First Savings Financial Group Inc. has announced an update regarding its pending merger with First Merchants Corporation. According to the company, shareholders of First Savings have agreed not to transfer or dispose of their shares prior to the upcoming meeting called to vote on the merger, unless they receive written consent from First Merchants. The agreement, executed by several shareholders and First Merchants' CEO Mark K. Hardwick, will remain in effect until shareholders approve the merger, the merger agreement is terminated, or the parties mutually agree to end the arrangement. First Savings confirmed that its board retains the ability to consider alternative acquisition proposals under specific conditions as outlined in the merger agreement.