Northbay, together with their affiliates, beneficially
owned 473,226 shares of Northbay Common Stock, or 17.2% of the outstanding
shares (excluding 182,082 shares subject to options, which are currently
exercisable). The directors and executive officers of Northbay have granted to
Bank West irrevocable proxies permitting Bank West to vote their respective
Northbay shares in favor of the Merger at the Special Meeting.  See "PROPOSAL I
- -THE MERGER - Certain Proxies on Northbay Shares."

    

     If at least a majority of the votes eligible to be cast do not vote in
favor of the Merger Agreement, Northbay will continue to act as a separate
entity and a going concern.  A failure to vote will have the same effect as a
vote against approval of the Merger Agreement.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
   
     Revocability of Proxies.  Stockholders who execute proxies retain the right
to revoke them at any time. Proxies may be revoked by written notice to the
Secretary of Northbay, by the filing of a later dated proxy prior to a vote
being taken at the Meeting, or by attending the  Meeting and voting in person.
    

Directors' Approval and Recommendation of the Merger

     At the Board of Directors meeting held on November 9, 1995, after
considering the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement and obtaining the
advice of its financial advisor, the Board of Directors unanimously approved the
Merger Agreement.  The Board of Directors believes that the consideration
offered pursuant to the transaction is fair to the stockholders of Northbay and
that approval of the transaction is in the best interests of the Northbay
stockholders, and, accordingly, recommends that stockholders of Northbay vote
"FOR" approval of the Merger Agreement.  For a discussion of the circumstances
surrounding the Merger and the factors considered by the Northbay Board of
Directors in making its recommendation, see "PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER -
Background of the Merger" and "- Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of
the Board of Directors."

     Certain members of Northbay's management and Northbay's Board of Directors
have certain interests in the Merger that are in addition to their interests as
stockholders of Northbay generally.  See "PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER - Interests of
Certain Persons in the Merger."

Opinion of Financial Advisor

     The Board of Directors of Northbay retained the firm Kaplan Associates,
Inc., located in Washington, D.C. ("Kaplan"), to assist in the negotiation of
the Merger and to act as financial advisor in connection  therewith.  Kaplan
rendered to the Board of Directors of Northbay its opinion dated November 9,
1995 to the effect that the consideration offered pursuant to the Merger
Agreement is fair to Northbay's stockholders from a financial point of view.  In
addition, Kaplan has rendered an updated opinion to similar effect as of the
date of this Proxy Statement. A copy of Kaplan's updated opinion is set forth as
Appendix C and should be read by stockholders in its entirety. For further
information regarding the opinion of Kaplan, see "PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER -
Opinion of Financial Advisor."

Effective Time

   
     The Merger will become effective at the time a certificate of merger or
other appropriate documents (in any such case, the "Certificate of Merger")
related to the Merger is filed as provided in the Delaware General Corporation
law (the "DGCL") ("Effective Time").  Assuming the timely receipt of all
regulatory approvals, the expiration of all statutory waiting periods and the
satisfaction or waiver of all conditions in the Merger Agreement, it is
currently anticipated that the Merger will be consummated in the  second
quarter of 1996. See "PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER -- Effective Time."
    

Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger

   
     The directors and executive officers of Northbay, together with their
affiliates, beneficially owned as of the Record Date a total of  655,308 shares
of Northbay Common Stock, including 182,082 shares subject to unexercised
options held by such persons.  Upon the Effective Time of the Merger, the
directors and executive officers will receive the same consideration for their
shares as the other stockholders of Northbay.  Certain members of Northbay's
management and the Board of Directors have certain interests in the Merger that
are in addition to their interests as stockholders of Northbay generally.  As
described below, the Merger will result in the cash out of stock options held by
directors and executive officers and severance payments under employment and
severance agreements, the aggregate value of which would be approximately $3.3
million.

     Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, all validly issued and
outstanding stock options under Northbay's 1988 Stock Option and Incentive Plan
(the "Stock Option Plan") will be converted into the right to receive $15.75 in
cash less the exercise price for the shares.  Executive officers and directors
of Northbay currently hold options to purchase an aggregate of 182,082 shares.
Under this arrangement such officers and directors will receive, net of the
aggregate option exercise price, a total of approximately $2.0 million.

    

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
   
     Alfred A. Alys, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer,
Granville I. Stark and Bertha Balfour, Senior Vice Presidents, Cathy Simondi,
Assistant Vice President, and Greg Jahn, Vice President and Chief Financial 
Officer, have employment or severance agreements with Northbay and/or Northbay
Savings.  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each of the above-named individuals
shall be entitled to receive from Northbay or Northbay Savings, at the Effective
Time, payments with respect to their change of control severance payments.
Pursuant to these agreements, Bank West will make payments aggregating $1.1
million.  In addition, Bank West will enter into a consulting agreement and a
noncompetition agreement with Mr. Alys at the Effective Time.  Pursuant to these
agreements, Bank West will make a $250,000 payment to Mr. Alys at the Effective
Time.
 
      Bank West has agreed to have members of the Board of Directors of
Northbay  serve as a local advisory board to Bank West for an initial period of
two years.  The members of the Board of Directors of Northbay and Northbay
Savings will enter into noncompetition agreements with Bank West upon the
closing of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

    

     In addition, three directors of Northbay lease properties to Northbay.
Pursuant to a letter agreement, these directors have agreed to amend such leases
on terms satisfactory to Bank West.

     After the Effective Time, Bank West shall, to the full extent permitted by
law, indemnify all directors and officers of Northbay and its subsidiaries
against all liabilities arising out of any claim based in whole or in part on
the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of Northbay, if such
claim pertains to any matter or fact arising, existing, or occurring on or prior
to the Effective Time, subject to certain limitations specified in the Merger
Agreement. See "PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER - Interests of Certain Persons in the
Merger."

Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences

     As a result of the Merger, a stockholder of Northbay will generally
recognize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes measured by the
difference between the cash received pursuant to the Merger Agreement and such
stockholder's adjusted tax basis in the shares of Northbay Common Stock
exchanged therefor.  EACH STOCKHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT WITH HIS OR HER TAX ADVISOR
AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO SUCH HOLDER, INCLUDING THE
APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS.
See "PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER - Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences."

Method of Payment/Surrender of Stock Certificates

     Promptly after consummation of the Merger, Bank West will mail instructions
to each Northbay stockholder concerning the proper method of surrendering
certificates formerly representing Northbay Common Stock in exchange for the
Merger Consideration.  DO NOT SEND STOCK CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME.  See
"PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER - Surrender of Stock Certificates."

Conditions to Consummation of the Merger; Termination

   
     The respective obligations of the parties to consummate the Merger are
subject to, among other things: (i) approval of the Merger Agreement by Northbay
stockholders holding not less than a majority of the outstanding shares of
Northbay Common Stock; (ii) receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals;
(iii) the absence of any order prohibiting consummation of the Merger; and (iv)
the satisfaction or waiver of certain additional conditions.  For more
information on conditions precedent to consummation of the  Merger and the
regulatory approvals required, see "PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER - Regulatory
Approvals"  and "- Conditions to Consummation; Termination."

     The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time by mutual agreement of
the parties.  The Merger Agreement may also be terminated by either party if (i)
the Office of Thrift Supervision (the "OTS") or any other governmental agency
denies approval or issues a final order prohibiting the consummation of the 
Merger; (ii) there is a material breach of the Merger Agreement or Stock Option
Agreement uncured for 30 days; or (iii) the Merger has not been consummated on
or before August 31, 1996 through no fault of either party.
    

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
   
     The Merger Agreement may be terminated by Bank West upon written notice to
Northbay if (i) a takeover proposal is communicated to Northbay by a third party
other than Bank West and (a) stockholder approval is not obtained at the
Meeting, (b) the Meeting does not occur prior to June 30, 1996 or (c) Northbay's
Board of Directors shall have withdrawn or modified its approval or
recommendation of the Merger or Merger Agreement or recommendation of the Merger
or Merger Agreement or approved or recommended any takeover proposal , (ii) the
FDIC does not approve the merger of Northbay Savings into Bank West or the
applicable federal statute is amended to require the payment by Bank West of an
"exit" or an "entrance" fee to the applicable federal deposit insurance funds
for the merger of Northbay Savings into Bank West or a governmental agency
denies approval of the merger of Northbay Savings into Bank West, (iii) a
material adverse effect on Northbay has or might reasonably be expected to occur
and has not been remedied within 30 days or (iv) as of the Closing Date the
principal balance of Northbay deposit liabilities, including accounts accessible
by negotiable orders of withdrawal, demand deposits, passbook accounts, and
certificates of deposits, but excluding all brokered deposits and depository
accounts with balances greater than $100,000, is less than $230 million. See
"PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER -- Conditions to Consummation; Termination."

    

Regulatory Approvals

   
     The Merger is subject to the approval of the FDIC and the Superintendent of
Banks of the State of California (the "Superintendent") and certain aspects of
the Merger will require notification to, or waivers from, the  OTS and the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board").
There can be no assurance that such regulatory approvals will be obtained, and,
if obtained, there can be no assurance as to the date of any such approvals.
There can also be no assurance that any such approvals will not contain a
condition or requirement which causes such approvals to fail to satisfy the
conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement.

    

Stock Option Agreement; Expense Reimbursement

   
     As a condition and inducement to Bank West entering into the Merger
Agreement, Northbay and Bank West entered into a Stock Option Agreement (the
"Stock Option Agreement") whereby Northbay granted Bank West an unconditional,
irrevocable option to purchase up to 547,354 fully paid and nonassessable
shares of Northbay Common Stock at a cash purchase price of $13.25 per share,
upon the occurrence of certain triggering events.  Such shares constitute 19.9%
of the presently outstanding shares of Northbay (without giving effect to the
shares issuable upon the exercise of such options).  The Stock Option Agreement
is intended to make it more difficult for another party to acquire Northbay,
thereby increasing the likelihood that the  Merger will occur.  In addition,
under certain circumstances, if either party terminates the Merger Agreement,
the non-terminating party will pay the terminating party's expenses relating to
the Merger incurred up to $250,000.  See "PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER -- Stock
Option Agreement."

    

Appraisal Rights

     Under Delaware law, holders of Northbay Common Stock who do not vote in
favor of the Merger are entitled to appraisal rights provided that they strictly
comply with certain statutory procedures.  See "PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER --
Appraisal Rights" and Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
attached as Appendix B for a more complete description of the appraisal rights.

Accounting Treatment

     The Merger will be treated as a purchase for accounting purposes.
Accordingly, under generally accepted accounting principles, the assets and
liabilities of Northbay will be recorded on the books of Bank West at their
respective fair values at the time of consummation of the Merger.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Market Prices and Dividends

   

     The Common Stock of Northbay is listed and traded on the American Stock
Exchange (the "AMEX") under the symbol "NBF."  The closing price per share for
the Northbay Common Stock as reported on the AMEX on November 9, 1995, the last
full trading day prior to the announcement of the execution of the Merger
Agreement, was $13.00.  Northbay has paid dividends of $.44 and $.40 per common
share for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1995 and 1994, respectively.  On
February 15, 1996, there were approximately 873 stockholders of record.  See
"Market Prices and Dividends of Northbay Common Stock."

    

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   
     The following tables set forth certain unaudited selected consolidated
financial and other data for Northbay at the dates and for the periods
indicated.  Information at  December 31, 1995 and for the  six months ended 
December 31, 1995 and 1994 is unaudited, but, in the opinion of management,
contains all adjustments (none of which were other than normal recurring
entries) necessary for a fair statement of the results at such date or for such
periods.  This information is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
detailed information and Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto
which are incorporated in this Proxy Statement by reference.
    


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                                                        At    
                                                     December   
                                                        31,                          At June 30,
                                                                 --------------------------------------------------
                                          1995         1995         1994         1993         1992         1991
                                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                       (In Thousands)
Financial Condition:
- -------------------
<S>                                     <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        
Assets................................  $396,841     $391,058     $364,713     $311,349     $295,094     $263,768
Loans receivable, net.................   341,524      343,852      324,711      267,497      239,052      207,315
Loans held for sale...................       --            --           --       10,209        9,731       15,997
Mortgage-backed securities held to                                                                                
 maturity.............................     2,792        1,672        1,778        5,130        7,304        1,130 
Mortgage-backed securities available
   for sale...........................    12,373        8,441        6,165         1,733       2,767        2,992
Investments/(1)/......................    21,344       17,795       14,776        11,390      21,712       22,492
Savings accounts......................   284,109      283,909      276,900       255,075     255,338      225,865
Advances from FHLB....................    69,336       60,036       47,695        19,217       3,247        5,816
Other borrowing.......................     4,852        9,332        3,118         3,055       4,895        3,788
Stockholders' equity..................    35,356       34,578       33,684        31,233      28,076       24,984
    
</TABLE> 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                                          Six Months Ended
                                            December 31,                          Year Ended June 30,
                                        --------------------    --------------------------------------------------------
                                          1995         1994       1995        1994        1993        1992        1991
                                        --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                                              (In Thousands, except per share data) 
Operations:
- ----------                         
<S>                                     <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
Interest income......................   $14,484     $12,777      $26,154     $22,914    $24,254     $26,478     $26,398
Interest expense.....................     8,691       6,328       14,463       9,225      9,615      13,373      15,378
                                        -------     -------      -------     -------    -------     -------     -------
Net interest income..................     5,793       6,449       11,691      13,689     14,639      13,105      11,020
Provision for loan losses............       170         222          412         725        722         529         214
                                        -------     -------      -------     -------    -------     -------     -------
Net interest income after  provision
 for loan losses.....................     5,623       6,227       11,279      12,964     13,917      12,576      10,806
Noninterest income...................       446         533          950       1,286      1,335       1,022         996
Noninterest expense..................     4,507       4,601        9,170      9,125       8,656       7,235       6,910
                                        -------     -------      -------     -------    -------     -------     -------
Income before tax....................     1,562        2,159        3,059      5,125       6,596      6,363       4,892
Income tax expense...................      (593)        (825)      (1,127)    (2,067)     (2,859)    (2,876)     (2,060)
Cumulative effect of change in
 accounting principle for income
 taxes/(2)/..........................        --          --           --         220          --          --          --
Net income...........................   $   969     $ 1,334      $ 1,932     $ 3,278     $ 3,737     $ 3,487     $ 2,832
                                        =======     =======      =======     =======     =======     =======     =======
Earnings per share/(3)/..............
   Primary...........................   $   .33     $   .46      $   .67     $  1.13     $  1.29     $  1.20     $   .99
                                        =======     =======      =======     =======     =======     =======     =======
   Fully diluted.....................   $   .33     $   .46      $   .67     $  1.12     $  1.29     $  1.20     $   .98
                                        =======     =======      =======     =======     =======     =======     =======
Dividends declared per share.........   $   .11     $   .22      $   .44     $   .41     $   .32     $   .28     $    --
                                        =======     =======      =======     =======     =======     =======     =======
    
</TABLE> 

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                                         As of or For the
                                            Six Months
                                        Ended December 31,                 As of or for the Year Ended June 30
                                       --------------------     --------------------------------------------------------
                                         1995        1994         1995        1994        1993        1992        1991
                                       --------    --------     --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Other Selected Data:
- -------------------
<S>                                    <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Net interest rate spread.............    2.70%       3.27%        2.88%       4.14%       4.87%       4.60%       4.15%
Net yield on average                                                    
 interest-earning assets.............    3.04        3.48         3.14        4.36        5.11        4.98        4.57
Return on average assets.............    0.49        0.69         0.50        1.00        1.24        1.26        1.12
Return on average equity.............    5.53        7.80         5.64        9.95       12.47       13.05       11.94
Average equity to average assets                                                                                       
 ratio...............................    8.89        8.86         8.82       10.03        9.98        9.69        9.35 
Dividend payout ratio/(4)/...........   62.44       37.68        57.23       25.63       14.90        9.80          --
Average interest-earning assets to                                      
 average interest-bearing                                                                                 
  liabilities........................  107.36      106.33       106.52      107.37      107.25      107.55      106.70 
Ratio of total operating expenses                                       
 to total average assets.............    2.29        2.38         2.36        2.78        2.88        2.62        2.72
Ratio of nonperforming assets to                                        
 average assets......................    0.99        0.81         0.74        1.37        0.92        0.44        0.32
Branch  offices......................       8           8            8           8           7           7           6
    
</TABLE>
- ------------------
/(1)/ Includes certificates of deposit, overnight federal funds, income funds,
      U.S. Government securities and interest-bearing cash balances.
/(2)/ See note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in
      Northbay's Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended
      June 30, 1995, which is incorporated by reference herein.
/(3)/ See note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in
      Northbay's Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended
      June 30, 1995, which is incorporated by reference herein.
/(4)/ Aggregate cash dividends paid during the period divided by net income.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
   
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                                MARCH 29, 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   This Proxy Statement is being furnished in connection with the solicitation
of proxies by the Board of Directors of Northbay to be used at the Meeting to be
held on March 29, 1996 at 3:00 p.m., Petaluma, California time, and at any
adjournment or postponement thereof.  The accompanying Notice of Special Meeting
of Stockholders and this Proxy Statement are first being mailed to stockholders
on or about February 28, 1996.

   At the Meeting, stockholders will be asked to consider and vote on a proposal
to approve the Merger Agreement.  The Merger Agreement provides for the merger
of NF Acquisition Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank West, with and into
Northbay, with Northbay as the surviving  corporation, followed by the mergers
of Northbay and Northbay Savings with and into Bank West, with Bank West as the
surviving corporation.  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, upon consummation of
the proposed Merger, each share of Northbay Common Stock outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time of the Merger will be canceled and converted into
the right to receive $15.75 per share in cash, subject to potential downward
adjustment, as provided in the Merger Agreement, to a floor of $15.375, without
any interest thereon.  See "PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER" and Appendix A.  THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHBAY BELIEVES THAT THE MERGER IS IN THE BEST  INTERESTS OF
NORTHBAY AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE
"FOR" APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED
THEREBY.
    

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               SOLICITATION, VOTING AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   
   Stockholders of record as of the  close of business on February 22, 1996
are entitled to one vote for each share of Northbay Common Stock then held.  As
of the Record Date, 2,750,522 shares of Northbay Common Stock were issued and
outstanding.  At that date, such shares were held of record by approximately 873
stockholders.  The presence, in person or by proxy, of at least a majority of
all the outstanding shares of Northbay Common Stock entitled to vote at the
meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Meeting.

   The affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding
shares of Northbay Common Stock entitled to vote is required in order to approve
the Merger Agreement.  Therefore, a failure to return a properly executed proxy
card or to vote in person at the Meeting will have the same effect as a vote
against approval of the Merger Agreement.  Approval of the proposal to adjourn
the Meeting to solicit additional proxies requires the affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to
vote at the Meeting.
    

   Abstentions will be counted as shares present at the Meeting for purposes of
determining the presence of a quorum and will have the same effect as a vote
against approval of the proposals.  Broker non-votes will be considered present
at the Meeting for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum but will not
be considered as voting at the Meeting.  Broker non-votes will have the same
effect as a vote against approval of the proposals.

   
   As of the Record Date, the directors and executive officers of Northbay and
their affiliates beneficially owned a total of 473,226 shares of Northbay
Common Stock, or 17.2% of the outstanding shares, excluding 182,082 shares
subject to unexercised options held by such persons, which cannot be voted at
the Meeting.  The directors and executive officers of Northbay have granted to
Bank West irrevocable proxies permitting Bank West to vote their respective
Northbay shares in favor of the Merger at the Special Meeting.  See "PROPOSAL I
- - THE MERGER -Certain Proxies on Northbay Shares."
    

   As of the Record Date, the directors and executive officers of Bank West and
their affiliates beneficially owned no outstanding shares of Northbay Common
Stock.  See "PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER - Stock Option Agreement" for information
regarding an option to purchase up to 547,354 shares of Northbay Common Stock
that was granted by Northbay to Bank West.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
   Shares of Northbay Common Stock represented by properly executed proxies will
be voted in accordance with the instructions indicated on the proxies or, if no
instructions are indicated, will be voted FOR approval of the Merger Agreement
and the proposal to adjourn the Meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional
proxies.  Properly executed proxies will be voted in accordance with the
determination of a majority of the Board of Directors as to any other matter
which may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement
thereof, however proxies voting against approval of the Merger Agreement will
not be voted by the Board of Directors in favor of adjournment of the Meeting.
Stockholders who execute proxies retain the right to revoke them at any time.
Proxies may be revoked by written notice to the Secretary of Northbay, by the
filing of a later dated proxy prior to a vote being taken at the Meeting, or by
attending the Meeting and voting in person.  A proxy will not be voted if a
stockholder attends the Meeting and votes in person.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   
   Persons and groups owning in excess of five percent of  Northbay Common
Stock are required to file certain reports with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act").  Based upon such reports, management knows of no
persons or groups at February 15, 1996 who owned beneficially more than 5% of
the outstanding shares of Northbay's Common Stock.  See "PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER
- - Stock Option Agreement" for information regarding an option to purchase up to
547,354 shares of Northbay Common Stock that was granted by Northbay to Bank
West.  The table sets forth, as of the same date, certain information as to the
shares of Northbay's Common Stock beneficially owned by each of the directors of
Northbay, a senior vice president of Northbay and all directors and executive
officers of Northbay as a group.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                                                                            Percent of 
                 Name of                       Amount and Nature of       Northbay Common
            Beneficial Owner               Beneficial Ownership/(1)(2)/  Stock Outstanding 
- -----------------------------------------  ----------------------------  ------------------ 
<S>                                        <C>                           <C>
  Directors:
  Alfred A. Alys                                    115,616/(3)/                4.10%
  Victor L. DeCarli                                  90,582                     3.28
  Herold Mahoney                                     90,582                     3.28
  Raymond Nizibian, D.D.S.                           88,910                     3.22
  Donald P. Ramatici                                 91,020                     3.30
  Martin A. Stinar                                   57,616                     2.09
  Eugene W. Traverso                                 11,483                     0.42
Non-director Executive Officer:
  Granville I. Stark                                 37,967/(4)/                1.37
All Executive Officers and Directors as             655,308/(5)/               22.34
 a Group (10 persons)                                                 
    
</TABLE>
   
(1)  Includes certain shares owned by businesses in which the director is an
     officer or major stockholder or by spouses, by immediate family members, or
     as a custodian or trustee for minor children, over which shares the named
     individual effectively exercises sole or shared voting and investment
     power, unless otherwise indicated.  Also includes shares which directors
     have a right to purchase pursuant to stock options under the Stock Option
     Plan.  Except as noted below, does not include 123,159 shares owned by
     the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "ESOP"), over which shares the
     ESOP Committee, consisting of certain directors, exercises partial voting
     and investment power.  In addition, does not include 6,985 shares owned by
     the Bank's Profit Sharing Plan, over which shares certain directors
     exercise voting and dispositive powers.

(2)  Includes 70,501, 8,494, 8,494, 8,494, 8,494, 8,494 and 8,494 shares which
     may be purchased upon the exercise of employee stock options by Messrs.
     Alys, DeCarli, Mahoney, Nizibian, Ramatici,  Stinar and Traverso,
     respectively.

(3)  Includes 6,388 shares held by the ESOP which have been allocated to
     Mr. Alys.

(4)  Includes 1,999 shares owned directly, 2,878 shares owned through an IRA,
     2,752 shares owned through his wife's IRA, 592 shares owned through
     Northbay's Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 3,575 shares owned by Northbay's
     ESOP which have been
    

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
   
     allocated to him and 26,171 shares which he has a right to purchase
     pursuant to the exercise of stock options under the Stock Option  Plan.

(5)  Includes 182,082 shares which executive officers and directors as a group
     have a right to purchase pursuant to the exercise of stock options under
     Northbay's Stock Option Plan and 15,203 shares owned by Northbay's ESOP
     which have been allocated to executive officers, but excludes 123,159
     shares owned by the ESOP over which certain directors exercise partial
     voting and dispositive power as members of the ESOP Committee and 6,985
     shares owned by Northbay's Profit Sharing Plan over which certain directors
     exercise shared voting and dispositive power as trustees of such plan.
    

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   The following information concerning the Merger, insofar as it relates to
matters contained in the Merger Agreement, is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the Merger Agreement, which is attached hereto as Appendix A.
Northbay stockholders are urged to read the Merger Agreement carefully.

General

   
   Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, NF
Acquisition , a wholly-owned first-tier subsidiary of Bank West, will be merged
with and into Northbay, with Northbay as the surviving corporation.
Additionally, immediately following the Effective Time, Northbay and Northbay
Savings will be merged with and into Bank West, with Bank West as the surviving
corporation.  As a result of the Merger, Northbay will cease to exist as a
separate entity and Bank West will succeed to all of the assets and liabilities
of Northbay.  Upon completion of the Merger, stockholders of Northbay will no
longer own any stock in Northbay and will not, as a result of the Merger, own
any Bank West common stock.
    

   Bank West may elect to modify the structure of the mergers, provided,
however, that Bank West shall not have the right to make any revision to the
structure of the transaction that would (a) materially and adversely affect the
timing of the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein or (b)
adversely affect the tax effect or economic benefits of the Merger to the
holders of Northbay Common Stock.

   
   At the Effective Time, each of the shares of Northbay Common Stock
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into the
right to receive $15.75 per share in cash, subject to potential downward
adjustment as provided in the Merger Agreement, to a floor of $15.375, without
any interest thereon.  The Merger Consideration shall be adjusted downward if,
at the Effective Time, Northbay Net Worth shall be less than the Net Worth Floor
(as such term is defined below), by an amount equal to the product of (i) the
dollar amount by which Northbay Net Worth at such time is less than such amount
and (ii) 1.125, divided by 2,987,705.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions,
in no event shall the Merger Consideration be adjusted downward to less than 
$15.375 per share of Northbay Common Stock.
    
 
   The "Net Worth Floor" is defined in the Merger Agreement as follows:
$35,000,000  in the event the closing of the Merger (the "Closing") occurs on or
after April 30, 1996; $34,850,000 in the event the Closing occurs between March
31, 1996 and April 29, 1996 (dates inclusive); $34,700,000 in the event the
Closing occurs between February 29, 1996 and March 30, 1996 (dates inclusive);
$34,550,000 in the event the Closing occurs between January 31, 1996 and
February 28, 1996 (dates inclusive); and $34,400,000 in the event the Closing
occurs between December 31, 1995 and January 30, 1996 (dates inclusive).

   
   If prior to the Effective time, Northbay shall declare a stock dividend or
distribution upon or subdivide, split up, reclassify or combine Northbay Common
Stock, or declare a dividend, or make a distribution, on Northbay Common Stock
in any security convertible into Northbay Common Stock, appropriate adjustment
will be made to the Merger Consideration to reflect the change in the capital
stock of Northbay as a result thereof.  If at the Effective Time, Northbay shall
have outstanding more shares of Northbay Common Stock than are contemplated to
be outstanding or subject to option pursuant to Northbay's representation and
warranty in the Merger Agreement, then the Merger Consideration shall be
adjusted downward so as to reflect the total number of shares of Northbay Common
Stock outstanding over the amount contemplated pursuant to Northbay's
representation and warranty in the Merger Agreement.
    

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
   
   As of the Record Date, there were 2,750,522 shares of Northbay Common Stock
issued and outstanding and outstanding stock options to acquire 237,183 shares
of Northbay Common Stock for an aggregate Merger Consideration on that date of
approximately $47.1 million, reflecting the total number of shares and options
to be exchanged times the purchase price.  Within 10 days after the Effective
Time, Bank West will mail to holders of record of Northbay Common Stock a letter
of transmittal and instructions for surrendering certificates evidencing
Northbay Common Stock.  Upon delivery to the paying agent to be designated in
such letter of transmittal and instructions of a properly executed letter of
transmittal and such certificates, a stockholder will receive a check for the
shares of Northbay Common Stock represented by the certificates and the
certificates so surrendered will be canceled.  No interest will be paid or
accrued on the cash amount to which the stockholder became entitled at the
Effective Time.  DO NOT SEND STOCK CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME.
    

   Delaware law provides for certain appraisal rights to the holders of Northbay
Common Stock in connection with the Merger.  See "-- Appraisal Rights" for more
information.

Background of the Merger

   
   On August 10, 1994, Northbay engaged Kaplan to provide financial advisory
services to Northbay in connection with the desire of Northbay's Board and
management to enhance shareholder value.  At Northbay's request, Kaplan
initiated a process of exploring various strategic options available to Northbay
for enhancement of shareholder value, including implementation of certain
earnings improvement objectives, initiation of common stock repurchases,
acquiring or merging with other financial institutions, purchasing branch
offices and deposits of other institutions, and pursuing a sale of the company.
During October and November 1994, Kaplan presented analyses to Northbay
management that evaluated the potential benefits related to these options.
    

   At the November 16, 1994 regular monthly meeting of the Northbay Board,
Kaplan presented its analysis of Northbay's ability to deliver value to its
shareholders through various alternatives.  Kaplan discussed the range of future
values that could be provided through remaining independent using varying
assumptions regarding expansion and earnings growth and utilizing certain
assumptions regarding trading price multiples relative to earnings per share and
tangible book value.  In addition, the potential benefits of certain branch
purchases and an acquisition of another thrift institution along with other
earnings enhancement strategies were reviewed in detail and compared with a
possible sale of Northbay as a means of enhancing shareholder value.  The likely
values achievable from a sale of Northbay were based, in part, on Northbay's
financial performance trends and outlook, the increased trading price level of
Northbay Common Stock reflecting acquisition speculation to some extent,
acquisition values for comparable institutions headquartered in California and
other Western states, and the probable interest of other parties in acquiring
Northbay's retail banking franchise.  The Northbay Board further discussed with
its advisors the increasingly competitive banking environment in which Northbay
operated, the increased competition arising from non-banking entities, and the
presence in Northbay's immediate and adjacent markets of significantly larger
financial institutions seeking to expand through acquisitions.

   After a thorough review of this analysis and previous analyses of other
methods of enhancing shareholder value, the Northbay Board determined that the
possible sale of Northbay might be the approach that was in the best interest of
Northbay and its shareholders.  Accordingly, in order for the Northbay Board to
fully assess the strategic alternatives available to enhance shareholder value
and consistent with its view as to its fiduciary responsibilities to
shareholders, the Northbay Board authorized management and Kaplan, in
consultation with legal counsel, to seek solicitations of interest from other
parties regarding a possible acquisition of Northbay.

   Kaplan, in consultation with the Northbay Board and management, developed a
list of twenty-four financial institutions that were considered to be
potentially interested in a possible acquisition of Northbay and capable of
effecting such a transaction.  At the direction of the Northbay Board, Kaplan
contacted these twenty-four institutions during January and February 1995 to
determine whether they would be interested in considering the acquisition of
Northbay.  Of these parties, seven institutions executed confidentiality
agreements with Northbay and received a detailed information memorandum
concerning Northbay's operations.  These seven institutions each were also
invited to submit a written preliminary indication of interest, including a
proposed acquisition price.  Three written preliminary indications of interest
were received with two being submitted on March 3, 1995 and one on March 13,
1995.  The lowest indication of value set forth a proposed acquisition price of
$14.00 per share.  A second indication

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
of value set forth a range of $15.00 to $16.00 per share, while a third
indication of value expressed an imputed value of $15.73 per share.

   The two institutions that submitted the highest written indications of
interest were invited to conduct limited due diligence reviews of Northbay.  The
third institution elected not to proceed further after being informed that,
because its indication of interest was positioned below all others, due
diligence privileges would be extended only if a higher indication of value was
being contemplated.  At the conclusion of this due diligence process in April
1995, each of the remaining two institutions was given an opportunity to submit
a revised indication of interest. Both of the written revised indications were
received on April 21, 1995.  One institution presented a lower revised
indication of value at $15.06 per share as compared to its preliminary
indication, and the other institution narrowed its range to reflect a revised
indication of value at $15.50 per share.  Each institution's written revised
indication included a provision that any negotiations to effect a definitive
merger agreement would be conducted on an exclusive basis between Northbay and
the acquiring party and would prohibit Northbay from soliciting further other
acquisition proposals.

   The Northbay Board instructed Kaplan to evaluate the two revised indications,
based primarily on the value and form of consideration since the lower proposal
constituted a combination of cash and stock in the acquiring institution and the
higher proposal represented cash entirely.  Kaplan presented to the Northbay
Board on April 26, 1995 detailed information concerning the valuation terms and
capital gains tax-related consequences of each offer proposal along with, where
applicable, financial condition data, operating performance trends, historical
stock price movement and current dividend policy.  Kaplan advised the Northbay
Board that the values of consideration indicated by both proposals were
consistent with the range of Northbay's fundamental acquisition value.  However,
because of the differing forms of consideration represented by each proposal,
Kaplan concluded that each institution should be given the opportunity to submit
"best and final" indications of interest.

   
   The two institutions were subsequently informed that the Northbay Board had
determined that the two remaining indications of interest were extremely close
to one another and that, therefore, it was in the best interests of Northbay and
its shareholders to offer each institution a final opportunity to revise its
proposal to acquire Northbay.  The institution that previously submitted the
indication of value at $15.06 per share responded that it was not prepared to
revise its proposal.  Bank West, which was the institution that previously
submitted the indication of value at $15.50 per share, disclosed in ensuing
discussions that it was willing to make an upward price revision to its most
recent written proposal, subject to the negotiation of other transaction terms
and conditions.  At this point, Northbay indicated to Bank West that the
Northbay Board had determined to commence negotiations on an exclusive basis
with Bank West toward reaching a definitive merger agreement.  In addition, Bank
West would be allowed to continue its due diligence investigation of Northbay.
On May 3, 1995, Northbay and Bank West entered into a written agreement
providing for the exclusive negotiation of terms and conditions relating to a
possible acquisition of Northbay.  Among other stipulations, this agreement of
exclusivity was subject to termination by May 31, 1995  if a definitive merger
agreement for  a transaction was not  entered into by both parties before such
date.

   After several weeks of negotiating and exchanging draft definitive
agreements, Northbay and Bank West were unable to reach a mutually satisfactory
definitive agreement before the exclusivity termination date of May 31, 1995.
During the course of such negotiations, Bank West expressed a possible
willingness to enter into a transaction with Northbay with potentially greater
value than the Merger, subject, however to negotiation of an agreement
containing various conditions and provisions which could have reduced, pursuant
to a formula, the purchase price per share for each dollar by which the net
worth of Northbay at closing was less than a pre-determined amount (without
limit on the amount by which the formula would reduce the purchase price) and
which would have given Bank West the right to terminate the proposed transaction
in certain events, including the occurrence of circumstances where the net
financial effect on Northbay of changes in the future premiums and assessments
of the FDIC would have exceeded certain levels.  In addition, under the
proposals then under discussion, Northbay could have been responsible for
payment of Bank West's out-of-pocket expenses plus a termination fee upon
termination of the transaction by Bank West under certain circumstances.
Northbay's financial advisor and board of directors concluded that it would not
be in the best interests of Northbay and its stockholders to enter into a
transaction on the basis then under discussion taking into account the
uncertainty regarding the value of such a transaction, the risks that the
transaction might not close and the termination fee and expenses which would be
payable by Northbay under certain circumstances.  As a result, Northbay and Bank
West discontinued negotiations in June 1995.  The two other
    

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
institutions that had earlier submitted written indications of interest were
informed in June 1995 that the solicitation process for interest in Northbay had
been extended.  One of these institutions had recently announced a pending
acquisition of a large financial institution and, therefore, indicated to
Northbay that its interest in pursuing such an acquisition of Northbay was
deferred indefinitely.  The second institution, which previously did not perform
a due diligence review of Northbay, confirmed its continuing interest and was
invited to conduct such a due diligence review in July 1995.  In August 1995,
this institution indicated in final discussions that it was not prepared to
revise its indication significantly from its initial proposal.

   Following these events, Northbay elected to explore more intensively the
feasibility of branch office and whole institution acquisitions as strategies to
enhance shareholder value.  Preliminary discussions to acquire another financial
institution did not lead to serious negotiations.  In August 1995, Northbay
submitted a written offer to purchase four branch offices and related deposits
situated in Sonoma County.  These branches were being marketed for sale by an
out-of-state institution with limited operations in the local area.  Northbay
did not emerge as the winning bidder for these branch offices, which are being
acquired by a much larger institution.  During this period, Northbay also
considered the possible purchase of two branch offices from a local institution.
However, the branches were subsequently withdrawn from the sale marketing
process by the potential seller.

   Bank West re-contacted Kaplan in October 1995 to indicate its continuing
interest in a possible acquisition transaction with Northbay.  The Northbay
Board authorized Kaplan to resume discussions with Bank West and the other
institution previously submitting the next highest written indication of value.
Bank West and the second institution were informed of the improved performance
trends and operating outlook at Northbay.  The latter institution responded
that, primarily because of its pending acquisition, it was not prepared to
promptly commence a re-evaluation of its indication of value regarding Northbay.
However, Bank West affirmed its interest and indicated that its final indication
of value was $15.75 per share, payable in cash.  On October 17, 1995, Northbay
and Bank West entered into a new exclusivity agreement for the negotiation of a
definitive merger agreement between the two companies.

   After further negotiations between the parties, the Northbay Board
determined, in reliance upon advice from Kaplan and legal counsel, to accept the
proposal submitted by Bank West and reached mutual agreement with Bank West upon
the terms and conditions pursuant to such transaction.  The Northbay Board met
at a specially convened meeting on November 9, 1995 to review the Merger
Agreement.  Representatives of Kaplan attended the meeting and presented to the
Northbay Board its analysis of the financial terms of the proposed transaction
and the ability of Bank  West to consummate such an acquisition.  Kaplan also
informed the Northbay Board of its opinion that the proposed purchase price of
$15.75 per share was fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of
Northbay Common Stock.  Legal counsel reviewed the Merger Agreement with the
Northbay Board and responded to various questions.

   
   Following these presentations and after discussion, the Northbay Board
unanimously voted to approve and  execute the Merger Agreement.  The Merger
Agreement was approved by the Bank West Board on the same date. After the close
of business of November 9, 1995, the execution and delivery of the Merger
Agreement was announced publicly through the issuance of a press release.
    

Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the Board of Directors

   Northbay's Board of Directors believes that the terms of the Merger
Agreement, which are the product of arm's length negotiations between
representatives of Bank West and Northbay, are fair and in the best interests of
Northbay and its stockholders.  In the course of reaching its determination, the
Northbay Board of Directors consulted with legal counsel with respect to its
legal duties, the terms of the Merger Agreement and the issues related thereto;
with its financial advisor with respect to the financial aspects and fairness of
the transaction; and with senior management regarding, among other things,
operational matters.

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
   In reaching its determination to approve the Merger Agreement, Northbay's
Board of Directors considered all factors it deemed material, including the
following:

   
   (a) The Northbay Board analyzed information with respect to the financial
condition, results of operations, cash flow,  business and prospects of
Northbay.  In this regard, the Northbay Board considered the recent performance
trends of Northbay which included, among other things, a decrease in net income
as set forth in the financial statements incorporated by reference in this Proxy
Statement. The Northbay Board analyzed the options of selling Northbay or
continuing on a stand-alone basis.  The range of values on a sale of control
basis were determined to generally exceed the present value of Northbay shares
on a stand-alone basis under business strategies which could be reasonably
implemented by Northbay.

   (b) The Northbay Board considered the written opinion of Kaplan that, as of
November 9, 1995, the Merger Consideration to be received by holders of Northbay
Common Stock pursuant to the Merger Agreement was fair to Northbay stockholders
from a financial point of view.  See "-- Opinion of Financial Advisor." The
Northbay Board reviewed the assumptions and results of the various valuation
methodologies employed by Kaplan in arriving at the Kaplan opinion and found
those assumptions and results to be reasonable and complete. In addition, the
Northbay Board considered the relationship of the purchase price of $15.75 per
share to the recent and then current market value. In particular, the $15.75
purchase price represented a 21.2% premium to the closing price of $13.00 per
share of Northbay Common Stock on the last full trading day prior to the public
announcement of the execution of the Merger Agreement.  The Northbay Board also
considered that the Northbay Common Stock had traded during calendar year 1994
at levels in excess of the agreed upon purchase price with Bank West. However,
the Northbay Board concluded that the fundamental value of Northbay Common Stock
had declined as a result of the sharp downturn in earnings that had occurred
since late 1994.
    

   (c) The Northbay Board considered the current operating environment,
including but not limited to, the continued consolidation and increasing
competition in the banking and financial services industries, the prospect for
further changes in these industries, the issues pertaining to the BIF/SAIF
deposit insurance premium differential, federal regulatory agency consolidation
and the importance of being able to capitalize on developing opportunities in
these industries.  This information had been periodically reviewed by the
Northbay Board at its regular Board meetings and was also discussed between
Northbay's Board and Northbay's various advisors.

   (d) The Northbay Board considered the other terms of the Merger Agreement,
including the taxable nature of the Merger Consideration.

   
   (e) The Northbay Board considered the detailed financial analyses, pro forma
and other information with respect to the financial condition, results of
operations, cash flow, businesses and prospects of Northbay as well as the
Board's own knowledge of Northbay, Bank West and their respective businesses.
In this regard, the latest financial and other information regarding Northbay
was analyzed, including a comparison of Northbay's current and anticipated
future operating results to publicly-available financial and other information
for other similar savings institutions. The Northbay Board also considered the
current and prospective economic and competitive conditions facing savings
institutions generally and Northbay in particular.
    

   (f) The Northbay Board considered the likelihood of the Merger being approved
by the appropriate regulatory authorities, including factors such as market
share analyses, Bank West's Community Reinvestment Act rating at that time and
the estimated pro forma financial impact of the Merger on Bank West.  See "--
Regulatory Approvals."

   (g) The Northbay Board considered the ability of Bank West to pay the
aggregate Merger Consideration.  Northbay's Board reviewed Bank West's liquidity
and capital position in evaluating the ability of Bank West to pay the aggregate
Merger Consideration.

   (h) The Northbay Board considered the fact that the Merger Agreement
prohibits Northbay from initiating, soliciting, or encouraging discussions with
third parties relating to alternative transactions and that the Stock Option
Agreement grants Bank West an option to purchase up to 547,354 shares of
Northbay Common Stock

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
at a purchase price of $13.25 per share upon the occurrence of certain
triggering events, and the fact that Bank West required such provisions as a
condition to entering into the Merger Agreement.

   
   The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the
Northbay Board is not intended to be exhaustive, but constitutes the material
factors considered by the Northbay Board.  In reaching its determination to
approve and recommend the Merger Agreement, the Northbay Board did not assign
any relative or specific weights to the foregoing factors, and individual
directors may have weighed factors differently.  After deliberating with respect
to the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement,
considering, among other things, the matters discussed above and the opinion of
Kaplan referred to above, the Northbay Board unanimously approved and adopted
the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby as being in the
best interests of Northbay and its stockholders. In reaching its determination,
the Northbay Board was aware of the interests of certain Northbay insiders in
the Merger, and considered such interests, among other factors, in approving the
Merger Agreement.  See "Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."
    

   FOR THE REASONS SET FORTH ABOVE, THE NORTHBAY BOARD HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
THE MERGER AGREEMENT AS ADVISABLE AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF NORTHBAY AND ITS
STOCKHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS OF NORTHBAY VOTE FOR THE
                                                                   ---
APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.

Opinion of Financial Advisor

   Pursuant to the terms of an engagement letter dated as of August 10, 1994,
Northbay retained Kaplan as its financial advisor to generally advise the
Northbay Board on financial and strategic matters relating to the enhancement of
shareholder value, including the possible sale of Northbay and such other
matters as requested by the Northbay Board.  Kaplan is a nationally recognized
financial advisory and consulting firm that specializes in the thrift, banking
and mortgage industries.  Kaplan is regularly engaged in the independent
valuation of businesses and securities in connection with mergers and
acquisitions, initial public offerings, private placements, recapitalizations
and valuations for corporate, estate and other purposes.  The Northbay Board
selected Kaplan to serve as its financial advisor based upon Kaplan's
qualifications, experience and reputation, as well as Kaplan's familiarity with
Northbay's business and market area.  There were no limitations imposed by
Northbay on the scope of Kaplan's investigation or on the procedures followed by
Kaplan in rendering its opinion.

   Northbay paid Kaplan a general advisory fee of $25,000 upon the execution of
the above-referenced engagement letter, and an installment progress fee of
$25,000 upon the determination by the Northbay Board to solicit interest from
other parties in a possible acquisition of Northbay.  Following the delivery of
Kaplan's fairness opinion in conjunction with Northbay's execution of the Merger
Agreement, Northbay paid Kaplan a specific advisory fee of $100,000.  In
addition, upon the closing date of the Merger, Northbay will pay Kaplan a
contingent transaction fee of approximately $263,000.  Northbay also has agreed
to indemnify Kaplan against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
federal securities laws, and to reimburse Kaplan for certain out-of-pocket
expenses in connection with its services as financial advisor with respect to
the Merger.

   Representatives of Kaplan attended the special meeting of the Northbay Board
held on November 9, 1995 at which the Northbay Board considered and approved the
Merger Agreement.  At this meeting, Kaplan rendered its written opinion to the
Northbay Board that, as of such date, the Merger Consideration to be received
for each share of Northbay Common Stock was fair to the stockholders of Northbay
from a financial point of view.  Kaplan's opinion was reconfirmed in writing as
of the date of this Proxy Statement.

   The full text of Kaplan's written opinion as of the date hereof, which sets
forth  assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on the review
undertaken by Kaplan, is attached as Appendix C to this Proxy Statement and is
incorporated herein by reference.  This opinion is substantially identical to
the opinion rendered on November 9, 1995, and should be read in its entirety in
connection with this Proxy Statement. Kaplan's opinion is directed only to the
Merger Consideration and does not constitute a recommendation to any Northbay
stockholder as to how such stockholder should vote at the Northbay Special
Meeting or as to any other matter.  The summary of the opinion of Kaplan set
forth in this Proxy Statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
full text of such opinion.

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
   
   In connection with rendering its opinion, Kaplan reviewed and analyzed
material bearing upon the financial condition and operating performance of
Northbay and Bank West and material prepared in connection with the Merger,
including, among other things:  (a) the Merger Agreement; (b) this Proxy
Statement; (c) certain publicly available business and financial information
filed with regulatory agencies by Northbay and by Bank West; (d) certain other
publicly available financial data and other information concerning Northbay and
the trading market for Northbay Common Stock; (e) certain other internal
information, including projections for Northbay prepared by the management of
Northbay and furnished to Kaplan for purposes of its analysis; and (f) publicly
available information concerning certain other thrifts and banks, the trading
markets for their securities and the nature and terms of certain other merger
and acquisition transactions that Kaplan believed relevant to its inquiry.
Kaplan also met with certain officers and representatives of Northbay and Bank
West to discuss the foregoing as well as other matters that Kaplan believed
relevant to its inquiry.  Kaplan also considered such financial and other
factors as it deemed appropriate under the circumstances and took into account
its assessment of general economic, market, and financial conditions and its
experience in other transactions, as well as its experience in securities
valuations and knowledge of the thrift and banking industries generally.
Kaplan's opinion was necessarily based upon conditions as they existed and could
be evaluated on the date thereof and the information made available to Kaplan
through the date thereof.

   In conducting its review and arriving at its opinions, Kaplan relied upon and
assumed the accuracy and completeness of the financial and other information
provided to it or publicly available and did not attempt independently to verify
the same.  Kaplan has relied upon the management of Northbay as to the
reasonableness and achievability of the financial forecasts (and the assumptions
and bases therefor) provided to Kaplan, and assumed that such forecasts
reflected the best currently available estimates and judgments of  Northbay
management and that such forecasts would be realized in the amounts and time
periods estimated by Northbay management.  Kaplan also assumed, without
independent verification, that the aggregate allowances for loan losses for
Northbay and Bank  West are adequate to cover such losses.  Kaplan did not make
or obtain any evaluations or appraisals of the assets or liabilities of
Northbay.

   In connection with rendering its opinions to the Northbay Board, Kaplan
performed a variety of financial analyses. All material valuation methodologies
considered by Kaplan in connection with the preparation of its opinion are
summarized below.  The summary of the analyses performed by Kaplan in this
regard as set forth herein does not purport to be a complete description of such
analyses.  Kaplan believes that its analyses and the summary set forth herein
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 processes underlying its
opinions.  The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process involving
subjective judgments and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or
summary description.
    

   In performing its analyses, Kaplan made numerous assumptions with respect to
industry performance, business and economic conditions, and other matters, many
of which are beyond the control of Northbay or Bank West.  Such analyses were
prepared solely as part of Kaplan's analysis of the fairness of the Merger
Consideration to Northbay stockholders.  No company or transaction utilized in
Kaplan's analyses was identical to Northbay or Bank West or the Merger.
Accordingly, such analyses are not based solely on arithmetic calculations;
rather, they involve complex considerations and judgments concerning differences
in financial and operating characteristics of the relevant companies, the timing
of the relevant transactions, and prospective buyer interest, as well as other
factors that could affect the public trading values of the company or companies
to which they are being compared.  Any estimates contained in Kaplan's analyses
are not necessarily indicative of actual values or actual future results, which
may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by such analyses.  In
addition, estimates of values of companies do not purport to be appraisals or
necessarily reflect the prices at which companies or their securities actually
may be sold.  Furthermore, as described previously, Kaplan's opinion is just one
of many factors taken into consideration by the Northbay Board.

   
   The following is a brief summary of the analyses performed by Kaplan in
connection with its opinion:
    

   Comparable Company Analysis.  In rendering its opinion, Kaplan examined the
operating performance of Northbay in comparison to publicly traded thrift
institutions that Kaplan deemed to be comparable to Northbay.  This group of
companies comprised 26 publicly traded thrift institutions based in the state of
California ("Comparable Companies").  Kaplan analyzed the relative performance
and outlook for Northbay by comparing certain financial

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
performance and trading market information of Northbay with the Comparable
Companies. Kaplan compared Northbay with the Comparable Companies based on
selected operating fundamentals, including profitability, capital adequacy and
asset quality.  Using the latest available financial data as of or for the
twelve months ended September 30, 1995 and market price data as of November 3,
1995, the median market price to latest twelve months earnings per share was
17.4x for the Comparable Companies and 22.8x for Northbay.  The median price to
stated book value was 89.8% for the Comparable Companies and 102.9% for
Northbay.  The median price to stated tangible book value was 90.9% for the
Comparable Companies and 103.1% for Northbay.  The implied trading market values
for Northbay derived from such comparable company analysis utilizing the
resulting valuation ratio medians ranged from approximately $9.94 to $11.48 per
share.  Based on financial data for Northbay as of September 30, 1995, the
Merger Consideration of $15.75 per share represented 124.7% of Northbay's stated
book value, 125.0% of Northbay's stated tangible book value and a multiple of
27.6x relative to Northbay's latest twelve months earnings per share.

   At September 30, 1995, the median equity to assets ratio was 6.23% for the
Comparable Companies and 8.79% for Northbay.  The median tangible equity to
assets ratio was 6.07% for the Comparable Companies and 8.78% for Northbay.  The
median latest twelve months return on average assets was 0.29% for the
Comparable Companies and 0.43% for Northbay.  The median return on average
equity was 4.10% for the Comparable Companies and 4.83% for Northbay.

   Comparable Transaction Analysis.  Kaplan performed an analysis of certain
comparable California financial institution acquisition transactions based upon
the acquisition price relative to stated book value, stated tangible book value,
latest twelve months earnings per share and the premium over tangible book value
in relation to core deposits. The analysis included a review and comparison of
the median offer premiums represented by a group of 22 pending and completed
acquisitions of California thrifts and banks that were announced since January
1, 1995.  The analysis yielded the following acquisition premium medians: (i) a
median premium to book value of 129.3%, compared to 124.7% for the Bank West
offer to acquire Northbay; (ii) a median premium to tangible book value of
132.1%, compared to 125.0% for the Bank West offer; (iii) a median multiple to
latest twelve months earnings of 15.6x, compared to 27.6x for the Bank West
offer; and (iv) a median core deposit premium of 4.02% in relation to tangible
book value, compared to 4.45% for the Bank West offer.

   
   Discounted Cash Flow Analysis.  Kaplan prepared a discounted cash flow
analysis that indicated theoretical present values for Northbay based on a range
of terminal price-to-earnings multiples between 7.0x and 16.0x and discount
rates from 12.0% to 15.0%.  The range of values was based upon future dividend
estimates, varying assumptions regarding common stock repurchases, internally
projected earnings for the next three years and constant growth of 5.0% or 10.0%
over the succeeding two years.  Assuming a terminal price-to-earnings multiple
of 15.0x, earnings growth of 5.0% in the outlying years and no repurchases of
common stock, produced a theoretical present value of $14.50 per share.  The
results of the present value sensitivity analysis indicated a range of
theoretical values for Northbay from $7.71 per share to $18.27 per share.

   Kaplan also prepared a discounted cash flow analysis based upon a range of
terminal price-to-book ratios between 70.0% and 160% and discount rates from
12.0% to 15.0%. Assuming a terminal price-to-book ratio multiple of 130.0%,
earnings growth of 5.0% in the outlying years and no common stock purchases,
produced a theoretical present value of $14.14 per share.  The results of the
present value sensitivity analysis indicated a range of theoretical values for
Northbay from $8.42 per share to $17.71 per share.  Kaplan compared these values
to the Merger Consideration offered to Northbay stockholders in the Merger.

    Impact Analysis. Kaplan analyzed the relative contribution of Northbay to
certain balance sheet and income statement items, including total assets,
deposits and net income, of the combined company on a pro forma basis. In
addition, Kaplan considered the impact of the Merger on the financial condition
of the combined company, based on certain estimates by Kaplan and the management
of Northbay, as well as evaluation of other financial data available at the
time.

   Stock Performance Analysis.  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Merger
Consideration will consist of the right to receive $15.75 in cash for each share
of Northbay Common Stock, subject to certain adjustments and limitations as set
forth in the Merger Agreement.  Kaplan examined the trading history of Northbay
Common Stock
    

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
from January 1, 1990 through November 9, 1995.  Kaplan also reviewed closing
prices for Northbay Common Stock from January 1, 1995 to November 9, 1995.
During such recent period, the daily closing price of Northbay Common Stock
ranged from a low of $12.625 per share to a high of $15.00 per share.  Prior to
the announcement of the Merger, the closing price for Northbay Common Stock was
$13.00 per share as of November 9, 1995.

Effective Time

   
   As soon as practicable on the Closing Date hereinafter defined, a
certificate of merger  shall be duly prepared, executed, acknowledged and filed
by the parties in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Delaware
General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware.  Unless Bank West shall specify differently, the Certificate of Merger
shall be effective at 12:01 a.m., California time, on the calendar day following
the Closing Date.  The Closing will take place at 10:00 a.m., California time,
on the first Business Day (which is defined as other than a Saturday or Sunday
or day on which commercial banks in the State of California are authorized or
required by law to be closed) which is the last Business Day of the month
following the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions required by the Merger
Agreement (the "Closing Date"), unless another time, date or place is agreed to
in writing by the parties hereto.  However, in the event that the Closing does
not occur on or before 11:59 p.m. June 30, 1996, then the Closing shall take
place within ten days after the satisfaction of the conditions referred to
above.  Assuming the timely receipt of all regulatory approvals, the expiration
of all statutory waiting periods and the satisfaction or waiver of all
conditions in the Merger Agreement, it is currently anticipated that the Merger
will be consummated in the second quarter of 1996.  Either Northbay or Bank
West may terminate the Merger Agreement if the Merger is not consummated by
August 31, 1996 or for certain other reasons specified in the Merger Agreement.
    

Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger

   
   The directors and executive officers of Northbay together with their
affiliates, beneficially owned a total of 473,226 shares of Northbay Common
Stock (representing 17.2% of all outstanding shares of Northbay Common Stock)
on February 15, 1996.  In addition, such individuals were awarded 182,082
options granted pursuant to the Stock Option Plan, which have exercise prices
ranging between $3.99 and $12.41 per share.   The directors and executive
officers will receive the same consideration for their shares, including  any
shares which they may acquire prior to the Effective Time pursuant to the
exercise or ownership of such options, as the other stockholders of Northbay.
Certain members of Northbay's management and the Board of Directors have certain
interests in the Merger that are in addition to their interest as stockholders
of Northbay generally.  The Board of Directors was aware of these interests and
considered them, among other matters, in approving the Merger Agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby.

   Employment and Severance Agreements; Salary Continuation Agreement.  Alfred
A. Alys, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Granville I.
Stark, Senior Vice President, Bertha Balfour, Senior Vice President, Cathy
Simondi, Assistant Vice President, and Greg Jahn, Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer, have employment or severance agreements with Northbay
and/or Northbay Savings. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each of the above-
named individuals shall be entitled to receive from Northbay or Northbay
Savings, at the Effective Time, payments with respect to their change of control
severance payments. Pursuant to these agreements, Bank West will make payments
aggregating $1.1 million as follows: to Mr. Alys of approximately $317,000; to
Mr. Stark of $294,000; to Mrs. Balfour of $196,000; to Ms. Simondi of $60,000;
and to Mr. Jahn of $235,000.  Mr. Alys also has a Salary Continuation Agreement
with Northbay.  The Salary Continuation Agreement provides for payments of
$75,000 per year to be made to Mr. Alys for ten years beginning upon his
attaining age 62.  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Northbay may establish and
fund a trust to make payments to Mr. Alys under the Salary Continuation
Agreement. Northbay has established and intends to fund the trust with amounts
sufficient to make the payments to Mr. Alys called for by the Salary
Continuation Agreement.  In addition, Bank West will enter into a consulting
agreement and a noncompetition agreement with Mr. Alys at the Effective Time.
Pursuant to these agreements, Bank West will make a $250,000 payment to Mr. Alys
at the Effective Time. The consulting agreement generally provides that Mr. Alys
will perform specified services for Bank West following the Effective Time for a
term ending on Mr. Alys' 62nd birthday. The noncompetition agreement with Mr.
Alys will be substantially the same as discussed below for the other directors
of Northbay.
    

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
   Directors' and Officers' Indemnification.  For a period of six years
following the Effective Time (or the period of the applicable statute of
limitations, if longer), all rights to indemnification and exculpation from
liability for acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the Effective Time now
existing in favor of the current or former directors or officers of Northbay and
its subsidiaries as provided in their respective certificate or articles of
incorporation or by-laws or otherwise shall survive the Merger and shall not be
amended, repealed or otherwise modified in any manner that would adversely
affect the rights thereunder of any such indemnified persons.  Bank West has
also agreed, subject to certain conditions, to maintain for a period of six
years from the Effective Time Northbay's current directors' and officers'
insurance and indemnification policy to the extent that it provides coverage for
events occurring prior to the Effective Time for all persons who are directors
and officers of Northbay or its subsidiaries on the date of the Merger
Agreement.

   
   Local Advisory Board.  Bank West has agreed to have members of the Board of
Directors of Northbay serve as a local advisory board to Bank West for a period
of time following the Closing.  The purpose of the advisory board will be to
provide advice and consultation to Bank West's management and to assist in the
successful implementation of the business combination.  The advisory board will
have an initial term of two years, which can be renewed by agreement between
Bank West and such board on terms to be agreed upon prior to the expiration of
the initial term.  During the first six months of the initial term, the advisory
board will hold regular meetings once per month.  Thereafter, during the
remaining 18 months of the initial term, advisory board meetings will be held on
a quarterly basis.  Each member of the advisory board will be paid a retainer in
the amount of $1,000 per month for the first six months of the initial term and
$2,000 per quarter thereafter for the remaining 18 months of the initial term.
No separate fees will be paid for attendance at any meetings of the advisory
board.  In addition, for a period of two years following the Closing, Bank West
will provide monthly payments with respect to the health insurance premiums
for medical, dental and vision care coverage for each of the directors of
Northbay (and their spouses), not to exceed $3,000 in the aggregate for all
directors and their spouses.  At the end of such two-year period, the Northbay
directors and their spouses will each be entitled to participate, at their own
expense for life, in the group health plan of Bank West.

   Directors' Noncompetition Agreement. At the Effective Time, each member of
the Board of Directors of Northbay will enter into a noncompetition agreement
with Bank West. Under the noncompetition agreements, except as a director,
officer or employee of Bank West or any subsidiary thereof, the directors agree
that, without the prior written consent of Bank West, they will not at any time
within the Noncompetition Period (as defined below), directly or indirectly,
within Sonoma, Napa or Marin Counties (the "Counties") in the state of
California, whether or not for compensation, engage in, or have any material
interest in, any person, firm, corporation, or business (whether as an employee,
officer, director, agent, shareholder holding, directly or indirectly, 5% or
more of the voting securities thereof, partner, consultant, adviser, holder of
any substantial beneficial ownership interest or otherwise) that engages in any
banking activity within any of the Counties which is the same as, similar to, or
competitive with any activity now engaged in by Northbay or Northbay Savings or
any banking activity which will be engaged in by Bank West or its subsidiaries
as long as Northbay, Bank West, or any transferee of all or substantially all of
the assets of Bank West, Northbay or their subsidiaries or any other successor
thereof shall engage in such activity, except that nothing therein shall
prohibit any of the directors from providing professional services, such as
legal or accounting advice, to clients.  The "Noncompetition Period" shall mean,
as to each director, the period beginning immediately following the Effective
Time and ending two calendar years thereafter (the "Expiration Date"),
provided however, that, as to each director who serves on the advisory board
described above, the Noncompetition Period shall expire on the later of (i) the
Expiration Date and (ii) one year following the date such director ceases to
be a member of the advisory board.

   Lease Agreements.  Directors Victor DeCarli, Herold Mahoney and Donald P.
Ramatici, and certain members of their immediate family,  lease properties to
Northbay.  The leases will be assumed by Bank West as part of the Merger.
Pursuant to a letter agreement, each of these directors have agreed to amend
such leases so that (i) the premises shall be used and occupied only for savings
and loan, bank or other financial institution purposes, or for office, retail or
administrative purposes, or for any other lawful purpose, and for no other
purpose or purposes without the prior express written consent of lessor, and
(ii) the premises shall not be deemed vacated or abandoned if lessee continues
to pay rent.
    

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
   1988 Stock Option and Incentive Plan.  In 1988, Northbay adopted the Stock
Option Plan.  Under the Stock Option Plan, options to purchase 237,183 shares of
Northbay Common Stock have been issued to directors, officers and key employees
of Northbay.  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Northbay is required to provide
for the cancellation of all outstanding options upon the Effective Time, in
exchange for a cash payment equal to the Merger Consideration per share over the
exercise price per share for all options outstanding, whether  or not then
exercisable.  Executive officers and directors currently hold options to
purchase an aggregate of 182,082 shares. Under this arrangement, such officers
and directors will receive, net of the option exercise price per share, a total
of approximately $2.0 million.

Employee Matters and Impact on Employee Benefit Plans

   
   Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Bank West will pay employees of Northbay
who are retained following completion of the Merger at their base salaries in
effect at the Closing Date. Bank West has no obligation to retain any employee
or to refrain from reassigning any employee as Bank West shall determine is
necessary or appropriate. Employees of Northbay who are retained by Bank West
will be entitled to participate in the employee benefit, welfare and related
plans and programs of Bank West and will (i) receive past service credit for
their employment with Northbay and (ii) not be subject to any waiting period or
preexisting condition exclusion in connection with medical, dental, life and
disability coverage as well as receiving full credit for their prior
copayments and deductibles.

   Northbay will terminate all stock plans other than the ESOP at the
Effective Time and  delete as of the Effective Time any provision in any benefit
plan that provides for the issuance, transfer or grant of Northbay Common Stock
to ensure that as of the Effective Time no holder of a stock option or any
participant in any benefit plan shall have the right to acquire any capital
stock of either Northbay or Bank West.  In addition, the 401(k) and profit
sharing plan may be terminated prior to the Effective Time and the account
balances distributed to participants or beneficiaries, with the right of tax
free rollover, to the extent permitted by law, to an individual retirement
account or another tax-qualified plan that accepts such a rollover, at the
election of the distributee.

   Northbay adopted the ESOP in 1988 for the benefit of its employees.  At
September 30, 1995, the ESOP held 123,159 shares of Northbay Common stock.
Northbay Common Stock held by the ESOP will be converted into cash in the amount
of $15.75 per share.  Northbay may prepay the liabilities of the ESOP prior to
the Effective Time.  All Merger Consideration received with respect to the
unallocated shares of Northbay Common Stock held by the ESOP will be applied to
prepay the remaining liabilities of the ESOP, and any excess Merger
Consideration over the amount of such liabilities will be allocated to the ESOP
participants as investment earnings of the ESOP to the extent permitted by
Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Northbay may take
action prior to the Effective Time to amend the ESOP to (i) provide for full
vesting of benefits by participants and (ii) eliminate any requirement for a
participant to be employed on the last day of the plan year to receive an
employer contribution or other annual additions or allocations.
    

Certain Proxies on Northbay Shares

   
   The following directors and officers of Northbay, pursuant to the
requirements of the Merger Agreement, have granted to Bank West irrevocable
proxies permitting Bank West to vote their respective Northbay shares in favor
of the Merger at the Meeting:  Alfred A. Alys, Victor R. DeCarli, Herold
Mahoney, Raymond Nizibian,  Donald P. Ramatici, Martin A. Stinar and Eugene W.
Traverso.  Such proxies cover an aggregate of 417,951 shares or 15.2% of the
outstanding shares of Northbay Common Stock.
    

Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences

   The receipt of cash for Northbay Common Stock pursuant to the Merger will be
a taxable transaction for federal income tax purposes to stockholders receiving
such cash (and may be a taxable transaction for state, local and foreign tax
purposes as well).  A holder of Northbay Common Stock will recognize a gain or
loss measured by the difference between such stockholder's tax basis for the
Northbay Common Stock owned by him or her at the time of the Merger and the
amount of cash received therefor.  Such gain or loss will be a capital gain or
loss if the stock is a capital asset in the hands of the stockholder.

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
   
   The cash payments due the holders of Northbay Common Stock upon the exchange
of such Northbay Common Stock pursuant to the Merger (other than certain exempt
persons or entities) will be subject to "backup withholding" for federal income
tax purposes unless certain requirements are met.  Under federal law, the third-
party paying agent must withhold 31% of the cash payments to holders of Northbay
Common Stock to whom backup withholding applies, and the federal income tax
liability of such persons will be reduced by the amount so withheld. To avoid
backup withholding, a holder of Northbay Common Stock must provide the 
exchange agent with his or her taxpayer identification number and complete a
form in which he or she certifies that he or she has not been notified by the
Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") that he or she is subject to backup
withholding as a result of a failure to report interest and dividends.  The
taxpayer identification number of an individual is his or her Social Security
number.

   No ruling has been or will be requested from the IRS as to any of the tax
effects to Northbay's stockholders of the transactions discussed in this Proxy
Statement, and no opinion of counsel has been or will be rendered to Northbay's
stockholders with respect to any of the tax effects of the Merger to
stockholders.
    

   THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER MAY VARY DEPENDING UPON THE PARTICULAR
CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH STOCKHOLDER.  THEREFORE, EACH STOCKHOLDER IS URGED TO
CONSULT HIS OR HER TAX ADVISOR TO DETERMINE THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF
THE MERGER TO SUCH HOLDER, INCLUDING THOSE RELATING TO STATE, LOCAL AND/OR OTHER
TAXES.

Surrender of Stock Certificates

   Promptly after the Effective Time of the Merger, Bank West will mail written
transmittal material concerning the surrender of stock certificates to each
record holder of shares of Northbay Common Stock outstanding at the Effective
Time.  The transmittal material will contain instructions with respect to the
proper method of surrender of certificates formerly representing shares of
Northbay Common Stock in exchange for the Merger Consideration.  STOCKHOLDERS
SHOULD  NOT SEND STOCK CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME.

   Upon delivery to the exchange agent of certificates formerly representing
shares of Northbay Common Stock for cancellation, together with properly
completed transmittal material, a Northbay stockholder will receive a check in
payment of the Merger Consideration for the shares of Northbay Common Stock
represented by such certificates. Northbay stockholders will not be entitled to
receive interest on any cash to be received in the Merger.

Regulatory Approvals

   
   The Merger is subject to the approval of the FDIC and the Superintendent and
certain aspects of the Merger will require notification to, or waivers from the
OTS and Federal Reserve Board.  There can be no assurance that such regulatory
approvals will be obtained, and, if obtained, there can be no assurance as to
the date of any such approvals.  There can also be no assurance that any such
approvals will not contain a condition or requirement which causes such
approvals to fail to satisfy the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement.
Specifically, under the Merger Agreement, Bank West is not obligated to effect
the Merger if any such approval imposes any requirement upon Bank West or its
affiliates which would result in a Material Adverse Effect on Bank West or its
affiliates, or would reduce the benefits of the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement to Bank of the West in so significant a manner that Bank West,
in its reasonable good faith judgment, would not have entered into the Merger
Agreement had such condition or requirement been known at the time of its
execution.
    

   The Merger must be approved by the FDIC pursuant to the provisions of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the "FDIA").  This federal statute provides that
no transactions may be approved which would result in a monopoly or (i) which
would be in furtherance of any combination or conspiracy to monopolize , or to
attempt to monopolize, the business of banking in any part of the United States,
or (ii) whose effect in any section of the country may be substantially to
lessen competition, or to tend to create a monopoly, or which in any manner
would be in restraint of trade, unless the FDIC finds that the anticompetitive
effects of the proposed transaction are clearly outweighed in the public
interest by the probable effect of the transaction in meeting the convenience
and needs of the community to be served.  In conducting a review of any
application for a merger, the FDIC is required to consider

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
   
the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the companies and
the banks concerned and the convenience and needs of the community to be served.
In addition, the FDIC is required to assess the record of Bank West and Northbay
under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended (the "CRA").  Bank West
filed an application seeking approval of the Merger with the FDIC in December
1995.  The parties anticipate that the FDIC will act on and approve the
application in the first quarter of 1996.
    

   A transaction approved by the FDIC may not be consummated for at least 30
days after such approval. During such period, the United States Department of
Justice may challenge the Merger under federal antitrust laws. Such period may
be reduced to such shorter period of time as prescribed by the FDIC with the
concurrence of the Department of Justice but in no event less than 15 days, if
the Department of Justice has not commented adversely on the competitive effects
of the Merger.  If the Department of Justice does not commence a legal action
during such period, it may not thereafter challenge the transaction except in an
action commenced under the antimonopoly provisions of Section 2 of the Sherman
Antitrust Act.

   The FDIA and the regulations of the FDIC provide for the publication of
notice and the opportunity for administrative hearings relating to an
application for approval under the FDIA and authorizes the FDIC to permit
interested parties to intervene in the proceedings.  If an interested party is
permitted to intervene, such intervention could substantially delay the
regulatory approval required for consummation of the Merger.

   
   The merger of the Bank into Bank West must also be approved by the
Superintendent pursuant to the California Financial Code (the "Financial Code").
Under the Financial Code, the Merger Agreement and an application for approval
of the same must be filed with the Superintendent.  The Merger shall not become
effective until the Merger Agreement has been approved in writing by the
Superintendent.  The Merger Agreement and an application were filed with the
Superintendent in December 1995.  The parties anticipate that the Superintendent
will act on and approve the application in the first quarter of 1996.
    

Representations and Warranties

   
   In the Merger Agreement, Northbay and Northbay Savings, on the one hand, and
Bank West on the other, have made certain representations and warranties to each
other.  Northbay and Northbay Savings have represented and warranted, among
other things, as to their organization and capitalization, their insurance
coverage, their authority to enter into the Merger Agreement and the Stock
Option Agreement and to consummate the Merger, material compliance with all
applicable laws, the accuracy of their financial statements, documents filed
with the SEC, regulatory reports and public reports, the accuracy of information
supplied to Bank West, the absence of any prohibited activities, legal
proceedings against them, their properties, contractual rights and duties, their
tax returns and taxes, the absence of changes in their employee benefit plans,
compliance with ERISA, certain environmental laws, and other matters relating
to their business, assets, liabilities and operations.  Bank West and NF
Acquisition have represented and warranted to Northbay, among other things, as
to their organization and capitalization, their authority to enter into the
Merger Agreement, the accuracy and completeness of the information regarding
their business operations which is contained in this Proxy Statement, compliance
with the CRA, their ownership of Northbay Common Stock, the absence of any
litigation or other circumstances that would impair the ability of Bank West to
perform its obligations under the Merger Agreement, the accuracy of their
financial statements and the necessary capital to consummate the transactions
contemplated under the Merger Agreement. Reference is made to the Merger
Agreement  attached as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement.
    

Conditions to Consummation; Termination

   
   The obligations of Northbay to consummate the Merger are subject to the
satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including: (i) approval of the
Merger Agreement by Northbay's stockholders holding at least a majority of the
outstanding shares of Northbay Common Stock; (ii) receipt of all required
consents, approvals and waivers from third parties and governmental agencies;
(iii) the accuracy and truthfulness of the representations and warranties of
Bank West; (iv) the absence of any order, decree or injunction which enjoins or
prohibits the consummation of the Merger; (v) the performance of all obligations
of Bank West under the Merger Agreement and Stock Option Agreement; and (vi) the
receipt of an opinion of Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP, counsel to Bank West,
in form consistent with the requirements of the Merger Agreement.
    

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
   
   The obligations of Bank West are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of
certain conditions, including: (i) the accuracy and truthfulness of the
representations and warranties made by Northbay; (ii) the absence of any
material adverse change to the business, condition (financial or otherwise)
capitalization or properties of Northbay or Northbay Savings; (iii) the receipt
of all required consents, approvals and waivers from governmental agencies; (iv)
the absence of any order, decree or injunction which enjoins or prohibits the
consummation of the Merger; (v) the receipt of a comfort letter from KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP, independent auditors for Northbay; (vi) the receipt of an opinion
from  counsel to Northbay, in form consistent with the requirements of the
Merger Agreement; (vii) the termination of all Northbay and Northbay Savings
stock options and stock option plans and any provision in any benefit plan
providing for the issuance, transfer or grant of Northbay stock common stock
prior to the Effective Time; (viii) Northbay stockholder approval of the Merger
Agreement; (ix) the performance of all obligations of Northbay under the Merger
Agreement; (x) the absence of any Burdensome Condition, as that term is defined
in the Merger Agreement, imposed by any governmental entity which would result
in a material adverse effect on Bank West; (xi) the absence of certain
contingent liabilities; and (xii) the execution and  delivery of noncompetition
agreements by the following directors and officers of Northbay:  Alfred A. Alys,
Victor R. DeCarli, Herold Mahoney, Raymond Nizibian, Donald P. Ramatici,
Martin A. Stinar and Eugene W. Traverso.

   The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective
Time, either before or after approval by Northbay stockholders, as follows: (i)
by the mutual consent of the parties; or (ii) by the Board of Directors of
either Bank West or Northbay at any time after the date that (a) the
stockholders of Northbay fail to approve the Merger Agreement and the Merger by
an affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of 
Northbay Common Stock at a meeting held for such purpose; (b) any required
governmental consent or approval is not obtained; (c) the other party fails to
satisfy any of its covenants and obligations or representations and warranties
under the Merger Agreement or under the Stock Option Agreement and the breach is
not cured within 30 days after written notice has been provided to the breaching
party, subject to certain limitations; or (d) the Effective Time has not
occurred prior to August 31, 1996, unless such failure to complete the Merger
by that time is the result of the wilful and material breach of the Merger
Agreement on the part of the party wishing to terminate the Merger Agreement.

   In addition, the Merger Agreement may be terminated by Bank West if; (i)
prior to the meeting, a takeover proposal is made to Northbay and (a) Northbay 
stockholder approval is not obtained at the Meeting, (b) the Meeting does not
occur prior to June 30, 1996, or (c) the Board of Directors of Northbay
withdraws, modifies its approval or recommendation of the Merger or the Merger
Agreement or approves or recommends any takeover proposal; (ii) governmental
approval of the Merger has not been obtained; (iii) a development has occurred
which has resulted in a Material Adverse Effect on Northbay which Northbay has
not been able to remedy within 30 days following Bank West's notification of its
intention to terminate; (iv) as of the Closing Date the total of all Northbay
deposit liabilities, including accounts accessible by negotiable orders of
withdrawal, demand deposits, passbook accounts, certificates of deposit, but
excluding all brokered deposits and depository accounts with balances greater
than $100,000, are less than $230 million or (v) Northbay's net worth (as
defined) as of the Closing Date is less than $34.0 million.
    

Business Pending Consummation

   Pursuant to terms of the Merger Agreement, Northbay shall, and shall cause
the Bank to, conduct its businesses only in the ordinary and usual course
consistent with past practices and shall cause the Bank to use its best efforts
to maintain and preserve its business organization and maintain in effect all
licenses, permits and government approvals necessary for the conduct of its
present business.

   
   Furthermore, the Merger Agreement contains certain restrictions upon the
conduct of Northbay and Northbay Savings's business pending consummation of the
Merger.  In particular, the Merger Agreement provides that, except as otherwise
provided in the Merger Agreement or without the written consent of Bank West,
neither Northbay, Northbay Savings or its subsidiary may, among other things:
(a) issue, sell, purchase, redeem or commit to issue, sell, purchase or redeem
any shares of their capital stock or grant any options or other rights to
purchase any of its common stock or issue, sell or authorize the issuance or
sale of any securities convertible into its common stock or make any dividend
payment (except as discussed below); (b) amend their respective articles of
incorporation, charter, or bylaws; (c) enter into any new material line of
business; (d) except as required by
    

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
   
regulatory authorities, change its lending, credit, investment, liability
management, deposit interest rate or service charge or other material banking
policy; (e) except as required by regulatory authorities, incur or commit to any
capital expenditure or obligation in excess of $25,000 individually or $100,000
in the aggregate; (f) declare or pay any cash or stock dividends (except as
discussed below); (g) acquire or agree to acquire any material assets or equity
interests; (h) sell, lease, mortgage, encumber, or otherwise dispose of any of
its assets other than in the ordinary course of business; (i) incur any
indebtedness other than in the ordinary course of business; (j) fail to notify
Bank West of any Material Adverse Effect on Northbay that would cause a breach
under the Merger Agreement; (k) fail to file all required tax returns; (l)
change its fiscal year or methods of accounting; (m) declare or pay any bonus
or other special compensation or increase any benefit to any director, officer,
or employee other than in the ordinary course of business; (n) make or become a
party to any contract or commitment or modify, amend or extend an existing 
contract not in the ordinary course of business; (o) make, renew, increase,
extend, or purchase any loans, advances or loan commitments except for loans,
advances or commitments of less than $1 million made in the ordinary course of
business; (p) pay any liability or obligation not in the ordinary course of
business; (q) institute, settle or agree to settle any claim, other than in
the ordinary course of business; (r) make any investments other than investment
of less than $1 million made in the ordinary course of business; (s) change the
manner in which interest rates on deposit accounts have been determined; and (t)
knowingly default in any material respect under any agreement that would result
in a material, adverse impact on Northbay or Northbay Savings, as a whole.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Effective Time has not occurred by April
30, 1996, other than by reason of a breach or default under the Merger Agreement
by Northbay, then Northbay may declare and pay a special cash dividend equal to
Northbay's net income after such date subject to the requirement that Northbay
shall have conducted its operations in the ordinary course consistent with prior
practices and shall have so certified to Bank West.
    

Waiver

   Prior to the Effective Time, any condition of the Merger Agreement (to the
extent allowed by law) may be waived by the party benefitted by the provision.

Stock Option Agreement

   
   As a condition and inducement to Bank West entering into the Merger
Agreement, Northbay and Bank West entered into the Stock Option Agreement 
whereby Northbay granted Bank West an unconditional, irrevocable option to
purchase up to 547,354 fully paid and nonassessable shares of Northbay Common
Stock at a purchase price of $13.25 per share, upon the occurrence of certain
triggering events followed by the acquisition of beneficial ownership or voting
power equal to 25% or more of Northbay Common Stock outstanding by any person
other than Bank West.  The Stock Option Agreement is intended to make it more
difficult for another party to acquire Northbay, thereby increasing the
likelihood that the Merger will occur. Consequently, certain aspects of the
Stock Option Agreement may have the effect of discouraging persons who might now
or prior to the Effective Time be interested in acquiring all or part of
Northbay.  The option shares, if issued pursuant to the Stock Option Agreement,
would represent approximately 19.9 percent of the issued and outstanding shares
of Northbay Common Stock, without giving effect to the issuance of any shares
pursuant to an exercise of the Stock Option.  A copy of the Stock Option
Agreement is attached hereto as Appendix D.

   The number of shares of Northbay Common Stock subject to the Stock Option
will be adjusted to the extent that Northbay issues additional shares of
Northbay Common Stock (otherwise than pursuant to an exercise of the Stock
Option) such that the number of Option Shares will continue to equal 19.9
percent of the then issued and outstanding shares of Northbay Common Stock
without giving effect to the issuance of shares pursuant to an exercise of the
Stock Option.  The number of shares of Northbay Common Stock subject to the
Stock Option, and the applicable exercise price per Option Share, also will be
appropriately adjusted in the event of any stock dividend, split-up,
recapitalization, combination, subdivision, conversion, exchange of shares, or
similar transaction relating to Northbay.

   Bank West has the right to require Northbay to repurchase the Stock Option
and shares issued pursuant to the Stock Option within 18 months after it
provides Northbay notice of its intent to exercise the Stock Option. Such
repurchase shall be equal to the sum of: (1) the aggregate exercise price paid
by Bank West for option shares; (2) the
    

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
   
excess, if any, of (a) the Applicable Price (as defined in the Stock Option
Agreement) over (b) the option price with respect to the shares underlying the
unexercised portion of the Stock Option and (3) the excess, if any, of the (a)
Applicable Price over (b) the option price paid by Bank West for each share
acquired through the exercise of the Stock Option.
 
   Bank West may exercise the Stock Option, in whole or in part, at any time
after both an "Initial Triggering Event" and a "Subsequent Triggering Event" (as
each such term is defined in the Stock Option Agreement) occur prior to
termination of the Stock Option.  In certain circumstances, purchase of shares
of Northbay Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of the Stock Option will be
subject to approval by the OTS. Northbay has also granted Bank West certain
registration rights with respect to shares of Northbay Common Stock acquired
upon exercise of the Stock Option.
    

Appraisal Rights

   Pursuant to Delaware General Corporation Law Section 262 ("Section 262"), a
copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix B, a stockholder
of Northbay may dissent from the proposed corporate action to approve the Merger
Agreement and receive the right  to an appraisal of such stockholder's shares.

   
   If the Merger is consummated, dissenting stockholders (defined below) of
Northbay will have the right, if they strictly comply with the provisions of
Section 262, to have the fair value of their shares judicially determined and
paid to them ("appraisal rights").  Northbay is required to notify each
stockholder entitled to appraisal rights under Section 262 that such rights are
available, not less than 20 days prior to the Meeting, and include in such
notice a copy of Section 262, which is attached to this Proxy Statement as
Appendix B.  Any stockholder of Northbay intending to enforce his or her
appraisal rights under Section 262 must object in writing to the adoption of the
Merger Agreement prior to the Meeting, or at the Meeting but before the vote on
the Merger Agreement, by filing with the Secretary of Northbay a written
objection to the Merger ("a notice of election to dissent"), identifying himself
or herself and stating that he or she intends to demand an appraisal of his or
her shares.  A vote against, or a direction in a proxy to vote against, the
Merger Agreement will not in itself constitute a notice of election to dissent,
and will not preserve the stockholder's appraisal rights.  If the Merger
Agreement is approved and adopted at the Meeting, Northbay must give written
notice not later than ten days after the Effective Time that the Merger has
become effective to each stockholder who has timely filed a notice of election
to dissent and who has not voted in favor of the Merger Agreement (a "dissenting
stockholder").  A stockholder's vote in favor of the Merger Agreement will
constitute a waiver of his or her appraisal rights.  However, a stockholder's
failure to vote against the Merger Agreement will not in itself be a waiver of
his or her appraisal rights if he or she has filed a timely notice of election
to dissent.
    

   A notice of election to dissent may be withdrawn by a dissenting stockholder
at any time within 60 days after the Effective Time.  Upon such withdrawal the
dissenting stockholder will be entitled to receive the same consideration
received by the other Northbay stockholders. If (i) a dissenting stockholder
timely withdraws his or her notice of election to dissent, (ii) Northbay
stockholders do not approve the Merger Agreement, (iii) a court of competent
jurisdiction determines that the dissenting stockholder is not entitled to
payment for his or her shares, (iv) no petition for an appraisal is filed within
the time period discussed below, or (v) a dissenting stockholder otherwise loses
his or her appraisal rights, then such stockholder will be reinstated to any
rights other Northbay stockholders then have.

   Upon consummation of the Merger,  each dissenting stockholder will cease to
have any rights of a stockholder except the right to be paid the fair value of
his or her shares and the right to receive payments of dividends or other
distributions, if any, payable to stockholders of record prior to the Effective
Time and any other rights under Section 262.

   Within 120 days after the Effective Time a dissenting stockholder who has
perfected his or her appraisal rights may file a petition in the Delaware Court
of Chancery demanding a determination of the value of the shares of all
dissenting stockholders.  Upon the filing of any such petition by a stockholder,
service of a copy of such petition shall be made upon Northbay.  In addition,
such dissenting stockholder is entitled, during such time period, to request
from Northbay a statement as to the number of dissenting stockholders from whom
Northbay has received

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
a demand for appraisal and the number of shares of Common Stock held by such
stockholders.  Northbay must furnish the statement within ten days after receipt
of the request therefor.  Northbay must, within 20 days after the filing with
the Court of Chancery described above, file with the Register in Chancery a
verified list of the names and addresses of all dissenting stockholders.  The
Court may then order that all of the individuals on that list be notified of the
time and place of the hearing on the petition.

   At the hearing on the petition, the Court will determine the stockholders who
have complied with Section 262 and have become entitled to appraisal rights and
will determine the value of shares of the Northbay Common Stock based on all
relevant factors, exclusive of any element of value attributable to the
accomplishment or expectation of the Merger, together with a fair rate of
interest, if any, to be paid upon the amount determined to be the fair value.
The Court may require all dissenting stockholders to submit their certificates
for the Northbay Common Stock to the Register in Chancery for notation as to the
pendency of the appraisal proceeding with respect to such shares.  If any
dissenting stockholder fails to submit his certificates, the Court may dismiss
the proceedings as to such stockholder.

   
   Upon conclusion of the proceeding, the Court will direct Northbay to pay the
fair value of the shares, together with interest, if any, to the stockholders
entitled thereto, upon surrender of the certificates representing their shares.
Fair value, as determined by a court, may be more than, less than, or equal to
the Merger Consideration. The costs of the proceeding may be determined by the
Court and divided among the parties as the Court deems equitable.
    

   The procedures outlined above are set forth in Section 262, attached hereto
as Appendix B.  Upon compliance with the requirement of such section, a
dissenting stockholder will be entitled to receive payment of the fair value of
his or her shares in accordance with the procedures and subject to the
conditions set forth therein.

   Stockholders wishing to exercise their appraisal rights should consult their
own counsel.

   The foregoing is only a summary of the material provisions of Delaware law
relating to appraisal rights and should not be considered to be a comprehensive
legal description.  The statements in this Proxy Statement with respect to the
terms of Section 262 are qualified in their entirety by reference to the copy of
Section 262, attached hereto as Appendix B, setting forth a complete description
of the rights and obligations of Northbay and of any stockholder who desires to
exercise appraisal rights.  The failure of a holder of Northbay Common Stock to
vote against the Merger will not itself constitute a waiver of the right to
receive payment for his or her shares, nor will a vote against the Merger
satisfy the notice requirements referred to above.

Expenses

   The Merger Agreement provides that Bank West and Northbay will each pay their
own expenses in connection with the Merger Agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby.  In addition, under certain circumstances, if either party
terminates, the non-terminating party will pay the terminating party's expenses
relating to the Merger up to $250,000.

Accounting Treatment

   The Merger, if completed as proposed, will be treated as a purchase in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  Accordingly, the
assets and liabilities of Northbay will be recorded on the books of Bank West at
their respective fair values at the time of consummation of the Merger.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             PROPOSAL II - APPROVAL OF ADJOURNMENT OF THE MEETING
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   
   In the event that sufficient votes to approve the Merger Agreement are not
obtained by the date of the Meeting, stockholders are being asked to consider
and vote upon a proposal to adjourn the Meeting for a reasonable period of time
to solicit additional proxies.  An adjournment for that purpose will save
Northbay the considerable expenses related to a resolicitation of proxies on the
same matter.  Approval of the proposal to adjourn the Meeting
    

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
to solicit additional proxies requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the
shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the
Meeting.

   THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE IN FAVOR
OF ADJOURNMENT OF THE MEETING TO FURTHER SOLICIT PROXIES IN THE EVENT THE
REQUIRED VOTE IS NOT OBTAINED TO APPROVE THE MERGER AGREEMENT.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS OF NORTHBAY COMMON STOCK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   
   Northbay Common Stock initially began trading on April 11, 1989 at $3.99 per
share (as adjusted for subsequent stock splits and dividends) and is quoted on
the AMEX under the symbol "NBF".  The table below sets forth, for each quarter
during the last two fiscal years ended June 30, 1995 and subsequent interim
periods, the high and low closing prices of Northbay Common Stock as reported on
the AMEX.
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    
                                    Common Stock
                                --------------------
                                  High        Low
                                --------    --------
<S>                             <C>         <C>
Fiscal 1994
 First Quarter                   $ 12 7/8    $ 11 3/8
 Second Quarter                    13          12 1/4
 Third Quarter                     13          12
 Fourth Quarter                    15 7/8      11 1/2
Fiscal 1995
 First Quarter                     16          14 1/2
 Second Quarter                    16 3/8      13 3/4
 Third Quarter                     14 1/2      12 5/8
 Fourth Quarter                    14 5/8      13
Fiscal 1996
 First Quarter                     15          13 3/4
 Second Quarter                    15 1/4      12 7/8
 Third Quarter (through            15 1/2      15
 February 15, 1996)                                   
    
</TABLE>

     Cash dividends have been paid as follows: $.10 per share on July 30, 1993;
$.10 per share on October 29, 1993; $.10 per share on January 29, 1994; $.10 per
share on April 29, 1994; $.11 per share on July 20, 1994; $.11 per share on
October 19, 1994; $.11 per share on January 18, 1995; $.11 per share on April
19, 1995; $.11 per share on July 19, 1995; and $.11 per share on October 18,
1995.  See "PROPOSAL I - THE MERGER - Business Pending Consummation" for
information regarding dividend restrictions imposed upon Northbay pursuant to
the Merger Agreement.

   
     The closing price per share for the Northbay Common Stock as reported on
the AMEX on November 9, 1995, the last full trading day prior to the public
announcement of the execution of the Merger Agreement, was $13.00.  On 
February 14, 1996, which is the most recent date for which it was practicable to
obtain market data prior to the printing of this Proxy Statement, the closing
price per share of Northbay Common Stock was  $15.375. Holders of Northbay
Common Stock are urged to obtain current market quotations.  On February 15,
1996, there were  873 stockholders of record of the Northbay Common Stock.
    

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     INFORMATION REGARDING BANK OF THE WEST
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   
     Bank West is a California chartered commercial banking corporation
headquartered in San Francisco, California.  It is the eighth largest bank in
the State of California with total assets of approximately $4.4 billion and
total deposits of approximately $3.6 billion at December 31, 1995.  Its
deposits are insured by the FDIC. It is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of
BNP.
    

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
     Bank West conducts a general commercial banking business, providing retail
and corporate banking and trust services to individuals, institutions,
businesses and governments through 99 branches and other commercial banking
offices located primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area and elsewhere in
Northern California.  Bank West also generates indirect automobile loans and
leases, recreational vehicle loans, recreational marine vessel loans, equipment
leases and deeds of trust on single family residences through a network of
manufacturers, dealers, representatives and brokers in various states.

   
     The predecessor of Bank West was chartered as a national banking
association 120 years ago in San Jose, California.  Until its acquisition by BNP
in 1980, Bank West operated as a community bank mainly in Santa Clara County and
elsewhere in the southern portions of the San Francisco Bay Area.  During the
1990's, Bank West has expanded its market presence in the Northern California
region through a series of acquisitions of other financial institutions and
branches.  Bank West intends to continue expansion of its market presence
through a combination of in-market acquisitions and mergers, combined with
internally generated growth.
    

     Bank West seeks to serve a broad consumer customer base by furnishing a
range of commercial banking products.  In addition, Bank West provides through
an arrangement with an independent marketing concern complementary fee-based
products such as annuities, insurance and securities and also offers trust
services through its own Trust Department.  Through its branch network, Bank
West seeks to generate small business loans, direct vehicle loans, consumer
lines of credit and second mortgages.

     Bank West's principal executive offices are located at 180 Montgomery
Street, San Francisco, California 94104 and its telephone number is (415)
765-4800.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   
     Northbay is subject to the information requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith, file reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").  Such report, proxy
statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities of the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549.  Copies of such material can also be
obtained at prescribed rates by writing to Public Reference Section of the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C.  20549.
In addition, such reports, proxy statements and other information can be
inspected at the offices of the American Stock Exchange, Inc., 88 Trinity Place,
New York, New York 10006.
    


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The following documents filed by Northbay with the Commission are
incorporated into this Proxy Statement by reference:

   
     1.  Northbay's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
         June 30, 1995 (File No. 1-10203) filed pursuant to the Exchange Act,
         and any amendments or updates filed thereto;

     2.  Northbay's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended
         September 30, 1995 and December 31, 1995 (File No. 1-10203) filed
         pursuant to the Exchange Act;

     3.  Northbay's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated November 9, 1995 (File
         No. 1-10203) filed pursuant to the Exchange Act;

     4.  Portions of Northbay's Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal
         year ended June 30, 1995 (only page 2 (Selected Consolidated Financial
         Data), pages 6 through 18 (Management's Discussion and Analysis of
         Financial Condition and Results of Operations), pages 19 through 39
         (Financial Statements) and the Stock Market Information section on page
         40). Portions of the Annual Report
    

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
   
         to Stockholders which are not incorporated by reference are the outside
         and inside front covers, the graphs on page 3, the Corporate Profile
         and Officers sections on page 4, the shareholder letter on page 5 and
         all the Corporate Information on page 40 (except for the Stock Market
         Information section on page 40).

     All documents or reports subsequently filed by Northbay pursuant to Section
13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date hereof and prior to
the date of the  Meeting shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into
this Proxy Statement and to be a part of this Proxy Statement from the date of
filing of such document.  Any statement contained herein, or in a document all
or a portion of which is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein, shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Proxy
Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement.  Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Proxy Statement.

     Northbay's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended June 30,
1995 and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended December
31, 1995 are being delivered to Northbay Stockholders with this Proxy Statement.
    

     Northbay will provide without charge to any person to whom this Proxy
Statement is delivered, on the written or oral request of such person, a copy of
any or all of the foregoing documents incorporated by reference (other than
exhibits not specifically incorporated by reference into the texts of such
documents).  Requests for such documents should be directed to the Secretary of
Northbay Financial Corporation, 1360 Redwood Way, Petaluma, California  94954
(telephone (707) 792-7400).


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 EXPERTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   
     The consolidated financial statements of Northbay and its subsidiaries as
of June 30, 1995 and 1994 and for each of the years in the three-year period
ended June 30, 1995 that are incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement
have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants, appearing elsewhere
herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
    

     The report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP refers to and for the adoption of the
provisions of the Financial Accounting Standard Board's Statements of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" in 1994.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   
     KPMG Peat Marwick LLP serves as the Company's independent certified public
accountants.  A representative of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP will be at the Special
Meeting to answer questions by shareholders and will have the opportunity to
make a statement if he or she so desires.
    

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     As specified in Northbay's Proxy Statement dated September 19, 1995, the
deadline for stockholders to submit proposals for inclusion in the proxy
statement and form of proxy for the 1996 Northbay Annual Meeting of Stockholders
is May 22, 1996.  All proposals should be submitted by certified mail, return
receipt requested, to the Secretary, Northbay Financial Corporation, 1360
Redwood Way, Petaluma, California  94954.  Any such proposals shall be subject
to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted under the Exchange Act.  However,
if the Merger

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
is consummated as contemplated by the Merger Agreement, Northbay will no longer
exist as a separate legal entity and there will be no 1996 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 OTHER MATTERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


     The Board of Directors is not aware of any business to come before the
Meeting other than those matters described above in this Proxy Statement.
However, if any other matter should properly come before the Meeting, it is
intended that holders of the proxies will act in accordance with their best
judgment.

   
     The cost of solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company.  The
Company will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy materials
to the beneficial owners of the Northbay Common Stock.  The Company has retained
D.F. King & Company, Inc. to assist in the solicitation of proxies and to send
proxy materials to brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries for transmittal to beneficial holders of Northbay Common Stock for a
fee of $3,500, plus expenses.  In addition to solicitation by mail, directors,
officers and regular employees of the Northbay and/or Northbay Savings may
solicit proxies personally or by telegraph or telephone without additional
compensation.
    

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
Confidential                                                      Execution Copy
- ------------                                                      --------------

                                                                      APPENDIX A






                         AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER



                         Dated as of November 9, 1995



                                     among



                               BANK OF THE WEST



                              NF ACQUISITION CO.



                                      and



                        NORTHBAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                               -----------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  Page
                                                                                                  ----
<S>  <C>     <C>                                                                                  <C> 
Parties and Recitals...............................................................................  1

ARTICLE I    The Merger............................................................................  1
     SECTION 1.01.    The Merger...................................................................  1
     SECTION 1.02.    Closing......................................................................  1
     SECTION 1.03.    Effective Time...............................................................  2
     SECTION 1.04.    Effects of the Merger........................................................  2
     SECTION 1.05.    Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws.....................................  2
     SECTION 1.06.    Directors....................................................................  2
     SECTION 1.07.    Officers.....................................................................  2
     SECTION 1.08.    Absence of Control...........................................................  2
     SECTION 1.09.    Alternative Structure........................................................  2

ARTICLE II   Effect of the Merger on the Capital Stock of the Constituent Corporations; Exchange
             of Certificates.......................................................................  3
     SECTION 2.01.    Effect on Capital Stock......................................................  3
             (a)    Capital Stock of Sub...........................................................  3
             (b)    Cancellation of Company and Parent Owned Stock.................................  3
             (c)    Conversion of Company Common Stock.............................................  3
             (d)    Outstanding options............................................................  3
             (e)    Appraisal rights...............................................................  3
             (f)    Conversion of Dissenting Shares................................................  4
             (g)    Closure of Stock Transfer Books................................................  4
             (h)    Adjustments for Dilution and Other Matters.....................................  4
     SECTION 2.02.    Exchange of Certificates.....................................................  4
             (a)    Paying Agent...................................................................  4
             (b)    Parent To Provide Funds........................................................  4
             (c)    Exchange Procedures............................................................  4
             (d)    No Further Ownership Rights in Company Common Stock............................  5
             (e)    No Liability...................................................................  5
             (f)    Withholding Rights.............................................................  5

ARTICLE III  Representations and Warranties........................................................  6
     SECTION 3.00.    Materiality..................................................................  6
     SECTION 3.01.    Representations and Warranties of the Company................................  6
             (a)    Organization and Authority.....................................................  6
             (b)    Capital Structure..............................................................  6
             (c)    Authorization..................................................................  7
             (d)    SEC Documents; Financial Statements; Reports...................................  8
             (e)    Information Supplied...........................................................  9
             (f)    Compliance with Applicable Laws................................................  9
             (g)    Litigation....................................................................  11
             (h)    Taxes.........................................................................  11
             (i)    Absence of Changes in Benefit Plans...........................................  12
             (j)    ERISA Compliance..............................................................  12
             (k)    Subsidiaries..................................................................  14
             (l)    State Takeover Statutes.......................................................  14
             (m)    Vote Required.................................................................  14
             (n)    Other Activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries..........................  14
             (o)    Properties....................................................................  15
             (p)    Insurance.....................................................................  15
             (q)    Material Interests of Certain Persons.........................................  15
</TABLE>

                                      A-i
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>  <C>     <C>                                                                                    <C>
             (r)    Brokers and Finders; Schedule of Fees and Expenses............................  15
             (s)    Opinion of Financial Advisor..................................................  15
             (t)    Allowance for Loan Losses.....................................................  15
             (u)    Certain Agreements............................................................  16
             (v)    Absence of Certain Changes or Events..........................................  16
             (w)    Labor and Employment Matters..................................................  17
             (x)    Registration Obligations......................................................  18
             (y)    Accounting Records............................................................  18
             (z)    Undisclosed Liabilities.......................................................  18
             (aa)   Investment Securities.........................................................  18
             (bb)   Loans.........................................................................  18
             (cc)   Interest Rate Risk Management Instruments; Structured Notes...................  19
             (dd)   Compliance with Policies......................................................  19
             (ee)   Community Reinvestment Act....................................................  19
             (ff)   Certain Circumstances.........................................................  20
     SECTION 3.02.    Representations and Warranties of Parent and Sub............................  20
             (a)    Organization and Authority....................................................  20
             (b)    Authorization.................................................................  20
             (c)    Information Supplied..........................................................  21
             (d)    Ownership of Company Common Stock.............................................  21
             (e)    Brokers and Finders...........................................................  21
             (f)    Financing.....................................................................  21
             (g)    Litigation....................................................................  21
             (h)    Community Reinvestment Act Compliance.........................................  21
             (i)    Certain Circumstances.........................................................  21

ARTICLE IV   Covenants Relating to Conduct of the Company's Business..............................  22
     SECTION 4.01.    Covenants of the Company....................................................  22
             (a)    Ordinary Course...............................................................  22
             (b)    Dividends; Changes in Stock...................................................  22
             (c)    Issuance of Securities........................................................  22
             (d)    Governing Documents...........................................................  23
             (e)    No Acquisitions...............................................................  23
             (f)    No Dispositions...............................................................  23
             (g)    Indebtedness..................................................................  23
             (h)    Other Actions.................................................................  23
             (i)    Advice of Changes; Government Filings.........................................  23
             (j)    Accounting Methods............................................................  24
             (k)    Compensation; Benefit Plans Employment Agreement..............................  24
             (l)    Tax Matters...................................................................  24
             (m)    Settlements, Etc..............................................................  24
             (n)    Material Contracts............................................................  24
             (o)    Loans and Commitments.........................................................  25
             (p)    Investments...................................................................  25
             (q)    No Change in Rates............................................................  25
             (r)    General.......................................................................  25
     SECTION 4.02.    No Solicitation.............................................................  25

ARTICLE V    Additional Agreements................................................................  26
     SECTION 5.01.    Preparation of the Proxy Statement..........................................  26
     SECTION 5.02.    Access to Information.......................................................  26
     SECTION 5.03.    Company Stockholders Meeting................................................  26
     SECTION 5.04.    Legal Conditions to Merger..................................................  27
     SECTION 5.05.    Employee Matters............................................................  27
     SECTION 5.06.    Stock Options and the ESOP; Profit Sharing Plan.............................  28
     SECTION 5.07.    Fees and Expenses...........................................................  29
</TABLE>

                                      A-ii
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>  <C>     <C>                                                                                    <C>
     SECTION 5.08.    Indemnification, Exculpation and Insurance..................................  29
     SECTION 5.09.    Company Accruals and Reserves...............................................  29
     SECTION 5.10.    Letters of Accountants to the Company.......................................  30
     SECTION 5.11.    Additional Agreements.......................................................  30
     SECTION 5.12.    Parent Covenants; Other Actions.............................................  30
     SECTION 5.13     Joint Implementation Team...................................................  30
     SECTION 5.14     Employee Training...........................................................  30
     SECTION 5.15     Environmental, ADA and Seismic Investigations...............................  30
     SECTION 5.16.    Certificates re Financial Data..............................................  31

ARTICLE VI   Conditions Precedent.................................................................  31
     SECTION 6.01.    Conditions to Each Party's Obligation To Effect the Merger..................  31
             (a)    Company Stockholder Approval..................................................  31
             (b)    Other Approvals...............................................................  31
             (c)    No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality......................................  31
     SECTION 6.02.    Conditions to Obligations of Parent.........................................  31
             (a)    Representations and Warranties................................................  31
             (b)    Performance of Obligations of the Company.....................................  31
             (c)    Burdensome Condition..........................................................  32
             (d)    Company Stock Options and Company Stock Plans.................................  32
             (e)    Letter of the Company's Independent Accountants; Results of Audit.............  32
             (f)    Opinion of Counsel............................................................  32
             (g)    Litigation, Etc...............................................................  32
             (h)    No Material Adverse Effect....................................................  32
             (i)    Certain Expense Reports.......................................................  32
             (j)    Contingent Liabilities........................................................  32
             (k)    Certain Other Approvals.......................................................  33
             (l)    Non-Competition Agreements....................................................  33
             (m)    Consents Under Agreements.....................................................  33
             (n)    Headquarters and Administrative Offices.......................................  33
             (o)    Certificates re Financial Data................................................  33
     SECTION 6.03.    Conditions to Obligations of the Company....................................  33
             (a)    Representations and Warranties................................................  33
             (b)    Performance of Obligations of Parent and Sub..................................  33
             (c)    Opinion of Counsel............................................................  33

ARTICLE VII  Termination and Amendment............................................................  34
     SECTION 7.01.    Termination.................................................................  34
     SECTION 7.02.    Effect of Termination.......................................................  35
     SECTION 7.03.    Amendment...................................................................  35
     SECTION 7.04.    Extension; Waiver...........................................................  35
     SECTION 7.05.    Procedure for Termination, Amendment, Extension or Waiver...................  35

ARTICLE VIII General Provisions...................................................................  36
     SECTION 8.01.    Nonsurvival of Representations and Warranties...............................  36
     SECTION 8.02.    Notices.....................................................................  36
     SECTION 8.03.    Definitions; Interpretation.................................................  36
     SECTION 8.04.    Counterparts................................................................  38
     SECTION 8.05.    Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries; Rights of Ownership.........  38
     SECTION 8.06.    Governing Law...............................................................  38
     SECTION 8.07.    Limitations on Remedies.....................................................  38
     SECTION 8.08.    Publicity...................................................................  39
     SECTION 8.09.    Assignment..................................................................  39
     SECTION 8.10.    Enforcement.................................................................  39
     SECTION 8.11.    Certain Proxies.............................................................  39
     SECTION 8.12.    Director Health Coverage....................................................  39
</TABLE>

                                     A-iii
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>  <C>              <C>                                                                           <C>
     SECTION 8.13.    Employee Retention..........................................................  40
     SECTION 8.14.    Subsequent Mergers..........................................................  40

Signatures......................................................................................... 40
</TABLE>

EXHIBIT A      Form of Stock Option Agreement
EXHIBIT B      Form of Trust Agreement
EXHIBIT C      Opinion of Company Counsel
EXHIBIT D      Individuals to Execute Non-Competition Agreements
EXHIBIT E      Opinion of Parent Counsel
EXHIBIT F      Individuals Furnishing Proxies
EXHIBIT G      Form of Merger Agreement (Parent and Surviving Corporation)
EXHIBIT H      Form of Merger Agreement (Parent and NSB)

                                      A-iv
<PAGE>
 
     AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of November 9, 1995, among BANK OF
THE WEST, a California banking corporation ("Parent"), NF ACQUISITION CO., a
Delaware corporation and a wholly owned first-tier subsidiary of Parent ("Sub"),
and NORTHBAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the "Company").

     WHEREAS, the Company is a registered savings and loan holding company under
the Savings and Loan Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "SLHCA");

     WHEREAS, Parent is a commercial bank organized and existing under
California law;

     WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of Parent, Sub and the Company
have approved the merger of Sub into the Company as set forth below (the
"Merger"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Agreement, whereby each of the 2,750,522 issued and outstanding shares of common
stock, par value U.S.$.10 per share, of the Company ("Company Common Stock"),
not owned directly or indirectly by Parent or the Company, will be converted
into the right to receive U.S.$15.75 in cash (subject to adjustment as herein
provided);

     WHEREAS, as a condition and inducement to Parent's and Sub's willingness to
enter into this Agreement, Parent, Sub and the Company are entering into a Stock
Option Agreement dated as of the date hereof in the form of Exhibit A hereto
(the "Stock Option Agreement") pursuant to which the Company has granted to
Parent an option to purchase shares of Company Common Stock constituting 19.9%
of the presently outstanding shares of Company Common Stock;

     WHEREAS, the Merger requires the approval by an affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock entitled
to vote thereon ("Company Stockholder Approval"); and

     WHEREAS, Parent, Sub and the Company desire to make certain
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the
Merger and also to prescribe various conditions to the Merger.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein and in
the Stock Option Agreement, the parties hereto agree as follows:


                                   ARTICLE I

                                  The Merger
                                  ----------

     SECTION 1.01.  The Merger.  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions
                    ----------                                               
set forth in this Agreement, and in accordance with the Delaware General
Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), Sub shall be merged with and into the Company at
the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.03).  Following the Merger, the
separate corporate existence of Sub shall cease and the Company shall continue
as the surviving corporation (the "Surviving Corporation") and shall succeed to
and assume all the rights and obligations of Sub in accordance with the DGCL.

     SECTION 1.02.  Closing.  The closing of the Merger (the "Closing") will
                    -------                                                 
take place at 10:00 a.m., California time, on the first Business Day (as defined
in Section 8.03(c)) which is the last Business Day of the month following the
satisfaction (or waiver) of all the conditions set forth in Article VI (the
"Closing Date"), at the offices of Pillsbury Madison & Sutro, 235 Montgomery
Street, San Francisco, California 94104, unless another time, date or place is
agreed to in writing by the parties hereto; provided, however, in the event that
the Closing does not occur on or before 11:59 p.m. June 30, 1996, then in that
event the Closing shall take place within ten days after the satisfaction of the
conditions referred to in this sentence.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 1.03.  Effective Time.  Subject to the provisions of this
                    --------------                                    
Agreement, as soon as practicable on the Closing Date, a certificate of merger
or other appropriate documents (in any such case, the "Certificate of Merger")
shall be duly prepared, executed, acknowledged and filed by the parties in
accordance with the relevant provisions of the DGCL with the Secretary of State
of the State of Delaware.  Unless Parent shall specify differently, the
Certificate of Merger shall provide that the Merger shall be effective at 12:01
a.m., California time, on the calendar day following the Closing Date (the time
the Merger becomes effective being hereinafter referred to as the "Effective
Time").

     SECTION 1.04.  Effects of the Merger.  At and after the Effective Time,
                    ---------------------                                   
the Merger shall have the effects set forth in Section 259 of the DGCL.

     SECTION 1.05.  Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws.  (a)  The
                    ----------------------------------------           
certificate of incorporation of the Company as in effect immediately prior to
the Effective Time shall be the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving
Corporation until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by
applicable law.

     (b)  The by-laws of the Company as in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall be the by-laws of the Surviving Corporation, until
thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by applicable law.

     SECTION 1.06.  Directors.  The directors of Sub at the Effective Time
                    ---------                                             
shall be the directors of the Surviving Corporation, until the earlier of their
resignation or removal or until their respective successors are duly elected and
qualified, as the case may be.

     SECTION 1.07.  Officers.  The officers of Sub immediately prior to the
                    --------                                               
Effective Time shall be the officers of the Surviving Corporation, until the
earlier of their resignation or removal or until their respective successors are
duly elected and qualified, as the case may be.

     SECTION 1.08.  Absence of Control.  Subject to any provisions of this
                    ------------------                                    
Agreement, it is the intent of the parties that Parent by reason of this
Agreement shall not (until consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby)
control, and shall not be deemed to control, directly or indirectly, the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries (as defined in Section 8.03(c)) and shall not
exercise, or be deemed to exercise, directly or indirectly, a controlling
influence over the management or policies of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries.

     SECTION 1.09.  Alternative Structure.  Notwithstanding anything contained
                    ---------------------                                     
in this Agreement to the contrary, Parent may specify that, before or after the
Merger, Parent, Sub, the Company, Northbay Savings Bank, F.S.B. ("NSB") and any
other Subsidiary or Affiliate (as such terms are defined in Section 8.03(c))
shall enter into transactions other than those described in this Article I in
order to effect the purposes of this Agreement, and the Company and Parent shall
take all action necessary and appropriate to effect, or cause to be effected,
such transactions, provided, however, that no such specification may (a)
materially and adversely affect the timing of the consummation of the
transactions contemplated herein or (b) adversely affect the tax effect or
economic benefits of the Merger to the holders of Company Common Stock.

                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE II

               Effect of the Merger on the Capital Stock of the
               ------------------------------------------------
              Constituent Corporations; Exchange of Certificates
              --------------------------------------------------

     SECTION 2.01.  Effect on Capital Stock.  As of the Effective Time, by
                    -----------------------                               
virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder of any
shares of Company Common Stock or any shares of capital stock of Sub:

     (a)  Capital Stock of Sub.  Each issued and outstanding share of capital
          --------------------                                               
stock of Sub shall be converted into and become one fully paid and nonassessable
share of Common Stock, par value U.S.$.01 per share, of the Surviving
Corporation.

     (b)  Cancellation of Company and Parent Owned Stock.  Each share of
          ----------------------------------------------                
Company Common Stock that is owned by the Company or by any Subsidiary of the
Company (which shall not include any shares owned by the Company's employee
stock ownership plan and trust (the "ESOP")) and each share of Company Common
Stock that is owned by Parent, Sub or any other Subsidiary of Parent (other
than, in each case, shares in trust accounts, managed accounts, custodial
accounts and the like that are beneficially owned by third parties (any such
shares, "Trust Account Shares")) shall be automatically canceled and retired and
shall cease to exist, and no consideration shall be delivered in exchange
therefor.

     (c)  Conversion of Company Common Stock.  Each issued and outstanding
          ----------------------------------                              
share of Company Common Stock (other than shares to be canceled in accordance
with Section 2.01(b)) shall be converted into the right to receive from the
Surviving Corporation in cash, without interest, U.S.$15.75, subject to
adjustment as hereinafter provided in this Section (the "Merger Consideration").
As of the Effective Time, all such shares of Company Common Stock shall no
longer be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and retired and shall
cease to exist, and each holder of a certificate previously representing any
such shares shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the
right to receive the Merger Consideration, without interest.  Notwithstanding
the foregoing provisions of this Section, the Merger Consideration shall be
adjusted downward if, at the Effective Time, the Company Net Worth (as defined
in Section 8.03(c) and as determined in accordance with Section 5.16) shall be
less than the Net Worth Floor (as defined in Section 8.03(c)), by an amount
equal to the product of (i) the dollar amount by which the Company Net Worth at
such time is less than such amount and (ii) 1.125, divided by 2,987,705.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, in no event shall the
Merger Consideration be adjusted downward to less than U.S.$15.375 per share of
Company Common Stock.

     (d)  Outstanding options.  Each Company Employee Option (as defined in
          -------------------                                              
Section 3.01(b)) outstanding as of the Effective Time shall be treated in
accordance with Section 5.06.

     (e)  Appraisal rights.  Each outstanding share of Company Common Stock as
          ----------------                                                    
to which a written demand for appraisal is filed in accordance with Section 262
of the DGCL at or prior to the Company Stockholders' Meeting (as defined in
Section 3.01(c)) and not withdrawn at or prior to the Stockholders' Meeting and
which is not voted in favor of the Merger shall not be converted into or
represent a right to receive the Merger Consideration unless and until the
holder shall have failed to perfect, or shall have effectively withdrawn or lost
his or her right to appraisal of and payment for his or her Company Common Stock
under such Section 262, at which time his or her shares shall be converted into
the Merger Consideration in accordance with the terms hereof.  All such shares
of Company Common Stock as to which a written demand for appraisal is so filed
and not withdrawn at or prior to the time of such vote and which are not voted
in favor of the Merger, except any such shares of Company Common Stock the
holder of which, prior to the Effective Time shall have effectively withdrawn or
lost his or her right to appraisal in respect of his or her shares of Company
Common Stock under Section 262, are herein called "Dissenting Shares."  The
Company shall give Parent prompt notice upon receipt by the Company of any
demand for appraisal rights, withdrawal of such demands, and any other
instruments served pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL, and the Company shall
give Parent the opportunity to direct all negotiations and proceedings with
respect to such demands.  The Company shall not voluntarily make any payment
with respect to any demands for appraisal rights and shall not, except with the
prior written consent of Parent, settle or offer to settle any such demands.

                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
Each holder of Company Common Stock who becomes entitled, pursuant to the
provisions of said Section 262, to payment for his or her shares of Company
Common Stock under the provisions of said section shall receive payment therefor
from the Surviving Corporation and such shares of Company Common Stock shall be
canceled.

     (f)  Conversion of Dissenting Shares.  If, prior to the Effective Time,
          -------------------------------                                   
any stockholder of the Company shall fail to perfect, or shall effectively
withdraw or lose, his or her right to appraisal of and payment for his or her
Dissenting Shares under section 262 of the DGCL, the Dissenting Shares of such
holder shall be treated for purposes of this Article II like any other shares of
outstanding Company Common Stock.  If, after the Effective Time, any holder of
Company Common Stock shall fail to perfect, or shall effectively withdraw or
lose, his or her right to appraisal of and payment for his or her Dissenting
Shares under Section 262 of the DGCL, each such Dissenting Share of such holder
shall be converted into cash pursuant to this Article II and in accordance with
the procedures, and subject to the conditions, set forth in this Article II and
elsewhere herein.

     (g)  Closure of Stock Transfer Books.  At the Effective Time, the stock
          -------------------------------                                   
transfer books of the Company shall be closed as to holders of Company Common
Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time and no transfer of Company Common
Stock by any such holder shall thereafter be made or recognized.  If, after the
Effective Time, Certificates (as defined in Section 2.02(c)) are properly
presented in accordance with Section 2.02 to the Paying Agent (as defined in
Section 2.02(a)), such Certificates shall be canceled, and exchanged for a check
representing the amount of cash into which the Company Common Stock represented
thereby was converted in the Merger.

     (h)  Adjustments for Dilution and Other Matters.  If prior to the
          ------------------------------------------                  
Effective Time, the Company shall declare a stock dividend or distribution upon
or subdivide, split up, reclassify or combine Company Common Stock, or declare a
dividend, or make a distribution, on Company Common Stock in any security
convertible into Company Common Stock (provided that no such action may be taken
by the Company without Parent's prior written consent as so provided in Article
IV), appropriate adjustment or adjustments as reasonably determined by Parent
will be made to the Merger Consideration to reflect the change in the capital
stock of the Company as a result thereof.  If at the Effective Time, the Company
shall have outstanding more shares of Company Common Stock than are contemplated
to be outstanding or subject to option pursuant to the Company's representation
and warranty in Section 3.01(b), then, at Parent's election and notwithstanding
other provisions hereof, and without limiting any of its other rights hereunder,
the Merger Consideration shall be adjusted downward so as to reflect the total
number of shares of Company Common Stock outstanding over the amount
contemplated pursuant to the Company's representation and warranty in Section
3.01(b).

     SECTION 2.02.  Exchange of Certificates.  (a)  Paying Agent.  The trust
                    ------------------------        ------------            
department of Parent is hereby designated to act as paying agent (in such
capacity, the "Paying Agent") for the payment of the Merger Consideration upon
surrender of certificates representing Company Common Stock.

     (b)  Parent To Provide Funds.  Parent shall take all steps necessary to
          -----------------------                                           
enable and cause Sub, or the Surviving Corporation, to provide to the Paying
Agent on a timely basis, as and when needed on and after the Effective Time,
funds necessary to pay the Merger Consideration in respect of the shares of
Company Common Stock as part of the Merger pursuant to Section 2.01(c) or to pay
any amount required under Section 2.01(e).

     (c)  Exchange Procedures.  As soon as reasonably practicable (and in any
          -------------------                                                
event no later than 10 days) after the Effective Time, Parent shall mail to each
holder of record of a certificate or certificates which immediately prior to the
Effective Time represented outstanding shares of Company Common Stock (the
"Certificates") whose shares were converted into the right to receive the Merger
Consideration pursuant to Section 2.01(c) (i) a letter of transmittal (which
shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the
Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of the Certificates to the Paying
Agent and shall be in such form and have such other customary provisions as
Parent may reasonably specify) and (ii) instructions for use in effecting the
surrender of the Certificates in exchange for the Merger Consideration.  Upon
surrender of a Certificate for cancellation to the Paying Agent or to such other
agent or agents as may be appointed by Parent, together with such letter of
transmittal, duly executed, and such other customary

                                      A-4
<PAGE>
 
documents as may be reasonably required by the Paying Agent, the holder of such
Certificate shall be entitled to receive promptly in exchange therefor the
amount of cash into which the shares of Company Common Stock theretofore
represented by such Certificate shall have been converted pursuant to Section
2.01(c), and the Certificate so surrendered shall forthwith be canceled.  In the
event of a transfer of ownership of Company Common Stock which is not registered
in the transfer records of the Company, payment shall be made to a person other
than the person in whose name the Certificate so surrendered is registered, if
such Certificate shall be properly endorsed or otherwise be in proper form for
transfer and the person requesting such payment shall pay any transfer or other
taxes required by reason of the payment to a person other than the registered
holder of such Certificate or establish to the satisfaction of the Surviving
Corporation that such tax has been paid or is not applicable.  Until surrendered
as contemplated by this Section 2.02(c), each Certificate shall be deemed at any
time after the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive upon such
surrender the amount of cash, without interest, into which the shares of Company
Common Stock theretofore represented by such Certificate shall have been
converted pursuant to Section 2.01(c).  No interest will be paid or will accrue
on the cash payable upon the surrender of any Certificate under any provision of
this Agreement.

     (d)  No Further Ownership Rights in Company Common Stock.  All cash paid
          ---------------------------------------------------                
upon the surrender of Certificates in accordance with the terms hereof shall be
deemed to have been paid in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the
shares of Company Common Stock theretofore represented by such Certificates,
subject, however, to the Surviving Corporation's obligation to pay any dividends
or make any other distributions with a record date prior to the Effective Time
which may have been declared or made by the Company on such shares of Company
Common Stock in accordance with the terms of this Agreement on or prior to the
Effective Time and which remain unpaid at the Effective Time, and there shall be
no further registration of transfers on the stock transfer books of the
Surviving Corporation of the shares of Company Common Stock which were
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.  If, after the Effective
Time, Certificates are presented to the Surviving Corporation for any reason,
they shall be canceled and exchanged as provided in this Article II.

     (e)  No Liability.  None of Parent, Sub, the Company or the Paying Agent
          ------------                                                       
shall be liable to any person in respect of any cash delivered to a public
official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
If any Certificates shall not have been surrendered prior to seven years after
the Effective Time (or immediately prior to such earlier date on which any
payment pursuant to this Article II would otherwise escheat to or become the
property of any Governmental Entity (as defined in Section 3.01(c))), the cash
payment in respect of such Certificate shall, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, become the property of the Surviving Corporation, free and clear
of all claims or interests of any person previously entitled thereto.

     (f)  Withholding Rights.  The Paying Agent shall be entitled to deduct and
          ------------------                                                   
withhold from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to
any holder of shares of Company Common Stock such amounts as the Paying Agent is
required to deduct, hold and, if applicable, pay over to a taxing authority with
respect to the making of such payment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code") or any provision of state, local or foreign tax law.  To
the extent that amounts are so withheld by the Paying Agent, such withheld
amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid
to the holder of the shares of Company Common Stock in respect of which such
deduction and withholding was made by the Paying Agent.

                                      A-5
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE III

                        Representations and Warranties
                        ------------------------------

     The Company has heretofore delivered to Parent a disclosure schedule with
respect to the representations and warranties set forth below (the "Company
Disclosure Schedule").  The Company Disclosure Schedule contains section and
subsection references which in each case are references to sections or
subsections of this Agreement.  The Company Disclosure Schedule shall in each
case describe the nature of the exception, if any, in reasonable detail and
shall specifically refer to the section or subsection of this Agreement to which
any exception set forth therein to a representation and warranty contained in
this Article III applies (disclosure in any section or subsection of the Company
Disclosure Schedule shall apply only to the corresponding section or subsection
of this Agreement).

     SECTION 3.00.  Materiality.  No representation or warranty of the Company
                    -----------                                               
or Parent contained in Section 3.01 (other than Sections 3.01(b), (c)(i), (l),
(m), (q), (r), (s), (u), (x), (cc), (ff)) or 3.02, respectively, shall be deemed
untrue or incorrect, and no party hereto shall be deemed to have breached any
such representation or warranty, on account of the existence of any fact,
circumstance or event unless, as a consequence of such fact, circumstance or
event, individually or taken together with all other facts, circumstances or
events inconsistent with any such paragraph of Section 3.01 or 3.02, as
applicable, there is reasonably likely to occur a Material Adverse Effect as
defined in Section 8.03(a).

     SECTION 3.01.  Representations and Warranties of the Company.  Except as
                    ---------------------------------------------            
specified on the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company represents and
warrants to Parent and Sub as follows:

     (a)  Organization and Authority.  The Company is a savings and loan
          --------------------------                                    
holding company duly registered with the Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS")
under the SLHCA.  NSB is a directly held wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company.
Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is a savings bank or corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, has all requisite corporate power
and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its
business as now being conducted and is duly qualified and in good standing to do
business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the
ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification necessary except
where the failure so to qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect (as
defined in Section 8.03(a)) on the Company.  The deposit accounts of NSB are
insured up to applicable limits by the Savings Association Insurance Fund (the
"SAIF") of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC").

     (b)  Capital Structure.  (i)  The authorized capital stock of the Company
          -----------------                                                   
consists of 4,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock and 1,000,000 shares of
serial preferred stock, par value U.S.$.10 per share ("Company Preferred
Stock").  At the date hereof, (A) 2,750,522 shares of Company Common Stock were
outstanding, (B) 547,354 shares of Company Common Stock were reserved for
issuance under the Stock Option Agreement, (C) 237,183 shares of Company Common
Stock were reserved for issuance with respect to outstanding options (the
"Company Employee Options") issued under the Company's stock option, stock bonus
and incentive plans, including the 1988 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the
"Incentive Plan"), a list of which is set forth on the Company Disclosure
Schedule, and (D) no shares of Company Preferred Stock were outstanding.  Except
as set forth above, at the date hereof, no shares of capital stock or other
voting securities of the Company were issued, reserved for issuance or
outstanding.  The Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth the name of each holder
of an option or other right outstanding under the Incentive Plan, a description
of the exercise or purchase prices, vesting schedules, expiration dates, and the
number of shares of the Company Common Stock subject to each Company Employee
Option, together with a specification of all Company Employee Options which
shall vest at the Effective Time as a result of the Merger.  Except for the
Company Employee Options listed on the Company Disclosure Schedule, there will
not be outstanding at any time up to and including the Effective Time any stock
options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock grants or any other such
right to acquire any shares of the Company Common Stock from the Company.
Except for shares of Company Common Stock which may be issued pursuant to the
exercise of Company Employee Options, there will be no increase in the
outstanding shares of Company Common Stock and no issuance of any shares of
Company Preferred Stock after the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
Without limiting the

                                      A-6
<PAGE>
 
foregoing provisions of this Section 3.01(b)(i), the Company has issued no
"rights" or other securities commonly referred to as "poison pill" or similar
securities and there will be no issuance of any such securities after the
execution and delivery of this Agreement.

     (ii)  No bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness having the right to
vote (or convertible into or exchangeable for securities having the right to
vote) on any matters on which stockholders may vote ("Voting Debt") of the
Company are issued or outstanding.

     (iii)  All outstanding shares of the Company Common Stock are, and any
shares of Company Common Stock which may be issued pursuant to the Stock Option
Agreement or upon exercise of Company Employee Options will be, validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable and will be delivered free and clear of all claims,
liens, encumbrances, charges, pledges or security interests of any kind or
nature whatsoever (collectively, "Liens"), subject to repayment of the Company's
ESOP loan, and not subject to preemptive rights.

     (iv)  Except for this Agreement, the Incentive Plan and the ESOP (the
"Company Stock Plans"), the Company Employee Options and the Stock Option
Agreement, there are no outstanding securities, options, warrants, calls,
rights, commitments, agreements, arrangements or undertakings of any kind to
which the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company is a party or by which it is
bound obligating the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to issue, deliver
or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, additional shares of capital
stock or any Voting Debt of the Company or of any Subsidiary of the Company or
obligating the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to issue, grant, extend
or enter into any such security, option, warrant, call, right, commitment,
agreement, arrangement or undertaking.

     (v)  There are no outstanding contractual obligations (A) of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of
capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than the Stock
Option Agreement and the purchase of shares in the market pursuant to the
Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 401(k) plan, or (B) of the Company to vote or
to dispose of or encumber any shares of the capital stock of any of its
Subsidiaries.

     (c)  Authorization.  (i)  The Company has all requisite corporate power
          -------------                                                     
and authority to enter into this Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement and,
subject in the case of this Agreement to the Company Stockholder Approval, to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.  The execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by
all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company, subject in the case
of this Agreement to the Company Stockholder Approval.  Without limiting the
foregoing, (A) this Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement have been approved
by the unanimous vote of all members of the Board of Directors of the Company,
which approval includes a resolution to the effect that the Board of Directors,
subject to its fiduciary duties, recommends that this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby be approved by the stockholders of
the Company, and (B) the Company has taken all necessary corporate action to
authorize and reserve for issuance that number of shares of Company Common Stock
equal to the maximum number of shares of Company Common Stock issuable upon
exercise of the option granted pursuant to the Stock Option Agreement.  This
Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement have been duly executed and delivered
by the Company and each constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the
Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its respective terms,
except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency and other
similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally or the rights of creditors of
financial institutions and to general equity principles.

     (ii)  The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Stock Option
Agreement do not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
and thereby will not, and compliance by the Company with any of the provisions
hereof or thereof will not, (A) conflict with, or result in any breach or
violation of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time or both)
under, or result in the termination of, or accelerate the performance required
by, or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any
obligation or the loss of a material benefit under, or the creation of a Lien
(any such conflict, breach, violation, default, termination, acceleration, right
of termination, cancellation or acceleration, loss or creation, a "Violation")
pursuant to, any provision of the certificate or articles of incorporation or
by-laws of the

                                      A-7
<PAGE>
 
Company, NSB or any other Subsidiary of the Company or (B) subject to obtaining
or making the consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations,
declarations and filings referred to in paragraph (iii)  below and except as set
forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule, result in any Violation of any loan or
credit agreement, note, mortgage, indenture, lease, Company Benefit Plan (as
defined in Section 3.01(j)) or other agreement, obligation, instrument, permit,
concession, franchise, license, judgment, order, decree, statute, law,
ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to the Company, NSB or any other
Subsidiary of the Company or their respective properties or assets, which
Violation under this clause (B) could reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate with other such Violations, a Material Adverse
Effect on the Company.

     (iii)  To the best knowledge of the Company, after consultation with
counsel, no consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration,
declaration or filing with, any court, administrative agency or commission or
other governmental authority or instrumentality, domestic or foreign (a
"Governmental Entity"), is required by or with respect to the Company, NSB or
any other Subsidiary of the Company in connection with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement by the Company, or the
consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby,
the failure to obtain such which could, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, except
for (A) the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") of (1) a
proxy statement (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Proxy
Statement") relating to the meeting of the Company's stockholders at which a
vote is held on the Merger (the "Company Stockholders Meeting") and (2) such
reports under Sections 13(a), 13(d), 13(g) and 16(a) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), as may be required in connection
with this Agreement, the Stock Option Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby and the obtaining from the SEC of such orders as
may be required in connection therewith, (B) the filing of the Certificate of
Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and appropriate
documents with the relevant authorities of other states in which the Company is
qualified to do business, (C) the filing of such notices, applications, filings,
authorizations, orders and approvals as may be required under federal and state
thrift and banking laws, and with and of federal and state thrift and banking
authorities and approval of same (collectively, the "Banking Approvals"), and
(D) consents, authorizations, approvals, filings or exemptions in connection
with compliance with the applicable provisions of the rules of the American
Stock Exchange (the "Amex"), or which are required under consumer finance,
mortgage banking and other similar laws.

     (d)  SEC Documents; Financial Statements; Reports.  (i) The Company has
          --------------------------------------------                      
delivered to Parent a true and complete copy of each report, schedule,
registration statement and definitive proxy statement filed by the Company with
the SEC (other than reports filed pursuant to Section 13(d) or 13(g) of the
Exchange Act) since January 1, 1992 (the "Company SEC Documents"), which are all
the documents (other than preliminary material and reports required pursuant to
Section 13(d) or 13(g) of the Exchange Act) that the Company was required to
file with the SEC since such date.  The Company will promptly deliver to Parent
a true and complete copy of each report, schedule, registration statement and
definitive proxy statement filed by the Company with the SEC (other than reports
filed pursuant to Section 13(d) or 13(g) of the Exchange Act) after the date of
this Agreement (the "Future Company SEC Documents").  As of their respective
dates, the Company SEC Documents complied in all material respects with the
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations of the
SEC thereunder applicable thereto.  As of their respective dates, the Future
Company SEC Documents will comply in all material respects with the requirements
of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the rules and
regulations of the SEC thereunder applicable thereto.  All material agreements,
contracts and other documents required to be filed as exhibits to any of the
Company SEC Documents have been so filed, and in respect of the Future Company
SEC Documents, will be so filed. Except to the extent that information contained
in any Company SEC Document has been revised or superseded by a later Company
SEC Document, none of the Company SEC Documents contains any untrue statement of
a material fact or omits to state a 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.  None of the Future Company SEC Documents
will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 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.

                                      A-8
<PAGE>
 
     (ii)  The financial statements of the Company included in the Company SEC
Documents or to be included in the Future Company SEC Documents comply or will
comply as to form in all material respects with applicable accounting
requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with
respect thereto, have been prepared or will be prepared in accordance with GAAP
(as defined in Section 8.03(c)) during the periods involved (except as may be
indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of the unaudited statements, as
permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC) and fairly present or will fairly present the
consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries
at the dates thereof and the consolidated results of their operations and cash
flows for the periods then ended.

     (iii)  Since January 1, 1992, each of the Company and its Subsidiaries,
including NSB, has filed all material reports, registrations and statements,
together with any required material amendments thereto ("Company Regulatory
Reports"), and has paid all fees and assessments due and payable therewith, that
it was required to file with the FDIC, the OTS, all applicable state banking and
other regulatory authorities and other relevant Governmental Entities or self
regulatory agencies charged with the supervision or regulation of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, "Regulatory Authorities") and with the
Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco ("FHLBSF").  As of their respective
dates, each such Company Regulatory Report complied in all material respects
with all the rules and regulations promulgated by the applicable Regulatory
Authority (including regulatory accounting practices) and, except as revised or
superseded by a later filed Company Regulatory Report, does not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 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.  The Company
has delivered to Parent true and complete copies of the Company Regulatory
Reports.

     (e)  Information Supplied.  None of the information supplied or to be
          --------------------                                            
supplied by the Company for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Proxy
Statement will, at the date of mailing to stockholders and at the time of the
Company Stockholders Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material 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.  The Proxy Statement will comply as to form in
all material respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder, except that no representation or warranty is made by the
Company with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference therein
based on information supplied by Parent or Sub specifically for inclusion or
incorporation by reference therein.  All documents that the Company is
responsible for filing with any Governmental Entity in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby will comply as to form in all material respects
with the provisions of applicable law, including applicable provisions of the
Securities Act and Exchange Act.  Without limiting any of the representations
and warranties contained herein, no representation or warranty to Parent by the
Company herein, and no statement by the Company or other information contained
in the Company Disclosure Schedule or any document incorporated by reference
therein, as the date of such document, contains or contained or will contain,
any untrue statement of material fact, or, at the date thereof, omitted or shall
omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements
contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which such statements are
or will be made, not misleading.

     (f)  Compliance with Applicable Laws.  (i)  The Company and its
          -------------------------------                           
Subsidiaries hold all permits, licenses, variances, exemptions, authorizations,
orders and approvals of all Governmental Entities (the "Company Permits") that
are required for them to own, lease or operate their properties and assets and
to carry on their businesses as presently conducted, and there has occurred no
default under any such Company Permit, except for the lack of Company Permits
and for defaults under Company Permits which lack or default individually or in
the aggregate would not have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.  Except
as disclosed in the Company SEC Documents filed and publicly available prior to
the date of this Agreement, the Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance
in all material respects with all applicable statutes, laws, ordinances, rules,
orders and regulations of any Governmental Entity, and with their material
internal policies and procedures.

     (ii)  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any
notification or communication which has not been fully and finally resolved from
any Regulatory Authorities (A) asserting that any of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is not in substantial compliance with any of the statutes,
regulations,

                                      A-9
<PAGE>
 
ordinances or guidelines which such Regulatory Authority enforces or
administers, or the internal policies and procedures of such company, (B)
threatening to revoke any material Company Permit, including such company's
status as an insured depositary institution under the Federal Deposit Insurance
Act ("FDIA"), (C) requiring or threatening to require the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, or indicating that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may be
required, to enter into a cease and desist order, agreement or memorandum of
understanding or any other agreement, to be subject to any directive or
supervisory letter, or to adopt resolutions of its board of directors, in each
case restricting or limiting or purporting to restrict or limit in any material
respect the operations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including any
restriction on the payment of dividends, or relating to its capital adequacy,
its credit policies or its management, or (D) except as set forth in the Company
Disclosure Schedule, directing, restricting or limiting, or purporting to
direct, restrict or limit, in any material respect the operations of the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries, including any restriction on the payment of
dividends, or relating to its capital adequacy, its credit policies or its
management (any such notification, communication, order, agreement, memorandum
of understanding, directive, supervisory letter or required board resolutions
being referred to herein as a "Regulatory Agreement").  Neither the Company nor
any of its Subsidiaries has received, consented to or entered into, or is
subject to, any Regulatory Agreement, nor has the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries been advised by any Regulatory Authority that such Regulatory
Authority is contemplating issuing or requesting (or is considering the
appropriateness of issuing or requesting) any such Regulatory Agreement.  The
Company has advised Parent of the substance of any and all criminal referrals it
has filed with the OTS.

     (iii)  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is required by
Section 32 of the FDIA to give prior notice to a Regulatory Authority of the
proposed addition of an individual to its board of directors or the employment
of an individual as a senior executive officer.

     (iv)  To the best knowledge of the Company, each of the Company and its
Subsidiaries is, and has been, and each of the Company's former Subsidiaries,
while Subsidiaries of the Company, was in compliance with all applicable
Environmental Laws (as defined below), except for possible noncompliance which
individually or in the aggregate would not have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company.  The term "Environmental Laws" means any Federal, state, local or
foreign statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, policy, permit, consent, approval,
license, judgment, order, decree, injunction or other authorization relating to:
(A) Releases (as defined in 42 U.S.C. Section 9601(22)) or threatened Releases
of Hazardous Material (as defined below) into the environment; or (B) the
generation, treatment, storage, disposal, use, handling, manufacturing,
transportation or shipment of any Hazardous Material.  The term "Environmental
Laws" also includes any common law or equitable doctrine (including, without
limitation, injunctive relief and tort doctrines such as negligence, nuisance,
trespass and strict liability) that may impose liability or obligations for
injuries or damage to, or threatened as a result of, the presence of or exposure
to any Hazardous Material. The term "Hazardous Material" means (1) hazardous
substances (as defined in 42 U.S.C. Section 9601(14)), (2) petroleum, including
crude oil and any fractions thereof, (3) natural gas, synthetic gas and any
mixtures thereof, (4) asbestos and/or asbestos-containing material and (5)
polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCBs"), or materials containing PCBs in excess of 50
ppm.

     (v)  To the best knowledge of the Company, during the period of ownership
or operation by the Company and its Subsidiaries of any of their respective
current or previously owned or leased properties (including for purposes of this
paragraph any such properties acquired in foreclosures or otherwise in
connection with extensions of credit), there have been no Releases of Hazardous
Material in, on, under or affecting such properties or any surrounding site, and
none of the Company or its Subsidiaries have disposed of any Hazardous Material
or any other substance in a manner that has led, or could reasonably be
anticipated to lead, to a Release, except in each case for those which
individually or in the aggregate would not have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company.  Prior to the period of ownership or operation by the Company and its
Subsidiaries of any of their respective current or previously owned or leased
properties, no Hazardous Material was generated, treated, stored, disposed of,
used, handled or manufactured at, or transported, shipped or disposed of from,
such current or previously owned properties, and there were no Releases of
Hazardous Material in, on, under or affecting any such property or any
surrounding site, except in each case for those which individually or in the
aggregate would not have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.

                                      A-10
<PAGE>
 
     (vi)  To the best knowledge of the Company, the Company and its
Subsidiaries are not subject to any judgment, decree or order relating to
compliance with any Environmental Law or to investigation or cleanup under any
Environmental Law (collectively, "Environmental Enforcement Actions"), except
with respect to Environmental Enforcement Actions which, individually or in the
aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company and which, in
any event, are listed and described on the Company Disclosure Schedule.  To the
best knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries
has any contingent liabilities in connection with any Hazardous Materials,
including claims of liability for cleanup of Hazardous Materials related to any
of the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of the Company's former Subsidiaries
that, individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect on
the Company.

     (vii)  Except as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule, to the best
knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary participates in
the management of a Loan Property or Participation Facility to an extent that it
would be deemed an "owner or operator" as defined in 42 U.S.C. (S) 9601 or any
similar Environmental Law.  As used herein, the term "Loan Property" means any
property in which the applicable party (or a subsidiary of it) holds a security
interest, and, where required by the context, includes the owner or operator of
such property, but only with respect to such property, and the term
"Participation Facility" means any facility in which the applicable party (or a
subsidiary of it) participates in the management (including all property held as
trustee or in any other fiduciary capacity) and, where required by the context,
includes the owner or operator of such property.

     (g)  Litigation.  Except as disclosed in the Company SEC Documents, there
          ----------                                                          
is no claim, suit, action or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of the
Company, threatened, against or affecting the Company or any Subsidiary of the
Company (including any such suit, action or proceeding under the Securities Act,
the Exchange Act, the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended, or fair
lending laws or by any stockholder or former stockholder of the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company) that could reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or
that could reasonably be expected to threaten, impede or delay the consummation
of the Merger, nor is there any judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of
any Governmental Entity or arbitrator outstanding against the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company having, or which could reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or
that could reasonably be expected to threaten, impede or delay the consummation
of the Merger.  The Company Disclosure Schedule contains a true, correct and
complete list as of the date hereof of all pending suits, claims, actions,
investigations or proceedings of any nature involving claims against it or any
of its subsidiaries in the amount of $25,000 or more or involving claims for a
specific performance or injunctive relief and suits, claims, actions and other
matters that have been brought and are pending or have been threatened to be
brought by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as plaintiff
or other claimant in the amount of $25,000 or more (excluding loan foreclosures
and similar collection actions in the ordinary course of business).

     (h)  Taxes.  (i)  (A) The Company and its Subsidiaries have filed, been
          -----                                                             
included in or sent all returns, declarations and reports and information
returns and statements required to be filed or sent (including in each case
extensions) by or relating to any of them relating to any taxes with respect to
any income, properties or operations of the Company or any such subsidiary prior
to the Effective Time (collectively, "Company Returns"), (B) as of the time of
filing, the Company Returns correctly reflected in all material respects the
facts regarding the income, business, assets, tax bases, operations, activities
and status of the Company and its Subsidiaries and any other information
required to be shown therein, (C) the Company and its Subsidiaries have timely
paid or made provision for all taxes that have been shown as due and payable on
the Company Returns that have been filed, (D) the Company and its Subsidiaries
have made or will make provision for all taxes payable for any periods ending on
or before the last day of the calendar month preceding the Effective Time for
which no Company Returns have yet been filed and for any periods that begin
before the Effective Time and end after the Effective Time to the extent such
taxes are attributable to the portion of any such period ending at the Effective
Time, (E) the charges, accruals and reserves for taxes reflected on the books of
the Company and its Subsidiaries do not in the aggregate materially fail to
provide for the tax liabilities accruing or payable by the Company and its
Subsidiaries in respect of periods prior to the date hereof, (F) except as set
forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any
Subsidiaries are delinquent in the payment of any taxes or has requested any
extension of time within which to file or send any Company Return, which Company
Return has not since been filed or sent, (G) no deficiency

                                      A-11
<PAGE>
 
for any taxes has been proposed, asserted or assessed in writing against the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries other than those taxes being contested in
good faith which have heretofore been advised in writing by the Company to
Parent and other than taxes individually or in the aggregate which do not exceed
more than $50,000 in asserted liability, (H) the Federal income tax returns of
the Company or any consolidated group to which it belongs have been examined by
and/or settled with the United States Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") for
all fiscal years through June 30, 1991, (I) neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries have granted any extension of the limitation period applicable to
any tax claims (which period has not since lapsed), other than those taxes being
contested in good faith, and (J) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary have any
contractual obligations under any tax sharing agreement with any corporation
which, as of the Effective Time, is not a member of a consolidated group of
which all of and only the Company and its Subsidiaries are members.

     (ii)  Any amount that could be received (whether in cash or property or the
vesting of property) as a result of any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement by any employee, officer or director of the Company or any of its
affiliates who is a "disqualified individual" (as such term is defined in
Section 280G(c) of the Code) under any employment, severance or termination
agreement, other compensation arrangement or Company Benefit Plan currently in
effect would not be characterized as a "parachute payment" (as such term is
defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code).

     (iii)  The disallowance of a deduction under Section 162(m) of the Code for
employee remuneration will not apply to any amount paid or payable by the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries of the Company under any contract, plan,
program, arrangement or understanding.

     (iv)  For the purpose of this Agreement, the term "tax" (including, with
correlative meaning, the terms "taxes" and "taxable") shall include, except
where the context otherwise requires, all Federal, state, local and foreign
income, profits, franchise, gross receipts, payroll, sales, employment, use,
property, withholding, excise, occupancy and other taxes, duties or assessments
of any nature whatsoever (including the California franchise and income tax),
together with all interest, penalties and additions imposed with respect to such
amounts.

     (i)  Absence of Changes in Benefit Plans.  Except as disclosed in the
          -----------------------------------                             
Company SEC Documents or the Company Disclosure Schedule, there has not been any
adoption or amendment by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any bonus,
pension, profit sharing, deferred compensation, incentive compensation, stock
ownership, stock purchase, stock option, phantom stock, retirement, vacation,
severance, disability, death benefit, hospitalization, medical or other plan,
arrangement or understanding (whether or not legally binding) providing benefits
to any current or former employee, officer or director of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries.  Except as disclosed in the Company SEC Documents or the
Company Disclosure Schedule, there exists (and will not exist at any time prior
to the Effective Time) no employment, bonus, consulting, severance, termination
or indemnification agreements, arrangements or understandings between the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries and any current or former employee, officer
or director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.  Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, (A) the aggregate salary and termination benefits
payable to each of the senior officers of the Company under existing employment
agreements are as detailed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, (B) the
termination benefits payable to additional officers and employees under the
Company's severance plan are as detailed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, and
(C) no individuals other than those referred to in clauses (A) and (B) of this
sentence are, or will be at the Effective Time, entitled to salary, severance,
termination, bonus or other such benefits from the Company or NSB.  True and
correct copies of all items referred to in this Section 3.01(i) have been
heretofore delivered by the Company to Parent.

     (j)  ERISA Compliance.  (i)  The Company Disclosure Schedule contains a
          ----------------                                                  
list and brief description of each "employee pension benefit plan" (as defined
in Section 3(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended ("ERISA")) (sometimes referred to herein as a "Pension Plan"), each
"employee welfare benefit plan" (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) and each
stock option, stock purchase, deferred compensation plan or arrangement and each
other employee fringe benefit plan or arrangement maintained, contributed to or
required to be maintained or contributed to by the Company, any of its
subsidiaries or any other person or entity that, together with the Company, is
treated as a single employer

                                      A-12
<PAGE>
 
under Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code (each, a "Commonly Controlled
Entity"), for the benefit of any current or former employees, officers, agents,
directors or independent contractors of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
(collectively, "Company Benefit Plans").  The Company has delivered or made
available to Parent true, complete and correct copies of (A) each Company
Benefit Plan (or, in the case of any unwritten Company Benefit Plans,
descriptions thereof) and any related trust agreement, (B) the most recent
annual report on Form 5500 filed with the IRS with respect to each Company
Benefit Plan (if any such report was required) and (C) the most recent summary
plan description (or similar document) for each Company Benefit Plan for which
such summary plan description is required or was provided to plan participants
or beneficiaries.

     (ii)  Each Company Benefit Plan has been administered in all material
respects in accordance with its terms.  The Company, its Subsidiaries and all
the Company Benefit Plans are all in compliance in all material respects with
the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code.  To the best knowledge of the
Company, there are no investigations, proceedings or other claims involving any
Company Benefit Plan that could give rise to any material liability.

     (iii)  All Pension Plans intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of
the Code have been the subject of determination letters from the IRS to the
effect that such Pension Plans are qualified and exempt from Federal income
taxes under Sections 401(a) and 501(a), respectively, of the Code, and, to the
knowledge of the Company, all such letters are valid and effective as of the
date hereof.

     (iv)  No Pension Plan, other than any Pension Plan that is a "multiemployer
plan" (as such term is defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA; collectively, the
"Multiemployer Pension Plans"), had, as of the respective last annual valuation
date for each such Pension Plan, an "unfunded benefit liability" (as such term
is defined in Section 4001(a)(18) of ERISA), based on actuarial assumptions
which have been furnished to Parent, and neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries is aware of any facts or circumstances that would materially change
the funded status of any such Company Benefit Plans.  None of the Pension Plans
has an "accumulated funding deficiency" (as such term is defined in Section 302
of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code), and there has been no application for a
waiver of the minimum funding standards imposed by Section 412 of the Code with
respect to any Company Benefit Plan that is a Pension Plan.  No Commonly
Controlled Entity has incurred any material liability to a Pension Plan (other
than for contributions not yet due) or to the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation (the "PBGC") (other than for premiums not yet due).

     (v)  There have been no non-exempt "prohibited transactions" (as such term
is defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) or any other
breach of fiduciary responsibility with respect to the Company Benefit Plans
that could subject the Company, any of its subsidiaries or any officer of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries to tax or penalty under ERISA, the Code or
other applicable law.  Neither any of such Company Benefit Plans nor any of such
trusts has been terminated, nor has there been any "reportable event" (as that
term is defined in Section 4043 of ERISA) with respect thereto, during the last
five years.

     (vi)  Neither the Company nor any Commonly Controlled Entity (A) maintains
or contributes to a "multiemployer plan" (as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of
ERISA) or has maintained, contributed to or had an obligation to maintain or
contribute to such a plan within the five full plan years of any such plan
immediately prior to the date hereof, or (B) has incurred any liability to the
PBGC or a Company Benefit Plan upon the termination of or withdrawal from a
Company Benefit Plan, which liability remains unpaid as of the date hereof.

     (vii)  With respect to any Company Benefit Plan that is an employee welfare
benefit plan, (A) no such Company Benefit Plan is funded through a "welfare
benefit fund", as such term is defined in Section 419(e) of the Code, (B) each
such Company Benefit Plan that is a "group health plan", as such term is defined
in Section 5000(b)(1) of the Code, complies in all material respects with the
applicable requirements of Section 4980B(f) of the Code and (C) except as set
forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule, each such Company Benefit Plan
(including any such Plan covering retirees or other former employees) may be
amended or terminated without material liability to the Company or any of its
subsidiaries on or at any time after the consummation of the Merger.

                                      A-13
<PAGE>
 
     (viii)  Except as disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, no employee
of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company will be entitled to any
additional benefits or any acceleration of the time of payment or vesting of any
benefits under any Company Benefit Plan as a result of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or by the Stock Option Agreement.

     (k)  Subsidiaries.  The Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth all the
          ------------                                                     
Subsidiaries of the Company and indicates for each such Subsidiary the
jurisdiction and date of incorporation.  Each of the Company's subsidiaries that
is a savings bank is an "insured bank" as defined in the FDIA and applicable
regulations thereunder.  Except as set forth on the Company Disclosure Schedule,
all the shares of capital stock of each of the Subsidiaries of the Company are
fully paid and nonassessable and are owned by the Company or another Subsidiary
of the Company free and clear of all Liens.  The Company Disclosure Schedule
sets forth the equity interest of any person other than the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries in any of the Subsidiaries of the Company and also sets forth
the identity and address of any such person.  Except for the capital stock of
its Subsidiaries and as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule, the
Company does not own, directly or indirectly, any capital stock or other
ownership interest in any corporation, bank, partnership, joint venture or other
entity.

     (l)  State Takeover Statutes.  The Board of Directors of the Company has
          -----------------------                                            
approved the Merger, this Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement and/ or has
taken such other action, and such approval and/or action is sufficient, to
render inapplicable to the Merger, this Agreement, the Stock Option Agreement
and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Stock Option
Agreement the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL.  No other state takeover
statute or similar statute or regulation applies or purports to apply to the
Merger, this Agreement, the Stock Option Agreement and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement.

     (m)  Vote Required.  The Company Stockholder Approval is the only vote of
          -------------                                                       
the holders of any class or series of the Company capital stock necessary to
approve this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

     (n)  Other Activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries.  (i)  Neither
          ----------------------------------------------------               
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries that is not a federal savings bank
directly or indirectly engages in any activity prohibited by the OTS.  Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, any equity investment of the Company
and each Subsidiary that is not a federal savings bank is not prohibited by the
OTS.  NSB engages only in activities permissible for federal savings banks under
applicable OTS and FDIC regulations.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary
directly or indirectly engages in any activity not permitted to a bank holding
company or its subsidiaries under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as
amended (the "BHCA").

     (ii)  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary engages in any insurance
activities other than acting as a principal, agent or broker for insurance that
is directly related to an extension of credit by the Company or any Subsidiary
and limited to assuring the repayment of the balance due on the extension of
credit in the event of the death, disability or involuntary unemployment of the
debtor.  The Company Disclosure Schedule describes all licenses and approvals
held by the Company and any Subsidiary (and any officer, director or employee of
any of them) to conduct any insurance activities, whether as principal, agent,
broker or otherwise.

     (iii)  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary, in connection with its
activities relating to funds transfers, (A) is in default under any agreement to
which it is a party relating to the transfer of funds or settlement with respect
to such transfers; or (B) has agreed to be or is liable for consequential
damages for its error or delay in acting on requests for the transfer of funds.
Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as applicable, has adopted and
followed procedures reasonably adapted to avoid such errors and delay, has
adopted commercially reasonable security procedures (as such term is defined in
section 4A-202 of the Uniform Commercial Code) for verifying the authenticity of
requests received for the transfer of funds, and is in compliance with
applicable laws of Governmental Entities relating to the transfer of funds and
settlement with respect thereto with the applicable operating rules of each
funds transfer system of which it is a member or by which it is bound.

                                      A-14
<PAGE>
 
     (o)  Properties.  Except as disclosed in the Company SEC Documents, the
          ----------                                                        
Company and its Subsidiaries (i) have good, clear and marketable title to all
the properties and assets which are material to the Company's business on a
consolidated basis and are reflected in the latest audited statement of
condition included in the Company SEC Documents as being owned by the Company
and its Subsidiaries or acquired after the date thereof (except properties sold
or otherwise disposed of since the date thereof in the ordinary course of
business), free and clear of all Liens except (A) statutory Liens securing
payments not yet due, (B) Liens on assets of Subsidiaries of the Company
incurred in the ordinary course of their business and (C) such imperfections or
irregularities of title or Liens as do not affect the use of the properties or
assets subject thereto or affected thereby or otherwise materially impair
business operations at such properties, in either case in such a manner as to
have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, and (ii) are collectively the
lessee of all leasehold estates which are material to the Company's business on
a consolidated basis and are reflected in the latest audited financial
statements included in the Company SEC Documents or acquired after the date
thereof (except for leases that have expired by their terms or as to which the
Company has agreed to terminate or convey since the date thereof) 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, to the Company's
knowledge, the lessor, other than defaults that would not have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Company.  The Company Disclosure Schedule lists all of the
owned or leased real property of the Company and its Subsidiaries, except for
real property acquired after the date hereof as a result of foreclosures or
transfers in lieu of foreclosure in the ordinary course of business.  Each of
the Company and its Subsidiaries enjoys peaceful and undisturbed possession
under all such leases.  All the Company's and its Subsidiaries' owned buildings,
structures and equipment have been well maintained and are in good and
serviceable condition, normal wear and tear excepted.

     (p)  Insurance.  The Company and its Subsidiaries are presently insured,
          ---------                                                          
and during each of the last five years have been insured, for reasonable amounts
against such risks as companies engaged in similar businesses would, in
accordance with good business practice, customarily be insured.  The Company
Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list and brief description of
all insurance policies (and fidelity or similar bonds) maintained by or for the
benefit of the Company, its subsidiaries or their directors, officers, employees
or agents.

     (q)  Material Interests of Certain Persons.  Except as disclosed in the
          -------------------------------------                             
Company's Proxy Statement for its 1995 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, no
executive officer or director of the Company or any "associate" (as such term is
defined in Rule 14a-1 under the Exchange Act) of any such executive officer or
director has any material interest in any material contract or property, real or
personal, tangible or intangible, that is used in or pertains to the business of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

     (r)  Brokers and Finders; Schedule of Fees and Expenses.  No broker,
          --------------------------------------------------             
investment banker, financial advisor or other person, other than Kaplan
Associates, Inc., the fees and expenses of which will be paid by the Company
prior to the Effective Time, is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial
advisor's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of
the Company.  The estimated fees and expenses incurred and to be incurred by the
Company in connection with this Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement and the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement
(including the fees of the Company's legal counsel) are set forth in the Company
Disclosure Schedule.

     (s)  Opinion of Financial Advisor.  The Company has received the opinion
          ----------------------------                                       
of Kaplan Associates, Inc., dated the date of this Agreement, to the effect
that, as of such date, the Merger Consideration to be received by the Company's
stockholders is fair to the Company's stockholders from a financial point of
view, and a signed copy of such opinion has been delivered to Parent.

     (t)  Allowance for Loan Losses.  The allowance for loan losses shown on
          -------------------------                                         
the consolidated statement of condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries
reflected in the Company's latest audited financial statements included in the
Company Filed SEC Documents was, and the allowance for loan losses shown on the
consolidated statements of condition of the Company and its subsidiaries
reflected in the Company's financial statements as of dates subsequent to the
date hereof will be, in each case as of the dates thereof, in the opinion of
management, adequate to provide for losses relating to or inherent in the loan
and lease portfolios

                                      A-15
<PAGE>
 
(including accrued interest receivables) of the Company and its Subsidiaries and
other extensions of credit (including letters of credit and commitments to make
loans or extend credit) by the Company and its Subsidiaries.

     (u)  Certain Agreements.  Except as disclosed in the Company Disclosure
          ------------------                                                
Schedule or the Company SEC Documents and except for this Agreement and the
Stock Option Agreement, as of the date of this Agreement, neither the Company
nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any written or, to the Company's
knowledge, oral (i) consulting or independent contractor agreement (other than
contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business) not terminable on 30
days' or less notice or involving the payment of more than $25,000 per annum, or
union, guild or collective bargaining agreement, (ii) material joint venture,
(iii) noncompetition or similar agreement that restricts the Company or its
Subsidiaries from engaging in a line of business, (iv) agreement with any
executive officer or other employee of the Company or any Subsidiary of the
Company the benefits of which are contingent, or the terms of which are
materially altered, upon the occurrence of a transaction involving the Company
or NSB of the nature contemplated by this Agreement or the Stock Option
Agreement, (v) agreement with any executive officer or other employee of the
Company or any Subsidiary of the Company providing for other than at-will
employment, other than individuals who are treated as employed for purposes of
vesting with respect to benefits under any Company Benefit Plan and who (A) have
such status for not more than three years and (B) in respect to which the
Company's obligation to make any payments do not exceed $25,000 per annum, (vi)
agreement or plan, including any severance or "golden parachute" agreement, or
any stock option plan, retirement or Pension Plan, stock appreciation rights
plan, restricted stock plan or stock purchase plan, any of the benefits of which
will be payable or increased, or the vesting of the benefits of which will be
accelerated, as a result of the occurrence of any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or the Stock Option Agreement, or the value of
any of the benefits of which will be calculated on the basis of any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Stock Option Agreement, (vii)
any real property lease with annual rental payments aggregating $25,000 or more,
(viii) any other contract or agreement which would be required to be disclosed
as an exhibit to the Company's annual report to the SEC on Form 10-K and which
has not been so disclosed, (ix) any agreement, arrangement or commitment not
made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (and not
otherwise disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule) that is material to the
Company on a consolidated basis, or any contract, agreement or understanding
relating to the sale or disposition by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of
significant assets or businesses of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (x)
any material agreement, indenture, credit agreement or other instrument relating
to the borrowing of money by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than
certificates of deposit and customary savings bank funding instruments) or the
guarantee by the Company or any such Subsidiary of any such obligation.  Neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default under any material
agreement, commitment, arrangement, lease, insurance policy or other instrument,
whether entered into in the ordinary course of business or otherwise and whether
written or oral and there has not occurred any event that, with the giving of
notice or the lapse of time or both, which constitutes such a default, except in
all cases where such default would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company.  Neither the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries has received any notice or has any knowledge that any other party
is in default in any respect under any contract, agreement, commitment,
arrangement, lease, insurance policy other instrument to which the Company or
any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or the assets, business or operations thereof may be bound or
affected or under which it or its respective assets, business or operations
receives benefits, except for those defaults which have not had, or cannot
reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material
Adverse Effect, and there has not occurred any event that with the lapse of time
or the giving of notice or both would constitute such a default.  True and
correct copies of all such agreements referred to above in this Section 3.01(u),
have been delivered or otherwise made available to Parent by the Company.

     (v)  Absence of Certain Changes or Events.  Except as disclosed in the
          ------------------------------------                             
Company SEC Documents filed prior to the date hereof, since June 30, 1995, the
Company and its Subsidiaries have not incurred any material liability, except in
the ordinary course of their business consistent with their past practices, nor
has there been any change, or any event involving a prospective change, in the
Condition of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which has had, or is
reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, since such date, except as set forth
in the Company Disclosure Schedule, there has not been any change in any of the
licenses, permits or franchises of the

                                      A-16
<PAGE>
 
Company or any Subsidiary thereof that has had or can reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company individually or in the aggregate,
or any damage, destruction or other casualty loss (whether or not covered by
insurance) that has had or can reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on the Company, except in the ordinary course of business, any amendment,
modification or termination of any existing, or entering into any new contract,
agreement, plan, lease, license, permit or franchise that is material to the
Condition of the Company, any disposition by the Company or a Subsidiary
thereof, of an asset that is material to the Company, except sales of properties
in the ordinary course of business, or entering into any new employment
agreement or bonus arrangement or Company Benefit Plan by the Company or any
Subsidiary thereof, or any increase by the Company or any Subsidiary in the rate
of compensation or the benefits payable or to become payable to any officer or
other employee in excess of 5% per annum or to any agent or consultant in excess
of the current customary practice of the Company and its Subsidiaries (except as
otherwise expressly contemplated by the terms of this Agreement).

     (w)  Labor and Employment Matters.  Except to the extent set forth in the
          ----------------------------                                        
Company Disclosure Schedule, (i) the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have
been in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws of
Governmental Entities respecting employment and employment practices, terms and
conditions of employment and wages and hours, including, without limitation, the
Immigration Reform and Control Act ("IRCA"), the Worker Adjustment and
Retraining Notification Act ("WARN"), any such laws respecting employment
discrimination, disability rights or benefits, equal opportunity, plant closure
issues, affirmative action, workers' compensation, employee benefits, severance
payments, labor relations, employee leave issues, wage and hour standards,
occupational safety and health requirements and unemployment insurance and
related matters, and are not engaged in and have not engaged in any unfair labor
practice; (ii) to the best knowledge of the Company, no investigation or review
by or before any Governmental Entity concerning any possible conflicts with or
violations of any such applicable laws is pending, nor is any such investigation
threatened, nor has any such investigation occurred during the last three years,
and no Governmental Entity has provided any notice to the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or otherwise asserted an intention to conduct any such
investigation or review, nor is there any basis for any such investigation or
review; (iii) there is no labor strike, dispute, slowdown or stoppage actually
pending or threatened against or directly affecting the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries; (iv) no union representation question or union organizational
activity exists respecting the employees of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries; (v) no collective bargaining agreement exists which is binding on
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (vi) neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries has experienced any material work stoppage or other material labor
difficulty since December 31, 1991; (vii) neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries is delinquent in payments to any of its officers, directors,
employees or agents for any wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses or other
direct compensation for any services performed by them or amounts required to be
reimbursed to such officers, directors, employees or agents; (viii) in the event
of termination of the employment of any of said officers, directors, employees
or agents for any reason, neither the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, Parent,
Sub, nor any other Subsidiaries of Parent, will, pursuant to any agreement or by
reason of anything done prior to the Effective Time by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or predecessors, be liable to any of said officers, directors,
employees or agents for so-called "severance pay" or any other similar payments
or benefits, including, without limitation, post-employment health care (other
than pursuant to COBRA) or insurance benefits; (ix) all benefits payable to
current, terminated or retired employees, including, without limitation, post-
employment health care or insurance benefits, may be modified or terminated by
the Company at any time; (x) within the three-year period prior to the date
hereof there has not been any termination of employment of any officer,
director, employee or agent of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries who
receives salary or compensation in excess of $60,000 per annum or any
termination of any officer, director, employee or agent of the Company or its
Subsidiaries that could result in a liability to Parent in excess of $60,000;
and (xi) all employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries are employed at will.
Except as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule, there are no pending or,
to the Company's knowledge, threatened suits, claims, actions, charges,
investigations or proceedings of any material nature respecting employment and
employment practices, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours,
including without limitation (i) under or alleging violation of IRCA, NLRA,
FLSA, WARN or any applicable law respecting employment discrimination, equal
opportunity, labor relations, affirmative action, disability rights or benefits,
employee leave issues or wage and hour standards, workers' compensation, plant
closure issues, employee benefits, severance payments, occupational safety and
health requirements or unemployment insurance and related matters, or (ii)
relating to alleged unfair labor practices (or the equivalent thereof under any
applicable law).

                                      A-17
<PAGE>
 
     (x)  Registration Obligations.  Except as set forth in the Company
          ------------------------                                     
Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is under
any obligation, contingent or otherwise, which will survive the Merger by reason
of any agreement to register any of its securities under the Securities Act.

     (y)  Accounting Records.
          ------------------ 

     (i)  Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries maintains records that
accurately, validly and fairly reflect its transactions and dispositions of
assets and maintains a system of internal accounting controls, policies and
procedures sufficient to make it reasonable to expect that (A) such transactions
are executed in accordance with its management's general or specific
authorization, (B) such transactions are recorded in conformity with GAAP and in
such a manner as to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with GAAP and any other criteria applicable to such statements and to maintain
accountability for assets, (C) access to assets is permitted only in accordance
with management's general or specific authorization, (D) the recorded
accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable
intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences, and
(E) except as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule, records of such
transactions are retained, protected and duplicated in accordance with prudent
banking practices and applicable regulatory requirements.

     (ii)  The data processing equipment, data transmission equipment, related
peripheral equipment and software used by the Company and its Subsidiaries in
the operation of their businesses (including any disaster recovery facility) to
generate and retrieve such records (whether owned or leased by the Company or
any Subsidiaries, or provided under any agreement or other arrangement with a
third party for data processing services) are adequate for the needs of the
Company and its Subsidiaries.

     (iii)  The Company has delivered to Parent true, correct and complete
copies of all annual management letters and opinions, and has made available to
Parent for inspection all reviews, correspondence, and other documents in the
files of the Company and NSB, prepared by any certified public accounting firm
and delivered to the Company or NSB since January 1, 1989.

     (z)  Undisclosed Liabilities.  Except as disclosed in the Company
          -----------------------                                     
Disclosure Schedule or as disclosed or provided for in the Company SEC
Documents, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any
liabilities of any nature (whether or not required to be accrued or disclosed
under SFAS No. 5) which have had or can reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Company.

     (aa)  Investment Securities.  Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has
           ---------------------                                               
good and marketable title to all securities held by it (except securities sold
under repurchase agreements or held in any fiduciary or agency capacity), free
and clear of any mortgage, lien, pledge or encumbrance, except to the extent
such securities are pledged in the ordinary course of business consistent with
prudent banking practice to secure obligations of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries.  Such securities are valued on the books of the Company in
accordance with GAAP.

     (bb)  Loans.
           ----- 

     (i)  Except as disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, (A) each
outstanding loan, lease or other extension of credit or commitment to extend
credit exceeding $50,000 of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a legal,
valid and binding obligation, is in full force and effect and is enforceable in
accordance with its terms except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
moratorium, reorganization or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors
generally or equitable principles limiting the right to obtain specific
performance or other similar relief; (B) each of the Company and its
Subsidiaries has duly performed in all material respects all of its respective
obligations thereunder to the extent that such obligations to perform have
accrued; (C) all documents and agreements necessary for the Company or any
Subsidiary that is a party thereto to enforce such loan, lease or other
extension of credit are in existence; (D) no claims, counterclaims, set-off
rights or other rights exist, nor do the grounds for any such claim,
counterclaim, set-off right or other right exist, with respect to any such
loans, leases or other extensions of credit which could impair the
collectibility thereof; and (E) each such loan, lease and extension of credit
has been, in all material respects, originated and serviced in accordance with
the Company's or a Subsidiary's then applicable underwriting

                                      A-18
<PAGE>
 
guidelines, the terms of the relevant credit documents and agreements and
applicable laws of Governmental Entities.

     (ii)  The Company Disclosure Schedule lists all loan commitments exceeding
$50,000 of the Company and its Subsidiaries (with single-family loan commitments
and consumer commitments listed in the aggregate only) outstanding as of the
date hereof.  Except as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule (with
single-family loan commitments and consumer commitments viewed in the aggregate
only), as of the date hereof, (A) there are no loans, leases, other extensions
of credit or commitments to extend credit of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries that have been or, to the Company's knowledge, should have been
classified by the Company and its Subsidiaries as "Other Assets Especially
Mentioned," "Substandard," "Doubtful," "Loss" or any comparable classification,
and (B) there are no loans due to the Company or its Subsidiaries as to which
any payment of principal, interest or any other amount is 30 days or more past
due.  The Company shall promptly after the end of any month inform Parent of any
such classification arrived at any time after the date hereof.  There is no
material disagreement with any Regulatory Authority as to the classifications
referred to in the second sentence of this Section 3.01(b)(ii).  The Company has
provided to Parent true, correct and complete information concerning the loan
portfolios of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries, and no material
information with respect to the loan portfolios has been withheld from Parent.

     (iii)  All loans and extensions of credit that have been made by the
Company and that are subject to Section 11 of the Home Owners' Loan Act comply
therewith.

     (cc)  Interest Rate Risk Management Instruments; Structured Notes.
           ----------------------------------------------------------- 

     (i)  The Company Disclosure Schedule contains a true, correct and complete
list of all interest rate swaps, caps, floors, and option agreements and other
interest rate risk management arrangements to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of their properties or assets may be
bound. The Company has delivered to Parent true, correct and complete copies of
all such interest rate risk management agreements and arrangements.

     (ii)  All interest rate swaps, caps, floors and option agreements and other
interest rate risk management arrangements to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of their properties or assets may be
bound were entered into in the ordinary course of business and, to the Company's
knowledge, in accordance with prudent banking practice and applicable rules,
regulations and policies of the Regulatory Authorities and with counterparties
believed to be financially responsible and are legal, valid and binding
obligations enforceable in accordance with their terms (except as may be limited
by bankruptcy, insol  vency, moratorium, reorganization or similar laws
affecting the rights of creditors generally and the availability of equitable
remedies), and are in full force and effect.  The Company and each of its
Subsidiaries has duly performed in all material respects all of its obligations
thereunder to the extent that such obligations to perform have accrued; and to
the Company's knowledge, there are no breaches, violations or defaults or
allegations or assertions of such by any party thereunder.

     (iii)  The Company and its Subsidiaries own no securities that are referred
to generically as "structured notes," "high risk mortgage derivatives," "capped
floating rate notes," or "capped floating rate mortgage derivatives" or that are
likely to have changes in value as a result of interest or exchange rage changes
that significantly exceed normal changes in value attributable to interest or
exchange rate changes, except for those securities and other instruments legally
purchased or entered into in the ordinary course of business, consistent with
safe and sound banking practices, and disclosed in the Company Disclosure
Schedule or disclosed in the Company SEC Documents.

     (dd)  Compliance with Policies.  Since January 1, 1994, the Company has
           ------------------------                                         
followed in all material respects its applicable internal credit, risk
management, trust, trading, equity investing and similar policies and procedures
in conducting the operations which are subject to such policies.

     (ee)  Community Reinvestment Act.  NSB is in material compliance with the
           --------------------------                                         
applicable provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act (the "CRA") and the
regulations promulgated thereunder, and NSB currently has a CRA rating of
satisfactory or better from the OTS.  To the best knowledge of the Company,

                                      A-19
<PAGE>
 
there is no fact or circumstance or set of facts or circumstances which would
cause NSB to fail to comply with such provisions or cause the CRA rating of NSB
to fall below satisfactory.

     (ff)  Certain Circumstances.  The Company knows of no facts or
           ---------------------                                   
circumstances that would delay, impede or otherwise adversely affect its ability
to promptly secure all necessary regulatory and other approvals and consents to
the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to promptly
consummate the Merger.

     SECTION 3.02.  Representations and Warranties of Parent and Sub.  Parent
                    ------------------------------------------------         
and Sub represent and warrant to the Company as follows:

     (a)  Organization and Authority.  Each of Parent and Sub is a bank or
          --------------------------                                      
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated or organized and has the
requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties
and to carry on its business as now being conducted.  Each of Parent and Sub and
each of Parent's other subsidiaries is duly qualified and in good standing to do
business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the
ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification necessary except
where the failure so to qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect on
Parent.  Sub is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Parent.

     (b)  Authorization.  (i)  Parent and Sub have all requisite corporate
          -------------                                                   
power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement
and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.  The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Parent and Sub.  All
of the outstanding shares of voting common stock of Parent are beneficially
owned, directly or indirectly, by Banque Nationale de Paris, a banking
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of France
("BNP").  No corporate action on the part of BNP is required for the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Stock
Option Agreement.  This Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement have been duly
executed and delivered by Parent and Sub and each constitutes a valid and
binding obligation of Parent and Sub, enforceable against Parent and Sub in
accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights
generally or the rights of creditors of financial institutions and to general
equity principles.

     (ii)  The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Stock Option
Agreement do not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
and thereby will not, and compliance by Parent and Sub with any of the
provisions hereof or thereof will not, (A) result in any Violation pursuant to
any provision of the articles or certificate of incorporation (or similar
constitutive document) or by-laws of Parent, Sub or any other subsidiary of
Parent or (B) subject to obtaining or making the consents, approvals, orders,
authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings referred to in paragraph
(iii) below, result in any Violation of any loan or credit agreement, note,
mortgage, indenture, lease, benefit plan or other agreement, obligation,
instrument, permit, concession, franchise, license, judgment, order, decree,
statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Parent, Sub or any
other subsidiary of Parent or their respective properties or assets which
Violation under this clause (B) could reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate with other such Violations, a Material Adverse
Effect on Parent.

     (iii)  No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration,
declaration or filing with, any Governmental Entity is required by or with
respect to Parent, Sub or any other subsidiary of Parent or any other Affiliate
(as defined in Section 8.03(c) hereof) of Parent in connection with the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement by
Parent and Sub, or the consummation by Parent and Sub of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby, the failure to obtain which could, individually
or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Parent, except for (A) the filing of applications with the FDIC under 12 U.S.C.
(S) 1815(d)(3) (the "Oakar statute") and with the OTS under the SLHCA and the
applicable regulations of the OTS and with the FDIC under the FDIA and approval
of the same, (B) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of
State of the State of Delaware and appropriate documents with the relevant
authorities of other states in which Parent is qualified to do business, (C) the
Banking Approvals, (D) consents, authorizations, approvals, filings or
exemptions in connection with

                                      A-20
<PAGE>
 
compliance with the applicable provisions of consumer finance, mortgage banking
and other similar laws, and (E) the receipt of a waiver from the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "FRB") of the applicability of the
BHCA to the transactions contemplated hereby.

     (c)  Information Supplied.  None of the information supplied or to be
          --------------------                                            
supplied by Parent or Sub for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the
Proxy Statement will, at the date of mailing to stockholders and at the time of
the Company Stockholders Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material
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.  The Proxy Statement will comply as
to form in all material respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the
rules and regulations thereunder, except that no representation or warranty is
made by Parent or Sub with respect to statements made or incorporated by
reference therein based on information supplied by the Company specifically for
inclusion or incorporation by reference therein.

     (d)  Ownership of Company Common Stock.  Other than pursuant to the Stock
          ---------------------------------                                   
Option Agreement, as of the date hereof, neither Parent nor any of its
affiliates (as such term is defined under the Exchange Act), (i) beneficially
owns, directly or indirectly, or (ii) is party to any agreement, arrangement or
understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of, in
each case, shares of capital stock of the Company, which in the aggregate
represent 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock entitled
to vote generally in the election of directors (other than Trust Account
Shares).

     (e)  Brokers and Finders.  No broker, investment banker, financial advisor
          -------------------                                                  
or other person, other than the fees and expenses of which will be paid by
Parent, is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial advisor's or other
similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement based upon arrangements made by or
on behalf of Parent or Sub.

     (f)  Financing.  Parent has available funds sufficient to consummate the
          ---------                                                          
Merger on the terms contemplated by this Agreement, and at the Effective Time,
Parent will have available all the funds necessary to perform its obligations
under this Agreement, including consummating the Merger on the terms
contemplated hereby.

     (g)  Litigation.  There is no suit, action or proceeding pending or, to
          ----------                                                        
the knowledge of Parent, threatened against or affecting Parent or any of its
Subsidiaries that individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected
to (i) impair the ability of Parent to perform its obligations under this
Agreement or (ii) threaten, impede or delay the consummation of the Merger, nor
is there any judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any Governmental
Entity or arbitrator outstanding against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries
having, or which is reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate,
any effect referred to in clause (i) or (ii) above.

     (h)  Community Reinvestment Act Compliance.  Parent is in material
          -------------------------------------                        
compliance with the applicable provisions of the CRA and the regulations
promulgated thereunder, and Parent currently has a CRA rating of satisfactory or
better from the FDIC.  To the best knowledge of Parent, there is no fact or
circumstance or set of facts or circumstances which would cause Parent to fail
to comply with such provisions or cause the CRA rating of Parent to fall below
satisfactory.

     (i)  Certain Circumstances.  Parent knows of no facts or circumstances
          ---------------------                                            
that would delay, impede or otherwise adversely affect its ability to promptly
secure all necessary regulatory and other approvals and consents to the Merger
and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to promptly consummate
the Merger.

                                      A-21
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE IV

            Covenants Relating to Conduct of the Company's Business
            -------------------------------------------------------

     SECTION 4.01.  Covenants of the Company.  During the period from the date
                    ------------------------                             
of this Agreement until the Effective Time, the Company agrees as to itself and
its Subsidiaries that (except as expressly contemplated or permitted by this
Agreement or the Stock Option Agreement):

     (a)  Ordinary Course.  The Company and its Subsidiaries shall carry on
          ---------------                                                  
their respective businesses in the usual, regular and ordinary course consistent
with sound banking and thrift industry practices and use their best efforts to
preserve intact their present business organizations, maintain their rights and
franchises, keep available the services of their current officers and employees
and preserve their relationships with customers, suppliers and others having
business dealings with them to the end that their goodwill and ongoing
businesses shall not be impaired in any material respect at the Effective Time.
The Company shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (i) enter
into any new material line of business; (ii) except as required by law,
regulation, GAAP or regulatory policies or guidelines, change its or its
Subsidiaries' lending, credit, investment, liability management, deposit
interest rate or service charge and other material banking policies in any
respect which is material to the Company; or (iii) except as required by any
applicable Regulatory Authorities, incur or commit to any capital expenditures,
or any obligations or liabilities in connection therewith, other than capital
expenditures and obligations or liabilities incurred or committed to that are
approved in accordance with the Company's capital expenditure approval policies
and that are not (A) individually in excess of U.S.$25,000 and (B) in the
aggregate in excess of U.S.$100,000. Neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries will form any new Subsidiaries.

     (b)  Dividends; Changes in Stock.  The Company shall not, nor shall it
          ---------------------------                                      
permit any of its Subsidiaries to, nor shall it propose to, (i) declare, set
aside or pay any dividends on or make other distributions in respect of,
directly or indirectly, any of its capital stock, except (A) in the event the
Effective Time has not occurred by April 30, 1996, other than by reason of any
breach or default hereunder on the part of the Company, then the Company may
declare and pay a special cash dividend in an amount up to but not exceeding the
Company Net Income after April 30, 1996 (as defined in Section 8.03(c)),
provided, however, that (x) the Company shall not have, nor shall it have
permitted any of its Subsidiaries to have, conducted its operations other than
in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices and
policies, including without limitation, its practices and policies for the
recognition of income and expense items, and (y) the Company shall have
furnished to Parent on the date of the declaration of such dividend a
certificate of the chief financial officer of the Company, in form reasonably
satisfactory to Parent, and dated as of such date, to the effect that the
Company has duly complied with the provisions of clause (x) of this proviso, and
(B) for dividends by a direct or indirect wholly owned (other than directors'
qualifying shares) Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) adjust, split, combine or
reclassify any of its capital stock or issue or authorize or propose the
issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution
for shares of its capital stock, except for the issuance of shares upon the
exercise of options presently outstanding under the Incentive Plan, or (iii)
repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or permit any Subsidiary to purchase or
otherwise acquire (except for the acquisition of Trust Account Shares and the
acquisition of shares to be used to satisfy obligations under Company Stock
Plans), any shares of its capital stock or any securities convertible into or
exchangeable for any shares of its capital stock.

     (c)  Issuance of Securities.  The Company shall not, nor shall it permit
          ----------------------                                      
any of its Subsidiaries to, issue, deliver or sell, or authorize or propose the
issuance, delivery or sale of, any shares of its or any of its Subsidiaries'
capital stock of any class, any Voting Debt or any securities convertible into
or exchangeable for, or any rights, warrants or options to acquire, any such
shares or Voting Debt, or enter into any agreement with respect to any of the
foregoing, other than (i) pursuant to the Stock Option Agreement, (ii) issuances
by a direct or indirect wholly owned (other than directors' qualifying shares)
Subsidiary of its capital stock to its parent, and (iii) pursuant to options or
rights presently outstanding under the Incentive Plan or the Employee Stock
Purchase Plan.

                                      A-22
<PAGE>
 
     (d)  Governing Documents.  The Company shall not amend or propose to amend,
          -------------------                                            
nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to amend, the articles or
certificate of incorporation (or similar constitutive documents) or by-laws of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

     (e)  No Acquisitions.  The Company shall not, nor shall it permit any of
          ---------------                                                 
its Subsidiaries to, acquire or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating
with, or by purchasing a substantial equity interest in or a substantial portion
of the assets of, or by any other manner, any business or any corporation,
partnership, association or other business organization or division thereof or
otherwise acquire or agree to acquire any assets, in each case which are
material, individually or in the aggregate, to the Company and its Subsidiaries
taken as a whole. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company
shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make any investment
either by purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital, property
transfers or purchase of any property or assets of any other individual,
corporation or other entity, except, subject to Section 4.01(p), for investments
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

     (f)  No Dispositions.  Other than (i) activities in the ordinary course of
          ---------------                                            
business consistent with sound banking and thrift industry practice or (ii) as
set forth on the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company shall not, nor shall
it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, sell, lease, mortgage, encumber or
otherwise dispose of, any of its assets (including capital stock of
Subsidiaries).

     (g)  Indebtedness.  The Company shall not, nor shall it permit any of its
          ------------                                                    
Subsidiaries to, incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantee any such
indebtedness or issue or sell any debt securities or warrants or rights to
acquire any debt securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
guarantee any debt securities of others, other than in the ordinary courses of
business consistent with past practice (i) short-term indebtedness incurred to
refinance existing short-term indebtedness, (ii) short-term indebtedness of any
Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or another Subsidiary of the Company or
(iii) in the case of NSB, short-term indebtedness consistent with sound banking
and thrift industry practice. Without limiting the foregoing, NSB shall not
extend the maturities beyond one year or otherwise materially change the terms
of its advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (the "FHLB").

     (h)  Other Actions.  The Company shall not, nor shall it permit any of its
          -------------                                                    
Subsidiaries to, knowingly or wilfully take any action that would, or reasonably
could be expected to, result in any of its representations and warranties set
forth in this Agreement that are qualified as to materiality being or becoming
untrue, any of such representations and warranties that are not so qualified
being or becoming untrue in any material respect, any of the conditions to the
Merger set forth in Article VI not being satisfied or a material Violation of
any provision of the Stock Option Agreement, or (unless such action is required
by applicable law or sound banking and thrift industry practice) which could
reasonably be expected to adversely affect or delay the ability of any of
Parent, Sub or the Company or their Subsidiaries to obtain any of the Requisite
Regulatory Approvals (as defined in Section 6.01(b)) without imposition of a
condition or restriction of the type referred to in Section 6.02(c).

     (i)  Advice of Changes; Government Filings.  The Company shall confer on a
          -------------------------------------                           
regular and frequent basis with Parent, report on operational matters and
promptly advise Parent orally and in writing of any change or event having, or
which, insofar as can reasonably be foreseen, could have, individually or in the
aggregate a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or which would cause or
constitute a material breach of any of the representations, warranties or
covenants of the Company contained herein. The Company shall file all reports
required to be filed by it with the SEC or the Amex between the date of this
Agreement and the Effective Time and shall deliver to Parent copies of all such
reports promptly after the same are filed. The Company and each Subsidiary of
the Company that is a savings bank shall file all reports, applications and
other documents required to be filed with the OTS and any other Regulatory
Authorities between the date hereof and the Effective Time and shall make
available to Parent copies of all such reports and other items promptly after
the same are filed. Except where prohibited by applicable statutes and
regulations, the Company shall promptly provide Parent with copies of all other
filings made by the Company with any Governmental Entity in connection with this
Agreement, the Stock Option Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby.

                                      A-23
<PAGE>
 
     (j)  Accounting Methods.  Except as contemplated by Section 5.09, the
          ------------------                                              
Company shall not change its fiscal year or its methods of accounting in effect
at July 1, 1995, except as required by changes in GAAP or regulatory accounting
practices as concurred in by the Company's independent auditors.

     (k)  Compensation; Benefit Plans Employment Agreement.  Except as
          ------------------------------------------------            
contemplated by this Agreement, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries
will (i) declare or pay (or agree to declare or pay) any bonuses or other
special compensation to any directors or officers, (ii) enter into, adopt, amend
or terminate any Company Benefit Plan or any other employee benefit plan or any
agreement, arrangement, plan or policy between such party and one or more of its
directors, officers or employees, (iii) increase in any manner the compensation
or fringe benefits of any of its directors, officers or employees or provide any
other benefit not required by any plan and arrangement as in effect as of the
date hereof (including the granting of bonuses or stock options, stock
appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units or performance
units or shares), except for normal salary increases in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice, (iv) create or, except as required by
law or regulation, amend any Company Stock Plan or grant any equity based award
pursuant to any Company Stock Plan or otherwise, (v) enter into or renew any
contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement providing for the payment to any
director, officer or employee of such party of compensation or benefits
contingent, or the terms of which are materially altered, upon the occurrence of
any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Stock Option
Agreement (except for those agreements that are set forth on the Company
Disclosure Schedule, which may be renewed on the same terms and conditions as
contained therein), or (vi) enter into or amend any employment agreement with
any employee or director, hire any new employee at the level of Vice President
or above or fill any vacancy created by the departure (for any reason) of any
employee at the level of Vice President or above, in each case, without
previously consulting with Parent.

     (l)  Tax Matters.  From the date hereof until the Effective Time, (i) the
          -----------                                                     
Company and its Subsidiaries will file all Company Returns required to be filed
with any taxing authority in accordance with all applicable laws, (ii) the
Company and its Subsidiaries will timely pay all taxes shown as due and payable
on the respective Company Returns that are so filed and as of the time of
filing, the Company Returns will correctly reflect the facts regarding the
income, business, assets, operations, activities and the status of the Company
and its Subsidiaries in all material respects, and (iii) the Company and its
Subsidiaries will promptly notify Parent of any action, suit, proceeding,
investigation, audit or claim pending against or with respect to the Company or
any Subsidiary in respect of any tax where there is a reasonable possibility of
a determination or decision which would reasonably be expected to have a
significant adverse effect on the Company's tax liabilities or other tax
attributes. The Company shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries
to, make any tax election or settle or compromise any income tax liability.

     (m)  Settlements, Etc.  The Company shall not, nor shall it permit any of
          -----------------                                                
its Subsidiaries to, pay, discharge, settle or satisfy any claims, liabilities
or obligations (absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or
otherwise), other than the payment, discharge, settlement or satisfaction, in
the ordinary course of business consistent with sound banking and thrift
industry practice or in accordance with their terms, of liabilities reflected or
reserved against in, or contemplated by, the most recent consolidated financial
statements (or the notes thereto) of the Company included in the Company SEC
Documents or incurred since the date of such financial statements in the
ordinary course of business consistent with sound banking and thrift industry
practice.

     (n)  Material Contracts.  Except in the ordinary course of business
          ------------------                                            
consistent with sound banking and thrift industry practice or as required by the
terms of this Agreement, the Company shall not, nor shall it permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, modify, amend or terminate any material contract, lease or
agreement to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party or waive, release or
assign any material rights or claims thereunder.  Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, without the prior written consent of Parent, the
Company shall not waive any standstill provision contained in any
confidentiality agreement in existence as of the date hereof between the Company
and any other person.  Without the prior written consent of Parent (which shall
not be unreasonably withheld), the Company shall not, nor shall it permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, enter into any contract, agreement or arrangement which, if
entered into prior to the date hereof, would have been covered by Section
3.01(u) or Section 3.01(cc).

                                      A-24
<PAGE>
 
     (o)    Loans and Commitments.  The Company shall not, nor shall it permit
            ---------------------                                             
any of its Subsidiaries to, without prior consultation with Parent, make,
renegotiate, renew, increase, extend or purchase any loans, advances or loan
commitments (and the Company and such Subsidiaries shall not make any loans,
advances or commitments to which Parent has reasonably objected), except loans,
advances or commitments of less than U.S.$1,000,000 made in the ordinary course
of business.

     (p)    Investments.  The Company shall not, nor shall it permit any of
            -----------                                                    
its Subsidiaries to, without prior consultation of Parent, make or purchase any
investment of any kind (and the Company and such Subsidiaries shall not make or
purchase any investments to which Parent has reasonably objected), except
investments of less than U.S.$1,000,000 made in the ordinary course of business.

     (q)    No Change in Rates.  The Company shall not, nor shall it permit
            ------------------                                             
any of its Subsidiaries to, without the prior consent of Parent, offer interest
rates or terms on any category of deposits at any of its branches which are not
consistent with recent practice as disclosed by the Company to Parent, except as
may be necessary in the good faith judgment of the Company in response to
competitive market developments.

     (r)  General.  The Company shall not, nor shall it permit any of its
          -------                                                        
Subsidiaries to, authorize any of, or commit or agree to take any of, the
foregoing actions described in this Section 4.01.

     SECTION 4.02.  No Solicitation.  (a)  The Company agrees that neither it
                    ---------------                                       
nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of the respective officers and directors of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall, and the Company shall direct and
cause its employees, agents and representatives (including, without limitation,
any investment banker, attorney or accountant retained by it or any of its
Subsidiaries) not to, directly or indirectly, initiate, solicit, encourage or
otherwise facilitate any inquiries or the making of any proposal or offer
(including, without limitation, any proposal or offer to stockholders of the
Company) with respect to a merger, consolidation or similar transaction
involving, or any purchase of all or any significant portion of the assets,
deposits or any equity securities of, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
(any such proposal or offer being hereinafter referred to as an "Acquisition
Proposal") or, except to the extent legally required for the discharge by the
Company's board of directors of its fiduciary duties as advised by such board's
counsel with respect to an unsolicited offer from a third party, engage in any
negotiations concerning or provide any information or data to, or have any
discussions with, any person relating to an Acquisition Proposal, or otherwise
facilitate any effort or attempt to make or implement an Acquisition Proposal.
The Company will immediately cease and cause to be terminated any existing
activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties (other than the Parent)
conducted heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing. The Company will take
the necessary steps to inform promptly the appropriate individuals or entities
referred to in the first sentence hereof of the obligations undertaken in this
Section 4.02(a). The Company agrees that it will notify the Parent immediately
if any such inquiries, proposals or offers are received by, any such information
is requested from, or any such negotiations or discussions are sought to be
initiated or continued with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The Company
also agrees that it promptly shall request each other person (other than the
Parent) that has heretofore executed a confidentiality agreement in connection
with its consideration of acquiring the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to
return all confidential information heretofore furnished to such person by or on
behalf of the Company or any of Subsidiaries.

     (b)  Except to the extent legally required for the discharge by the
Company's board of directors of its fiduciary duties as advised by such board's
counsel, neither the Board of Directors of the Company nor any committee thereof
shall (i) withdraw or modify, or propose to withdraw or modify, in a manner
adverse to Parent or Sub, the approval or recommendation by such Board of
Directors of this Agreement or the Merger, (ii) approve or recommend, or propose
to approve or recommend, any takeover proposal or (iii) enter into any agreement
with respect to any takeover proposal.

     (c)  In addition to the obligations of the Company set forth in Section
4.02(b), the Company promptly shall advise Parent orally and in writing of any
request for information or of any takeover proposal, or any inquiry with respect
to or which could lead to any takeover proposal, the material terms and
conditions of such request, takeover proposal or inquiry and the identity of the
person making any such request, takeover proposal or inquiry. The Company will
keep Parent fully informed of the status and details (including amendments or
proposed amendments) of any such request, takeover proposal or inquiry.

                                      A-25
<PAGE>
 
     (d)  Nothing contained in this Section 4.02 shall prohibit the Company
from taking and disclosing to its stockholders a position contemplated by Rule
14e-2(a) promulgated under the Exchange Act or from making any disclosure to the
Company's stockholders if, in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors
of the Company based on the written opinion of independent counsel, failure to
do so would be inconsistent with applicable laws; provided that the Company does
not, withdraw or modify, its position with respect to the Merger or approve or
recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, a takeover proposal, except as
permitted by the last sentence of Section 5.03.


                                   ARTICLE V

                             Additional Agreements
                             ---------------------

     SECTION 5.01.  Preparation of the Proxy Statement.  The Company will use
                    ----------------------------------                   
all reasonable efforts to prepare and file promptly a preliminary Proxy
Statement with the SEC and will use all reasonable efforts to respond to any
comments of the SEC or its staff and to cause the Proxy Statement to be mailed
to the Company's stockholders as promptly as practicable after responding to all
such comments to the satisfaction of the SEC or its staff. The Company will
notify Parent promptly of the receipt of any comments from the SEC or its staff
and of any request by the SEC or its staff for amendments or supplements to the
Proxy Statement or for additional information and will supply Parent with copies
of all correspondence between the Company or any of its representatives, on the
one hand, and the SEC or its staff, on the other hand, with respect to the Proxy
Statement or the Merger. If at any time prior to the Company Stockholders
Meeting there shall occur any event that should be set forth in an amendment or
supplement to the Proxy Statement, the Company will promptly prepare and mail to
its stockholders such an amendment or supplement. The Company will not mail any
Proxy Statement, or any amendment or supplement thereto, to which Parent
reasonably objects.

     SECTION 5.02.  Access to Information.  The Company shall, and shall cause
                    ---------------------                               
each of its Subsidiaries to, afford to Parent and to the officers, employees,
accountants, counsel and other representatives and advisors of Parent,
reasonable access, during normal business hours during the period prior to the
Effective Time, to all their respective properties, books, contracts,
commitments, personnel and records and, during such period, the Company shall,
and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, furnish promptly to Parent (a) a
copy of each report, schedule, registration statement and other document filed
or received by it during such period pursuant to the requirements of Federal or
state securities laws or Federal or state banking or thrift laws (other than
reports or documents which the Company or subsidiary is not permitted to
disclose under applicable law) and (b) all other information concerning its
business, properties and personnel as Parent may reasonably request. Parent
will, and will cause its advisors and representatives to, hold any such
information which is nonpublic in confidence to the extent required by, and in
accordance with, the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement dated as of January
17, 1995, between the Company and Parent (the "Confidentiality Agreement"). No
investigation by either Parent or Sub shall affect the representations and
warranties of the Company, and each such representation and warranty shall
survive such investigation. During the period from the date of this Agreement to
the Effective Time, the Company shall promptly furnish to Parent as the same
become available and shall cause one or more of its designated representatives
with appropriate knowledge of the details reflected in or underlying such
financial statements and budgets to confer on a regular and frequent basis with
Parent: (w) copies of all monthly and quarterly interim financial statements
(including budgets and variances from budgets), (x) detailed information
regarding monthly deposit flow and FHLB funding, (y) copies of monthly loan
production reports, and (z) copies of monthly reports regarding sales of
securities products. The Company shall promptly notify Parent of any material
change in its business or operations and of any complaints, investigations or
hearings (or communications indicating that the same may be contemplated) by any
Governmental Entity, or the institution of the threat of material litigation
involving the Company or its Subsidiaries, and shall keep Parent fully informed
of all such events.

     SECTION 5.03.  Company Stockholders Meeting.  The Company shall duly call,
                    ----------------------------                         
give notice of, convene and hold the Company Stockholders Meeting for the
purpose of obtaining the Company Stockholder Approval as soon as practicable
after the date on which the definitive Proxy Statement has been mailed to the
Company's stockholders. In any event, the Company will use all reasonable
efforts to promptly cause the Stockholders Meeting to be held. The Company will,
through its Board of Directors, recommend to its

                                      A-26
<PAGE>
 
stockholders that they grant the Company Stockholder Approval, unless, as a
result of an unsolicited Acquisition Proposal, the board of directors determines
in good faith after consultation with independent counsel and Kaplan Associates,
Inc. or an investment banking firm of recognized standing, that to so recommend
would constitute a breach of the fiduciary obligations of the board of directors
of the Company to the stockholders of the Company.

     SECTION 5.04.  Legal Conditions to Merger.  Subject to the terms and
                    --------------------------                           
conditions of this Agreement, each of the Company and Parent shall, and shall
cause its Subsidiaries to, use all reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be
taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate
with the other parties in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable to
consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious manner practicable, the
Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including (a)
the obtaining of any necessary consent, authorization, order or approval of, or
any exemption by, any Governmental Entity and/or any other public or private
third party which is required to be obtained by such party or any of its
Subsidiaries in connection with the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement (including any subsequent merger or other
combination of the Company and NSB with and into Parent) and the Stock Option
Agreement and the making or obtaining of all necessary filings and registrations
with respect thereto, (b) the defending of any lawsuits or other legal
proceedings, whether judicial, administrative or regulatory, challenging this
Agreement or the Stock Option Agreement, including seeking to have any stay or
temporary restraining order entered by any court or other Governmental Entity
vacated or reversed, and (c) the execution and delivery of any additional
instruments necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by, and to
fully carry out the purposes of, this Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement;
provided, however, that a party shall not be obligated to take any action
pursuant to the foregoing if the taking of such action or such compliance or the
obtaining of such consent, authorization, order, approval or exemption would, in
such party's reasonable opinion, (A) be materially burdensome to such party and
its Subsidiaries taken as a whole in the context of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or impact in such a materially adverse manner the
economic or business benefits of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
as to render inadvisable the consummation of the Merger or (B) result in the
imposition of a condition or restriction on such party or on the Surviving
Corporation of the type referred to in Section 6.02(c).  Each of the Company and
Parent will promptly cooperate with and furnish information to the other in
connection with any such burden suffered by, or requirement imposed upon, any of
them or any of their Subsidiaries in connection with the foregoing.  The Company
will use all commercially reasonable efforts to operate the Company and the
Subsidiaries and their respective businesses in a manner designed to achieve
satisfaction of all of the conditions precedent set forth in Sections 6.01 and
6.02.  In connection with and without limiting the foregoing, the Company and
its Board of Directors shall (x) take all action necessary to ensure that any
state takeover statute or similar statute or regulation (including Section 203
of the DGCL) is not applicable to the Merger, this Agreement, the Stock Option
Agreement or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the
Stock Option Agreement and (y) if any state takeover statute or similar statute
or regulation becomes applicable to the Merger, this Agreement, the Stock Option
Agreement or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the
Stock Option Agreement, take all action necessary to ensure that the Merger and
the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Stock Option
Agreement may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms
contemplated by this Agreement and otherwise to minimize the effect of such
statute or regulation on the Merger, this Agreement, the Stock Option Agreement
or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Stock
Option Agreement.

     SECTION 5.05.  Employee Matters.  (a) Parent shall honor in accordance with
                    ----------------                                       
their terms the employment, salary continuation, severance and other contracts
to which employees of the Company are a party that are set forth on the Company
Disclosure Schedule and shall also honor the terms and provisions of the
Company's severance policy for its employees as heretofore furnished to Parent,
and shall honor all provisions for vested benefits and rights existing as of the
Effective Time under the Company Benefit Plans. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Parent shall be obligated at the Effective Time to make payments with respect to
the separation from employment in connection with a change of control of the
Company under employment and severance contracts to the following employees only
in the respective amounts set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule --
Granville Stark, Greg Jahn, Bertha Balfour and Cathy Simondi. In addition,
notwithstanding the foregoing, Parent shall be obligated at the Effective Time
to make payments to Alfred Alys with respect to his consulting and non-
competition agreement and employment agreements only in the

                                      A-27
<PAGE>
 
amount set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule.  At the Effective Time,
Parent shall enter into a Consulting Agreement with Alfred Alys in substantially
the form heretofore agreed upon by the parties. Concurrently with the execution
and delivery of this Agreement, the Company has delivered to Parent the written
agreement of each of the individuals specified in the preceding sentence that
their maximum entitlement under such contracts is as specified in the Company
Disclosure Schedule.

     (b)  Parent agrees to pay former employees of the Company and its
Subsidiaries who are retained following completion of the Merger by Parent
("Continuing Employees") at their base salaries (excluding bonus plans) in
effect on the Closing Date, subject to Parent's regular performance review
process applicable to Parent's employees generally.  Nothing herein shall create
any obligation on the part of Parent to retain any such employees or to refrain
from reassigning any such employee as Parent shall determine is necessary or
appropriate.

     (c)  Continuing Employees will participate in the employee benefit, welfare
and related plans and programs of Parent and its Subsidiaries on the same basis
as other similarly situated employees of Parent and its Subsidiaries with the
Continuing Employees (i) receiving past service credit for their employment with
the Company and its Subsidiaries (and predecessors thereto) for eligibility,
participation and vesting in the plans, programs and arrangements of Parent and
its Subsidiaries including, but not limited to, qualified retirement plans,
vacation, sick time and leave, with past service credit applicable to
eligibility and vesting excluded from consideration for purposes of benefit
determination, and (ii) not being subject to any waiting period or preexisting
condition exclusion in connection with medical, dental, life and disability
coverage and receiving full credit for their prior co-payments and deductibles.

     (d)  Notwithstanding any other provisions contained in this Agreement, the
Company may effect repayment prior to the Effective Time, in full or in part, of
the ESOP Debt, provided, however, that to the extent any ESOP Debt is
outstanding and not so repaid at the Effective Time, cash received by the ESOP
Trustee as a result of the Merger with respect to unallocated shares of Company
shall be applied by the trustee to the repayment of ESOP Debt and the balance of
the cash received by the ESOP Trustee as a result of the Merger with respect to
unallocated shares of Company shall be allocated to the accounts of all
participants and beneficiaries in the ESOP who have accounts under the ESOP in
proportion to the account balances of such participants and beneficiaries as
they existed as of the Effective Time. Prior to the Effective Time, the ESOP may
be amended to provide for (i) full vesting of benefits by participants and (ii)
elimination of any requirement for a participant to be employed on the last day
of the Plan Year to receive an employer contribution or other annual additions
or allocations. Upon the making of all allocations herein, the ESOP shall be
terminated and the account balances therein will be distributed to participants
or their beneficiaries, with the right of tax-free rollover, to the extent
permitted by law, to an individual retirement account or another tax-qualified
plan of Parent that accepts such a rollover, at the election of the distributee.

     (e)  Prior to the Effective Time, the Company may establish and fund for
the benefit of Alfred Alys a rabbi trust sufficient to fund fully the Company's
obligations under the Salary Continuation Agreement for Alfred Alys. Such trust
shall be established pursuant to the execution and delivery of a trust agreement
substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto. Mr. Alys may designate the
trustee and depository for such trust.

     SECTION 5.06.  Stock Options and the ESOP; Profit Sharing Plan.  (a) As
                    -----------------------------------------------       
soon as practicable following the date of this Agreement, the Board of Directors
of the Company (or, if appropriate, any committee administering the Company
Stock Plans) shall adopt such resolutions or take such other actions as are
required to provide for the cancellation of all outstanding Company Employee
Options upon the Effective Time, in exchange for a cash payment by the Company
of an amount equal to (i) the excess, if any, of (x) the Merger Consideration
per share over (y) the exercise price per share of Company Common Stock subject
to such Company Employee Option, multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of
Company Common Stock subject to such Company Employee Option for which such
Company Employee Option shall not theretofore have been exercised, whether or
not then exercisable.

     (b)  All amounts payable pursuant to this Section 5.06 shall be subject to
any required withholding of taxes and shall be paid without interest.

                                      A-28
<PAGE>
 
     (c)  The Board of Directors of the Company (or, if appropriate, any
committee administering the Company Stock Plans) shall adopt such resolutions or
take such actions as are required to terminate the Company Stock Plans other
than the ESOP as of the Effective Time, to delete as of the Effective Time the
provision in any other Company Benefit Plan providing for the issuance, transfer
or grant of any capital stock of the Company or any interest in respect of any
capital stock of the Company and to ensure that following the Effective Time no
holder of a Company Stock Option or any participant in any Company Stock Plan or
other Company Benefit Plan shall have any right thereunder to acquire any
capital stock of the Company or the Surviving Corporation.

     (d)  In addition, the 401(k) and profit sharing plan may be terminated
prior to the Effective Time and the account balances therein may be distributed
to participants or their beneficiaries, with the right of tax free rollover, to
the extent permitted by law, to an individual retirement account or another tax-
qualified plan of Parent that accepts such a rollover, at the election of the
distributee.

     SECTION 5.07.  Fees and Expenses.  Whether or not the Merger is
                    -----------------                               
consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement,
the Stock Option Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby
shall be paid by the party incurring such expense, except that in the case of a
termination pursuant to Section 7.01(b)(ii), 7.01(c)(iv) or 7.01(c)(v), the non-
terminating party shall pay on demand to the terminating party in immediately
available funds all of the terminating party's out of pocket expenses incurred
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement up to but not
exceeding $250,000.

     SECTION 5.08.  Indemnification, Exculpation and Insurance.  (a) Parent and
                    ------------------------------------------       
Sub agree that, for a period of six years (or the period of the applicable
statute of limitations, if longer) from the Effective Time, all rights to
indemnification and exculpation from liability for acts or omissions occurring
at or prior to the Effective Time now existing in favor of the current or former
directors or officers of the Company and its subsidiaries (such persons,
"Indemnified Persons") as provided in their respective certificate or articles
of incorporation (or similar constitutive documents) or by-laws or otherwise
shall survive the Merger and shall not be amended, repealed or otherwise
modified in any manner that would adversely affect the rights thereunder of any
such Indemnified Persons. Parent will cause to be maintained for a period of six
years from the Effective Time the Company's current directors' and officers'
insurance and indemnification policy (a copy of which has heretofore been
delivered to Parent) to the extent that it provides coverage for events
occurring prior to the Effective Time (the "D&O Insurance") for all persons who
are directors and officers of the Company or its Subsidiaries on the date of
this Agreement, so long as the aggregate premium therefor would not exceed
$75,000 over said six year period (the "Maximum Aggregate Premium") provided,
however, that Parent may, in lieu of maintaining such existing D&O Insurance as
provided above, cause comparable coverage to be provided under any policy
maintained for the benefit of Parent or any of its subsidiaries, so long as the
material terms thereof are no less advantageous than the existing D&O Insurance.
If the existing D&O Insurance expires, is terminated or canceled during such 
six-year period, Parent will use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause to
be obtained as much D&O Insurance as can be obtained for the remainder of such
period for an annualized premium not in excess of the Maximum Aggregate Premium,
on terms and conditions no less advantageous than the existing D&O Insurance.

     (b)  The provisions of this Section 5.08 are intended to be for the benefit
of, and shall be enforceable by, each Indemnified Party and each Indemnified
Party's heirs and representatives.

     SECTION 5.09.  Company Accruals and Reserves.  Prior to the Closing Date,
                    -----------------------------                       
at the request of Parent, the Company shall review and, to the extent consistent
with GAAP and the accounting rules, regulations and interpretations of the SEC
and its staff, modify and change its loan, accrual and reserve policies and
practices (including loan classifications and levels of reserves and accruals)
to (a) reflect the Surviving Corporation's and Parent's plans with respect to
the conduct of the Company's business following the Merger and (b) make adequate
provision for the costs and expenses relating thereto. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to take in any respect any such
action pursuant to this Section 5.09 unless and until Parent acknowledges that
all conditions to its obligation to consummate the Merger have been satisfied.

                                      A-29
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 5.10.  Letters of Accountants to the Company.  The Company shall
                    -------------------------------------              
use all reasonable efforts to cause to be delivered to Parent letters of KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP ("PM"), the Company's independent auditors, dated a date within
two business days (as defined in Section 8.03(c)) before the date on which the
Proxy Statement relating to the Company Stockholders Meeting is mailed to the
stockholders of the Company and two business days before the Closing Date, and
addressed to Parent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent,
and in scope and substance consistent with applicable professional standards for
letters delivered by independent public accountants in connection with proxy
statements similar to the Proxy Statement sent to the Company's stockholders in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

     SECTION 5.11.  Additional Agreements.  In case at any time after the
                    ---------------------                                
Effective Time any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the
purposes of this Agreement or to vest the Surviving Corporation with full title
to all properties, assets, rights, approvals, immunities and franchises of
either of the Company or Parent, the proper officers and directors of each party
to this Agreement shall take all such necessary action.

     SECTION 5.12.  Parent Covenants; Other Actions.  Parent shall not, nor
                    -------------------------------                        
shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, take any action that would, or
reasonably could be expected to, result in any of its representations and
warranties set forth in this Agreement that are qualified as to materiality
being or becoming untrue, any of such representations and warranties that are
not so qualified being or becoming untrue in any material respect, any of the
conditions to the Merger set forth in Article VI not being satisfied or a
material Violation of any provision of the Stock Option Agreement, or (unless
such action is required by applicable law or sound banking or thrift industry
practice) which could reasonably be expected to adversely affect or delay the
ability of any of Parent, Sub or the Company or their Subsidiaries to obtain any
of the Requisite Regulatory Approvals without imposition of a condition or
restriction of the type referred to in Section 6.02(c).

     SECTION 5.13  Joint Implementation Team.  Promptly following the execution
                   -------------------------
of this Agreement, Parent and the Company shall each identify a selected group
of their respective personnel that shall constitute a "Joint Implementation
Team" who shall be available to Parent and the Company, respectively, at
reasonable times (limited to normal operating hours) to provide information and
assistance in connection with Parent's investigation of matters relating to the
Company and the Subsidiaries, as well as consultation regarding the combined
operations of the parties following the Closing.

     SECTION 5.14  Employee Training.  Not later than 30 days prior to the
                   -----------------                                      
Closing Date, the Company shall permit Parent to train and conduct orientation
sessions for the employees of the Company and the Subsidiaries in respect of
Parent's systems, policies and procedures and the Company shall, as scheduled by
Parent for reasonable periods of time and subject to the Company's reasonable
approval, such that the Company's ongoing operations shall not be materially
disrupted, excuse such employees from their duties for the purpose of training
and orientation by Parent.

     SECTION 5.15  Environmental, ADA and Seismic Investigations.  Promptly
                   ---------------------------------------------           
following the execution of this Agreement, the Company shall (a) provide Parent
and Parent's consultants with access to each of the properties of the Company
and the Subsidiaries, including all real property and the improvements thereon
(the "Properties") and to pertinent information, records or documents within the
possession, custody or control of the Company or the Subsidiaries, at times
reasonably satisfactory to the Company, (b) permit Parent's consultants to
investigate the Properties in order to prepare Preliminary Environmental
Assessment Reports of a scope reasonably satisfactory to Parent (and such
additional environmental reports as Parent may reasonably request in light of
the findings in the Preliminary Environmental Assessment Reports) regarding each
of the Properties owned by the Company or the Subsidiaries, (b) permit Parent
and its consultants to conduct an investigation of each of the Properties as to
the compliance thereof with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and
applicable regulations promulgated in accordance therewith (the "ADA"), and (c)
permit Parent and its consultants to conduct an investigation of each of the
Properties as to the compliance thereof with applicable seismic guidelines,
standards, laws and regulations.  The first $20,000 of the cost of the
investigations and reports contemplated by this Section 5.15 shall be borne
equally by the Company and Parent, with the excess over $20,000 being borne
solely by Parent.  Parent will provide the Company with copies of any reports it
receives pursuant to this Section.

                                      A-30
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 5.16.  Certificates re Financial Data.  The Company shall deliver
                    ------------------------------                    
to Parent, no later than 15 days after the end of the month to which each such
certificate relates, certificates in form, substance and detail reasonably
satisfactory to Parent, dated as of the last day of each month after the date
hereof to the Effective Time (and, for delivery on the Closing Date, a
certificate dated as of the Closing Date), each signed on behalf of the Company
by its Chairman or Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer or
other executive officer performing duties equivalent to those of a "chief
financial officer" certifying reasonably and in good faith as of such dates (i)
the Company Net Worth (as defined in Section 8.03(c)(v)) and (ii) the Deposit
Balance (as defined in Section 7.01(c)(iv)).


                                  ARTICLE VI

                             Conditions Precedent
                             --------------------

     SECTION 6.01.  Conditions to Each Party's Obligation To Effect the Merger.
                    ----------------------------------------------------------
The respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby shall be subject to the satisfaction or waiver
at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:

     (a)  Company Stockholder Approval.  The Company Stockholder Approval shall
          ----------------------------              
have been obtained.

     (b)  Other Approvals.  Other than the filing provided for by Section 1.03,
          ---------------                                                
all authorizations, consents, orders or approvals of, or declarations or filings
with, and all expirations of waiting periods imposed by, any Governmental Entity
(all the foregoing, "Consents") which are necessary for the consummation of the
Merger, other than Consents the failure to obtain which would not, individually
or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on the Surviving Corporation
or Parent or which would not, individually or in the aggregate, materially
adversely affect the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, shall
have been filed, occurred or been obtained (all such Consents and the lapse of
all such waiting periods being referred to as the "Requisite Regulatory
Approvals"), and all such Requisite Regulatory Approvals shall be in full force
and effect.

     (c)  No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality.  No temporary restraining
          ---------------------------------------- 
order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order or decree issued by
any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition
preventing the consummation of the Merger shall be in effect; provided, however,
that each of the parties shall have used reasonable efforts to prevent the entry
of any such injunction or other order or restraint and to appeal as promptly as
possible any injunction or other order or restraint that may be entered. There
shall not be any action taken, or any statute, rule, regulation or order
enacted, entered, enforced or deemed applicable to the Merger, which makes the
consummation of the Merger illegal.

     SECTION 6.02.  Conditions to Obligations of Parent.  The obligations of
                    -----------------------------------                  
Parent and Sub to effect the Merger are subject to the satisfaction of the
following conditions unless waived by Parent and Sub:

     (a)  Representations and Warranties.  The representations and warranties of
          ------------------------------                          
the Company set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct (subject to
Section 3.00) in all material respects both as of the date of this Agreement and
(except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier
date) as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date,
except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, and Parent shall have
received a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman or Chief
Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer or other executive officer
performing duties equivalent to those of a "chief financial officer" to such
effect.

     (b)  Performance of Obligations of the Company.  The Company shall have
          -----------------------------------------                    
performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by
it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date, and Parent shall have
received a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman or Chief
Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer or other executive officer
performing duties equivalent to these of a "chief financial officer" to such
effect.

                                      A-31
<PAGE>
 
     (c)  Burdensome Condition.  There shall not be any action taken, or any
          --------------------                                          
statute, rule, regulation or order enacted, entered, enforced or deemed
applicable to the Merger, by any Governmental Entity which, in connection with
the grant of a Requisite Regulatory Approval, imposes any requirement upon
Parent, the Company or the Surviving Corporation or their Affiliates which,
individually or in the aggregate, would (i) result in a Material Adverse Effect
on Parent, the Surviving Corporation or their Affiliates, or (ii) would reduce
the benefits of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to Parent in so
significant a manner that Parent, in its reasonable good faith judgment, would
not have entered into this Agreement had such condition or requirement been
known at the time hereof.

     (d)  Company Stock Options and Company Stock Plans.  The Company shall have
          ---------------------------------------------                    
duly effected, as of the Effective Time, the cancellation of all outstanding
Company Stock Options, whether vested or not, the termination of the Company
Stock Plans and the deletion of any provision in any other Company Benefit Plan
providing for the issuance, transfer or grant of any capital stock of the
Company or any subsidiary of the Company or any interest in respect of any
capital stock of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company.

     (e)  Letter of the Company's Independent Accountants; Results of Audit.
          -----------------------------------------------------------------
Parent shall have received in accordance with the terms hereof the duly executed
letters of PM, prepared pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.10.

     (f)  Opinion of Counsel.  Parent shall have received the duly executed
          ------------------                                               
opinion of Silver, Freedman & Taff, or other counsel to the Company, dated the
Closing Date, covering the matters set forth in Exhibit C hereto and reasonably
satisfactory to Parent and such other customary closing documents for
transactions of this type as Parent shall reasonably request.

     (g)  Litigation, Etc.  There shall be no pending or threatened material
          ----------------                                         
actions or proceedings by any person against the Parent, the Sub, the Company,
or any Subsidiary of the Company, or any director, officer or employee of any of
the foregoing challenging or in any way or in any manner seeking to restrict or
prohibit the transactions contemplated hereby or seeking to obtain any damages
against any person as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby.

     (h)  No Material Adverse Effect.  Since the date of this Agreement, there
          --------------------------                                    
shall have occurred no Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Company.

     (i)  Certain Expense Reports.  At least two business days prior to the
          -----------------------                                          
Effective Time, all attorneys, accountants, investment bankers and other
advisors and agents of the Company and its Subsidiaries shall have submitted to
the Company (with a copy to the Parent) estimates of their fees and expense for
all services rendered in any respect in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby to the extent not already paid, and based on such estimates,
the Company shall have prepared and submitted to Parent a summary of such fees
and expenses with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.  At the
Effective Time, such advisors shall have submitted their final bills for such
fees and expenses to the Company and its Subsidiaries for services rendered,
with a copy delivered to Parent, and based on such summary, the Company shall
have prepared and submitted to Parent a final calculation of such fees and
expenses.

     (j)  Contingent Liabilities.  Except for matters described in the Company
          ----------------------                                      
Disclosure Schedule (and as to such matters only to the extent of facts made
available to Parent on or prior to the date of this Agreement), the Company, at
the time of the Closing, shall not be subject to any suit, action or proceeding,
or any investigation or inquiry by any Government Entity (such suits, actions or
proceedings, or any such investigations or inquiries, being collectively
referred to herein as "proceedings"), which shall be pending or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened, against or affecting the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company, nor shall there by any potential unasserted claim or
liability not heretofore disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule (whether
or not such claim or liability is required to be accrued or disclosed under SFAS
Nos. 5) unless Parent shall have determined, in the exercise of its reasonable
business judgment, that each proceeding, claim or liability likely would not
have either individually or in the aggregate with all other such proceedings,
claims or liabilities, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.

                                      A-32
<PAGE>
 
     (k)  Certain Other Approvals.  Parent shall have received the approval of
          -----------------------                                          
the FDIC under 12 U.S.C. (S) 1815(d)(3), or under any successor provision, (the
"Oakar" statute) so that the "exit fee" provided for therein shall not be
applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby or to any subsequent merger
or other combination of NSB with and into Parent and shall also have received
all requisite approvals from the California State Banking Department, the FDIC
and the OTS and any other Governmental Entities having jurisdiction for the
merger or other combination of the Company and NSB with and into Parent promptly
following the Effective Time.

     (l)  Non-Competition Agreements.  Parent shall have received duly
          --------------------------                                  
executed non-competition agreements, in substantially the form heretofore agreed
to between Parent and the Company, from those individuals listed on Exhibit D
hereto.

     (m)  Consents Under Agreements.  The consent, approval or waiver of each
          -------------------------                                     
person (other than Governmental Entities) whose consent or approval shall be
required in order to permit the succession by Parent and the Surviving
Corporation in connection with the Merger (and any subsequent merger or other
combination of NSB with and into Parent) to any material obligation, right or
interest of the Company and its Subsidiaries under any material loan or credit
agreement, note, mortgage, indenture, lease (and all branch leases shall be
deemed to be material for purposes of this Section), license or other agreement
or instrument shall have been obtained.

     (n)  Headquarters and Administrative Offices.  The existing leases of the
          ---------------------------------------                         
Company's properties at (i) 20 Petaluma Boulevard South, Petaluma, California,
(ii) 450 Center Street, Healdsburg, California, and (iii) 6301 State Farm Drive,
Rohnert Park, California shall be amended on terms satisfactory to Parent to
implement the modifications set forth in the letter agreement of even date
herewith between the Company and the lessors of such properties.

     (o)  Certificates re Financial Data.  Parent shall have received
          ------------------------------                             
certificates dated as of the last day of each month after the date hereof to the
Effective Time and a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed on behalf
of the Company by its Chairman or Chief Executive Officer and its Chief
Financial Officer or other executive officer performing duties equivalent to
those of a "chief financial officer" certifying as of such dates (i) the Company
Net Worth (as defined in Section 8.03(c)(v)) and (ii) the Deposit Balance (as
defined in Section 7.01(c)(iv)).  The monthly certificates shall be received no
later than 10 days after the end of the month to which each such certificate
relates.

     SECTION 6.03.  Conditions to Obligations of the Company.  The obligations
                    ----------------------------------------      
of the Company to effect the Merger are subject to the satisfaction of the
following conditions unless waived by the Company:

     (a)  Representations and Warranties.  The representations and warranties of
          ------------------------------                          
Parent and Sub set forth in this Agreement that are qualified as to materiality
shall be true and correct (subject to Section 3.00) in all material respects,
both as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the extent such
representations speak as of an earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though
made on and as of the Closing Date, except as otherwise contemplated by this
Agreement, and the Company shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of
Parent and Sub by their respective Chairman or Chief Executive Officers and
their respective Chief Financial Officers or other executive officers performing
duties equivalent to these of a "chief financial officer" to such effect.

     (b)  Performance of Obligations of Parent and Sub.  Parent and Sub shall
          --------------------------------------------                 
have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed
by them under this Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement at or prior to the
Closing Date, and the Company shall have received a certificate signed on behalf
of Parent and Sub by their respective Chairman or Chief Executive Officers and
their respective Chief Financial Officers or other executive officers performing
duties equivalent to these of a "chief financial officer" to such effect.

     (c)  Opinion of Counsel.  The Company shall have received the duly executed
          ------------------                                           
opinion of Pillsbury Madison & Sutro, counsel to Parent, dated the Closing Date,
substantially in the form of Exhibit E hereto.

                                      A-33
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE VII

                           Termination and Amendment
                           -------------------------

     SECTION 7.01.  Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated at any time
                    -----------                                          
prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after the Company Stockholder
Approval is received:

     (a)  by mutual written consent of Parent and the Company;

     (b)  by either Parent or the Company upon written notice to the other
party:

               (i)  if (1) the OTS, or any other Governmental Entity the
     approval of which is required to permit consummation of the Merger or the
     other transactions contemplated hereby shall have issued an order denying
     approval of the Merger or such other transactions or (2) any Governmental
     Entity of competent jurisdiction shall have issued a final permanent order
     enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the Merger or the
     other transactions contemplated hereby and in any such case under either
     clause (1) or (2) the time for appeal or petition for reconsideration of
     such order shall have expired without such appeal or petition being
     granted;

               (ii)  if the Company, on the one hand, or Parent or Sub, on the
     other hand, materially breaches any of its covenants and obligations or
     representations and warranties hereunder or under the Stock Option
     Agreement and such breach is not cured after 30 days' written notice
     thereof is given to the party committing such breach by the other party;
     provided, however, that neither party shall have the right to terminate
     --------  -------                                                      
     this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.01(b)(ii) unless the breach of
     covenant, obligation, representation or warranty, together with all other
     such breaches, would entitle the party other than the party bound by such
     covenant or obligation not to consummate the transactions contemplated
     hereby or the party receiving such representation or warranty not to
     consummate the transactions contemplated hereby under Section 6.02(a) (in
     the case of a breach of representation or warranty by the Company) or
     Section 6.03(a) (in the case of a breach of representation or warranty by
     Parent and Sub);

               (iii)  if the Merger shall not have been consummated on or before
     August 31, 1996, unless the failure to consummate the Merger is the result
     of a willful and material breach of this Agreement by the party seeking to
     terminate this Agreement; or

               (iv)  if, upon a vote at a duly held Company Stockholders
     Meeting, the Company Stockholder Approval shall not have been obtained;

     (c)  by either Parent or Sub upon written notice to the Company:

               (i)  if, prior to the Company Stockholders Meeting, a takeover
     proposal is commenced, publicly proposed, publicly disclosed or
     communicated to the Company (or the willingness of any person to make a
     takeover proposal is publicly disclosed or communicated to the Company) and
     (A) the Company Stockholder Approval is not obtained at the Company
     Stockholders Meeting, (B) the Company Stockholders Meeting does not occur
     prior to June 30, 1996 or (C) the Board of Directors of the Company shall
     have withdrawn or modified its approval or recommendation of the Merger or
     this Agreement, or approved or recommended any takeover proposal;

               (ii)  if (A) the FDIC shall have issued an order denying approval
     of the application of Parent for an order under the Oakar statute with
     respect to any subsequent merger or other combination of NSB with and into
     Parent, (B) any repeal or change to the Oakar statute occurs which has the
     effect of making the exit fee provided therein or any comparable fee
     applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby or to any subsequent
     merger or other

                                      A-34
<PAGE>
 
     combination of NSB with and into Parent, (C) the California State Banking
     Department or the OTS or the FDIC or any other Governmental Entity having
     jurisdiction shall have issued an order under any other applicable statute
     or regulation denying approval of any such merger or other combination of
     NSB with and into Parent promptly following consummation of the
     transactions contemplated hereby, or (D) the FRB shall have refused to
     grant the waiver contemplated by Section 3.02(b)(iii)(G);

               (iii)  if, after the date hereof, there has occurred any Material
     Adverse Effect (or any development or circumstance that might reasonably be
     expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect) with respect to the
     Company, provided that Parent shall have given 30 days' written notice of
     such termination to the Company and the Company shall not have remedied
     such event by the end of such 30 day period;

               (iv)  if, as of the Closing Date the principal balance of all
     deposit liabilities, including, accounts accessible by negotiable orders of
     withdrawal, demand deposits, passbook accounts, certificates of deposit,
     but excluding all brokered deposits and depository accounts with balances
     greater than U.S.$100,000, of the Company and its Subsidiaries ("Deposit
     Balance") shall be less than U.S.$230,000,000; or

               (v)  if, as of the Closing Date, Company Net Worth shall be less
     than U.S.$34,000,000.

     SECTION 7.02.  Effect of Termination.  In the event of termination of this
                    ---------------------                                      
Agreement by either the Company or Parent as provided in Section 7.01, this
Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect, and there shall be no
liability or obligation on the part of Parent, Sub, the Company or their
respective officers or directors, except that any such termination shall be
without prejudice to the rights of any party hereto arising out of the willful
breach by any other party of any covenant or obligation or willful breach of any
warranty or representation contained in this Agreement, and except (a) with
respect to Section 3.01(r), Section 3.02(e), Section 5.07, this Section 7.02 and
Section 8.05, and (b) with respect to the representations and warranties
contained in Sections 3.01 and 3.02 insofar as such representations and
warranties relate to the Stock Option Agreement (but only until the termination
of the Stock Option Agreement).

     SECTION 7.03.  Amendment.  This Agreement may be amended by the parties
                    ---------                                               
hereto at any time before or after the Company Stockholder Approval is received,
but, after receipt of the Company Stockholder Approval, no amendment shall be
made which by law requires further approval by such stockholders without such
further approval.  This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in
writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto; provided, however, that,
notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 7.03, Parent
may from time to time without the consent of the Company increase the amount
(but not change the nature) of the Merger Consideration, and any provisions
inconsistent with such right herein or in any agreement referred to herein are
hereby deemed superseded to the extent of such inconsistency.

     SECTION 7.04.  Extension; Waiver.  At any time prior to the Effective
                    -----------------                                     
Time, the parties hereto may, to the extent legally allowed, (a) extend the time
for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties
hereto, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties
contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto and (c) subject to
the proviso of Section 7.03, waive compliance with any of the covenants,
agreements or conditions contained herein.  Any agreement on the part of a party
hereto to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in a
written instrument signed on behalf of such party.  The failure of any party to
this Agreement to assert any of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise
shall not constitute a waiver of those rights.

     SECTION 7.05.  Procedure for Termination, Amendment, Extension or Waiver.
                    ---------------------------------------------------------  
A termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.01, an amendment of this
Agreement pursuant to Section 7.03 or an extension or waiver pursuant to Section
7.04 shall, in order to be effective, require, in the case of Parent, Sub or the
Company, action by its Board of Directors or the duly authorized designee of its
Board of Directors.

                                      A-35
<PAGE>
 
                                 ARTICLE VIII

                              General Provisions
                              ------------------

     SECTION 8.01.  Nonsurvival of Representations and Warranties.  None of the
                    ---------------------------------------------              
representations and warranties in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered
pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Effective Time.  This Section 8.01
shall not limit any covenant or agreement of the parties which by its terms
contemplates performance after the Effective Time.

     SECTION 8.02.  Notices.  All notices and other communications hereunder
                    -------                                                 
shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally,
telecopied (with confirmation) or mailed by registered or certified mail (return
receipt requested) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other
address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

     (a)  if to Parent or Sub, to:

               Bank of the West
               180 Montgomery Street
               San Francisco, CA 94104
               Attention:  President
               Facsimile:  (415) 837-1405

     with copies to:

               Rodney R. Peck, Esq.
               Pillsbury Madison & Sutro
               235 Montgomery Street
               San Francisco, CA 94104
               Facsimile:  (415) 983-1200

     (b)  if to the Company, to:

               Northbay Financial Corporation
               1360 Redwood Way
               Petaluma, California  94954
               Attention:     Mr. Alfred A. Alys
                              President and Chief Executive Officer
               Facsimile:     (707) 792-7406

     with a copy to:

               Robert Lipsher, Esq.
               Silver, Freedman & Taff, L.L.P.
               1100 New York Avenue, N.W.
               Seventh Floor
               Washington, D.C.  20005
               Facsimile:   (202) 682-0354

     SECTION 8.03.  Definitions; Interpretation.  (a)  As used in this
                    ---------------------------                       
Agreement, (i) any reference to any event, change or effect being "material"
with respect to any entity means an event, change or effect which is material in
relation to the businesses, assets, properties, liabilities, results of
operations, financial condition or prospects of such entity and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) the term "Material Adverse Effect" means,
with respect to the Company, Parent or Sub, a material adverse effect (whether
or not required to be accrued or disclosed under SFAS No. 5) on the Condition of
such party and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or on the ability of such
party to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions
hereby contemplated by June 30, 1996 or, except for purposes of determining
satisfaction of the conditions set forth

                                      A-36
<PAGE>
 
in Section 6.02, under the other agreements contemplated hereby (provided that
in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred, (A) the
Transaction Costs and the Company Accruals and Reserves (each as defined in
Section 8.03(c)) shall be disregarded and (B) there shall be excluded any effect
the cause of which may result or shall have resulted from changes to laws and
regulations, generally accepted accounting principles or regulatory accounting
principles or changes in interest rates or economic conditions applicable to
depository institutions generally, or costs and expenses relating to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the impact on the Company's
financial statements of the change in control, severance, salary continuation
and other benefits specified in Section 5.05 and set forth in the Company
Disclosure Schedule, any recapture of the Company's tax bad debt reserve, any
special assessment imposed on SAIF-insured institutions after the date hereof),
and (iii) the term "person" means an individual, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated
organization or other entity.

     (b)  When a reference is made in this Agreement to Articles, Sections,
Exhibits or Schedules, such reference shall be to an Article, 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."  The words "hereof", "herein" and "hereunder" and words of similar
import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and
not to any particular provision of this Agreement.  All terms defined in this
Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other
document made or delivered pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined herein.  The
definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well
as the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as to the
feminine and neuter genders of such term.  Any agreement, instrument or statute
defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred
to herein means such agreement, instrument or statute as from time to time
amended, modified or supplemented, including (in the case of agreements or
instruments) by waiver or consent and (in the case of statutes) by succession of
comparable successor statutes and references to all attachments thereto and
instruments incorporated therein. References to a person are also to its
permitted successors and assigns.

     (c)    As used elsewhere in this Agreement, the following terms shall have
the meaning set forth below:

     (i)  "Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any person, any person that,
directly or indirectly, controls or is controlled by or is under common control
with such person.

     (ii)  "Business Day" shall mean any day, other than Saturday or Sunday or
any other day on which commercial banks in the State of California are
authorized or required by law to be closed.

     (iii)    "Company Accruals and Reserves" shall mean any accruals and
reserves adopted by the Company pursuant to the request of Parent under the
terms of Section 5.09 or otherwise relating to the Merger or required pursuant
to this Agreement.

     (iv)     "Company Net Income after April 30, 1996" shall mean the
consolidated net income of the Company earned after April 30, 1996 and up to the
day next preceding the Effective Time as appearing on the financial statements
of the Company after April 30, 1996, determined in accordance with GAAP,
provided that in determining the amount of such net income, the amount of the
Transaction Costs, any special assessment imposed on SAIF-insured institutions,
any recapture of NSB's tax bad debt reserve, any costs or expenses relating to
the change in control, severance, salary continuation and other benefits
specified in Section 5.05 and any Company Accruals and Reserves shall be
disregarded.

     (v)  "Company Net Worth" shall mean the sum of the Company Common Stock,
paid-in capital and retained earnings accounts as such accounts would appear on
a balance sheet of the Company prepared in accordance with GAAP, provided that
in determining the amount of such net worth, the amount of the Transaction
Costs, any special assessment imposed on SAIF-insured institutions, any
recapture of NSB's tax

                                      A-37
<PAGE>
 
bad debt reserve, any costs or expenses relating to the change in control,
severance, salary continuation and other benefits specified by Section 5.05 and
any Company Accruals and Reserves shall be disregarded.

     (vi)  "Condition" shall mean the financial condition, assets, businesses,
results of operations or prospects of any party hereto.

     (vii)  "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States.

     (viii)  "Net Worth Floor" shall mean:

               U.S.$35,000,000     in the event the Closing occurs on or after
                                   April 30, 1996;

               U.S.$34,850,000     in the event the Closing occurs between March
                                   31, 1996 and April 29, 1996 (dates
                                   inclusive);

               U.S.$34,700,000     in the event the Closing occurs between
                                   February 29, 1996 and March 30, 1996 (dates
                                   inclusive);

               U.S.$34,550,000     in the event the Closing occurs between
                                   January 31, 1996 and February 28, 1996 (dates
                                   inclusive); and

               U.S.$34,400,000     in the event the Closing occurs between
                                   December 31, 1995 and January 30, 1996 (dates
                                   inclusive).

     (ix)  "Subsidiary" shall mean, in the case of either Parent or the Company,
any corporation, association or other entity in which it owns or controls,
directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the outstanding voting securities or 25%
or more of the total equity interest.

     (x)       "Transaction Costs" shall mean the amount of the out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by the Company and its Subsidiaries in connection with the
transactions hereby contemplated (but not to exceed, for purposes of this
definition, U.S.$827,000.)

     SECTION 8.04.  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 of the parties and delivered to the other parties.

     SECTION 8.05.  Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries; Rights of
                    ---------------------------------------------------------
Ownership.  Except for the Confidentiality Agreement and the letter agreement
- ---------                                                                    
dated October 17, 1995 between Parent and the Company, this Agreement (including
the documents and the instruments referred to herein, including the Stock Option
Agreement, the Confidentiality Agreement, and any other agreement among the
parties entered into contemporaneously herewith) constitutes the entire
agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written
and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and of the
Confidentiality Agreement, provided that the Confidentiality Agreement shall
survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and, except to the extent
specified in Sections 5.05, 5.06, 5.08 and 8.12, is not intended to confer upon
any person other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder.  The
parties hereby acknowledge that, except as otherwise specifically provided in
the Stock Option Agreement or as hereinafter agreed to in writing, neither
Parent nor Sub shall have the right to acquire or shall be deemed to have
acquired shares of Company Common Stock pursuant to the Merger until
consummation thereof.

     SECTION 8.06.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed and
                    -------------                                       
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard
to any applicable principles of conflicts of law, except that the Merger and the
effect thereof shall be governed by the DGCL.

     SECTION 8.07.  Limitations on Remedies.  Each party agrees that, should
                    -----------------------                                 
any court or other competent authority hold any provision of this Agreement or
the Stock Option Agreement or part hereof or thereof to be null, void or
unenforceable, or order any party to take any action inconsistent herewith or
not to

                                      A-38
<PAGE>
 
take any action required herein, the other party shall not be entitled to
specific performance of such provision or part hereof or thereof or to any other
remedy, including money damages, for breach hereof or thereof or of any other
provision of this Agreement or the Stock Option Agreement or part hereof or
thereof as a result of such holding or order.  This provision is not intended to
render null or unenforceable any obligation hereunder that would be valid and
enforceable if this provision were not in this Agreement.

     SECTION 8.08.  Publicity.  Except as otherwise required by law or the
                    ---------                                             
rules of the American Stock Exchange, so long as this Agreement is in effect,
neither the Company nor Parent shall, or shall permit any of its subsidiaries
to, issue or cause the publication of any press release or other public
announcement with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
the Stock Option Agreement without the consent of the other party, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld.  The parties agree that the initial press
release to be issued with respect to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be in the form heretofore agreed to by the parties.

     SECTION 8.09.  Assignment.  Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights,
                    ----------                                                
interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned, in whole or in part, by
any of the parties hereto (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the
prior written consent of the other parties, and any such assignment that is not
so consented to shall be null and void.  Subject to the preceding sentence, this
Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by
the parties and their respective successors and assigns.

     SECTION 8.10.  Enforcement.  Subject to Section 8.07, 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 or
were otherwise breached.  It is accordingly agreed that, subject to Section
8.07, the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent
breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions
of this Agreement in any Federal court located in the State of California or in
any California state court, this being in addition to any other remedy to which
they are entitled at law or in equity.  In addition, each of the parties hereto
(a) consents to submit itself to the personal jurisdiction of any Federal court
located in the State of California or any California state court in the event
any dispute arises out of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement and (b) agrees that it will not attempt to deny or defeat such
personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court.

     SECTION 8.11.  Certain Proxies.  Concurrently with the execution and
                    ---------------                                      
delivery of this Agreement, Parent has received irrevocable proxies from the
directors and executive officers of the Company  listed on Exhibit F hereto
authorizing the voting by Parent or its designee of their shares of common stock
of the Company at the Company Stockholders' Meeting in favor of the transactions
contemplated hereby.

     SECTION 8.12.  Director Health Coverage.  Parent and Sub agree that, for a
                    ------------------------                                   
period of two years following the Effective Time, Parent will make or cause to
be made monthly payments in respect of the health insurance premiums for
medical, dental and vision care coverage for each of the directors of the
Company (and their spouses) in office at the time this Agreement is executed and
delivered, provided, however, that the maximum amount required to be paid by
Parent for all such directors and their spouses in any month during

                                      A-39
<PAGE>
 
such two-year period shall not exceed $3,000.  At the end of such two year
period, such directors and their spouses will each be entitled to participate,
at their own expense for life, in the group health plan of Parent.

     SECTION 8.13.  Employee Retention.  To the extent practicable, Parent will
                    ------------------                                         
give consideration to the retention after the Closing of employees of the
Company and its Subsidiaries in their current or comparable positions within the
Surviving Corporation, provided however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing or
any other provision hereof, it shall have no legal obligation to retain or offer
new employment to any such employees.

     SECTION 8.14.  Subsequent Mergers.  The parties contemplate that,
                    ------------------                                
immediately following the merger of Sub with and into the Company at the
Effective Time as contemplated by Section 1.01, the Surviving Corporation shall
be merged with and into the Parent, followed immediately by the merger of NSB
with and into the Parent.  In each case, the Parent shall succeed to and assume
all the rights and obligations of the Surviving Corporation and NSB,
respectively, in accordance with merger agreements substantially in the forms
attached as Exhibits G and H hereto, respectively.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Sub and the Company have caused this Agreement
to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of
the date first above written.

                            BANK OF THE WEST

                            by
                                 /s/ Don J. McGrath

                                 Name:     Don J. McGrath
                                 Title:    President and Chief Operating Officer


                            NF ACQUISITION CO.,

                            by
                                 /s/ Douglas C. Grigsby

                                 Name:     Douglas C. Grigsby
                                 Title:    Treasurer


                            NORTHBAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION,

                            by
                                 /s/ Alfred A. Alys

                                 Name:     Alfred A. Alys
                                 Title:    President and Chief Executive Officer

                                      A-40
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      APPENDIX B

                              Section 262 of the
                       Delaware General Corporation Law

(S) 262.  Appraisal Rights.

          (a)    Any stockholder of a corporation of this State who holds shares
of stock on the date of the making of a demand pursuant to subsection (d) of
this section with respect to such shares, who continuously holds such shares
through the effective date of the merger or consolidation, who has otherwise
complied with subsection (d) of this section and who has neither voted in favor
of the merger or consolidation nor consented thereto in writing pursuant to (S)
228 of this title shall be entitled to an appraisal by the Court of Chancery of
the fair value of his shares of stock under the circumstances described in
subsections (b) and (c) of this section. As used in this section, the word
"stockholder" means a holder of record of stock in a stock corporation and also
a member of record of a nonstock corporation; the words "stock" and "share" mean
and include what is ordinarily meant by those words and also membership or
membership interest of a member of a nonstock corporation.

          (b)    Appraisal rights shall be available for the shares of any class
or series of stock of a constituent corporation in a merger or consolidation to
be effected pursuant to (S) 251, 252, 254, 257, 258, 263 or 264 of this title:

                 (1)    Provided, however, that no appraisal rights under this
          section shall be available for the shares of any class or series of
          stock which, at the record date fixed to determine the stockholders
          entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the meeting of
          stockholders to act upon the agreement of merger or consolidation,
          were either (i) listed on a national securities exchange or designated
          as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation
          system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or (ii)
          held of record by more than 2,000 stockholders; and further provided
          that no appraisal rights shall be available for any shares of stock of
          the constituent corporation surviving a merger if the merger did not
          require for its approval the vote of the stockholders of the surviving
          corporation as provided in subsection (f) of (S) 251 of this title.

                 (2)    Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection,
          appraisal rights under this section shall be available for the shares
          of any class or series of stock of a constituent corporation if the
          holders thereof are required by the terms of an agreement of merger or
          consolidation pursuant to (S) (S) 251, 252, 254, 257, 258, 263 and 264
          of this title to accept for such stock anything except:

                        a.    Shares of stock of the corporation surviving or
          resulting from such merger or consolidation;

                        b.    Shares of stock of any other corporation which at
          the effective date of the merger or consolidation will be either
          listed on a national securities exchange or designated as a national
          market system security on an interdealer quotation system by the
          National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or held of record by
          more than 2,000 stockholders;

                        c.    Cash in lieu of fractional shares of the
          corporations described in the foregoing subparagraphs a. and b. of
          this paragraph; or

                        d.    Any combination of the shares of stock and cash in
          lieu of fractional shares described in the foregoing subparagraphs a.,
          b. and c. of this paragraph.

          (3) In the event all of the stock of a subsidiary Delaware corporation
     party to a merger effected under (S) 253 of this title is not owned by the
     parent corporation immediately prior to the merger, appraisal rights shall
     be available for the shares of the subsidiary Delaware corporation.

                                      B-1
<PAGE>
 
     (c)    Any corporation may provide in its certificate of incorporation that
appraisal rights under this section shall be available for the shares of any
class or series of its stock as a result of an amendment to its certificate of
incorporation, any merger or consolidation in which the corporation is a
constituent corporation or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of
the corporation.  If the certificate of incorporation contains such a provision,
the procedures of this section, including those set forth in subsections (d) and
(3) of this section, shall apply as nearly as is practicable.

     (d)    Appraisal rights shall be perfected as follows:

            (1)    If a proposed merger or consolidation for which appraisal
     rights are provided under this section is to be submitted for approval at a
     meeting of stockholders, the corporation, not less than 20 days prior to
     the meeting, shall notify each of its stockholders who was such on the
     record date for such meeting with respect to shares for which appraisal
     rights are available pursuant to subsection (b) or (c) hereof that
     appraisal rights are available for any or all of the shares of the
     constituent corporations, and shall include in such notice a copy of this
     section. Each stockholder electing to demand the appraisal of his shares
     shall deliver to the corporation, before the taking of the vote on the
     merger or consolidation, a written demand for appraisal of his shares. Such
     demand will be sufficient if it reasonably informs the corporation of the
     identity of the stockholder and that the stockholder intends thereby to
     demand the appraisal of his shares. A proxy or vote against the merger or
     consolidation shall not constitute such a demand. A stockholder electing to
     take such action must do so by a separate written demand as herein
     provided. Within 10 days after the effective date of such merger or
     consolidation, the surviving or resulting corporation shall notify each
     stockholder of each constituent corporation who has complied with this
     subsection and has not voted in favor of or consented to the merger or
     consolidation of the date that the merger or consolidation has become
     effective; or

            (2)    If the merger or consolidation was approved pursuant to (S)
     228 or 253 of this title, the surviving or resulting corporation, either
     before the effective date of the merger or consolidation or within 10 days
     thereafter, shall notify each of the stockholders entitled to appraisal
     rights of the effective date of the merger or consolidation and that
     appraisal rights are available for any or all of the shares of the
     constituent corporation, and shall include in such notice a copy of this
     section. The notice shall be sent by certified or registered mail, return
     receipt requested, addressed to the stockholder at his address as it
     appears on the records of the corporation. Any stockholder entitled to
     appraisal rights may, within 20 days after the date of mailing of the
     notice, demand in writing from the surviving or resulting corporation the
     appraisal of his shares. Such demand will be sufficient if it reasonably
     informs the corporation of the identity of the stockholder and that the
     stockholder intends thereby to demand the appraisal of his shares.

     (e)    Within 120 days after the effective date of the merger or
consolidation, the surviving or resulting corporation or any stockholder who has
complied with subsections (a) and (d) hereof and who is otherwise entitled to
appraisal rights, may file a petition in the Court of Chancery demanding a
determination of the value of the stock of all such stockholders.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time within 60 days after the effective
date of the merger or consolidation, any stockholder shall have the right to
withdraw his demand for appraisal and to accept the terms offered upon the
merger or consolidation. Within 120 days after the effective date of the merger
or consolidation, any stockholder who has complied with the requirements of
subsections (a) and (d) hereof, upon written request, shall be entitled to
receive from the corporation surviving the merger or resulting from the
consolidation a statement setting forth the aggregate number of shares not voted
in favor of the merger or consolidation and with respect to which demands for
appraisal have been received and the aggregate number of holders of such shares.
Such written statement shall be mailed to the stockholder within 10 days after
his written request for such a statement is received by the surviving or
resulting corporation or within 10 days after expiration of the period for
delivery of demands for appraisal under subsection (d) hereof, whichever is
later.

     (f)    Upon the filing of any such petition by a stockholder, service of a
copy thereof shall be made upon

                                      B-2
<PAGE>
 
the surviving or resulting corporation, which shall within 20 days after such
service file in the office of the Register in Chancery in which the petition was
filed a duly verified list containing the names and addresses of all
stockholders who have demanded payment for their shares and with whom agreements
as to the value of their shares have not been reached by the surviving or
resulting corporation.  If the petition shall be filed by the surviving or
resulting corporation, the petition shall be accompanied by such a duly verified
list.  The Register in Chancery, if so ordered by the Court, shall give notice
of the time and place fixed for the hearing of such petition by registered or
certified mail to the surviving or resulting corporation and to the stockholders
shown on the list at the addresses therein stated.  Such notice shall also be
given by 1 or more publications at least 1 week before the day of the hearing,
in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Wilmington,
Delaware or such publication as the Court deems advisable.  The forms of the
notices by mail and by publication shall be approved by the Court, and the costs
thereof shall be borne by the surviving or resulting corporation.

     (g)    At the hearing on such petition, the Court shall determine the
stockholders who have complied with this section and who have become entitled to
appraisal rights. The Court may require the stockholders who have demanded an
appraisal for their shares and who hold stock represented by certificates to
submit their certificates of stock to the Register in Chancery for notation
thereon of the pendency of the appraisal proceedings; and if any stockholder
fails to comply with such direction, the Court may dismiss the proceedings as to
such stockholder.

     (h)    After determining the stockholders entitled to an appraisal, the
Court shall appraise the shares, determining their fair value exclusive of any
element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the merger or
consolidation, together with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid upon
the amount determined to be the fair value. In determining such such fair value,
the Court shall take into account all relevant factors. In determining the fair
rate of interest, the Court may consider all relevant factors, including the
rate of interest which the surviving or resulting corporation would have had to
pay to borrow money during the pendency of the proceeding. Upon application by
the surviving or resulting corporation or by any stockholder entitled to
participate in the appraisal proceeding, the Court may, in its discretion,
permit discovery or other pretrial proceedings and may proceed to trial upon the
appraisal prior to the final determination of the stockholder entitled to an
appraisal. Any stockholder whose name appears on the list filed by the surviving
or resulting corporation pursuant to subsection (f) of this section and who has
submitted his certificates of stock to the Register in Chancery, if such is
required, may participate fully in all proceedings until it is finally
determined that he is not entitled to appraisal rights under this section.

     (i)    The Court shall direct the payment of the fair value of the shares,
together with interest, if any, by the surviving or resulting corporation to the
stockholders entitled thereto. Interest may be simple or compound, as the Court
may direct. Payment shall be so made to each such stockholder, in the case of
holders of uncertificated stock forthwith, and the case of holders of shares
represented by certificates upon the surrender to the corporation of the
certificates representing such stock. The Court's decree may be enforced as
other decrees in the Court of Chancery may be enforced, whether such surviving
or resulting corporation be a corporation of this State or of any state.

     (j)    The costs of the proceeding may be determined by the Court and taxed
upon the parties as the Court deems equitable in the circumstances. Upon
application of a stockholder, the Court may order all or a portion of the
expenses incurred by any stockholder in connection with the appraisal
proceeding, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees and the
fees and expenses of experts, to be charged pro rata against the value of all
the shares entitled to an appraisal.

     (k)    From and after the effective date of the merger or consolidation, no
stockholder who has demanded his appraisal rights as provided in subsection (d)
of this section shall be entitled to vote such stock for any purpose or to
receive payment of dividends or other distributions on the stock (except
dividends or other distributions payable to stockholders of record at a date
which is prior to the effective date of the merger or consolidation); provided,
however, that if no petition for an appraisal shall be filed within the time
provided in subsection (e) of this section,

                                      B-3
<PAGE>
 
or if such stockholder shall deliver to the surviving or resulting corporation a
written withdrawal of his demand for an appraisal and an acceptance of the
merger or consolidation, either within 60 days after the effective date of the
merger or consolidation as provided in subsection (e) of this section or
thereafter with the written approval of the corporation, then the right of such
stockholder to an appraisal shall cease.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no
appraisal proceeding in the Court of Chancery shall be dismissed as to any
stockholder without the approval of the Court, and such approval may be
conditioned upon such terms as the Court deems just.

     (l)    The shares of the surviving or resulting corporation to which the
shares of such objecting stockholders would have been converted had they
assented to the merger or consolidation shall have the status of authorized and
unissued shares of the surviving or resulting corporation.

                                      B-4
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      APPENDIX C


                                                            February 28, 1996



Board of Directors
Northbay Financial Corporation
1360 Redwood Way
Petaluma, California  94954

Members of the Board:

     You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point
of view, to the shareholders of Northbay Financial Corporation ("Northbay") of
the merger consideration ("Merger Consideration") to be received for the issued
and outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.10 per share, of Northbay
("Northbay Common Stock") pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as
of November 9, 1995 (the "Agreement"), among Bank of the West, NF Acquisition
Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of the West ("Sub"), and Northbay
providing for the merger of Sub into Northbay (the "Merger").

     Pursuant to the Agreement, the Merger Consideration will consist of the
right to receive cash equal to $15.75 for each share of Northbay Common Stock,
subject to the conditions set forth in the Agreement. Each issued and
outstanding option to purchase shares of Northbay Common Stock will be cancelled
for a cash payment equal to the excess, if any, of the Merger Consideration over
the exercise price of such option.

     As a condition to Bank of the West's entering into the Agreement and in
consideration thereof, Northbay and Bank of the West have entered into a Stock
Option Agreement (the "Option Agreement") pursuant to which Northbay has granted
to Bank of the West, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Option
Agreement, an option entitling Bank of the West to purchase up to 547,354
authorized but unissued shares of Northbay Common Stock at a cash purchase price
of $13.25 per share.

     Kaplan Associates, Inc. ("KAI") is a financial advisory and consulting firm
that specializes in the commercial banking, thrift and mortgage banking
industries.  As part of our financial advisory and consulting services, we are
regularly engaged in the independent valuation of businesses and securities in
connection with merger and acquisition transactions, initial public offerings,
private placements, and recapitalizations. KAI is familiar with Northbay, having
acted as financial advisor to Northbay's Board of Directors in connection with,
and having participated in, the negotiations leading to the Agreement, and will
receive a fee from Northbay for our services.
<PAGE>
 
Board of Directors
Northbay Financial Corporation
February 28, 1996
Page 2



     In arriving at the opinion set forth below, we have, among other things:

  1.  Reviewed Northbay's Annual Reports, Forms 10-K and related financial
      information for the three fiscal years ended June 30, 1995 and Northbay's
      Form 10-Q and related unaudited financial information for the quarters
      ended September 30, 1995 and December 31, 1995;

  2.  Reviewed Bank of the West's Annual Reports and related financial
      information for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 1995;

  3.  Reviewed certain other public and internal information prepared by
      Northbay including, but not limited to, quarterly reports filed on Forms
      10-Q, nonperforming asset reports, interest rate risk exposure reports and
      financial forecasts and the assumptions thereto relating to the business,
      assets, deposits, earnings and future prospects of Northbay;
 
  4.  Conducted discussions with members of senior management of Northbay and
      Bank of the West concerning their respective financial conditions,
      businesses, assets, financial forecasts and future prospects;

  5.  Reviewed the historical market prices and trading activity for Northbay
      Common Stock and compared them with those of certain publicly traded
      companies that we deemed relevant;

  6.  Compared the results of operations of Northbay and Bank of the West with
      those of certain other companies that we deemed relevant;

  7.  Analyzed the relative contribution of Northbay to certain financial
      attributes of Bank of the West, including, among other things, its assets,
      liabilities, equity and net income;

  8.  Reviewed the Agreement and compared the proposed financial terms of the
      transaction contemplated by the Agreement with the financial terms of
      certain other transactions that we deemed to be relevant;

  9.  Reviewed and evaluated other solicitations of interest in Northbay; and,

  10. Reviewed such other financial studies and analyses, performed such other
      investigations and took into account such other matters as we deemed
      necessary to the rendering of this opinion.

     In rendering this opinion, we have, with your consent, assumed and relied,
without independent verification, upon the accuracy and completeness, in all
material respects, of the financial and other information and the
representations provided to us by Northbay and Bank of the West or publicly
available and have relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the
representations and warranties of Northbay and Bank of the West contained in the
Agreement.  We have also relied upon the management of Northbay as to the
reasonableness and achievability of the financial and operating forecasts (and
the assumptions and bases

                                      C-2
<PAGE>
 
Board of Directors
Northbay Financial Corporation
February 28, 1996
Page 3

therefor) provided to us.  With respect to financial forecasts, including
without limitation, projections regarding net interest margin, underperforming
and nonperforming assets, net charge-offs and the adequacy of reserves, we have,
with your consent, assumed that they reflect the best currently available
estimates and judgments of Northbay's management at the time of preparation as
to the future financial performance of Northbay and that such projections and
forecasts will be realized in the amounts and in the time periods currently
estimated by the management of Northbay. We have also assumed that the
conditions to the Merger as set forth in the Agreement would be satisfied and
that the Merger would be consummated on a timely basis in the manner
contemplated by the Agreement.

     In addition, with your consent, we have not made an independent evaluation
or appraisal of the assets of Northbay or Bank of the West or any of their
respective subsidiaries, nor have we been furnished with any such evaluations or
appraisals.  We have also assumed that there has been no material change in
Northbay's or Bank of the West's assets, financial condition, results of
operations, business or prospects since the date of the last financial
statements made available to us by Northbay and Bank of the West, respectively.
We have relied on advice of counsel to Northbay as to all legal matters with
respect to Northbay, Northbay's Board of Directors, the Merger, the Agreement
and the Option Agreement.  This opinion is necessarily based upon economic,
market, monetary and other conditions as they exist and can be evaluated as of
the date hereof and the information made available to us through the date
hereof.

     As compensation for the financial advisory services provided to Northbay in
connection with the Merger, including providing this opinion, Northbay agreed to
pay KAI the professional fees and reimburse the expenses set forth in the
engagement letter dated July 5, 1994 between Northbay and KAI.  This opinion is
furnished pursuant to such engagement letter.  It is understood that this
opinion may be included in its entirety in any communication by Northbay or
Northbay's Board of Directors to the shareholders of Northbay. This opinion may
not, however, be summarized, excerpted from or otherwise publicly referred to
for any other purpose without our prior written consent.

     Based upon and subject to the foregoing, and based upon such other matters
as we considered relevant, we are of the opinion that, as of the date hereof,
the Merger Consideration to be paid by Bank of the West pursuant to the terms of
the Agreement is fair, from a financial point of view, to the shareholders of
Northbay.

                                              Very truly yours,



                                              KAPLAN ASSOCIATES, INC.

                                      C-3
<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Execution Copy
                                                                  --------------

                                                                      APPENDIX D


               STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT dated as of November 9,
          1995, among BANK OF THE WEST, a California banking
          corporation ("Grantee"), NF ACQUISITION CO., a Delaware
          corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Grantee
          ("Sub"), and NORTHBAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION, a Delaware
          corporation ("Issuer").


     WHEREAS, Issuer is a registered savings and loan holding company under the
Savings and Loan Holding Company Act, as amended (the "SLHC Act");

     WHEREAS, Grantee is a commercial bank organized and existing under
California law;

     WHEREAS, Grantee, Sub and Issuer propose to enter into an Agreement and
Plan of Merger dated as of the date hereof (the "Merger Agreement");

     WHEREAS, as a condition and inducement to Grantee's and Sub's willingness
to enter into the Merger Agreement, Grantee and Sub have required that Issuer
grant to Grantee the Option (as defined in Section 2); and

     WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Issuer, believing it to be in the best
interests of Issuer, has approved this Agreement and the grant by Issuer of the
Option.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein and in
the Merger Agreement, the parties hereto agree as follows:

     1.  Definitions; Interpretation.  Capitalized terms used but not defined
         ---------------------------                                         
herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement, which also
contains in Section 8.03(b) thereof certain rules of construction and
interpretation that shall be applicable hereto as if set forth herein.

     2.  Grant of Option.  Issuer hereby grants to Grantee an unconditional,
         ---------------                                                    
irrevocable option (the "Option") to purchase, subject to the terms hereof, up
to 547,354 fully paid and nonassessable shares (such amount, as may be adjusted
from time to time as set forth herein, the "Option Shares") of Common Stock, par
value $0.10 per share ("Issuer Common Stock"), of the Issuer at a purchase price
of U.S. $13.25 per Option Share (such price, as may be adjusted from time to
time as set forth herein, the "Option Price").  The number of Option Shares that
may be received upon the exercise of the Option and the Option Price are subject
to adjustment as set forth in Section 6.

     3.  Exercise of Option.  (a)  Grantee may exercise the Option, in whole or
         ------------------                                                    
part, at any time and from time to time on or after the date hereof if, but only
if, both an Initial Triggering Event (as defined below) and a Subsequent
Triggering Event (as defined below) shall have occurred prior to the occurrence
of an Exercise Termination Event (as defined below).  Each of the following
shall be an Exercise Termination Event: the earliest to occur of (i) the
Effective Time of the Merger, (ii) termination of the Merger Agreement pursuant
to Section 7.01 thereof (other than for any of the reasons described in clause
(iii) of this Section 3(a)), and (iii) the later of (A) 18 months after
termination of the Merger Agreement (x) by either Grantee or Sub under Section
7.01(c)(i) thereof, (y) by Grantee under Section 7.01(b)(ii) thereof as a result
of a willful breach of any covenant or obligation or willful breach of any of
Issuer's representations, or warranties contained in the Merger Agreement,
provided, however, that such breach need not be willful if such termination
occurs after the occurrence of an Initial Triggering Event, or (z) by Issuer
under Section 7.01(b)(iv) under circumstances where Grantee or Sub could effect
termination pursuant to Section 7.01(c)(i), and (B) the passage of 18 months
after the occurrence of the first Initial Triggering Event; provided, however,
                                                            ----------------- 
that, any such exercise

                                      D-1
<PAGE>
 
and purchase of Option Shares shall be subject to compliance with applicable
laws, including the SLHC Act. The rights set forth in Sections 8, 9 and 10 shall
not terminate when the right to exercise the Option terminates as set forth
herein, but shall extend to such time as is provided in such Sections 8, 9 and
10. Notwithstanding the termination of the Option, Grantee shall be entitled to
purchase those Option Shares with respect to which it has exercised the Option
in accordance with the terms hereof prior to the termination of the Option.

     (b)  (i)  An "Initial Triggering Event" means the occurrence with respect
to the Issuer of any of the following events or circumstances after the date
hereof:

               (A)  Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries (each an "Issuer
     Subsidiary") without having received Grantee's prior written consent, shall
     have entered into an agreement to engage in an Acquisition Transaction (as
     defined below) with any person (the term "person" for purposes of this
     Agreement having the meaning assigned thereto in Sections 3(A)(9) and
     13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
     "Securities Exchange Act"), and the rules and regulations thereunder) other
     than Grantee or any of its Subsidiaries (each a "Grantee Subsidiary") or
     the Board of Directors of Issuer shall have recommended that the
     stockholders of Issuer approve or accept any Acquisition Transaction with
     any person other than Grantee or any Grantee Subsidiary. For purposes of
     this Agreement, "Acquisition Transaction" shall mean (x) a merger or
     consolidation, or any similar transaction, involving Issuer or any of
     Issuer's subsidiaries, (y) a purchase, lease or other acquisition of all or
     substantially all of the assets of Issuer or any subsidiary or (z) a
     purchase or other acquisition (including by way of merger, consolidation,
     share exchange or otherwise) of securities representing 10% or more of the
     voting power of Issuer or any subsidiary; provided that the term
     "Acquisition Transaction" does not include any internal merger or
     consolidation involving only Issuer and/or Issuer Subsidiaries;

               (B)  Any person (other than Grantee or any Grantee Subsidiary)
     shall have acquired beneficial ownership or the right to acquire beneficial
     ownership of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Issuer Common Stock
     (the term "beneficial ownership" for purposes of this Agreement having the
     meaning assigned thereto in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act,
     and the rules and regulations thereunder);

               (C)  Any person other than Grantee or any Grantee Subsidiary
     shall have made a bona fide proposal to Issuer or its stockholders, by
                       ---------
     public announcement or written communication that is or becomes the subject
     of public disclosure, to engage in an Acquisition Transaction (including,
     without limitation, any situation in which any person other than Grantee or
     any Grantee Subsidiary shall have commenced (as such term is defined in
     Rule 14d-2 under the Securities Exchange Act) or shall have filed a
     registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
     "Securities Act"), with respect to, a tender offer or exchange offer to
     purchase any shares of Issuer Common Stock such that, upon consummation of
     such offer, such person would own or control 10% or more of the then
     outstanding shares of Issuer Common Stock (such an offer being referred to
     herein as a "Tender Offer" or an "Exchange Offer," respectively));

               (D)  After a proposal is made by a third party to Issuer or its
     stockholders to engage in an Acquisition Transaction, Issuer shall have
     breached any covenant or obligation contained in the Merger Agreement and
     such breach would entitle Grantee to terminate the Agreement, the holders
     of Issuer Common Stock shall not have approved the Merger Agreement at the
     meeting of such stockholders held for the purpose of voting thereon, such
     meeting shall not have been held or shall have been cancelled prior to
     termination of the Merger Agreement or Issuer's Board of Directors shall
     have withdrawn or modified in a manner adverse to Grantee the
     recommendation of Issuer's Board of Directors with respect to the Merger
     Agreement;

               (E)  Any person other than Grantee or any Subsidiary thereof,
     other than in connection with a transaction to which Grantee has given its
     prior written consent, shall have filed an application or notice with the
     Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS") or other federal or state bank
     regulatory authority for approval to engage in an Acquisition Transaction
     with respect to Issuer; or

                                      D-2
<PAGE>
 
               (F)  Issuer shall have breached any covenant or obligation
     contained in that certain letter agreement dated October 17, 1995 between
     Grantee and Issuer.

     (ii) The term "Subsequent Triggering Event" shall mean the occurrence with
respect to Issuer of either of the following events or circumstances after the
date hereof:

               (A)  The acquisition by any person other than Grantee or any
     Grantee Subsidiary of beneficial ownership of 25% or more of the then
     outstanding Common Stock; o r

               (B)  The occurrence of an Initial Triggering Event described in
     Section 3(b)(i)(A) except that the percentage referred to in clause (z)
     shall be 25%.

     (c)  Issuer shall notify Grantee promptly in writing of the occurrence of
any Initial Triggering Event or Subsequent Triggering Event (together, a
"Triggering Event"); provided that it is understood that the giving of such
notice by Issuer shall not be a condition to the right of Grantee to exercise
the Option.

     (d)  In the event Grantee is entitled to and wishes to exercise the Option,
it shall send to Issuer a written notice (the date of which being referred to
herein as the "Notice Date") specifying (i) the total number of Option Shares it
will purchase pursuant to such exercise and (ii) a place and date not earlier
than three business days nor later than 60 business days from the Notice Date
for the closing of such purchase (a "Closing Date"); provided that if prior
notification to or approval of the OTS or any other Governmental Entity is
required in connection with such purchase, Grantee shall promptly file the
required notice or application for approval and shall expeditiously process the
same and the period of time that otherwise would run pursuant to this sentence
shall run instead from the date on which, as the case may be, (A) any required
notification periods have expired or been terminated or (B) such approvals have
been obtained and any requisite waiting period or periods shall have passed.

     (e)  Notwithstanding Section 3(d), in no event shall any Closing Date be
more than 18 months after the related Notice Date, and if the Closing Date shall
not have occurred within 18 months after the related Notice Date due to the
failure to obtain any such required approval, the exercise of the Option
effected on the Notice Date shall be deemed to have expired.  In the event (i)
Grantee receives official notice that an approval of the OTS or any other
Governmental Entity required for the purchase of the Option Shares would not be
issued or granted or (ii) a Closing Date shall not have occurred within 18
months after the related Notice Date due to the failure to obtain any such
required approval, Grantee shall nevertheless be entitled to exercise its right
as set forth in Section 8 or to exercise the Option in connection with the
resale of Issuer Common Stock or other securities pursuant to a registration
statement as provided in Section 10.  The provisions of this Section 3 and
Section 4 shall apply with appropriate adjustments to any such exercise.

     4.  Payment and Delivery of Certificates.  (a)  On each Closing Date
         ------------------------------------                            
referred to in Section 3(d), Grantee shall pay to Issuer in immediately
available funds by a wire transfer to a bank account designated by Issuer an
amount equal to the Option Price multiplied by the number of Option Shares to be
purchased on such Closing Date.

     (b)  On each Closing Date, simultaneously with the delivery of immediately
available funds as provided in Section 4(a), Issuer shall deliver to Grantee a
certificate or certificates representing the Option Shares to be purchased on
such Closing Date.  If the Option should be exercised in part only, a new Option
evidencing the rights of Grantee to purchase the balance of the Option Shares
purchasable hereunder shall be issued to Grantee, and Grantee shall deliver to
Issuer a copy of this Agreement and a letter agreeing that Grantee will not
offer to sell or otherwise dispose of such Option Shares in violation of
applicable law or the provisions of this Agreement.

     (c)  Certificates for Issuer Common Stock delivered on a Closing Date
hereunder shall be endorsed with a restrictive legend that shall read
substantially as follows:

     THE TRANSFER OF THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS SUBJECT TO
     CERTAIN RESALE RESTRICTIONS ARISING UNDER THE SECURITIES

                                      D-3
<PAGE>
 
     ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF A STOCK OPTION
     AGREEMENT DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 9, 1995, A COPY OF WHICH AGREEMENT IS ON
     FILE AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF ISSUER.  A COPY OF SUCH AGREEMENT WILL BE
     MAILED TO THE HOLDER HEREOF WITHOUT CHARGE UPON RECEIPT BY ISSUER OF A
     WRITTEN REQUEST THEREFOR.

It is understood and agreed that:  (i) the reference to the resale restrictions
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), in the above
legend shall be removed by delivery of substitute certificate(s) without such
reference if Grantee shall have delivered to Issuer a copy of a letter from the
staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or an opinion of counsel, in
form and substance satisfactory to Issuer, to the effect that such legend is not
required for purposes of the Securities Act; (ii) the reference to the
provisions of this Agreement in the above legend shall be removed by delivery of
substitute certificate(s) without such reference if the Option Shares have been
sold or transferred in compliance with the provisions of this Agreement and
under circumstances that do not require the retention of such reference; and
(iii) the legend shall be removed in its entirety if the conditions in the
preceding clauses (i) and (ii) are both satisfied. In addition, such
certificates shall bear any other legend as may be required by law.

     (d)  Upon the giving by Grantee to Issuer of the written notice of exercise
of the Option provided for under Section 3(d), the tender of the applicable
purchase price in immediately available funds and the tender of a copy of this
Agreement to Issuer, Grantee shall be deemed to be the holder of record of the
Option Shares issuable upon such exercise, notwithstanding that the stock
transfer books of Issuer shall then be closed or that certificates representing
such Option Shares shall not then be actually delivered to Grantee.  Issuer
shall pay all expenses and any and all federal, state and local taxes and other
charges that may be payable in connection with the preparation, issue and
delivery of stock certificates under this Section 4 in the name of Grantee or
its assignee, transferee or designee.

     (e)  If, at the time of issuance of any Option Shares pursuant to an
exercise of all or a portion of the Option hereunder, Issuer shall have created
a "poison pill" or similar security and issued any "rights" or similar
securities pursuant thereto ("Rights"), then each Option Share issued pursuant
to such exercise shall also represent Rights or new rights with terms
substantially identical to and at least as favorable to Grantee as are provided
under the Rights Agreement or any similar agreement then in effect.

     5.  Authorizations, etc.  Issuer agrees (i) that it shall at all times
         --------------------                                              
maintain, free from preemptive rights or Liens, sufficient authorized but
unissued shares of Issuer Common Stock (and other securities issuable pursuant
to Section 6) so that the Option may be exercised without additional
authorization of Issuer Common Stock after giving effect to all other options,
warrants, convertible securities and other rights to purchase Issuer Common
Stock, (ii) that it will not, by charter amendment or through reorganization,
recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, dissolution or sale
of assets, or by any other voluntary act, avoid or seek to avoid the observance
or performance of any of the covenants, stipulations or conditions to be
observed or performed hereunder by Issuer, (iii) promptly to take all action as
may from time to time be required (including, in the event, under the SLHC Act,
or a state banking law, prior approval of or notice to the OTS or to any state
regulatory authority is necessary before the Option may be exercised,
cooperating fully with Grantee in preparing such applications or notices and
providing such information to the OTS or such state regulatory authority as they
may require) in order to permit Grantee to exercise the Option and so that the
Option Shares, when issued, shall be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable and free and clear of all Liens and not subject to any
preemptive rights; and (iv) promptly to take all action provided herein to
protect the rights of Grantee against dilution.

     6.  Adjustments.  (a)  In the event that any additional shares of Issuer
         -----------                                                         
Common Stock are issued or otherwise become outstanding after the date of this
Agreement (other than pursuant to an exercise of the Option or an event
described in Section 6(b)), including pursuant to stock option plans and in
connection with acquisitions and other transactions permitted by the Merger
Agreement, the number of Option Shares shall be increased so that, after such
issuance, it equals 19.9% of the number of shares of Issuer Common Stock then
issued and outstanding (without giving pro forma effect to the issuance of the
Option Shares).  Nothing contained in this Section 6(a) or elsewhere in this
Agreement shall be deemed to authorize Issuer to issue

                                      D-4
<PAGE>
 
shares of Issuer Common Stock in breach of, or otherwise breach any of, the
provisions of the Merger Agreement.

     (b)  In the event of any change in Issuer Common Stock by reason of a stock
dividend, split-up, recapitalization, combination, subdivision, conversion,
exchange of shares or similar transaction, the type and number of Option Shares
shall be appropriately adjusted and proper provision shall be made in the
agreements governing any such transaction, so that Grantee shall receive upon
exercise of the Option the number and class of shares, other securities,
property or cash that Grantee would have received in respect of Issuer Common
Stock if the Option had been exercised in full and the Option Shares had been
issued to Grantee immediately prior to such event or the record date therefor,
as applicable.  Whenever the number of Option Shares is adjusted as provided in
this Section 6(b), the Option Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Option
Price by a fraction, the numerator of which is equal to the number of Option
Shares purchasable prior to the adjustment and the denominator of which is equal
to the number of Option Shares purchasable after the adjustment.

     7.  Replacement Options.  (a)  In the event that, prior to an Exercise
         -------------------                                               
Termination Event, Issuer shall enter into an agreement (i) to consolidate with
or merge into any person, other than Grantee or one of its subsidiaries, and
shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation of such consolidation or
merger, (ii) to permit any  person, other than Grantee or one of its
subsidiaries, to merge into Issuer and Issuer shall be the continuing or
surviving corporation, but, in connection with such merger, the then outstanding
shares of Issuer Common Stock shall be changed into or exchanged for stock or
other securities of Issuer or any  other person or cash or any other property or
the then outstanding shares of Issuer Common Stock shall after such merger
represent less than 50% of the outstanding shares and share  equivalents of the
merged company or (iii) to sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all
its assets to any person, other than Grantee or one of its subsidiaries, then,
and in each such case, the agreement governing such transaction shall make
proper provision so that the Option shall, upon the consummation of any such
transaction and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, be converted
into, or exchanged for, an option (the "Substitute Option"), at the election of
Grantee, of either (A) the Acquiring Corporation (as defined below) or (B) any
person that controls the Acquiring Corporation.

     (b)  The following terms have the meanings indicated:

               (i)    "Acquiring Corporation" shall mean (A) the continuing or
     surviving corporation of a consolidation or merger with Issuer (if other
     than Issuer), (B) Issuer in a merger in which Issuer is the continuing or
     surviving person or (C) the transferee of all or substantially all of
     Issuer's assets.

               (ii)   "Substitute Common Stock" shall mean the common stock
     issued by the issuer of the Substitute Option upon exercise of the
     Substitute Option.

               (iii)  "Average Price" shall mean the average closing price of a
     share of the Substitute Common Stock for the one year immediately preceding
     the consolidation, merger or sale in question, but in no event higher than
     the closing price of the shares of the Substitute Common Stock on the day
     preceding such consolidation, merger or sale; provided that, if Issuer is
     the issuer of the Substitute Option, the Average Price shall be computed
     with respect to a share of common stock issued by the person merging into
     Issuer or by any company which controls or is controlled by such person, as
     Grantee may elect .

     (c)  The Substitute Option shall have the same terms as the Option,
provided that, if the terms of the Substitute Option cannot, for legal reasons,
be the same as the Option, such terms shall be as similar as possible and in no
event less advantageous to Grantee.  The issuer of the Substitute Option (the
"Substitute Option Issuer") shall also enter into an agreement with Grantee in
substantially the same form as this Agreement, which shall be applicable to the
Substitute Option.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 shall apply with respect to the
Substitute Option and any securities for which the Substitute Option becomes
exercisable with the same effect as if all references to "Issuer" in such
Sections were references to "Substitute Option Issuer", all references to
"Issuer Common Stock" were references to "Substitute Common Stock", all
references to the "Option" were references to the "Substitute Option" and all
references to "Option Shares" were references to "Substitute Option Shares".

                                      D-5
<PAGE>
 
     (d)  The Substitute Option shall be exercisable for such number of shares
of Substitute Common Stock as is equal to the then-current Applicable Price (as
defined in Section 8(c)) multiplied by the number of shares of Issuer Common
Stock for which the Option is then exercisable, divided by the then-current
Average Price.  The exercise price of the Substitute Option per share of
Substitute Common Stock shall then be equal to the Option Price multiplied by a
fraction in which the numerator is the number of shares of Issuer Common Stock
for which the Option is then exercisable and the denominator is the number of
shares of the Substitute Common Stock for which the Substitute Option is
exercisable.

     (e)  In no event, pursuant to any of the foregoing paragraphs, shall the
Substitute Option be exercisable for more than 19.9% of the shares of Substitute
Common Stock outstanding prior to the exercise of the Substitute Option.  In the
event that the Substitute Option would be exercisable for more than 19.9% of the
shares of Substitute Common Stock outstanding prior to such exercise but for the
limitation in this paragraph (e), the Substitute Option Issuer shall make a cash
payment to  Grantee equal to the excess of (i) the value of the Substitute
Option without giving effect to the limitation in this paragraph (e) over (ii)
the value of the Substitute Option after giving effect to the limitation in this
paragraph (e).  This difference in value shall be determined by a nationally
recognized investment banking firm selected by Grantee.

     (f)  Issuer shall not enter into any transaction described in Section 7(a)
unless the Acquiring Corporation and any person that controls the Acquiring
Corporation assume in writing all the obligations of Issuer hereunder.

     8.  Repurchase at the Option of Grantee.  (a)  At the request of Grantee at
         -----------------------------------                                    
any time during (i) the period during which the Option is exercisable pursuant
to Section 3 or (ii) the period of 30 business days immediately following the
occurrence of either of the events set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) of the
second sentence of Section 3(e) (but solely as to the shares of Issuer Common
Stock with respect to which the required approval was not received) (either such
period being referred to herein as the "Repurchase Period"), Issuer (or any
successor entity thereof) shall repurchase from Grantee (A) the Option (or, in
the circumstances set forth in clause (ii) above, that portion thereof relating
to shares of Issuer Common Stock with respect to which required approvals were
not received) unless the Option has expired or been terminated in accordance
with the terms hereof and (B) all Option Shares purchased by Grantee pursuant
hereto with respect to which Grantee then has beneficial ownership.  The date on
which Grantee exercises its rights under this Section 8 is referred to as the
"Request Date".  Such repurchase shall be at an aggregate price (the "Section 8
Repurchase Consideration") equal to the sum of:

          (1)  the aggregate exercise price paid by Grantee for any Option
     Shares acquired with respect to which Grantee then has beneficial
     ownership;

          (2)  the excess, if any, of (x) the Applicable Price for shares of
     Issuer Common Stock over (y) the Option Price, with such excess multiplied
     by the number of Option Shares with respect to which the Option has not
     been exercised; and

          (3)  the excess, if any, of (x) the Applicable Price over (y) the
     Option Price paid (or, in the case of Option Shares with respect to which
     the Option has been exercised but the Closing Date has not occurred,
     payable) by Grantee for each Option Share with respect to which the Option
     has been exercised, with such excess multiplied by the number of such
     Option Shares.

     (b)  If Grantee exercises its rights under this Section 8, Issuer shall,
within 10 business days after the Request Date, pay the Section 8 Repurchase
Consideration to Grantee in immediately available funds, and Grantee shall
surrender to Issuer the Option and the certificates evidencing the shares of
Issuer Common Stock purchased thereunder with respect to which Grantee then has
beneficial ownership, and Grantee shall warrant that it has sole record and
beneficial ownership of such shares and that the same are then free and clear of
all Liens.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that prior notification
to or approval of the OTS or other Governmental Entity is required in connection
with the payment of all or any portion of the Section 8 Repurchase
Consideration, Issuer shall deliver from time to time that portion of the
Section 8 Repurchase Consideration that it is not then so prohibited from paying
and shall promptly file the required notice or application for approval and
shall expeditiously process the same (and Grantee shall cooperate with Issuer in

                                      D-6
<PAGE>
 
the filing of any such notice or application and the obtaining of any such
approval), and the period of time that otherwise would run pursuant to the
preceding sentence for the payment of the portion of the Section 8 Repurchase
Consideration requiring such notification or approval shall run instead from the
date on which, as the case may be, (i) any required notification period has
expired or been terminated or (ii) such approval has been obtained and, in
either event, any requisite waiting period shall have passed.  If the OTS or any
other Governmental Entity disapproves of any part of Issuer's proposed
repurchase pursuant to this Section 8, Issuer shall promptly give notice of such
fact to Grantee and redeliver to Grantee the Option Shares it is then prohibited
from repurchasing, and Grantee shall have the right to exercise the Option as to
the number of Option Shares for which the Option was exercisable at the Request
Date less the number of shares as to which payment has been made pursuant to
Section 8(a)(2); provided that if the Option shall have terminated prior to the
date of such notice or shall be scheduled to terminate prior to the date of such
notice or shall be scheduled to terminate at any time before the expiration of a
period ending on the 30th business day after such date, Grantee shall
nonetheless have the right so to exercise the Option or exercise its rights
under Section 10 until the expiration of such period of 30 business days.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Grantee shall be entitled to
exercise its right under this Section 8 on only one occasion.

     (c)  For purposes of this Agreement, the "Applicable Price" means the
highest of (i) the highest price per share at which a tender offer or exchange
offer has been made for shares of Issuer Common Stock after the date hereof and
on or prior to the Request Date (or any other applicable determination date),
(ii) the price per share to be paid by any third party for shares of Issuer
Common Stock or the consideration per share to be received by holders of Issuer
Common Stock, in each case pursuant to an agreement with Issuer for a merger or
other business combination entered into on or prior to the Request Date (or any
other applicable determination date), (iii) the highest price per share paid by
any third party to acquire from a stockholder of Issuer, in one transaction or
in a series of related transactions, an aggregate amount of Issuer Common Stock
of 10% or more of the outstanding Issuer Common Stock or (iv) the highest bid
price per share of Issuer Common Stock as quoted on the American Stock Exchange
or, if not so quoted, on the principal trading market on which such shares are
traded as reported by a recognized source during the 60 business days preceding
the Request Date (or any other applicable determination date).  If the
consideration to be offered, paid or received pursuant to a transaction
described in either clause (i) or (ii) above shall be other than cash, the value
of such consideration shall be determined in good faith by an independent
nationally recognized investment banking firm selected by Grantee and reasonably
acceptable to Issuer, which determination shall be conclusive for all purposes
of this Agreement.

     9.  Repurchase at the Option of Issuer.  (a)  Except to the extent that
         ----------------------------------                                 
Grantee shall have previously exercised its rights under Section 8, at the
request of Issuer during the six-month period commencing 15 months following the
first occurrence of a Subsequent Triggering Event, Issuer may repurchase from
Grantee, and Grantee shall sell to Issuer, all (but not less than all) the
shares of Issuer Common Stock acquired by Grantee pursuant hereto and with
respect to which Grantee has beneficial ownership at the time of such repurchase
at a price equal to the greater of (i) 110% of the Current Market Price (as
defined below) or (ii) the sum of (A) the Option Price in respect of the shares
so acquired and (B) Grantee's pre-tax per share carrying cost (as defined
below), multiplied in the case of either clause (i) or (ii) above by the number
of shares so acquired (the "Section 9 Repurchase Consideration"); provided that
Grantee, within 30 days following Issuer's notice of its intention to purchase
shares pursuant to this Section 9, may deliver an Offeror's Notice (as defined
in Section 11) pursuant to Section 11, in which case the provisions of Section
11 and not those of this Section 9 shall control; and provided further that
Issuer's rights under this Section 9 shall be suspended (with any such rights
being extended accordingly) during any period when the exercise of such rights
would subject Grantee to liability pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act
by reason of Grantee's purchase of shares of Issuer Common Stock pursuant to
this Agreement.

     (b)  If Issuer exercises its rights under this Section 9 and Grantee does
not deliver an Offeror's Notice or Grantee does not sell the shares to a third
party pursuant thereto, Issuer shall, within 10 business days after the
expiration of the 30-day period referred to in paragraph (a) above or, if
applicable, upon abandonment of the transaction covered by the Offeror's Notice,
pay the Section 9 Repurchase Consideration in immediately available funds, and
Grantee shall surrender to Issuer the certificates evidencing the shares of
Issuer Common Stock purchased hereunder with respect to which Grantee then has
beneficial ownership, and Grantee shall

                                      D-7
<PAGE>
 
warrant that it has sole record and beneficial ownership of such shares and that
the same are then free and clear of all Liens.

     (c)  As used herein, (i) "Current Market Price" means the average closing
bid price per share of Issuer Common Stock as quoted on the American Stock
Exchange or, if not so quoted, on the principal trading market on which such
shares are traded as reported by a recognized source for the 10 business days
preceding the date of the Issuer's request for repurchase pursuant to this
Section 9 and (ii) "Grantee's pretax per share carrying cost" shall be the
amount equal to the interest on the aggregate Option Price paid for the shares
of Issuer Common Stock purchased from the date of purchase to the date of
repurchase at the rate of interest announced by Parent as its prime or base
lending or reference rate during such period, less any dividends received on the
shares so purchased, divided by the number of shares so purchased.

     10.  Registration Rights; Listing.  (a)  Issuer shall, if requested by
          ----------------------------                                     
Grantee at any time and from time to time (i) within three years of the first
exercise of the Option or (ii) for 30 business days following the occurrence of
either of the events set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) of the second sentence of
Section 3(e) or receipt by Grantee of official notice that an approval of the
OTS or any other Governmental Entity required for a repurchase as contemplated
by Section 8(b) would not be issued or granted (but solely as to the shares of
Issuer Common Stock or portion of the Option with respect to which the required
approval was not received), as expeditiously as practicable prepare and file up
to two registration statements under the Securities Act if necessary in order to
permit the sale or other disposition of the shares of Issuer Common Stock or
other securities that have been acquired by or are issuable to Grantee upon
exercise of the Option in accordance with the intended method of sale or other
disposition stated by Grantee, including a "shelf" registration statement under
Rule 415 under the Securities Act or any successor provision.  Issuer shall use
its best efforts to cause each such registration statement to become effective
and to remain effective for such period not in excess of 180 days from the day
such registration statement first becomes effective as may be reasonably
necessary to effect such sale or other disposition.  Issuer shall also use its
best efforts to qualify such shares or other securities under any applicable
state securities laws.  Grantee agrees to use all reasonable efforts to cause,
and to cause any underwriters or agents of any sale or other disposition to
cause, any sale or other disposition pursuant to such registration statement to
be effected on a widely distributed basis so that upon consummation thereof no
purchaser or transferee shall own beneficially more than 2% of the then
outstanding voting power of Issuer.  In the event that Grantee requests Issuer
to file a registration statement following the failure to obtain a required
approval for an exercise of the Option as described in Section 3(e), the closing
of the sale or other disposition of Issuer Common Stock or other securities
pursuant to such registration statement shall occur substantially simultaneously
with the exercise of the Option, and Grantee shall be entitled to cause the
Option Shares to be issued directly to the underwriters or agents named in such
registration statement. The obligations of Issuer hereunder to file a
registration statement and to maintain its effectiveness may be suspended for
one or more periods of time that do not exceed 60 days in the aggregate for all
such periods if the Board of Directors of Issuer shall have determined that the
filing of such registration statement or the maintenance of its effectiveness
would require disclosure of nonpublic information that would materially and
adversely affect Issuer.  Any registration effected under this Section 10 shall
be at Issuer's expense, except for underwriting discounts or commissions,
brokers' fees and the fees and disbursements of Grantee's counsel related
thereto.  Grantee shall provide all information reasonably requested by Issuer
for inclusion in any registration statement to be filed hereunder.  If requested
by Grantee in connection with any such registration, Issuer shall become a party
to any underwriting agreement relating to the sale of such shares or other
securities, but only to the extent of obligating itself in respect of
representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities, contribution and other
agreements customarily included in such underwriting agreements for the issuer.
If, during the time periods referred to in the first sentence of this Section
10, Issuer effects a registration under the Securities Act of Issuer Common
Stock for its own account or for any other stockholders of Issuer (other than on
Form S-4 or S-8, or any successor form), it shall allow Grantee the right to
participate in such registration, and such participation shall not affect the
obligation of Issuer to effect two registration statements for Grantee under
this Section 10; provided that, if the managing underwriters of such offering
advise Issuer in writing that in their opinion the number of shares of Issuer
Common Stock requested to be included in such registration exceeds the number
which can be sold in such offering, Issuer shall include the shares requested to
be included therein by Grantee pro rata with the shares intended to be included
therein by Issuer or other stockholders, taken as a single group.

                                      D-8
<PAGE>
 
     (b)  If Issuer Common Stock or any other securities to be acquired upon
exercise of the Option are then listed on a national or regional securities
exchange or quoted on a national or regional quotation system, Issuer, upon
request of Grantee, shall use its best efforts to make any filings and obtain
any approvals necessary in order to cause the Option Shares or other securities
acquired upon exercise of the Option to be so listed or quoted.

     11.  First Refusal.  At any time after the first occurrence of a Subsequent
          -------------                                                         
Triggering Event and prior to the later of (a) expiration of 24 months
immediately following the first purchase of shares of Issuer Common Stock
pursuant to the Option and (b) the termination of the Option pursuant to Section
3(a), if Grantee shall desire to sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of
all or any of the shares of Issuer Common Stock or other securities acquired by
it pursuant to the Option, it shall give Issuer written notice of the proposed
transaction (an "Offeror's Notice"), identifying the proposed transferee,
accompanied by a copy of a binding offer to purchase such shares or other
securities from such transferee and setting forth the terms of the proposed
transaction.  An Offeror's Notice shall be deemed an offer by Grantee to Issuer,
which may be accepted within 10 business days of the receipt of such Offeror's
Notice, on the same terms and conditions and at the same price at which Grantee
is proposing to transfer such shares or other securities to such transferee.
The purchase of any such shares or other securities by Issuer shall be settled
within 10 business days of the date of the acceptance of the offer and the
purchase price shall be paid to Grantee in immediately available funds; provided
that, if prior notification to or approval of the OTS or any other Governmental
Entity is required in connection with such purchase, Issuer shall promptly file
the required notice or application for approval and shall expeditiously process
the same (and Grantee shall cooperate with Issuer in the filing of any such
notice or application and the obtaining of any such approval) and the period of
time that otherwise would run pursuant to this sentence shall run instead from
the date on which, as the case may be, (i) any required notification period has
expired or been terminated or (ii) such approval has been obtained and, in
either event, any requisite waiting period shall have passed.  In the event of
the failure or refusal of Issuer to purchase all the shares or other securities
covered by an Offeror's Notice or if the OTS or any other Governmental Entity
disapproves Issuer's proposed purchase of such shares or other securities,
Grantee may, within 60 days from the date of the Offeror's notice (subject to
any necessary extension for regulatory notification, approval or waiting
periods), sell all, but not less than all, of such shares or other securities to
the proposed transferee at no less than the price specified, and on terms no
more favorable than those specified, in the Offeror's Notice.  The requirements
of this Section 11 shall not apply to (A) any disposition as a result of which
the proposed transferee would own beneficially not more than 2% of the
outstanding voting power of Issuer, (B) any disposition of Issuer Common Stock
or other securities by a person to whom Grantee has assigned its rights under
the Option with the consent of Issuer, (C) any sale by means of a public
offering registered under the Securities Act in which steps are taken to
reasonably assure that no purchaser will acquire securities representing more
than 2% of the outstanding voting power of Issuer or (D) any transfer to Sub or
to any other wholly owned subsidiary of Parent that agrees in writing to be
bound by the terms hereof.

     12.  Division of Option.  This Agreement (and the Option granted hereby)
          ------------------                                                 
are exchangeable, without expense, at the option of Grantee, upon presentation
and surrender of this Agreement at the principal office of Issuer, for other
Agreements providing for Options of different denominations entitling the holder
thereof to purchase in the aggregate the same number of shares of Issuer Common
Stock purchasable hereunder.  The terms "Agreement" and "Option" as used herein
include any Stock Option Agreements and related Options for which this Agreement
(and the Option granted hereby) may be exchanged.  Upon receipt by Issuer of
evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or
mutilation of this Agreement, and (in the case of loss, theft, or destruction)
of reasonably satisfactory indemnification, and upon surrender and cancellation
of this Agreement, if mutilated, Issuer will execute and deliver a new Agreement
of like tenor and date.  Any such new Agreement executed and delivered shall
constitute an additional contractual obligation on the part of Issuer, whether
or not the Agreement so lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated shall at any time
be enforceable by anyone.

     13.  Assignment.  Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests
          ----------                                                          
or obligations under this Agreement or the Option shall be assigned by any of
the parties hereto (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior
written consent of the other parties, except that Grantee may assign in whole or
in part its rights and obligations hereunder to Sub or to any other direct or
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of

                                      D-9
<PAGE>
 
Grantee without the consent of Issuer.  Subject to the preceding sentence, the
terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted
assigns.

     14.  Further Assurances.  Each party hereto will use its best efforts to
          ------------------                                                 
make all filings with, and to obtain consent of, all third parties and
governmental authorities necessary or advisable to the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including applying to the OTS under
the SLHC Act for approval to acquire the shares issuable hereunder.  In the
event of any exercise of the Option by Grantee, Issuer, Grantee and Sub shall
execute and deliver all other documents and instruments and take all other
action that may be reasonably necessary or advisable in order to consummate the
transactions provided for by such exercise.

     15.  Specific Performance.  The parties hereto acknowledge that damages
          --------------------                                              
would be an inadequate remedy for a breach of this Agreement by either party
hereto and that the obligations of the parties hereto shall be enforceable by
either party hereto through specific performance, injunctive relief or other
equitable relief.  This provision is without prejudice to any other rights that
the parties hereto may have for any failure to perform this Agreement.

     16.  Severability.  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, 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 Grantee is not permitted to acquire, or Issuer is not permitted
to repurchase pursuant to Section 8, the full number of Option Shares provided
in Section 1(a) hereof (as adjusted pursuant to Section 6), it is the express
intention of Issuer to allow Grantee to acquire or to require Issuer to
repurchase such lesser number of Option Shares as may be permissible without any
amendment or modification hereof.

     17.  Notices.  All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
          -------                                                   
communications hereunder shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered
in the manner and to the addresses specified in accordance with Section 8.02 of
the Merger Agreement.

     18.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
          -------------                                                       
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to any
applicable principles of conflicts of laws.

     19.  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 of
the parties and delivered to the other parties.

     20.  Expenses.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, each of the
          --------                                                             
parties hereto shall bear and pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or on
its behalf in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder, including
fees and expenses of its own financial consultants, investment bankers,
accountants and counsel.

     21.  Waiver and Amendment.  Any provision of this Agreement may be waived
          --------------------                                                
at any time by the party that is entitled to the benefits of such provision.
This Agreement may not be modified, amended, altered or supplemented except upon
the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the parties
hereto.

     22.  Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries.  Except as otherwise
          ----------------------------------------------                      
expressly provided herein or in the Merger Agreement, this Agreement (and the
Merger Agreement and the other documents and instruments referred to herein and
therein) contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the
transactions contemplated hereunder and supersedes all prior arrangements or
understandings with respect thereof, written or oral.  Nothing in this
Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any party, other
than the parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns,
any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this
Agreement, except as expressly provided herein.

                                      D-10
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be
executed on its behalf by its officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the
day and year first above written.

                                     BANK OF THE WEST,
                             
                                     by
                                           /s/ Don J. McGrath

                                         __________________________
                                         Name:   Don J. McGrath
                                         Title:   President and Chief Operating 
                                                  Officer
                             
                                     NF ACQUISITION CO.,
                             
                                     by
                                           /s/ Douglas C. Grigsby

                                         __________________________
                                         Name:   Douglas C. Grigsby
                                         Title:  Treasurer
                             
                             
                                     NORTHBAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION,
                             
                                     by
                                           /s/ Alfred A. Alys
                                        __________________________
                                        Name:   Alfred A. Alys
                                        Title: President and Chief Executive
                                                     Officer

                                      D-11
<PAGE>
 
    
                                                                      Appendix F
                                                                       Revised  
     
                                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
   

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
Financial Condition                                                       As  of June 30
                                                                         ----------------
                                                      1995        1994        1993        1992       1991
                                                    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                                                      (Dollars In Thousands)
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
 
Assets...........................................   $391,058    $364,713    $311,349    $295,094    $263,768
Loans receivable, net............................    343,852     324,711     267,497     239,052     207,315
Loans held for sale..............................          -           -      10,209       9,731      15,997
Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity......      1,672       1,778       5,130       7,304       1,130
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale....      8,441       6,165       1,733       2,767       2,992
Investments /1/..................................     17,795      14,776      11,390      21,712      22,492
Savings accounts.................................    283,909     276,900     255,075     255,338     225,865
Advances from FHLB...............................     60,036      47,695      19,217       3,247       5,816
Other borrowings.................................      9,332       3,118       3,055       4,895       3,788
Stockholders' equity.............................     34,578      33,684      31,233      28,076      24,984
 
 
Operations                                                         For the Year Ended June 30
                                                                   --------------------------
                                                      1995        1994        1993        1992       1991
                                                    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                                             (In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Interest income..................................   $ 26,154    $ 22,914    $ 24,254    $ 26,478    $ 26,398
Interest expense.................................     14,463       9,225       9,615      13,373      15,378
                                                    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
 
Net interest income..............................     11,691      13,689      14,639      13,105      11,020
Provision for loan losses........................        412         725         722         529         214
                                                    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
 
Net interest income after provision for
 loan losses.....................................     11,279      12,964      13,917      12,576      10,806
Noninterest income...............................        950       1,286       1,335       1,022         996
Noninterest expense..............................      9,170       9,125       8,656       7,235       6,910
                                                    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
 
Income before tax................................      3,059       5,125       6,596       6,363       4,892
Income tax expense...............................     (1,127)     (2,067)     (2,859)     (2,876)     (2,060)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
  principle for income taxes /2/.................          -         220           -           -           -
                                                    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Net income.......................................   $  1,932    $  3,278    $  3,737    $  3,487    $  2,832
                                                    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
 
Earnings per share /3/
 Primary.........................................   $    .67    $   1.13    $   1.29    $   1.20    $    .99
 Fully diluted...................................   $    .67    $   1.12    $   1.29    $   1.20    $    .98
                                                    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
 
Dividends declared per share.....................   $    .44    $    .41    $    .32    $    .28    $      0
                                                    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
 
 
Other Selected Data                                            As of or for the Year Ended June 30
                                                               -----------------------------------
                                                      1995        1994        1993        1992       1991
                                                    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
 
Net interest rate spread.........................       2.88%       4.14%       4.87%       4.60%       4.15%
Net yield on average interest-earning assets.....       3.14%       4.36%       5.11%       4.98%       4.57%
Return on average assets.........................       0.50%       1.00%       1.24%       1.26%       1.12%
Return on average equity.........................       5.64%       9.95%      12.47%      13.05%      11.94%
Average equity to average assets ratio...........       8.82%      10.03%       9.98%       9.69%       9.35%
Dividend payout ratio/4/.........................      57.23%      25.63%      14.90%       9.80%         --
Average interest-earning assets to
 average interest-bearing liabilities............     106.52%     107.37%     107.25%     107.55%     106.70%
Ratio of total operating expenses to
 total average assets............................       2.36%       2.78%       2.88%       2.62%       2.72%
Ratio of nonperforming assets to average assets..       0.74%       1.37%       0.92%       0.44%       0.32%
Branch office....................................          8           8           7           7           6
</TABLE>
1 Includes certificates of deposit, overnight federal funds, income funds,
  U.S. Government securities and interest-bearing cash balances.
2 See note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
3 See note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
4 Aggregate cash dividends paid during the fiscal year divided by net income

    

                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
NORTHBAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

   

          Northbay Financial Corporation (the "Company") is the holding  
company for Northbay Savings Bank, F.S.B. (The "Bank"), its wholly owned
subsidiary. Virtually all financial activity of the Company is conducted
through the Bank, which is the sole asset of the Company.

          The operations of the Bank, which consist primarily of managing
financial assets and liabilities are dictated to a large extent by the
changing nature of the financial markets in general, and the changing interest
rate environment in particular. The Bank's primary source of acquiring
financial assets and liabilities is its access to the retail market,
attracting deposits from the general public through its branch network and
utilizing those funds to provide financing for local housing in the form of
mortgage, construction, and commercial real estate loans.

          The Bank's profitability depends primarily on its net interest
income, which is the difference between the interest income it receives from
the Bank's investment and loan portfolios and its cost of funds, consisting
primarily of the interest paid on deposits and borrowings. Net interest income
is affected by the volume of interest-earning assets, interest-bearing
liabilities, yields on interest-earning assets and rates paid on interest-
bearing liabilities (see Rate/Volume Analysis). When interest-earning assets
approximate or exceed interest-bearing liabilities, any positive interest rate
spread will generate net interest income.

          During a year of extreme volatility in interest rates, the Bank has
been challenged to maintain its historically high interest rate spread. After
a year of generally rising interest rates which ended March 31, 1995, a period
viewed by many as carrying a high degree of inflationary risk as evidenced by
the actions of the Federal Reserve Board (FRB) which increased the Federal
Funds Rate on seven separate occasions, we began to experience a significant
decline in interest rates. The FRB, implemented the final of seven increases
of the Federal Funds Rates, moving the rate up from 5.50% to 6.00% on
February 2, 1995. This upward movement, combined with more economic data
supporting an apparent slowing in the economy, led to the market decline in
interest rates on maturities beyond six months. For example, while the rate on
the one year treasury had increased from 3.35% at its low point in October of
1993 to 7.17% at its peak in December of 1994 (an increase of 3.82%) during
the six months ended June 30, 1995, this same rate declined to 5.72%. On July
2, 1995 the FRB signaled a change in its outlook for inflation, implementing
the first drop in the Federal Funds rate in more than 2 years.
 
          Despite the welcome relief in terms of generally lower interest rates,
the impact of this positive event in the financial markets is not readily
apparent in the operating results of the Bank during the six months ended June
30, 1995, and as with all rate changes in such a large portfolio of financial
assets and liabilities, will take time to work through the portfolios. The
lingering effects of a year of rising interest rates continue to be reflected
through a lower level of net interest income for the year ended June 30, 1995.
During a period of a flattening yield curve in which short-term rates are rising
more rapidly than long-term rates, such as we experienced, the Bank will feel
the negative effect of a shrinking net interest rate spread. The Bank suffered a
negative impact as a result of the continued increase in interest rates on its
shorter-term retail deposits and borrowings that could not be matched by the
adjustment taking place on the adjustable rate loan portfolio.

          During a period of stable to falling interest rates, the Bank should
now begin to experience the benefits of the lagging nature of the 11th District
Cost of Funds Index (COFI) to which such a large volume of the Bank's financial
assets are tied. While the Bank's large portfolio of adjustable rate loans
indexed to the COFI continues to reprice upward due to the lagging nature of the
index, the Bank's cost of funding these assets with short-term liabilities
should diminish. Despite erosion of the net interest rate spread from 3.04% for
the quarter ended December 31, 1994 to 2.45% for the quarter ended March 31,
1995, it is significant to note that after seven consecutive quarters of decline
the margin hit a low of 2.45% in January, stabilizing at that spread for the
remainder of the quarter before increasing to 2.55% for the quarter ended June
30, 1995.

          To a lesser extent, the Bank's profitability is also affected by the
level of noninterest income and expense. Noninterest income consists primarily
of service fee income relating to both loans and transaction accounts. During
the few years preceding the fiscal year ending June 30, 1995, the Bank had
relied more heavily on loan sales in the secondary markets as a means of
generating funds to originate new loans and to transfer the interest risk
associated with carrying longer-term fixed rate loans. This increased volume of
loan sales in previous years was reflected in noninterest income under the
category of gains on sale of loans and mortgage-backed securities. With the
sharp increase in interest rates which occurred between October of 1993 and
December of 1994, the consumer demand for fixed rate loans, which are typically
sold in the secondary markets, has been extremely limited. With such a small
volume of fixed rate product being originated the Bank's ability to continue to
generate noninterest income from this source of business has and will continue
to be hampered. Noninterest expense consists of compensation and benefits,
occupancy related expenses, deposit insurance premiums and other operating
expenses.

          The Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of
1989 (FIRREA), which became effective on August 8, 1989 has had a significant
impact on the thrift industry. The Bank, like the rest of the thrift industry,
has been affected by FIRREA through more stringent capital requirements. The
requirements include a leverage ratio of core capital to adjusted total assets
of 3%, a tangible capital ratio of 1.5% and a risk-based capital standard
currently set at 8% of risk-weighted assets. The Bank exceeds all of the
regulatory capital standards with ratios of core, tangible, and risk-based
capital to assets of 8.60%, 8.58% and 14.56%, respectively.

          Under FIRREA, the capital standards for savings associations must
be no less stringent than the capital standards applicable to national banks.
On September 17, 1990, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)
announced the adoption, effective December 31, 1990, of regulations
implementing more stringent core capital requirements for national banks. The
OCC regulations establish a new minimum core capital ratio of 3% for the most
highly rated banks, with an additional 100 to 200 basis point "cushion"
amount of additional capital required on a case-by-case basis, considering the
quality of risk management systems and the overall risk in individual banks.
On April 22, 1991, the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) proposed to amend
its core capital requirement to reflect the OCC's amendments to the core
capital requirement for national banks. The OTS proposal would establish a 3%
core capital ratio for savings institutions in the strongest financial and
managerial condition. For all other savings institutions, the minimum core
capital ratio would be 3% plus at least an additional 100 to 200 basis
points. In determining the amount of additional capital, the OTS would assess
both the quality of risk management systems and the level of overall risk in
each individual savings institution through the supervisory process on a case-
by-case basis. At June 30, 1995 the Bank had core capital of approximately
$33.6 million, or 8.60% of adjusted total assets. Management, therefore, does
not expect the proposed amendment to cause the Bank to fall below its
regulatory capital requirements.

    

                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
   

          The OTS published a final regulation incorporating the interest rate
risk component in the risk-based capital rule on August 31, 1993. The rule
took effect January 1, 1994 and requires savings institutions with more than a
"normal" level of interest rate risk to maintain additional total capital. A
savings institution's interest rate risk will be measured in terms of the
sensitivity of its "net portfolio value" to changes in interest rates. Net
portfolio value is defined, generally, as the present value of expected cash
inflows from existing assets and off-balance-sheet contracts less the present
value of expected cash outflows from existing liabilities. A savings
institution is considered to have a "normal" level of interest rate risk if
the decline in the market value of its portfolio equity after an immediate 200
basis point increase or decrease in market interest rates (whichever leads to
the greater decline) is less than two percent of the current estimated
market value of its assets. A savings institution with a greater than normal
interest rate risk will be required to deduct from total capital, for purposes
of calculating its risk-based capital requirement, an amount (the interest rate
risk component "IRR") equal to one half the difference between the institutions
measured interest rate risk and the normal level of interest rate risk,
multiplied by the economic value of its total assets.

          The OTS will calculate the sensitivity of a savings institution's net
portfolio value based on data submitted by the institution in a schedule
included in its quarterly Thrift Financial Report and using the interest rate
risk measurement model adopted by the OTS. The amount of the IRR component, if
any, to be deducted from a savings institution's risk-based capital. The IRR
component is to be computed quarterly, and the capital requirement for the IRR
will have an effective lag of two calendar quarters. The first quarter to be
measured has once again been postponed indefinitely until questions regarding a
review procedure for institutions challenging the results of the OTS model have
been resolved. Institutions that do not have sufficient capital to comply with
the IRR component will be required to submit a capital plan to achieve
compliance. Based upon the Bank's current level of adjustable rate, shorter-term
assets and regulatory capital, management does not expect the Bank's interest
rate risk component to have a material impact on the Bank's regulatory capital
level or its compliance with the regulatory capital requirements.

Components of the Bank's regulatory capital at June 30, 1995 are summarized as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                  Tangible                      Core                     Risk Based       % of
                                                  Capital         % of        Capital         % of        Capital      Risk Based
                                                Requirement     Assets(1)   Requirement     Assets(1)   Requirement     Assets(2)
                                                ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
(Unaudited)                                                                   (Dollars In Thousands)
<S>                                             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
 
Equity.........................................     $33,876         8.67%       $33,876         8.67%       $33,876        13.82%
ESOP loan......................................        (188)        (.05%)         (188)        ( 05%)         (188)        (.08%)
General loan loss reserves.....................           -            -              -            -          2,051          .84%
Core deposit premium...........................         (74)        (.02%)                                                    --
Unrealized loss on debt securities available
 for sale......................................         (57)        (.02%)          (57)        (.02%)          (57)        (.02%)
                                                    -------         ----        -------         ----        -------        -----
                                                    $33,557         8.58%       $33,631         8.60%       $35,682        14.56%
                                                    -------         ----        -------         ----        -------        -----
Minimum capital required.......................     $ 5,865         1.50%       $11,730         3.00%       $19,602         8.00%
                                                    -------         ----        -------         ----        -------        -----
Excess regulatory capital......................     $27,692         7.08%       $21,901         5.60%       $16,080         6.56%
                                                    -------         ----        -------         ----        -------        -----
</TABLE>
 
1 Adjusted total assets are a savings association's total assets as determined
  under generally accepted accounting principles.
2 Total risk-based assets as calculated for OTS requirements were $245 million
  at June 30, 1995.
3 Premium paid on the purchase of core deposits of $74 thousand at June 30, 1995
  is excluded from tangible capital.

     The Bank's assessment for deposit insurance premiums (expressed in terms of
percentage of total savings accounts) is 23 basis points. The minimum rate may
be decreased to not less than 18 basis points for the period ending December
31, 1997, declining further to 15 basis points thereafter. However, the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) may increase the assessment rate
to 32.5 basis points if certain reserve fund ratios are not met. Although the
FDIC insures both commercial banks as well as savings and loans, the reserve
funds have been segregated to the Bank Insurance Fund (BIF) and the Savings
Association Insurance Fund (SAIF). The FDIC voted on August 8, 1995 to reduce
the premiums for most BIF members while keeping existing assessment rates intact
for savings associations. While the SAIF members will continue paying premiums
on a risk-related basis ranging from 23 cents to 31 cents per $100 of domestic
deposits, the assessment rate charged to BIF-insured members will be reduced to
an average of 4.4 cents for every $100 down from 23 cents. SAIF-insured
institutions will pay a higher rate than BIF-insured institutions because the
SAIF remains seriously undercapitalized. As of March 31, 1995, the SAIF had a
balance of $2.2 billion or only .31 percent of insured deposits. At the
current pace, the SAIF is unlikely to reach the minimum reserve ratio of 1.25%
until the year 2002.

     The BIF on the other hand achieved a reserve ratio of 1.22% of BIF-insured
deposits, or approximately $23.2 billion as of March 31, 1995. It is believed
that the reserve ratio of 1.25% was achieved during the quarter ended June 30,
1995. A primary reason the SAIF is undercapitalized is that SAIF premiums have
been diverted to uses other than rebuilding the fund. As described in a recent
report by the General Accounting Office, since 1989 $7.4 billion,
approximately three-quarters of SAIF assessments have been used to pay off
obligations arising from the governments' efforts to resolve the thrift
failures of the 1980's. SAIF assessments were diverted to fund the Resolution
Funding Corporation, the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation
Resolution Fund and FICO. FICO was established by congress in 1987 in an
attempt to recapitalize the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Fund (FSLIC).
From 1987 to 1989 the FICO issued approximately $8.2 billion in bonds,
proceeds of which were channeled to the FSLIC. Approximately $4.3 billion of
SAIF assessments have been utilized to service the debt on these FICO
obligations. Currently approximately 45% of all SAIF assessments are utilized
to pay interest on the FICO debt rather than to replenish the fund. Without
these diversions it has been estimated that the SAIF would have reached its
designated reserve ratio of 1.25% at some point in 1994.

     There is currently a proposal within congress to eliminate duplicate
charters which separate BIF-insured members from SAIF-insured members. The
single charter would be part of comprehensive legislation designed to resolve
the looming disparity between deposit insurance premiums paid by BIF and SAIF
members. The Wall Street Journal reported that as the proposal is being
developed, SAIF members would be required to pay a one-time assessment of
approximately 85 basis points of total retail savings liabilities to replenish
the fund and reduce future deposit premiums to 5 basis points. After the
replenishment of the SAIF fund the two funds, SAIF and BIF, would be merged
and the FICO debt obligation would be shared by all members.

     Effective January 1, 1993, a transitional risk-based methodology was
implemented. Under the transitional risk-based system, the assessment rate for
an insured depository institution depends on the assessment risk
classification assigned to the institution by the FDIC based upon the
institution's level of capitalization and the FDIC's judgement of the risk
posed by the institution. Each institution is assigned to one of three groups
("well-capitalized," "adequately-capitalized" or "under-capitalized") based on
its capital ratios. A well-capitalized institution is one that has at least a
10% total risk-based capital ratio, and a 6% core capital to risk-based
assets. An adequately-capitalized institution is one that has an 8% total
risk-based capital ratio, a 4% core capital to risk-based assets ratio and a
4% leverage capital ratio. An  under-capitalized institution is one that does
not meet either of the above definitions. The FDIC also assigns each
institution to one of three subgroups based upon reviews by the institution's
primary federal or state supervisory agency, statistical analysis of financial
statements and other information relevant to gauging the risk posed by the
institution. The assessment for well-capitalized, healthy institutions is
three basis points less than the average assessment rate for insured
depository institutions. Well-capitalized institutions that present
supervisory concern pay the average assessment rate. All other institutions
pay an assessment rate of two basis points over the average assessment rate.
The assessment rate for insured depository institutions ranges from 23 basis
points to 31 basis points.

    

                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
   

Asset/Liability Management

     The Bank's exposure to interest rate risk results from the differences in
maturities and repricing of its interest-earning assets and interest-bearing
liabilities. The goal of the Bank's asset/liability policy is to manage
interest rate risk so as to maximize net interest income over time in changing
interest rate environments.

     In order to achieve this goal, over the years the Bank has concentrated on
shortening the loan portfolio's average maturity and increasing its sensitivity
to changes in interest rates. This has been accomplished by originating
adjustable rate mortgage loans to include in the Bank's portfolio and by
emphasizing the origination of short-term construction, land, and commercial
real estate loans. The balance of construction, land and commercial real estate
loans (gross) at June 30, 1995 was approximately $75 million, or 21% of the
Bank's total gross loan portfolio. The Bank's portfolio of adjustable rate
mortgages secured by residential housing has increased from approximately $136
million or 45% of the gross loan portfolio at June 30, 1993 to approximately
$258 million or 72% of the gross loan portfolio at June 30, 1995. For the
purpose of transferring the interest rate risk associated with holding to
maturity 30-year fixed rate mortgage loans, over the course of many years the
Bank has elected to sell the majority of such loans in the secondary markets. As
a result of the Bank's general trend of divesting itself of such noninterest
rate sensitive assets, the Bank's exposure to such 30-year fixed rate loans is
approximately $14 million or 3.9% of the total loan portfolio. The Bank
originates relatively small commercial loans, (average principal balance of
under $250 thousand per loan at June 30, 1995), and at the same time has
enhanced its asset/liability position by adding higher-margined adjustable rate
loans. Many of the commercial loans as of June 30, 1995 were initiated as short-
term construction loans and borrowers subsequently elected permanent financing
with the Bank.

     The Bank's asset/liability management strategies have helped to decrease
the exposure of its earnings to future interest rate increases. This significant
volume of shorter-term and adjustable rate loans have also allowed the Bank to
fund those assets with shorter-term lower rate paying retail deposits. The
Bank's portfolio of passbook, money market and transaction accounts, all of
which are assumed to reprice within a 0-6 month time frame, totaled $99.6
million or 35% of total retail savings liabilities at June 30, 1995. Unlike many
financial institutions, which for repricing purposes assume that passbook, money
market and transaction accounts are a non-rate sensitive liability, the Bank
believes that a more accurate depiction of theses liabilities as the Bank's
experience would support, is one of a rate sensitive instrument. These
liabilities will reprice frequently to match the current rate environment. For
this reason, the Bank does not follow a straight erosion theory in its analysis
of the interest rate risk.

     The Bank's cumulative one-year Gap (i.e., interest-earning assets which
reprice or mature in one year or less minus interest-bearing liabilities which
reprice or mature in one year or less) was approximately +2% of total assets at
June 30, 1995, compared to approximately +5% of total assets at June 30, 1994.
Despite the fact that the Gap report would indicate the volumes of assets
repricing over a one year horizon out-paces the liabilities repricing over a
similar time frame, the Gap report fails to provide a description as to the
level of repricing.

Gap Analysis

     The following table sets forth the amounts of interest-earning assets and
interest-bearing liabilities outstanding at June 30,1995, which are expected
to reprice or mature in each of the future time periods shown.  Except as
stated below, the amount of assets or liabilities which reprice or mature
during a particular period were determined in accordance with contractual
terms of the asset or liability. Fixed rate loans and mortgage-backed securities
are assumed to prepay at speeds ranging from approximately 9% to 24% annually
according to the underlying coupon. Passbook, money market and NOW accounts are
assumed to be interest sensitive and will reprice immediately in step with
market rates. Adjustable rate loans are assumed to reprice at contractual
repricing intervals.

    

                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
   

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                  Remaining Term to Maturity or Repricing Period
                                             --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             6 Months    6 Months    1 to 3     3 to 5     5 to 10   10 to 20    Over 20    or Less
                                             to 1 Year     Years     Years      Years       Years      Years      Total
                                             ---------   --------    ------     ------     -------   --------    -------   --------
Interest-earning assets:                                                            (In Thousands)
<S>                                          <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>
Mortgage loans/1/.........................
Adjustable rate first
 mortgage loans...........................    $198,890    $ 2,105    $     -    $     -    $     -    $     -    $     -   $200,995
   Fixed rate: 1 to 4 family
    residential first.....................       5,894      5,130     14,526      7,397      6,895      1,578          -     41,420
    construction and land.................      16,346      3,251          -                                -     19,597
   Other residential and
    all nonresidential adjustable rate....      57,706          -          -          -          -          -          -     57,706
Other residential and all
 nonresidential fixed rate................         444        391      1,176        724        546          -          -      3,281
   Other residential and all
    nonresidential fixed rate
    construction and land.................       1,988        723          -          -          -          -          -      2,711
   Adjustable rate second
    mortgage loans........................       1,172          -          -          -          -          -          -      1,172
   Nonmortgage loans/1/
    Nonmortgage consumer loans............      16,161        452      1,557        422          -          -          -     18,592
    Commercial............................       1,642          -          -          -          -          -          -      1,642
   Mortgage-backed securities /2/.........       3,724        927      2,781      1,339      1,231         21          -     10,023
   Investment securities /2/..............      13,613      2,626      3,079      1,306          -          -          -     20,624
 
Total rate sensitive assets...............    $317,580    $15,605    $23,119    $11,188    $ 8,672    $ 1,599    $     0   $377,763
                                              --------    -------    -------    -------    -------   --------   --------   --------
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 Fixed maturity deposits..................     120,919     40,648     22,713          -          -          -          -    184,280
 NOW, Super NOW and other
   transaction accounts...................      32,624          -          -          -          -          -          -     32,624
 Money market deposit accounts............      25,686          -          -          -          -          -          -     25,686
 Passbook accounts........................      35,589          -          -          -          -          -          -     35,589
 Noninterest-bearing deposits.............       5,730          -          -          -          -          -          -      5,730
 FHLB and other borrowings................      46,470     16,330      2,100      1,251      2,461        757          -     69,369
 
Total rate sensitive liabilities..........    $267,018    $56,978    $24,813    $ 1,251    $ 2,461    $   757    $     0   $353,278
                                              --------    -------    -------    -------    -------   --------   --------   --------
 
Cumulative interest sensitivity Gap.......    $ 50,562    $ 9,189    $ 7,495    $17,432    $23,643    $24,485    $24,485   $ 24,485
 
Ratio of interest-rate-sensitive
 assets to interest-rate-sensitive
 liabilities..............................      118.94%     27.39%     93.17%    894.32%    352.38%         -          -          -
 
Ratio of cumulative gap to
 total assets.............................       12.93%      2.35%      1.92%      4.46%      6.05%      6.26%      6.26%         -
</TABLE>

l Does not include reductions for loan loss allowances and unearned fees.
2 Does not include adjustments for unrealized gain or losses under FAS 115.


          This table does not necessarily indicate the impact of general
interest rate movements on the Bank's net interest yield because the 
repricing of various categories of assets and liabilities is discretionary and
is subject to competitive and other pressures. As a result, various assets and
liabilities indicated as repricing within the same period may in fact reprice at
different times and at different rate levels.

          Because the Gap analysis fails to provide an adequate measure of the
interest rate sensitivity of assets and liabilities repricing, during recent
years the Bank has relied upon a market value approach to manage the
relationship between interest rates and the effect on the Bank's Net Portfolio
Value (NPV). Under a methodology similar to that incorporated by the OTS to
arrive at the additional capital the Bank must hold as the interest rate risk
component of risk-based capital, the Bank calculates the difference between
the present value of expected cash flows from assets and the present value of
expected cash flows from liabilities as well as cash flows from off-balance
sheet contracts. Management of the Bank's assets and liabilities is done in
the context of the marketplace, but also within limits established by the
Board of Directors on the amount of change in NPV which is acceptable given
interest rate changes.

    

                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
   

          Presented below, as of June 30, 1995, is an analysis of the Bank's
interest rate risk as measured by changes in NPV for instantaneous and
sustained parallel shifts in the yield curve, in 100 basis point (100 basis
points equals 1%) increments up and down 400 basis points and compared to
policy limits set by the Board of Directors and in accordance with OTS
regulations. Such limits have been established with consideration of the
dollar impact of various rate changes and the Bank's capital position.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 

     Change in                   At June 30, 1995
   Interest Rate  Board Limit   -------------------
  (Basis Points)    % Change         $ Change        % Change
- ----------------  ------------  -------------------  -----------
<S>               <C>           <C>                  <C>
       +400           -75%           $(21,081)          (52)%
       +300           -55             (14,350)          (36)
       +200           -35              (8,373)          (21)
       +100           -15              (3,585)           (9)
          0
       -100            -5               2,901             7
       -200           -10               5,510            14
       -300           -15               8,503            21
       -400           -20              12,267            30
</TABLE>

          In the above table the first column on the left presents the basis
point increments of yield curve shifts. The second column presents the board
policy limits of each 100 basis point increment for the Bank's percent change
in NPV. For example, the Board's policy limit for a 100 basis point upward
shift in the yield curve indicates that NPV should not decrease by more than
15%. The remaining columns present the Bank's actual position in dollar change
and percent change in NPV at each basis point increment at the date indicated.

          Based on the June 30, 1995 interest rate risk exposure report, the
Bank's required deduction from total risk-based capital available would have
been $211 thousand. If the Bank would have been subject to the IRR capital
component at June 30, 1995, as described previously, the Bank's total risk-
based capital ratio would have declined from 14.56% to 14.48%.

          As with any method of measuring interest rate risk, certain short
comings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the foregoing
table. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar
maturities or period to repricing, they may react in different degrees to
changes in market interest rates. Also, the interest rates on certain types of
assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest
rates, while interest on other types may lag behind changes in market rates.
Additionally, certain assets, such as ARM loans have features which restrict
changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset.
Further, in the event of a change in interest rates, expected rates of
prepayments on loans and early withdrawals from certificates could likely
deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the table.

          The ability to reprice assets to the same level as liabilities is
especially relevant to the Bank because of the volume of adjustable rate
products that are tied to the 11th District COFI. Because this is a lagging
index and does not rise as rapidly as current indices such as those based on U.
S. Treasury rates, the Bank's net interest income is vulnerable over a time
frame that allows the COFI to move up to current interest rate ranges. For
example, while other rates, such as the yield on a one year treasury, increased
from 3.61% at January 1, 1993 to 7.17% at December 31, 1994 an increase of 356
basis points, the COFI increased much more slowly from 3.82% at January 1,1993
to 4.37% at December 31, 1994. Adding further to this issue of level of
repricing, has been the Bank's reliance on short-term advances and reverse
repurchase agreements from the FHLB of San Francisco. As of June 30, 1995, the
Bank held $61.4 million in fixed rate FHLB advances and reverse repurchase
agreements which are scheduled to mature in one year or less. Because all fixed
rate FHLB advances are tied to current treasury rates this source of funding has
and will continue to reprice more quickly than the COFI. Despite the level of
repricing mismatch that the Bank will experience over the next year, the Bank's
decision to hold in portfolio a significant volume of adjustable rate loans will
help protect the Bank from rising interest rates over the longer term.

          During the period of October 1, 1993 through March 31, 1995, a period
of substantial rise in interest rates in which we witnessed seven increases by
the Federal Reserve Bank, raising the Federal Funds rate from 3% to 6%, the
Bank's net interest rate spread declined from 4.22% to 2.88%. It has become
evident that COFI indexed assets alone have not and will not provide an adequate
level of protection to the Bank's net interest margin during these periods of
rapidly increasing interest rates. The reality of an extremely volatile interest
rate environment has caused the Bank to re-evaluate its strategies aimed at
controlling interest rate risk. Under this new phase of interest rate risk
management the Bank will focus on another restructuring of the balance sheet to
diversify indexes upon which assets will reprice to achieve a portfolio of
assets which in aggregate will more closely correlate to the rate sensitivity of
the liabilities funding those assets. The Bank has, on an incremental basis,
been carrying out such strategies aimed at limiting exposure to rising rates
over the shorter term. As a result, the Bank has on its books as of June 30,
1995, approximately $17.6 million of assets which reprice to "current" indices
such as prime and the one-year treasury rate. Further, the Bank has over the
years been attempting to build a portfolio of more rate sensitive COFI based
products such as those that adjust on monthly, rather than semi-annual basis. As
a result of this strategy the Bank held in portfolio approximately $18 million
of such loans and investments. Finally, the Bank has followed a strategy of
enhancing the profitability of the Bank's originated COFI products by
systematically increasing the margins, life-time caps and initial discount rates
on such products.


                                       RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income

          The earnings of Northbay Savings Bank depend primarily upon the
level of net interest income generated from the difference between interest
earned on its interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the
interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income is a function
of the interest rate spread, which is the difference between the weighted
average yield earned on interest-earning assets and the weighted average rate
paid on interest-bearing liabilities, as well as the average balance of
interest-earning assets as compared to interest-bearing liabilities.

          The following table sets forth certain information relating to the
Bank's average balance sheet and reflects the average yield on assets and
average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated. Such yields and costs
are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or
liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented. Average balances are
derived from month-end balances. Management does not believe that the use of
month-end balances instead of daily average balances has caused any material
difference in the information presented. For purposes of this analysis,
nonaccrual loans have been included in the average loan balance of interest-
earning assets. The lack of interest income generated from these assets is
reflected in a lower interest income which translates to a lower average yield
earned on the related assets.

    

                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
AVERAGE BALANCES, INTEREST AND AVERAGE YIELDS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                          Year Ended June 30
                                       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1995                          1994                          1993
                                                 --------                      --------                      --------
                                                           Average                       Average                       Average
                                       Average              Yield/   Average              Yield/   Average              Yield/
                                       Balance   Interest    Cost    Balance   Interest    Cost    Balance   Interest    Cost
                                       --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
                                                                        (Dollars In Thousands)
<S>                                    <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Interest-earning assets:
 Loan portfolio.....................   $342,815   $24,366     7.11%  $292,610   $21,775     7.44%  $262,101   $22,874     8.73%
 Investment securities..............     14,478       837     5.78%     9,066       426     4.69%     7,357       386     5.25%
 Overnight federal funds............        287        17     5.82%       812        27     3.34%     1,271        51     4.01%
 FHLB of San Francisco stock........      3,674       180     4.91%     2,138        91     4.28%     1,911        26     1.37%
 Mortgage-backed securities.........      8,485       593     6.99%     5,917       388     6.55%     8,413       615     7.31%
 Short-term investments and
   other interest-earning assets....      3,103       161     5.20%     3,761       207     5.50%     5,172       303     5.86%
                                       --------   -------            --------   -------            --------   -------
 
Total interest-earning assets.......   $372,842   $26,154     7.01%  $314,304   $22,914     7.29%  $286,225   $24,255     8.47%
                                       --------   -------            --------   -------            --------   -------
 
Noninterest-earning assets..........     15,043                        14,080                        14,061
                                       --------                      --------                      --------
 
 Total assets.......................   $387,885                      $328,384                      $300,286
                                       ========                      ========                      ========
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 Deposits...........................    277,011    10,356     3.74%  $263,281     8,183     3.11%  $250,843     9,061     3.61%
 Borrowings.........................     72,998     4,107     5.63%    29,450     1,042     3.54%    16,028       554     3.46%
                                       --------   -------            --------   -------            --------   -------
 
 Total interest-bearing liabilities.   $350,009   $14,463     4.13%  $292,731   $ 9,225     3.15%  $266,871   $ 9,615     3.60%
                                       --------   -------            --------   -------            --------   -------
 
Noninterest-bearing liabilities.....      3,667                         2,701                         3,439
                                       --------                      --------                      --------
 
 Total liabilities..................    353,676                       295,432                       270,310
Stockholders' equity................     34,078                        32,952                        29,976
                                       --------                      --------                      --------
 
Total liabilities and
 Stockholders' equity...............   $387,754                      $328,384                      $300,286
                                       ========                      ========                      ========
 
Net interest income.................              $11,691                       $13,689                       $14,640
                                                  =======                       =======                       =======
 
Interest rate spread................                          2.88%                         4.14%                         4.87%
                                                            ======                        ======                        ======
 
Net yield on
 interest-earning assets............                          3.14%                         4.36%                         5.11%
                                                            ======                        ======                        ======
 
Ratio of average interest-earning
 assets to average interest-bearing
 liabilities........................                        106.52%                       107.37%                       107.25%
                                                            ======                        ======                        ======
 
</TABLE>

                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
   

Rate/Volume Analysis

     The following table sets forth certain information regarding changes
in interest income and interest expense of the Bank for the periods indicated.
For each category of interest-earning asset and interest-bearing liability,
information is provided on changes attributable to (i) changes in volume
(changes in volume multiplied by old rate); (ii) changes in rates (change in
rate multiplied by old volume); and (iii) changes in rate-volume (changes in
rate multiplied by the change in volume).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Year Ended June 30
                                              1994 vs 1995                           1993 vs 1994
                                       Increase (Decrease) Due to             Increase (Decrease) Due to
                                      ----------------------------           -----------------------------
                                                           Rate/                                    Rate/
                                       Volume     Rate      Vol.     Total    Volume      Rate      Vol.     Total
                                      --------  --------  --------  -------  ---------  ---------  -------  -------
Interest income:                                                      (In Thousands)
<S>                                   <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>
Loan portfolio......................    $3,736     (977)     (168)   2,591     $2,662     (3,369)    (392)  (1,099)
Mortgage-backed securities..........       168       26        11      205       (182)       (64)      19     (227)
Investments.........................       224      118        59      401         27         12        1       40
 Other interest-earning assets......        44       (1)        -       43        (30)       (27)              (55)
                                        ------   ------    ------   ------     ------     ------    -----   ------
Total interest-earning assets.......    $4,172     (834)      (98)   3,240     $2,477     (3,448)    (370)  (1,341)
                                        ======   ======    ======   ======     ======     ======    =====   ======
 
Interest expense:
Deposits............................    $  427    1,659        87    2,173     $  449     (1,264)     (62)    (877)
Borrowings and FHLB advances........     1,540      615       910    3,065        464         13       10      487
Total interest-bearing liabilities..    $1,967    2,274       997    5,238     $  913     (1,251)     (52)    (390)
                                        ------   ------    ------   ------     ------     ------    -----   ------
Net interest income.................    $2,205   (3,108)   (1,095)  (1,998)    $1,564     (2,197)   (318))    (951)
                                        ======   ======    ======   ======     ======     ======    =====   ======
</TABLE>

Comparison of Year Ended June 30, 1995
to the Year Ended June 30, 1994

     General. For the year ended June 30,1995, the Bank had net income of $1.9
million which represented a .50% return on average assets and a 5.6% return on
average equity. For the year ended June 30, 1994, the Bank had net income of
$3.3 million which represented a 1.00% return on average assets or a 9.95%
return on average equity.  The following table is a summary of unaudited
selected quarterly results of operations for the years ended June 30, 1995 and
1994:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                             Cumulative
                                                                              Effect of
                                                                             Adopting a
                                                                              Change in
                                                                             Accounting
                   Gross Interest   Net Interest  Provision For    Income     Principle     Net    Earnings
                       Income          Income       Loan Loss    Before Tax   (Note 1)    Income   Per Share
                   ---------------  ------------  -------------  ----------  -----------  -------  ---------
<S>                <C>              <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>          <C>      <C>
 
1995:               (In Thousands)
 First quarter.....       $ 6,323        $ 3,394           $127      $1,159        $  -    $  712      $ .25
 Second quarter....         6,454          3,055             95       1,001           -       622        .21
 Third quarter.....         6,458          2,562             60         464           -       309        .11
 Fourth quarter....         6,920          2,680            130         435           -       289        .10
                          -------        -------           ----      ------  ----------    ------      -----
                          $26,155        $11,691           $412      $3,059        $  0    $1,932      $ .67
                          =======        =======           ====      ======  ==========    ======      =====
 
1994:
 First quarter.....       $ 5,759        $ 3,450           $153      $1,507        $220    $1,085      $ .37
 Second quarter....         5,747          3,424            202       1,391           -       864        .30
 Third quarter.....         5,593          3,354            200       1,016           -       624        .21
 Fourth quarter....         5,815          3,461            170       1,211           -       705        .24
                          -------        -------           ----      ------  ----------    ------      -----
                          $22,914        $13,689           $725      $5,125        $220    $3,278      $1.12
                          =======        =======           ====      ======  ==========    ======      =====
</TABLE>

     Severe volatility in interest rates was the key factor to the Bank's
decline in profitability. During the first six months of the year ended June 30,
1995, the Bank continued to witness a flattening of the yield curve (the
differential between short-term rates and longer-term rates narrowed as a result
of further increases in the short-term rates without corresponding increases in
longer-term rates). While the offering rate on the 30-year fixed rate loans
increased from 7.2% at December 31, 1993, to 9.125% at December 31, 1994, an
increase of 193 basis points, the rate on one year treasury notes increased from
3.68% at December 31, 1993, to 7.17% at December 31, 1994, an increase of 349
basis points. The Bank's inability to match the upward repricing, which
occurred in its large volume of shorter-term retail deposits and Federal Home
Loan Bank (FHLB) advances with similar increases in its loan and investment
portfolios, resulted in a reduced interest rate spread.

    

                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
   

          During the next six month period ended June 30, 1995, inflationary
pressures seemed to ease as a result of the previous interest rate increases,
creating a significant downward shift in the entire yield curve. While the
one-year treasury rate decreased from 7.17% at December 31, 1994 to 5.72% at
June 30, 1995, the Bank's offering rate on the 30-year fixed rate loan
decreased from 9.125% to 7.625% over the similar time frame. The net effect of
this near 150 basis point parallel decline in the yield curve over this six
month period was a stabilization and finally gradual improvement in the Bank's
net interest rate spread. The resulting net interest rate spread decreased
from 4.14% for the year ended June 30, 1994, to 2.88% for the year ended
June 30, 1995.

          The Bank's rather slow growth of retail deposits is a function of
two factors. First, the Bank continued its policy of conservative pricing on
savings rates. The strategy aimed at achieving a flow of funds from the most
efficient source of retail savings funds versus wholesale funds in the form of
Advances and Reverse Repurchase Agreements from the FHLB of San Francisco. The
result of such a strategy has been to maintain an overall cost of funds
considerably below the 11th District Cost of Funds thus enhancing the net
interest rate spread. The moderate growth in retail deposits as well as the
net growth of $24.5 million in the loan and investment portfolios for the
year ended June 30, 1995, was supported by increases in FHLB of San Francisco
advances and reverse repurchase agreements of approximately $20.1 million.

          The last quarter ended June 30, 1994, and the remainder of the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1995, marked a reversal of a generally declining
interest rate environment in which the volume of loans being refinanced to lower
paying fixed rate loans was tremendous. Principal payments received on longer
term loans, which consist primarily of loans being refinanced, decreased from
approximately $107 million in 1994 to approximately $82 million in 1995. This
volume of refinancing had contributed to the Bank's yield on interest earning
assets through the recognition of net deferred loan origination fees. These loan
origination fees are normally deferred at the time of origination and amortized
as a yield adjustment over the life of the associated loans. Loan fees
recognized into income as a yield adjustment remained in a relatively high range
between the years of heavy refinance from 1992 through 1994. Deferred fees of
approximately $1.46 million were recorded during the year ended June 30, 1994,
compared to $1.17 million for the year ended June 30, 1995, a year that was
absent of a significant volume of loans being refinanced.

          The reduction in fees as a result of declining refinance activity is
masked somewhat by the increased volumes of discount adjustable rate loans
originated late in fiscal year 1994 and early in 1995. When adjustable rate
loans are booked at a discount the Bank follows a policy of recognizing loan
fees is a level yield based upon the fully indexed note rate. Under this
methodology deferred fees on such discounted loans are usually recognized into
income over a period of a few months rather than the life of the loan. As the
Bank's volume of new origination discounted ARM loans slowed the yield
adjustment from this source quickly disappeared. The Bank estimates that
approximately $285 thousand of such loan fees were recognized during the first
six months of the fiscal year ended June 30, 1995.

          Despite the decline in the Bank's net interest margin for the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1995, to 2.88% from 4.14% for 1994, after experiencing seven
consecutive quarters of decline in its net interest margin, that decline
stabilized during the third quarter of 1995 and the margin widened during the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1995. There were a number of factors contributing to
the decline in the net interest spread during the fiscal year ended 1995 and a
number of reasons why management believes the current trend of a widening spread
will continue into 1996. First, exacerbating the lagging nature of the COFI
index was the fact that the Bank was quite aggressive in its pricing of the COFI
ARM product, offering discounted start rates of up to 200 basis points below the
fully indexed rate. Deep discounted loans with a six month reset period and a 1%
six month rate cap created an asset that continues to fall behind current market
rates in a rapidly rising interest rate environment. From January 1, 1994
through September 30, 1994 the Bank originated approximately $80 million in
loans at a discounted rate with a weighted average estimated at 4.5%. As of June
30, 1995 this pool of discounted COFI ARMS had a weighted average rate of
approximately 5.90%, fully indexed these loans would be yielding approximately
7.70%. Should rates remain completely static from this point forward over the
next twelve month period this portfolio of discounted loans would still reprice
upward by approximately 180 basis points based upon the COFI index of 5.14% at
June 30, 1995.

          Although the discounted ARMS negatively affected the Bank's interest
rate spread, the Bank was successful in achieving three of its strategic goals
in generating this volume of discounted ARMS. First, the Bank was successful in
further leveraging its capital, reducing equity as a percentage of assets from
9.24% at June 30,1994 to 8.82% at June 30,1995. Equity, while still far in
excess of regulatory requirements, has now been put to work generating a greater
volume of interest earning assets which are now beginning to achieve positive
returns for the Bank. Second, the Bank was successful in leveraging its
operations. The Bank was able to decrease operating expenses as a percentage of
average assets for the year ended June 30, 1995 to 2.36% from 2.78% in 1994. The
Bank achieved this leverage in operating expense by growth in terms of assets of
approximately 7% while holding down growth in operating expenses at less than
1%. Third and finally, the Bank took advantage of an opportunity to meet a
consumer demand for adjustable rate mortgage financing while at the same time
adding a high quality interest earning asset that met the requirements of the
Bank as a portfolio lender. The structure of the Bank's loan portfolio remains
heavily weighted with adjustable rate loans. At June 30, 1995, the Bank held in
portfolio approximately $283 million or 82% of the total portfolio in adjustable
rate loans. Despite the fact that the majority of such adjustable rate loans
adjust in six month intervals and are indexed to the FHLB 11th District COFI, an
index which lags more current indices, these loans will continue to gradually
reprice upward even after other indices remain static. While the one year
treasury rate declined from 7.17% at December 31,1994 to 5.72% at June 30, 1995,
the COFI has continued to increase during this same period of time from 4.37% to
5.14%.

          Interest Income. Net interest income before provision for loan losses
was approximately $11.7 million for the year ended June 30,1995, a decrease of
$2 million or 14.6%, from $13.7 million recorded in 1994. The decline in net
interest income can be attributed in large part to a year of volatile shifts in
the direction of interest rates. First, during a period of generally rapidly
rising interest rates, the Bank was unable to match the upward repricing of its
short-term liabilities with similar increases in its loan and investment
portfolios. This inability to reprice assets to the degree of liabilities
relates to two specific characteristics of the adjustable rate loan portfolios.
First, as has already been documented, interest rate increases were inhibited
due to the lagging nature of the COFI to which the majority of the Bank's assets
are tied. Second, the small increases that were taking place in the ARM
portfolio were inhibited by both six-month adjustment periods, and periodic caps
of 1%. With a 1% periodic cap, assuming COFI matched treasury increases (which
it did not), while the one-year treasury note increased 350 basis points over
a one year period, the Bank's ARM portfolio inhibited by the periodic rate
caps would have increased by only 200 basis points or less than 60% of the
current market rate change.

          The result of the rising interest rate environment and the inability
of the Bank's assets to reprice in concert with other "current" market rates was
a decline in the net interest rate spread from 4.14% during the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1994 to 2.88% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1995. The
average rate on interest bearing liabilities for the year ended June 30, 1995
increased almost 100 basis points from 3.15% to 4.13% for the year ended June
30, 1995, while the average yield on interest-earning assets declined from 7.29%
in 1994 to 7.01% in 1995. The increase in total interest income for the year
ended June 30, 1995 of approximately $3.2 million, can be attributed to the
large volumes of discounted adjustable rate single family loans originated in
late fiscal 1993 and early fiscal 1994. The increase in the average volume of
the loan portfolio of $50 million over 1994 was at substantially reduced rates
which failed to keep pace with the rising market interest rates paid on
liabilities to support those assets. While total interest income increased by
$3.2 million total, the corresponding increase in interest expense generated
from liabilities to support these assets increased by $5.2 million.

          Although the Bank's overall cost of interest bearing liabilities
increased at a much greater rate than the interest earning assets, the Bank's
cost of retail deposits as anticipated did in fact move in concert with the 11th
District COFI. While the 11th District COFI increased from 3.73% at June 30,
1994 to 5.14% at June 30, 1995, an increase of 141 basis points, the Bank's cost
of retail deposits increased from 3.10% to 4.40% or 130 basis points during this
same period of time. However there was a definite cost associated with the
ability to maintain a low cost of retail savings funds. The cost of maintaining
a low cost retail deposit base was realized in the form of higher interest
expense and greater exposure to rising interest rates that resulted by
supplementing lack of growth in retail savings with short-term borrowings which
repriced with current treasury rates. The average volume of borrowed funds which
consisted of advances and reverse repurchase agreements with the FHLB of San
Francisco increased from $29.5 million with a weighted average rate of 3.54%
during the year ended June 30, 1994. to an average volume of $73 million with a
weighted average rate of 5.63% during the similar year ended June 30, 1995.

          Provision for Losses on Loans. During the year ended June 30,1995,
the Bank recognized $412 thousand in provision for possible loan losses,
compared with $725 thousand in 1994. The decrease in provision for loan loss
reserves can be attributed to two factors which positively impacted the
assessment of the Bank's credit risk on its loan portfolio. First, the Bank
experienced a significant decline in nonperforming assets from approximately
$4.5 million or 1.23% of total assets at June 30, 1994, to $2.9

    

                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
   

million or .74% of total assets as of June 30,1995. Second, the Bank
experienced a decline in the portfolio of more risk-oriented construction,
commercial, and concentration of loans to a single borrower. For example,
total gross construction, land and commercial real estate loans declined from
$103.3 million at June 30, 1994 to $74.8 million at June 30, 1995, a decline
of $28.5 million or 28%. The charge-offs of $266 thousand during the fiscal
year ended June 30,1995 are reflective of the Bank's policy of analyzing all
troubled assets and recording a write down to the value of those assets to the
estimated fair value at the time the Bank becomes aware of any deterioration
in the value. The Bank adheres to a stringent internal modeling policy that
dictates the level of general valuation allowances. Among several of the
portfolio criteria that are evaluated are, concentration of risk weighted
portfolio assets, concentration of  credit to a single borrower, and level of
adversely internally classified assets. The provision of $412 thousand for
the year ended June 30, 1995 is reflective of a decline in concentration of
risk weighted assets, and concentration to a single borrower. Virtually all of
the growth within the Bank's loan portfolio during the year ended June 30, 1995,
was in the less risk oriented category of mortgage loans secured by the
borrowers' primary residence.

          Management believes that the current level of loan loss reserves,
which stands at $2.2 million or .64% of the total loan portfolio, provides the
Bank with a pool of reserves to adequately reflect the unforeseen credit
losses within the portfolio. While management uses available information to
recognize losses on loans and real estate owned, future additions to the
allowances may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In
addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their
examination process, periodically review the Bank's allowance for losses on
loans and real estate owned. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize
additions to the allowance based on their judgement or information available
to them at the time of their examination.

          Noninterest income. Despite a decline in noninterest income of $337
thousand or 26%, from $1.29 million for the year ended June 30, 1994 to $949
thousand for the same period in 1995, the decline is concentrated in the
categories of nonrecurring income such as gains or loss on the sales of loans,
investment securities, and association premises. Due to a year of generally
rising interest rates and the corresponding lack of consumer demand for fixed
rate mortgage financing, the Bank's ability to generate and sell such long-
term fixed rate loans in the secondary market has been eliminated. As a
result, the Bank completed no sales of such loans or mortgage-backed
securities in the secondary markets during the year ended June 30, 1995,
compared to sales of approximately $25 million and corresponding gains of $161
thousand in 1994. The decline of $251 thousand in gains on sales of investment
securities relates primarily to the sale of stock of the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC). The Bank sold 9,000 shares of FHLMC, recognizing
gains of $403 thousand during the year ended June 30, 1994, compared to the
sale of the final block of stock being held by the Bank of 3,000 shares in
1995, upon which the Bank recognized a gain of $116 thousand. Finally, during
the fiscal year ended June 30, 1995, the Bank recorded a loss of $51 thousand
on the disposal of a property located in downtown Santa Rosa which the Bank
had acquired previously with the intention of constructing a Bank Branch
thereon.

          Conversely, noninterest income from recurring core business operations
under the categories of service charges and "other" income increased in
aggregate from $924 thousand in 1994 to $1.02 million for 1995, an increase of
$98 thousand or 10.6%. A decline in service fees associated with loan
servicing of $36 thousand as a result of less problem loans was more than
offset by an increase of $63 thousand in fees relating to deposit account
services. The increase in service fees on retail savings represents the
initial results of an increased pricing policy implemented late in fiscal 1995
to more accurately reflect the cost of services provided. An increase of $71
thousand in the category of "other" income represents increased fees from a
third party vendor in compensation for sale of official check products. This
category was further enhanced by rental income generated from the rent of
foreclosure properties which the Bank owns. The final significant enhancement
to this line item is the increased volume of sales of alternative investment
products. Through its contractual agreement with Primevest Financial Services,
an independent broker-dealer the Bank offers full-service brokerage
capabilities at each of its branch offices.

          Adding positively to noninterest income, is the decline in the write
down of deferred servicing premiums of $27 thousand for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1995 compared to 1994. This write down decreased from $31 thousand
for the year ended June 30, 1994 to $4 thousand for the year ended June 30,
1995. When loans are sold and the right to service those loans is retained,
the gain or loss recognized is based upon the net present value of expected
cash flows to be received resulting from the difference between the
contractual interest rates received from the borrower and the rates paid to
the buyer. The related deferred charge (deferred premium on loans sold) is
amortized to operations over the estimated remaining life of the loan as a
yield adjustment. The decline in the write down of this asset in 1995 can be
attributed to the fact that more severe write downs had been taken in the
previous periods when interest rates were declining and the underlying loans
were prepaying at a more rapid rate. In the current market of rising interest
rates, the assumption as to the estimated life of the loans sold is adjusted,
on a quarterly basis, to reflect the most recent market expectation of the
life and value of the expected cash flows to be received from this asset. At
June 30, 1995, the remaining value of the asset is only $51 thousand.

          The Bank recognized net losses of $134 thousand for the year ended
June 30, 1995 compared to a net loss of $137 thousand for the year ended June
30, 1994, on the resolution of properties acquired through foreclosure. During
the year ended June 30, 1995, the Bank completed the disposal of five
properties acquired as a result of foreclosure on which losses upon
liquidation totaled $61 thousand. The Bank additionally recorded permanent
valuation write downs on five properties being held to reflect the fair market
value of those properties in a market in which real estate sales remain slow.

          Noninterest Expense. The Bank's attention to the control of
operating expenses is evident in the nominal increase in noninterest expense of
$46 thousand or .5% over the similar year ended June 30, 1994. Compensation and
employee benefits, the largest component of non-interest expense, increased to
$4.30 million for the year ended June 30, 1995 from $4.28 million for the
comparable year ended June 30, 1994, an increase of .5%. Contributing to the
control of compensation and benefits has been the elimination of officer bonus
incentives which are based upon the Bank's ability to achieve various levels of
operating results, as well as reductions in the loan origination area as a
result of reduced loan origination volumes.

          The increase in data processing expense from $546 thousand for the
year ended June 30, 1994 to $591 thousand for the similar year ended June 30,
1995, can be attributed to an increase volume of data being processed as well as
scheduled increases in the cost of data services provided by an independent
service bureau.

          The decrease in advertising and supplies of $103 thousand or 25% can
be attributed equally to cutbacks in stationary, printing and supplies, and
advertising expense. These declines are reflective of the Bank's efforts
throughout the year to be more selective in targeting its advertising efforts.

          Other operating expense which includes such expenditures as other
insurance premiums, legal, accounting, telephone, postage, and miscellaneous
loan origination expense, increased from $1.66 million for the year ended June
30, 1993 to $1.68 million for the similar year ended June 30, 1995. Declines in
other operating expenses spread over a broad range of expenditures as including
telephone, postage, employee expenses were more than offset by increased
consultant and legal expenses relating to strategic planning and new regulatory
issues.

          Income Taxes. On February 10, 1992, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 109, entitled
Accounting for Income Taxes. This statement which supersedes SFAS 96 and changed
the criteria for recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets and various
other requirements of SFAS 96 and reduces its complexity. Under SFAS 109
deferred tax liabilities are recognized on all taxable temporary differences,
and deferred tax assets are recognized on all deductible temporary differences,
operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Valuation allowances are
recognized to reduce deferred tax assets if it is determined to be "more likely
than not" that all or some portion of the potential deferred tax assets will not
be realized. Other significant changes made by SFAS 109 include: (1) the
comprehensive scheduling of temporary differences required by SFAS 96 will not
be required; (2) a deferred tax asset may be recognized for the financial
statement general valuation allowance for loans and real estate owned, while a
deferred tax liability must be recognized for the portion of the tax bad debt
reserve exceeding the "base year" reserves; (3) tax-planning strategies must be
prudent and feasible, and; (4) tax benefits recognized as a result of all tax
planning strategies should be net of any expense or losses.

    

                                      F-10
<PAGE>
 
   

          The cumulative effect to July 1, 1993 of adopting SFAS 109, which
resulted in a cumulative tax benefit of $220 thousand to the Company, has been
shown as a separate item in the accompanying statement of operations for the
year ended June 30, 1994. The adoption of this accounting method did not have a
material impact on income tax expense and net income before the cumulative
effect of adopting SFAS 109 for 1994 over the amount that would have been
recorded under SFAS 96.

          The Bank provided $1.13 million for income taxes for the year ended
June 30, 1995, compared to $2.07 million for the year ended June 30, 1994. The
effective tax rate decreased to 36.8% in 1995, from 40.3% in 1994. The
decreased effective tax rate in 1995 can be attributed primarily to an
increased tax benefits derived from investments in low income housing tax
credits in relation to a smaller pre-taxable income base.

Comparison of Year Ended June 30, 1994
to the Year Ended June 30, 1993

          General. For the year ended June 30, 1994, the Bank had net income
of $3.3 million which represented a 1.00% return on average assets and a 9.95%
return on average equity. For the year ended June 30, 1993, the Bank had net
income of $3.7 million which represented a 1.24% return on average assets or a
12.46% return on average equity.

          Severe volatility in the direction of interest rates was the key
factor to the Bank's decline in profitability. During the first six months
of the year ended June 30, 1994, the Bank witnessed a flattening of the yield
curve (the differential between short-term rates and longer-term rates
narrowed as a result of further declines in the long-term rates without
corresponding declines in shorter-term rates). While the interest rate on the
30-year fixed rate loans declined from 8.10% at December 31, 1992 to 7.2% at
December 31, 1993, a decline of 90 basis points, the weighted average rate
earned on overnight Federal funds sold actually increased marginally from
2.42% for the month ended December 31, 1992 to 2.53% for the month ended
December 31, 1993. The Bank's inability to match the downward repricing
which occurred in its loan and investment portfolios with a similar downward
repricing on its large volume of shorter-term retail deposits resulted in a
reduced interest rate spread.

          During the next six-month period ended June 30, 1994, inflationary
fears created a strong upward shift in the entire yield curve. While the two-
year treasury rate increased from 4% in January 1994 to approximately 6% by June
30, 1994, the Bank's interest rate on the 30-year fixed rate loan increased from
7.2% to 8.75% over the similar time frame. The net effect of this near 200 basis
point parallel rise in the yield curve over that six-month period was a further
decline in the net interest margin due to the Bank's inability to match the
upward repricing of liabilities with assets. The resulting net interest rate
spread decreased from 4.87% for the year ended June 30, 1993 to 4.14% for the
year ended June 30, 1994.

          It is noteworthy that in 1994, a year of generally low interest rates
in which the thrift and banking industry in general had been shrinking in terms
of volume of retail deposits, the Bank was successful in increasing its retail
savings deposit base by approximately $21.8 million or 8.5% over the deposit
base at June 30, 1993. Further, in an effort to enhance the retail branch
network, and continue to provide quality banking services and affordable home
financing within its market area, the Bank opened a new full-service branch
office in downtown Santa Rosa. The Bank believed the benefits of expanding the
branch network in the Santa Rosa market outweighed the costs of opening a new
branch on a de novo basis.

          The Bank continued to follow a strategy of protecting its interest
margins as opposed to pursuing growth with higher rate paying retail deposits.
This strategy had contributed to the Bank's ability to maintain a low cost of
funds. The moderate growth in retail deposits as well as the net growth of $47
million in the net loan portfolio for the year ended June 30, 1994, was
supported by increases in FHLB of San Francisco advances of approximately $28.5
million.

          During the first nine months of the fiscal year ended June 30, 1994,
the Bank continued to experience a tremendous volume of loans being refinanced.
This trend was a continuation of the previous two years of generally declining
interest rates. This volume of refinancing had contributed to the Bank's yield
on interest-earning assets through the recognition of net deferred loan
origination fees. Principal payments received on longer-term loans which consist
primarily of loans being refinanced remained at a very high level increasing
from $103 million in 1993, to $107 million in 1994. With the upward movement in
interest rates experienced near the end of the quarter ended March 31, 1994, we
began to see a significant decline in the volume of loans being refinanced.

          The Bank's net interest margin for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1994
had declined to 4.14% from 4.87% for 1993. The pressure on interest margins was
coming from two sources. First, the Bank had previously repriced down its short-
term retail deposits and had no latitude for further downward adjustments even
though longer-term rates continued down. Second, the Bank continued to
experience refinancing of its higher rate fixed rate loans as well as downward
adjustments on its adjustable rate portfolio.

          The Bank made significant progress towards achieving goals of
leveraging both capital and operations. Despite the addition of a new full-
service retail savings branch office, a facility to consolidate and house loan
administration and origination functions, and a full fiscal year's operation in
a new administration facility, the Bank was able to decrease operating expenses
as a percentage of average assets for the year ended June 30, 1994 to 2.78% from
2.88% in 1993. The Bank was successful in leveraging operating expenses by
growth in terms of assets by 17% while only expanding operating expenses by
5.4%. Similarly, the Bank was successful in leveraging capital through growth of
financial assets and liabilities at a positive spread, earning incremental
revenues for the shareholders. Equity, while in excess of regulatory
requirements was reduced as a percentage of assets at June 30, 1994, to 9.24%,
compared to 10.03% at June 30, 1993.

          During yet another period of slow economic growth in which
unemployment levels had remained high and consumer confidence low, the Bank
resolved to increase its commitment to the community to help provide
affordable housing. During the year ended June 30,1994, the Bank committed
approximately $5 million in loans with favorable rates to finance low-income
housing projects in its market area.

          Interest Income. Net interest income before provision for loan
losses was approximately $13.7 million for the year ended June 30 1994, a
decrease of $950 thousand or 6.5%, from $14.6 million recorded in 1993. The
decline in net interest income was attributed in large part to a year of
volatile shifts in the direction of interest rates. During this period of
generally declining interest rates and a period of historically low interest
rates, the Bank was unable to price downward short-term liabilities to match
the further declines in the rates earned on longer-term interest-earning
assets. The average rate on interest-bearing liabilities for the year ended
June 30, 1994 declined to 3.15% from 3.60% for the year ended June 30, 1993,
while the average yield on interest-earning assets due to refinancing and
downward adjustments on adjustable rate products declined more rapidly from
8.47% in 1993 to 7.29% in 1994. Further exacerbating the decline in yield on
interest-earning assets was the volume of lower rate adjustable rate loans
originated in the quarter ended June 30, 1994. With the increase in interest
rates late in the quarter ended March 31, 1994, there was an abrupt change in
consumer demand from fixed rate loans to lower rate adjustable loans indexed
to the 11th District COFI. The Bank added approximately $36 million in such
adjustable rate loans with a weighted average yield of approximately 6.20%.
Total interest income for the year ended June 30, 1994 had declined by
approximately $1. 3 million or 5.5% to $22.9 million. The increase of $28.1
million, or 9.8%, in the average balance of interest-earning assets for the
year ended June 30,1994, as compared to the year ended June 30, 1993, was
offset somewhat by the decline in yield of 118 basis points to 7.29%.

          The significant decrease in interest expense on retail savings of
$878 thousand due to the decline in yield of 50 basis points below the similar
yield in 1993, was offset in large part by the Bank's use of FHLB advances to
fund loan growth. The average balance of other borrowing, which consisted
mainly of FHLB advances, grew from $16 million during the year ended June 30,
1993 to $29.5 million for the similar year ended June 30, 1994. Due to the
fact that most of those short-term borrowings are indexed to current treasury
yields, when rates shifted upward, a source of funding repriced fully to
current market conditions. While the yield on retail savings had declined

    

                                      F-11
<PAGE>
 
   

by 50 basis points for the year ended June 30, 1994 the average yield on other
borrowing increased by 8 basis points.

          Provision for Losses on Loans. During the year ended June 30, 1994,
the Bank recognized $725 thousand in provision for possible loan losses,
compared with $722 thousand in 1993. The similar provision for loan loss
reserves represented the Bank's calculation of the credit risk of the loan
portfolio as well as charge-offs of approximately $475 thousand in specific
problem assets. The provision of $725 thousand as well as charge-offs of $475
thousand during the fiscal year ended June 30 1994, were representative of a
real estate market which had remained somewhat soft during the first nine
months of the fiscal year ended June 30 1994. The local real estate market
seemed to have bottomed out in 1993 and was reflected in the ratio of
nonperforming assets to total assets of 1.71% at March 31, 1994. In the quarter
ended June 30, 1994, the Bank made significant progress in reducing the
volume of troubled assets and the ratio of nonperforming assets to total
assets declined to 1.23%. The charge-offs of $475 thousand during the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1994 was reflective of the Bank's policy of analyzing all
troubled assets and recording a write down to the value of those assets to the
estimated fair value at the time the Bank becomes aware of any deterioration
in the value. In establishing the level of reserves, several criteria are
reviewed. Among the portfolio criteria that are evaluated are: concentration
of risk-weighted portfolio assets, concentration of credit to a single
borrower, and level of adversely internally classified assets. Despite an
increase in troubled assets, the provision of $725 thousand for the year ended
June 30 1994, was reflective of a decline in concentration of risk-weighted
assets, and concentration to a single borrower. Virtually all of the growth
within the Bank's loan portfolio during the year ended June 30, 1994 was in
the less risk oriented category of mortgage loans secured by the borrower's
primary residence.

          Management believes that the level of loan loss reserves, which
stood at $2.1 million or .65% of the total loan portfolio, provided the Bank
with a pool of reserves to adequately address the inherent credit losses
within the portfolio. While management used available information to recognize
losses on loans and real estate owned, additions to the allowances may be
necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, various
regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process,
periodically review the Bank's allowance for losses on loans and real estate
owned. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additions to the
allowance based on their judgement of information available to them at the
time of their examination.

          Noninterest income. Despite the relatively small change in noninterest
income which had decreased by $49 thousand or just 3.7%, from $1.34 million
for the year ended June 30, 1993 to $1.29 million for the same period in 1994,
the sources of that noninterest income had changed significantly.

          First, the Bank had taken advantage of historically high valuations
with the equity markets, electing to realize a gain in the price of its stock
held for sale in the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC). The Bank
sold 8,000 shares of FHLMC stock, recognizing gains of $403 thousand. That
gain was offset somewhat by a loss of $8 thousand recorded on the sale of a
fixed income mutual fund held for sale and write downs to record various mutual
funds held in the Bank's investment portfolio as held for sale and accounted for
at fair market value of $33 thousand. That compared to a $77 thousand gain
recorded on the sale of an intermediate term bond fund recognized during the
year ended June 30, 1993.

          Second, the Bank's recognition of gains on the sale of loans and
mortgage-backed securities had declined from $427 thousand for the year ended
June 30,1993 to $161 thousand for the similar year ended June 30, 1994. Although
the volume of loans sold during 1994 was down to $25 million from $34.6 million
in 1993, the gains recognized from sales combined with recognition of deferred
fees on those loans was consistent at $464 thousand in 1994 and $427 thousand in
1993. However, the gains of $464 thousand recorded in 1994 were offset by write
downs of $303 thousand to record loans held for sale at the lower of cost or
market value. The majority of this market valuation adjustment occurred during
the quarter ended March 31, 1994. That adjustment was due to a dramatic increase
in long-term interest rates which had caused some loans originated and held for
sale at lower interest rates to decline in market value at March 31,1994. During
the quarter ended June 30, 1994, the Bank had elected to reclassify all
permanent loans held for sale, totaling $6 million, to be held for investment.
At the same time the Bank altered its policy regarding the classification of
current production of all mortgage loan products. The current and revised policy
states that current production of all permanent mortgage loans will be held to
maturity. The Bank may at some future period determine that the economic
benefits of originating such loans for sale in the secondary markets will
benefit shareholder value, therefore this policy remains subject to change. The
Bank had taken this action for the following reasons: (1) having written down
the value of those assets to the lower of cost or market at March 31, 1994,
during a period of rapidly rising rates, the Bank believed there was a greater
economic value in holding those loans to maturity rather than selling the assets
at a substantial discount into a market that may be overreacting to inflationary
threats; and (2) upon review of the Bank's concentration of assets and a
favorable exposure to a long-term rising interest rate environment, the addition
of those predominantly fixed rate loans provided an acceptable diversification
to the volume of adjustable rate loans within the portfolio. Gains on sales of
loans and mortgage-backed securities may not be available to the Bank as a
source of revenue under the current policy.

          Third, a significant variation in noninterest income appeared in the
write down of deferred servicing premiums. The write down decreased from $178
thousand for the year ended June 30, 1993 to $31 thousand  for the year ended
June 30, 1994, a decrease of $147 thousand. When loans are sold and the right to
service those loans is retained, the gain or loss recognized is based upon the
then difference between the contractual interest rates received from the
borrower and the rates aid to the buyer. The related deferred charge (deferred
premium on loans sold) is amortized to operations over the estimated remaining
life of the loan as a yield adjustment. The decline in the write down of this
asset in 1994 can be attributed to the fact when interest rates were declining
more rapidly. In a market of rising interest rates the assumption as to the
estimated life of the loans sold is adjusted on a quarterly basis to reflect the
most recent market expectation of the life and value of the expected cash flows
to be received from this asset. At June 30,1994 the remaining value of the asset
was only $58 thousand.

          Fourth, the Bank recognized net losses of $137 thousand for the year
ended June 30, 1994, compared to a net gain of $2 thousand for the year ended
June 30, 1993, on the disposition of properties acquired through foreclosure.
During the year ended June 30, 1994, the Bank completed the disposal of three
properties acquired as a result of foreclosure. The majority of that loss was
concentrated within one subdivision land loan which experienced the greatest
effect of the declining value of land in a soft real estate environment.

          Fifth, and finally, the gain on sale of premises had dropped from
$117 thousand for the year ended June 30,1993 to $0 during the similar year
ended June 30,1994. As a result of the Bank's consolidation of administration
functions into a newly leased facility in the year ended June 30,1993, the
Bank elected to sell a facility previously utilized to house various
administrative divisions. The sale of this facility resulted in a nonrecurring
gain during the year ended June 30, 1993.

          Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense had increased by
approximately $470 thousand or 5.4%, to $9.1 million for the year ended June
30, 1994, compared to $8.7 million in 1993. Compensation and employee
benefits, the largest component of noninterest expense, increased to $4.3
million for the year ended June 30, 1994 from $3.9 million for the comparable
year ended June 30, 1993, an increase of 8.4%. The Bank had experienced a
similar increase in occupancy related expenses, which increased by $92
thousand or 8.4% during the year ended June 30, 1994, compared with the similar
period in 1993. The increases in compensation and other employee benefits as
well as occupancy and depreciation, were due in part to the addition of the new
retail savings branch in the city of Santa Rosa, California, added in February
of 1994, a full year's operation of a new branch administration facility opened
in December of 1992, and the opening of a new loan administration office in
Santa Rosa, California, in September 1993. Further increases in compensation and
other employee benefits were due to the additional staffing of experienced
personnel to strengthen the Bank's loan divisions. Additional increases in
depreciation which had increased from $376 thousand for the year ended June
30,1993 to $454 thousand for the similar year ended June 30, 1994, were
attributed to the Bank's capital expenditures undertaken during the previous
fiscal year to position the Bank for growth in future periods. Those capital
expenditures included leasehold improvements on the newly acquired facilities as
well as depreciation of furniture and fixture necessary to carry out operations
in those facilities.

          The increase in data processing expense from $515 thousand for the
year ended June 30, 1993 to $546 thousand for the similar year ended June 30,
1994, was attributed to an increased volume of data being processed as well as
scheduled increases in the cost of data services provided by an independent
service bureau.

    

                                      F-12
<PAGE>
 
   

          Other operating expense which includes such items as other insurance
premiums, legal, accounting, telephone, postage, and miscellaneous loan
origination expense, declined from $1.75 million for the year ended June 30,
1993 to $1.66 million for the similar year ended June 30, 1994. The decline in
other operating expense was spread over a broad range of expenditures as
indicated above and relates to some more favorable contracts negotiated with
vendors as well as the orchestrated effort at cutting operating expense.

          Income Taxes. The Bank provided $2.07 million for income taxes for the
year ended June 30, 1994, compared to $2.86 million for the year ended June
30,1993. The effective tax rate had decreased to 40.3% in 1994, from 43.3% in
1993. The decrease in 1994 was attributed in part to the tax benefits derived
from investments in low income housing tax credits in relation to a smaller
pretaxable income base. Further reductions in the provision for income tax was
attributed to the implementation of SFAS 109, which allowed recognition of
deferred tax assets for financial statement general valuation allowance.

          Liquidity and Capital Resources  Under current OTS regulations, the
Bank is required to maintain liquid assets at 5% or more of its net withdrawable
deposits plus short-term borrowings. The Bank has at all times maintained
liquidity levels in excess of that required by regulation. At June 30, 1995, the
Bank's liquidity ratio was 6.41%.

          The principal sources of liquidity are deposit accounts, short-term
borrowings, principal and interest payments on loans, proceeds from the sale of
loans and mortgage-backed securities, and interest and dividends on investments.
The Bank uses its capital resources principally to fund real estate and consumer
loans, purchases of mortgage-backed and investment securities, repay maturing
borrowings, fund maturing savings certificates and to provide for maintenance
of its liquidity.

          Deposits were approximately $283.9 million at June 30, 1995, a net
increase of approximately $7 million from 1994. The Bank's net (decrease)
increase in deposits (including interest credited) for the years ended June
30, 1993, 1994 and 1995 was approximately, ($263) thousand, $9.9 million, and
$7 million respectively. The liquidity ratio over the past two fiscal years
has been maintained at a relatively low level, decreasing slightly from 6.85%
at June 30, 1994 to 6.41% at June 30, 1995.

          Principal payments on loans and mortgage-backed securities
decreased to $82.9 million for the year ended June 30, 1995 from $111 million
for the year ended June 30, 1994, and $106 million for the year ended June
30, 1993.

          Net loans receivable increased to $343.9 million at June 30, 1995
from $324.7 million at June 30, 1994, and $277.7 million at June 30, 1993. The
Bank originated $101.6 million in loans for the year ended June 30,1995,
compared to $166.6 million in loans for the year ended June 30, 1994, and
$160.7 million for the year ended June 30, 1993.

          As of June 30, 1995, the Bank had commitments to originate and
purchase loans totaling approximately $29.9 million.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

          The financial statements and related data presented herein have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles which
require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms
of historical dollars, without considering changes in the relative purchasing
power of money over time due to inflation.

          Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all of the assets and
liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result,
interest rates have a more significant impact on a financial institution's
performance than the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do
not necessarily move in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the
price of goods and services, since such prices are affected by inflation. In
the current interest rate environment, liquidity and the maturity structure of
the bank's assets and liabilities are critical to the maintenance of
acceptable performance levels.

    
 
                                              INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders Northbay Financial Corporation:

          We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial
condition of Northbay Financial Corporation (the "Company") and Subsidiary as of
June 30, 1995 and 1994, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended June 30, 1995. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company 's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

          We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

          In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Northbay Financial Corporation and Subsidiary as of June 30, 1995 and 1994, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in
the three-year period ended June 30, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

          As discussed in Notes 1 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial
Statement, the Company adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board's Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes," in 1994.



   
/s/KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
San Francisco, California
September 1, 1995
    

                                      F-13
<PAGE>
 
                 NORTHBAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
                 Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
                             June 30,1995 and 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
Assets                                                                                             1995           1994
                                                                                               -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                                            <C>            <C>
Cash, including noninterest-bearing deposits of $7,302,588 and $6,563,911...................   $  7,815,778   $  7,254,910
Overnight federal funds.....................................................................        425,000
Certificates of deposit.....................................................................      1,444,100      1,744,730
Investment securities held to maturity (note 2).............................................     12,525,738      9,518,101
Investment securities available for sale, at market value (note 2)..........................      2,887,261      2,822,436
Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity (note 3)........................................      1,672,373      1,778,350
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale, at market value (note 3).....................      8,441,233      6,164,962
Loans receivable, net (notes 4 and 8).......................................................    343,852,434    324,711,259
Interest receivable:
  Loans.....................................................................................      2,066,605      1,810,384
  Mortgage-backed securities................................................................         56,420         48,484
  Investments...............................................................................        280,969        164,495
Office property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net (note 5).........................      2,473,926      3,099,742
Real estate held for sale (note 6)..........................................................      1,555,759      1,636,909
Stock of Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, at cost (note lc).........................      3,291,400      2,315,400
Deferred premiums on loans sold (note 4)....................................................         51,048         58,553
Prepaid expenses and other assets (note 14).................................................      2,218,038      1,583,987
                                                                                               ------------   ------------
                                                                                               $391,058,082   $364,712,702
                                                                                               ============   ============
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
Savings accounts (note 7)..................................................................     283,909,075    276,900,055
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (note 8)..........................................      60,036,173     47,694,752
Other borrowings (note 9)..................................................................       9,331,986      3,118,130
Other liabilities and accrued expenses.....................................................       1,988,702      1,783,109
Deferred income taxes (note 10)............................................................         653,193        938,064
Deferred gain on sale of buildings (note 12)...............................................         560,652        594,663
                                                                                               ------------   ------------
                                                                                                356,479,781    331,028,773
 
Stockholders' equity (notes 10, 13, 14 and 16):
 Common stock (par value $ .10 per share, 4,000,000 shares authorized and issued; 2,750,522
  and 2,741,123 shares outstanding at June 30, 1995 and June 30, 1994, respectively).......         275,081        228,427
 Additional paid-in capital................................................................      20,849,324     20,802,673
 Retained earnings substantially restricted................................................      13,618,628     12,894,804
Debt incurred by ESOP......................................................................        (187,500)      (237,500)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale................................          22,768         (4,475)
                                                                                               ------------   ------------
                                                                                                 34,578,301    33,683,929
                                                                                               ------------   ------------
Commitments and contingencies (notes 13, 14 and 15)........................................    $391,058,082   $364,712,702
                                                                                               ============   ============
</TABLE>

          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-14
<PAGE>
 
NORTHBAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years ended June 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1995           1994           1993
                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>            <C>
Interest income:
 Loans...............................................   $24,366,204    $21,775,136    $22,873,714
 Mortgage-backed securities..........................       592,759        387,711        614,785
 Interest and dividends on investments...............     1,195,712        751,130        766,015
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                         26,154,675     22,913,977     24,254,514
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------
Interest expense:
 Savings accounts (note 7)...........................    10,355,883      8,183,390      9,060,708
 Advances and other borrowings.......................     4,107,446      1,041,977        554,623
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                         14,463,329      9,225,367      9,615,331
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------
 
Net interest income..................................    11,691,346     13,688,610     14,639,183
 
Provision for loan losses (note 4)...................       412,000        725,000        722,433
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses..    11,279,346     12,963,610     13,916,750
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------
 
Noninterest income:
 Service charges.....................................       759,589        733,122        729,688
 Gain on sale of loans and
   mortgage-backed securities, net (note 4)..........             -        161,365        427,276
 Write down deferred servicing premiums (note 4).....        (3,610)       (31,134)      (177,954)
 (Loss) gain from real estate acquired in
   settlement of loans (note 6)......................      (134,278)      (136,541)         2,275
 Gain on sale of investments held for sale...........       116,727        368,058         77,599
 (Loss) gain on sale of premises (note 12)...........       (50,866)             -        116,519
 Other...............................................       261,921        191,271        160,088
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------
 
                                                            949,483      1,286,141      1,335,491
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------
Noninterest expense:
 Compensation and benefits...........................     4,297,106      4,277,628      3,947,960
 Occupancy...........................................     1,229,611      1,186,926      1,094,703
Depreciation.........................................       442,673        454,279        376,187
 Data processing.....................................       591,112        545,813        514,884
 Advertising and supplies............................       310,833        413,780        398,389
 Federal deposit insurance premiums..................       619,575        583,420        570,732
Other................................................     1,679,261      1,662,635      1,753,478
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------
 
                                                          9,170,171      9,124,481      8,656,333
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------
 
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect
   of change in accounting principle.................     3,058,658      5,125,270      6,595,908
Income taxes (note 10)...............................     1,126,808      2,067,251      2,858,900
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------
 
 Income before cumulative effect of change in
   accounting principle..............................   $ 1,931,850    $ 3,058,019    $ 3,737,008
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
   principle for income taxes (note 1)...............             -        220,000              -
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------
 
 Net income..........................................   $ 1,931,850    $ 3,278,019    $ 3,737,008
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------
 
Earnings per share (note 11)
 Primary earnings per share before cumulative
   effect of accounting change.......................         $0.67          $1.05          $1.29
 Cumulative effect of accounting change..............             -            .08              -
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------
 
 Net Income..........................................         $0.67          $1.13          $1.29
                                                        ===========    ===========    ===========
 
Full diluted                                                  $0.67          $1.12          $1.29
                                                        ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-15
<PAGE>
 
   

                 NORTHBAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
                Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
                    Years ended June 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                            Retained                   Unrealized
                                                                           Earnings -                   Loss on
                                                                         Substantially      Debt       Securities        Total
                                                 Common      Additional    Restricted     Incurred      Available        Stock
                                                 Stock         Paid*In     (Notes 10      by ESOP        for Sale       Holders
                                                 Amount        Capital     13 and 16)    (Note 14)    (Note 2 and 3)     Equity
                                             --------------  -----------  ------------  ------------  --------------  ------------
<S>                                          <C>             <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>
Balances, June 30, 1992.....................      $188,703   $13,875,911  $14,349,768   $  (337,500)        $(1,322)  $28,075,560
Issuance of nonincentive stock options
  issued at below market value..............             -        18,800            -             -               -        18,800
15% stock dividend paid July 31, 1992.......
10% stock dividend paid Jan. 29, 1993.......         18,866    3,282,857    (3,301,655)
Cash dividends declared and paid
  ($ .22 per share).........................             -             -     (430,135)            -               -      (430,135)
Cash dividend declared ($ .10 per share)....             -             -     (207,500)            -               -      (207,500)
Cash dividend paid in lieu of fractional
  shares relating to stock dividend.........           (68)           68      (11,970)            -               -       (11,970)
Reduction of debt incurred by ESOP..........             -             -            -        50,000               -        50,000
Recovery of unrealized loss on
 marketable equity securities...............             -             -            -             -           1,322         1,322
Net income..................................             -             -    3,737,008             -               -     3,737,008
                                             -------------   -----------  -----------   -----------   -------------   -----------
 
Balances, June 30, 1993.....................       207,501    17,177,568   14,135,516      (287,500)              0    31,233,085
                                             -------------   -----------  -----------   -----------   -------------   -----------
 
10% stock dividend paid June 24, 1994.......        20,771    3,614,172    (3,634.943)
Cash dividends declared and paid
 ($ .30 per share)..........................             -             -     (622,788)            -               -      (622,788)
Cash dividend declared ($ .11 per share)....             -             -     (251,263)            -               -      (251,263)
Cash dividend paid in lieu of fractional
 shares relating to stock dividend..........           (55)           55       (9,737)            -               -        (9,737)
Reduction of debt incurred by ESOP..........             -             -            -        50,000               -        50,000
Issuance of common stock (Employee
 stock options exercised)...................           210        10,878            -             -               -        11,088
 
Unrealized loss on securities
 available for sale.........................             -             -            -             -          (4,475)       (4,475)
Net income..................................             -             -    3,278,019             -               -     3,278,019
                                             -------------   -----------  -----------   -----------   -------------   -----------
 
Balances, June 30, 1994.....................       228,427    20,802,673   12,894,804      (237,500)         (4,475)   33,683,929
                                             -------------   -----------  -----------   -----------   -------------   -----------
 
20% stock split/dividend declared
 Sept 30, 1994..............................        45,694            -       (45,694)
Cash dividends paid ($ .11 per share).......             -             -     (854,403)                                   (854,403)
Cash dividends declared ($ .11 per share)...             -             -     (302,557)            -               -      (302,557)
Cash dividend paid in lieu of fractional
 shares relating to stock dividend..........             -             -       (5,372)            -                        (5,372)
Reduction of debt incurred by ESOP..........             -             -            -        50,000               -        50,000
Issuance of common stock (Employee
 stock options exercised)...................           960        46,651            -             -               -        47,611
Recovery of unrealized loss on
 marketable equity securities...............             -             -            -             -          27,243        27,243
Net income..................................             -             -    1,931,850             -               -     1,931,850
                                             -------------   -----------  -----------   -----------   -------------   -----------
 
Balances, June 30, 1995.....................      $275,081   $20,849,324  $13,618,628   $  (187,500)        $22,768   $34,578,301
                                             -------------   -----------  -----------   -----------   -------------   -----------
 
</TABLE>
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

    

                                      F-16
<PAGE>
 
                 NORTHBAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
                     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                    Years ended June 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
Cash flows from operating activities:                                      1995            1994            1993
                                                                      --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                                                                   <C>             <C>             <C>
 Net income.........................................................  $   1,931,850   $   3,278,019   $   3,737,008
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in)
  provided by operating activities
   Depreciation and amortization....................................        442,673         454,279         376,187
   Amortization of:
    Deferred premiums...............................................          3,895          31,007         106,690
    Deferred loan fees..............................................     (1,164,378)     (1,467,636)     (1,548,369)
    Deferred gain on sale/leaseback of buildings....................        (34,012)        (34,012)        (34,012)
    Other...........................................................         (1,382)         49,702          65 264
   Provision for loan losses........................................        412,000         725,000         722 433
   Gain on sale of loans and mortgage-backed securities.............              -        (161,365)       (427,276)
   Loss (gain) from real estate activities..........................        134,278         136,541          (2,275)
   Loss (gain) from sale of property, plant and equipment...........         50,893               -        (116,519)
   Gain on sale of investment securities held for sale..............       (116,727)       (368,058)        (77,599)
   Decrease in income taxes payable and deferred....................       (128,349)        (64,749)       (104,217)
   (Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable...............       (380,630)        (44,322)        315,022
   Increase (decrease) in other liabilities and accrued expenses....         33,045         645,928        (632,108)
   (Increase) decrease in prepaid and other assets..................       (634,051)        (75,535)        306,197
   Write down deferred servicing premiums...........................          3,610          31,134         177,954
   Long-term loans originated and purchased as held for sale........       (649,123)    (15,623,968)    (34,984,822)
   Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale.......................        649,123      25,007,576      34,614,391
   Investment securities purchased as held for sale.................     (1,205,760)       (600,000)     (1,076,451)
   Proceeds from sales of investment securities held for sale.......      1,119,039         912,119       4,918,867
   Mortgage-backed securities purchased as held for sale............     (3,030,639)     (3,537,245)              -
   FHLB stock dividend..............................................       (170,400)        (79,900)        (27,300)
   Cumulative effect of adopting a change in accounting principle...              -        (220,000)              -
   Other............................................................              -            (672)         (7,010)
                                                                      -------------   -------------   -------------
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities.................     (2,735,045)      8,993,843       6,302,055
                                                                      -------------   -------------   -------------
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 Principal payments on loans........................................     81,883,032     107,430,728     103,120,838
 Long-term loans originated to be held to maturity..................   (100,915,876)   (150,978,107)   (125,708,896)
 Long-term loans purchased to be held to maturity...................       (421,559)    (14,026,568)     (5,692,396)
 Net decrease in short-term loans...................................        111,948         164,697          59,137
 Maturities of investment securities held to maturity...............      2,073,000       2,570,000       2,453,111
 Purchases of investment securities held to maturity................     (4,749,169)     (7,188,284)     (1,792,651)
 Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements........       (145,476)       (586,409)     (1,354,041)
 Purchases of mortgage-backed securities held to maturity...........              -      (1,007,188)              -
 Principal payments on mortgage-backed securities...................        977,654       3,445,595       3,182,981
 Purchase of FHLB stock.............................................     (1,705,600)       (219,800)       (160,400)
 Proceeds from sale of FHLB stock...................................        900,000               -               -
 Proceeds from sale of fixed assets.................................        279,835           3,309         603,275
 Proceeds from sale of real estate received in settlement of loans..        934,477         627,028         523,209
                                                                      -------------   -------------   -------------
Net cash used in investing activities...............................    (20,777,734)    (59,764,999)    (24,765,833)
                                                                      -------------   -------------   -------------
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 Dividends paid on common stock.....................................     (1,111,171)       (840,026)       (544,998)
 Net increase (decrease) in savings accounts........................      7,009,019      21,824,750        (262,303)
 Net increase in short-term borrowings..............................     18,555,276      28,541,217      14,129,905
 Common stock issued as a result of stock options exercised.........         47,613               -               -
                                                                      -------------   -------------   -------------
Net cash from financing activities..................................     24,500,737      49,525,941      13,322,604
                                                                      -------------   -------------   -------------
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents....................        987,958      (1,245,215)     (5,141,174)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year......................      7,254,910       8,500,125      13,641,299
                                                                      -------------   -------------   -------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year............................  $   8,242,868   $   7,254,910   $   8,500,125
                                                                      =============   =============   =============
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 Noncash investing and financing activities:
  Real estate acquired in settlement of loans.......................  $     979,666   $   2,248,895   $     951,490
  Additions to loans resulting from sale of real estate owned.......  $      63,900   $     242,250   $
  Transfers from mortgage-backed securities held to maturity to
    mortgage-backed securities available for sale...................  $           -   $   2,080,087   $
 Cash paid during the year for:
  Income taxes......................................................  $   1,214,000   $   1,912,000   $   2,393,000
  Interest on deposits..............................................  $  10,416,227   $   8,212,853   $   9,083,614
</TABLE>
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-17
<PAGE>
 
NORTHBAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended June 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993

   

(1)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The following items set forth the significant accounting policies not
disclosed elsewhere in the notes to the consolidated financial statements,
which Northbay Financial Corporation and Subsidiary (the "Company") follow in
preparing and presenting its consolidated financial statements.

(a)  Basis of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Northbay Savings Bank, F.S.B. (the
"Bank"). All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in
consolidation. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

(b)  Investment Securities, Mortgage-Backed Securities
     and Investments in Liquid Assets

In accordance with the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) regulations, the
Company maintains an amount at least equal to a specified percentage of
average daily withdrawable savings accounts plus short-term borrowing in U.S.
Government and other approved securities that are readily convertible to cash.

In May 1993, Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments
in Debt and Equity Securities." Under SFAS 115, institutions are required to
classify investments in debt securities and equity securities as "held to
maturity," "trading," or "available-for-sale." SFAS 115 modifies the current
accounting treatment for debt and equity securities by replacing the "held-
for-sale" categorization (with lower-of-cost or market accounting treatment)
with an "available-for-sale" categorization (with fair value accounting
treatment). Further, it imposes strict criteria over securities accounted for
as "held-to-maturity." The Bank elected to adopt SFAS 115 on June 30, 1994.
Upon the adoption of SFAS 115, debt securities that may not be held until
maturity and marketable equity securities are considered available-for-sale
and as such are classified as securities carried at fair value, with
unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable taxes, reported in a separate
component of stockholders' equity. Declines in the value of debt securities
and marketable equity securities that are considered other than temporary are
recorded in noninterest income as loss on investment securities. he market
value of securities were determined by quotes from primary securities
dealers, whenever available, or by other estimates.

Prior to June 30,1994, securities were classified as held-for-sale or held-
for-investment, based upon management's intent and ability at the time of
purchase. Assets held for investment purposes, other than marketable equity
securities were accounted for at cost, net of any unamortized premiums or
discounts. Marketable equity securities were carried at the lower of cost or
market. Securities that did not meet the reporting criteria for investment
were designated as held-for-sale and are accounted for at the lower of cost or
market.

Interest and dividends on investment securities includes interest earned on
investment securities, related amortization of premiums and discounts, and
dividends earned on stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and
stock of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Gains or losses on sales of
securities are recognized at the time of sale using the specific identification
method.

(c)  Interest on Loans

Interest on loans is credited to income when earned. Interest is reserved on
loans that are 90 days or more delinquent, or considered to be uncollectible or
are in the process of foreclosure.

(d)  Office Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

Depreciation and amortization of office property, equipment, and leasehold
improvements are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of the various classes of assets or lease life, whichever is
shorter. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense and improvements are
capitalized. Gains and losses on dispositions are credited or charged to
operations.

(e)  Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and, as
required, owned 32,914 shares and 23,154 shares at June 30, 1995 and 1994,
respectively, of its $100 par value capital stock. The Bank is required to own
capital stock in the FHLB of San Francisco in an amount at least equal to the
greater of 1% of the aggregate principal amount of its unpaid single family
mortgage loans and similar obligations at the end of each calendar year or 5% of
its advances (borrowings) from the FHLB of San Francisco. The Bank was in
compliance with this requirement at June 30, 1995.

(f)  Income Taxes

The Bank changed its method of accounting for income taxes in 1994 to the asset
and liability method to conform with SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes."
The objective of the asset and liability method is to establish deferred tax
assets and liabilities for the temporary differences between the financial
reporting bases and the tax bases of assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates
expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or settled. Under SFAS
109, deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and
operating loss and tax credit carry forwards, and then a valuation allowance is
established to reduce that deferred tax asset if it is "more likely than not"
that the related tax benefits will not be realized.

(g)  Loan Origination Fees

The Company recognizes loan origination fees as an adjustment of the loan's
yield over the life of the loan using a method which approximates the interest
method, which results in a constant rate of return. Certain direct costs of
originating the loan are deferred and recognized over the life of the loan as a
reduction of the yield.

(h)  Valuation of Loans and Real Estate Owned (REO)

Provisions for estimated losses on loans and real estate owned are charged to
operations when, in the opinion of management, such losses are expected to be
incurred. Management evaluates the carrying value of such assets regularly and
the allowances are adjusted accordingly. The Bank currently utilizes a
modeling technique that analyzes several factors identified as posing
additional credit risk to the Bank's loan portfolio. Such factors include
concentration of risk-weighted assets in the portfolio, historical loss
experience, concentration of loans to a single borrower, and assets with an
adverse internal classification.

Management believes that the allowance for losses on loans and REO are
adequate. While management uses available information to recognize losses on
loans and real estate owned, future additions to the allowance may be
necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, various
regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process,
periodically review the Bank's allowance for losses on loans and real estate
owned. Such agencies may require the Bank

    

                                      F-18
<PAGE>
 
   

to recognize additions to the allowance based on their examination.

Real estate owned is comprised of properties acquired through settlement of
loans. At time of foreclosure, real estate owned is accounted for at the lower
of the recorded investment or fair market value. Subsequent to foreclosure,
real estate owned is accounted for at the lower of the new cost basis or fair
market value less estimated selling costs. Costs relating to maintenance of
the properties are expensed as incurred. Valuations are performed periodically
by management and losses are established by a charge to operations if the
carrying value exceeds its estimated disposition value.

(i)  Sales of Loan Participations and Mortgage-Backed Securities

Gains or losses resulting from sales of mortgage-backed securities and loans
or interests in loans are recorded at the time of sale and are determined by
the difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying value of the
assets sold. When the right to service the loans is retained, the gain or loss
recognized is based upon the net present value of expected amounts to be
received or paid resulting from the difference between the contractual
interest rates received from the borrowers and the rate paid to the buyer plus
a normal servicing fee. The related deferred charge (i.e., premium on loans
sold) or credit is amortized to operations over the estimated remaining life
of the loan using a method that approximates the interest method. Loans
originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the
lower of cost or estimated market value in the aggregate. Net unrealized
losses are recognized in a valuation allowance by charges to income.

(j)  Statement of Cash Flows

For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers cash on
hand, cash in banks, interest-earning deposits and Federal funds sold (with
original maturities of three months or less) as cash and cash equivalents.

(k)  Reclassifications

Certain of the 1994 and 1993 financial statement amount have been reclassified
to conform to the 1995 presentations

(l)  Impact of New Accounting Standards

Accounting for impaired loans. In June 1993, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a
Loan." SFAS 114 required that expected loss of interest income on nonperforming
loans be taken into account when calculating loan loss reserves. SFAS 114
required that specified impaired loans be measured based on the present value of
expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate.
SFAS 114 did not apply to large groups of small balance, homogeneous loans that
are collectively evaluated for impairment. SFAS 114 was amended during 1994 by
SFAS 118, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan-Income Recognition
and Disclosures." SFAS 118 amends Statement 114 to allow a creditor to use
existing methods for recognizing interest income on impaired loans. SFAS 118
also amended the disclosure requirements in Statement 114 to require information
about the recorded investment in certain impaired loans and about how a creditor
recognizes interest income related to those impaired loans. Both SFAS 114 and
118 are effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1994 and the two statements are not expected to have a material
effect on the Bank's financial condition or results of operation.

In October of 1994 the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 119, "Disclosure about Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value of
Financial Instruments." SFAS 119 requires disclosures about derivative financial
instruments such as futures, option contracts and other financial instruments
with similar characteristics. SFAS 119 also amends SFAS 105, "Disclosure of
Information about Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk and
Financial Instruments with Concentrations of Credit Risk," and SFAS 107,
"Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments." This statement is
effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 1994 and is not expected to
have a material impact on the financial condition or operating results of the
Bank.

In May of 1995, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No.
122, "Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights." SFAS 122 amends SFAS 65,
"Accounting for Certain Mortgage Banking Activities," to require that an
institution recognize, as separate assets, rights to service mortgage loans for
others. An institution that acquires mortgage servicing rights through purchase
or origination of mortgage loans and sells those loans with servicing rights
retained, should allocate the total cost of the mortgage loans to the mortgage
servicing rights and loans based on their relative fair values. SFAS 122
requires the institution to assess its capitalized mortgage servicing rights for
impairment based on the fair value of those rights with the impairment
recognized through a valuation allowance. SFAS 122 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1995 and applies prospectively to retained
servicing rights, including purchases prior to the adoption of the statement.
SFAS 122 is not expected to have a material impact on the financial condition or
operating results of the Bank.

    

                                      F-19
<PAGE>
 
(2)  Investment Securities

The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 (SFAS
115), Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, on June
30, 1994. SFAS 115 addresses the accounting and reporting for certain
investments in debt and marketable equity securities.

SFAS 115 establishes three classifications of securities, each of which receives
different accounting treatment. Held-to-maturity investment securities are
reported at cost. Available-for-sale investment securities are reported at fair
value, with unrealized gains and losses, after applicable taxes, reported as a
separate component of stockholders' equity. Trading securities are reported at
fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. The estimated
fair value of investments is determined based on current quotations, where
available. Where current quotations are not available, the estimated fair value
is determined based primarily on the present value of future cash flows,
adjusted for the quality rating of the securities, pre-payment assumptions and
other factors. The Company had no trading securities in 1995 or 1994.

Investment securities at June 30, 1995 are summarized as follows:

   

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                Gross         Gross      Estimated
                                                                                              Unrealized   Unrealized      Market
                                                                                   Cost         Gains        Losses        Value
                                                                               ------------  ------------  -----------  ------------

<S>                                                                            <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
 Held-to-maturity securities at cost:
 
 U.S. Government and Federal Agency securities.............................     $12,525,738   $    85,974   $(185,183)   $12,426,530

                                                                                -----------   -----------   ---------   ------------

                                                                                $12,525,738   $    85,974   $(185,183)   $12,426,530

                                                                                ===========   ===========   =========   ============

 
Available-for-sale securities at fair value:
 
 Income funds short-term...................................................     $   156,696   $         -   $       -    $   156,696

 Income funds variable rate government fund................................         983,000             -     (57,553)       925,447

 U.S. Government and Federal Agency securities.............................       1,799,002        12,716      (6,600)     1,805,118

                                                                                -----------   -----------   ---------   ------------

                                                                                $ 2,938,698   $    12,716   $ (64,153)   $ 2,887,261

                                                                                ===========   ===========   =========   ============

 
Investment securities at June 30. 1994 are summarized as follows:
 
Held-to-maturity securities at cost:
 
 U.S. Government and Federal Agency securities.............................     $ 9,518,101   $     2,300   $(362,713)   $ 9,157,688

                                                                                -----------   -----------   ---------   ------------

                                                                                $ 9,518,101   $     2,300   $(362,713)   $ 9,157,688

                                                                                ===========   ===========   =========   ============

 
Available-for-sale securities at fair value:
 
 Income funds short-term...................................................     $   149,902   $         -   $       -    $   149,902

 Income funds adjustable rate mortgage fund................................         994,001                   (10,010)       983,991

 Income funds variable rate government fund................................         983,101             -     (24,851)       958,250

 FHLMC preferred stock.....................................................           8,878       128,215           -        137,093

 U.S. Government and Federal Agency securities.............................         600,000             -      (6,800)       593,200

                                                                                -----------   -----------   ---------   ------------

                                                                                $ 2,735,882   $   128,215   $ (41,661)   $ 2,822,436

                                                                                ===========   ===========   =========   ============

</TABLE> 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                             <C>           <C> 
 The following table sets forth the scheduled maturities, carrying values,                     Estimated
 and market values for the Bank's investment debt securities at June 30, 1995:                   Market
                                                                                    Cost         Value
                                                                                -----------   -----------
Available-for-sale securities at fair value:
 Equity investment security funds (no stated maturity).....................     $ 1,139,696   $ 1,082,144
 
 U.S. Government and Federal Agency securities:
  Due in one year or less..................................................
  Due over one year to five years..........................................         200,000       200,000
  Due over five years to ten years.........................................       1,599,002     1,605,118
                                                                                -----------   -----------
                                                                                $ 2,938,698   $ 2,887,262
                                                                                -----------   -----------
 Held-to-maturity securities at cost:
 
 U.S. Government and Federal Agency securities:
  Due in one year or less..................................................     $         -   $
  Due over one year to five years..........................................      12,325,738    12,222,530
  Due over five years to ten years.........................................         200,000       204,000
                                                                                -----------   -----------
                                                                                $12,525,738   $12,426,530
                                                                                ===========   ===========
</TABLE>

    

(3) Mortgage Backed Securities

Mortgage-backed securities are categorized as debt securities under the
definition of SFAS 115, and are therefore classified into one of the three
categories subject to the same accounting treatment as investment securities.
(Please refer to Note 2, Investment Securities.)

                                      F-20
<PAGE>
 
Mortgage-backed securities at June 30, 1995 are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  Gross        Gross      Estimated
                                                                                               Unrealized   Unrealized     Market
                                                                                     Cost         Gains       Losses        Value
                                                                                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------

<S>                                                                               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
 Held-to-maturity securities at cost:
 FHLMC.........................................................................    $1,451,687   $    5,465   $ (25,816)   $1,431,336

 FHLMC REMIC...................................................................       220,686            -      (4,932)      215,754

                                                                                   ----------   ----------   ---------   -----------

                                                                                   $1,672,373   $    5,465   $ (30,748)   $1,647,090

                                                                                   ----------   ----------   ---------   -----------

 
Available-for-sale securities at fair value:
 
 FHLMC.........................................................................    $4,550,835   $   64,701   $       -    $4,615,536

 FHLMC REMIC...................................................................       710,458        1,833           -       712,291

 FNMA..........................................................................     1,820,136       24,151      (9,552)    1,834,735

 FNMA REMIC....................................................................     1,269,574        9,097   $       -     1,278,671

                                                                                   ----------   ----------   ---------   -----------

                                                                                   $8,351,003   $   99,782   $  (9,552)   $8,441,233

                                                                                   ----------   ----------   ---------   -----------

Mortgage-backed securities at June 30, 1994 are summarized as follows:
 
 Held-to-maturity securities at cost:
  FHLMC........................................................................    $1,547,422   $            $ (52,565)   $1,494,857

  FHLMC REMIC..................................................................       230,928            -      (5,887)      225,041

                                                                                   ----------   ----------   ---------   -----------

                                                                                   $1,778,350   $        0   $ (58,452)   $1,719,898

                                                                                   ----------   ----------   ---------   -----------

 
Available-for-sale securities at fair value:
 
  FHLMC........................................................................    $4,671,101   $    7,752   $(105,092)   $4,573,761

  FNMA.........................................................................     1,584,890       25,835     (19,524)    1,591,201

                                                                                   ----------   ----------   ---------   -----------

                                                                                   $6,255,991   $   33,587   $(124,616)   $6,164,962

                                                                                   ==========   ==========   =========   ===========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 The following table sets forth the scheduled maturities, cost, and market                       Estimated
 values for the Bank's mortgage-backed securities at June 30, 1995:                               Market
                                                                                      Cost         Value
                                                                                   ----------   ----------
<S>                                                                                <C>          <C>
 Held-to-maturity securities at cost:
 
 Mortgage-Backed Securities:
  Due in one year or less......................................................    $        -   $        -
  Due over one year to five years..............................................     1,672,373    1,647,090
  Due over five years to ten years.............................................             -            -
  Due over ten years to twenty years...........................................             -            -
  Due over twenty years........................................................             -            -
                                                                                   ----------   ----------
                                                                                   $1,672,373   $1,647,090
                                                                                   ==========   ==========
 
 Available-for-sale securities at estimated market value:
 
 Mortgage-Backed Securities:
  Due in one year or less......................................................    $  157,567   $  160,419
  Due over one year to five years..............................................       269,409      276,480
  Due over five years to ten years.............................................     1,567,757    1,570,578
  Due over ten years to twenty years...........................................     3,178,745    3,243,166
  Due over twenty years........................................................     3,177,525    3,190,590
                                                                                   ----------   ----------
                                                                                   $8,351,003   $8,441,233
                                                                                   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>

                                      F-21
<PAGE>
 
(4)  Loans Receivable

Loans receivable at June 30, are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1995            1994
                                                      -------------    ------------
<S>                                                    <C>              <C>
Loans secured by first deeds of trust:
Dwellings, not more than four units.................   $242,414,741    $203,746,052
Dwellings, over four units..........................     18,934,985      16,502,692
Commercial properties...............................     41,481,567      44,614,898
Construction and land loans.........................     33,302,857      58,675,351
                                                       ------------    ------------
                                                        336,134,150     323,538,993
                                                       ------------    ------------
 
Equity loan.........................................      1,741,538       2,516,698
Loans on savings accounts...........................      1,403,484       1,497,915
Consumer loans......................................     17,188,785      13,286,387
Commercial - other..................................      1,642,093       1,323,538
                                                       ------------    ------------
 
                                                         21,975,900      18,624,538
                                                       ------------    ------------
 
Less:
Loans in process nonconstruction loans..............        (84,065)       (277,765)
Loans in process construction loans.................    (10,910,594)    (13,749,546)
Allowance for losses................................     (2,232,819)     (2,067,408)
Unearned loan origination fees......................     (1,030,138)     (1,357,553)
                                                       ------------    ------------
Total loans.........................................   $343,852,434    $324,711,259
                                                       ------------    ------------
 
Less:
 Loans held for sale................................              -               -
                                                       ------------    ------------
 
Loans receivable, net...............................   $343,852,434    $324,711,259
                                                       ------------    ------------
 
Weighted average interest rate at
the dates indicated.................................           7.19%           6.53%
                                                       ============    ============
</TABLE>

Changes in the allowance for losses for the years ended June 30, are summarized
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                       1995          1994          1993
                                   ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                <C>           <C>           <C>
Beginning balance.................  $2,067,408    $1,808,813    $1,150,350
Provision charged to operations...     412,000       725,000       722,433
Charge-offs.......................    (266,048)     (474,909)      (71,781)
Recoveries........................      19,459         8,504         7,811
                                    ----------    ----------    ----------
 
Ending balance....................  $2,232,819    $2,067,408    $1,808,813
                                    ==========    ==========    ==========
 
</TABLE>

                                      F-22
<PAGE>
 
  At June 30, 1995 and 1994, nonaccrual loans were $1.35 and $2.80 million,
respectively. Approximately $53 thousand and $256 thousand, respectively, of
accrued interest on nonaccrual loans had been reserved for as a reduction of
interest receivable. The majority of this nonperforming loan portfolio are loans
secured by single family residential properties within the Bank's market area.
 
  The following table represents a breakdown of the Bank's allocation of loan
loss reserves for the years ended June 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

Allocation of loan loss reserves at June 30, are summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1995         1994         1993
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
Loans secured by first deeds of trust:
<S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>
  Dwellings, not more than four units....  $  840,260   $  532,970   $  534,010
  Dwellings, over four units.............     126,440       17,860       13,140
  Commercial properties..................     300,810      184,640      128,810
  Construction and land loans............     661,640      921,390      619,070
                                           ----------   ----------   ----------
                                           $1,929,150   $1,656,860   $1,295,030
 
Equity loans.............................       7,150       18,875       58,158
Loans on savings accounts................ 
Consumer loans...........................     104,040       54,293       41,460
Commercial - other.......................     192,479      337,380      414,165
                                           ----------   ----------   ----------
 
                                           $  303,669   $  410,548   $  513,783
                                           ----------   ----------   ----------
 
Total loan loss reserves.................  $2,232,819   $2,067,408   $1,808,813
                                           ==========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>

          The Bank serviced approximately $55 million, $61.1 million and $63.5
million of loans, sold to third parties, at June 30,1995,1994 and 1993,
respectively.

          The Bank is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet
risk. Such instruments are entered into in the normal course of business to meet
the financing needs of its customers and/or to facilitate the sale of loans. The
Bank uses the same credit policies in entering into off-balance-sheet financial
instruments as it does for on-balance-sheet items.

          Loans receivable include mortgage loans due from officers and
directors. Activity related to these loans, which bear interest at rates ranging
from 3.68% to 5.56%, is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>
Total as of June 30, 1993....   $2,033,000
Additions....................      135,000
Loan repayments..............      (65,000)
                                ----------
 
Total as of June 30, 1994....   $2,103,000
Additions....................      200,000
Loan repayments..............      (47,000)
                                ----------
 
Total as of June 30, 1995....   $2,256,000
                                ==========
</TABLE>

                                      F-23
<PAGE>
 
          Following are the components of gains on sale of loans and mortgage-
backed securities and an analysis of the deferred premium,
resulting from such sales for the years ended June 30:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        1995        1994        1993
                                                                                      ---------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                                   <C>        <C>         <C>
Deferred servicing premiums.........................................................   $     -   $  19,757   $   7,769
Recognition of deferred loan fees...................................................         -     242,119     323,338
Cash gain on sale of loans and mortgage-backed securities...........................         -     202,489      96,169
Adjustment in carrying value of loans held for sale to the lower of cost or market..         -    (303,000)          -
                                                                                       -------   ---------   ---------
                                                                                       $     0   $ 161,365   $ 427,276
                                                                                       =======   =========   =========
 
Deferred servicing premiums:
 Balance at beginning of period.....................................................    58,553     105,587     382,462
 Additions..........................................................................         -      19,757       7,769
 Amortization and adjustments to reflect market prepayment assumptions..............    (7,505)    (66,791)   (284,644)
                                                                                       -------   ---------   ---------
 
Balance at end of period............................................................   $51,048   $  58,553   $ 105,587
                                                                                       =======   =========   =========
</TABLE>

(5) Office Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

    Office property, equipment and leasehold improvements at June 30, are
summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                             Estimated
                                                     1995         1994      useful lives
                                                  -----------  -----------  ------------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>          <C>
 
Land............................................   $   35,587   $  363,073
Buildings.......................................    1,193,881    1,193,881      30 years
Leasehold improvements..........................    1,165,634    1,103,019   10-25 years
Office furniture, fixtures and equipment........    3,480,060    3,401,401    1-10 years
Automobiles.....................................       67,025       67,025       5 years
                                                   ----------   ----------
 
Total, at cost..................................    5,942,187    6,128,399
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization..    3,468,261    3,028,657
                                                   ----------   ----------
 
                                                   $2,473,926   $3,099,742
                                                   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>

(6) Real Estate Held For Sale

  Real estate held for sale by the Company at June 30, is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                      1995         1994
                                                                   -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>
 
Real estate acquired in settlement of loans, net of write downs..   $1,555,759   $1,636,909
Less allowance for estimated losses..............................            -            -
                                                                    ----------  -----------
 
                                                                    $1,555,759   $1,636,909
                                                                    ==========  ===========
</TABLE>

Changes in the allowance for losses on real estate owned for the years ended
June 30, are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                     1995        1994     1993
                                   ---------  ----------  -----
<S>                                <C>        <C>         <C>
 
Beginning balance................  $      -   $       -   $   -
Provision charged to operations..    94,000     135,000       -
Charge-offs......................   (94,000)   (135,000)      -
Recoveries.......................         -           -       -
                                   --------   ---------   -----
                                   $      0   $       0   $   0
                                   ========   =========   =====
 
</TABLE>

                                      F-24
<PAGE>
 
(7)  Savings Accounts

Comparative details of savings accounts by stated interest rate is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    1995            1994
                                                                ------------    ------------
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>
1.10% to 2.47% NOW accounts.................................    $ 35,868,745    $ 37,552,882
1.75% to 2.30% passbook accounts............................      35,589,258      45,421,817
0.00% to 3.00% money market deposit accounts................      25,685,892      38,949,539
Commercial checking.........................................       2,485,184       2,330,401
                                                                ------------    ------------
                                                                  99,629,079     124,254,639
                                                                ------------    ------------
 
Certificate accounts:
Less than 3.00%.............................................       1,059,223       5,857,370
3.00% to 3.50%..............................................       3,269,800      40,156,558
3.51% to 4.00%..............................................      13,648,210      46,400,187
4.01% to 4.50%..............................................       7,700,581      17,436,855
4.51% to 5.00%..............................................      10,105,277       6,879,845
5.01% to 5.50%..............................................      40,028,197      35,270,462
5.51 % to 6.00%.............................................      48,371,297         373,024
6.01% to 6.50%..............................................      35,416,845         240,889
6.51% to 7.00%..............................................      24,464,506               -
7.01% to 7.50%..............................................         200,000               -
7.51% to 8.00%..............................................          16,060          30,226
Greater than 8.01%..........................................             --              --
                                                                ------------    ------------
                                                                 184,279,996     152,645,416
                                                                ------------    ------------
                                                                $283,909,075    $276,900,055
                                                                ------------    ------------
 
Aggregate Weighted Average Interest Rate (WAIR) at
 the dates indicated above                                              4.40%          3.09 %
                                                                ============    ============

</TABLE>

The savings accounts summarized by type are as follows at June 30:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1995                           1994
                                                              Amount          WAIR           Amount          WAIR
                                                           ------------       ----        ------------       ----
<S>                                                        <C>                <C>         <C>                <C>
Passbook accounts.....................................     $ 35,589,258       2.91%       $ 45,421,817       2.25%
NOW and money market deposit accounts.................       64,039,821       2.03%         78,832,822       1.77%
Certificate accounts..................................      184,279,996       4.96%        152,645,416       4.03%
                                                           ------------                   ------------
                                                           $283,909,075                   $276,900,055
                                                           ============                   ============
</TABLE>
 
A summary of certificate accounts by maturity as of June 30, is
summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             1995             1994
                                                                          ------------    ------------
<S>                                                                       <C>             <C>
Maturing within one year...............................................   $160,086,916    $122,222,538
Maturing within two years..............................................     16,368,489      25,668,513
Maturing within three years............................................      6,765,531       3,811,480
Maturing within four years.............................................      1,059,060         942,885
                                                                          ------------    ------------
                                                                          $184,279,996    $152,645,416
                                                                          ============    ============
</TABLE>
 
Interest expense on savings accounts for the years ended June 30, is
summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               1995           1994            1993
                                                           ------------   ------------    ------------
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>             <C>

Passbook accounts......................................    $  1,014,330    $  1,232,970   $  1,707,349
NOW and money market deposit accounts..................       1,306,150       1,664,190      2,260,181
Certificate accounts...................................       8,035,403       5,286,230      5,093,178
                                                           ------------   ------------    ------------
                                                           $ 10,355,883   $  8,183,390    $  9,060,708
                                                           ------------   ------------    ------------
</TABLE>

Accrued interest on deposits at June 30, 1995 and 1994, was $113 thousand and
$49 thousand, respectively.

Included in deposits above are certain accounts in excess of $100 thousand which
totaled approximately $32.2 million and $30.7 million at June 30, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.

                                      F-25
<PAGE>
 
(8) Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank

The advances from Federal Home Loan Bank at June 30, 1995 and 1994 consisted of
the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1995                            1994
                                                                     Average                         Average
Maturity                                                         Interest Rates     Principal    Interest Rates     Principal
- ---------                                                        --------------   -----------    --------------   -----------
<S>                                                              <C>              <C>            <C>              <C>
1994............................................................        --        $        --             4.66%   $42,100,000
1995............................................................      6.54%        37,300,000             4.21%     2,000,000
1996............................................................      6.73%        17,385,000             4.39%     1,000,000
1998............................................................      6.10%         1,000,000                -              -
1999............................................................      6.30%         1,000,000                -              -
2000............................................................      9.20%           357,500             9.19%       357,500
2001............................................................      8.61%           669,500             8.66%       669,500
2002............................................................      7.99%            93,252             7.32%        93,252
2003............................................................      6.33%            87,500             6.33%        87,500
2004............................................................      7.60%         1,387,000             7.60%   $ 1,387,000
2009............................................................      7.77%           650,000                -              -
2014............................................................      7.90%           106,421                -              -
                                                                      ----        -----------          -------    -----------
                                                                                  $60,036,173                     $47,694,752
                                                                                  ===========                     ===========
 
Weighted average interest rate at the dates indicated above.....                         6.66%                           4.81%
                                                                                  ===========                     ===========
</TABLE>

  The advances are collateralized by the pledge of loans receivable and
securities of approximately $126 million as of June 30, 1995 (note 3).

The Bank recognized $3.97 million, $1 million and $548 thousand of interest
expense on FHLB advances for the years ended June 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993,
respectively.

(9) Other Borrowings

The Bank recognized $137 thousand and $42 thousand of interest expense on other
borrowings for the years ended June 30, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

Other borrowings at June 30, are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1995         1994
                                                         -----------  -----------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>
Short-term banking disbursement overdraft arrangement..   $  741,890   $2,138,297
Debt incurred by ESOP (note 14)........................      187,500      237,500
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase'.........    7,800,000
Other2.................................................      602,596      742,333
                                                          ----------   ----------
                                                          $9,331,986   $3,118,130
                                                          ==========   ==========
</TABLE>

' The Bank enters into sales of U.S. Government securities and mortgage-backed
  securities under agreements to repurchase (reverse repurchase agreements).
  Reverse repurchase agreements are treated as financings, and the obligations
  to repurchase securities sold are reflected as a liability in the consolidated
  statements of financial condition. The dollar amount of securities underlying
  the agree-ments remains in the asset accounts. The carrying amount of
  securities sold with an agreement to repurchase was $9 million with a market
  value of $9.2 million and accrued interest of $51 thousand at June 30, 1995.

2 Other consists of retail repurchase agreements which are secured by FHLMC
  and FNMA mortgage-backed securities held to maturity of approximately $1
  million as of June 30, 1995. (note 3)

   The following is a summary of securities sold under agreements to repurchase
at June 30, 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1995
                                             ------------
<S>                                          <C>
Balance at June 30..........................  $7,800,000
Market Value at June 30, 1995...............   7,800,000
Average balance during year.................   1,825,000
Maximum balance at any month-end............   7,800,000
Weighted average interest rate at June 30...        6.38%
Weighted average interest rate during year..        6.39%

</TABLE>

                                      F-26
<PAGE>
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase had the following maturities at
June 30, 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     1995
                                    Average
Maturity                        Interest Rates    Principal
- --------------                  ---------------  -----------
<S>                             <C>              <C>
0-90 days......................     6.17%         $1,500,000
91-180 days....................     6.35%          3,800,000
181-270 days...................     6.55%          2,500,000
                                    ----          ----------
                                                  $7,800,000
                                                  ==========
Weighted average interest rate
 at the dated indicated above..                         6.38%
                                                       =====
</TABLE>

(10) Taxes on Income

  The provision (benefit) for income taxes in the consolidated statements of
operations for the years ended June 30, is comprised of the following
components:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                1995         1994          1993
                            ------------  -----------  ------------
<S>                         <C>           <C>          <C>
Current:
Federal income tax.........  $  975,305    $1,414,532   $2,005,000
California franchise tax...     436,374       521,673      770,100
                             ----------    ----------   ----------
                              1,411,679     1,936,205    2,775,100
                             ----------    ----------   ----------
Deferred:
Federal income tax.........    (202,007)       80,530      120,800
California franchise tax...     (82,864)       50,516      (37,000)
                             ----------    ----------   ----------
                               (284,871)      131,046       83,800
                             ----------    ----------   ----------
Total:
Federal income tax.........     773,298     1,495,062    2,125,800
California franchise tax...     353,510       572,189      733,100
                             ----------    ----------   ----------
                             $1,126,808    $2,067,251   $2,858,900
                             ==========    ==========   ==========
</TABLE>

  Under the Internal Revenue Code, the Company is allowed a Federal bad debt
deduction based on the greater of amounts computed on the percentage of taxable
income method or the percentage of eligible loans method. The percentage of
taxable income method has been used for financial statement purposes for all
periods presented. An alternative minimum tax is applicable to corporations to
the extent that the alternative minimum tax exceeds the corporate tax. For the
years ended June 30, 1995, 1994, and 1993, the Company's corporate tax exceeded
the alternative minimum tax. Savings and Loan associations that meet certain
definitions and other conditions prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code are
allowed to deduct, within limitations, earnings appropriated to tax bad debt
reserves in arriving at Federal taxable income. Approximately $2.4 million of
the Company's retained income at June 30, 1995 rep-resents current or future
appropriations to tax bad debt reserves of earnings for which no provision for
Federal income taxes has been made. If in the future, these amounts are used for
any purpose other than to absorb losses from bad debts, Federal income taxes
will be imposed at the then-applicable rates.

                                      F-27
<PAGE>
 
The differences between the Federal statutory income tax rate and the effective
rate of the Company's tax provision are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Years ended June 30
                                                               -------------------------
                                                                1995     1994     1993
                                                               -------  -------  -------
<S>                                                            <C>      <C>      <C>
Statutory Federal tax rate...................................   34.0%    34.0%    34.0%
California franchise tax, net of Federal income tax benefit..    7.6%     7.4%     7.3%
Book provision for loan losses...............................      -        -      3.7%
Low Income Housing Tax Credits...............................   (4.2%)   (1.6%)   (1.2
Other........................................................   (0.6%)     .5%     (.5%)
                                                                ----     ----     ----
 
                                                                36.8%    40.3%    43.3%
                                                                ====     ====     ====
</TABLE>

Under SFAS 109:

          Temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts
and tax bases of assets and liabilities that gave rise to significant portions
of the deferred tax liability at June 30, 1995 and June 30, 1994 relate to the
following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                       1995         1994
                                                    -----------  -----------
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>
Deferred tax assets:
 Book allowance for loan losses in excess of tax..   $  433,635   $  338,730
 Gain on sale of building.........................      231,868      247,107
 Deferred compensation............................       93,594       73,855
 California Franchise tax.........................      112,335      177,367
 Other............................................        5,032       10,065
                                                     ----------   ----------
 
 Deferred tax assets..............................      876,464      847,124
 Less valuation allowance.........................           --           --
                                                     ----------   ----------
 
 Net deferred tax assets..........................      876,464      847,124
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
 Loan fees deferred for tax purposes..............   $1,032,181   $1,383,958
 FHLB dividends...................................      251,350      180,877
 Tax depreciation in excess of book...............      166,362      164,294
 Other............................................       79,764       56,059
                                                     ----------   ----------
 
 Net deferred tax liabilities.....................    1,529,657    1,785,188
                                                     ----------   ----------
 
Net deferred tax liability........................   $  653,193   $  938,064
                                                     ==========   ==========
</TABLE>

                                      F-28
<PAGE>
 
(11) Earnings per share

Primary and fully diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing earnings
by the weighted average number of common shares and common stock equivalents
outstanding for the year. Stock options are regarded as common stock equivalents
and are therefore con-sidered in both primary and fully diluted earnings per
share calculations. Common stock equivalents are computed using the treasury
stock method. Shares outstanding and the common stock equivalents of stock
options have been adjusted in all periods to reflect all stock dividends.
Following are average shares outstanding at June 30, for computation of earnings
per share:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1995       1994       1993
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                             <C>        <C>        <C>
Primary:                                                      
                                                              
Weighted average number of shares outstanding................   2,742,820  2,739,833  2,738,598
Common stock equivalents of stock options....................     160,291    171,230    170,299
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                              
Total weighted average common stock and stock equivalents....   2,903,111  2,911,063  2,908,897
                                                                =========  =========  =========
                                                              
Fully diluted:                                                
                                                              
Weighted average number of shares outstanding................   2,742,820  2,739,833  2,738,598
Common stock equivalents of stock options....................     160,291    181,557    170,299
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                              
Total weighted average common stock and stock equivalents....   2,903,111  2,921,390  2,908,897
                                                                =========  =========  =========
</TABLE>

(12) Related Party Transactions

In December 1985, the Company sold its Headquarters building and two other
branches to certain members of the Company's Board of Directors and entered into
agreements to lease the buildings. Sales proceeds amounted to $3,050,271. The
combined book value of the buildings at the time of sale was $2,166,504,
resulting in a gain on sale of $883,767. The balance of the remaining deferred
gain was $560,651 and $594,663 at June 30, 1995 and June 30, 1994, respectively.
As required under generally accepted accounting principles, the gain has been
deferred for financial statement purposes and is being amortized over the terms
of the leases. The Company has long-term lease commitments related to these
buildings (note 14). The Company utilizes brokerage services of a member of the
Board of Directors to purchase its insurance coverage. The net amount of
commission is insignificant to the Company.

In December 1992, the Company sold its administrative office building located at
101 4th Street, Petaluma, California, to a member of the Board of Directors. The
sales price was at fair market value and the financing was provided by a third
party financial institution. Sales proceeds were $600,000. The book value of the
building at the time of sale was $483,482 resulting in a gain of $116,519.
 
(13) Retained Earnings and Regulatory Matters

The Bank is subject to the regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS)
and the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF), which is administered by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Under the current laws, the Bank
is subject to minimum capital requirements. The OTS requirements include a
leverage ratio of core capital to adjusted total assets of 3 %, a tangible
capital standard expressed as 1.5% of total adjusted assets and a risk-based
capital standard of 8% of risk-weighted assets. The risk-based capital standard
requires the Bank to classify its assets into one of four levels of perceived
risk. Based upon the perceived risk of those assets, the Bank is required to
maintain capital on ranges of 0 to 100% of those assets at a rate of 8%.

The OTS published a revision to its capital regulations requiring savings
institutions to maintain additional capital based on the amount of their
exposure to losses from changes in market interest rates (the "interest rate
risk component"). The amount of such capital will equal 50% of the estimated
decline in the market value of the institution's portfolio equity after an
immediate 200 basis point increase or decrease (whichever yields the larger
decline) in market interest rates. The market value of portfolio equity is equal
the net present value of the cash flows from an institution's assets,
liabilities and off-balance sheet items. Under the regulation, the Interest Rate
Risk (IRR) component is computed quarterly by the OTS based upon data provided
by the Bank in its quarterly Thrift Financial Report. The capital requirement
for IRR will have an effective lag of two calendar quarters. The first quarter
to be measured has once again been postponed indefinitely until questions
regarding a review procedure for institutions challenging the results of the OTS
model have been resolved. Based upon the Bank's current capital levels, current
interest rate risk exposure and upon analysis of a similar cash flow
methodology, management does not expect the Bank's interest rate risk component
to have a material effect on the Bank's regulatory capital requirements.

(14) Employee Benefit Plans

The Company has a noncontributory Profit Sharing Plan (the "Plan") covering
substantially all employees. The Plan is administered by the Company through a
committee of trustees, for the benefit of eligible employees. The aggregate
amount of the contribution to the Plan to be allocated to employees is
determined annually by the Board of Directors and is based upon current profits
of the Company. Profit Sharing Plan expense recorded by the Company for the
years ended June 30,1995,1994, and 1993 amounted to $25,476, $25,121, and
$20,361, respectively. The Incentive Compensation Plan for officers provides for
incentive compensation based on attainment of a targeted level of performance by
the Company. The target bonuses are calculated by applying various percentages
to eligible employees' salaries as of July 1 of the current fiscal year.
Incentive compensation bonuses for the years ended June 30, 1995, 1994, and 1993
amounted to $0, $60,136, and $116,620, respectively.

The Company established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for the benefit
of participating employees. The ESOP borrowed $500,000 from a third party lender
to purchase 104,362 shares of the Company's common stock. The loan is secured by
the common stock purchased and will be repaid by the ESOP with funds from the
Company's contributions and earnings on ESOP assets. Accordingly, the unpaid
balance of the loan has been reflected in other borrowing in the Company's
consolidated balance sheet, and an equal amount has been recorded as a deduction
from stockholders' equity. The Company's contributions to the ESOP are charged
to expense. Such contributions amounted to $68,930, $66,077 and $70,540 for the
years ended June 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

In June 1986, the Company established a deferred compensation program for its
Chief Executive Officer. The program provides for payments to be made to the
Chief Executive Officer for ten years beginning in the first year of his
retirement. The payments will be made in exchange for consulting services. The
program has been funded through the purchase of a key-man universal life
insurance policy pertaining to the Chief Executive Officer, which names the
Company as beneficiary and currently provides coverage of approximately $1.1
million. Other assets as of June 30, 1995 includes $718,241 representing the net
cash surrender value of the insurance policy. The estimated present value amount
of anticipated future payments to the Chief Executive Officer is included in
other liabilities and accrued expenses.

In connection with the Conversion (note 16), the Company adopted the 1988 Stock
Option and Incentive Plan (the "Option Plan") which provides for the issuance of
options to directors, officers and key employees of the Company and its
subsidiary. Additionally, the Option Plan provides for the granting of Stock
Appreciation Rights and Restricted Stock. The Option Plan Committee of the Board
of Directors selects the options and determines the number of shares to be
granted. A total of 273,638 shares of common stock (adjusted for a three-for-two
stock split, 15%, two 10%, and 20% stock dividends) had been reserved for
issuance under the Option Plan. The option price may not be less than 100% of
the fair market value of the shares on the date of the grant and options
generally shall not be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the
date granted. In the case of an employee who owns more than 10% of the
outstanding Common Stock at the date of the grant, the option price may not be
less than 110% of the fair market value of the shares on the date of the grant
and the option shall not be exercisable after the expiration of five years from
the date it is granted. Options may be exercised by payment in cash, shares of
Common Stock, or a combination of both. As of June 30, 1995 employees have
exercised options to purchase 13,220 shares of common stock.
 

                                      F-29
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Number of Shares
                                               -----------------
<S>                                            <C>
  
Outstanding options as of June 30, 1992......       216,096
Granted (price $11.55).......................        25,588
Exercised....................................            --
                                                    -------
 
Outstanding options as of June 30, 1993......       241,684
Granted (price $12.41).......................         7,892
Exercised....................................        (2,777)
                                                    -------
 
Outstanding options as of June 30, 1994......       246,799
Granted......................................            --
Exercised....................................        (9,616)
                                                    -------
 
Outstanding options as of June 30, 1995......       237,183
                                                    =======
 
Shares available for future grants...........        20,237
                                                    =======
</TABLE>

As of June 30,1995 there are 205,309 options outstanding at $3.99 per share
,24,700 outstanding at $ 11.55 per share and 7,174 options at $12.41 per share.
Options and shares have been adjusted in all periods to reflect the three-for-
two stock split effective November 18, 1991, a 15% stock dividend effective July
31, 1992, a 10% stock dividend effective January 29, 1993, a 10% stock dividend
effective June 24, 1994 and a 20% stock dividend on October 28, 1994.

(15) Commitments and Contingencies

As of June 30, 1995 the Bank had commitments to originate loans totaling
approximately $29.9 million. Of this total, approximately $10.1 million
pertained to one year fixed rate construction and land loans; $16.5 million
adjustable rate construction and land loans; $2.1 million to longer-term fixed
rate mortgage loans; the remaining $1.2 million pertained to long-term variable
rate loans. Interest rates pertaining to fixed rate loan origination commitments
at June 30,1995 ranged from 6.65 % to 9.0% . As of June 30, 1995, the Bank had
commitments to purchase construction loans totaling approximately $779 thousand.

At June 30,1995, the minimum rental commitments under operating leases with
initial or remaining terms of more than one year were as follows:

   

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
Years ending June 30:

<S>                         <C>
 
 1996.....................  $  805,751
 1997.....................     805,751
 1998.....................     784,463
 1999.....................     721,067
 2000.....................     653,459
 Thereafter through 2014..   5,878,783
 
</TABLE>

    

Rental expense for operating leases totaled approximately $761,889, $724,114 and
$620,025, for the years ended June 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

(16) Conversion and Sale of Common Stock

Northbay Financial Corporation (the "Corporation") was incorporated under the
laws of the State of Delaware on October 5,1988 for the purpose of becoming a
savings and loan holding company. On April 10, 1989, the Corporation acquired
all of the outstanding stock of Northbay Savings and Loan Association (the
"Association") issued in connection with its conversion from a California
chartered mutual to a California chartered stock institution. At the time of
conversion, the Bank established a liquidation account in an amount equal to the
Bank's retained earnings of $8,680,644. The liquidation account is maintained
for the benefit of eligible account holders who continue to maintain their
deposits in the Bank after the conversion. In the unlikely event of a
liquidation of the Bank (and only in such an event), each eligible depositor
will be entitled to receive a liquidation distribution from the liquidation
account, in the proportionate amount of the then current adjusted balance for
deposits reflected in such account, before any liquidation distribution may be
made with respect to the stockholders. Except for the payment of dividends by
the Bank, the existence of the liquidation account will not restrict the use or
application of such retained earnings. The Bank is able to pay dividends of up
to 100% of cumulative net income, less dividends paid for the previous eight
quarters if the Bank meets its "fully phased-in capital requirement." If the
Bank does not meet its fully phased-in capital requirements, its dividends to
the Company would be limited to 50% of net income, less dividends paid for the
previous eight quarters. Under the regulations of the OTS, the Bank will not be
permitted to pay dividends on its capital stock if its regulatory capital would
thereby be reduced below the applicable regulatory capital requirement or the
amount required for the liquidation account.

(17) Parent Company Financial Information

The Company and its subsidiary file a consolidated Federal income tax return in
which the taxable income or loss of the Company is combined with that of its
subsidiary. The Company's share of income tax expense is based on the amount
which would be payable if separate returns were filed. Accordingly, the
Company's equity in net income of its subsidiary is excluded from the
computation of the provision for income taxes for financial statement purposes.

                                      F-30
<PAGE>
 
                    Statements of Financial Condition as of
                             June 30, 1995 and 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                             1995          1994
                                         ------------  ------------
<S>                                      <C>           <C>
 
Assets:
Receivable from subsidiary, net........   $   889,979   $ 1,046,673
Investment in subsidiary...............    33,688,322    32,637,256
                                          -----------   -----------
 
                                          $34,578,301   $33,683,929
                                          ===========   ===========
 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:
Stockholders' equity...................   $34,578,301   $33,683,929
                                          ===========   ===========
 
</TABLE>

                            Statements of Operations
                    Years ended June 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                               1995         1994         1993
                            -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                         <C>          <C>          <C>
Income:
Net income of subsidiary...  $2,126,211   $3,413,619   $3,737,008
Operating expense..........     194,361      135,600           --
                             ----------   ----------   ----------
 
Net income.................  $1,931,850   $3,278,019   $3,737,008
                             ==========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>

                            Statements of Cash Flows
                    Years ended June 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                               1995          1994          1993
                                                                           ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                        <C>           <C>           <C>
Cash flows from operations:
Net income...............................................................  $ 1,931,850   $ 3,278,019   $ 3,737,008
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Net income of subsidiary.................................................   (2,088,544)   (3,087,670)   (2,976,612)
Change in receivable from subsidiary.....................................      156,694      (190,349)     (760,396)
                                                                           -----------   -----------   -----------
 
Net cash used by operations..............................................            -             -             -
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investing in subsidiary..................................................            -             -             -
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividend received from subsidiary........................................    1,111,171       840,024       544,998
Cash dividend paid.......................................................   (1,111,171)     (840,024)     (544,998)
 
Net increase in cash.....................................................            -             -             -
 
Cash at beginning of year................................................            -             -             -
                                                                           -----------   -----------   -----------
 
Cash at end of year......................................................  $         0   $         0   $         0
                                                                           ===========   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>

(18) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107 (SFAS No. 107), "Disclosures
About Fair Value of Financial Instruments," requires disclosure of estimated
fair values for financial instruments. Such estimates are subjective in nature
and significant judge-ment is needed regarding the risk characteristics of
various financial instruments at a discrete point in time. Therefore, such
estimates could vary significantly if assumptions regarding uncertain factors
were to change. Major assumptions, methods, and fair value estimates for the
company's financial instruments are set forth below.
 
  (a) Cash and Short-Term Investments

      The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
 
  (b) Investments and Mortgage-Backed Securities

      The fair value of mutual funds, U.S. Government and Federal Agency
      securities, and investment in preferred stock of the Federal Home Loan
      Mortgage Corporation, have been estimated based upon quotes from primary
      securities dealers. The fair value of certificates of deposit invested
      with other financial institutions is estimated by discounting future cash
      flows at current market rates for similar instruments with similar
      remaining maturities.
 
  (c) Loans Receivable

      Fair values for loans are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar
      financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as single
      family mortgage, multi-family mortgage, commercial, and consumer. Each
      loan category is further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate
      categories. The fair values for the segmented loan portfolio is calculated
      by discounting the scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity
      using estimated market discount rates that reflect the credit and interest
      rate risk inherent in the loan. The estimate of maturity is based upon
      current dealer published projected prepayment speeds on mortgage
      securities with similar characteristics whenever available. The prepayment
      speeds utilized on other loans where dealer projected speeds are not
      applicable are based upon the Company's historical experience modified by
      current market conditions.
 

                                      F-31
<PAGE>
 
  (d) Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

      The fair value of Federal Home Loan Bank stock is estimated to approximate
      its face value $3,291,400 and $2,315,400 at June 30, 1995 and June 30,
      1994, respectively. The amount of dividend payments to be received is
      uncertain and no free market exists for this asset which is required to be
      held by the Bank in order to have access to service provided by the
      Federal Home Loan Bank.

  (e) Other Financial Instrument Assets

      Other financial assets at June 30, 1995 are comprised of the net cash
      surrender value of $718,241, representing a key-man universal life
      insurance policy pertaining to the Chief Executive Officer and accrued
      interest receivable of $2,403,994, and $51,048 representing the value of
      the retained servicing spread on loans sold. The carrying amount is a
      reasonable estimate of fair value for these assets.

      Other financial assets at June 30, 1994 were comprised of the net cash
      surrender value of $681,767, representing a key-man universal life
      insurance policy pertaining to the Chief Executive Officer and accrued
      interest receivable of $2,023,363, and $58,553 representing the value of
      the retained servicing spread on loans sold. The carrying amount was a
      reasonable estimate of fair value for these assets.
 
  (f) Deposit Liabilities

      Deposits with no stated maturity date are included at the amount payable
      on demand. The fair value of time deposits (certificates of deposit) is
      estimated by discounting future cash flows at current yields of similar
      maturity U.S. treasury notes less estimated cost of approximately 40 basis
      points representing the incremental cost of servicing those retail
      liabilities.
 
  (g) Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

      The fair value of Federal Home Loan Bank Advances is estimated by
      discounting the future cash flows of these instruments at a rate which
      approximates the current offering rate of an FHLB advance with a similar
      remaining average life as the current weighted average life of the current
      portfolio at June 30, 1995 and 1994.
 
  (h) Other Borrowings

      Other borrowings at June 30, 1995 consist of $741,890 in a short-term
      banking disbursement overdraft arrangement, a ten year adjustable rate
      loan incurred by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan ($187,500), and
      $602,596 representing retail repurchase arrangements secured by FHLMC and
      FNMA mortgage-backed securities. Due to the fact that each of these
      liabilities reprice immediately to current market rates, the carrying
      amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value for these liabilities. The
      final component of other borrowings is $7,800,000 representing securities
      sold under agreements to repurchase identical securities at a specified
      future date is estimated by discounting the future cash flows from the
      instruments at a rate which approximates the current offering rate of
      similar borrowings with a similar remaining term to maturity.

      Other borrowings at June 30, 1994 consisted of $2,138,297 in a short- term
      banking disbursement overdraft arrangement, a ten year adjustable rate
      loan incurred by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan ($237,500), and
      $742,333 representing retail repurchase arrangements secured by FHLMC and
      FNMA mortgage-backed securities. Due to the fact that each of those
      liabilities repriced immediately to current market rates, the carrying
      amount was a reasonable estimate of fair value for those liabilities.
 
  (i) Other Financial Instrument Liabilities

      Consists of accrued interest payable. The carrying amount is a reasonable
      estimate of fair value for this liability.
 
  (j) Commitments to Extend Credit

      Commitments to extend credit relate primarily to the purchase or
      construction of residential mortgage loans. The fair value of such
      commitments is estimated using current market rates for loans with similar
      characteristics versus committed rates.

      Estimated fair values of financial instruments at June 30, 1995 and 1994,
      are as follows:

   

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1995                  1994
                                                    ------------------    ------------------
                                                    Carrying     Fair     Carrying     Fair
                                                     Amount      Value     Amount     Value
                                                    --------   --------   --------  --------
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
Financial Assets:                                                (In Thousands)
 
Investment securities:
 
 Cash and short-term investments.................   $  8,241   $  8,241   $  7,255  $  7,255
 Investments and mortgage-backed securities......     26,932     26,846     22,029    21,661
 
 Loans receivable, net...........................    343,852    342,963    324,711   320,689
 Other financial assets..........................      3,173      3,173      2,763     2,763
 
Financial liabilities:
 
 Demand deposits..................................    99,629     99,629    124,254   124,254
 Certificates of deposit..........................   184,279    184,410    152,645   151,676
 Federal Home Loan Bank Advances..................    60,036     60,420     47,695    47,996
 
 Other borrowings.................................     9,332      9,341      3,118     3,118
 
Off-balance-sheet financial instruments:
 
 Commitments to extend credit.....................         -        (13)         -      (623)

</TABLE>

    

                            STOCK MARKET INFORMATION
 
  Northbay Financial Corporation common stock is listed on the American Stock
Exchange (AMEX). Ticker Symbol is NBF.

  The number of record holders of common stock of Northbay Financial
Corporation as of the record date, August 23, 1995, was approximately 832
including those shares registered in names of various investment brokers held in
account for their customers.

                                      F-32
<PAGE>
 
  The common stock initially began trading on April 11, 1989. The following
table sets forth the range of closing common stock prices as reported by AMEX,
adjusted for a 10% stock dividend on June 24, 1994 and a 20% stock dividend on
October 28,1994, for each quarter during the last two fiscal years ended June
30, 1995 and 1994, as follows:

   

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                  1995     1994
                        High      Low      High       Low
                       ------    ------    ----      ------
<S>                    <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
First Quarter.......   16        14 1/2    12 7/8    11 5/8
Second Quarter......   16 3/8    13 3/4    13        12 1/4
Third Quarter.......   14 1/2    12 5/8    13        12
Fourth Quarter......   14 5/8    13        15 7/8    11 1/2

</TABLE>

    

          Cash dividends have been paid as follows: $ .10 per share on July 30,
1993; $ .10 per share on October 29, 1993; $. 10 per share on January 29, 1994;
$. 10 per share on April 29, 1994; $ .11 per share on July 20, 1994; $ .11 per
share on October 19, 1994; $ .11 per share on January 18, 1995; and $ .11 per
share on April 19, 1995. On June 21, 1995, the Board of Directors declared an $
 .11 per share cash dividend to shareholders of record as of July 5, 1995, to be
paid July 19, 1995.

                                      F-33
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      APPENDIX G

                         NORTHBAY FINANCIAL CORPORATION

                        SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                                 MARCH 29, 1996

     The undersigned hereby appoints the Board of Directors of Northbay
Financial Corporation ("Northbay"), with full powers of substitution, to act as
attorneys and proxies for the undersigned to vote all shares of Common Stock of
Northbay which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of
Stockholders (the "Meeting") to be held at the Petaluma Community Center located
at 320 North McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma, California on March 29, 1996 at 3:00
p.m., Petaluma, California time, and at any and all adjournments and
postponements thereof, as follows:.

1.   A proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated November 9,
     1995 (the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which (i) Northbay will be
     merged with and into Bank of the West ("Bank West"), and (ii) each
     outstanding share of Northbay Common Stock would be converted into the
     right to receive $15.75 in cash, subject to potential downward adjustment,
     as provided in the Merger Agreement, to a floor of $15.375 in cash,
     without interest, all on and subject to the terms and conditions contained
     in the Merger Agreement.

     [ ] FOR    [ ] AGAINST    [ ] VOTE WITHHELD


2.   A proposal to adjourn the Meeting to solicit additional proxies in the
     event there are not sufficient votes to approve the foregoing proposal.

     [ ] FOR    [ ] AGAINST    [ ] VOTE WITHHELD

     In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote on any other
business that may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or
postponement thereof.

     THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE SPECIFIED,
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSALS ABOVE. IF ANY OTHER BUSINESS IS
PRESENTED AT THE MEETING, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED BY THOSE NAMED IN THIS PROXY
IN THEIR BEST JUDGMENT.  AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS KNOWS OF NO
OTHER BUSINESS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE MEETING.

         The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" the proposals.

                                    (Continued and to be SIGNED on Reverse Side)

                                      G-1
<PAGE>
 
          THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     Should the undersigned be present and choose to vote at the Meeting or at
any adjournments or postponements thereof, and after notification to the
Secretary of Northbay at the Meeting of the stockholder's decision to terminate
this proxy, then the power of such attorneys or proxies shall be deemed
terminated and of no further force and effect.  This proxy may also be revoked
by filing a written notice of revocation with the Secretary of Northbay  or by
duly executing a proxy bearing a later date.

     The undersigned acknowledges receipt from Northbay, prior to the execution
of this proxy, of Notice of the Meeting and the Proxy Statement.



Dated:  ___________________, 1996      _________________________________________
                                       Signature of Stockholder



                                       _________________________________________
                                       Signature of Stockholder

                                       Please sign exactly as your name(s)
                                       appear(s) to the left.  When signing as
                                       attorney, executor, administrator,
                                       trustee or guardian, please give your
                                       full title.  If shares are held jointly,
                                       each holder should sign.

PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND MAIL THIS PROXY PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED
POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.

                                      G-2


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