National City branches becoming PNC Nov 7, 2009
In September, when First Niagara Financial converted 57 National City branches in Western Pennsylvania that it acquired from PNC, the Buffalo, N.Y., bank was overwhelmed by the crush of calls to its customer service center. Customers complained they couldn't get through. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
First Niagara creates health-care team Nov 5, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group expanded its presence in Pennsylvania when it acquired 57 bank branches from in September. Most Read Stories. (Albany Business Review, NY)
CEO: First Niagara performance 'positive' Oct 30, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group CEO John Koelmel said Thursday that its performance continues to be an incredibly positive story. So far in 2009, the Lockport, N.Y.-based bank announced acquisitions on either side of Pennsylvania and has raised nearly $1 billion through three capital raises over the past year. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Wall Street analysts mixed on PNC Oct 22, 2009
During the third quarter, PNC completed the Department of Justice-directed sale of 57 former National City branches in western Pennsylvania to First Niagara Financial Group Inc., of Lockport, N.Y., for $5. 4 million. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
First Niagara raises $460.1M in share sale Oct 2, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group Inc., of Lockport, N.Y., said Wednesday that it raised $460. 1 million through a stock offering announced Sept. 24. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Obama, flu, tuition run 1-2-3 for week Sep 26, 2009
-- First Niagara Financial Group Inc. announced that it will seek to raise $400 million through a sale of its common stock, which may allow for more expansion. 8. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
First Niagara announces stock offering Sep 24, 2009
First Niagara Financial announces $400M stock offering - Philadelphia Business Journal ... First Niagara Financial announces $400M stock offering. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Fans Get First Glance at 2009-10 Saints at First Niagara Sneak Preview Wednesday Sep 23, 2009
Free Reception Offers First Chance for Fans and Season Ticket Holders to Meet 2009-10 Basketball Teams (Sienasaints.com)
First Niagara to relocate HQ to Buffalo Sep 11, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group Inc. said Thursday it will relocate its headquarters from Lockport, N.Y., to Buffalo this fall. The cities are roughly 20 miles apart. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
First Niagara borrows $150 million from PNC Sep 10, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group Inc., Lockport, N.Y., said Tuesday it has exercised an option to borrow $150 million from PNC Financial Services Group Inc., Pittsburgh, through the sale of senior notes. It was part of First Niagara s (Nasdaq:FNFG) purchase of 57 former National City branches from PNC (NYSE:PNC), which was completed Tuesday. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
CEO: First Niagara off to good start in Erie Sep 9, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group announced June 12 that Pittsburgh resident Todd C. Moules will become its regional president for Western Pennsylvania ... First Niagara Financial Corp.'s first day as an Erie bank was everything John Koelmel could have hoped for. (Erie Times-News, PA)
First Niagara arrives in Western Pennsylvania Sep 5, 2009
First Niagara Financial yesterday completed the takeover of 57 former National City bank branches from PNC Financial Services Group, vaulting the Buffalo, N.Y., area company to the third-largest retail bank in the Pittsburgh region, behind PNC and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. First Niagara will convert customer accounts over the weekend. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Dow slides 185 points by Tuesday close Sep 2, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group Inc. (Nasdaq:FNFG) down 2. 45 percent to $12. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
First Niagara filming ads in Pittsburgh Aug 20, 2009
Gearing up for its western Pennsylvania entry over Labor Day weekend, First Niagara Financial Group Inc., Lockport, N.Y., is filming scenes in Pittsburgh on Wednesday and Thursday for a series of commercials. First Niagara (Nasdaq:FNFG) is buying 57 former National City branches from PNC Financial Services Group Inc., 50 of which are in the Pittsburgh metro area. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
First Niagara ATMs for some western Pa. Sheetz stores Aug 4, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group Inc., Lockport, N.Y., said Monday it will brand ATMs in 95 Sheetz convenience stores in western Pennsylvania, stretching from Erie to Pittsburgh ... First Niagara Financial Group Inc., Lockport, N.Y., said Monday it will brand ATMs in 95 Sheetz convenience stores in western Pennsylvania, stretching from Erie to Pittsburgh. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Settlement approved in National City investor suit Aug 2, 2009
The boards of directors of First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: FNFG) and Harleysville National Corporation (Nasdaq: HNBC) announced that First Niagara has agreed to acquire the Philadelphia-area financial services company in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $237 million or $5. 50 per share. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
First Niagara to Acquire Harleysville National Jul 28, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group Inc. said Monday it will acquire Harleysville National Corp. for $237 million in an all stock deal its second Pennsylvania acquisition in four months. The acquisition helps First Niagara, which operates banks across Upstate New York, continue its expansion efforts into Pennsylvania. (ABC News -- Wire)
Harleysville National to be sold Jul 28, 2009
the largest bank based in the Philadelphia region, will be acquired by Buffalo, N.Y.-based First Niagara Financial Group for $237 million, the two companies said Monday. The companies signed a definitive purchase agreement and the deal is expected to close in the first quarter of next year. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
First Niagara 2nd-quarter profit falls Jul 18, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group, the Buffalo, N.Y.-area based bank that is buying dozens of former National City branches in this region from PNC Financial Services Group, said net income fell in the second quarter to $20. 8 million, or 8 cents per share, down from $23. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Dow, Nasdaq end Thursday on positive note Jul 17, 2009
Lockport, N.Y.-based First Niagara Financial Group Inc., which expects to enter the Pittsburgh market in September, is scheduled to release second quarter earnings Friday. First Niagara (Nasdaq:FNFG) rose 1. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Toxic asset program may be too late to help banks Jul 8, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: FNFG) completed the final step in its previously announced plan to return the funds invested by the U.S. Treasury Department under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) with the repurchase of the warrant for the remaining 953 thousand shares of common stock issued to Tr 00000B0B easury on November 21, 2008 for $2. 7 million. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
First Niagara unveils new logo Jun 26, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group Inc., Lockport, N.Y., on Thursday unveiled its new logo and color scheme which will launch in August. First Niagara (Nasdaq:FNFG) expects to enter Pittsburgh as its fourth-largest bank by deposits and fifth-largest by branches when its acquisition of former National City Corp. branches from PNC Financial Services Group Inc. is completed in September. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
First Niagara names National City's Rendulic to western Pa. post Jun 18, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group Inc., Lockport, N.Y., on Wednesday named Mark R. Rendulic senior vice president and regional sales manager for retail banking in western Pennsylvania. First Niagara (Nasdaq:FNFG) expects to enter Pittsburgh as its fourth largest bank by deposits and fifth by branches when its acquisition of former National City Corp. branches from PNC Financial Services Group Inc. is completed in September. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
First order of business: survival Jun 17, 2009
American Bio Medica faces possible delisting by Nasdaq in August. By , Deputy business editor First published in print: Wednesday, June 17, 2009. (Albany Times Union)
First Niagara selects 11 Stanwix in Downtown Pittsburgh for Regional Market Center Jun 4, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group Inc., expected to enter the Pittsburgh market in September, on Wednesday said it is establishing its Western Pennsylvania Regional Market Center in the 11 Stanwix Building in Downtown Pittsburgh. Lockport, N.Y.-based Fifty are located in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
First Niagara repays $184M in TARP funds May 29, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group Inc., Lockport, N.Y., said Thursday it has repaid the U.S. Treasury Department s $184 million investment. The government purchased non-voting senior preferred stock last fall under the Capital Purchase Program of the Troubled Assets Relief Program. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
First Niagara CEO ready to compete May 1, 2009
Early last month, Buffalo, N.Y., area-based First Niagara Financial won a bid to buy 57 of the 61 National City branches in Western Pennsylvania that National City's new owner, PNC Financial Services Group, was forced to sell to settle antitrust concerns. (Four branches, in Crawford County, went to two other banks. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Burning bright in dark economic times Apr 29, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group has turned adversity to its advantage with buying spree ... The upstate banking company Lockport-based First Niagara Financial Group Inc. has used the meltdown to aggressively grow, earning national attention. (Albany Times Union)
Hockey Fans Grab Up Amerks Bargains Apr 19, 2009
I haven't had a chance to look at all of the bargains yet, but from that alone, it's a good savings," said Charles Henderson, Buffalo. The Amerks equipment manager said the team has to get rid of its extra items due to the lack of storage room. jmevb Print Friendly Version The local chapter of a national civil rights group is concerned over a new law in Rochester that members say is an invasion of privacy. The group said it could be unfairly used to put people behind bars. For the NAACP and one... (R News)
Bodybuilding Proven Ageless Apr 19, 2009
And his answer to "how do you look so good at 61? "I don't know, a lot of people judge me, it's a compliment, thank you," Sacco graciously answered. bl ll/CJB Print Friendly Version The local chapter of a national civil rights group is concerned over a new law in Rochester that members say is an invasion of privacy. The group said it could be unfairly used to put people behind bars. For the NAACP and one elected official, the law is proof many forms of discrimination still exist. Police... (R News)
Boy Saved Thanks Firefighters Apr 18, 2009
" dp/ay Print Friendly Version The Hollywood spotlight is shining on a small village in Orleans County. The city of Rochester honored a number of Rochester police officers and a city minister for saving a man who was trying to commit suicide. The city of Rochester's "go-to guy" when it snows won't be there the next time the white stuff comes around. U.S. Marshals apprehended a former Penfield man Thursday night in Erie, Pennsylvania. Authorities said he had fled from his own criminal trial. A... (R News)
Bishop Clark Attends Archbishop Installation Apr 18, 2009
Not only because he is a very capable leader but because he is somebody I have known for years and with whom I have a friendship I value very highly," said Clark. Clark said he is proud of Dolan's accomplishments and proud of what this means for the Catholic Church. rh/yc Print Friendly Version The Hollywood spotlight is shining on a small village in Orleans County. The city of Rochester honored a number of Rochester police officers and a city minister for saving a man who was trying to commit... (R News)
High Falls Film Fest Returns Apr 17, 2009
And it also stimulates the downtown economy," said Rosie Taravella, High Falls Film Fest. ajl/ay Print Friendly Version A U.S. postal service worker is charged for tampering with the mail system. The Rochester police and fire departments and other community organizations hit the streets Thursday as part of a Project T.I.P.S. (Trust, Information, Programs ces) cookout on Jefferson Avenue. Rochester High Falls International Film Festival organizers announced the headline celebrities for this... (R News)
BBB Drops Two Local Businesses Apr 16, 2009
Accent Windows of Rochester received a grade of "F while Money Tree Training Group of Webster also received a grade of "F." The Better Business Bureau assigns grades for businesses ranging from an A+ to an F. This system replaced the satisfactory and unsatisfactory scale used in the past. The agency expelled a total of nine businesses in Upstate New York. ajl Print Friendly Version One of the busiest places in Monroe County was at the U.S. Post Office on Jefferson Road in Henrietta. It was... (R News)
First Niagara Prices Common Stock Offering Apr 15, 2009
LOCKPORT, N.Y., April 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ) today announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 27,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock at a price to the public of $12. 25 per share for gross proceeds of approximately $330. (PR Newswire)
Dow closes down 137 Tuesday; PNC down 9 % Apr 15, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group Inc., which last week said it was buying 57 former branches from PNC, was close behind. Lockport, N.Y.-based First Niagara (Nasdaq:FNFG) dropped 9. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Students Support Stem Cell Research Apr 15, 2009
"Even if he could just regain the abilities with his hands. Being able to move his fingers, feed himself, wash his own face, Medford said. "We spend $300 billion to $500 billion a year on chronic diseases that include among them the top targets of stem cell research," said Dr. Mark Noble, U of R Stem Cell Institute. Noble said that includes spinal cord injuries, along with diseases like Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and cancer. Medford hopes her group can raise $10,000 during a week of... (R News)
Slaughter Pushes NY High Speed Rail Apr 15, 2009
I've been talking about it since I've been in Congress New York State is so far ahead," Slaughter said. Slaughter added that she has until May to submit an application for stimulus funds. She said Upstate New Yorks chances are extraordinary because New York is so far ahead in the planning stages and shovel-ready areas. ajl/ay Print Friendly Version What if the only grocery store where you live closed? That is what is happening to one Wayne County community. Monroe County Executive Maggie... (R News)
Complaint targets PNC sale to Niagara Apr 14, 2009
An independent banking consultant lodged a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice over PNC Financial Services Group's pending sale of 57 National City branches to First Niagara Financial, contending that PNC may have chosen the buyer to minimize competition. In his letter, e-mailed to the Justice department on Sunday, Miami-based consultant Kenneth Thomas questioned whether PNC "handpicked" First Niagara, a regional bank in upstate New York, "to avoid selling to a truly competitive big... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
First Niagara to Repay Bailout Funds Apr 14, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group plans a $300 million public offering ... First Niagara Financial Group plans a $300 million public offering. (R News)
First Niagara first quarter profit steady Apr 14, 2009
The Pittsburgh area's newest bank, First Niagara Financial Group, on Monday announced first quarter 2009 net income of 16. 1 million or 14 cents per diluted share, compared to $18. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Second Body Parts Case Trial Begins Apr 14, 2009
Everything was falsified," Bailey said. The prosecution expects to call 40 witnesses. Medos is the second of seven people to be tried in this case. Funeral Director Jason Gano was found guilty and was sentenced to 6 to 18 years in prison. ajl ds Print Friendly Version For the first time in nearly 20 years, one of Rochester's biggest summer events has new organizers and more challenges. Steve Minarik is responsible for shaping the careers of many area Republican political leaders. The former... (R News)
Rave reviews Apr 13, 2009
In January, we here at the Buzz noted the frequency with which John Koelmel, CEO at First Niagara Financial Group Inc., was appearing on the CNBC financial network. This past week, First Niagara was again mentioned on the cable network, with enthusiastic loudmouth James Cramer celebrating the upstate bank's recent purchase of 57 branches in western Pennsylvania. (Albany Times Union)
First Niagara Financial Group Sets New Date to Announce 1st Quarter 2009 Results Apr 11, 2009
LOCKPORT, N.Y., April 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ), today announced that it will release 2009 first quarter earnings before the market opens on Monday, April 13, 2009 ... First Niagara Financial Group, Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary First Niagara Bank, has assets of $9 ... SOURCE First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.. (PR Newswire)
Meet the CEO: First Niagara's John Koelmel Apr 10, 2009
Joe Wojcik John Koelmel is CEO of First Niagara Financial Group Inc., the newest entrant into Pittsburgh s banking sector. First Niagara Financial Group CEO John Koelmel, 56, was a career accounting executive hired by First Niagara as CFO in early 2004. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Dow ends Thursday above 8,000; PNC up 20% Apr 10, 2009
First Niagara Financial Group Inc. (NYSE:FNFG) up 6. 99 percent to $13. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Jobs stay with banks Apr 8, 2009
While Marquette announced plans to acquire three Crawford County locations, 57 branches will be purchased by First Niagara Financial Group of Lockport, N.Y.. The final branch, in Titusville, was sold to Emlenton-based Emclaire Financial Corp., which does business as the Farmers National Bank of Emlenton. (Erie Times-News, PA)
CEOs See More Layoffs; Decline In Spending, Sales Apr 8, 2009
This year, there have been three massive consolidations in the pharmaceutical sector, while on Tuesday First Niagara Financial Group Inc. said it was buying $4. 2 billion in deposits and 57 branches from a unit of PNC Financial Services Group Inc.. (KIRO TV, WA)
First Niagara acquires 57 of PNC's National City branches Apr 8, 2009
Here s how the Pittsburgh metro area shapes up with the addition of First Niagara Financial Group. By deposits. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
First Niagara prime for expansion to Pa. Apr 6, 2009
First Niagara Financial Corp. CEO John Koelmel. Related News. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Firm says survival is in doubt Apr 1, 2009
On Feb. 11, the company said it defaulted on a loan from First Niagara Financial Group Inc. after it exceeded its monthly net-loss covenants. But First Niagara agreed not to take any action until at least June 1, to give American Bio Medica time to find a new lender. (Albany Times Union)
