Form 8-K Acquisition Announcement 8-2-2012





UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 of 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
August 2, 2012


Heartland Financial USA, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Commission File Number:

001-15393

Delaware
 
42-1405748
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)    

 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

1398 Central Avenue
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
(Address of principal executive offices)

(563) 589-2100
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2 below):

x    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))







Item 8.01 Other Events

On August 2, 2012, Heartland Financial USA, Inc. issued a press release announcing that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with First Shares, Inc. (FSI), parent company of First National Bank of Platteville in Platteville, Wisconsin. According to terms of the Agreement, Heartland will acquire FSI in a transaction valued at approximately $11 million and estimated at 60 percent stock and 40 percent cash. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

(a)
Financial Statements of Business Acquired.

None.

(b)
Pro Forma Financial Information.

None.

(c)
Exhibits.

99.1 Press Release dated August 2, 2012



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Date: August 2, 2012
 
HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ John K. Schmidt
 
 
 
Executive Vice President, COO & CFO