Lakewood-based FirstBank Holding Co., owner of Colorado's FirstBanks, posted third-quarter net income of $27.8 million, up 7.3 percent from $25.9 million in 2007's third quarter. The privately held company reported earnings per share of $212.87, up 7.9 percent from $197.32 in the prior-year period.

Deposits of $7.93 billion at Sept. 30 were up 5.0 percent from the year before, while loans of $3.89 billion were up 20.4 percent. The company reported assets of $9.29 billion.

The company is the second-largest bank in Colorado by deposits.