KeyCorp announced it has closed its acquisition of First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.  Systems and client conversion is expected during the fourth quarter of 2016, subject to pending regulatory approval by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC") for the merger of First Niagara Bank into KeyBank.

"Key and First Niagara are a powerful combination, driven by a shared commitment to the clients and communities we serve," said Beth Mooney, KeyCorp CEO and Chair. "Our teams have worked hard over the past nine months to bring our two organizations together. As we begin to move forward, as one company, I am excited for the opportunities we have to accelerate our performance, drive growth and maximize long-term value for our clients, communities, employees, and shareholders."

The acquisition, which was announced on October 30, 2015, will include the addition of approximately 300 branches in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, giving Key more than 1,200 branches throughout its 15 state footprint.  The merger will also add approximately $29 billion in deposits and total assets of $40 billion to KeyCorp, based on June 30, 2016, balances.  KeyCorp received regulatory approval from the Federal Reserve for the acquisition on July 12, 2016.

Clients will continue to use their First Niagara accounts and other banking services until the fourth quarter, when accounts are expected to convert to KeyBank, subject to pending OCC regulatory approval. KeyBank will communicate directly to First Niagara clients about conversion plans and timing.

KeyCorp was organized more than 160 years ago and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.  One of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, Key had assets of approximately $101.2 billion at June 30, 2016.