Item 3. Legal Proceedings
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As of April 20, 2023, a putative class action lawsuit entitled Chad Key, et al. v. Horizon Bancorp, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:23-cv-02961 (”Securities Action”) was filed against the Company and two of its officers in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The Securities Action asserts claims under §§ 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 alleging, among other things, the Company made materially false and misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts which allegedly resulted in harm to a putative class of purchasers of our securities from March 9, 2022 and March 10, 2023.
As of (1) August 28, 2023, a lawsuit related to the Securities Action was filed by Sally Hundley, derivatively on behalf of the Company, against the Company, as nominal defendant, and 2 of the Company's officers and 10 of its directors and (2) August 31, 2023, a lawsuit also related to the Securities Action was filed by Aziz Chowdhury, derivatively on behalf of the Company, against the Company, as nominal defendant, and 2 of the Company's officers and 10 of its directors (the “Derivatives Actions”) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The Derivative Actions allege, among other things, breach of the officers and directors' fiduciary duties. The Derivative Actions have been consolidated and stayed pending resolution of any motion to dismiss in the Securities Action.
Based on our initial review of these actions, management believes that the Company has strong defenses to the claims and intends to vigorously defend against them. As of December 31, 2023, no liabilities related to the above matters were recorded because we have concluded such liabilities are not probable and the amounts of such liabilities are not reasonably estimable.
In addition to the matters described above, from time to time, Horizon and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of their business. Management does not expect that the outcome of any such proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
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SPECIAL ITEM: INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Thomas M. Prame 54 President of Horizon and the Bank since August 15, 2022; Executive Vice President at First Midwest Bancorp from May 2012 to March 2022. As previously disclosed, on January 17, 2023, the Board approved the appointment of Thomas M. Prame to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of both Horizon and the Bank, effective as of June 1, 2023.
Mark E. Secor 57 Executive Vice President of Horizon since January 2014; Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Horizon and the Bank since January 2009; Vice President, Chief Investment and Asset Liability Manager from June 2007 to January 2009; Chief Financial Officer of St. Joseph Capital Corp., Mishawaka, Indiana from 2004 to 2007. On November 7, 2023, Horizon announced a succession plan for its Chief Financial Officer. Horizon and Mark E. Secor have agreed that he will transition from his role as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of Horizon and the Bank. Mr. Secor will continue in the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer until a successor is appointed and support the transition process through April 30, 2024. Horizon has initiated a search process to identify Horizon's next CFO.
Kathie A. DeRuiter 62 Executive Vice President of Horizon and Senior Bank Operations Officer since January 2014; Senior Vice President, Senior Bank Operations Officer from January 2003 to January 2014; Vice President, Senior Bank Operations Officer from January 2000 to January 2003.
Todd A. Etzler 57 Executive Vice President and General Counsel since January 2021; Senior Vice President and General Counsel from July 2018 to December 2020; Vice President and General Counsel from March 2017 to July 2018; Corporate Secretary since January 2018. General Counsel of Family Express Corporation from July 2011 to March 2017.
Lynn M. Kerber 55 Executive Vice President and Senior Commercial Credit Officer since January 2021; Senior Vice President and Senior Commercial Credit Officer from May 2018 to December 2020; Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, Chemical Financial Corporation June 2015 to August 2017; President of the Chemical Bank Foundation 2013 to 2017.
All officers are appointed annually by the Board of Directors of Horizon and the Bank, as applicable.
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HORIZON BANCORP, INC.
PART II