Prnewswire·2025-12-31 21:59Core Viewpoint - First Financial Bancorp is set to complete its acquisition of BankFinancial Corporation on January 1, 2026, enhancing its presence in the Chicago market with retail consumer-focused locations [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition is an all-stock transaction that will add BankFinancial's 18 financial centers and its commercial loan, lease, and deposit lines of business to First Financial [2][3]. - Following the acquisition, First Financial will have $22 billion in assets and will expand its range of consumer, commercial, specialty lending, and wealth management services [2][3]. Group 2: Strategic Growth - The acquisition aligns with First Financial's strategy to grow in the Midwest, having previously established a commercial lending presence in Chicago's Fulton Market and acquired Agile Premium Finance in 2024 [4]. - In November 2025, First Financial completed the acquisition of Westfield Bank, further enhancing its commercial banking and wealth management capabilities in Northeast Ohio [4]. Group 3: Operational Transition - BankFinancial locations will continue to operate under their existing name until the conversion process is completed, expected by June 2026, which will integrate the two banks' products and systems [3]. - Clients of BankFinancial will receive information regarding account conversions in the coming months, while First Financial clients will not be affected by the merger [3]. Group 4: Company Overview - As of September 30, 2025, First Financial Bancorp had $18.6 billion in assets, $11.7 billion in loans, $14.4 billion in deposits, and $2.6 billion in shareholders' equity [5]. - The company operates 127 full-service banking centers across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois, and has a wealth management division with approximately $4.0 billion in assets under management [5].