#United States #Acquisition #Cincinnati #First Financial #BankFinancial

First Financial Bancorp Receives Regulatory Approval for Acquisition of BankFinancial

In a significant step towards expansion, First Financial Bancorp (Nasdaq: FFBC) has successfully gained regulatory approval for its acquisition of Chicago-based BankFinancial Corporation. This approval comes from both the Federal Reserve and the Ohio Department of Financial Institutions, marking a pivotal moment for First Financial as it aims to strengthen its foothold in the banking sector.

The expected completion date for this acquisition is set for January 1, 2026, pending customary closing conditions and the necessary approval from BankFinancial shareholders. This all-stock transaction is valued at approximately $142 million as per the merger agreement revealed in August 2025.

Background of the Acquisition

The acquisition of BankFinancial reflects First Financial's strategic initiative to grow its service offerings by integrating BankFinancial's operations. First Financial, a bank holding company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, has shown an impressive growth trajectory with substantial assets totaling $18.6 billion, significant loans of $11.7 billion, and deposits reaching $14.4 billion as of September 30, 2025.

Founded in 1863, First Financial has established itself through various service lines, including Commercial Banking, Retail Banking, Investment Commercial Real Estate, Mortgage Banking, Commercial Finance, and Wealth Management. This acquisition is poised to enhance First Financial's existing services, ultimately creating better opportunities for both retail and business clients.

What This Means for Customers

With the planned merger, customers can expect an expanded range of financial products and services. First Financial is committed to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional banking solutions while fostering growth and innovation. The bank operates through 127 full-service banking centers situated across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois, ensuring that the access to these enhanced banking services will be readily available.

The transition will be smooth, with further details to be made available to customers via bankatfirst.com. Customers can look forward to more personalized financial solutions as First Financial aims to leverage BankFinancial's portfolio for an improved banking experience.

Recognition and Awards

In addition to its ongoing expansion efforts, First Financial Bank has proudly received an Outstanding rating from the Federal Reserve for its performance under the Community Reinvestment Act for two consecutive years. This accolade emphasizes the bank's commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. Furthermore, First Financial was recently honored as a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner, a testament to its dedication to fostering an enriching workplace environment for its employees.

Conclusion

In summary, the regulatory approval for First Financial's acquisition of BankFinancial underscores the bank's growth plans and strategic vision for expanding its service offerings. As the final steps towards completion are prepared, both organizations look ahead with optimism for integrating their operations and enhancing customer service. Shareholders of BankFinancial will soon have the opportunity to vote on the prospective merger, paving the way for anticipated changes in 2026 that could significantly impact the banking landscape in the regions served.

As the financial services sector navigates through evolving dynamics, First Financial Bancorp stands prepared to lead new initiatives that will reflect in enhanced client satisfaction and broader service capabilities.