Two of the largest and most tech-savvy credit unions on the West Coast, Addison Avenue FCU of Palo Alto, Calif., and First Tech CU of Beaverton, Ore. are planning a merger this summer, creating a nearly $5 billion institution that could chart a new path for CU consolidation among like-minded partners.

The proposed Addison-First Tech combination, which will retain the First Tech name and Addison's federal charter with multiple corporate offices, is subject to regulatory and membership approval but aims to be final by the end of the second quarter, officials said.

The combined credit union, with 320,000 members and 38 branches nationwide, will have a branch presence in 10 states and a much sought after membership representing a clientele well-versed in online, investment and social media vehicles, ranging from I-Pods to Twitter. The combined CU would also be in the top 15 largest credit unions in the U.S.