MainSource Merger Nearing Completion

(photo courtesy MainSource Bank)

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The $1 billion merger of Greensburg-based MainSource Financial Group Inc. (Nasdaq: MSFG) and First Financial Bancorp (Nasdaq: FFBC) in Cincinnati has received regulatory approval. First Financial says the merger is now set to officially close on April 1.

The merger was first announced in July 2017. When the deal closes, all MainSource Bank branches will be integrated into the First Financial Bank brand, though the companies say it will be "business as usual" for employees and customers.

"We are extremely pleased that the final step of merging our two banks is now a reality," said Claude Davis, chief executive officer of First Financial. "The integration process is underway and we are excited to continue the First Financial brand as a combined financial institution to better serve our clients and communities."

The integration is expected to be complete later in the second quarter.

Last week, the banks announced the sale of five MainSource Bank branches in Indiana to Jasper-based German American Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq: GABC), which was part of the terms of the merger agreement.