The acquisition adds 120 FirstBank branches and $26.7 billion in assets to PNC’s portfolio. Once approved, it will make PNC the largest bank in the Denver market and significantly increase its scale in Arizona, where it will control more than 70 branches. With the deal, PNC’s total assets will approach $575 billion. FirstBank, headquartered in Lakewood and branded with a “1stBank” logo, has long been one of Colorado’s most recognizable mid sized lenders. Privately held, the company confirmed that stockholders representing 45.7 percent of shares have already voted in favor of the merger. While shareholder and regulatory approvals are still pending, the outcome is considered highly likely, making this effectively a done deal. PNC has been aggressive in expanding its national footprint. Shortly after the pandemic, the Pennsylvania based bank purchased the U.S. operations of Spanish lender BBVA for $11.6 billion. That acquisition vaulted PNC into the top tier of American retail banking. With the addition of FirstBank, PNC becomes the largest player in the Denver area and strengthens its position as one of the biggest banks in the country. Industry analysts say the move reflects a broader trend of regional consolidation, with mid sized banks either being absorbed or seeking scale to compete with megabanks like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo. For Colorado, it marks a significant shift in the banking landscape, as one of the state’s flagship institutions becomes part of a national brand. For local customers, the transition will likely bring expanded digital offerings and access to PNC’s wider network, though questions remain about how community banking culture might change under the larger corporate umbrella. As a Lakewood resident, I’ve seen FirstBank’s presence firsthand. From local sponsorships to retail branches that dot the Denver metro, FirstBank has been woven into the community for decades. This merger represents not only a reshaping of balance sheets, but a reshaping of local identity in Colorado’s financial sector.