First Place Bank increases its presence in Ohio, Ky., W.Va.

WARREN — The parent company of First Place Bank has reached a deal that would expand its presence in Ohio as well as push the bank into Kentucky and West Virginia.

First Place Financial Corp. said today it has reached a $97.2 million agreement to acquire Camco Financial Corp., which is the holding company for Advantage Bank. The Cambridge, Ohio-based company has 22 banking offices in three states.

Steven Lewis, president and chief executive of Warren-based First Place, said the combination helps the company evolve “into a formidable statewide competitor.”

First Place will gain branches in Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton, where it now has loan offices.

For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.