Company: NWBI
Filing Date: 2025-02-20
Form Type: S-4/A
Source: 0001193125-25-030716
Chunk: 59

Company: Northwest Bancshares, Inc.
Filing Date: 2025-02-20
Form: S-4/A
Chunk 59
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 physical inspection of the properties, facilities, assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Penns Woods or Northwest. Stephens did not receive or review any individual loan or credit files nor did Stephens make an independent evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses of Penns Woods or Northwest. Stephens did not make an independent analysis of the effects of potential future changes in the rate of inflation or of prevailing rates of interest or other market developments or disruptions, or of the effects of any global conflicts or hostilities or any other disaster or adversity, on the business or prospects of Penns Woods or Northwest. With respect to the financial projections or forecasts prepared by management of Penns Woods and management of Northwest, including the forecasts of potential cost savings and potential synergies, Stephens also assumed that such financial projections or forecasts had been reasonably prepared and reflected the best then currently available estimates and judgments of management of Penns Woods and management of Northwest, respectively, as to the future financial performance of Penns Woods and Northwest, respectively, and provided a reasonable basis for Stephens’ analysis. Stephens recognized that such financial projections or forecasts were based on numerous variables, assumptions and judgments that were inherently uncertain (including, without limitation, factors related to general economic and competitive conditions) and that actual results could vary significantly from such projections or forecasts, and Stephens expressed no opinion as to the reliability of such financial projections, forecasts or estimates or the assumptions upon which they were based. Stephens does not provide legal, accounting, regulatory, or tax advice or expertise, and Stephens relied solely, and without independent verification, on the assessments of Penns Woods and its other advisors with respect to such matters. Stephens assumed, with Penns Woods’ consent, that the proposed Merger will not result in any materially adverse legal, regulatory, accounting or tax consequences for Penns Woods or its shareholders and that any reviews of legal, accounting, regulatory or tax issues conducted as a result of the proposed Merger will be resolved favorably to Penns Woods and its shareholders. Stephens did not express any opinion as to any tax or other consequences that might result from the proposed Merger. Stephens’ opinion was necessarily based upon market, economic and other conditions as they existed and could be evaluated on the date of the opinion, and on the information made available to Stephens as of the date of the opinion. Market price data used by Stephens in connection with its opinion was based on reported market closing prices as of December 13 th, 2024. It should be understood that subsequent developments may affect the