NEWS

MUNCIE, Ind. & FORT WAYNE, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ:FRME) and Independent Alliance Banks, Inc. (OTCQX:IALB) (IAB) today announced they have executed a definitive agreement whereby IAB will merge with and into First Merchants, and its wholly owned bank subsidiary, iAB Financial Bank (iAB), will merge with and into First Merchants Bank.

First Merchants Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Merchants Corporation, and The Arlington Bank announced they have executed a definitive merger agreement whereby The Arlington Bank will merge with and into First Merchants Bank. Founded in 1998, and based in Upper Arlington, Ohio, The Arlington Bank operates three banking center locations in the Columbus, Ohio area.

First Merchants is proud to partner with United Way to support the MyFreeTaxes program, which provides free state and federal tax preparation and filing assistance for qualified individuals.

Last Tuesday night the un-politician was elected and the career politician gave a next-morning concession speech. Post BREXIT, and with regard to still-rising nationalistic movements in many developed countries, it seems clear that whatever status quo existed between the political ruling class and their constituents is almost substantially breaking down. Witness Jeb Bush/Marco Rubio/Ted Cruz and Donald Trump, and Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. It seems, around the world, we’ve entered uncharted waters, and are leaving behind our maps and trusty compass. The thoughts outlined below will provide perspective on how we read the changing economic and fiscal landscape in the wake of the election. It’s not our place to comment on the emotional resonance of any political figure unless it begins to impact the forces that drive the markets.

First Merchants proudly supported the Indiana Bicentennial Torch relay and Steve Anderson, First Merchants Bank’s former President, CEO and Chairman of the Board, as he ran the live torch through downtown Muncie Tuesday, September 27th.