SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549


FORM 8-K


CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  August 28, 2009


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Ohio
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
0-12379
(Commission File Number)
31-1042001
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
4000 Smith Road
Cincinnati, Ohio
(Address of principal executive offices)
  
 
45209
(Zip Code)


Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (513) 979-5837


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 (see General Instruction A.2. below):

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
 
 
 
 
Form 8-K
First Financial Bancorp.


Item 7.01
Regulation FD Disclosure.
 
The executive officers of First Financial Bancorp intend to use the materials filed herewith, in whole or in part, in one or more meetings with investors and analysts. A copy of the investor presentation is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

First Financial Bancorp does not intend for this Item 7.01 or Exhibit 99.1 to be treated as “filed” for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or incorporated by reference into its filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Item 8.01. 
Other Events.

On August 31, 2009, the Company issued a press release regarding the completion of First Financial’s purchase of certain assets and an assumption of certain liabilities from Irwin, including three branches.   A copy of the August 31, 2009 press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2.

First Financial Bancorp does not intend for this Item 8.01 or Exhibit 99.2 to be treated as “filed” for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or incorporated by reference into its filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Item 9.01
Exhibits.

The following exhibit shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(c)
Exhibit:

99.1
First Financial Bancorp. Investor Presentation.
99.2
First Financial Bancorp August 31, 2009 Press Release.

 
 
 

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.
 
 
 
FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
  
       
       
       
 
By:
/s/ J. Franklin Hall
  
   
J. Franklin Hall
  
   
Executive Vice President and
  
   
Chief Financial Officer
  


Date: September 1, 2009

 
 
 
 
Form 8-K
First Financial Bancorp.

 
Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.
Description