================================================================================ UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ---------- FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 6, 2006 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 0-18630 95-4274680 (State or other jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer of incorporation) File Number) Identification No.) 777 North Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90012 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (213) 625-4700 Not Applicable (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: [ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) [ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(d) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) ================================================================================ ITEM 8.01 OTHER EVENTS On July 6, 2006, Cathay General Bancorp announced in a press release that it has entered into an agreement to acquire New Asia Bancorp and New Asia Bank based in Chicago, Illinois. That press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1. ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS (d) Exhibits 99.1 Press Release of Cathay General Bancorp dated July 6, 2006. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. Date: July 6, 2006 CATHAY GENERAL BANCORP By: /s/ Heng W. Chen ---------------------------- Heng W. Chen Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer EXHIBIT INDEX Number Exhibit ------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 99.1 Press Release of Cathay General Bancorp dated July 6, 2006.