Overview
Barack Ferrazzano served as legal counsel to Finward Bancorp, the Munster, Indiana-based holding company for Peoples Bank, in connection with its acquisition by First Financial Bancorp. The all-stock transaction is valued at approximately $208 million and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, regulatory approvals, and approval of Finward's shareholders.
The transaction expands First Financial's presence in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana markets, adding Finward's 24 financial center locations and a core deposit franchise built over 116 years. Finward has approximately $2.0 billion in assets, $1.7 billion in deposits, $1.5 billion in loans, and $412 million in assets under management. Under the terms of the agreement, each outstanding share of Finward common stock will be converted into the right to receive 1.35 shares of First Financial common stock.
Barack Ferrazzano's Financial Institutions team was led by partner Abdul R. Mitha with assistance from associate Camryn C. Dreyer. Compensation and benefits matters were handled by partner Andrew K. Strimaitis and associate Christopher R. Boyd.
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