First Financial Bancorp Announces Merger with Finward, Reports Q2 2026 Results

What Happened
First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) announced on July 21, 2026 that it entered into a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger to acquire Finward Bancorp (Finward), with Finward to merge into First Financial and Finward’s Peoples Bank to merge into First Financial Bank. The boards of both companies unanimously approved the Merger; the exchange ratio is 1.35 shares of First Financial common stock for each outstanding Finward share. The companies expect the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions including Finward shareholder approval, regulatory approvals (including the Federal Reserve and the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions), NASDAQ listing authorization and effectiveness of a Form S-4. Separately, First Financial filed its Q2 and first-half 2026 earnings press release and an investor presentation to accompany its earnings call.

Key Details

• Merger consideration: 1.35 shares of First Financial common stock for each Finward share outstanding.
• Timing: Expected close in Q4 2026; Merger Agreement signed July 21, 2026.
• Approvals required: Finward shareholder vote, Fed and state regulatory approvals, NASDAQ listing authorization, and Form S-4 effectiveness.
• Other terms: $9.0 million termination fee payable by Finward in certain circumstances; indemnification and D&O coverage for Finward directors for six years (with an annual cost cap of 300% of Finward’s current premium).
• Disclosures: Earnings press release and investor presentation (to be used in investor/analyst meetings) were filed as exhibits and are available on the company website.

Why It Matters
This is a strategic acquisition that will combine First Financial and Finward’s banking operations; the stock-for-stock exchange (1.35 ratio) will dilute First Financial common shares but expands its footprint and loan/deposit base if closed. The transaction remains subject to shareholder and multiple regulatory approvals, so closing is not guaranteed and timing could change. Investors should review the company’s Q2/1H 2026 earnings release and the forthcoming Form S-4/proxy materials for full financial details, integration plans, and impacts on earnings and capital.