First Republic Bank Considers Sale and Receives Support from Big Banks and Financial Institutions.

First Republic Bank, one of the nation's larger institutions, is exploring options to shore up its finances and calm jittery investors, including a possible sale to a larger rival or a financial rescue that could include a quick injection of new cash. The bank's shares have plunged 60% since last Thursday, and its credit rating has been downgraded to junk levels. Deposit withdrawals have also increased, with roughly two-thirds of First Republic's deposits above the federally insured limit of $250,000.