First Merchants Corp. finalized a merger with First Savings Financial Group on Feb. 1.

First Savings Bank, which has headquarters in Jeffersonville, will take on the First Merchants Bank branding.

“This merger strengthens our ability to serve Indiana communities with expanded capabilities and the same genuine, relationship-focused approach our customers expect,” said Mark Hardwick, CEO of First Merchants Corp. in a press release. “First Savings Bank shares our commitment to community, culture and long-term value, and together we are building a stronger, more diversified organization for the future.”

First Savings Bank was founded in 1937.

“Our commitment to exceptional service, local decision-making and community engagement has always defined First Savings Bank” said Larry Myers, president and CEO of First Savings Bank. “First Merchants Bank is the ideal partner that shares these priorities and will help us build on that legacy while creating new opportunities for the customers we serve.”

Hardwick welcomed First Savings customers as they transition to First Merchants in a post on the bank's website. The system integration is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of this year.

First Merchants Bank, which was founded in 1893, also has branches in Northwest Indiana. First Merchants Corp. is the holding company of First Merchants Bank.