Filed by Umpqua Holdings Corporation

(Commission File No.: 001-34624)

Pursuant to Rule 425 of the Securities Act of 1933

and deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Subject Company: Sterling Financial Corporation

(Commission File No.: 001-34696)

The following associate information kit was sent to the employees of Sterling Financial

Corporation on September 12, 2013.

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