The banking regulator reached out to banks late Thursday seeking indications of interest, including a proposed price and estimated cost to the agency's deposit insurance fund, the report said. Based on those submissions on Friday, FDIC invited at least two firms to the next step in the bidding, the report added, citing people familiar with the matter. The news comes as FDIC is preparing to place First Republic under receivership imminently, after the regulator decided the troubled regional lender's position has deteriorated and there is no more time to pursue a rescue through the private sector.