BANKING

Great Western Buys Failed Florida S&L;: The Beverly Hills thrift continued its expansion into Florida by acquiring 23 branches of the First, a failed thrift in Orlando, from the federal Resolution Trust Corp. During the past 16 months, Great Western has acquired the branches of six Florida thrifts, and its deposits in the state now total $7.7 billion. The RTC said Great Western paid $23.4 million and will assume $969.7 million in deposits and other liabilities. The First’s failure is expected to cost taxpayers $170.7 million.