Valley National Bancorp Accelerates Growth in Attractive Chicago Market With Acquisition of High-Performing Providence Financial Corporation

NEW YORK and SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill., Aug. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Valley National Bancorp (“Valley”) (NASDAQ: VLY) and Providence Financial Corporation (“Providence”) announced today that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement whereby Valley will acquire Providence, parent company of Providence Bank & Trust. The acquisition is a continuation of Valley’s recent investments to accelerate retail and small business growth, which began with the hiring of Patrick Smith as President of Consumer Banking in September 2025. Consistent with Valley’s strategic focus to enhance its funding profile and expand in attractive target markets, Providence provides an attractive and established physical delivery channel in the Chicagoland area to supplement Valley’s existing commercial presence in the market.