Form 8-K
8-K — FIRST MERCHANTS CORP
Accession: 0000712534-26-000039
Filed: 2026-05-19
Period: 2026-05-19
CIK: 0000712534
SIC: 6021 (NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS)
Item: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
Item: Financial Statements and Exhibits
Documents
8-K — frme-20260519.htm (Primary)
EX-99.1 (pressrelease-lehmanretirem.htm)
XML — IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT (R1.htm)
8-K
8-K (Primary)
Filename: frme-20260519.htm · Sequence: 1
frme-20260519
0000712534false00007125342026-05-192026-05-190000712534us-gaap:CommonStockMember2026-05-192026-05-190000712534frme:DepositarySharesMember2026-05-192026-05-19
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 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): May 19, 2026
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Indiana
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
001-41342 35-1544218
(Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
200 East Jackson Street
P.O. Box 792
Muncie, IN 47305-2814
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(765) 747-1500
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Title of Each Class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.125 stated value per share FRME The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/100th interest in a share of Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A FRMEP The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
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))
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
ITEM 5.02 DEPARTURE OR APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS OR CERTAIN OFFICERS
On May 19, 2026, First Merchants Corporation (the “Corporation”) announced the retirement of Gary Lehman from the Board of Directors effective immediately. Mr. Lehman has served on the Board since 2011 and was a member of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee. The retirement of Mr. Lehman is not the result of any disagreement with the Corporation on any matter relating to the Corporation’s operations, policies, or practices.
Also, on May 19, 2026, the Corporation's Board of Directors appointed Paul Fultz to fill the vacancy on the Board created by Mr. Lehman's retirement. Mr. Fultz's initial term will continue until the 2027 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders, at which time he will be considered for election for a one (1) year term. For his service as a Director, Mr. Fultz will be entitled to receive his pro rata portion of the standard Director annual retainer and will be a participant in the Corporation’s Equity Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Other than being eligible to receive Director compensation, Mr. Fultz did not enter into any material plan, contract, or arrangement in connection with his appointment as a Director. Mr. Fultz is not a party to any transaction with the Corporation that would require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K.
Mr. Fultz has been appointed to serve on the Corporation’s Audit Committee.
A copy of the Corporation’s press release, dated May 19, 2026, announcing the appointment of Mr. Fultz is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(a) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Not applicable.
(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit 99.1
Press Release dated May 19, 2026 issued by First Merchants Corporation.
Exhibit 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
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 Merchants Corporation
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Michele M. Kawiecki
Michele M. Kawiecki
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Dated: May 19, 2026
EX-99.1
EX-99.1
Filename: pressrelease-lehmanretirem.htm · Sequence: 2
Document
N / E / W / S R / E / L / E / A / S / E
May 19, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Nicole M. Weaver, First Vice President and Director of Corporate Administration
765-521-7619
http://www.firstmerchants.com
SOURCE: First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ: FRME), Muncie, Indiana
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION APPOINTS PAUL FULTZ TO ITS BOARDS OF DIRECTORS
First Merchants Corporation (the “Corporation”), a $21 billion financial holding company, has appointed Paul Fultz to the Boards of Directors of First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank. Mr. Fultz, retired Audit and Business Unit Professional Practice Partner for KPMG LLP, brings more than 30 years of experience advising public company boards. His background in financial reporting, risk oversight, and governance will further strengthen First Merchants’ board and strategic decision-making.
“First Merchants’ Boards of Directors are pleased to welcome Mr. Fultz as our newest Board member,” said Board Chair Jean Wojtowicz. “With more than 30 years of experience as a Big Four audit partner and trusted advisor to public company boards and audit committees, he brings deep expertise in financial reporting, risk oversight, and regulatory matters. His extensive background guiding organizations through complex transactions will provide a valuable perspective as we continue to execute our strategic priorities. Mr. Fultz is known for his sound judgment, clear communication, and ability to build strong relationships. We look forward to benefiting from his insight and perspective as we continue to serve our shareholders and communities.”
Mr. Fultz expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Boards in this recent statement: “I am honored and excited to join the Boards and to contribute to their continued success. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work closely with boards and management teams to navigate complex financial, regulatory, and strategic matters, and I look forward to bringing that experience to this role. I am particularly drawn to the Corporation’s commitment to its stakeholders and communities, and I am eager to collaborate with my fellow directors and leadership team to support the organizations’ long-term growth and strong governance.”
With the addition of Mr. Fultz, First Merchants will have a 13-member board, including 10 independent outside directors. Mr. Fultz will be on the ballot for continuing terms at the Corporation’s Annual Shareholders Meeting in 2027.
###
About First Merchants Corporation:
First Merchants Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Indiana. The Corporation has one full-service bank charter, First Merchants Bank. The Bank also operates as First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors and First Savings Bank (as divisions of First Merchants Bank). 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 be found on the company’s website (www.firstmerchants.com). FIRST MERCHANTS and the Shield Logo are federally registered trademarks of First Merchants Corporation.
XML — IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
XML
Filename: R1.htm · Sequence: 8
v3.26.1
Document and Entity Information Document
May 19, 2026
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Document Type
8-K
Document Period End Date
May 19, 2026
Entity Registrant Name
FIRST MERCHANTS CORP
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code
IN
Entity File Number
001-41342
Entity Tax Identification Number
35-1544218
Entity Address, Address Line One
200 East Jackson Street
Entity Address, Address Line Two
P.O. Box 792
Entity Address, City or Town
Muncie
Entity Address, State or Province
IN
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code
47305-2814
City Area Code
765
Local Phone Number
747-1500
Written Communications
false
Soliciting Material
false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer
false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer
false
Entity Emerging Growth Company
false
Entity Central Index Key
0000712534
Amendment Flag
false
Common Stock, $0.125 stated value per share
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security
Common Stock, $0.125 stated value per share
Trading Symbol
FRME
Security Exchange Name
NASDAQ
Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/100th interest in a share of Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security
Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/100th interest in a share of Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A
Trading Symbol
FRMEP
Security Exchange Name
NASDAQ
X
- Definition
Boolean flag that is true when the XBRL content amends previously-filed or accepted submission.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_AmendmentFlag
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:booleanItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Area code of city
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_CityAreaCode
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
For the EDGAR submission types of Form 8-K: the date of the report, the date of the earliest event reported; for the EDGAR submission types of Form N-1A: the filing date; for all other submission types: the end of the reporting or transition period. The format of the date is YYYY-MM-DD.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
The type of document being provided (such as 10-K, 10-Q, 485BPOS, etc). The document type is limited to the same value as the supporting SEC submission type, or the word 'Other'.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_DocumentType
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:submissionTypeItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Address Line 1 such as Attn, Building Name, Street Name
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Address Line 2 such as Street or Suite number
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Name of the City or Town
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Code for the postal or zip code
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Name of the state or province.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:stateOrProvinceItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
A unique 10-digit SEC-issued value to identify entities that have filed disclosures with the SEC. It is commonly abbreviated as CIK.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 12
-Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityCentralIndexKey
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:centralIndexKeyItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Indicate if registrant meets the emerging growth company criteria.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 12
-Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:booleanItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Commission file number. The field allows up to 17 characters. The prefix may contain 1-3 digits, the sequence number may contain 1-8 digits, the optional suffix may contain 1-4 characters, and the fields are separated with a hyphen.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityFileNumber
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:fileNumberItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Two-character EDGAR code representing the state or country of incorporation.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:edgarStateCountryItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityListingsLineItems
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
The exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 12
-Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityRegistrantName
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
The Tax Identification Number (TIN), also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), is a unique 9-digit value assigned by the IRS.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 12
-Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name:
dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:employerIdItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Local phone number for entity.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_LocalPhoneNumber
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 13e
-Subsection 4c
+ Details
Name:
dei_PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:booleanItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 14d
-Subsection 2b
+ Details
Name:
dei_PreCommencementTenderOffer
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:booleanItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Title of a 12(b) registered security.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 12
-Subsection b
+ Details
Name:
dei_Security12bTitle
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:securityTitleItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Name of the Exchange on which a security is registered.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 12
-Subsection d1-1
+ Details
Name:
dei_SecurityExchangeName
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:edgarExchangeCodeItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Exchange Act
-Number 240
-Section 14a
-Subsection 12
+ Details
Name:
dei_SolicitingMaterial
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:booleanItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Trading symbol of an instrument as listed on an exchange.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details
Name:
dei_TradingSymbol
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
dei:tradingSymbolItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Definition
Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Securities Act
-Number 230
-Section 425
+ Details
Name:
dei_WrittenCommunications
Namespace Prefix:
dei_
Data Type:
xbrli:booleanItemType
Balance Type:
na
Period Type:
duration
X
- Details
Name:
us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=us-gaap_CommonStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:
na
Balance Type:
Period Type:
X
- Details
Name:
us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=frme_DepositarySharesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:
na
Balance Type:
Period Type: