Simply Better Together
Welcome to First!
CedarStone is becoming part of First Financial Bank. As we move forward together, this page will serve as your central source for updates and important information throughout the transition.
CONTINUITY YOU CAN COUNT ON
Key Things to Know
What This Means for You
As CedarStone joins First Financial Bank, you’ll benefit from expanded resources, enhanced capabilities, and the same commitment to community-focused service.
Strength & Stability
As part of a Top 50 U.S. bank, you benefit from greater scale and long-term financial strength.
Expanded Reach
Access a broader footprint and expanded product offerings.
Enhanced Digital Platforms
Continued investment in technology provides improved tools and convenience.
Commitment to Community & Culture
We remain focused on relationship-driven banking and supporting the communities we serve.
A STRONGER FOUNDATION
Growing to Serve You Better
5th Oldest
National Bank in the United States
$5.9B
in Total Assets
91
Total Locations
1000+
Employees
Resources
FAQs
What makes CedarStone a good fit for First Financial Bank?
Like CedarStone, First Financial is a strong, community-focused bank with over 190 years of supporting communities and helping people with their financial needs. First is committed to community banking and quality customer service.
Will my local branch stay open?
Yes, our branch network and the locations are important pieces of our growth plan; there are no plans to close any locations currently. First is excited to expand their customer base in Tennessee.
How many branches does First Financial have?
With CedarStone, First Financial has 91 total locations in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia; the CedarStone locations will be the first banking centers in the greater Nashville area, complementing our nearby loan production offices in Brentwood and Murfressboro.
Will decisions be made locally? If not, who will be making decisions and will there be any local leadership or management?
In most cases, yes. As we work together in the coming months to merge our teams, we will determine how we will move forward and make decisions together. As a customer, you should see no changes in how decisions are made.
Will products and services change?
When we merge, we will take great care to match your current accounts to First Financial accounts with similar benefits and features. To give you time to familiarize yourself with your new accounts once we merge, we’ll waive the monthly service charge for your first two monthly statement cycles after the transition date. If you feel a different account may better suit your needs, we will be happy to help.
Will my money still be insured?
Yes. Your money will still be insured up to the $250,000 insurance limit under the FDIC. Your accounts and your money will still be as safe. Check out the FDIC EDIE tool or call your local branch and banker to find out more.
Will my account number change?
Your checking, savings, CD and IRA account numbers will remain the same, unless you’re notified otherwise.
What is the timeline for the merger?
We are diligently working together with the team at First to navigate the process of carefully merging our businesses. We anticipate this process will be completed during the second quarter of 2026.
When can I start banking with First? Do I need to open an account with them?
We anticipate this process will be completed during the second quarter of 2026.
Your account will be converted to a First Financial account near that time. There’s no need for you to do anything. We’ll make sure everything is done for you.
How can I learn more about First Financial?
You can browse this website, where you’ll find a wide array of information related to our products and services, banking center locator, investor relations and much more.
Questions?
We’re here to help.
For assistance regarding the transition or your account, visit your nearest banking center to speak directly with a team member or call:
615.443.1411
Certain statements contained in this document, which are not statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, certain plans, expectations, goals, projections, and benefits relating to the proposed merger between First Financial Bank and CedarStone Bank, which are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Words such as ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘anticipates,’’ “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “expected,” “estimated,” ‘‘intends,’’ “future,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “project,” or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Please refer to First Financial’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as their other filings with the SEC, for a more detailed discussion of risks, uncertainties, and factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. First Financial intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except as may be required by applicable law. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of First Financial’s SEC filings without charge at the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov or under the “Investor Relations” section of First Financial’s website at https://investor.first-online.bank.
Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead express only management’s beliefs regarding future results or events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of management’s control. It is possible that actual results and outcomes may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results or outcomes indicated in these forward-looking statements. In addition to factors previously disclosed in reports filed by First Financial with the SEC, risks and uncertainties for First Financial, CedarStone Bank, and the combined company include, but are not limited to: the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; the risk that integration of CedarStone Bank’s operations with those of First Financial and First Financial Bank will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected; the inability to close the proposed merger in a timely manner; the inability to complete the proposed merger due to the failure of CedarStone Bank’s stockholders to adopt the merger agreement; diversion of management's attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the proposed merger, including receipt of required regulatory and other approvals; the failure of the proposed merger to close for any other reason; the challenges of integrating and retaining key employees; the effect of the announcement of the proposed merger on First Financial’s, First Financial Bank’s, CedarStone Bank’s, or the combined company's respective customer relationships, operating results, or market price; the possibility that the proposed merger may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected or unknown factors, events, or liabilities; potential litigation or regulatory action related to the proposed merger; and general competitive, economic, political and market conditions, and fluctuations. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available at the time of the press release. Except as required by law, neither First Financial nor CedarStone Bank assumes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement.
Contacts
First Financial Corporation
Norman L. Lowery, 812.238.6487
President & CEO
CedarStone Bank
Robert “Bob” McDonald, 615.547.5581
President & CEO