---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0000712534-26-000008"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "FRME"
cik: "0000712534"
company_name: "FIRST MERCHANTS CORP"
filed_at: "2026-01-16T23:59:59+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-05-16T09:58:53.437108+00:00"
event_type: "m_and_a"
sentiment: "positive"
materiality_score: 0.65
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.65
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# First Merchants gets final regulatory nod for First Savings merger; close Feb 1, 2026

## Summary
- Received non-objection from Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago on Jan 15, 2026 for merger waiver.
- All regulatory approvals now secured: FDIC and Indiana DFI previously granted.
- First Savings shareholders approved merger on Dec 19, 2025; board approvals obtained.
- Merger expected effective February 1, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0000712534-26-000008
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: FRME
- cik: 0000712534
- company_name: FIRST MERCHANTS CORP
- filed_at: 2026-01-16T23:59:59+00:00
- event_type: m_and_a
- sentiment: positive
- materiality_score: 0.65
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.65
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 8.01
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000008/0000712534-26-000008-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/000071253426000008/frme-20260116.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000712534-26-000008
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000712534-26-000008.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000712534-26-000008.txt

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.