FAR WEST FINANCIAL &lt;FWF> TO BUY PROGRESSIVE

  Progressive Savings and Loan
  Association &lt;PRSL> said it has agreed in principle to be
  purchased by Far West Financial Corp's Far West Savings and
  Loan Association.
      The acquisition would be a cash merger, with Progressive
  shareholders receiving up to three dlrs per share, the company
  said.
      Progressive Savings has assets of about 500 mln dlrs and
  operates ten offices in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
      The agreement is subject to federal and shareholder
  approval.
  

