Merger Agreement Between First Financial Bancorp. and Finward Bancorp

First Financial Bancorp. and Finward Bancorp have entered into a Merger Agreement, where Finward Bancorp will merge with First Financial Bancorp. The merger is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval from Finward's shareholders. Each share of Finward's common stock will be converted into 1.35 shares of First Financial Bancorp's common stock. The agreement includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants from both parties, as well as indemnification provisions for directors and officers. The merger agreement is terminable under specific circumstances, with a potential termination fee of $9.0 million payable by Seller to the Company. Additionally, First Financial Bancorp. announced its financial results for the first six months and second quarter of 2026 on July 21, 2026.