United Community Financial 425
Filed by: PVF Capital Corp. pursuant to
Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933 and
deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Subject Company: United Community Financial Corp.
Commission File No.: 0-024399
Home Savings Employees
Q: Who is Park View Federal Capital Corp.?
Park View Capital Corp. is a unitary thrift holding company headquartered in Solon Ohio. Its
primary subsidiary, Park View Federal Savings Bank, was founded in 1920 and has assets totaling
$908 million. It employs 220 people while operating 17 full-service branches throughout the Greater
Cleveland area.
Q: Why did we acquire Park View?
This is an important step in implementing our strategic plan to grow our company through product
and geographic expansion. The acquisition of Park View will give Home Savings additional growth
opportunities in new markets and will strongly complement the expansion we have achieved in the
past few years. The Park View market area is a perfect fill in to the existing Home Savings
footprint. Furthermore, our employees will benefit from increased job opportunities, our customers
will benefit from an expanded branch network and our shareholders will benefit since this deal is
expected to be immediately accretive to earnings per share.
Q: Will any Home Savings or Park View jobs be eliminated or added as a result of this acquisition?
There are no definitive plans to eliminate jobs at this time, but we cannot rule out the
possibility in the future. As a result of combining the two companies, we do believe there will be
increased job opportunities for our employee base.
Q: Will my job/department be expected to provide support to Park View branches?
Yes, the same as the support currently provided to our current branches since Park View will become
an extension of the Home Savings branch network.
Q: What effect will this have on 2008 goals/budget?
The corporate budget will change accordingly, however, individual goals and objectives for most
people should remain the same.
Q: We have enjoyed our status as a community bank. Will we lose our local feel with this expansion?
No, we will continue to operate as a community bank. Park View and Home Savings share the
philosophy that community banks distinguish themselves based upon the level of service they provide
and their commitment to the communities served.
Q: Will there be any more acquisitions in the near future?
We are always looking for opportunities that fit into our growth strategy.
Q: What are the next steps to be taken in this acquisition process?
Now that the definitive agreement has been signed, we will be taking measures to assure a smooth
transition, while awaiting approval from the regulators, PVFC shareholders and UCFC shareholders.
Q: When will Park View become Home Savings?
Upon completion of the acquisition, which is expected to be at or near year end 2007, Park View
branches will become Home Savings branches and branch signage will reflect the change.
Q: Will Park View accounts be converted into Home Savings products?
Park View accounts will eventually be merged into the Home Savings product line, however, the Home
Savings product line may also be enhanced and expanded as a result of products being brought over
from Park View.
Filed by: PVF Capital Corp. pursuant to
Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933 and
deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Subject Company: United Community Financial Corp.
Commission File No.: 0-024399
Park View Customers
Q: Who are United Community and Home Savings?
United Community is a unitary thrift holding company headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio with two
subsidiaries: The Home Savings and Loan Company, an Ohio-chartered savings bank and Butler Wick
Corp., a trust and securities brokerage firm, both headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio. Home Savings
operates 38 full-service branches and five loan production offices located throughout Ohio and
Western Pa., while Butler Wick has 19 offices and two trust facilities located in Northeastern Ohio
and Western Pennsylvania.
Q: Why has Park View agreed to be acquired by United Community?
Home Savings is the right match for Park View. Home Savings is a community-based financial
institution with a 118-year history of offering personalized banking services to the small- to
mid-sized communities that it serves and, like Park View, it has derived much of its success
because of its unwavering commitments to delivering exceptional customer service and giving back to
the communities in which it serves. We forged this relationship because of the common belief that
community-based financial services companies, such as Home Savings, are in the best position to
offer value-added products and services to their customers.
Q: Will my branch be closed?
There are no present plans to close specific branches. As a part of normal business practice,
however, ongoing evaluations of the branch network will be made consistent with our commitment to
customer service and convenience.
Q: Will branch hours change?
There are no present plans to adjust existing branch hours.
Q: Now that Park View is becoming part of a larger bank, will I see a difference in the service
provided?
One of the characteristics that attracted these two banks to one another was the commitment of each
to an exceptional level of service. Business will continue to be conducted at our usual high
standard as it has for the past 87 years. In fact, because we will soon be offering a greater
variety of products and services under the Home Savings name, our valued customers will be the
major beneficiaries of this union.
Q: What new products and services will Home Savings be able to offer me?
There are many enhancements on the horizon for our customers. As Home Savings, we will offer
several exciting additions to our product line including deposit products, investment products,
loan programs and expanded delivery systems such as online banking and telephone banking.
Q: Will my accounts be moved to Youngstown?
No, customer accounts will continue to be handled in the same manner as they are now.
Q: Will my account(s) be converted to Home Savings products/rates/fees, etc.?
As the Park View product line is merged with that of Home Savings, there may be some changes, of
which we will be sure to keep you informed. This is no different than at any bank we constantly
evaluate the financial needs of our customer base and revise our product line to best serve those
needs.
Q: Will customers be able to transact business at existing Home Savings branches?
Yes, upon the merging of systems, all 55 branches will be able to be used by all customers.
Q: Will customers be able to use their existing checks?
Yes, until the acquisition is complete.
Q: We have enjoyed our status as a community bank. Will we lose our local feel with Home Savings?
Not at all. We will continue to operate as a community bank. Park View and Home Savings share the
philosophy that community banks distinguish themselves based upon the level of service they provide
and their commitment to the communities served. Our deep roots within our community are strong and
they will remain so.
Q: Is Park View in poor financial shape?
No. Park View Federal is a well-capitalized financial institution, which will become even stronger
as a result of this transaction.
Q: Where can I find out more information about Home Savings.
We encourage you to visit its website at www.homesavings.com.
Filed by: PVF Capital Corp. pursuant to
Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933 and
deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Subject Company: United Community Financial Corp.
Commission File No.: 0-024399
Park View Employees
Q: Who is Home Savings?
The Home Savings and Loan Company is a 118 year-old community bank headquartered in Youngstown,
Ohio. It operates 38 full-service branches and five loan production offices throughout Ohio and
western Pa. Home Savings is a subsidiary of United Community Financial Corp. (UCFC), which also
owns Butler Wick, a trust and securities brokerage company that has 19 offices and two trust
facilities located in Northeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.
Q: Will I lose my job?
There are no definitive plans to eliminate jobs at this time, but we cannot rule out the
possibility that there may be staffing cuts in the future, where there is geographic overlap or
redundancy of functions.
Q: How will my salary and benefits be affected?
Upon completion of the transaction, Park View benefits plans will be terminated. Park View
employees who remain with Home Savings will receive full credit for years of service. Our
compensation and benefits package is highly competitive.
Q: Will I need to transfer to Youngstown upon the completion of the merger?
One of the benefits to all employees is an increased opportunity for career advancement and it is
possible that some people who want to take advantage of such an opportunity may need to work at a
location different from the present one. It should be noted, however, that there is less than one
hour travel time between the Solon headquarters and that in Youngstown.
Q: Will we have to go through a computer systems conversion?
Fortunately both companies operate on the same system, just under different formats. Therefore,
while there will be a conversion in the future, everyone should enjoy the benefit of already
knowing the systemic procedures.
Q: Will there be elimination or consolidation of any departments in the new organization?
Yes, but those areas have not yet been identified
Q: Will any branches be closed?
There are no present plans to close specific branches. In a very few number of cases, there
appears to be some geographic overlap, which would cause us to evaluate the situation at a later
date. If there ends up being a branch closing, we would hope that staff could be absorbed into
other operations.
Q: Will this transaction change the way we do business?
The two companies are very similar in nature in that they distinguish themselves on the level of
customer service provided. Our continued commitment to our customers is paramount and therefore,
we will always strive to provide the best service possible. As far as product and services are
concerned, we will be able to offer several exciting additions to our deposit and investment
products and expanded loan programs in mortgage and commercial lending.
Q: When will we learn more about this transaction?
Home Savings is committed to internal communication. Therefore, as we continue to move forward
with this transition in the days and weeks ahead, you will be receiving frequent communications
from the Home Savings and Park View management teams. In the meantime, I encourage you to visit
www.homesavings.com for more information about Home Savings.
Q: Where should I refer customers with questions about this transaction?
You may refer to the communications that have been and will continue to be provided to you,
encourage customers to visit Home Savings website at www.homesavings.com, or refer them to your
supervisor.