BankFinancial CORP Material Event - What Happened

Hey there! Let's break down some news about BankFinancial CORP so you can understand what's going on without needing a finance degree. Think of this as me explaining it to you over coffee.

---

1. What happened?

Okay, so BankFinancial CORP, which is the company behind BankFinancial, just announced something pretty significant. BankFinancial CORP has been acquired by another company, First Financial Bancorp. This means BankFinancial, as a standalone company, no longer exists. Its banking operations (BankFinancial, National Association) have also merged into First Financial's bank (First Financial Bank). It's like BankFinancial got absorbed into a bigger entity.

2. When did it happen?

This merger officially closed and became effective on January 1, 2026. The agreement for this merger was actually made back on August 11, 2025. So, it's fresh off the press!

3. Why did it happen?

Companies don't just make big changes for no reason. While the filing doesn't go into the exact "why" from BankFinancial's perspective, mergers like this usually happen because both companies believe they'll be stronger together. For BankFinancial, it likely means joining a larger organization with more resources, potentially expanding services, or achieving greater efficiency. For First Financial Bancorp, it means growing its footprint and customer base. It's a strategic move to combine forces and create a bigger, potentially more competitive bank.

4. Why does this matter?

This is the "so what?" moment. This is a huge deal because BankFinancial CORP, as a separate company, has ceased to exist. It's no longer an independent entity. All its operations, assets, and liabilities are now part of First Financial Bancorp. This isn't just a change in strategy; it's a complete transformation where one company has been absorbed by another.

5. Who is affected?

• Customers: Your bank, BankFinancial, is now officially part of First Financial Bank. This means you'll likely see changes to branding, services, and potentially your local branch over time as they integrate. Your accounts are now with First Financial Bank.
• Employees: All of BankFinancial's directors and executive officers have stopped serving. This kind of merger often leads to significant changes for other employees as well, as roles are consolidated and integrated into the larger First Financial organization.
• Investors/Shareholders: If you owned BankFinancial stock, you no longer own shares in BankFinancial. Instead, for every share of BankFinancial stock you had, you now own 0.480 of a share of common stock in First Financial Bancorp. BankFinancial's stock has been delisted from NASDAQ, meaning it's no longer traded there, and the company will stop filing public reports.
• The Community: Any communities served by BankFinancial branches will now have First Financial Bank branches. This could mean changes in local banking services, but the goal is usually a smooth transition for customers.

6. What happens next?

This isn't the end of the story; it's usually just the beginning of a new chapter. The merger itself is complete. The immediate next steps involve fully integrating BankFinancial's operations, systems, and customers into First Financial. For investors, BankFinancial stock is being delisted, and the company will stop its public reporting. For former BankFinancial shareholders, the process of converting their shares into First Financial Bancorp shares will be finalized.

7. What should investors/traders know?

For those of you who owned BankFinancial CORP stock or were thinking about it, here's the practical stuff:

• Your investment has changed: If you owned BankFinancial CORP stock, you no longer do. Your shares have been converted into shares of First Financial Bancorp. So, your focus should now shift to First Financial Bancorp's performance and prospects.
• BankFinancial stock is gone: BankFinancial's stock is no longer traded on NASDAQ, and the company will no longer be filing public reports with the SEC. This means BankFinancial, as an investment, is gone, replaced by an investment in First Financial Bancorp.
• Understand the new company: Now is the time to learn about First Financial Bancorp, its business, and its financial health, as that's where your investment now lies.

---

Hopefully, that helps you get a clearer picture of what's going on with BankFinancial CORP!