[425] Blue Foundry Bancorp Business Combination Communication
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Fulton Financial Corporation plans to acquire Blue Foundry Bancorp under a merger agreement dated November 24, 2025, with closing expected in Q2 of 2026 subject to Blue Foundry shareholder approval, banking regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. Following completion, all Blue Foundry financial centers and operations are expected to become part of Fulton Bank, expanding Fulton’s presence further into northern New Jersey.
Management notes that any branch closures or job eliminations will be evaluated later by an integration team from both organizations, and no firm decisions have been made. The communication includes employee talking points, social media messaging and a website banner promoting the combination, and highlights that Fulton will file a Form S-4 registration statement and joint proxy statement/prospectus, which Blue Foundry stockholders are urged to read when available.
Positive
- Transformative acquisition for Blue Foundry: Fulton Financial Corporation plans to acquire Blue Foundry Bancorp, providing a full-sale outcome that would give Blue Foundry stockholders liquidity through a merger subject to approvals.
- Strategic geographic expansion: The combination is positioned to expand Fulton’s banking presence further into northern New Jersey, with more locations and solutions for customers after closing targeted for Q2 of 2026.
Negative
- Execution and approval risk: Closing is contingent on Blue Foundry shareholder approval, banking regulatory approvals and customary conditions, so the transaction may be delayed or may not close as currently expected.
- Uncertainty for branches and employees: The integration team will later decide on branch structure and staffing, leaving potential for branch closures or job eliminations even though no firm conclusions have been reached.
Insights
Fulton intends to acquire Blue Foundry, adding northern New Jersey scale in 2026.
The communication outlines a planned acquisition of Blue Foundry Bancorp by Fulton Financial Corporation, with closing targeted for
Operationally, branch locations and staffing levels remain undecided; an integration team from both banks will assess financial centers and staffing to determine the most efficient structure. This leaves some uncertainty for employees and local markets until specific consolidation or retention decisions are announced.
For stockholders, the transaction is significant because Blue Foundry will seek approval via a proxy statement/prospectus included in a Form S-4 registration statement. The safe-harbor discussion emphasizes that expected financial benefits, including anticipated accretion to earnings per share mentioned at a high level, are forward-looking and subject to execution, regulatory timing and integration outcomes once more detailed terms are disclosed in future SEC filings.
Filed by: Fulton Financial Corporation
Pursuant to Rule 425 of the Securities Act of 1933
and deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Subject Company: Blue Foundry Bancorp
Commission File No.: 001-40619
This filing relates to the proposed transaction between Fulton Financial Corporation (“Fulton”) and Blue Foundry Bancorp (“Blue Foundry”) pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 24, 2025, by and between Fulton and Blue Foundry.
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The following talking points were shared with certain employees of Fulton on November 24, 2025.
Media Messaging
Will you close branches?
The integration team from both organizations will evaluate the existing financial centers to assess the most efficient approach to supporting the combined bank’s customers. We have not reached any firm conclusions and expect to engage collaboratively with Blue Foundry to arrive at optimized operations.
Will there be job eliminations?
It’s too early to say for sure. The integration team from both organizations will need to evaluate the combined organization’s staffing to assess the best approach to supporting our customers. We have not reached any firm conclusions and expect to engage collaboratively with Blue Foundry on this question. The great news is that Fulton is growing across our footprint and continually seeking strong talent with experience in financial services.
When will the deal be final?
Pending the approval of Blue Foundry’s shareholders and Fulton’s banking regulators, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, we expect to complete the transaction in Q2 of 2026 and then sometime in mid-2026, all Blue Foundry financial centers and operations would become part of Fulton Bank.
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The following social media posts were issued by Fulton Bank, N.A., a national banking association and wholly owned subsidiary of Fulton (“Fulton Bank”), in connection with the proposed transaction.
Social Media Posts
Link: Press release on Fulton’s website
| • | Copy: Excited to announce we signed an agreement for Fulton Financial Corporation to acquire Blue Foundry Bancorp and following the closing, merge Blue Foundry Bank. This move expands our presence even further into northern New Jersey. Together, we will provide customers with even more locations, solutions and community support! Check out our press release. |
LinkedIn (Fulton Bank & Fulton Private Bank)
| • | Hashtags: #FultonBank #Fulton Financial |
| • | Copy: Excited to announce we signed an agreement for Fulton Financial Corporation to acquire Blue Foundry Bancorp and following the closing, merge Blue Foundry Bank. This move expands our presence even further into northern New Jersey. Together, we will provide customers with even more locations, solutions and community support! Check out our press release. |
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| • | Copy: Excited to announce we signed an agreement for Fulton Financial Corporation to acquire Blue Foundry Bancorp and following the closing, merge Blue Foundry Bank. This move expands our presence even further into northern New Jersey. Together, we will provide customers with even more locations, solutions and community support! Check out our press release. |
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The following communication was published on Fulton Bank’s website on November 24, 2025.
Website Post/Graphic Banner
Copy: Combining Strengths. Supporting New Jersey. Excited to announce we signed an agreement for Fulton Financial Corporation to acquire Blue Foundry Bancorp and following the closing, merge Blue Foundry Bank. This move expands our presence even further into northern New Jersey. Together, we will provide customers with even more locations, solutions and community support!
Button/Link: Read More.
Link: Press release on Fulton’s website
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This communication contains “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “should,” “will,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “future,” “intends,” “projects,” the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook and expectations of Fulton and Blue Foundry with respect to the proposed business combination between Fulton and Blue Foundry (the “Proposed Transaction”), the strategic benefits and financial benefits of the Proposed Transaction, including the expected impact of the Proposed Transaction on Fulton’s future financial performance (including anticipated accretion to earnings per share and other metrics), and the timing of the closing of the Proposed Transaction. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties. There are many factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results described in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are intended to be subject to the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts, nor assurance of future performance. Instead, the statements are based on current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of the businesses of Fulton and Blue Foundry, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of Fulton’s and Blue Foundry’s control, and actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not unduly rely on any of these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements attributable to Fulton or Blue Foundry, or persons acting on Fulton’s or Blue Foundry’s behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth below. Any forward-looking statement is based only on information currently available and speaks only as of the date when made. Fulton and Blue Foundry undertake no obligation, other than as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers are used for illustrative purpose only, are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results.
Factors relating to the Proposed Transaction that could cause or contribute to actual results differing materially from those contained or implied in forward-looking statements or historical performance include, in addition to those factors identified elsewhere in this communication:
| • | The possibility that revenue or expense synergies and other expected benefits of the Proposed Transaction, including anticipated cost savings and strategic gains, are not realized when expected or at all, including as a result of the impact of, or challenges arising from, the integration of Blue Foundry into Fulton or as a result of the strength of the economy, competitive factors in the areas where Fulton and Blue Foundry do business, or as a result of other unexpected factors or events; |
| • | The occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the Merger Agreement governing the terms and conditions of the Proposed Transaction; |
| • | The possibility that the Proposed Transaction may not be completed when expected or at all because required regulatory, stockholder or other approvals or other conditions to closing are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect Fulton or Blue Foundry or the expected benefits of the Proposed Transaction); |
| • | Reputational risks and potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the Proposed Transaction; |
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| • | The dilution caused by Fulton’s issuance of common stock in connection with the Proposed Transaction; diversion of management’s attention and time from ongoing business operations and other opportunities on matters relating to the Proposed Transaction; |
| • | The outcome of any legal proceedings related to the Proposed Transaction which may be instituted against Fulton or Blue Foundry; |
| • | Unanticipated challenges or delays in the integration of Blue Foundry’s business into Fulton’s business and or the conversion of Blue Foundry’s operating systems and customer data onto Fulton’s may significantly increase the expense associated with the Proposed Transaction; and |
| • | Other factors that may affect future results of Fulton and Blue Foundry, including continued pressures and uncertainties within the banking industry and Fulton’s and Blue Foundry’s markets, including changes in interest rates, price fluctuations as well as other market events, and deposit amounts and composition, increased competitive pressures, operational risks, asset and credit quality deterioration, the impact of proposed or imposed tariffs by the U.S. government or retaliatory tariffs proposed or imposed by U.S. trading partners that could have an adverse impact on customers or any recession or slowdown in economic growth particularly in the markets in which Fulton or Blue Foundry operate, and legislative, regulatory, and fiscal policy changes and related compliance costs. |
These factors are not necessarily all of the factors that could cause Fulton’s or Blue Foundry’s actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of the forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could harm Fulton’s or Blue Foundry’s results.
Further information regarding Fulton and Blue Foundry and factors that could affect the forward-looking statements contained herein can be found in Fulton’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which is accessible on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) website at www.sec.gov and in the Investor Relations section of Fulton’s website at www.fultonbank.com, and in other documents Fulton files with the SEC and in Blue Foundry’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which is accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and available in the Investor Relations section of Blue Foundry’s website at https://bluefoundrybank.com and in other documents Blue Foundry files with the SEC. Information on these websites is not part of this document.
Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find it
In connection with the Proposed Transaction, Fulton will file a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC under the Securities Act to register the shares of Fulton common stock to be issued in connection with the Proposed Transaction that will include a proxy statement of Blue Foundry and a prospectus of Fulton (the “proxy statement/prospectus”) and other relevant documents in connection with the Proposed Transaction. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to the stockholders of Blue Foundry seeking their approval of the Proposed Transaction and other related matters. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF BLUE FOUNDRY ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AND EACH OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENT FILED WITH THE SEC BY FULTON OR BLUE FOUNDRY IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. The proxy statement/prospectus (when it becomes available) and any other documents Fulton and Blue Foundry have filed and will file with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). In addition, copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and documents Fulton and Blue Foundry have filed or will file with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference into the proxy statement/prospectus may also be obtained free of charge on Fulton’s website at fultonbank.com or by contacting Matt Jozwiak, Fulton Financial Corporation, One Penn Square, Lancaster, PA 17602 or on Blue Foundry’s website at www.bluefoundrybank.com or by contacting Elyse D. Beidner, Blue Foundry Bancorp, 19 Park Avenue, Rutherford, NJ 07070.
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PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION
Fulton, Blue Foundry and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Blue Foundry in connection with the Proposed Transaction under the rules of the SEC. Information regarding Fulton’s directors and executive officers is available in the sections entitled “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” in Fulton’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on February 28, 2025 (available here); in the sections entitled “Director Nominees,” “Executive Officers Who are Not Serving as Directors,” “Corporate Governance and Board Matters” and “Information Concerning Executive Compensation” in Fulton’s definitive proxy statement relating to its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 1, 2025 (available here); and other documents filed by Fulton with the SEC. Information regarding Blue Foundry’s directors and executive officers is available in the sections entitled “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” in Blue Foundry’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on March 27, 2025 (available here); in the sections entitled “Principal Shareholders and Stock Ownership of Management,” “Director Information,” “Directors,” “Board Composition,” “Transactions with Certain Related Persons,” “Executive Compensation,” and “Directors’ Compensation” in Blue Foundry’s definitive proxy statement relating to its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which was filed with the SEC on April 10, 2025 (available here); and other documents filed by Blue Foundry with the SEC. To the extent holdings of Fulton common stock by the directors and executive officers of Fulton or holdings of Blue Foundry common stock by directors and officers of Blue Foundry have changed from the amounts held by such persons as reflected in the documents described above, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Proposed Transaction. Free copies of this document may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph.
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FAQ
What transaction is proposed between Fulton Financial and Blue Foundry Bancorp (BLFY)?
Fulton Financial Corporation has signed an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated November 24, 2025, under which it plans to acquire Blue Foundry Bancorp and, after closing, merge Blue Foundry Bank into Fulton Bank.
When is the Fulton–Blue Foundry (BLFY) merger expected to close?
The parties expect to complete the transaction in Q2 of 2026, after which, sometime in mid-2026, all Blue Foundry financial centers and operations would become part of Fulton Bank, subject to approvals and customary conditions.
Will the Fulton–Blue Foundry merger lead to branch closures?
The communication states that an integration team from both organizations will evaluate existing financial centers to determine the most efficient approach. No firm conclusions about branch closures have been reached.
Are job cuts planned in connection with Fulton’s acquisition of Blue Foundry (BLFY)?
It is described as too early to know. Staffing for the combined organization will be evaluated by the integration team, and there are no firm decisions yet, though Fulton notes it is growing and continually seeking strong financial services talent.
How will the Fulton–Blue Foundry transaction affect Fulton’s presence in New Jersey?
The website messaging highlights that the deal will expand Fulton’s presence further into northern New Jersey, with the combined bank expected to offer more locations, solutions and community support after closing.
What SEC documents will be filed for the Fulton and Blue Foundry (BLFY) merger?
Fulton plans to file a Form S-4 registration statement that will include a joint proxy statement/prospectus. Blue Foundry stockholders will receive the definitive proxy statement/prospectus to vote on the proposed transaction.
Where can investors find more information about the Fulton–Blue Foundry merger?
When available, the Form S-4 and proxy statement/prospectus and related filings will be accessible free of charge on the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov), as well as in the investor relations sections of Fulton’s and Blue Foundry’s websites.
