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Feds Seize Florida Bank in $4.9B Bust

BankUnited sold off to private equity consortium

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted May 22, 2009 5:05 AM CDT

(Newser) – Florida's BankUnited went bust yesterday as the FDIC seized the critically undercapitalized bank and sold it off to a private-equity team including Blackstone, reports the Wall Street Journal. BankUnited's troubles stemmed from overeager moves in the housing market. It specialized in loans for foreigners wanting to buy Florida property. After Indymac, BankUnited is the largest bank failure since the start of the financial crisis. The already weakened FDIC reckons the bust will cost it $4.9 billion.

For Sale signs line the front yards of several houses in a Hollywood, Fla., neighborhood.
For Sale signs line the front yards of several houses in a Hollywood, Fla., neighborhood.   (AP Photo/Marianne Armshaw)
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. was appointed receiver of Florida's BankUnited yesterday.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. was appointed receiver of Florida's BankUnited yesterday.   (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Stephen A Schwarzman, chairman and CEO of Blackstone Group. Blackstone is part of a consortium that has acquired BankUnited, the failed Florida bank.
Stephen A Schwarzman, chairman and CEO of Blackstone Group. Blackstone is part of a consortium that has acquired BankUnited, the failed Florida bank.   (AP Photo/Osamu Honda)
FDIC Chair Sheila Bair\ listens to a question on Capitol Hill earlier this month.
FDIC Chair Sheila Bair\ listens to a question on Capitol Hill earlier this month.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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