UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 8-K
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CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 6, 2012
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
INDIANA
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
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0-17071
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35-1544218
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(Commission File Number)
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(IRS Employer Identification No.)
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200 East Jackson Street
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Muncie, Indiana
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47305-2814
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code)
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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (765) 747-1500
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
(d) On June 4, 2012, the Board of Directors of First Merchants Corporation increased the size of its Board of Directors from nine (9) to ten (10) members with the additional vacancy added in Class III. The Board appointed Michael R. Becher to fill the vacancy. Mr. Becher’s term will continue until the 2013 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders, at which time he will be considered for election for a two (2) year term. It is expected that Mr. Becher will be named to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. A copy of the Corporation’s press release, dated June 6,
2012, announcing the appointment of Mr. Becher is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
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(d)
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(99.1) Press Release dated June 6, 2012.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
DATE: June 6, 2012
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION
By: /s/ Mark K. Hardwick
Mark K. Hardwick,
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
EXHIBIT INDEX
Number Description
99.1 Press Release dated June 6, 2012
N / E / W / S R / E / L / E / A / S / E
June 6, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
David L. Ortega, First Vice President/Director of Investor Relations
765-378-8937
http://www.firstmerchants.com/
SOURCE: First Merchants Corporation, Muncie, Indiana
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION ELECTS MICHAEL R. BECHER TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
First Merchants Corporation, a $4.2 billion dollar financial holding company, has elected Michael R. Becher to the Boards of Directors for First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank, N.A. As a former managing partner in the Indianapolis office of Deloitte & Touche, LLP, Mr. Becher recently completed a 26-year career with the company.
Charles E. Schalliol, Chairman of the Board, commented, “The entire Board of Directors is excited to be adding a Director with Mike Becher’s breadth of business experience and banking expertise to our already strong board. I believe our shareholders and customers will be very enthusiastic about Mike joining us.”
Mr. Becher stated, “I am enthused about the company and the people both at the Bank and the Corporation. I look forward to bringing my experience to help an Indiana-based community bank make a difference.”
In making the announcement, Michael C. Rechin, President and Chief Executive Officer stated, “First Merchants is truly fortunate to welcome a leader of Mike’s stature to our organization as a new Director. Mike’s financial expertise, experience in corporate governance, knowledge in marketplace activities and growth opportunities and his leadership qualities will provide us with excellent guidance as First Merchants grows as the premier community bank.”
During his career at Deloitte, Becher served as an audit partner for more than 25 years, serving public and private companies in industries such as financial services, retail, and manufacturing, as well as tax-exempt organizations. He held global, national and regional leadership positions at Deloitte while serving local audit clients and overseeing significant growth as an Indianapolis marketplace leader.
Becher also serves locally on the Marian University Board of Trustees, the United Way of Central Indiana Board of Directors, the Kelly School of Business Dean’s Advisory Committee and the Crossroads of America Boy Scout Council Board of Directors.
First Merchants Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Indiana. The Corporation is comprised of First Merchants Bank, N.A., which also operates as Lafayette Bank & Trust, Commerce National Bank, First Merchants Trust Company. First Merchants Corporation also operates First Merchants Insurance Group, a full-service property, casualty, personal lines, and healthcare insurance agency.
First Merchants Corporation’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market System under the symbol FRME. Quotations are carried in daily newspapers and can also be found on the company’s Internet Web page (http://www.firstmerchants.com).
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