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): April 4, 2002
First Financial Bancorp
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
California 94-2822858
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(State of Incorporation) (IRS Employer ID Number)
0-12499
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(Commission File No.)
First Financial Bancorp
701 South Ham Lane, Lodi, California 95242
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(209)-367-2000
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Registrant's telephone number, including area code
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Former name or former address, if changed since last report
Item 5. Other Events
Press release on the following article:
1. First Financial Bancorp Announces Stock Repurchase Program
Lodi, Calif. (Business Wire) - April 4, 2002 - First Financial Bancorp
(OTCBB: FLLC) parent company of Bank of Lodi, N.A., today announced that it
had authorized the repurchase, from time to time, up to $2,000,000 of its
common stock to be purchased on the open market or in privately negotiated
transactions. Leon Zimmerman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated
"We believe this repurchase program is a key part of the Board's overall
program to enhance shareholder value. We also believe the Program provides an
opportunity for shareholders seeking liquidity." This stock repurchase
program will be implemented at the Company's discretion and will expire
December 31, 2002.
First Financial Bancorp is the parent of Bank of Lodi, N.A., a locally
owned community bank formed in 1982. Bank of Lodi, N.A. offers financial
services to owner-operated businesses, members of the professional community
and individuals seeking personalized service. The Bank offers innovative
financial solutions and an enhanced product line of convenient banking
alternatives which include on-line banking, telephone banking, debit and
credit cards, digital imaging (to be released in May 2002) and a wide range
of credit products. For more information contact us via the web at
www.bankoflodi.com, by phone at 888-265-8577 or at any one of its eight
branches located in the communities of Lodi, Woodbridge, Lockeford, Galt,
Plymouth, San Andreas, Elk Grove, and Folsom. Bank of Lodi also offers
investment services through its affiliation with Investment Centers of
America.
This press release contains forward looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"),
and as such, may involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements,
which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies,
and expectations, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as
"believe", "expect", "intend",
"anticipate", "estimate", "project", or similar expressions. These
forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations of the
business environment in which the Company operates, projections of future
performance, potential future performance, potential future credit
experience, perceived opportunities in the market, and statements regarding
the Company's mission and vision. The Company's actual results, performance,
and achievements may differ materially from the results, performance, and
achievements expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements due to a
wide range of factors which are set forth in our annual report on Form 10-K
on file with the SEC.
END
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: 04/04/02 FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP
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/s/ Allen R. Christenson
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By:
Allen R. Christenson
Senior Vice President
Chief Financial Officer