Premier Financial Corp. and WesBanco, Inc. has announced their approval of Premier merging together into WesBanco.

In a strong show of support, shareholders of Premier and WesBanco voted to approved the pending merger during their meetings on December 11, 2024.

"We are thrilled to have received all necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals, marking a significant milestone in our journey to bring WesBanco and Premier together," said Jeff Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of WesBanco.

He continues, "These approvals reflect the strength of our shared vision for a community-focused, regional financial services provider. We look forward to closing this transformative merger and delivering the benefits of our combined strengths to our customers, communities, teams and shareholders."

WesBanco and Premier expect the closing of the merger will occur around February 28 and remains subject to the completion of customary closing conditions. 

The merger will form a regional financial institution with around $27 billion in assets, improved economies of scale and strong profitability.

With overlapping geographic coverage, the combined entity will become Ohio's 8th largest bank by deposit market share, expanding its presence in Indiana and serve customers across nine states.