Globenewswire·2026-02-02 13:00Core Viewpoint - First Merchants Corporation and First Savings Financial Group have completed a merger, enhancing their capabilities to serve Indiana communities and creating a stronger financial entity with significant assets [1][3]. Company Overview - First Savings Bank, headquartered in Jeffersonville, Indiana, has total assets of $2.4 billion, total loans of $1.9 billion, and total deposits of $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2025 [2]. - First Merchants Corporation will have approximately $21.4 billion in assets post-merger, making it the second largest financial holding company in Indiana [3]. Merger Details - The merger was finalized following regulatory approvals and became effective on February 1, 2026, through a stock transaction [1]. - The integration of First Savings Bank into First Merchants Bank is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026 [3]. Leadership Statements - Mark Hardwick, CEO of First Merchants Corporation, emphasized the merger's potential to enhance service capabilities while maintaining a community-focused approach [3]. - Larry Myers, President and CEO of First Savings Bank, highlighted the shared commitment to exceptional service and community engagement between the two banks [3]. Additional Information - First Merchants Corporation operates as a financial holding company with one full-service bank charter, First Merchants Bank, and also includes First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors [4]. - The common stock of First Merchants Corporation is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol FRME [5].