The shareholders of both KeyCorp and First Niagara Financial Group voted in favor of a merger between the two companies.

Shareholders approved the merger during meetings held in Buffalo, NY by First Niagara and Cleveland, OH by KeyCorp. Out of the votes cast at each of the meetings, over 90% were in favor of the merger.

KeyCorp and First Niagara entered into a merger agreement on October 30, 2015. The affirmative votes by shareholders of both companies allow the proposed merger to continue to move forward. The merger is still subject to regulatory approvals. Closing of the merger is anticipated during the third quarter of 2016.

“I would like to thank our shareholders for their support and their vote of confidence,” said Beth Mooney, chairman and CEO, KeyCorp. “KeyBank and First Niagara are indeed better together — a powerful combination that will bring a new level of capabilities and expertise to our clients; new opportunities for our employees and even greater investment in our communities. Our integration efforts are on track, and we remain both confident in and committed to achieving the financial and growth targets of the First Niagara acquisition.”

“We are very pleased that First Niagara shareholders have overwhelmingly demonstrated their support for the merger with KeyCorp. This is an important step in bringing our two companies together for the benefit of our customers, employees, shareholders and the communities we serve,” said Gary M. Crosby, chief executive officer, First Niagara Financial Group.