Overview
Barack Ferrazzano served as legal counsel to First Illinois Corporation (“First Illinois”), the holding company for Hickory Point Bank and Trust (“Hickory Point”), in connection with its definitive agreement to merge with and into First Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: THFF), the holding company for First Financial Bank, N.A. The transaction is valued at approximately $111.3 million and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory and First Illinois stockholder approvals.
The combination adds Hickory Point Bank’s eight-branch community banking franchise in Decatur, Springfield and Champaign to First Financial Corporation’s existing Illinois footprint. The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the transaction.
Barack Ferrazzano’s legal team was led by Financial Institutions Group co-chair and partner Joseph T. Ceithaml, with assistance from Zoe Xiuha Uvin. Executive compensation and benefits matters were handled by partner Michael J. Poland and Christopher R. Boyd. Tax matters were handled by partner Megan E. Toal.
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