First Financial, MainSource Complete $1B Bank Merger

First Financial Bank and MainSource Bank announced in 2017 they planned to merge.

First Financial Bank in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Photo by Travis Thayer.

(Cincinnati, Oh.) - A merger between Mainsource Bank and First Financial Bank has been completed.

The two banks announced April 2 that the deal first announced in July 2017 has been cinched up. MainSource official became part of First Financial on April 1.

The newly combined company will operate as First Financial Bank, with total assets of $14 billion. With the merger done, First Financial Bank is now the fourth-largest bank in the Cincinnati market.

"We see this merger as a significant milestone in our company's history that positions us for continued growth and success," said Claude E. Davis, executive chairman of the newly combined company. "Our commitment to provide value to our clients, communities and shareholders remains our top priority, and by joining together, our expanded First Financial team will continue striving to provide superior service and exceed expectations for all of our constituents."

Archie Brown, MainSource’s CEO, will become the CEO of First Financial Bank as Davis moves to the role of executive chairman.

"We are excited to combine two community-focused financial institutions who are both significantly involved in the markets they serve," said Brown. "We look forward to providing our clients with additional lending capabilities and expanded product offerings while continuing to deliver a high-quality and personal level of service."

MainSource Bank branches will continue to operate under the MainSource name until operating system conversions are completed this spring. Branding and sign changes are already taking place at some former MainSource branches.

All MainSource branches will be closed on Saturday, May 26 so the system switch can be made that weekend. Those banking centers will reopen on Tuesday, May 29 – the day after the Memorial Day banking holiday – under the First Financial brand.

The newly merged bank’s customers will receive a welcome guide with more information on the transition soon. They will gain access to 150 branches and 55,000 ATMs.

According to The Cincinnati Business Courier, 11 Cincinnati area First Financial branches will close due to overlap with existing MainSource locations.