WHEELING — WesBanco Inc. and Premier Financial Corp. announced Wednesday that their shareholders voted “overwhelmingly” in support of the companies merging.

Shareholders for both companies approved all proposals related to the previously announced merger agreement in which WesBanco will acquire Premier.

The votes were held at special meetings, where about 85% of votes cast by WesBanco shareholders were in favor of the merger and the proposal to issue shares of WesBanco common stock, while approximately 68% of the outstanding shares of Premier common stock voted to adopt the merger agreement.

“Shareholder approval is a key milestone that reflects strong confidence in the opportunities this merger creates for our communities, customers, employees and shareholders,” said Jeff Jackson, president and CEO of WesBanco.

“With this step complete, we look forward to receiving the required regulatory approvals and then scheduling the closing of the merger, so we can bring our community commitment and the resources of a stronger organization to all of our communities,” he added.

The companies believe the merger is on track to close during the first quarter of 2025.

The transaction remains subject to completion of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals.

The merger will create a regional financial services institution with approximately $27 billion in assets, significant economies of scale, and strong pro forma profitability metrics.

With complementary and contiguous geographic footprints, the combined company would be the eighth largest bank in Ohio, based on deposit market share, have increased presence in Indiana, and serve customers in nine states.

In business for over 150 years, WesBanco currently operates in eight states and provides retail and commercial banking services, as well as trust, brokerage, wealth management and insurance services.

Headquartered in Wheeling, WesBanco has $18.5 billion in total assets.

Premier Financial Corp., headquartered in Defiance, Ohio, is the holding company for Premier Bank, which is headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio, and operates 73 branches and nine loan offices in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania.