Isabella Bank Acquisition of Grand River Bank
What was announced on June 12, 2026?
Isabella Bank has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Grand River Bank.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.
This acquisition expands our presence in southwest Michigan, bringing together two community banks with shared values and a strong commitment to relationship banking. We look forward to partnering with Grand River employees, and remain committed to providing exceptional service for our customers, communities and shareholders.
Why is Isabella Bank acquiring Grand River Bank?
This is a natural fit both geographically and culturally. The acquisition allows us to:
- Expand into new communities, including in Kent County
- Serve more customers with our full portfolio of products and services
- Maintain and strengthen our commitment to local banking and community investment
Impact to Isabella Bank Customers
How does this affect me as an Isabella Bank customer?
There are no changes to your banking experience.
- Your accounts remain the same
- Your online and mobile banking remain the same
- Your branch access remains the same, with two additional branches in Grandville and East Grand Rapids once the transaction is finalized
- Your products and services are unchanged
Will my accounts or services change?
No. There are no anticipated changes to your accounts or services as a result of this transaction.
Will I experience any system disruptions?
We do not expect any system disruptions for Isabella Bank customers as a result of this transaction.
Will my branch be affected?
We do not anticipate any changes to our branches as a result of this transaction.
Will I have access to more locations?
Yes. Once the transaction is complete, you also will have access to both the Grandville and East Grand Rapids branches.
Can I use Grand River Bank locations now?
Not yet. Isabella Bank and Grand River Bank will continue operating separately until the transaction is complete.
How does this benefit customers?
We are committed to remaining a strong independent community bank that provides exceptional customer service delivered in a personal manner. This transaction reinforces that commitment. Both current and new Isabella Bank customers will benefit from this expanded market and increased opportunities to use our products and services.
What does this mean for our communities?
Both Isabella Bank and Grand River Bank have strong community roots. This commitment to the communities we serve will not waiver.
When will the transaction be completed?
We expect the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, pending approvals.
Do I need to take any action?
Isabella Bank customers do not need to take any action at this time.
How will I be notified of any updates?
We will keep you informed through:
- Our website
- In-branch updates
Who should I contact if I have questions?
You can:
- Call us at 800-651-9111
- Speak with one of our bankers
- View the Acquisition Investor Presentation
Read our press release to learn more.
Forward Looking Statements
:
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In general, forward-looking statements usually use words such as “may,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “estimate,” “predict,” “continue” and “potential” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, including statements related to the expected timing of the closing of the proposed merger with Grand River, the expected returns and other benefits of the proposed merger to shareholders, expected improvement in operating efficiency resulting from the proposed merger, estimated expense reductions resulting from the transactions and the timing of achievement of such reductions, the expected impact on and timing of the recovery of the impact on tangible book value, and the expected effect of the proposed merger on Isabella’s capital ratios. Forward-looking statements represent management’s beliefs, based upon information available at the time the statements are made, with regard to the matters addressed; they are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that change over time and could cause actual results or financial condition to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements.
Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to (1) the risk that the cost savings and any revenue synergies from the proposed merger may not be realized or take longer than anticipated to be realized, (2) disruption from the proposed merger with customers, suppliers, employee or other business partners, (3) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, (4) the risk of successful integration of Grand River’s business into Isabella, (5) the failure to obtain the necessary approval by the shareholders of Grand River, (6) the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the proposed merger, (7) the ability of the parties to obtain required governmental approvals of the proposed merger, (8) reputational risk and the reaction of each of the companies’ customers, suppliers, employees or other business partners to the merger, (9) the failure of the closing conditions in the Merger Agreement to be satisfied, or any unexpected delay in closing of the proposed merger, (10) the risk that the integration of Grand River’s operations into the operations of Isabella will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected, (11) the possibility that the proposed merger may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events, (12) the dilution caused by Isabella’s issuance of additional shares of its common stock in the merger transaction, and (13) general competitive, economic, political and market conditions. Other relevant risk factors may be detailed from time to time in Isabella’s press releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Neither Isabella nor Grand River undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For any forward-looking statements made in this communication or any related documents, Isabella and Grand River claim protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 195.
Additional Information and Where to Find It: This communication is being made with respect to the proposed merger involving Isabella and Grand River. This material is not a solicitation of any vote or approval of the Grand River shareholders and is not a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus or any other documents that Isabella and Grand River may send to their respective shareholders in connection with the proposed merger.
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval with respect to the proposed transaction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy shall be made in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation would be unlawful.
In connection with the proposed merger, Isabella will file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 that will include a proxy statement of Grand River and a prospectus of Isabella, as well as other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISIONS, WE URGE INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4, THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCLUDED WITHIN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4 AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED MERGER BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ISABELLA, GRAND RIVER AND THE PROPOSED MERGER. When final, the proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to the shareholders of Grand River seeking the required shareholder approval. Shareholders are also urged to carefully review and consider Isabella's public filings with the SEC, including, but not limited to, its proxy statements, its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and its Current Reports on Form 8-K. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement on Form S-4 and the related proxy statement/prospectus, when filed, as well as other documents filed with the SEC by Isabella through the web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Documents filed with the SEC by Isabella will also be available free of charge on the Investor Relations page of Isabella’s website at https://ir.isabellabank.com/sec-filings/sec-filings/default.aspx.
Participants in Solicitation: Grand River, Isabella, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies of Grand River’s shareholders in respect of the proposed transaction under the rules of the SEC. Information regarding Isabella’s directors and executive officers is available in its definitive proxy statement related to its 2026 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 23, 2026 and certain other documents filed by Isabella with the SEC. Other information regarding the participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC. Free copies of these documents, when available, may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph. Investors should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions.