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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM 8-K
 

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 14, 2019
 

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 


Ohio
 
31-1042001
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. employer
identification number)
 
Commission file number: 001-34762
 
255 East Fifth Street, Suite 700, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (877) 322-9530
 

 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined
in as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company     ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not
to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting
standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.     ¨





Item 8.01    Other Events.

On Monday, January 14, 2019, First Financial Bancorp. (the "Company") announced that the Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of up to 5,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, representing approximately 5.0% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of common stock as of September 30, 2018.

The Board of Directors authorized this stock repurchase plan based on the strength of the Company’s balance sheet and capital position. The Board believes that a stock repurchase plan is an important tool that can be utilized to enhance long term shareholder value. Share repurchases will be made periodically as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements and will be subject to market conditions as well as other factors. Repurchases may be made in the open market, through block trades or otherwise, and in privately negotiated transactions. If any share purchases are made, they will be over a period of not greater than twenty-four months. Share purchases may be commenced or suspended at any time or periodically without prior notice. A copy of the press release dated January 14, 2019 is attached to this Current Report as Exhibit 99.1 and is furnished herewith.
 

Item 9.01    Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)    Exhibits
        
Exhibit No.            Description

99.1            Press Release of First Financial Bancorp. dated January 14, 2019
    








SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.


 
 
By: /s/ Karen B. Woods
 
 
Karen B. Woods
 
 
General Counsel
 
 
 
Date:
January 14, 2019