El Dorado-Based First Financial Bank to Acquire The First National Bank of Wynne 

First Financial Bank, headquartered in El Dorado, Arkansas, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire The First National Bank of Wynne, headquartered in Wynne, Arkansas with branches in Cherry Valley, Forrest City, Harrisburg, McCrory, and Wynne. 

The purchase is contingent on the approval of regulatory agencies and the satisfaction of other conditions set forth in the definitive agreement. The closing of the transaction is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2019, following the filing of regulatory applications and approval of federal and state banking authorities. 

Customers of First National Bank of Wynne should continue to conduct business as normal and will receive notifications regarding the progress of the transaction well in advance of any changes. They’ll also be able to use their same checks, debit cards, and online banking services at the usual convenient locations. If customers have questions, they should contact their local office. 

Sean Williams, President and CEO of First National Bank of Wynne stated, “I couldn’t ask for a better partner for the First National Bank family than First Financial Bank. We share the same values and vision of community banking, and I believe this is a win for our customers and the communities we serve. I look forward to working with Chris and his team to make this a positive experience for our customers and employees.” 

“Since 1934, First Financial has provided community bank services and local leadership across Arkansas and Mississippi. We’re excited to expand our retail footprint into Cross County and northeast Arkansas,” stated Chris Hegi, President and CEO of First Financial Bank. “Finding the right partner in growing our bank was very important to us. It’s going to be a good fit and we look forward to investing in the people and businesses in the northeast Arkansas market. We expect a very smooth transition for employees and customers alike, and we’re excited to bring our award-winning hometown service to customers at this location”, he continued. 

About First Financial Bank: First Financial Bank currently has six retail locations in Union County, one retail location in Pulaski County, one in Mena, AR and two in Mississippi. No stranger to the agricultural sector, they are one of the nation’s leading poultry lenders, and also offer mortgage loans, specialized lending for pharmacists and veterinarians, and a nationwide farm and ranch lending division. They currently employ 324 people and have assets of $1.06 billion. For more information, visit www.ffb1.com.