UNITED STATES 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): September 23, 2004 (September 21, 2004) FIRST BANCTRUST CORPORATION ------------------------------------------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 000-32535 37-1406661 State or other jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer of Incorporation File Number) Identification No.) 206 SOUTH CENTRAL AVENUE, PARIS, IL 61944 --------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (217) 465-6381 ---------------------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) 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: [ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) [ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) ITEM 7.01 REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE. The following information, including the Exhibit attached hereto, shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. On September 21, 2004, First BancTrust Corporation issued a news release to provide certain information concerning the Company's anticipated third quarter 2004 financial results. The release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto. ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. (c) Exhibits. Exhibit Number 99.1 Press Release, dated September 21, 2004 issued by First BancTrust Corporation -2- 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 BANCTRUST CORPORATION Dated: September 21, 2004 /s/Ellen M. Litteral -------------------------------------- Ellen M. Litteral Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer -3- EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number 99.1 Press Release, dated September 21, 2004 issued by First BancTrust Corporation -4-