Blue Foundry shareholders to get 0.65 Fulton shares in $243M deal
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Fulton Financial Corporation has agreed to acquire Blue Foundry Bancorp in an all-stock merger. Each share of Blue Foundry common stock will be exchanged for 0.6500 shares of Fulton common stock, valuing the deal at about $243 million, or $11.67 per Blue Foundry share, based on Fulton’s $17.96 share price as of November 21, 2025. The companies expect the transaction to be accretive to Fulton’s first full-year earnings per share by over 5%, immediately accretive to tangible book value per share, and neutral to regulatory capital ratios at closing.
The merger expands Fulton’s footprint in the northern New Jersey market, with Blue Foundry Bank to be merged into Fulton Bank, N.A. after closing, which is targeted for the second quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory and Blue Foundry stockholder approvals. Fulton will also contribute $1.5 million to its Fulton Forward® Foundation for New Jersey community grants. As of September 30, 2025, Fulton reported $31.995 billion in total assets, a tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio of 8.3%, and a 15.8% operating return on average tangible common shareholders’ equity.
Positive
- Strategic all-stock acquisition with EPS accretion: Fulton will acquire Blue Foundry in a roughly $243 million all-stock deal at $11.67 per share, expected to lift first full-year EPS by over 5% while remaining neutral to regulatory capital ratios.
- Strengthened financial profile and scale: As of September 30, 2025, Fulton reported $31.995 billion in assets, a tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio of 8.3%, and a 15.8% operating return on average tangible common shareholders’ equity, providing capacity to absorb and integrate the acquisition.
- Community investment commitment: Fulton plans a $1.5 million contribution to the Fulton Forward® Foundation for impact grants to New Jersey nonprofit organizations tied to the combination.
Negative
- None.
Insights
All-stock $243M deal boosts Fulton’s NJ presence with EPS accretion.
The announced all-stock acquisition of Blue Foundry Bancorp by Fulton Financial values Blue Foundry at about $243 million, or $11.67 per share, using Fulton’s $17.96 share price on November 21, 2025. Each Blue Foundry share will convert into 0.6500 Fulton shares, so the ultimate consideration will move with Fulton’s stock price. The transaction expands Fulton into northern New Jersey, consistent with its stated strategy of growing in local markets.
Fulton states the deal is expected to be accretive to first full-year earnings per share by over 5%, immediately accretive to tangible book value per share, and neutral to regulatory capital ratios at close. These claims rest on projected cost saves and integration assumptions, and the communication notes that all such expectations are forward-looking and subject to risks and uncertainties. As of September 30, 2025, Fulton reported total assets of $31.995 billion, a tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio of 8.3%, and a 15.8% operating return on average tangible common shareholders’ equity, indicating a solid capital and profitability base heading into the combination.
The transaction requires regulatory approvals and approval by Blue Foundry stockholders and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026. Fulton also plans a $1.5 million contribution to the Fulton Forward® Foundation for New Jersey nonprofit grants, highlighting a community focus alongside financial objectives. Actual outcomes will depend on closing conditions, regulatory feedback, and how effectively Fulton integrates Blue Foundry’s franchise into its commercial, consumer, wealth, and mortgage businesses.
FAQ
What did Fulton Financial and Blue Foundry Bancorp announce in this 8-K?
Fulton Financial Corporation and Blue Foundry Bancorp announced that they entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Fulton will acquire Blue Foundry in an all-stock transaction. Blue Foundry will merge into Fulton, and Blue Foundry Bank will later merge into Fulton Bank, N.A., with Fulton Bank as the surviving bank.
How is the merger expected to affect Fultons earnings and capital ratios?
The transaction is expected to be accretive to Fultons first full-year earnings per share by over 5%, immediately accretive to tangible book value per share, and neutral to regulatory capital ratios at close, according to the companies statements.
When is the Fulton–Blue Foundry transaction expected to close?
The parties expect the merger to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval by Blue Foundrys stockholders.
What markets and strategic goals does this deal support for Fulton Financial (FULT)?
The deal is described as accelerating Fultons growth efforts in the northern New Jersey market. Management indicates that the expansion aligns with its strategy of growing in local markets and supports organic growth across commercial, consumer, wealth advisory, and mortgage businesses.
What is Fulton Financials financial position going into the Blue Foundry acquisition?
As of September 30, 2025, Fulton reported $31.995 billion in total assets, a tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio of 8.3%, and an operating return on average tangible common shareholders equity of 15.8%, based on adjusted net income of $101.386 million for the quarter.
Are there any community or philanthropic components tied to the Fulton–Blue Foundry merger?
Yes. As part of the transaction, Fulton will contribute $1.5 million to the Fulton Forward® Foundation, earmarked for impact grants supporting nonprofit community organizations in New Jersey.












