SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):   January 12, 2015

Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:        (814) 726-2140

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o 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 January 12, 2015, Northwest Savings Bank (the “Bank”), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Northwest Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) announced that the Bank acquired the B. J. Petruso Agency, a property and casualty and life insurance firm located in Meadville, Pennsylvania. A copy of the Press Release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report.

Item 9.01                                           Financial Statements and Exhibits

(a)                                 Not applicable

(b)                                 Not applicable

(c)                                  Not applicable

(d)                                 Exhibits

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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.

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