Horizon Bancorp Announces Three-for-Two Stock Split

Horizon Bancorp HBNC announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a 3-for-2 stock split to be effected in the form of a stock dividend on Horizon's outstanding shares of common stock. Shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 29, 2012, the record date, will be entitled to receive an additional half share for each share of common stock held. Shareholders will receive cash in lieu of any fractional share of common stock that they otherwise would have been entitled to receive in connection with the split, except that those shareholders participating in Horizon's Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plans will have fractional shares of common stock credited to their accounts. The price paid for fractional shares will be based on the average closing price of a share of common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market for the five trading days immediately prior to the record date. The additional shares issued in the stock split are expected to be distributed to shareholders on November 9, 2012. Craig M. Dwight, Horizon's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated: “Horizon has a strong and stable shareholder base, and we appreciate the large number of long-term, loyal shareholders. This split is intended to improve the liquidity for our stock by making more shares available in the marketplace, and to make our stock more accessible and attractive to new investors. We believe Horizon offers the opportunity to invest in a growing community bank that has consistently offered an attractive cash dividend return and solid growth.” The stock split will increase Horizon's outstanding shares from approximately 5.8 million shares prior to the split to approximately 8.7 million shares. Horizon Bancorp is a locally owned, independent, commercial bank holding company serving Northern and Central Indiana and Southwest Michigan through its commercial banking subsidiary, Horizon Bank, also doing business as Heartland Community Bank. Horizon also offers mortgage-banking services throughout the Midwest. Horizon Bancorp may be reached online at www.accesshorizon.com. Its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol HBNC.