Company Description
Mercantile Bank Corporation (NASDAQ: MBWM) is a bank holding company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. According to company disclosures, it is the bank holding company for Mercantile Bank and, effective December 31, 2025, Eastern Michigan Bankcommercial banking industry within the finance and insurance sector, providing financial products and services to businesses, individuals, and governmental units. The company’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol MBWM.
Mercantile Bank Corporation states that its subsidiary banks provide financial products and services in a professional and personalized manner designed to make banking easier for businesses, individuals, and governmental units. Company materials emphasize exceptional service, knowledgeable staff, and a commitment to the communities they serve. Based on recent company descriptions, Mercantile is described as one of the largest Michigan-based banks by assets, and, in connection with its partnership with Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation, as the largest bank founded, headquartered, and operated in the State of Michigan as measured by total assets.
Business model and services
Mercantile Bank Corporation operates as a holding company for commercial banking activities. According to available information, Mercantile Bank and Eastern Michigan Bank offer commercial banking services to a range of customer types, including businesses, individuals, governmental units, municipal entities, nonprofit organizations, and agricultural customers. Polygon data and company descriptions indicate that these services include deposit products such as checking, savings, and term certificate accounts, as well as lending products such as commercial loans, residential mortgage loans, and installment loans.
The company generates revenue from interest and dividends earned on loans, securities, and other financial instruments, consistent with a traditional commercial banking model. Noninterest income sources referenced in company press releases include areas such as mortgage banking income, interest rate swap income, treasury management fees, payroll services fees, earnings on bank owned life insurance, and tax credit-related income. These disclosures illustrate that Mercantile’s revenue mix includes both interest-based income and fee-based income tied to specific banking and financial services.
Geographic focus and market position
Mercantile Bank Corporation is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Company news releases describe Mercantile Bank as a full-service bank with a statewide presence in Michigan and refer to it as one of the largest Michigan-based banks by assets. In a Jack Henry news release, Mercantile Bank is characterized as Michigan’s largest community bank, with nearly 50 locations statewide and assets in the multi-billion-dollar range. The company also highlights its presence in markets including Detroit, Eastern Michigan, and the Lakeshore.
The acquisition of Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation and its subsidiary Eastern Michigan Bank expands Mercantile’s footprint in Eastern and Southeastern Michigan. Eastern Michigan Bank operates 12 branches across three counties and has a long-standing presence serving communities in Sanilac, Huron, and St. Clair counties. Company communications state that Eastern Michigan Bank holds the number one deposit market share among community banks in its primary market. Through this combination, Mercantile Bank Corporation positions itself as a significant Michigan-based banking organization with a broadened deposit base and expanded geographic coverage within the state.
Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation merger
On July 22, 2025, Mercantile Bank Corporation and Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation announced a definitive merger agreement. Under the Agreement and Plan of Merger, Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation will merge with an acquisition subsidiary of Mercantile, with that subsidiary then merging upstream into Mercantile Bank Corporation. SEC filings and joint press releases explain that following the merger, Mercantile will operate for a period as a two-bank holding company, with Eastern Michigan Bank operating alongside Mercantile Bank.
Company disclosures state that the transaction is structured as a cash and stock deal. Each outstanding share of Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation common stock is to be converted into the right to receive a specified cash amount and a fraction of a share of Mercantile common stock, for an aggregate transaction value described in the merger materials. The merger agreement includes customary representations, warranties, covenants, and termination provisions, as detailed in Mercantile’s Form 8-K and 8-K/A filings. An 8-K filed on December 16, 2025, reports that all required regulatory approvals for the merger were received and that, subject to Eastern shareholder approval and other closing conditions, the merger was expected to be completed on December 31, 2025. A subsequent press release dated December 31, 2025, announces completion of the merger.
Following completion, Mercantile states that Eastern Michigan Bank will operate alongside 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. Company communications emphasize that this structure is intended to ensure a smooth transition for customers and employees while seeking to maximize the benefits of the combined organization.
Customers and product focus
Mercantile’s public descriptions indicate that its banks serve a broad customer base that includes commercial clients, consumers, municipal and governmental units, nonprofit organizations, and agricultural customers. Eastern Michigan Bank is described as offering a full range of personal and business banking services through its branch network. Mercantile’s own disclosures reference commercial loan portfolios, residential mortgage lending, consumer lending, and various deposit products, as well as specialized fee-based services such as treasury management and payroll services.
Company press releases also reference services related to mortgage banking, interest rate swaps, and treasury management. These disclosures indicate that Mercantile Bank Corporation’s banking subsidiaries participate in both traditional community banking activities and more specialized financial services, including interest rate risk management products and services for commercial customers.
Technology and operations
In a news release issued by Jack Henry, Mercantile Bank is described as undertaking a core banking system transformation in partnership with Jack Henry, a financial technology provider. Mercantile selected Jack Henry’s core processing platform and Enterprise Workflow solution to advance operations, automate manual processes, and improve system integration. Eastern Michigan Bank brings operational experience on the Jack Henry platform, which is expected to support Mercantile’s system transition.
Company communications indicate that Mercantile’s system transformation is scheduled to be completed within the first quarter of 2027. During the interim period, Mercantile plans to operate Eastern under its existing bank charter and, after the Jack Henry conversion, to consolidate the bank charters of Mercantile Bank and Eastern Michigan Bank. These disclosures highlight Mercantile’s focus on technology infrastructure and operational efficiency as part of its growth and integration strategy.
Financial profile and capital
Mercantile Bank Corporation’s news releases on quarterly results provide insight into its financial profile. The company reports net interest income as a primary revenue component, reflecting earnings on loans and securities, and details trends in its net interest margin and yield on earning assets. It also discusses noninterest income categories such as mortgage banking income, interest rate swap income, treasury management fees, payroll service fees, earnings on bank owned life insurance, and tax credit-related income.
Press releases on second and third quarter 2025 results describe growth in earning assets, changes in the loan-to-deposit ratio, and the composition of the loan portfolio, including commercial loans, residential mortgage loans, and other consumer loans. The company also discloses information about asset quality metrics, such as nonperforming assets, past due loans, and loan charge-offs, and notes its capital position and regulatory capital measures. These disclosures are intended to provide investors with context on Mercantile’s asset growth, funding mix, and risk profile.
Community and corporate culture
Mercantile’s public statements emphasize its community focus and Michigan roots. In connection with the Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation partnership, the company highlights that both institutions were founded in Michigan and share a local focus. Company communications describe a mission to deliver financial solutions that empower people and refer to shared values such as accountability, collaboration, excellence, inclusivity, and innovation.
Eastern Michigan Bank’s history, as described in company materials, dates back to its original charter in 1895 as the State Bank of Croswell under the leadership of Julia H. Mills. Eastern’s legacy is characterized by resilience, community service, and adaptability through changing economic cycles. By integrating Eastern into its organization, Mercantile Bank Corporation underscores a continued emphasis on local relationships and community banking within Michigan.
Stock information and investor communications
Mercantile Bank Corporation’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol MBWM. The company regularly communicates with investors through earnings releases, conference calls, webcasts, and SEC filings. Form 8-K filings reference the release of quarterly earnings, investor presentations, and merger-related materials, and note that these documents are made available through the SEC’s EDGAR system and the company’s investor relations channels.
Mercantile’s disclosures also reference regular cash dividends declared by its Board of Directors. Press releases describe dividend amounts and record and payment dates, and link dividend decisions to the company’s financial performance metrics and capital position. These communications provide investors with information about Mercantile’s approach to capital management and shareholder returns, while emphasizing that such information is subject to the usual forward-looking statement considerations.