First Financial Corporation and CedarStone Financial, Inc. Sign Merger Agreement

Core Viewpoint - First Financial Corporation has announced its acquisition of CedarStone Financial, Inc. for $19.12 per share, totaling an aggregate value of $25 million, which will enhance First Financial's presence in the Nashville market [1][4][5]. Group 1: Transaction Details - First Financial will acquire CedarStone at a price of $19.12 per share, amounting to $25 million for the entire transaction [1]. - The merger will result in CedarStone Bank merging into First Financial Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of First Financial [1]. - The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory and stockholder approvals [5]. Group 2: Company Profiles - CedarStone, based in Lebanon, Tennessee, has approximately $358 million in assets and operates three branches in Tennessee, serving Lebanon, Mount Juliet, and Nashville [2]. - First Financial, headquartered in Terre Haute, Indiana, has assets of approximately $5.7 billion and operates 79 banking centers across five states. Post-merger, the combined assets are expected to reach approximately $6.1 billion [3]. Group 3: Leadership Comments - Norman D. Lowery, President and CEO of First Financial, expressed excitement about the acquisition, highlighting the opportunity to expand in the Nashville market and maintain CedarStone's commitment to customer relationships [4]. - Bob McDonald, President and CEO of CedarStone, noted the benefits for stakeholders and customers, emphasizing stability and growth opportunities from the merger with First Financial [5].