UCBH to restate results, sees wider 2008 loss

* Sees 2008 pre-tax loss wider by about $45-$55 mln

* Will not file quarterly report until it completes probe

May 20 (Reuters) - UCBH Holdings Inc UCBH.O said it will restate results for the first quarter and 2008, after the bank holding firm re-examined its non-performing assets portfolio.

UCBH said in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that the investigation revealed that certain loan impairments, and related reserves and charge-offs, which had been recorded during the first quarter, should have been recorded in the fourth quarter.

Related corrections may result in an increase in 2008 pre-tax loss of about $45 million to $55 million, but this analysis remains preliminary and has not yet been finalized, the company added.

The re-examination has also resulted in the need to record additional general valuation allowances in the first quarter, UCBH said.

The company said its audit committee was also conducting an independent probe regarding the recognition of impairment losses on non-performing loans and other real estate owned.

UCBH also said it will not file its first-quarter report or an amendment to its 2008 annual report until it finished the re-examination.

Shares of the San Francisco-based parent of United Commercial Bank closed at $1.61 (Reporting by Amiteshwar Singh in Bangalore; Editing by Anil D'Silva)