BankFinancial CORP Material Event - What Happened

Hey there! Let's break down what's going on with BankFinancial CORP in a way that makes sense, without all the confusing finance talk. Think of this as me explaining a news story to you over coffee.

---

1. What happened?

Alright, so here's the main scoop: BankFinancial CORP's shareholders just gave the green light for the company to merge with another bank, First Financial Bancorp. This means BankFinancial CORP will essentially become part of First Financial Bancorp.

• In simple terms: BankFinancial CORP just announced that its owners (shareholders) have overwhelmingly approved a plan for the company to join forces with First Financial Bancorp. Basically, they're becoming one bigger bank, with BankFinancial CORP merging into First Financial Bancorp.

2. When did it happen?

This news officially came out on December 18, 2025, which is when the special meeting for shareholders took place and the votes were counted. The merger agreement itself was originally signed on August 11, 2025.

3. Why did it happen?

So, why did this all go down? Well, it wasn't out of the blue. It looks like both banks felt they could be stronger together. BankFinancial CORP likely saw an opportunity to become part of a larger entity, potentially gaining more resources, a wider customer base, and perhaps more efficient operations by combining with First Financial Bancorp.

• In simple terms: It looks like both banks felt they could be stronger together. BankFinancial CORP was looking for a partner to help them offer more services, expand their reach, and potentially cut down on some costs by joining a larger organization.

4. Why does this matter?

Okay, so what's the big deal? Why should you care? This event is important because it signifies a major change for BankFinancial CORP. It means the company, as it currently exists, will cease to be an independent entity and will be absorbed by First Financial Bancorp. This is a huge step towards creating a larger, combined banking operation.

• In simple terms: This is a big deal because it means BankFinancial CORP will become part of a much larger bank. They'll have more branches, more customers, and potentially more money to lend out under the First Financial Bancorp umbrella. It could make them a stronger player in the banking world, but also means a lot of work to combine two companies.

5. Who is affected?

This kind of news usually touches a few different groups of people:

• Customers: If you're a customer, you might see new branch locations, new services, or even a change in your account numbers or online banking as the two banks integrate. They'll usually send out notices about any big changes well in advance.
• Employees: Employees at both banks might be wondering about their jobs. Mergers often lead to some roles being combined or eliminated, but also new opportunities within a bigger company. There will be a lot of work to integrate teams and systems.
• Investors/Shareholders: If you own shares of BankFinancial CORP, this is very significant. Your shares will likely be converted into shares of First Financial Bancorp or a cash payment, according to the terms of the merger agreement. The fact that shareholders approved it means the merger is now moving forward, and the value of your investment will soon reflect the terms of that deal.

6. What happens next?

So, what's the game plan from here? Now that shareholders have approved the merger, the two banks will continue the process of combining their operations. This involves getting final approvals from regulators, merging computer systems, and figuring out who does what. It usually takes several months, sometimes even a year or more, before everything is fully integrated.

• In simple terms: Now, the two banks will start the long process of combining their operations. This involves getting approvals from regulators, merging computer systems, and figuring out who does what. It usually takes several months, sometimes even a year or more, before everything is fully integrated.

7. What should investors/traders know?

If you're thinking about buying, selling, or just watching BankFinancial CORP stock, here are a few practical things to keep in mind:

• Keep an eye on: Watch for updates on the merger's progress, especially any news about regulatory approvals or how smoothly the integration is going. Also, pay attention to the specific terms of the merger – what shareholders of BankFinancial CORP will receive for their shares (e.g., how many shares of First Financial Bancorp, or how much cash).
• Potential impact on stock price: The stock price of BankFinancial CORP will likely trade very closely to the value of the merger consideration (what shareholders are getting) as the closing date approaches. Once the merger is complete, BankFinancial CORP stock will no longer trade independently.
• Don't panic, but be informed: Don't make rash decisions based on one piece of news. Do your own research, understand the bigger picture, and consider how this fits into your overall investment strategy.