FIRSTSUN CAPITAL BANCORP

FIRSTSUN CAPITAL BANCORP Secures Final Federal Reserve Approval for Merger with First Foundation Inc., Paving the Way for Strategic Growth

FIRSTSUN CAPITAL BANCORP has reached a pivotal moment in its planned merger with First Foundation Inc., securing the final major regulatory approval required to move forward. This crucial development clears the path for the creation of a larger, more diversified financial institution.

1. Event Description: Final Regulatory Clearance

March 12, 2026, marked a significant day for FirstSun Capital Bancorp. On this date, the company received crucial Federal Reserve approval for its proposed merger with First Foundation Inc. This specific approval for the bank holding company merger represented the final major regulatory hurdle, following earlier approvals from shareholders of both companies and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). The companies now expect to close the merger on April 1, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

2. Event Date/Timeline:

The Federal Reserve granted its approval on March 12, 2026. The companies anticipate closing the merger on April 1, 2026. This timeline outlines the immediate next steps for the transaction.

3. Impact Assessment:

This merger's completion will significantly expand FirstSun. While specific pro forma financial figures (like total assets, deposits, and loan portfolio size) will become available after closing, the combination is expected to significantly boost FirstSun's market capitalization and operational scale. This expanded reach should strengthen its competitive position across key markets.

• Customers: Clients of both FirstSun and First Foundation will benefit from an expanded branch network, a broader suite of financial products and services, and potentially enhanced digital banking capabilities.
• Employees: The integration will combine teams and operations. While new opportunities may arise within the larger organization, management will also focus on streamlining, potentially leading to some role adjustments or redundancies.
• Investors: First Foundation shareholders will receive FirstSun common stock as outlined in the merger agreement. For existing FirstSun shareholders, attention will turn to successful integration and achieving the expected financial benefits, including potential earnings per share (EPS) accretion. The market will now price in the combined entity's prospects.
• The Company: FirstSun will emerge as a more robust and diversified financial institution, better positioned for growth and to lead the market. The combined management team will focus on executing the integration plan and achieving strategic objectives.

4. Financial Impact:

This all-stock merger aims to enhance scale, expand market presence, and diversify product offerings. The merger should generate significant cost savings and revenue opportunities, ultimately driving long-term value for shareholders. While specific financial terms, such as the exchange ratio (where First Foundation shareholders will receive FirstSun shares), were already disclosed, this final approval significantly reduces the risk of the transaction not closing. Management generally expects the merger to boost FirstSun's earnings per share within a specified timeframe, thanks to anticipated cost savings and revenue synergies. Specific pro forma financial figures for the combined entity will be detailed after closing.

5. Key Takeaways for Investors:

• Deal Certainty: With all major regulatory approvals obtained, the risk of the merger not closing is significantly reduced, eliminating a major uncertainty for investors.
• Integration Risk: Investors should monitor the company's success in integrating the operations, systems, and personnel of both entities. Delays or difficulties could impact achieving expected synergies and financial performance.
• Financial Impact: Investors should analyze the combined entity's pro forma financials once available, focusing on the expected impact on earnings per share (accretion/dilution), cost savings targets, and revenue growth projections.
• Market Conditions: The combined entity's performance will still be subject to broader economic conditions and regulatory changes in the financial sector.
• Post-Merger Performance: Investors should closely monitor future earnings reports and management commentary for updates on integration progress, capturing synergies, and the financial performance of the newly combined entity. This information will be crucial for assessing the long-term value created by the transaction.