Group 1 - First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) has agreed to acquire BankFinancial Corporation (BFIN) in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $142 million, aiming to strengthen its presence in the Chicagoland market [1][7] - BankFinancial shareholders will receive 0.48 shares of First Financial for each share they hold, with the transaction expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and shareholder consent [2] - The acquisition will integrate BankFinancial's consumer and wealth management services into First Financial's operations, ensuring continuity in client relationships and community engagement [3] Group 2 - The acquisition will add 18 BankFinancial financial centers to First Financial's network, enhancing its market reach across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois [4][7] - This move aligns with FFBC's broader Midwest growth strategy, which includes a prior agreement to acquire Westfield Bank in Northeast Ohio and ongoing expansion into Chicago, Cleveland, and Grand Rapids [5] - Archie Brown, president and CEO of First Financial, emphasized that the addition of BankFinancial's centers will provide Chicago clients with a broader range of banking and specialty solutions [6] Group 3 - Over the past year, shares of First Financial have decreased by 1.9%, contrasting with the industry's growth of 15.1% [6] - FFBC currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating positive market sentiment [9]