# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001042729
**File Stem:** 0001437749-25-039072
**Filing Date:** 2025-12
**Character Count:** 187747
**Document Hash:** 1acd83428f1e7ddcb94d545c093b78d6
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001437749-25-039072.hdr.sgml**: 20251231

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001437749-25-039072

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 16

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20251224

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Material Modifications to Rights of Security Holders

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Other Events

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20251231

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20251231

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** MERCANTILE BANK CORP
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001042729
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS [6022]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 02 Finance
- **EIN:** 383360865
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MI
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 000-26719
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251617478

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 310 LEONARD STREET NW
- **CITY:** GRAND RAPIDS
- **STATE:** MI
- **ZIP:** 49504
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 616 406-3000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 310 LEONARD STREET NW
- **CITY:** GRAND RAPIDS
- **STATE:** MI
- **ZIP:** 49504

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? mbwm20251231_8k.htm

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

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**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): December 24, 2025**

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**Mercantile Bank Corporation**

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Michigan** | **000-26719** | **38-3360865** |
| **(State or other jurisdiction**  | (Commission File | (IRS Employer |
| **of incorporation)** | Number) | Identification Number) |

---

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **310 Leonard Street NW**,**Grand Rapids**,**Michigan** | **49504** |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
| Registrant's telephone number, including area code | **616**-**406-3000** |

---

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):

☐ 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))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2). &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ☐

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| Common Stock | MBWM | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 1.01** | **Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement** |

---

On December 24, 2025, Mercantile Bank Corporation, a Michigan corporation ("Mercantile") entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association. The Credit Agreement is for a $30.0 million term loan to fund the purchase price and related expenses of the Merger (defined below) and for working capital purposes.

The term loan bears interest at an annual rate equal to 1.70% plus the greater of (a) zero percent (0.0%) and (b) the one-month forward-looking term rate based on SOFR. Interest and principal are payable beginning March 15, 2026, and on the same date of each third month thereafter, plus a final payment equal to all unpaid interest and principal. Principal shall be paid in installments of $2.5 million each.

The term loan matures on December 24, 2028. Mercantile is permitted to prepay the term note evidencing the term loan in full or in part at any time without indemnity, premium or penalty. All prepayments must be in a minimum amount of $100,000. Amounts paid or prepaid on the term loan may not be reborrowed.

The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants that require Mercantile to:

● Maintain the ratio of non-performing loans plus OREO to tangible capital of Mercantile and its subsidiary banks (on a consolidated basis), expressed as a percentage, as of the last day of the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2025 and the last day of each fiscal quarter thereafter, at or less than 12.00%;

● Maintain the total risk-based capital ratio of Mercantile and its subsidiary banks (on a consolidated basis) expressed as a percentage, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2025 and the last day of each fiscal quarter thereafter, at or greater than 12.00%;

● Maintain its status and the status of the subsidiary banks at all times as a "well capitalized" institution (as defined in 12 CFR § 325.103(b)(1)); and

● Maintain, commencing with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2025, Mercantile and its subsidiary banks (on a consolidated basis) as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, based on the four fiscal quarter-period then ending, a return on average assets of at least 0.80%.

Mercantile is permitted to declare and pay regular cash dividends to its shareholders and purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire its equity interests so long as both before and after the transaction there is no default and Mercantile remains in compliance with the foregoing financial covenants and Mercantile has received all necessary prior approvals required from regulatory authorities. The Credit Agreement also contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and events of default (including covenants regarding the subordinated debt and breaches of covenants).

The indebtedness and obligations under the Credit Agreement and other loan documents referenced in the Credit Agreement are "Designated Senior Indebtedness" as defined in that certain Subordinated Indenture dated as of December 15, 2021, by and among Mercantile and Wilmington Trust, National Association.

The foregoing description of the Credit Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text thereof, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 2.03** | **Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant** |

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The information set forth under Item 1.01 above is hereby incorporated into this Item 2.03 by reference. The descriptions set forth in Item 1.01 and this Item 2.03 are qualified in their entirety by the full text of the Credit Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 3.03** | **Material Modifications to Rights of Security Holders** |

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The information set forth under Item 1.01 above is hereby incorporated into this Item 3.03 by reference. The descriptions set forth in Item 1.01 and this Item 3.03 are qualified in their entirety by the full text of the Credit Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 5.02** | **Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers** |

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***Appointment of Director***

On December 31, 2025, pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement (defined below), the board of directors of Mercantile increased its size from 11 to 12 members and appointed Steve Schweihofer as a director to fill the vacancy.

Steve Schweihofer, age 54, joined Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation, and its banking subsidiary Eastern Michigan Bank, as a director in September 2021. From February 2019 to the present, Mr. Schweihofer has served on the Board of Directors of Foster Blue Water Oil, a fuel services and C-Store company, located in Richmond with operations throughout eastern Michigan. In January 2003, Mr. Schweihofer was a founding member of Foster Blue Water Oil and served as its Chief Financial Officer until February 2019. Mr. Schweihofer is actively involved in his local community, serving as treasurer of the SC4 Foundation since 2019, and St. Vincent DePaul and Ecumenical Food Pantry, St Clair chapter since 2005. He has also served as a Trustee of the Community Foundation of St Clair County since 2019, and has served on their Finance and C3 committees since 2015. Mr. Schweihofer was the varsity golf coach for Marysville High School from 2021 to 2024. Mr. Schweihofer received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Western Michigan University.

Mr. Schweihofer will serve on the audit committee of the board of directors. The board has determined that Mr. Schweihofer is an independent director and meets the applicable standards for audit committee service under both the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules and Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

In addition to being appointed as a director of Mercantile, Mr. Schweihofer was also appointed as a director of Mercantile Bank contemporaneously with the effective time of the Merger. Mr. Schweihofer will also stand for election at Mercantile's next annual meeting of shareholders in May of 2026.

Other than as described in this Current Report on Form 8-K, there are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Schweihofer and any other person pursuant to which Mr. Schweihofer was selected as a director. Mr. Schweihofer is not party to any transaction subject to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, involving Mercantile.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 8.01** | **Other Events** |

---

On December 31, 2025, Mercantile issued a press release announcing the completion of its previously announced acquisition of Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation, a Michigan corporation ("EFIN"), and its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Eastern Michigan Bank, headquartered in Crosswell, Michigan, in accordance with the Agreement and Plan of Merger, as amended (the "Merger Agreement") by and between Mercantile, EFIN, and Shamrock Merger Sub LLC, a wholly-owned special purpose subsidiary of Mercantile ("Merger Sub") entered into on July 22, 2025. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, EFIN merged with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving entity (the "Merger"). Immediately following the Merger, and also effective as of December 31, 2025, Merger Sub merged with and into Mercantile, with Mercantile continuing as the surviving entity. The newly acquired Eastern Michigan Bank will operate alongside Mercantile's existing bank, Mercantile Bank, until the first quarter of 2027 at which time Mercantile plans to consolidate Eastern Michigan Bank into Mercantile Bank.

A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 9.01** | **Financial Statements and Exhibits** |

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**(d) Exhibits.**

<u>Exhibit Number</u> <u>Description</u>

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| 10.1# | [Credit Agreement, dated December 24, 2025, by and between Mercantile Bank Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association](ex_903460.htm) |
| 99.1 | [Press Release, dated December 31, 2025](ex_903461.htm) |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |

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# Certain exhibits and schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted exhibit or schedule to the Commission upon request.

**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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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Mercantile Bank Corporation | Mercantile Bank Corporation |
| By:  | /s/ Charles E. Christmas  |
|  | Charles E. Christmas<br> Executive Vice President, Chief<br> Financial Officer and Treasurer |

---

Date: December 31, 2025

## Exhibit 10.1

**Exhibit 10.1**

**Execution Version**

**CREDIT AGREEMENT**

**by and between**

**MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION**<br> **(the** "**Borrower**"**)**

**and**

**U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION**

**(the** "**Bank**"**)**

**Dated as of December 24, 2025**

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**Table of Contents**

**<u>Page</u>**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Article I. DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS | Article I. DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 1.1. | Defined Terms | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 1.2. | Accounting Terms and Calculations | 11 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 1.3. | Computation of Time Periods | 11 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 1.4. | Other Definitional Terms | 12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 1.5. | Delaware Divisions Law and Comparable Laws in Other Jurisdictions | 12 |
| Article II. TERMS OF THE CREDIT FACILITIES | Article II. TERMS OF THE CREDIT FACILITIES | 12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.1. | Lending Commitments | 12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.2. | Procedure for Term Loan Advance. | 12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.3. | Note | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.4. | Interest Rate | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.5. | Payment of the Term Loan | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.6. | Prepayments | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.7. | Computations | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.8. | Payments | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.9. | Increased Costs; Capital Requirements | 15 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.10. | Advances and Paying Procedure | 15 |
| Article III. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT | Article III. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT | 16 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 3.1. | Conditions of Initial Transaction | 16 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 3.2. | Conditions Precedent to the Term Loan. | 18 |
| Article IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | Article IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | 18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.1. | Organization, Standing, Etc | 18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.2. | Authorization and Validity | 18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.3. | No Conflict; No Default | 19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.4. | Government Consent | 19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.5. | Financial Condition | 20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.6. | Litigation | 20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.7. | Environmental, Health and Safety Laws | 20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.8. | ERISA | 20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.9. | Federal Reserve Regulations | 21 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.10. | Title to Property; Leases; Liens; Subordination | 21 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.11. | Taxes | 21 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.12. | Trademarks, Patents | 21 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.13. | Burdensome Restrictions | 21 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.14. | Force Majeure | 21 |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.15. | Investment Company Act | 22 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.16. | Retirement Benefits | 22 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.17. | Full Disclosure | 22 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.18. | Subsidiaries | 22 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.19. | Labor Matters | 22 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.20. | Bank Holding Company Act | 22 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.21. | Capital Stock | 22 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.22. | Solvency | 23 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.23. | Insurance | 23 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.24. | Restrictive Agreements | 23 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.25. | Outbound Investment Rules | 23 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.26. | Representations and Warranties | 23 |
| Article V. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS | Article V. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS | 24 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 5.1. | Financial Statements and Reports | 24 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 5.2. | Use of Term Loan Proceeds | 26 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 5.3. | Existence | 27 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 5.4. | Insurance | 27 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 5.5. | Payment of Taxes and Claims | 27 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 5.6. | Inspection | 27 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 5.7. | Maintenance of Properties | 28 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 5.8. | Books and Records | 28 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 5.9. | Compliance | 28 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 5.10. | ERISA | 28 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 5.11. | Environmental Matters; Reporting | 29 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 5.12. | Further Assurances | 29 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 5.13. | Merger Documents (EMFC) | 29 |
| Article VI. NEGATIVE COVENANTS | Article VI. NEGATIVE COVENANTS | 29 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.1. | Merger; Acquisitions | 29 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.2. | Disposition of Assets | 29 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.3. | Plans | 30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.4. | Change in Nature of Business | 30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.5. | Term Loan Proceeds | 30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.6. | Negative Pledges; Subsidiary Restrictions | 30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.7. | Restricted Payments | 30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.8. | Transactions with Affiliates | 31 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.9. | Accounting Changes | 31 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.10. | Subordinated Debt | 31 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.11. | Indebtedness | 31 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.12. | Liens | 32 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.13. | Contingent Liabilities | 32 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.14. | Non-Performing Loans and OREO to Tangible Capital | 33 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.15. | Reserved | 33 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.16. | Total Risk Based Capital | 33 |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.17. | Regulatory Capital - Bank Subsidiaries | 33 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.18. | Return on Average Assets | 33 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.19. | Hedging Agreements | 33 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.20. | Investments. | 33 |
| Article VII. EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES | Article VII. EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES | 34 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 7.1. | Events of Default | 34 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 7.2. | Remedies | 36 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 7.3. | Deposit Accounts; Offset | 36 |
| Article VIII. MISCELLANEOUS | Article VIII. MISCELLANEOUS | 37 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.1. | Modifications | 37 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.2. | Expenses | 37 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.3. | Waivers, etc | 37 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.4. | Notices | 37 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.5. | Taxes | 38 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.6. | Successors and Assigns; Participations; Purchasing Banks | 38 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.7. | Confidentiality of Information | 39 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.8. | Governing Law and Construction | 39 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.9. | Consent to Jurisdiction | 40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.10. | Waiver of Jury Trial | 40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.11. | Survival of Agreement | 40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.12. | Indemnification | 40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.13. | Captions | 41 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.14. | Entire Agreement | 41 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.15. | Counterparts | 41 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.16. | Borrower Acknowledgements | 41 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.17. | Interest Rate Limitation | 42 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.18. | Document Imaging; Telecopy and PDF Signatures; Electronic Signatures | 42 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.19. | PATRIOT ACT NOTIFICATION | 42 |

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iii

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THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE INDEBTEDNESS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION ("MERCANTILE") UNDER THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT, THE NOTE (AS DEFINED HEREIN) AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS (AS DEFINED HEREIN) ARE "DESIGNATED SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS" AS DEFINED IN THAT CERTAIN SUBORDINATED INDENTURE DATED AS OF DECEMBER 15, 2021, BY AND AMONG MERCANTILE AND WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (AS THE SAME MAY BE AMENDED, MODIFIED, OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME, THE "<u>SUBORDINATED INDENTURE</u>") AND THAT THE INDEBTEDNESS AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT, THE NOTE, AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS SHALL ENJOY THE BENEFITS AFFORDED TO "DESIGNATED SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS."

**CREDIT AGREEMENT**

THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of December 24, 2025 (this "<u>Agreement</u>") is by and between Mercantile Bank Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Michigan (the "<u>Borrower</u>"), and U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association (the "<u>Bank</u>").

**RECITALS**

WHEREAS, Borrower has requested that the Bank provide a term loan credit facility as set forth below, and the Bank is willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

**ARTICLE I.**<br> **DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS**

Section 1.1. <u>Defined Terms</u>. As used in this Agreement the following terms shall have the following respective meanings (and such meanings shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural form of the terms defined, as the context may require):

<u>"Affiliate</u>": When used with reference to any Person, (a) each Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Person referred to, (b) each Person which beneficially owns or holds, directly or indirectly, ten percent or more of any class of voting Equity Interests of the Person referred to, (c) each Person, ten percent or more of the voting Equity Interests (or if such Person is not a corporation, five percent or more of the equity interest) of which is beneficially owned or held, directly or indirectly, by the Person referred to, and (d) each of such Person's officers, directors, joint venturers and partners. The term control (including the terms "controlled by" and "under common control with") means the possession, directly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the Person in question.

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"<u>Anti-Corruption Laws</u>": The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, and any other anti-corruption law applicable to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

<u>"Applicable Margin</u>": Means 1.70% per annum.

<u>"Average Total Assets</u>": Borrower's average total consolidated assets determined in accordance with applicable Regulatory Reporting Principles, as reported on the Borrower's Form Y-9C for the applicable period.

<u>"Bank</u>": As defined in the opening paragraph hereof.

<u>"Banking Day</u>": Any day (other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in the State of Minnesota) on which national banks are permitted to be open in St. Paul, Minnesota and New York, New York.

<u>"Benchmark</u>": As defined in Section 2.4(c).

<u>"Beneficial Ownership Certification</u>": A certification regarding beneficial ownership as required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

<u>"Beneficial Ownership Regulation</u>": 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.

<u>"Board</u>": The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (together with any committees convened by the Board).

<u>"Borrower</u>": As defined in the opening paragraph hereof.

<u>"Capitalized Lease</u>": A lease of (or other agreement conveying the right to use) real or personal property with respect to which at least a portion of the rent or other amounts thereon constitute Capitalized Lease Obligations.

<u>"Capitalized Lease Obligations</u>": As to any Person, the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under a lease of (or other agreement conveying the right to use) real or personal property which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP (including Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board), and, for purposes of this Agreement, the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof, determined in accordance with GAAP (including such Statement No. 13).

<u>"Change of Contro</u>l": Either:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person other than a Permitted Major Owner or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the Securities Exchange Commission thereunder as in effect on the date hereof) of Equity Interests representing more than 25% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Borrower; or

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of the Borrower by Persons who were (i) not nominated by, or whose nomination for election was not approved or ratified by a majority of the directors of, the board of directors of the Borrower, or (ii) not appointed by Persons described in the foregoing clause (i).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the consummation of the Merger Documents (EMFC) shall not constitute a Change of Control.

<u>"Closing Date</u>": The date of this Agreement.

<u>"Code</u>": The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

<u>"Commitments</u>": The Term Loan Commitment.

<u>"Contingent Obligation</u>": With respect to any Person at the time of any determination, without duplication, any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other Person (the "primary obligor") in any manner, whether directly or otherwise: (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any direct or indirect security therefor, (b) to purchase property, securities, Equity Interests or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness of the payment of such Indebtedness, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or other financial statement condition of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or otherwise to protect the owner thereof against loss in respect thereof, or (d) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any manner the owner of such Indebtedness of the payment of such Indebtedness or to protect the owner against loss in respect thereof; provided, that the term "Contingent Obligation" shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit, in each case in the ordinary course of business.

<u>"Current Liabilities</u>": As of any date, the consolidated current liabilities of the Borrower, determined in accordance with GAAP.

<u>"Daily Simple SOFR</u>": A daily rate based on SOFR and determined by the Bank in accordance with the conventions for such rate selected by the Bank.

<u>"Default</u>": Any event which, with the giving of notice (whether such notice is required under Section 7.1, or under some other provision of this Agreement, or otherwise) or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

<u>"Disqualified Equity Interest</u>": Any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or the terms of any security or other Equity Interests into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event or condition (a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (except as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior repayment in full of the Loan and all other Obligations that are accrued and payable), (b) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, (c) provides for scheduled payments of dividends in cash, or (d) is or becomes convertible into or exchangeable for Indebtedness or any other Equity Interests that would constitute Disqualified Equity Interests, in each case, prior to the date that is ninety-one days after the Maturity Date; <u>provided</u> that if such Equity Interests are issued pursuant to a plan for the benefit of employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or by any such plan to such employees, such Equity Interests shall not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests solely because they may be required to be repurchased by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employee's termination, death or disability.

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<u>"E-SIGN</u>": The Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, as amended from time to time, and any successor statute, and any regulations promulgated thereunder from time to time.

<u>"Environmental Laws</u>": Any and all laws, judicial decisions, judgments, orders, decrees, plans, injunctions, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements and other governmental restrictions relating to (a) the protection of the environment, (b) personal injury or property damage relating to the release or discharge of Hazardous Materials, (c) emissions, discharges or releases of pollutants, contaminants, hazardous substances or wastes into surface water, ground water or land, or (d) the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of pollutants, contaminants, hazardous substances or wastes or the clean-up or other remediation thereof.

<u>"Equity Interests</u>": All shares, interests, participation or other equivalents, however designated, of or in a corporation or limited liability company, whether or not voting, including but not limited to common stock, member interests, warrants, preferred stock, convertible debentures, and all agreements, instruments and documents convertible, in whole or in part, into any one or more or all of the foregoing.

<u>"ERISA</u>": The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

<u>"ERISA Affiliate</u>": Any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that is a member of a group of which the Borrower is a member and which is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

<u>"Event of Default</u>": Any event described in Section 7.1.

<u>"GAAP</u>": Generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession, which are applicable to the circumstances as of any date of determination.

<u>"Governmental Authority</u>": means the government of the United States of America or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including, without limitation, any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank) and any group or body charged with setting financial accounting or regulatory capital rules or standards (including, without limitation, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Bank for International Settlements or the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision or any successor or similar authority to any of the foregoing.

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<u>"Hazardous Material</u>": Any explosive or radioactive substances or wastes, any hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and any other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.

<u>"Immediately Available Funds</u>": Funds with good value on the day and in the city in which payment is received.

<u>"Indebtedness</u>": With respect to any Person, at the time of any determination, without duplication, all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person which in accordance with GAAP should be classified upon the balance sheet of such Person as liabilities, but in any event including the following: (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money (including non-recourse obligations), (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid or accrued, (d) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property purchased by such Person, (e) all obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services excluding trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business, (f) all obligations of others secured by any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the obligations secured thereby have been assumed, provided that, if such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such obligations, the amount of such Indebtedness shall be equal to the lesser of (i) the principal amount of the obligations being secured and (ii) the fair market value of the encumbered property as determined by such Person in good faith, (g) all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person, (h) the net obligations of such Person in respect of interest rate swap agreements, cap or collar agreements, interest rate futures or option contracts, currency swap agreements, currency futures or option agreements and other similar contracts, including all Rate Protection Agreements, (i) all obligations of such Person, actual or contingent, as an account party in respect of letters of credit or bankers' acceptances, (j) all obligations of any partnership or joint venture as to which such Person is or may become personally liable, (k) all obligations of such Person under any Disqualified Equity Interests issued by such Person, and (l) all Contingent Obligations of such Person.

<u>"Indemnitee</u>": As defined in Section 8.12.

<u>"Interest Expense</u>": With respect to any Person, for any period of determination, the aggregate amount, without duplication, of interest paid, accrued or scheduled to be paid in respect of any Indebtedness of such Person, including (a) all but the principal component of payments in respect of conditional sale contracts, Capitalized Leases and other title retention agreements, (b) commissions, discounts and other fees and charges with respect to letters of credit and bankers' acceptance financings, (c) interest payments on the Trust Preferred Shares, and (d) net costs under any Rate Protection Agreement, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP.

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<u>"Investment</u>": The acquisition, purchase, making or holding of any Equity Interests or other security, any loan, advance, contribution to capital, extension of credit (except for trade and customer accounts receivable for inventory sold or services rendered in the ordinary course of business and payable in accordance with customary trade terms), any acquisitions of real or personal property (other than real and personal property acquired in the ordinary course of business) and any purchase or commitment or option to purchase Equity Interests, securities or other debt of or any interest in another Person or any integral part of any business or the assets comprising such business or part thereof and the formation of, or entry into, any partnership as a limited or general partner or the entry into any joint venture. The amount of any Investment shall be the original cost of such Investment plus the cost of all additions thereto, without any adjustments for increases or decreases in value, or write-ups, write-downs or write-offs with respect to such Investment but giving effect to any returns or distributions of capital or repayment of principal actually received by such Person with respect thereto.

"<u>Lien</u>": With respect to any Person, any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, charge, encumbrance, title retention agreement or analogous instrument or device (including the interest of each lessor under any Capitalized Lease), in, of or on any assets or properties of such Person, now owned or hereafter acquired, whether arising by agreement or operation of law.

<u>"Loan</u>": The Term Loan.

<u>"Loan Documents</u>": This Agreement and the Note.

<u>"Loan Loss Reserves</u>": With respect to any Person, the loan loss reserve of such Person, as reported in the most recent FRY-9C of such Person.

<u>"Material Adverse Occurrence</u>": Any occurrence of whatsoever nature (including, without limitation, any adverse determination in any litigation, arbitration, or governmental investigation or proceeding upon which either (i) an enforcement proceeding shall have been commenced by any creditor upon a judgment or order; or (ii) there shall be any period of thirty (30) consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect) which materially and adversely affects (a) the business, assets, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent), operations or financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the facts and information regarding the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which has been provided to the Bank, (c) the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under any of the Loan Documents, (d) the validity or enforceability of the material obligations of the Borrower under any Loan Document, or (e) the rights and remedies of the Bank against the Borrower.

<u>"Maximum Rate</u>": As defined in Section 8.17.

<u>"Merger (EMFC)</u>": Means, collectively, (a) the merger at the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Documents (EMFC)) of the Target (EMFC) with and into the Merger Sub pursuant to the Merger Documents (EMFC), with the Merger Sub as the surviving Person; and (b) the subsequent merger immediately following the Effective Time of the Merger Sub with and into the Borrower pursuant to the Merger Documents (EMFC), with the Borrower as the surviving Person.

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<u>"Merger Documents (EMFC)</u>": The Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of July 22, 2025, by and among the Borrower, the Merger Sub, and the Target (EMFC), as amended by the First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of October 2, 2025 by and among the Borrower, the Merger Sub, and the Target (EMFC) (the "<u>Merger Agreement (EMFC)</u>"), and each related instrument, agreement, and document, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.

<u>"Merger Sub</u>": Shamrock Merger Sub LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, as successor by conversion to Shamrock Merger Sub Inc., a Michigan corporation, a wholly-owned direct Subsidiary of the Borrower.

<u>"Monthly Reset Term SOFR Rate</u>": Means the greater of (a) zero percent (0.0%) and (b) the one-month forward-looking term rate based on SOFR quoted by the Bank from the Term SOFR Administrator's Website (or other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be selected by the Bank from time to time) ("<u>Term SOFR</u>"), which shall be that one-month Term SOFR rate in effect two New York Banking Days prior to the Rate Adjustment Date, adjusted for any reserve requirement and any subsequent costs arising from a change in government regulation, and reset monthly on each Rate Adjustment Date; <u>provided</u> that if the Term SOFR rate is not published on such New York Banking Day due to a holiday or other circumstance that the Bank deems in its sole discretion to be temporary, the applicable Term SOFR rate shall be the Term SOFR rate last published prior to such New York Banking Day. If Term SOFR is replacing a different rate index for an existing facility, and if such replacement becomes effective on a date other than the Rate Adjustment Date, the initial one-month Term SOFR rate hereunder shall be that one-month Term SOFR rate in effect two New York Banking Days prior to the effective date of such replacement, which rate plus the percentage described above shall be in effect until the next Rate Adjustment Date. If the Term Loan Advance under this Agreement occurs other than on the Rate Adjustment Date, the initial one-month Term SOFR rate in effect two New York Banking Days prior to the later of (a) the immediately preceding Rate Adjustment Date and (b) the Closing Date, which rate plus the Applicable Margin shall be in effect until the next Rate Adjustment Date.

<u>"Multiemployer Plan</u>": A multiemployer plan, as such term is defined in Section 4001 (a) (3) of ERISA, which is maintained (on the Closing Date, within the five years preceding the Closing Date, or at any time after the Closing Date) for employees of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

<u>"Net Income</u>": With respect to any Person for the four fiscal quarters most recently ended, the net income of such Person, consolidated with its Subsidiaries, after deductions for all expenses, including, but not limited to, income taxes if any, Interest Expense, and non-cash charges or expenses, including depreciation and amortization, all as shown on the most recent call or examination reports.

<u>"New York Banking Day</u>": Any day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks are open for business in New York, New York.

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<u>"Non-Performing Loans</u>": With respect to any Person, the sum of all loans including those listed as "other restructured" or "other renegotiated" in any report to Bank Regulatory Authorities made by such Person that are either (a) ninety (90) days or more past due (either principal or interest) or (b) in non-accrual status, <u>minus</u>, in each case, a dollar amount representing the obligation of any Governmental Authority guarantying the repayment of such loan.

<u>"Note</u>": The Term Note.

<u>"Obligations</u>": The Borrower's obligations in respect of the due and punctual payment of principal and interest on the Note when and as due, whether by acceleration or otherwise and all fees, expenses, indemnities, reimbursements and other obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and the Rate Protection Obligations, if any, in all cases whether now existing or hereafter arising or incurred.

"<u>OFAC</u>": The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, and any successor thereto.

<u>"OREO</u>": With respect to any Person, the value of all real estate owned by such Person and classified as such by the regulatory authorities responsible for examining such Person, as shown on the most recent call or examination reports for such Person, <u>minus</u>, in each case, a dollar amount representing the obligation of any Governmental Authority guarantying the repayment of a loan financing such real estate.

<u>"Outbound Investment Rules</u>" means the regulations administered and enforced, together with any related public guidance issued, by the United States Treasury Department under U.S. Executive Order 14105 of August 9, 2023, or any similar law or regulation; as of the Closing Date, and as codified at 31 C.F.R. § 850.101 et seq.

<u>"Participants</u>": As defined in Section 8.6(b).

<u>"PATRIOT Act</u>": The USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.

<u>"PBGC</u>": The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, established pursuant to Subtitle A of Title IV of ERISA, and any successor thereto or to the functions thereof.

<u>"Person</u>": Any natural person, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, firm, association, trust, unincorporated organization, government or governmental agency or political subdivision or any other entity, whether acting in an individual, fiduciary or other capacity.

<u>"Plan</u>": Each employee benefit plan (whether in existence on the Closing Date or thereafter instituted), as such term is defined in Section 3 of ERISA, maintained for the benefit of employees, officers or directors of the Borrower or of any ERISA Affiliate.

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<u>"Prepayment Event</u>":

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) any sale, transfer or other disposition (including pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction) of any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, other than dispositions permitted by Section 6.2;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, but only to the extent that the net proceeds therefrom have not been applied, or committed pursuant to an agreement (including any purchase orders) to be applied, to repair, restore or replace such property or asset within 180 days after such event; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) the incurrence by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Indebtedness, other than Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.11.

<u>"Prohibited Transaction</u>": The respective meanings assigned to such term in Section 4975 of the Code and Section 406 of ERISA.

<u>"Property</u>": any and all property, whether real, personal, tangible, intangible or mixed, of such Person, or other assets owned, leased or operated by such Person.

<u>"Rate Adjustment Date</u>": Means the first day of each month.

<u>"Rate Protection Agreement</u>": Any interest rate swap, cap or option agreement, or any other agreement pursuant to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary hedges interest rate risk.

<u>"Rate Protection Obligations</u>": The liabilities, indebtedness and obligations of the Borrower, if any, under a Rate Protection Agreement with the Bank, or any Affiliate of the Bank, excluding any joint venturers or partners of the Bank.

"<u>Regulatory Action</u>": Any cease and desist order, letter agreement, memorandum, or other similar regulatory action taken by a state or federal banking agency or other Person to which either the Borrower or any Subsidiary Bank is subject which, in the Bank's sole discretion, could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Borrower or any Subsidiary Bank.

<u>"Regulatory Reporting Principles</u>": Principles of accounting required by applicable regulations and used in the preparation of the Borrower's periodic Form FRY-9LP statements filed with the Board.

<u>"Reportable Event</u>": A reportable event as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations issued under such Section, with respect to a Plan, excluding, however, such events as to which the PBGC by regulation has waived the requirement of Section 4043(a) of ERISA that it be notified within 30 days of the occurrence of such event, <u>provided</u> that a failure to meet the minimum funding standard of Section 412 of the Code and of Section 302 of ERISA shall be a Reportable Event regardless of the issuance of any waiver in accordance with Section 412(d) of the Code.

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<u>"Restricted Payments</u>": With respect to the Borrower, all dividends or other distributions of any nature (cash, Equity Interests, assets or otherwise) with respect to, and all other payments on account of, any class of Equity Interests (including warrants, options or rights therefor) issued by the Borrower, whether such Equity Interests are authorized or outstanding on the Closing Date or at any time thereafter, and any redemption or purchase of, or distribution in respect of, any Equity Interests of the Borrower, whether directly or indirectly.

<u>"Return on Average Assets</u>": Means trailing twelve month Net Income plus other one-time expenses approved by the Bank in its sole discretion, divided by Average Total Assets for the period of determination.

<u>"Sanctions</u>": The sanctions administered or enforced from time to time by (i) the U.S. government, including those administered by OFAC, the U.S. Department of State, (ii) the United Nations Security Council, (iii) the European Union, (iv) His Majesty's Treasury or (v) other relevant sanctions authority.

<u>"SEC</u>": The Securities Exchange Commission, or any successor agency performing similar functions.

<u>"SOFR</u>": Means the secured overnight financing rate which is published by the Board or any committee convened by the Board and available at www.newyorkfed.org.

<u>"Subordinated Debt</u>": Any Indebtedness of the Borrower, now existing or hereafter created, incurred or arising, (a) which is subordinated in right of payment to the payment of the Obligations in a manner and to an extent that the Bank has approved in writing prior to the creation of such Indebtedness, or (b) which (i) is existing on the date of this Agreement, (ii) is disclosed on Schedule 6.11 as Subordinated Debt, (iii) true and accurate copies of which have been delivered to the Bank to the extent required by the Bank, and (iv) the Bank has received subordination agreements in connection with such Indebtedness, or which by the terms of such Subordinated Debt otherwise contain subordination provisions, satisfactory in scope, form and substance to the Bank.

<u>"Subsidiary</u>": Any corporation or other entity of which Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of a majority of the board of directors or other Persons performing similar functions are owned by the Borrower either directly or through one or more Subsidiaries.

<u>"Subsidiary Banks</u>": Individually or collectively, as the context may require, any of the banks listed as "Subsidiary Banks" on Schedule 4.18 and each additional Subsidiary of the Borrower that is a federally- or state-chartered bank or thrift institution.

<u>"Tangible Capital</u>": With respect to any Person, as of any date of determination, the sum of (i) the total amount of the capital stock, surplus, subordinated debt and undivided profits accounts less intangible assets of such Person, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP, and (ii) Loan Loss Reserves of such Person.

<u>"Target (EMFC)</u>": Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation, a Michigan corporation.

<u>"Term Loan</u>": As defined in Section 2.1.

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<u>"Term Loan Advance</u>": As defined in Section 2.1.

<u>"Term Loan Advance Date</u>": The date of the making of the Term Loan Advance hereunder.

<u>"Term Loan Commitment</u>": The agreement of the Bank to make the Term Loan to the Borrower in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed the Term Loan Commitment Amount upon the terms and subject to the conditions and limitations of this Agreement.

<u>"Term Loan Commitment Amount</u>": Up to $30,000,000.

<u>"Term Loan Maturity Date</u>": December 24, 2028.

<u>"Term Loan</u> <u>Termination Date</u>": The earlier of (a) the Term Loan Maturity Date, and (b) the date on which the Term Note is accelerated pursuant to Section 7.2.

<u>"Term Note</u>": A promissory note of the Borrower in the form of <u>Exhibit</u><u> </u><u>A</u> evidencing the obligation of the Borrower to repay the Term Loan, as the same may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

<u>"Term SOFR</u>" has the meaning given such term in the definition of "Monthly Reset Term SOFR Rate.

<u>"Term SOFR Administrator</u><u>'</u><u>s Website</u>": Means the website or any successor source for Term SOFR identified by CME Group Benchmark Administration Ltd. (or a successor administrator of Term SOFR).

<u>"Total Risk Based Capital Ratio</u>": With respect to any Person, the ratio of (a) total risk-based capital, to (b) total risk-weighted assets of such Person.

<u>"Trust Preferred Shares</u>": The trust preferred shares issued or assumed by the Borrower.

<u>"UETA</u>" means the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act as in effect in the State of Minnesota, as amended from time to time, and any successor statute, and any regulations promulgated thereunder from time to time. 

Section 1.2. <u>Accounting Terms and Calculations</u>. Except as may be expressly provided to the contrary herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted and all accounting determinations hereunder shall be made in accordance with GAAP. To the extent any change in GAAP affects any computation or determination required to be made pursuant to this Agreement, such computation or determination shall be made as if such change in GAAP had not occurred unless the Borrower and the Bank agree in writing on an adjustment to such computation or determination to account for such change in GAAP.

Section 1.3. <u>Computation of Time Periods</u>. In this Agreement, in the computation of a period of time from a specified date to a later specified date, unless otherwise stated the word "from" means "from and including" and the word "to" or "until" each means "to but excluding."

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Section 1.4. <u>Other Definitional Terms</u>. The words "hereof," "herein" and "hereunder" and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. References to Sections, Exhibits, Schedules and like references are to this Agreement unless otherwise expressly provided. The words "include," "includes" and "including" shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase "without limitation." Unless the context in which used herein otherwise clearly requires, "or" has the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase "and/or." All incorporation by reference of covenants, terms, definitions or other provisions from other agreements are incorporated into this Agreement as if such provisions were fully set forth herein, and such incorporation shall include all necessary definitions and related provisions from such other agreements but including only amendments thereto agreed to by the Bank, and shall survive any termination of such other agreements until the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the Note are irrevocably paid in full, and the commitments of the Bank to advance funds to the Borrower are terminated.

Section 1.5. <u>Delaware Divisions Law and Comparable Laws in Other Jurisdictions</u>.

For all purposes under the Loan Documents, in connection with any division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction's laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person, and (b) if any new Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Interests at such time.

**ARTICLE II.**<br> **TERMS OF THE CREDIT FACILITIES**

Section 2.1. <u>Lending Commitments</u> On the terms and subject to the conditions hereof, the Bank agrees to make available to the Borrower a term loan ("<u>Term Loan</u>") available in one advance (the "<u>Term Loan Advance</u>") on the Closing Date in an amount not to exceed the Term Loan Commitment Amount. Upon the occurrence of the Term Loan Advance, the Term Loan Commitment shall expire. Amounts paid or prepaid on the Term Loan may not be reborrowed.

Section 2.2. <u>Procedure for Term Loan Advance</u>. The request by the Borrower for the Term Loan Advance hereunder shall be in writing or by telephone and must be given so as to be received by the Bank not later than 2:00 p.m. (Saint Paul time) on the requested Term Loan Advance Date. The request for the Term Loan Advance hereunder shall be irrevocable and shall be deemed a representation by the Borrower that, on the requested Term Loan Advance Date and after giving effect to the requested Term Loan Advance, the applicable conditions specified in Article III have been and will be satisfied. The request for the Term Loan Advance hereunder shall specify (i) the requested Term Loan Advance Date, and (ii) the amount of the Term Loan Advance to be made on such date. The Bank may rely on any telephone request by the Borrower for the Term Loan Advance hereunder which it believes in good faith to be genuine; and the Borrower hereby waives the right to dispute the Bank's record of the terms of such telephone request. Unless the Bank determines that any applicable condition specified in Article III has not been satisfied, the Bank will make available to the Borrower at the Bank's office in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in Immediately Available Funds on the requested Term Loan Advance Date the amount of the requested Term Loan Advance.

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Section 2.3. <u>Note</u>. The Term Loan shall be evidenced by the Term Note payable to the order of the Bank in a principal amount equal to the Term Loan Advance. The Bank shall enter in its ledgers and records the amount of the Term Loan and the payments made thereon, and the Bank is authorized by the Borrower to enter on a schedule attached to the Term Note, a record of the Term Loan and payments; provided, however that the failure by the Bank to make any such entry or any error in making such entry shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder and on the Term Note, and, in all events, the principal amounts owing by the Borrower in respect of the Term Note shall be the aggregate amount of the Term Loan Advance less all payments of principal thereof made by the Borrower.

Section 2.4. <u>Interest Rate</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Interest Rate on the Term Loan</u>. Interest on the Term Loan hereunder shall accrue at an annual rate equal to the Applicable Margin plus the Monthly Reset Term SOFR Rate. The Bank's internal records of applicable interest rates shall be determinative in the absence of manifest error.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Rates Applicable After Event of Default.</u> Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the Term Loan shall, at the option of the Bank (or, in the case of an Event of Default under Section 7.1 (e), (f) or (g), automatically upon the occurrence of such Event of Default), bear interest until paid in full at the rate otherwise applicable thereto plus 2.0%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Term SOFR Unavailability</u>. If the Bank has determined in its sole discretion that (i) the administrator of Term SOFR, or any relevant agency or authority for such administrator of Term SOFR (or any substitute index which replaces Term SOFR (Term SOFR or such replacement, the "<u>Benchmark</u>")) has announced that such Benchmark will no longer be provided, (ii) any relevant agency or authority has announced that such Benchmark is no longer representative, or (iii) any similar circumstance exists such that such Benchmark has become permanently unavailable or ceased to exist, the Bank will (x) replace such Benchmark with a replacement rate or (y) if any such circumstance applies to fewer than all tenors of such Benchmark used for determining an interest period hereunder, discontinue the availability of the affected interest periods. In the case of Term SOFR, such replacement rate will be Daily Simple SOFR. In the case of the replacement of a rate other than Term SOFR, the Bank may add a spread adjustment selected by the Bank, taking into consideration any selection or recommendation of a replacement rate by any relevant agency or authority, and evolving or prevailing market practice. In connection with the selection and implementation of any such replacement rate, the Bank may make any technical, administrative or operational changes that the Bank decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such replacement rate. Without limitation of the foregoing, in the case of a transition to Daily Simple SOFR, the Bank will remove any option to select another rate that may change or is reset on a daily basis, including, without limitation, the Bank's prime rate. The Bank does not warrant or accept any responsibility for the administration or submission of, or any other matter related to, Term SOFR or with respect to any alternative or successor rate thereto, or replacement rate thereof, including without limitation whether any such alternative, successor or replacement rate will have the same value as, or be economically equivalent to, Term SOFR.

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Section 2.5. <u>Payment of the Term Loan</u>. Interest and principal upon the Term Loan shall be paid as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Payment of Interest</u>. Interest on the Term Loan is payable beginning March 15, 2026 and on the same date of each third month thereafter, plus a final interest payment with the final payment of principal; provided that interest under Section 2.4(b) shall be payable on demand.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Payment of Principal</u>. Principal on the Term Loan shall be paid in installments of $2,500,000 each, beginning on March 15, 2026, on the same date of each third month thereafter, plus a final payment equal to all unpaid principal on the Term Loan Termination Date.

Section 2.6. <u>Prepayments</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Optional Prepayments</u>. The Note may be prepaid in full or in part at any time without indemnity, premium or penalty. Prepayments of less than all of the outstanding principal amount of the Note shall be applied, in whole or in part, to principal, interest and other amounts due or to become due under the Loan Documents in any order which the Bank elects, provided that any amount applied to principal of the Term Loan shall be applied to principal payments in the inverse order of their maturities. All prepayments of the Term Loan shall be in a minimum amount of $100,000 or, if less, in the remaining entire principal balance of the Term Loan. Amounts paid or prepaid on the Term Loan may not be reborrowed. Any such prepayment of the Term Loan must be accompanied by payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the amount prepaid.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Mandatory Prepayments for a Prepayment Event</u>. If at any time a Prepayment Event occurs, the Borrower shall immediately pay to the Bank the net proceeds realized by such Prepayment Event as a prepayment of the Term Loan. Any such prepayments shall be applied to the Term Loan until the Term Loan is paid in full. All prepayments applied to the principal of the Term Loan shall be applied to the scheduled principal payments on the Term Loan in the inverse order of their maturities. Amounts paid or prepaid on the Term Loan may not be reborrowed.

Section 2.7. <u>Computations</u>. Interest and fees hereunder shall be calculated for actual days elapsed on the basis of a 360-day year.

Section 2.8. <u>Payments</u>. Payments and prepayments of principal of, and interest on, the Note and all fees, expenses and other obligations under this Agreement payable to the Bank shall be made without setoff or counterclaim in Immediately Available Funds not later than 3:00 p.m. (St. Paul Time) on the dates called for under this Agreement and the Note to the Bank at its office in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Funds received after such time shall be deemed to have been received on the next Banking Day. Whenever any payment to be made hereunder or on the Note shall be stated to be due on a day which is not a Banking Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Banking Day and such extension of time, in the case of a payment of principal, shall be included in the computation of any interest on such principal payment.

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Section 2.9. <u>Increased Costs; Capital Requirements</u>. If there shall occur any Change in Law which shall have the effect of imposing on the Bank (or the Bank's holding company) any increase or expansion of or any new: tax (excluding taxes on its overall income and franchise taxes), charge, fee, assessment or deduction of any kind whatsoever, or reserve, capital adequacy, special deposits or similar requirements against credit extended by, assets of, or deposits with or for the account of Bank or other conditions affecting the extensions of credit under this Agreement; then upon Bank's request, Borrower shall pay to Bank such additional amount as Bank deems necessary to compensate Bank for any increased cost to Bank attributable to the extension(s) of credit under this Agreement and/or for any reduction in the rate of return on Bank's capital and/or Bank's revenue attributable to such extension(s) of credit. "Change in Law" means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any governmental authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any governmental authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a "Change in Law," regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued. Bank's determination of the additional amount(s) due under this paragraph shall be binding in the absence of manifest error, and such amount(s) shall be payable within 10 days of demand and, if recurring, as otherwise billed by Bank. Failure or delay on the part of Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of the Bank's right to demand such compensation. Bank may notify Borrower that events or conditions have occurred that may result in increased costs to Bank or reductions in amounts to be received by the Bank (the "<u>Event Notice</u>"). Once the amount of the increased costs or reductions in amounts to be received is determined, Bank may give Borrower notice thereof (the "<u>Payment Notice</u>") and, within 10 days of the Payment Notice (and, if recurring, as otherwise billed by Bank), Borrower shall pay Bank such additional amount or amounts as will compensate Bank for such increased costs or reduction in amounts to be received. Borrower shall not be required to compensate Bank pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than nine months prior to the Event Notice (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

Section 2.10. <u>Advances and Paying Procedure</u>. The Bank is authorized and directed to credit any of the Borrower's accounts with the Bank (or to the account the Borrower designates in writing) for all advances made under this Agreement, and the Bank is authorized to debit such account or any other account of the Borrower with the Bank for the amount of any principal or interest due under the Note or other amounts due under this Agreement on the due date with respect thereto.

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**ARTICLE III.**<br> **CONDITIONS PRECEDENT**

Section 3.1. <u>Conditions of Initial Transaction</u>. This Agreement shall become effective upon delivery by the Borrower of, and compliance by the Borrower with, the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Documents</u>. The Bank shall have received the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) This Agreement duly executed by the Borrower.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) The Term Note duly executed by the Borrower and dated the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower dated as of the Closing Date and certifying as to the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. A true and accurate copy of the corporate resolutions of the Borrower authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party contemplated hereby and thereby;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. The incumbency, names, titles, and signatures of the Borrower's officers authorized to execute the Loan Documents and to request the Term Loan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. A true and accurate copy of the Borrower's Articles of Incorporation and all amendments thereto certified by the appropriate government official of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization as of a date not more than 30 days prior to the Closing Date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. A true and accurate copy of the Borrower's Bylaws and all amendments thereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E. True and accurate copies of loan documents and subordination agreements for Indebtedness existing on the date of this Agreement and disclosed on Schedule 6.11 as Subordinated Debt; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) A certificate of good standing for the Borrower and each Subsidiary Bank in the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization and certified by the appropriate governmental officials as of a date not more than 30 days prior to the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) A certificate dated the Closing Date of the president, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of the Borrower (A) certifying as to the matters set forth in Section 3.2(a) and (b), (B) attaching and certifying to true and accurate copies of the Merger Documents (EMFC) and that each such document remains in full force and effect, without modification or amendment and that such documents embody the entire agreement and understanding between the parties thereto with respect to the matters therein.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) Copies of all documents evidencing any necessary corporate action, consent or governmental or regulatory approval (if any) with respect to this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) UCC search for the Borrower and the Subsidiary Banks from the State of Michigan issued not more than 30 days prior to the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 as prescribed by the Code with respect to the Borrower, as completed to the satisfaction of the Bank.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ix) The Bank shall have received a written opinion of the Borrower's counsel, addressed to the Bank and addressing the matters described on Exhibit C.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Compliance</u>. The Borrower shall have performed and complied with all agreements, terms and conditions contained in this Agreement required to be performed or complied with by the Borrower prior to or simultaneously with the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Other Matters</u>. All corporate proceedings relating to the Borrower and all instruments and agreements in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be reasonably satisfactory in scope, form and substance to the Bank and its counsel, and the Bank shall have received all information and copies of all documents, including records of corporate proceedings, as the Bank or its counsel may reasonably have requested in connection therewith, such documents where appropriate to be certified by proper corporate or governmental authorities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Know Your Customer; Patriot Act</u>. Upon the reasonable request of the Bank made at least 10 days before the Closing Date, the Borrower shall have provided to the Bank the documentation and other information so requested in connection with applicable "know your customer" and anti-money-laundering Laws, including the PATRIOT Act, in each case at least five days before the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Beneficial Ownership Certificate</u>. At least five days before the Closing Date, if the Borrower qualifies as a "legal entity customer" under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, the Borrower shall have delivered a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to the Borrower.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) <u>Legal Matters</u>. All legal matters, including income tax, regulatory, environmental, health and safety matters, shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Bank.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) <u>Fees and Expenses</u>. The Bank shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable by the Borrower on or prior to the Closing Date, including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to the Bank payable pursuant to Section 8.2.

Any one or more of the conditions set forth above which have not been satisfied by the Borrower on or prior to the Closing Date shall not be deemed permanently waived by the Bank unless the Bank shall waive the same in a writing which expressly states that the waiver is permanent, and in all cases in which the waiver is not stated to be permanent the Bank may at any time subsequent thereto insist upon compliance and satisfaction of any such condition, and failure by the Borrower to comply with any such condition within five (5) Banking Days' written notice from the Bank to the Borrower shall constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement.

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Section 3.2. <u>Conditions Precedent to the Term Loan.</u> The obligation of the Bank to make the Term Loan Advance hereunder shall be subject to the fulfillment of the following conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Representations and Warranties</u>. The representations and warranties contained in Article IV shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date and on the date of the Term Loan Advance, with the same force and effect as if made on such date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>No Default</u>. No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the Closing Date or will exist after giving effect to the Term Loan Advance made on such date and after giving effect to the consummation of the Merger (EFMC).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Notices and Requests</u>. The Bank shall have received the Borrower's request for the Term Loan Advance as required under Section 2.2.

**ARTICLE IV.**<br> **REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES**

To induce the Bank to enter into this Agreement and to make the Term Loan hereunder, the Borrower represents and warrants to the Bank:

Section 4.1. <u>Organization, Standing, Etc</u>. The Borrower is a corporation duly incorporated and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction named in the opening paragraph hereof and has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to issue the Note and to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents. Each Subsidiary is duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted. Each of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries (a) holds all certificates of authority, licenses and permits necessary to carry on its business as presently conducted in each jurisdiction in which it is carrying on such business, except where the failure to hold such certificates, licenses or permits could not reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Occurrence and (b) is duly qualified and in good standing as a foreign corporation (or other organization) in each jurisdiction in which the character of the properties owned, leased or operated by it or the business conducted by it makes such qualification necessary and the failure so to qualify would permanently preclude the Borrower or such Subsidiary from enforcing its rights with respect to any assets or would reasonably be expected to expose the Borrower to any Material Adverse Occurrence.

Section 4.2. <u>Authorization and Validity</u>. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the Loan Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action by the Borrower. This Agreement constitutes, and the Note and other Loan Documents when executed will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, subject to limitations as to enforceability which might result from bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally and subject to limitations on the availability of equitable remedies.

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Section 4.3. <u>No Conflict; No Default; Sanctions and Anti-Corruption Laws</u>. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the Loan Documents will not (a) violate any provision of any law, statute, rule or regulation in any material respect or any material order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award of any court, governmental agency or arbitrator presently in effect having applicability to the Borrower, (b) violate or contravene any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Borrower, or (c) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any indenture, loan or credit agreement or any other agreement, lease or instrument to which the Borrower is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be bound or result in the creation of any Lien thereunder. No Event of Default exists or would result from the incurrence by the Borrower of any Indebtedness hereunder or under any other Loan Document. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is in default under or in violation of any such law, statute, rule or regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award in any case in which the consequences of such default or violation could reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Occurrence, or in violation or breach of any indenture, loan or credit agreement or other agreement, lease or instrument involving an obligation of the Borrower in excess of $500,000. The Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, and employees and, to the knowledge of the Borrower, the agents of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and all applicable Sanctions in all material respects. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have implemented and maintain in effect policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions. None of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any director, officer, employee, agent, or affiliate of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is an individual or entity that is, or is 50% or more owned (individually or in the aggregate, directly or indirectly) or controlled by individuals or entities (including any agency, political subdivision or instrumentality of any government) that are (a) the target of any Sanctions or (b) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions (at the time of this Agreement, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Crimea, the so-called Donetsk People's Republic, the so-called Luhansk People's Republic, and the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine). The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have all permits, licenses and approvals required by such laws. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with the PATRIOT Act. Neither the making of the Term Loan nor the use of the proceeds thereof will violate the PATRIOT Act, the Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, or any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 C.F.R., Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) or any enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto or successor statute thereto.

Section 4.4. <u>Government Consent</u>. No order, consent, approval, license, authorization or validation of, or filing, recording or registration with, or exemption by, any governmental or public body or authority is required on the part of the Borrower to authorize, or is required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of, or the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of, the Loan Documents, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect.

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Section 4.5. <u>Financial Condition</u>. The Borrower's call reports and other regulatory reports, including without limitation FRY-9C, and FRY-9LP reports, as heretofore furnished to the Bank, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such dates and the results of their operations and changes in financial position for the respective periods then ended. As of the dates of such reports, neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary had any material obligation, contingent liability, liability for taxes or long-term lease obligation which is not reflected in such call reports. Since December 31, 2024, there has been no Material Adverse Occurrence.

Section 4.6. <u>Litigation</u>. There are no actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against or affecting the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their properties before any court or arbitrator, or any governmental department, board, agency or other instrumentality which, if determined adversely to the Borrower or any Subsidiary, could reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Occurrence, and there are no unsatisfied judgments against the Borrower or Subsidiary, the satisfaction or payment of which could reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Occurrence.

Section 4.7. <u>Environmental, Health and Safety Laws</u>. To the Borrower's knowledge, there does not exist any violation by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any applicable federal, state or local law, rule or regulation or order of any government, governmental department, board, agency or other instrumentality relating to environmental, pollution, health, safety or other matters which has, will or threatens to impose a material liability on the Borrower or a Subsidiary or which has required or would require a material expenditure by the Borrower or a Subsidiary to cure. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary has received any written notice to the effect that any part of its operations or properties is not in material compliance with any such law, rule, regulation or order or notice that it or its property is the subject of any governmental investigation evaluating whether any remedial action is needed to respond to any release of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment, which non-compliance or remedial action could reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Occurrence. The Borrower does not have knowledge that it or its property or any Subsidiary or the property of any Subsidiary will become subject to environmental laws or regulations during the term of this Agreement, compliance with which could reasonably be expected to require capital expenditures which could reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Occurrence.

Section 4.8. <u>ERISA</u>. Each Plan is in substantial compliance with all applicable requirements of ERISA and the Code and with all material applicable rulings and regulations issued under the provisions of ERISA and the Code setting forth those requirements. No Reportable Event has occurred and is continuing with respect to any Plan which could reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Occurrence. All of the minimum funding standards applicable to such Plans have been satisfied and there exists no event or condition which would reasonably be expected to result in the institution of proceedings to terminate any Plan under Section 4042 of ERISA. With respect to each Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA, as of the most recent valuation date for such Plan, the present value (determined on the basis of reasonable assumptions employed by the independent actuary for such Plan and previously furnished in writing to the Bank) of such Plan's projected benefit obligations did not exceed the fair market value of such Plan's assets.

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Section 4.9. <u>Federal Reserve Regulations</u>. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is engaged principally or as one of its important activities in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock (as defined in Regulation U of the Board). The value of all margin stock owned by the Borrower does not constitute more than 25% of the value of the assets of the Borrower.

Section 4.10. <u>Title to Property; Leases; Liens; Subordination</u>. Each of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries has (a) good and marketable title to its real properties and (b) good and sufficient title to, or valid, subsisting and enforceable leasehold interest in, its other material properties, including all real properties, other properties and assets, referred to as owned by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in the most recent financial statements referred to in Section 5.1 (other than property disposed of since the date of such financial statements in the ordinary course of business). None of such properties that constitute Equity Interests issued by any Subsidiary Bank is subject to a Lien, except as allowed under Section 6.12. The Borrower has not subordinated any of its rights under any obligation owing to it to the rights of any other Person.

Section 4.11. <u>Taxes</u>. Each of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries has filed all federal, state and local tax returns required to be filed and has paid or made provision for the payment of all taxes due and payable pursuant to such returns and pursuant to any assessments made against it or any of its property and all other taxes, fees and other charges imposed on it or any of its property by any governmental authority (other than taxes, fees or charges the amount or validity of which is currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and with respect to which reserves in accordance with GAAP have been provided on the books of the Borrower). No tax Liens have been filed and no material claims are being asserted with respect to any such taxes, fees or charges. The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of the Borrower in respect of taxes and other governmental charges are adequate and the Borrower knows of no proposed material tax assessment against it or any Subsidiary or any basis therefor.

Section 4.12. <u>Trademarks, Patents</u>. Each of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries possesses or has the right to use all of the patents, trademarks, trade names, service marks and copyrights, and applications therefor, and all technology, know-how, processes, methods and designs used in or necessary for the conduct of its business, without known material conflict with the rights of others.

Section 4.13. <u>Burdensome Restrictions</u>. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is a party to or otherwise bound by any indenture, loan or credit agreement or any lease or other agreement or instrument or subject to any charter, corporate or partnership restriction which could reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Occurrence.

Section 4.14. <u>Force Majeure</u>. Since the date of the most recent financial statements, call reports and other regulatory reports referred to in Section 5.1, the business, properties and other assets of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries have not been materially and adversely affected in any way as the result of any fire or other casualty, strike, lockout, or other labor trouble, embargo, sabotage, confiscation, condemnation, riot, civil disturbance, activity of armed forces or act of God.

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Section 4.15. <u>Investment Company Act</u>. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is an "investment company" or a company "controlled" by an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

Section 4.16. <u>Retirement Benefits</u>. Except as disclosed in the Borrower's definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated April 4, 2025 or as required under Section 4980B of the Code, Section 601 of ERISA or applicable state law, neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to provide post-retirement medical or insurance benefits with respect to employees or former employees.

Section 4.17. <u>Full Disclosure</u>. Subject to the following sentence, neither the financial statements nor the call reports and other regulatory reports referred to in Section 5.1 nor any other certificate, written statement, exhibit or report furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein not misleading. Certificates or statements furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to the Bank consisting of projections or forecasts of future results or events have been prepared in good faith and based on good faith estimates and assumptions of the management of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, and the Borrower has no reason to believe that such projections or forecasts are not reasonable (it being understood that such projected information may vary from actual results and that such variances may be material). As of the Closing Date, the information included in any Beneficial Ownership Certification is true and correct in all respects.

Section 4.18. <u>Subsidiaries</u>. Schedule 4.18 sets forth, as of the date of this Agreement, a list of all Subsidiaries (including Subsidiary Banks) and the number and percentage of the shares of each class of Equity Interests owned beneficially or of record by the Borrower or any Subsidiary therein, and the jurisdiction of incorporation of each Subsidiary. None of the Subsidiary Banks is subject to any Regulatory Action which has not been disclosed to the Bank.

Section 4.19. <u>Labor Matters</u>. There are no pending or threatened strikes, lockouts or slowdowns against the Borrower or any Subsidiary. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary has been or is in violation in any material respect of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Federal, state, local or foreign law dealing with such matters. All payments due from the Borrower or any Subsidiary on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits (in each case, except for de minimis amounts), have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of the Borrower or such Subsidiary. The consummation of the transactions contemplated under the Loan Documents will not give rise to any right of termination or right of renegotiation on the part of any union under any collective bargaining agreement to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is bound.

Section 4.20. <u>Bank Holding Company Act</u>. The Borrower has complied in all material respects with all federal, state and local laws pertaining to bank holding companies, including without limitation, the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended.

Section 4.21. <u>Capital Stock</u>. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary Bank has issued any unregistered securities in violation of the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any other law; or violated any rule, regulation or requirement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in either case, where the effect of such violation could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Occurrence.

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Section 4.22. <u>Solvency</u>. As of the Closing Date, (a) the fair value of the assets of the Borrower, at a fair valuation, will exceed its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise; (b) the present fair saleable value of the property of the Borrower will be greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of its debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured; (c) the Borrower will be able to pay its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured; and (d) the Borrower will not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which it is engaged as such business is proposed to be conducted following the Closing Date.

Section 4.23. <u>Insurance</u>. The Borrower maintains, and has caused each Subsidiary to maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies insurance on all their Property in such amounts, subject to such deductibles and self-insurance retentions and covering such properties and risks as are consistent with sound business practice and as are customarily carried by companies engaged in similar business and owning similar properties in localities where the Borrower and its Subsidiaries operate.

Section 4.24. <u>Restrictive Agreements</u>. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is a party to or bound by any agreement, bond, note or other instrument of the type described in Section 6.6.

Section 4.25. <u>Outbound Investment Rules</u>. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is a "covered foreign person" as that term is used in the Outbound Investment Rules. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries currently engages, or has any present intention to engage in the future, directly or indirectly, in (i) a "covered activity" or a "covered transaction," as each such term is defined in the Outbound Investment Rules, (ii) any activity or transaction that would constitute a "covered activity" or a "covered transaction," as each such term is defined in the Outbound Investment Rules, if the Borrower were a U.S. Person or (iii) any other activity that would cause Bank to be in violation of the Outbound Investment Rules or cause Bank to be legally prohibited by the Outbound Investment Rules from performing under this Agreement. As used in this Section 5.36, "U.S. Person" means any United States citizen, lawful permanent resident, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States, including any foreign branch of any such entity, or any person in the United States.

Section 4.26. <u>Representations and Warranties</u>. All representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement (EMFC) of the Borrower and, to the knowledge of the Borrower, the other parties to the Merger Agreement (EMFC) were true and accurate in all material respects as of the date when made and, to the knowledge of the Borrower, there has been no material adverse change in the accuracy of such representations and warranties.

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**ARTICLE V.**<br> **AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS**

Until the Note and all of the other Obligations have been paid in full, unless the Bank shall otherwise consent in writing:

Section 5.1. <u>Financial Statements and Reports</u>. The Borrower will furnish to the Bank:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Within 75 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, its consolidated balance sheet and related statements of income, operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, certified by Plante & Moran, PLLC or another independent public accountant of recognized national standing acceptable to the Bank, and presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, together with any management letters, management reports or other supplementary comments or reports to the Borrower or its board of directors furnished by such accountants, it being understood and agreed that the delivery of the Borrower's Form 10-K, if required, promptly following the filing thereof with the SEC shall satisfy the delivery requirements set forth in this clause (subject to the time periods set forth in this clause (a)).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Within 65 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, its unaudited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of income, operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such quarter and for the period from the beginning of such fiscal year to the end of such quarter, and a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarter, setting forth in comparative form figures for the corresponding period for the preceding fiscal year, accompanied by a certificate signed by the Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower stating that such financial statements present fairly the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and that the same have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except for the absence of footnotes and subject to year-end audit adjustments as to the interim statements), it being understood and agreed that the delivery of the Borrower's Form 10-Q, if required, promptly following the filing thereof with the SEC shall satisfy the delivery requirements set forth in this clause (subject to the time periods set forth in this clause (b)).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Within 65 days after the last day of each fiscal quarter, copies of the quarterly (and where appropriate, annual) call reports and other regulatory reports, including, without limitation FRY-9C, FRY-9LP reports and call reports prepared on FFIEC forms (or any successors thereto) filed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary Bank with any regulatory authority.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Within 65 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, a Compliance Certificate in the form attached hereto as <u>Exhibit</u><u> </u><u>B</u> signed by the president, chief financial officer or controller of the Borrower demonstrating in reasonable detail compliance (or noncompliance, as the case may be) with Sections 6.14, 6.16, 6.17, and 6.18, as at the end of such quarter and stating that as at the end of such fiscal quarter there did not exist any Default or Event of Default or, if such Default or Event of Default existed, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof and what action the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) As soon as available, (i) copies of all reports or materials submitted or distributed to shareholders of the Borrower or filed with the SEC, any national securities exchange or any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) to the extent allowed by law, copies of all Regulatory Actions which have not been disclosed in the Borrower's most recent FRY-9C, FRY-9LP reports and call reports prepared on FFIEC forms (or any successors thereto), affecting or pertaining to the Borrower or any Subsidiary Bank, and (iii) upon any officer of the Borrower becoming aware of any adverse development which occurs in any Regulatory Action previously disclosed by the Borrower, a notice from the Borrower describing the nature thereof, stating the nature and status of such Regulatory Action, and what action the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Immediately upon any officer of the Borrower becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, a notice describing the nature thereof and what action Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) Immediately upon any officer of the Borrower becoming aware of the occurrence, with respect to any Plan, of any Reportable Event or any Prohibited Transaction, a notice specifying the nature thereof and what action the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto, and, when received, copies of any notice from PBGC of intention to terminate or have a trustee appointed for any Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) Immediately upon any officer of the Borrower becoming aware of any matter that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Occurrence, a notice from the Borrower describing the nature thereof and what action Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Immediately upon any officer of the Borrower becoming aware of any violation as to any environmental matter by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or of the commencement of any judicial or administrative proceeding relating to health, safety or environmental matters (a) in which an adverse determination or result could result in the revocation of or have a material adverse effect on any operating permits, air emission permits, water discharge permits, hazardous waste permits or other permits held by the Borrower or any Subsidiary which are material to the operations of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, or (b) which will or threatens to impose a material liability on the Borrower or such Subsidiary to any Person or which will require a material expenditure by the Borrower or such Subsidiary to cure any alleged problem or violation, a notice from the Borrower describing the nature thereof and what action the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) Immediately upon any officer of the Borrower becoming aware of either (i) the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding before any court or arbitrator or any governmental department, board, agency or other instrumentality affecting the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any property of the Borrower or a Subsidiary or to which the Borrower or a Subsidiary is a party in which an adverse determination or result could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Occurrence, or (ii) any adverse development which occurs in any action, suit or proceeding before any court or arbitrator or any governmental department, board, agency or other instrumentality previously disclosed by the Borrower to the Bank in which an adverse determination or result could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Occurrence, a notice from the Borrower describing the nature thereof, stating the nature and status of such action, suit or proceeding and what action the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) Promptly upon their becoming publicly available, copies of regular and periodic reports and all registration statements and prospectuses, if any, filed by the Borrower with any securities exchange or with the SEC.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) The Borrower will give prompt written notice to the Bank of any change in the accounting or financial reporting practices of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) The Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, provide such information and take such actions as are reasonably requested by the Bank in order to assist the Bank in maintaining compliance with the anti-money laundering laws and regulations and the Patriot Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) On or promptly after any date on which the Borrower or any Subsidiary becomes subject to the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, a completed Beneficial Ownership Certification in form and substance acceptable to the Bank.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) Promptly upon execution thereof, true and correct copies of all amendments or modifications to the Merger Documents (EMFC).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) Promptly upon consummation of the Merger (EMFC), a certification (a) that the Merger (EMFC) and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Documents (EMFC) have been consummated, (b) attaching true and correct copies of any Merger Documents (EMFC) not previously delivered to the Bank, and (c) attaching an updated version of Schedule 4.18 hereto after giving effect to the Merger (EMFC).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) Concurrently with delivery thereof to the Borrower, copies of all notices, reports, financial statements and other materials sent pursuant to the Merger Documents (EMFC).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(r) From time to time, such other information regarding the business, operation and financial condition of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries as the Bank may reasonably request.

Section 5.2. <u>Use of Term Loan Proceeds</u>. The Borrower shall use the proceeds of the Term Loan to fund the purchase price and related expenses of the Merger (EMFC), and for working capital purposes. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, use any of the proceeds of the Term Loan to purchase or carry any "margin stock" (as defined in Regulation U). The Borrower will not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the Term Loan or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, (a) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws or (b)(i) to fund any activities or business of or with any Person, or in any country or territory, that, at the time of such funding, is the subject of Sanctions, or (ii) in any other manner that would result in a violation of Sanctions by any Person (including any Person participating in the Term Loan, whether as lender, underwriter, advisor, investor, or otherwise).

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Section 5.3. <u>Existence; Additional Subsidiaries</u>. The Borrower will maintain, and cause each Subsidiary to maintain, its corporate existence in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization and its qualification to transact business in each jurisdiction where failure so to qualify would permanently preclude the Borrower or such Subsidiary from enforcing its rights with respect to any material asset or would expose the Borrower or such Subsidiary to any material liability; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that nothing herein shall prohibit the merger, sale or liquidation of any Subsidiary allowed under Section 6.1 or 6.2. The Borrower shall not form or acquire any Subsidiary without the prior written consent of the Bank, provided that, the Borrower may form or acquire any Subsidiary, other than a Subsidiary Bank or a Subsidiary of a Subsidiary Bank, formed or acquired for the purpose of any other business or activity permitted by all applicable laws and regulations, provided further that the aggregate amount of assets of such formed or acquired Subsidiaries permitted under this sentence shall not, at any time during any fiscal year of the Borrower, exceed 5% of the consolidated assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of the preceding fiscal year.

Section 5.4. <u>Insurance</u>. The Borrower shall maintain, and shall cause each Subsidiary to maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies such insurance as may be required by law and such other insurance in such amounts and against such hazards as is customary in the case of reputable firms engaged in the same or similar business and similarly situated.

Section 5.5. <u>Payment of Taxes and Claims</u>. The Borrower shall file, and cause each Subsidiary to file, all tax returns and reports which are required by law to be filed by it and will pay, and cause each Subsidiary to pay, before they become delinquent all taxes, assessments and governmental charges and levies imposed upon it or its property and all claims or demands of any kind (including but not limited to those of suppliers, mechanics, carriers, warehouses, landlords and other like Persons) which, if unpaid, might result in the creation of a Lien upon its property; provided that the foregoing items need not be paid if they are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and as long as the Borrower's or such Subsidiary's title to its property is not materially adversely affected, its use of such property in the ordinary course of its business is not materially interfered with and adequate reserves with respect thereto have been set aside on Borrower's or such Subsidiary's books in accordance with GAAP.

Section 5.6. <u>Inspection</u>. The Borrower shall permit, upon three Banking Days prior written notice (which notice requirement shall not apply while any Event of Default is continuing), any Person designated by the Bank to visit and inspect any of the properties, books and financial records of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, to examine and to make copies of the books of accounts and other financial records of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries with, and to be advised as to the same by, its officers at such reasonable times and intervals as the Bank may reasonably designate; provided, however, that the Bank will use its best efforts not to interfere with or impair the ability of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to conduct its business in the ordinary course. So long as no Event of Default exists, the expenses of the Bank for such visits, inspections and examinations shall be at the expense of the Bank, but any such visits, inspections and examinations made while any Event of Default is continuing shall be at the expense of the Borrower.

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Section 5.7. <u>Maintenance of Properties</u>. The Borrower will maintain, and cause each Subsidiary to maintain its properties used or useful in the conduct of its business in good condition, repair and working order, and supplied with all necessary equipment, and make all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereto, all as may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times.

Section 5.8. <u>Books and Records</u>. The Borrower will keep, and will cause each Subsidiary to keep, adequate and proper records and books of account in which full and correct entries will be made of its dealings, business and affairs.

Section 5.9. <u>Compliance</u>. The Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, (a) comply in all material respects with all laws, rules, regulations, orders, writs, judgments, injunctions, decrees or awards to which it may be subject, including, without limitation, all Environmental Laws, Anti-Corruption Laws, and applicable Sanctions and (b) perform in all material respects its obligations under material agreements to which it is a party. The Borrower will maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions. The Borrower will not use or allow any tenants or subtenants to use, or permit any Subsidiary to use or allow any tenants or subtenants to use, its Property for any business activity that violates any applicable federal or state law in any material respect or that supports a business that violates any applicable federal or state law in any material respect.

Section 5.10. <u>ERISA</u>. The Borrower will maintain, and cause each Subsidiary to maintain, each Plan in compliance with all material applicable requirements of ERISA and of the Code and with all applicable rulings and regulations issued under the provisions of ERISA and of the Code and will not, and will not permit any of the ERISA Affiliates to (a) engage in any transaction in connection with which the Borrower or any of the ERISA Affiliates would be subject to either a civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 502(i) of ERISA or a tax imposed by Section 4975 of the Code, in either case in an amount exceeding $50,000, (b) fail to make full payment when due of all amounts which, under the provisions of any Plan, the Borrower any ERISA Affiliate is required to pay as contributions thereto, or permit to exist any accumulated funding deficiency (as such term is defined in Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code), whether or not waived, with respect to any Plan in an aggregate amount exceeding $50,000 or (c) fail to make any payments in an aggregate amount exceeding $50,000 to any Multiemployer Plan that the Borrower or any of the ERISA Affiliates may be required to make under any agreement relating to such Multiemployer Plan or any law pertaining thereto.

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Section 5.11. <u>Environmental Matters; Reporting</u>. The Borrower will observe and comply with, and cause each Subsidiary to observe and comply with, all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any government or government agency relating to health, safety, pollution, hazardous materials or other environmental matters to the extent non-compliance could result in a material liability or otherwise could reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Occurrence.

Section 5.12. <u>Further Assurances</u>. The Borrower shall promptly correct any defect or error that may be discovered in any Loan Document or in the execution, acknowledgment or recordation thereof. Promptly upon request by the Bank and to the extent applicable hereunder, the Borrower also shall execute, acknowledge, deliver, record, re-record, file, re-file, register and re-register, any and all deeds, conveyances, mortgages, deeds of trust, trust deeds, assignments, estoppel certificates, financing statements and continuations thereof, notices of assignment, transfers, certificates, assurances and other instruments as the Bank may reasonably require from time to time in order: (a) to carry out more effectively the purposes of the Loan Documents and (b) to better assure, convey, grant, assign, transfer, preserve, protect and confirm unto the Bank the rights granted now or hereafter intended to be granted to the Bank under any Loan Document or under any other instrument executed in connection with any Loan Document or that the Borrower may be or become bound to convey, mortgage or assign to the Bank in order to carry out the intention or facilitate the performance of the provisions of any Loan Document. The Borrower shall furnish to the Bank evidence satisfactory to the Bank of every such recording, filing or registration, if any. The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries shall (i) take such actions reasonably requested by the Bank in order to assist the Bank in maintaining compliance with the PATRIOT Act and (ii) inform the Bank of any change in the information provided in any Beneficial Ownership Certification that would result in a change to the list of beneficial owners identified in parts (c) or (d) of such certification.

Section 5.13. <u>Merger Documents (EMFC)</u>. The Borrower shall not amend, modify or change any of the Merger Documents (EMFC) in any way in a manner materially adverse in any respect to the rights or interests of the Bank.

**ARTICLE VI.**<br> **NEGATIVE COVENANTS**

Until the Note and all of the other Obligations have been paid in full, unless the Bank shall otherwise consent in writing:

Section 6.1. <u>Merger; Acquisitions</u>. The Borrower will not merge or consolidate or enter into any analogous reorganization or transaction with any Person or liquidate, wind up or dissolve itself (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution); acquire all or substantially all of the stock or the assets of another Person except as permitted under Section 6.20; nor permit any Subsidiary to do any of the foregoing; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, (a) any Subsidiary other than a Subsidiary Bank may be merged with or liquidated into the Borrower or any wholly-owned Subsidiary other than a Subsidiary Bank (if the Borrower or such wholly-owned Subsidiary is the surviving corporation), and (b) the Borrower may consummate the Merger (EMFC).

Section 6.2. <u>Disposition of Assets</u>. Borrower will not itself, nor will it cause, permit or allow any Subsidiary to dispose of, directly or indirectly, by sale, assignment, lease or transfer, conveyance or otherwise (whether in one transaction or a series of transactions), property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired if such property or assets plus all other properties and assets sold, leased, transferred or otherwise disposed of during the 12-month period ending on the date of such sale, lease or other disposition shall have an aggregate value of more than 10% of the consolidated assets of Borrower as reflected in the most recent balance sheet delivered to Bank (pursuant to Section 5.1 hereof) prior to the commencement of such period, except that Subsidiary Bank may sell assets in the ordinary course of its banking business and consistent with safe and sound banking practices.

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Section 6.3. <u>Plans</u>. The Borrower will not permit, nor will allow any Subsidiary to permit, any event to occur or condition to exist which would permit any Plan to terminate under any circumstances which would cause the Lien provided for in Section 4068 of ERISA to attach to any assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary; and the Borrower will not permit, as of the most recent valuation date for any Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA, the present value (determined on the basis of reasonable assumptions employed by the independent actuary for such Plan and previously furnished in writing to the Bank) of such Plan's projected benefit obligations to exceed the fair market value of such Plan's assets.

Section 6.4. <u>Change in Nature of Business</u>. The Borrower will not, nor will permit any Subsidiary to, make any material change in the nature of the business of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as carried on at the date hereof.

Section 6.5. <u>Term Loan Proceeds</u>. The Borrower will not, nor will permit any Subsidiary to, use any part of the proceeds of the Term Loan directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, (a) to purchase or carry margin stock (as defined in Regulation U of the Board) or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund Indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose or (b) for any purpose which entails a violation of, or which is inconsistent with, the provisions of Regulations U or X of the Board.

Section 6.6. <u>Negative Pledges; Subsidiary Restrictions</u>. The Borrower will not, nor will permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any agreement, bond, note or other instrument with or for the benefit of any Person other than the Bank which would (i) prohibit the Borrower or such Subsidiary from granting, or otherwise limit the ability of the Borrower or such Subsidiary to grant, to the Bank any Lien on the Equity Interests issued by any Subsidiary Bank (other than pursuant to agreements creating Liens arising in the ordinary course of the business of banking consistent with past practice or pursuant to regulations applicable to banks, bank holding companies, or financial holding companies generally), or (ii) require the Borrower or such Subsidiary to grant a Lien to any other Person if the Borrower or such Subsidiary grants any Lien to the Bank. The Borrower will not permit any Subsidiary to place or allow any restriction, directly or indirectly, on the ability of such Subsidiary to (a) pay Restricted Payments on or with respect to such Subsidiary's Equity Interests or (b) make loans or other cash payments to the Borrower.

Section 6.7. <u>Restricted Payments</u>. The Borrower shall not declare or pay Restricted Payments on any class of Equity Interests unless (a) the Borrower is in compliance with Sections 6.14, 6.16, 6.17, and 6.18 both before and after giving effect to the proposed Restricted Payment, (b) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused by such declaration or payment, and (c) the proposed Restricted Payment has received all necessary prior approvals required from all regulatory authorities.

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Section 6.8. <u>Transactions with Affiliates</u>. The Borrower will not, nor will permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any transaction with any Affiliate of the Borrower, except (a) upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable than the Borrower, or such Subsidiary, would obtain in a comparable arm's-length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate of the Borrower; (b) as otherwise permitted by the terms of this Agreement; (c) the payment of reasonable fees to directors of the Borrower or any Subsidiary who are not employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary; or (d) any issuances of securities pursuant to and in accordance with stock option plans or other benefit plans for management or employees of such Borrower and its Subsidiaries by the Borrower's board of directors.

Section 6.9. <u>Accounting Changes</u>. The Borrower will not, nor will permit any Subsidiary to, make any significant change in accounting treatment or reporting practices, except as required by GAAP, or change its fiscal year or the fiscal year of any Subsidiary.

Section 6.10. <u>Subordinated Debt</u>. The Borrower will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, (a) make any scheduled payment of the principal of or interest on any Subordinated Debt which would be prohibited by the terms of such Subordinated Debt and any related subordination agreement; (b) directly or indirectly make any prepayment on or purchase, redeem or defease any Subordinated Debt or offer to do so (whether such prepayment, purchase or redemption, or offer with respect thereto, is voluntary or mandatory) unless, with respect to Subordinated Debt identified as such on Schedule 6.11, (i) the Borrower is in compliance with Sections 6.14, 6.16, 6.17, and 6.18 both before and after giving effect to the proposed prepayment, purchase, redemption or defeasement, (ii) no Default or Event of Default exists or would be caused by such prepayment, purchase, redemption or defeasement, and (iii) such prepayment, purchase, redemption or defeasement is permitted under the related subordination agreement; (c) amend or cancel the subordination provisions applicable to any Subordinated Debt; (d) take or omit to take any action if as a result of such action or omission the subordination of such Subordinated Debt, or any part thereof, to the Obligations might be terminated, impaired or adversely affected; or (e) omit to give the Bank prompt notice of any notice received from any holder of Subordinated Debt, or any trustee therefor, or of any default under any agreement or instrument relating to any Subordinated Debt by reason whereof such Subordinated Debt might become or be declared to be due or payable.

Section 6.11. <u>Indebtedness</u>. The Borrower will not, nor will permit any Subsidiary to, incur, create, issue, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Obligations and other Indebtedness owing to the Bank.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Current Liabilities, other than for borrowed money, incurred in the ordinary course of business, including, but not limited to, deposits.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Indebtedness existing on the date of this Agreement and disclosed on Schedule 6.11 or the call reports referenced in Section 4.5 and any refinancings, refundings, renewals or extensions thereof; <u>provided</u> that the amount of such Indebtedness is not increased at the time of such refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) With the express written consent of the Bank, Indebtedness owing to shareholders of the Borrower; <u>provided</u> that such Indebtedness is Subordinated Debt.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Indebtedness consisting of unsecured federal funds lines of credit provided by financial institutions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Indebtedness consisting of financing provided by the Federal Home Loan Bank.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) Subordinated Debt.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) Indebtedness secured by Liens not prohibited under Section 6.12.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Indebtedness of the Subsidiary Banks arising in the ordinary course of the business of banking consistent with past practice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) Contingent Obligations to the extent permitted under Section 6.13.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) Obligations (contingent or otherwise) of the Borrower or any Subsidiary existing or arising under any hedging arrangements, including all Rate Protection Agreements, to the extent permitted under Section 6.19.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) Indebtedness of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the date hereof, provided that such Indebtedness exists at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary and is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such Person becoming a Subsidiary, and provided that the Borrower is in compliance with Sections 6.14, 6.16, 6.17, and 6.18 both before and after giving effect to such Person becoming a Subsidiary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) Indebtedness (i) resulting from a bank or other financial institution honoring a check, draft or similar instrument in the ordinary course of business or (ii) arising under or in connection with cash management services in the ordinary course of business.

Section 6.12. <u>Liens</u>. The Borrower will not, nor will permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien, or enter into, or make any commitment to enter into, any arrangement for the acquisition through conditional sale, lease-purchase or other title retention agreements, with respect to Equity Interests issued by any Subsidiary Bank and now owned or hereafter acquired by the Borrower or a Subsidiary, except Liens granted to the Bank to secure the Obligations.

Section 6.13. <u>Contingent Liabilities</u>. The Borrower will not, nor will permit any Subsidiary to, be or become liable on any Contingent Obligations except Contingent Obligations (a) for the benefit of the Bank or (b) in respect of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary otherwise permitted in Section 6.11.

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Section 6.14. <u>Non-Performing Loans and OREO to Tangible Capital</u>. The Borrower will not permit the ratio of Non-Performing Loans plus OREO to Tangible Capital of the Borrower and the Subsidiary Banks (on a consolidated basis), expressed as a percentage, as of the last day of the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2025 and the last day of each fiscal quarter thereafter, to be greater than 12.00%.

Section 6.15. <u>Reserved</u>.

Section 6.16. <u>Total Risk Based Capital</u>. The Borrower will not permit the Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of the Borrower and the Subsidiary Banks (on a consolidated basis) expressed as a percentage, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2025 and the last day of each fiscal quarter thereafter, to be less than 12.00%.

Section 6.17. <u>Regulatory Capital - Bank Subsidiaries</u>. The Borrower shall be, and shall cause each Subsidiary Bank to be, "well capitalized" (as defined in 12 CFR § 325.103(b)(1)) at all times.

Section 6.18. <u>Return on Average Assets</u>. Commencing with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2025, the Borrower and the Subsidiary Banks (on a consolidated basis) shall maintain as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, based on the four fiscal quarter-period then ending, a Return on Average Assets of at least 0.80%.

Section 6.19. <u>Hedging Agreements</u>. The Borrower will not, nor will permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any hedging arrangements, other than any Rate Protection Agreements entered into in the ordinary course of the Borrower's or any Subsidiary's business.

Section 6.20. <u>Investments</u>. The Borrower will not, nor will permit any Subsidiary to, acquire for value, make, have or hold any Investments, except:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Investments in (i) bank repurchase agreements, (ii) savings accounts or certificates of deposit in a financial institution of recognized standing, (iii) obligations issued or fully guaranteed by the United States, (iv) prime commercial paper maturing within 90 days of the date of acquisition by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, and (v) with respect to the Borrower, other Investments permitted for bank holding companies under applicable federal and Michigan law (including rules and regulations promulgated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, or other applicable federal or state regulatory agency) and, with respect to the Subsidiary Banks, other Investments permitted for state banks under applicable federal or Michigan law (including rules and regulations promulgated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, or other applicable federal or state regulatory agency);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) loans and advances made to employees and agents in the ordinary course of business, such as travel and entertainment advances and similar items;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Investments in the Borrower's Subsidiaries existing on the date of this Agreement and disclosed on Schedule 4.18;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) to the extent constituting an Investment, transactions otherwise permitted by Sections 6.1, 6.11, and 6.19;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Investments in the Borrower by a Subsidiary; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) with respect to a Subsidiary, Investments or loans made in the ordinary course of banking business of such Subsidiary.

**ARTICLE VII.**<br> **EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES**

Section 7.1. <u>Events of Default</u>. The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall constitute an Event of Default:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Borrower shall fail to make when due, whether by acceleration or otherwise, any payment of principal of or interest on the Note or any other Obligation required to be made to the Bank pursuant to this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Any representation or warranty made by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in this Agreement or any other Loan Document or by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in any certificate, statement, report or document herewith or hereafter furnished to the Bank pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall prove to have been false or misleading in any material respect on the date as of which the facts set forth are stated or certified.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Borrower shall fail to comply with Section 5.2 or 5.3, or the Borrower shall fail to comply with any Section of Article VI.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Borrower shall fail to comply with any other agreement, covenant, condition, provision or term contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document (other than those hereinabove set forth in this Section 7.1) and such failure to comply shall continue for 30 calendar days after whichever of the following dates is the earliest: (i) the date the Borrower gives notice of such failure to the Bank, (ii) the date the Borrower should have given notice of such failure to the Bank pursuant to Section 5.1, or (iii) the date the Bank gives notice of such failure to the Borrower.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Borrower or any Subsidiary shall become insolvent or shall generally not pay its debts as they mature or shall apply for, shall consent to, or shall acquiesce in the appointment of a custodian, trustee or receiver of the Borrower or such Subsidiary or for a substantial part of the property thereof or, in the absence of such application, consent or acquiescence, a custodian, trustee or receiver shall be appointed for the Borrower or a Subsidiary or for a substantial part of the property thereof and shall not be discharged within 60 days, or the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Any bankruptcy, reorganization, debt arrangement or other proceedings under any bankruptcy or insolvency law shall be instituted by or against the Borrower or any Subsidiary, and, if instituted against the Borrower or any Subsidiary, shall have been consented to or acquiesced in by the Borrower or such Subsidiary, or shall remain undismissed for 60 days, or an order for relief shall have been entered against the Borrower or such Subsidiary.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) Any dissolution or liquidation proceeding not permitted by Section 6.1 shall be instituted by or against the Borrower or a Subsidiary, and, if instituted against the Borrower or any Subsidiary, shall be consented to or acquiesced in by the Borrower or such Subsidiary or shall remain for 60 days undismissed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) A judgment or judgments for the payment of money in excess of the sum of $1,000,000 in the aggregate shall be rendered against the Borrower or a Subsidiary (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer has been notified of such judgment or order and has not denied or failed to acknowledge coverage) and either (i) the judgment creditor executes on such judgment or (ii) such judgment remains unpaid or undischarged for more than 60 days from the date of entry thereof or such longer period during which execution of such judgment shall be stayed during an appeal from such judgment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The maturity of any material Indebtedness of the Borrower (other than Indebtedness under this Agreement) or a Subsidiary shall be accelerated, or the Borrower or a Subsidiary shall fail to pay any such material Indebtedness when due (after the lapse of any applicable grace period) or, in the case of such Indebtedness payable on demand, when demanded (after the lapse of any applicable grace period), or any event shall occur or condition shall exist and shall continue for more than the period of grace, if any, applicable thereto and shall have the effect of causing, or permitting the holder of any such Indebtedness or any trustee or other Person acting on behalf of such holder to cause, such material Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity or to realize upon any collateral given as security therefor. For purposes of this Section, Indebtedness of the Borrower or a Subsidiary shall be deemed "material" if it exceeds $500,000 as to any item of Indebtedness or in the aggregate for all items of Indebtedness with respect to which any of the events described in this Section 7.1(i) has occurred.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) Any execution or attachment shall be issued whereby any property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary which has, in aggregate with other such property, a value in excess of $500,000, shall be taken or attempted to be taken and the same shall not have been vacated or stayed within 60 days after the issuance thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) The Borrower or any Subsidiary Bank shall become subject to any Regulatory Action which has not been disclosed in writing to the Bank prior to the Closing Date, affecting or pertaining to the Borrower or any Subsidiary Bank and which could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Occurrence.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) Any Subsidiary Bank is unable to make a Restricted Payment without the prior approval of any state or federal banking agency.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) Any Change of Control shall occur, except for a Change of Control that the Bank has otherwise agreed to in writing.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) Any Loan Document fails to remain in full force or effect or any action is taken to discontinue or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability of any Loan Document.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) Any of the following shall occur: (i) any Reportable Event, (ii) the existence with respect to any Plan of an "accumulated funding deficiency" (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived; (iii) the filing pursuant to Section 412(d) of the Code or Section 303(d) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (iv) the incurrence by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan; (v) the receipt by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (vi) the incurrence by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal of the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (vii) the receipt by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any notice, concerning the imposition upon the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of withdrawal liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA, in any case where such occurrence could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Occurrence.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) The Merger (EMFC) does not consummate on or before January 2, 2026, or such later date as the Bank may agree in writing.

Section 7.2. <u>Remedies</u>. If any Event of Default described in Sections 7.1(e), (f) or (g) shall occur with respect to the Borrower, the Note and all other Obligations shall automatically become immediately due and payable. If any other Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, then, the Bank may declare the outstanding unpaid principal balance of the Note, the accrued and unpaid interest thereon and all other Obligations to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the Note, all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and all such Obligations shall immediately become due and payable, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, anything in this Agreement or in the Note to the contrary notwithstanding. Upon the occurrence of any of the events described in this Section 7.2, the Bank may exercise all rights and remedies under any of the Loan Documents, and enforce all rights and remedies under any applicable law.

Section 7.3. <u>Deposit Accounts; Offset</u>. The Borrower hereby grants the Bank a security interest in all deposits, credits and deposit accounts of the Borrower with the Bank (the "<u>Deposits</u>"). In addition to the remedies set forth in Section 7.2, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default and thereafter while the same be continuing, the Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes the Bank to (a) set off any Obligations against (i) all Deposits, credits and deposit accounts of the Borrower with, and any and all claims of the Borrower against, the Bank, and (b) to enforce the security interest granted pursuant to the first sentence hereof. Such right shall exist whether or not the Bank shall have made any demand hereunder or under any other Loan Document, whether or not the Obligations, or any part thereof, or Deposits is or are matured or unmatured, and regardless of the existence or adequacy of any collateral, guaranty or any other security, right or remedy available to the Bank. The Bank agrees that, as promptly as is reasonably possible after the exercise of any such setoff or enforcement right, it shall notify the Borrower of its exercise of such setoff or enforcement right; provided, however, that the failure of the Bank to provide such notice shall not affect the validity of the exercise of such setoff or enforcement rights. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver or prohibition of or restriction on the Bank to all rights of banker's Lien, setoff and counterclaim available pursuant to law.

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**ARTICLE VIII.**<br> **MISCELLANEOUS**

Section 8.1. <u>Modifications</u>. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary herein, any term of this Agreement may be amended with the written consent of the Borrower; provided that no amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Bank, and then such amendment, modification, waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given.

Section 8.2. <u>Expenses</u>. Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, the Borrower agrees to pay or reimburse the Bank upon demand for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses paid or incurred by the Bank and/or the allocated costs of in-house counsel, including filing and recording costs and fees and reasonable and documented charges and disbursements of outside counsel to the Bank incurred from time to time, in connection with the negotiation, preparation, approval, review, execution, delivery, administration, amendment, modification, interpretation, collection and enforcement of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and any commitment letters relating thereto paid or incurred by the Bank in connection with the collection and enforcement of this Agreement and any other Loan Document. The obligations of the Borrower under this Section 8.2 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

Section 8.3. <u>Waivers, etc</u>. No failure on the part of the Bank or the holder of the Note to exercise and no delay in exercising any power or right hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any power or right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power or right. The remedies herein and in the other Loan Documents provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

Section 8.4. <u>Notices</u>. Except when telephonic notice is expressly authorized by this Agreement, any notice or other communication to any party in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent by manual delivery, facsimile transmission, overnight courier or United States mail (postage prepaid) addressed to such party at the address specified on the signature page hereof, or at such other address as such party shall have specified to the other party hereto in writing. All periods of notice shall be measured from the date of delivery thereof if manually delivered, from the date of sending thereof if sent by facsimile transmission, from the first Banking Day after the date of sending if sent by overnight courier, or from four days after the date of mailing if mailed; provided, however, that any notice to the Bank under Article II shall be deemed to have been given only when received by the Bank.

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Section 8.5. <u>Taxes</u>. The Borrower agrees to pay, and save the Bank harmless from all liability for, any stamp or other taxes which may be payable with respect to the execution or delivery of this Agreement or the issuance of the Note, which obligation of the Borrower shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Section 8.6. <u>Successors and Assigns; Participations; Purchasing Banks</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Bank, all future holders of the Note, and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrower may not assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Bank.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Bank may, in the ordinary course of its commercial banking business and in accordance with applicable law, at any time sell to one or more Persons ("<u>Participants</u>") participating interests in a minimum amount of $100,000 in the Term Loan or other Obligations owing to the Bank, the Note, or any other interest of the Bank hereunder. In the event of any such sale by the Bank of participating interests to a Participant, (i) the Bank's obligations under this Agreement to the other parties to this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) the Bank shall remain solely responsible for the performance thereof, (iii) the Bank shall remain the holder of the Note for all purposes under this Agreement, (iv) the Borrower shall continue to deal solely and directly with the Bank in connection with the Bank's rights and obligations under this Agreement, (v) the Bank shall provide the Borrower with notice of the sale of such participation; and (vi) the agreement pursuant to which such Participant acquires its participating interest herein shall provide that the Bank shall retain the sole right and responsibility to enforce the Obligations, including, without limitation the right to consent or agree to any amendment, modification, consent or waiver with respect to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, provided that such agreement may provide that the Bank will not consent or agree to any such amendment, modification, consent or waiver with respect to the matters set forth in Article II without the prior consent of such Participant. The Borrower agrees that if amounts outstanding under this Agreement, the Note, and the Loan Documents are due and unpaid, or shall have been declared or shall have become due and payable upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, each Participant shall be deemed to have, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the right of setoff in respect of its participating interest in amounts owing under this Agreement and the Note or other Loan Document to the same extent as if the amount of its participating interest were owing directly to it as the Bank under this Agreement, the Note or other Loan Documents. The Borrower also agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.4, 2.9, and 8.2 with respect to its participation in the Term Loan; <u>provided</u>, that no Participant shall be entitled to receive any greater amount pursuant to such Sections than the Bank would have been entitled to receive in respect of the amount of the participation transferred by the Bank to such Participant had no such transfer occurred.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Borrower shall not be liable for any costs incurred by the Bank in effecting any participation under subparagraph (b) of this subsection.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Bank may disclose to any assignee or Participant and to any prospective assignee or Participant any and all financial information in the Bank's possession concerning the Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries (if any) which has been delivered to the Bank by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to this Agreement or which has been delivered to the Bank by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries in connection with the Bank's credit evaluation of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries prior to entering into this Agreement, <u>provided</u> that prior to disclosing such information, the Bank shall first obtain the agreement of such prospective assignee or Participant to comply with the provisions of Section 8.7.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, the Bank may at any time create a security interest in, or pledge, all or any portion of its rights under and interest in this Agreement and any note held by it in favor of any federal reserve bank in accordance with Regulation A of the Board or U.S. Treasury Regulation 31 CFR § 203.14, and such Federal Reserve Bank may enforce such pledge or security interest in any manner permitted under applicable law.

Section 8.7. <u>Confidentiality of Information</u>. The Bank agrees that information about the Borrower and its operations, affairs and financial condition, not generally disclosed to the public or to trade and other creditors, which is furnished to the Bank pursuant to the provisions hereof shall be used only for the purposes of this Agreement and any other relationship between the Bank and the Borrower and shall not be divulged to any Person other than the Bank, its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees and agents, except: (a) to their attorneys and accountants, (b) in connection with the enforcement of the rights of the Bank hereunder and under the Loan Documents or otherwise in connection with applicable litigation, (c) in connection with assignments and participations and the solicitation of prospective assignees and participants referred to in the immediately preceding Section, (d) if such information is generally available to the public other than as a result of disclosure by the Bank, (e) to any direct or indirect contractual counterparty in any hedging arrangement or such contractual counterparty's professional advisor, (f) to any nationally recognized rating agency that requires information about the Bank's investment portfolio in connection with ratings issued with respect to the Bank, and (g) as may otherwise be required or requested by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Bank or by any applicable law, rule, regulation or judicial process, the opinion of the Bank's counsel concerning the making of such disclosure to be binding on the parties hereto. The Bank shall not incur any liability to the Borrower by reason of any disclosure permitted by this Section.

Section 8.8. <u>Governing Law and Construction</u>. THE VALIDITY, CONSTRUCTION AND ENFORCEABILITY OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE NOTE AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF, BUT GIVING EFFECT TO FEDERAL LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES APPLICABLE TO NATIONAL BANKS. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and any other statement, instrument or transaction contemplated hereby or thereby or relating hereto or thereto shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under such applicable law, but, if any provision of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any other statement, instrument or transaction contemplated hereby or thereby or relating hereto or thereto shall be held to be prohibited or invalid under such applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any other statement, instrument or transaction contemplated hereby or thereby or relating hereto or thereto.

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Section 8.10. <u>Waiver of Jury Trial</u>. EACH OF THE BORROWER AND THE BANK IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.

Section 8.11. <u>Survival of Agreement</u>. All representations, warranties, covenants and agreement made by the Borrower herein or in the other Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments prepared or delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be deemed to have been relied upon by the Bank and shall survive the making of the Term Loan by the Bank and the execution and delivery to the Bank by the Borrower of the Note, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Bank, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Obligation is outstanding and unpaid and the Term Loan Commitment has not been terminated; provided, however, that the obligations of the under Section 8.2, 8.5 and 8.12 shall survive payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of the Commitments.

Section 8.12. <u>Indemnification</u>. The Borrower hereby agrees to defend, protect, indemnify and hold harmless the Bank and its Affiliates and the directors, officers, employees, attorneys and agents of the Bank and its Affiliates (each of the foregoing being an "<u>Indemnitee</u>" and all of the foregoing being collectively the "<u>Indemnitees</u>") from and against any and all claims, actions, damages, liabilities, judgments, costs and expenses (including all reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel which may be incurred in the investigation or defense of any matter) imposed upon, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee, whether direct, indirect or consequential and whether based on any federal, state, local or foreign laws or regulations (including securities laws, environmental laws, commercial laws and regulations), under common law or on equitable cause, or on contract or otherwise:

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) by reason of, relating to or in connection with the execution, delivery, performance or enforcement of any Loan Document, any commitments relating thereto, or any transaction contemplated by any Loan Document; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) by reason of, relating to or in connection with any credit extended or used under the Loan Documents or any act done or omitted by any Person, or the exercise of any rights or remedies thereunder, including the acquisition of any collateral by the Bank by way of foreclosure of the Lien thereon, deed or bill of sale in lieu of such foreclosure or otherwise;

<u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that the Borrower shall not be liable to any Indemnitee for any portion of such claims, damages, liabilities and expenses resulting from such Indemnitee's gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. In the event this indemnity is unenforceable as a matter of law as to a particular matter or consequence referred to herein, it shall be enforceable to the full extent permitted by law.

This indemnification applies, without limitation, to any act, omission, event or circumstance existing or occurring on or prior to the later of the Term Loan Termination Date and the date of payment in full of the Obligations, including specifically Obligations arising under clause (b) of this Section 8.12. The indemnification provisions set forth above shall be in addition to any liability the Borrower may otherwise have. Without prejudice to the survival of any other obligation of the Borrower hereunder the indemnities and obligations of the Borrower contained in this Section shall survive the payment in full of the other Obligations.

Section 8.13. <u>Captions</u>. The captions or headings herein and any table of contents hereto are for convenience only and in no way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of any provision of this Agreement.

Section 8.14. <u>Entire Agreement</u>. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents embody the entire agreement and understanding between the Borrower and the Bank with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof. Nothing contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any Persons other than the parties hereto any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities hereunder or thereunder.

Section 8.15. <u>Counterparts</u>. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any of the parties hereto may execute this Agreement by signing any such counterpart.

Section 8.16. <u>Borrower Acknowledgements</u>. The Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) it has been advised by counsel in the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (b) the Bank has no fiduciary relationship to the Borrower, the relationship being solely that of debtor and creditor, (c) no joint venture exists between the Borrower and the Bank, and (d) the Bank undertakes no responsibility to the Borrower to review or inform the Borrower of any matter in connection with any phase of the business or operations of the Borrower and the Borrower shall rely entirely upon its own judgment with respect to its business, and any review, inspection or supervision of, or information supplied to, the Borrower by the Bank is for the protection of the Bank and neither the Borrower nor any third party is entitled to rely thereon.

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Section 8.17. <u>Interest Rate Limitation</u>. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to the Term Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts that are treated as interest on the Term Loan under applicable law (collectively, the "<u>Charges</u>"), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the "<u>Maximum Rate</u>") that may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Bank in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of the Term Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of the Term Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to the Bank in respect of the Term Loan or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the Federal Funds Effective Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by the Bank.

Section 8.18. <u>Document Imaging; Telecopy and PDF Signatures; Electronic Signatures</u>. The Borrower hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of this Agreement and all other Loan Documents. Without notice to or consent of the Borrower, the Bank may create electronic images of any Loan Documents and destroy paper originals of any such imaged documents. Such images have the same legal force and effect as the paper originals and are enforceable against the Borrower and any other parties thereto. The Bank may convert any Loan Document into a "transferrable record" as such term is defined under, and to the extent permitted by, UETA, with the image of such instrument in the Bank's possession constituting an "authoritative copy" under UETA. If the Bank agrees, in its sole discretion, to accept delivery by telecopy or PDF of an executed counterpart of a signature page of any Loan Document or other document required to be delivered under the Loan Documents, such delivery will be valid and effective as delivery of an original manually executed counterpart of such document for all purposes. If the Bank agrees, in its sole discretion, to accept any electronic signatures of any Loan Document or other document required to be delivered under the Loan Documents, the words "execution," "signed," and "signature," and words of like import, in or referring to any document so signed will deemed to include electronic signatures and/or the keeping of records in electronic form, which will be of the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a manually executed signature and/or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including UETA, E-SIGN, or any other state laws based on, or similar in effect to, such acts. The Bank may rely on any such electronic signatures without further inquiry.

Section 8.19. <u>PATRIOT ACT NOTIFICATION</u>. The following notification is provided to the Borrower pursuant to Section 326 of the PATRIOT Act:

The Bank hereby notifies the Borrower that, pursuant to the requirements of the PATRIOT Act, it may be required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow the Bank to identify the Borrower in accordance with the PATRIOT Act.

[The next page is the signature page.]

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**IN WITNESS WHEREOF**, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

By: */s/ Charles E. Christmas*<br> Name: Charles E. Christmas<br> Title: Executive Vice President and Chief

Financial Officer and Treasurer

Address for Borrower:

Mercantile Bank Corporation<br> 310 Leonard Street NW<br> Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Attention: Charles E. Christmas

Email: cchristmas@mercbank.com

[Signature Page 1 to Credit Agreement]

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U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

By: */s/ Keith Hartman*<br> Name: Keith Hartman<br> Title: Senior Vice President

Address for Bank:<br> U.S. Bank National Association<br> Institutional Client Group<br> 214 N. Tryon Street, 35th Floor

Charlotte, NC 28202<br> Attention: Keith Hartman

[Signature Page 2 to Credit Agreement]

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EXHIBIT A

THE INDEBTEDNESS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION ("MERCANTILE) UNDER THIS TERM NOTE, THE CREDIT AGREEMENT (AS DEFINED BELOW) AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS (AS DEFINED IN THE CREDIT AGREEMENT) ARE "DESIGNATED SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS" AS DEFINED IN THAT CERTAIN SUBORDINATED INDENTURE DATED AS OF DECEMBER 15, 2021, BY AND AMONG MERCANTILE AND WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (AS THE SAME MAY BE AMENDED, MODIFIED, OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME, THE "<u>SUBORDINATED INDENTURE</u>"), AND THE INDEBTEDNESS AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS TERM NOTE, THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THE LOAN DOCUMENTS SHALL ENJOY THE BENEFITS AFFORDED TO "DESIGNATED SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS."

FORM OF TERM NOTE

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| $30000000 | December 24, 2025 |
|  | Saint Paul, Minnesota |

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FOR VALUE RECEIVED, MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Michigan, hereby promises to pay to the order of U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association (the "<u>Bank</u>") at its main office in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in lawful money of the United States of America in Immediately Available Funds (as such term and each other capitalized term used herein are defined in the Credit Agreement hereinafter referred to) the principal amount of THIRTY MILLION AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($30,000,000) or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Term Loan Advance made by the Bank under the Credit Agreement and to pay interest (computed on the basis of actual days elapsed and a year of 360 days) in like funds on the unpaid principal amount hereof from time to time outstanding at the rates and times set forth in the Credit Agreement.

This note is the Term Note referred to in the Credit Agreement dated as of the date hereof (as the same may hereafter be from time to time amended, restated or otherwise modified, the "<u>Credit Agreement</u>") between the undersigned and the Bank. The maturity of this note is subject to acceleration upon the terms provided in the Credit Agreement.

In the event of default hereunder, the undersigned agrees to pay all costs and expenses of collection, including reasonable and documented attorneys' fees, on the terms set forth in the Credit Agreement. The undersigned waives demand, presentment, notice of nonpayment, protest, notice of protest and notice of dishonor.

THE VALIDITY, CONSTRUCTION AND ENFORCEABILITY OF THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF, BUT GIVING EFFECT TO FEDERAL LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES APPLICABLE TO NATIONAL BANKS.

[The next page is the signature page.]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has executed this Term Note as of the date first written above.

MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION

By:<u> </u><br> Name: Charles E. Christmas<br> Title: Executive Vice President and Chief

Financial Officer and Treasurer

## Exhibit 99.1

**Exhibit 99.1**

![ex_903461img001.jpg](ex_903461img001.jpg)

**Mercantile Bank Corporation Announces Completion of Merger with Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation**

**GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., December 31, 2025** - Mercantile Bank Corporation (NASDAQ: MBWM) ("Mercantile") announced today the completion of its previously announced merger with Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation ("Eastern"). This strategic combination brings together two financial institutions with shared values and deep commitments to serving Michigan's families, businesses and communities.

The newly acquired Eastern Michigan Bank will operate alongside Mercantile's existing bank, Mercantile Bank, until the first quarter of 2027, at which time Mercantile plans to consolidate Eastern Michigan Bank into Mercantile Bank, subject to regulatory approvals from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. We believe this structure will ensure a smooth transition for customers and employees while maximizing the benefits of the combined organization.

"Completing this merger is an exciting moment for both of our organizations," said Raymond Reitsma, President and CEO of Mercantile. "We are thrilled to welcome Eastern into the Mercantile family. By joining forces, we are better equipped to support local businesses, invest in our neighborhoods, and offer innovative financial solutions tailored to Michigan's unique needs. I am especially excited for the opportunity to enter the Eastern Michigan market and bring our personalized approach to even more communities."

Pursuant to the agreement and plan of merger, Eastern shareholders have the right to receive $32.32 per share and 0.7116 shares of Mercantile common stock in exchange for each share of Eastern common stock they own.

**About Mercantile Bank Corporation** 

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mercantile Bank Corporation is the bank holding company for Mercantile Bank, and, effective December 31, 2025, Eastern Michigan Bank. Mercantile Bank and Eastern Michigan Bank provide financial products and services in a professional and personalized manner designed to make banking easier for businesses, individuals, and governmental units. Distinguished by exceptional service, knowledgeable staffs, and commitments to the communities they serve, Mercantile Bank and Eastern Michigan Bank, as combined, comprise one of the largest Michigan-based banking organizations with total combined assets of approximately $6.9 billion. Mercantile Bank Corporation's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "MBWM." For more information about Mercantile, visit www.mercbank.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) @MercBank, and LinkedIn @merc-bank.

**Forward-Looking Statements**

This news release contains statements or information that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "will," and similar references to future periods. Any such statements are based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results expressed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include difficulties and delays in the integration of Mercantile and Eastern and achieving anticipated synergies, cost savings and other benefits from the transaction; higher than anticipated transaction costs; deposit attrition, operating costs, customer loss and business disruption following the merger, including difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees and customers, may be greater than expected; and the possibility regulatory approval for the merger of the banks in 2027 may not be received, the banks may never be combined, or such combination may take longer than expected. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in MBWM's reports (such as the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the proposed transaction or other matters attributable to MBWM or Eastern or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Except as required by law, MBWM and Eastern do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statement is made.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **MEDIA:** | **INVESTORS:** |
| Nichole Kladder | Chuck Christmas |
| CMO, Mercantile Bank | CFO, Mercantile Bank Corporation |
| 616-242-7760 | 616-726-1202 |
| nkladder@mercbank.com | cchristmas@mercbank.com |

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