SOUDERTON, PA-This follows Univest's purchase of First County Bank of Doylestown, PA earlier this year. Together, this year's acquisitions expand the Univest banking realm to include 36 branches in Bucks and Montgomery counties.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL-Stiles Corp., based here, is developing the five centers in Florida. On behalf of its investors, Prudential will own the centers once they are complete, slated for late next year. Sources estimate the combined sales to be worth more than $50 million.

SEATTLE-Washington Mutual Inc. says it will open three new multifamily lending offices by the end of 2003 in Boston, Miami and Washington, DC. Last fall, the bank opened an office in New York City that generated $450 million in applications in its first 120 days.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ-Despite vocal opposition by a minority contingent, council gives its blessing for construction of the city's tallest buildings. The 11-building project includes 13-story twin towers, rising 143 ft into the air to break the city's 72-ft height barrier.