First Financial gets regulatory approval for BankFinancial acquisition

Core Viewpoint - First Financial has received regulatory approval for its acquisition of BankFinancial, which is valued at approximately $142 million in an all-stock deal [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition agreement allows BankFinancial shareholders to receive 0.48 shares of First Financial for each share they hold [1]. - The merger has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is expected to close by January 1, 2026, pending customary closing conditions and shareholder approval [2]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - This acquisition is aimed at expanding First Financial's presence in the Chicagoland area, where BankFinancial operates 18 financial centers [2]. - Upon completion, First Financial will take over BankFinancial's consumer and wealth management services, along with all its employees, and will add selected commercial credit lines to its existing operations [3]. Group 3: Recent Acquisitions - Last month, First Financial completed the acquisition of Westfield Bancorp and its subsidiary, Westfield Bank, in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at $325 million [4]. - The retail locations and services of Westfield Bank will operate under First Financial's network until the conversion process is completed, which is anticipated by March 2026 [4].