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First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) has agreed to acquire BankFinancial Corporation (BFIN) in a stock transaction valued at approximately $142 million. This acquisition aims to expand FFBC’s presence in the Chicagoland area, enhancing its service offerings.
Under the agreement, BankFinancial shareholders will receive 0.48 shares of First Financial for each share they hold. The deal is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and shareholder consent.
Upon completion, the integration will bring BankFinancial’s 18 financial centers into First Financial’s network, bolstering its market reach in Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Both companies’ boards have unanimously approved the transaction.
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