10:15 AM EDT, 06/25/2025 (MT Newswires) -- First Financial Bancorp ( FFBC ) will get an opportunity to drive greater scale and strengthen its presence in northeast Ohio with its proposed acquisition of Westfield Bancorp, RBC Capital Markets said in a note Tuesday.

RBC said it supports First Financial's $325 million 80% cash and 20% stock deal to acquire Westfield, which the firm views "as a like-minded partner with similar business lines.

"Key financial metrics appear reasonable and we appreciate the solid earnings accretion generated from a modestly sized deal," RBC said.

The firm said it boosted its 2026 earnings-per-share estimate for First Financial to $2.95 from $2.80 to reflect the deal, which is expected to close in Q4.

RBC maintained First Financial Bancorp's ( FFBC ) sector perform rating and $27 price target.

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