Item 8.01 Other Events ------------ On September 23, 2008, First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. issued a press release announcing the filing of a registration statement with the SEC for the offer and anticipated sale of approximately $100 million of shares of common stock. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1. Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits --------------------------------- (a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired. Not applicable. (b) Pro Forma Financial Information. Not applicable. (c) Shell Company Transactions. Not applicable. (d) Exhibits. Exhibit No. Description ----------- ----------- 99.1 Press Release dated September 23, 2008 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. FIRST NIAGARA FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. DATE: September 23, 2008 By: /s/ John Mineo -------------------------------- John Mineo Senior Vice President and General Counsel (Duly authorized representative) </TEXT> </DOCUMENT>