#United States #Cincinnati #First Financial #FFBC #Westfield Bank

First Financial Bancorp Completes Acquisition of Westfield Bancorp

Date: November 3, 2025
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

In a strategic move marking a significant milestone for the organization, First Financial Bancorp has announced the completion of its acquisition of Westfield Bancorp, Inc. This transaction, involving both cash and stock, comes through the involvement of Ohio Farmers Insurance Company, effectively consolidating the operations of Westfield Bank, FSB under the First Financial umbrella.

This acquisition is pivotal as it elevates First Financial's total assets to an impressive $20.6 billion, solidifying its role in the Midwest financial landscape. With a strong emphasis on providing a diverse array of banking solutions, the acquisition positions First Financial strongly to serve both consumer and business sectors across this key region.

Archie Brown, the current President and CEO of First Financial, expressed enthusiasm regarding this expansion, stating, "This is an exciting step in the growth of First Financial, as the addition of Westfield Bank opens new possibilities for growth and profitability for us in an attractive market." He highlighted the potential for delivering their comprehensive range of services — including consumer, commercial, specialty lending, and wealth management — to a broader client base.

As part of the transition, all retail locations of Westfield Bank will continue under its existing name until March 2026, when a coordinated conversion process is slated to begin. Clients at Westfield Bank can expect to receive detailed correspondence about any account changes in the upcoming months but are assured that no immediate action is necessary. Concurrently, First Financial clients will experience no disruption as operations meld.

This acquisition aligns with First Financial's overall growth strategy. Just recently, the company broadened its commercial lending services into Northeast Ohio. The momentum continues with the earlier announcement of a planned acquisition of BankFinancial Corporation in Chicago, further enhancing First Financial's footprint in urban financial services. This aggressive growth strategy also includes an established presence in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The underlying foundation of First Financial's expansion underscores its well-established Midwestern roots, particularly in key cities like Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus in Ohio, Indianapolis in Indiana, and Louisville in Kentucky.

First Financial Bancorp. operates as a Cincinnati-based bank holding company. As of September 30, 2025, the company reported $18.6 billion in total assets, a notable $11.7 billion in loans, and $14.4 billion in deposits. Additionally, with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1863, the company maintains a strong banking legacy through its subsidiary, First Financial Bank.

Operating through six distinct lines of business — Commercial Banking, Retail Banking, Investment Commercial Real Estate, Mortgage Banking, Commercial Finance, and Wealth Management — First Financial is well-positioned to deliver traditional banking services alongside specialized financial products tailored for both business and retail clients. The company's Wealth Management services have approximately $4.0 billion in assets under management as of the last reporting period, underpinning its commitment to client financial independence and growth.

With a network of 127 full-service banking centers spread across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois, First Financial aims to enhance client engagement through its Commercial Finance sector, which provides services to targeted markets nationwide.

Looking ahead, First Financial shows a strong trajectory of success and acclaim. In 2025, it proudly received an Outstanding rating from the Federal Reserve for performance under the Community Reinvestment Act and was celebrated with a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, joining an elite group of global recipients.

For additional information on First Financial Bancorp, including services and banking locations, visit their official website at www.bankatfirst.com.

In conclusion, the successful completion of the Westfield Bancorp acquisition signals not only growth for First Financial but a strengthened capacity to serve a broader clientele in the Midwest, showcasing a robust potential for future successes in the banking industry.