First Financial Bancorp has announced an agreement to acquire Chicago-based BankFinancial in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $142 million. Under the terms of the agreement, each share of BankFinancial common stock will be converted into 0.48 of a share of First Financial common stock. The deal, unanimously approved by the boards of both companies, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. This acquisition will enhance First Financial's presence in the Chicagoland market, adding 18 financial centers to its portfolio and expanding its commercial banking operations. BankFinancial employees will transition to become First Financial Bank associates upon the transaction's completion.