Company: FRME
Filing Date: 2025-04-01
Form Type: DEF 14A
Source: 0000712534-25-000077
Chunk: 71

Company: FIRST MERCHANTS CORP
Filing Date: 2025-04-01
Form: DEF 14A
Chunk 71
---
 below.

The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision by Forvis of all services is compatible with maintaining Forvis' independence and believes that it is compatible.

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE’S PRE-APPROVAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The Audit Committee has established a pre-approval policy, under which the Committee is required to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services performed by FMC’s independent auditor, in order to assure that the provision of such services does not impair the auditor’s independence. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. Under this policy, pre-approval is provided for 12 months from the date of pre-approval unless the Committee specifically provides for a different period. The policy is detailed as to the particular services or category of services and fee levels that are pre-approved. Unless a service or type of service to be provided by the independent auditor has received general pre-approval, it will require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee. The Committee must also approve any proposed services exceeding the pre-approved fee levels. The independent auditor is required to provide detailed back-up

54 First Merchants Corporation 2025 Proxy Statement

documentation with respect to each proposed pre-approved service at the time of approval. The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members. The member or members to whom such authority has been delegated must report any pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee does not delegate its responsibilities to pre-approve services performed by the independent auditor to management.

VOTING ITEM 3: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FOR 2025

The Board, subject to ratification by the shareholders, has appointed Forvis Mazars, LLP as FMC’s independent auditor for 2025. If the shareholders do not ratify the appointment of Forvis Mazars, LLP, the Audit Committee and the Board will reconsider this appointment. Representatives of the firm are expected to be present at the annual shareholders’ meeting. They will have an opportunity to make a statement, if they desire to do so, and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE FIRM FORVIS MAZARS, LLP AS FMC’S INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FOR 2025.

#### XII.

#### SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Proposals of shareholders pursuant to