Shareholder Alert: Ademi LLP investigates whether Finward Bancorp is obtaining a Fair Price for Public Shareholders

Ademi LLP is investigating Finward (Nasdaq: FNWD) for possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law in its recently announced transaction with First Financial Bancorp. Finward shareholders will receive 1.35 shares of First Financial common stock, based on First Financial's closing stock price on July 20, 2026, in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $208 million. Finward insiders will receive substantial benefits as part of change of control arrangements. The transaction agreement unreasonably limits competing transactions for Finward by imposing a significant penalty if Finward accepts a competing bid. We are investigating the conduct of the Finward board of directors, and whether they are fulfilling their fiduciary duties to all shareholders. We specialize in shareholder litigation involving buyouts, mergers, and individual shareholder rights.