[LETTERHEAD OF STERNE AGEE & LEACH, INC.]
August 8, 2012
Via Facsimile and Edgar
(202) 772-9216
Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20549
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration Number 333-182106)
Request for Acceleration of Effectiveness
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In accordance with Rule 461 of Regulation C promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, we hereby join LaPorte Bancorp Inc. in requesting that the effective date of the above-referenced Registration Statement be accelerated so that it will become effective at 3:00 p.m. on August 10, 2012, or as soon thereafter as may be practicable.
| | Very Truly Yours, |
| | |
| | Sterne Agee & Leach, Inc. |
| | |
| | |
| | /s/ Robert Toma |
| | Name: Robert Toma |
| | Title: Director |
