# Finward Bancorp (FNWD) — merger/definitive [pending]
Source: SEC API (secapi.ai) · situation sit_6edc49ec67d8a65b44c1 · retrieved 2026-08-12T21:21:39.185Z

## Overview
Finward Bancorp is a federally chartered savings institution based in Munster, Indiana, operating as Peoples Bank with a legacy of serving customers and communities in the region.

Finward Bancorp (formerly Peoples Bank) announced a merger with First Financial Bank, a highly respected regional bank with a strong track record of growth throughout the Midwest. The transaction is expected to create opportunities for growth and development while strengthening commitments to employees, customers, shareholders, and communities. First Financial intends to file a Registration Statement on Form S-4 to register shares of First Financial common stock to be issued in connection with the proposed transaction, with shareholder approval required from Finward.

## Terms
- Counterparty: First Financial Bank · Consideration: stock · Price/share: $1.35

## Key dates
- Announced 2026-07-21 · Expected close 2026-12-31

## Timeline
- 2026-07-21 · 8-K (0001193125-26-310388): 8-K - Finward Bancorp — *Finward Bancorp is an Indiana bank holding company that owns Peoples Bank, an Indiana state-chartered bank.* On July 21, 2026, Finward Bancorp (an Indiana bank holding company) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with First Financial Bancorp. (an Ohio bank holding company). Under the merger agreement, each share of Finward common stock will be converted into the right to receive 1.35 shares of First Financial common stock. The merger has been unanimously approved by both boards of directors and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals and shareholder approval of Finward. Finward's banking subsidiary, Peoples Bank, will merge into First Financial Bank.
  https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/919864/0001193125-26-310388.txt
- 2026-07-21 · 425 (0001193125-26-310393): 425 - Finward Bancorp — *Finward Bancorp is an Indiana-chartered bank holding company that owns Peoples Bank, an Indiana state-chartered bank, and operates as a financial holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act.* On July 21, 2026, Finward Bancorp (an Indiana corporation) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with First Financial Bancorp. (an Ohio corporation), whereby Finward will merge into First Financial, with First Financial as the surviving corporation. Each share of Finward common stock outstanding at the effective time will be converted into the right to receive 1.35 shares of First Financial common stock. The merger is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals and approval by Finward shareholders. Finward's wholly owned banking subsidiary, Peoples Bank, will merge into First Financial Bank.
  https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/919864/0001193125-26-310393.txt
- 2026-07-21 · 425 (0001104659-26-085426): 425 - Finward Bancorp — *First Financial Bancorp. is an Ohio-based national commercial bank holding company.* On July 21, 2026, First Financial Bancorp. (FFBC), an Ohio corporation, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Finward Bancorp, an Indiana corporation. Under the merger agreement, each share of Finward common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time will be converted into the right to receive 1.35 shares of First Financial Bancorp. common stock. The merger is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals and approval of Finward's shareholders. Finward's wholly owned banking subsidiary, Peoples Bank, will merge with and into First Financial Bank, First Financial Bancorp.'s wholly owned banking subsidiary.
  https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/919864/0001104659-26-085426.txt
- 2026-07-21 · 425 (0001193125-26-310467): 425 - Finward Bancorp — *Finward Bancorp is a federally chartered savings institution based in Munster, Indiana, operating as Peoples Bank with a legacy of serving customers and communities in the region.* Finward Bancorp (formerly Peoples Bank) announced a merger with First Financial Bank, a highly respected regional bank with a strong track record of growth throughout the Midwest. The transaction is expected to create opportunities for growth and development while strengthening commitments to employees, customers, shareholders, and communities. First Financial intends to file a Registration Statement on Form S-4 to register shares of First Financial common stock to be issued in connection with the proposed transaction, with shareholder approval required from Finward.
  https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/919864/0001193125-26-310467.txt

## Citations
- 0001193125-26-310388 — https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?action=getcompany&type=&dateb=&owner=include&count=40&search_text=000119312526310388
- 0001193125-26-310393 — https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?action=getcompany&type=&dateb=&owner=include&count=40&search_text=000119312526310393
- 0001104659-26-085426 — https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?action=getcompany&type=&dateb=&owner=include&count=40&search_text=000110465926085426
- 0001193125-26-310467 — https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?action=getcompany&type=&dateb=&owner=include&count=40&search_text=000119312526310467