<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001437749-22-005893.txt : 20220311
<SEC-HEADER>0001437749-22-005893.hdr.sgml : 20220311
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20220310174516
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001437749-22-005893
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	S-4/A
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		5
FILED AS OF DATE:		20220311
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20220310

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			MERCANTILE BANK CORP
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001042729
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS [6022]
		IRS NUMBER:				383360865
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			MI
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		S-4/A
		SEC ACT:		1933 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	333-262796
		FILM NUMBER:		22730300

	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
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>S-4/A
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>mbwm20220310_s4a.htm
<DESCRIPTION>FORM S-4/A
<TEXT>
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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:right;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><a href="#toc" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt">Table of Contents</a></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:right;margin:0pt;"> <b>Registration No. 333-262796</b> </p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>UNITED STATES </b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>Washington, D.C. 20549</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;"><b>Amendment No. 2</b></p>

<p style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;"><b>to</b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>FORM S-4</b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>REGISTRATION STATEMENT </b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><i><b>UNDER </b></i></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><i><b>THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</b></i></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:12pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION </b><br>
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>Michigan</b><br>
			(State or other jurisdiction<br>
			of incorporation or organization)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top;width:33.3%;">
			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>6022</b><br>
			(Primary Standard Industrial<br>
			Classification Code Number)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top;width:33.3%;">
			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>38-3360865</b><br>
			(I.R.S. Employer<br>
			Identification Number)</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>310 Leonard St., N.W.</b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504</b><br>
<b>(616) 406-3000</b><br>
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant&#8217;s principal executive offices)</p>

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<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><b>Charles E. Christmas</b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>Executive Vice President, Chief Financial </b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>Officer and Treasurer </b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>Mercantile Bank Corporation</b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>310 Leonard St., N.W.</b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 </b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>(616) 406-3000</b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;">(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b><i>With copies to:</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>Bradley J. Wyatt</b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>Jua T. Tawah</b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>Dickinson Wright PLLC</b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>350 S. Main St., Suite 300</b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>Ann Arbor Michigan 48104</b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>(734) 623-7075</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><b>Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:justify;margin:0pt;text-indent:36pt;">If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box:&nbsp;&nbsp;&#9744;</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:justify;margin:0pt;text-indent:9pt;">If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.&nbsp;&nbsp;&#9744;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:justify;margin:0pt;text-indent:9pt;">If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.&nbsp;&nbsp;&#9744;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:justify;margin:0pt;text-indent:9pt;">Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of &#8220;large accelerated filer,&#8221; &#8220;accelerated filer,&#8221; &#8220;smaller reporting company,&#8221; and &#8220;emerging growth company&#8221; in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">Large accelerated filer &#9744;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accelerated filer &#9745;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-accelerated filer &#9744;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Smaller reporting company &#9744;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emerging Growth Company &#9744;</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:justify;margin:0pt;">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 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#9744;</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:justify;margin:0pt;">If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt;">Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)</p>
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			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">&#9744;</p>
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			<td style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 8%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt;">Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer)</p>
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			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">&#9744;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:justify;margin:0pt;"><b>The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.</b></p>

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<div class="hf-cell TOCLink" style="display: inline-block; text-align: left;"><a href="#toc" style="font-weight: initial; font-style: initial; font-variant: initial; font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif;">Table of Contents</a></div>
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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"> <font style="color:#ff0000;"><b>PRELIMINARY</b>&#8201;&#8212;&#8201;<b>SUBJECT TO COMPLETION</b>&#8201;&#8212;&#8201;<b>DATED MARCH 10, 2022</b></font> </p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="image01.jpg" src="image01.jpg"></div>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>PROSPECTUS</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>Offer to Exchange</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>Up to $90,000,000 aggregate principal amount of</b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>3.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2032</b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933</b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>for any and all outstanding unregistered</b></p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>3.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2032</b></p>

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<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b><i>The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on April 15, 2022, unless extended.</i></b> </p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We are offering to exchange 3.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2032 that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (&#8220;Securities Act&#8221;), which we refer to in this prospectus as the &#8220;New Notes,&#8221; for any and all of our outstanding unregistered 3.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2032 that we issued in a private placement on December 15, 2021 and on January 14, 2022, which we refer to in this prospectus as the &#8220;Old Notes.&#8221; We are making this offer to exchange the New Notes for the Old Notes to satisfy our obligations under certain registration rights agreements that we entered into with the purchasers of the Old Notes in connection with our issuance of the Old Notes to those purchasers.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:justify;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We will not receive any cash proceeds from this exchange offer. The issuance of the New Notes in exchange for the Old Notes will not result in any increase in our outstanding indebtedness. Old Notes that are not exchanged for New Notes in this exchange offer will remain outstanding. The exchange offer is not subject to any minimum tender condition, but is subject to certain customary conditions.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Upon expiration of the exchange offer, all Old Notes that have been validly tendered and not withdrawn will be exchanged for an equal principal amount of New Notes. The terms of the New Notes are identical in all material respects to the terms of the Old Notes, except that the New Notes are registered under the Securities Act and are generally not subject to transfer restrictions, are not entitled to registration rights under the registration rights agreements that we entered into with the initial purchasers of the Old Notes and do not have the right to additional interest under the circumstances described in that registration rights agreements relating to our fulfillment of our registration obligations. The New Notes evidence the same debt as the Old Notes and are governed by the same subordinated indenture under which the Old Notes were issued.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">There is no existing public market for the Old Notes or the New Notes, and we do not expect any public market to develop in the future for either the Old Notes or the New Notes. The Old Notes are not listed on any national securities exchange or quotation system, and we do not intend to list the New Notes on any national securities exchange or quotation system.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:justify;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">You may withdraw your tender of Old Notes at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. We will exchange all of the outstanding Old Notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the expiration of the exchange offer for an equal principal amount of New Notes.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such New Notes. A broker-dealer that acquired Old Notes because of market-making or other trading activities may use this prospectus, as supplemented or amended from time to time, in connection with resales of the New Notes for a period of 180 days after the completion of the exchange offer. See &#8220;Plan of Distribution.&#8221;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;"><b>Investing in our securities involves certain risks. See </b>&#8220;<a href="#riskfactors" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;"><b>Risk Factors</b></a>&#8221;<b> beginning on page 10</b><b>, as well as the risk factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,&nbsp; 2021 and in the other reports filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated by reference into this prospectus.</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;"><b>The securities to be exchanged are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of any of our bank or non- bank subsidiaries and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, nor are they obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank or savings association.</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;"><b>Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor any state securities commission, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"> <b>The date of this prospectus is March 10, 2022.</b> </p>

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<p style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 28pt; text-align: justify;"><font style="color:#ff0000;"><b>The</b> <b>information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not complete the exchange offer and issue these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.</b></font></p>

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<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt; text-align: center;"><b><a id="toc" name="toc" title="toc"></a>TABLE OF CONTENTS</b></p>

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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%;">
			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><a href="#about" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS</a></p>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;"><a class="tocPGNUM" href="#about">1</a></td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%;">
			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><a href="#wheremore" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION</a></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;"><a class="tocPGNUM" href="#wheremore">1</a></td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;">&nbsp;</td>
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		<tr style="background-color: rgb(204, 238, 255);">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%;">
			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><a href="#incorpdocs" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE</a></p>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;"><a class="tocPGNUM" href="#incorpdocs">1</a></td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%;">
			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><a href="#cautionary" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS</a></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;"><a class="tocPGNUM" href="#cautionary">2</a></td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><a href="#summary" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">SUMMARY</a></p>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;"><a class="tocPGNUM" href="#summary">4</a></td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><a href="#riskfactors" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">RISK FACTORS</a></p>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;"><a class="tocPGNUM" href="#riskfactors">10</a></td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><a href="#useproceeds" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">USE OF PROCEEDS</a></p>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;"><a class="tocPGNUM" href="#useproceeds">18</a></td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><a href="#exchange" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">THE EXCHANGE OFFER</a></p>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;"><a class="tocPGNUM" href="#exchange">19</a></td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><a href="#descripiton" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES</a></p>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;"><a class="tocPGNUM" href="#descripiton">24</a></td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><a href="#material" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS</a></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;"><a class="tocPGNUM" href="#material">35</a></td>
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			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><a href="#plandistribute" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION</a></p>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;"><a class="tocPGNUM" href="#plandistribute">35</a></td>
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			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><a href="#legal" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">LEGAL MATTERS</a></p>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;"><a class="tocPGNUM" href="#legal">36</a></td>
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			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><a href="#experts" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">EXPERTS</a></p>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 10%; text-align: right;"><a class="tocPGNUM" href="#experts">36</a></td>
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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt 0pt 0pt 28pt;"><b><a id="about" name="about" title="about"></a>ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">This prospectus is a part of a registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#8220;SEC&#8221;) under the Securities Act. This prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information with respect to us, the exchange offer and the securities offered by this prospectus, reference is made to the registration statement, including the exhibits to the registration statement and the documents incorporated by reference.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We are providing this prospectus to holders of Old Notes in connection with our offer to exchange Old Notes for New Notes. We are not making this exchange offer in any jurisdiction where the exchange offer is not permitted.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in the accompanying exchange offer transmittal documents filed by us with the SEC. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with any other information. We take no responsibility for, and provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. You should not assume that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of the applicable document that contains that information. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">You should not consider any information in this prospectus to be investment, legal or tax advice. You should consult your own counsel, accountant and other advisors for legal, tax, business, financial and related advice regarding the exchange offer and ownership of these securities.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account in exchange for Old Notes acquired by the broker-dealer as a result of market-making or other trading activities must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such New Notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a participating broker-dealer in connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes. We have agreed to make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any such broker-dealer that requests copies of this prospectus for use in connection with any such resale. See &#8220;Plan of Distribution.&#8221;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">References in this prospectus to &#8220;we,&#8221; &#8220;us,&#8221; &#8220;our,&#8221; the &#8220;Company&#8221; or &#8220;Mercantile&#8221; refer to Mercantile Bank Corporation Bancshares, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. References in this prospectus to the &#8220;Bank&#8221; refer to Mercantile Bank of Michigan, a Michigan banking association and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b><a id="wheremore" name="wheremore" title="wheremore"></a>WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We are subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the &#8220;Exchange Act&#8221;), and therefore we file with the SEC annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements, information statements and other information. Our SEC filings are available to the public at the SEC&#8217;s web site at www.sec.gov or on our Internet web site mercbank.com. The reference to our web site is not intended to be an active link and the information on our web site is not, and you must not consider the information to be, a part of this prospectus and is not incorporated by reference herein.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 relating to the New Notes and the exchange offer. This prospectus is a part of the registration statement and, as permitted by SEC rules, does not contain all of the information in the registration statement. The registration statement, including the exhibits thereto, contains additional relevant information about us, the New Notes and the exchange offer. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus to a contract or other document, the reference is only a summary and you should refer to the exhibits that form a part of the registration statement for a copy of the contract or other document. You can get a copy of the registration statement and the documents referred to below under &#8220;Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference&#8221; from the SEC web site or our web site listed above. You can also obtain these documents from us, without charge (other than exhibits, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference), upon written or oral request at the following address and telephone number:</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;">Mercantile Bank Corporation</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;">Attention: Corporate Secretary</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;">310 Leonard St., N.W.</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;">Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;">Telephone: (616) 406-3000</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;"> To ensure timely delivery of any requested information, holders of the Old Notes must make any request no later than April 8, 2022, which is five business days before the expiration date of the exchange offer, or, if we decide to extend the expiration date of the exchange offer, no later than five business days before such extended expiration date. </p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b><a id="incorpdocs" name="incorpdocs" title="incorpdocs"></a>INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The SEC allows us to &#8220;incorporate by reference&#8221; the information that we file with it into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below that we have previously filed with the SEC (SEC File No. 000-26719).</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt;">our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on <a href="http://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1042729/000143774922005284/mbwm20211231_10k.htm" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">March 4, 2022</a>; and</td>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt;">our Current Reports on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on each of <a href="http://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1042729/000143774922000972/mbwm20220114b_8k.htm" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">January 14, 2022</a> and <a href="http://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1042729/000143774922005270/mbwm20220304_8k.htm" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">March 4, 2022</a>, except to the extent any such information is deemed &#8220;furnished&#8221;&nbsp;in accordance with SEC rules.</td>
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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We incorporate by reference any additional documents that we may file with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than those furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K or other information &#8220;furnished&#8221; to the SEC), from the date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part until the termination of the offering of the securities. These documents may include annual, quarterly and current reports, as well as proxy statements. Any material that we later file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede, where appropriate, the information previously filed with the SEC. These documents are available to you without charge. See &#8220;Where You Can Find More Information.&#8221;</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated herein by reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated herein by reference modifies or supersedes such statement in such document.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b><a id="cautionary" name="cautionary" title="cautionary"></a>CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">This prospectus, any related prospectus supplement and the documents we incorporate by reference in this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement contain certain &#8220;forward-looking statements&#8221; within the meaning of such term in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We and our representatives may, from time to time, make written or oral statements that are &#8220;forward-looking&#8221; and provide information other than historical information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. These factors include, among other things, the factors listed below. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of our management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as &#8220;believe,&#8221; &#8220;expect,&#8221; &#8220;anticipate,&#8221; &#8220;should,&#8221; &#8220;could,&#8221; &#8220;would,&#8221; &#8220;plans,&#8221; &#8220;intend,&#8221; &#8220;project,&#8221; &#8220;estimate,&#8221; &#8220;forecast,&#8221; &#8220;may&#8221; or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Additionally, we undertake no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events, except as required under federal securities law.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors that could have an impact on our ability to achieve operating results, growth plan goals and future prospects include, but are not limited to, the following:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the impact of the novel coronavirus (&#8220;COVID-19&#8221;) pandemic on our future consolidated financial condition and results of operations;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">general (i) political conditions, including, without limitation, governmental action and uncertainty resulting from U.S. and global political trends and (ii) economic conditions, either globally, nationally, in the State of Michigan, or in the specific markets in which we operate, including, without limitation, the deterioration of the commercial real estate, residential real estate, construction and development, energy, oil and gas, credit or liquidity markets, which could cause an adverse change in our net interest margin, or a decline in the value of our assets, which could result in realized losses;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">current or future legislation, regulatory changes or changes in monetary or fiscal policy that adversely affect the businesses in which we or our customers or our borrowers are engaged, including the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, the Federal Reserve&#8217;s actions with respect to interest rates, the capital requirements promulgated by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, uncertainty relating to calculation of LIBOR and other regulatory responses to economic conditions;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">adverse changes in the credit portfolios of other U.S. financial institutions relative to the performance of certain of our investment securities;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">economic or other disruptions caused by acts of terrorism in the United States, Europe or other areas;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">technological changes, including potential cyber-security incidents and other disruptions, or innovations to the financial services industry, including as a result of the increased telework environment;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">our ability to identify and address cyber-security risks such as data security breaches, malware, &#8220;denial of service&#8221;&nbsp;attacks, &#8220;hacking&#8221;&nbsp;and identity theft, which could disrupt our business and result in the disclosure of and/or misuse or misappropriation of confidential or proprietary information, disruption or damage of our systems, increased costs, significant losses, or adverse effects to our reputation;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the risk that our enterprise risk management framework, compliance program or our corporate governance and supervisory oversight functions may not identify or address risks adequately, which may result in unexpected losses;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">changes in the interest rate yield curve such as flat, inverted or steep yield curves, or changes in the interest rate environment that impact net interest margins and may impact prepayments on our mortgage-backed securities (&#8220;MBS&#8221;) portfolio;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">increases in our nonperforming assets;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">our ability to maintain adequate liquidity to fund operations and growth;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">any applicable regulatory limits or other restrictions on the Bank and its ability to pay dividends to us;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the failure of our assumptions underlying our allowance for credit losses and other estimates;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the failure to maintain an effective system of controls and procedures, including internal control over financial reporting;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the effectiveness of our derivative financial instruments and hedging activities to manage risk;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">unexpected outcomes of, and the costs associated with, existing or new litigation involving us, including the costs and effects of litigation related to our participation in government stimulus programs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">changes impacting our balance sheet and leverage strategy;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">risks related to actual mortgage prepayments diverging from projections;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">risks related to actual U.S. agency MBS prepayments exceeding projected prepayment levels;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">risks related to U.S. agency MBS prepayments increasing due to U.S. government programs designed to assist homeowners to refinance their mortgage that might not otherwise have qualified;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">our ability to monitor interest rate risk;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">risks related to fluctuations in the price per barrel of crude oil;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">significant increases in competition in the banking and financial services industry;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving habits;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">execution of future acquisitions, reorganization or disposition transactions, including the risk that the anticipated benefits of such transactions are not realized;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">our ability to increase market share and control expenses;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">our ability to develop competitive new products and services in a timely manner and the acceptance of such products and services by our customers;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the effect of changes in federal or state tax laws;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the effect of compliance with legislation or regulatory changes;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, including the implementation of the current expected credit loss model;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">credit risks of borrowers, including any increase in those risks due to changing economic conditions;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">risks related to loans secured by real estate, including the risk that the value and marketability of collateral could decline;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">risks related to environmental liability as a result of certain lending activity;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">risks associated with our common stock and our other securities, including fluctuations in our stock price and general volatility in the stock market; and</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt;">each of the factors and risks identified in the &#8220;Risk Factors&#8221;&nbsp;section included under Item 1A. of Part I of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, and in the &#8220;Risk Factors&#8221;&nbsp;sections of this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement.</td>
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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by the foregoing cautionary statements. Because of these risks and other uncertainties, our actual future results, performance or achievement, or industry results, may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. In addition, our past results of operations are not necessarily indicative of our future results.</p>

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<p style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b><a id="summary" name="summary" title="summary"></a>SUMMARY</b></p>

<p style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;"><i>This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before deciding to exchange your Old Notes for New Notes. You should read this prospectus carefully, including the </i>&#8220;<i>Risk Factors</i>&#8221;<i> sections contained in this prospectus and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, each of which are incorporated by reference herein, as updated by our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, our financial statements and the related notes and the other documents incorporated by reference herein, which are described under the heading </i>&#8220;<i>Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference</i>&#8221;<i> in this prospectus before making a decision about whether to exchange your Old Notes for New Notes</i>.</p>

<p style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>About Mercantile Bank Corporation</b></p>

<p style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Mercantile Bank Corporation is a registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the &#8220;Bank Holding Company Act&#8221;). As a bank holding company, we are subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. We were organized on July 15, 1997, under the laws of the State of Michigan, primarily for the purpose of holding all of the stock of Mercantile Bank of Michigan (the &#8220;Bank&#8221;), and of such other subsidiaries as we may acquire or establish. The Bank commenced business on December 15, 1997. During the third quarter of 2013, we filed an election to become a financial holding company, which election became effective April 14, 2014.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Our expenses have generally been paid using cash dividends from the Bank. Our principal source of future operating funds is expected to be dividends from the Bank.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Additional information about the Company and its subsidiaries may be found in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus. See &#8220;Where You Can Find More Information.&#8221;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>Summary of the Exchange Offer</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The following provides a summary of certain terms of the exchange offer. Please refer to the section &#8220;The Exchange Offer&#8221; appearing elsewhere in this prospectus for a more complete description of the exchange offer and the section &#8220;Description of the Notes&#8221; for a more complete description of the terms of the Old Notes and New Notes.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Old Notes</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">$90,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 3.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2032.</p>
			</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>New Notes</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Up to $90,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 3.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2032, which have terms that are identical in all material respects to the terms of the Old Notes, except that the New Notes are registered under the Securities Act and are generally not subject to transfer restrictions, are not entitled to registration rights under the registration rights agreements and do not have the right to additional interest under the circumstances described in the registration rights agreements relating to our fulfillment of our registration obligations.</p>
			</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Exchange Offer</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">We are offering to exchange the New Notes for a like principal amount of Old Notes. Subject to the terms of the exchange offer, as soon as reasonably practicable following the expiration date of the exchange offer, we will exchange New Notes for all Old Notes that have been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.</p>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Expiration Date</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on April 15, 2022, unless extended. </td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Withdrawal Rights</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">You may withdraw the book-entry tender of your Old Notes at any time before the expiration date. For a withdrawal of tendered Old Notes issued in book-entry form to be effective, the exchange agent must receive, on or prior to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time on the expiration date, a computer-generated notice of withdrawal, transmitted by Depository Trust Company, or DTC, on your behalf in accordance with the appropriate procedures of DTC&#8217;s &#8220;Automated Tender Offer Program,&#8221;&nbsp;or ATOP. See &#8220;The Exchange Offer&#8201;&#8212;&#8201;Withdrawal of Tenders.&#8221;</p>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Conditions to Exchange Offer</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">This exchange offer is subject to customary conditions, which we may waive. See &#8220;The Exchange Offer&#8201;&#8212;&#8201;Conditions.&#8221;</p>
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<p style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<div class="hf-cell PGNUM" data-number="4" data-prefix="" data-suffix="" style="text-align: center; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">4</div>
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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Procedures for Tendering Old Notes</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">The Old Notes were issued in book-entry form, and are currently represented by global certificates held for the account of DTC, as depositary, or its nominee. Accordingly, DTC is treated as the registered holder of your Old Notes and will be the only entity that can tender your Old Notes for New Notes. In order to participate in the exchange offer, you must follow the procedures established by DTC for tendering your Old Notes held in book-entry form. These ATOP procedures require that, prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer, (i) DTC receive (a) your instructions to exchange your Old Notes and (b) your agreement to be bound by the terms of the accompanying letter of transmittal, and (ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;the exchange agent receive a computer generated message known as an &#8220;agent&#8217;s message&#8221;&nbsp;that is transmitted through ATOP. Please note that by using the ATOP procedures to tender and exchange Old Notes, you will be bound by the terms of the accompanying letter of transmittal, and you will be deemed to have made the acknowledgments and representations it contains.</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">See &#8220;The Exchange Offer&#8201;&#8212;&#8201;Eligibility; Transferability&#8221;&nbsp;and &#8220;The Exchange Offer&#8201;&#8212;&#8201;Representations.&#8221;</p>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Material United States Income Tax Considerations</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">The exchange of Old Notes for New Notes in the exchange offer generally should not constitute a taxable event for United States federal income tax purposes. See &#8220;Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.&#8221;&nbsp;You should consult your own tax advisor as to the tax consequences of exchanging your Old Notes for New Notes.</p>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Registration Rights</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Under the terms of the registration rights agreements that we entered into with the initial purchasers of the Old Notes at the time we issued the Old Notes, we agreed to register the New Notes and undertake this exchange offer. This exchange offer is intended to satisfy the rights of holders of Old Notes under that registration rights agreements. After the exchange offer is completed, we will have no further obligations, except under certain limited circumstances, to provide for any exchange or undertake any further registration with respect to the Old Notes.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Transferability</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Based upon existing interpretations of the Securities Act by the staff of the SEC contained in several no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that the New Notes may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by you without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, provided that:</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 31pt; text-indent: -14pt;">&#8226;&nbsp; &nbsp; you are acquiring the New Notes in the ordinary course of your business;</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 31pt; text-indent: -14pt;">&nbsp;</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 31pt; text-indent: -14pt;">&#8226;&nbsp; &nbsp; you are not participating or engaged in, do not intend to participate or engage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, the distribution of the New Notes issued to you;</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 31pt; text-indent: -14pt;">&nbsp;</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 31pt; text-indent: -14pt;">&#8226;&nbsp; &nbsp; you are not an &#8220;affiliate&#8221;&nbsp;of ours within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act; and</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 31pt; text-indent: -14pt;">&nbsp;</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 31pt; text-indent: -14pt;">&#8226;&nbsp; &nbsp; you are not acting on behalf of any person who could not truthfully make these statements.</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 31pt; text-indent: -14pt;">&nbsp;</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Our belief that transfers of New Notes would be permitted without registration or prospectus delivery under the conditions described above is based on interpretations by the staff of the SEC given to other, unrelated issuers in similar exchange offers. The staff of the SEC has not considered this exchange offer in the context of a no-action letter, and we cannot assure you that the staff of the SEC would make a similar interpretation with respect to our exchange offer.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="margin: 0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<div class="hf-cell PGNUM" data-number="5" data-prefix="" data-suffix="" style="text-align: center; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">5</div>
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<div class="hf-cell TOCLink" style="display: inline-block; text-align: left;"><a href="#toc" style="font-weight: initial; font-style: initial; font-variant: initial; font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif;">Table of Contents</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

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		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">If our belief is not accurate and you transfer a New Note without delivering a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act or without an exemption from such requirements, you may incur liability under the Securities Act. We do not and will not assume, or indemnify you against, such liability.</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account under the exchange offer in exchange for Old Notes that were acquired by the broker-dealer as a result of market-making or other trading activity must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the New Notes.</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">See &#8220;The Exchange Offer&#8201;&#8212;&#8201;Eligibility; Transferability&#8221;&nbsp;and &#8220;Plan of Distribution.&#8221;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Exchange Old Notes</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Any Old Notes that are not exchanged in the exchange offer will continue to be governed by the subordinated indenture relating to the Old Notes and the terms of the Old Notes. Old Notes that are not exchanged will remain subject to the restrictions on transfer described in the Old Notes, and you will not be able to offer or sell the Old Notes except under an exemption from the requirements of the Securities Act or unless the Old Notes are registered under the Securities Act. Upon the completion of the exchange offer, we will have no further obligations, except under limited circumstances, to provide for registration of the Old Notes under the United States federal securities laws. If you do not participate in the exchange offer, the liquidity of your Old Notes could be adversely affected.</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">See &#8220;The Exchange Offer&#8201;&#8212;&#8201;Consequences of Failure to Exchange.&#8221;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Use of Proceeds</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">We will not receive any cash proceeds from the exchange of Old Notes for New Notes as a result of the exchange offer.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Cancellation of Exchanged Old Notes</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Old Notes that are surrendered in exchange for New Notes will be retired and cancelled by us upon receipt and will not be reissued. Accordingly, the issuance of the New Notes under this exchange offer will not result in any increase in our outstanding indebtedness.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Exchange Agent</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Wilmington Trust, National Association is serving as the exchange agent for this exchange offer. See &#8220;The Exchange Offer-Exchange Agent&#8221;&nbsp;for the address and telephone number of the exchange agent.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>Summary of the New Notes</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The following provides a summary of certain terms of the New Notes. The New Notes have terms that are identical in all material respects to the terms of the Old Notes, except that the New Notes are registered under the Securities Act and are generally not subject to transfer restrictions, are not entitled to registration rights under the registration rights agreements and do not have the right to additional interest under the circumstances described in the registration rights agreements relating to our fulfillment of our registration obligations. The New Notes will evidence the same debt as the Old Notes and will be governed by the same subordinated indenture under which the Old Notes were issued. Please refer to the section &#8220;Description of the Notes&#8221; for a more complete description of the terms of the New Notes. References in this prospectus to the &#8220;notes&#8221; include both the Old Notes and the New Notes unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Issuer</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Mercantile Bank Corporation.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Securities Offered</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">3.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2032.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Aggregate Principal Amount</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Up to $90,000,000.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Maturity Date</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">January 30, 2032, unless previously redeemed.</p>
			</td>
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<p style="margin: 0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<div class="hf-cell PGNUM" data-number="6" data-prefix="" data-suffix="" style="text-align: center; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">6</div>
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</div>
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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Form and Denomination</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">The New Notes will be issued only in fully registered form without interest coupons, in minimum denominations of $100,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. Unless otherwise required for institutional accredited investors, the New Notes will be evidenced by a global note deposited with the trustee for the New Notes, as custodian for The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, and transfers of beneficial interests will be facilitated only through records maintained by DTC and its participants.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Interest Rate</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">3.25% per annum, from and including the closing date to, but excluding, January 30, 2027 (the &#8220;Fixed Rate Period&#8221;), payable semi-annually in arrears. From and including January 30, 2027, to, but excluding, the maturity date or early redemption date (the &#8220;Floating Rate Period&#8221;), the interest rate shall reset quarterly to an interest rate per annum equal to a benchmark rate that is expected to be the then current Three-Month Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (&#8220;SOFR&#8221;), as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (provided, however, that in the event Three-Month Term SOFR is less than zero, Three-Month Term SOFR shall be deemed to be zero), plus 212 basis points, payable quarterly in arrears. If Three-Month Term SOFR cannot be determined on a given date, a different index shall be determined and used in accordance with the terms of the New Notes.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Interest Payment Dates</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Interest on the New Notes will be payable semi-annually on January 30 and July 30 of each year through January 30, 2027 and quarterly thereafter on January 30, April 30, July 30, and October 30 of each year through the maturity date or early redemption date.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Day Count Convention</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">30-day month/360-day year to but excluding January 30, 2027, and thereafter, a 360-day year and the number of days actually elapsed.</p>
			</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
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			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Record Dates</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Each interest payment will be made to the holders of record who held the New Notes at the close of business on the fifteenth calendar day (whether or not a Business Day) immediately preceding the applicable interest payment date.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Subordination; Ranking</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">The New Notes will be our general unsecured, subordinated obligations and:</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -14pt;">&#8226;&nbsp; &nbsp; will rank junior in right of payment and upon our liquidation to our existing and future senior indebtedness (as defined herein);</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -14pt;">&nbsp;</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -14pt;">&#8226;&nbsp; &nbsp; will rank equally in right of payment and upon our liquidation with our existing and all future indebtedness the terms of which provide that such indebtedness ranks equally with promissory notes, bonds, debentures and other evidences of indebtedness of types that include the New Notes;</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -14pt;">&nbsp;</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -14pt;">&#8226;&nbsp; &nbsp; will rank senior in right of payment and upon our liquidation to any indebtedness the terms of which provide that such indebtedness ranks junior to promissory notes, bonds, debentures and other evidences of indebtedness of types that include the New Notes; and</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -14pt;">&nbsp;</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 27pt; text-indent: -14pt;">&#8226;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; will be effectively subordinated to all of the existing and future indebtedness, deposits and other liabilities of the Bank and our other current and future subsidiaries, including without limitation, the Bank&#8217;s liabilities to depositors in connection with the deposits in the Bank, as well as to its subsidiary&#8217;s liabilities to general creditors and liabilities arising during the ordinary course or otherwise.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

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<div class="hf-row">
<div class="hf-cell PGNUM" data-number="7" data-prefix="" data-suffix="" style="text-align: center; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">7</div>
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<div class="hf-cell TOCLink" style="display: inline-block; text-align: left;"><a href="#toc" style="font-weight: initial; font-style: initial; font-variant: initial; font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif;">Table of Contents</a></div>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">As of December 31, 2021, the Company&#8217;s subsidiaries had, in the aggregate, outstanding debt and deposits of approximately $4.7 billion. In addition, as of December 31, 2021, we had approximately $48 million of indebtedness that would rank senior to the New Notes, no indebtedness that would rank <i>pari</i>&nbsp;<i>passu</i>&nbsp;with the New Notes, and no indebtedness that would rank subordinate to the Subordinated Notes.</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Optional Redemption</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">The Company may, at its option, beginning with the interest payment date of January 30, 2027 but not prior thereto (except upon the occurrence of certain events specified below) and on any scheduled interest payment date thereafter, redeem the New Notes, in whole or in part, subject to obtaining the prior approval of the Federal Reserve to the extent such prior approval is then required under the capital adequacy rules of the Federal Reserve, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the New Notes to be redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption. Any partial redemption will be in accordance with DTC&#8217;s applicable procedures among all of the noteholders. The New Notes are not subject to redemption at the option of the noteholders thereof.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Special Event Redemption</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">The New Notes may not be redeemed prior to January 30, 2027, except that the Company may redeem the New Notes at any time, at its option, in whole or in part, subject to obtaining the prior approval of the Federal Reserve to the extent such prior approval is then required under the capital adequacy rules of the Federal Reserve, if (i) a change or prospective change in law occurs that could prevent the Company from deducting interest payable on the New Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (ii) a subsequent event occurs that precludes the New Notes from being recognized as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes, or (iii) the Company is required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, in each case, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the New Notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>No Limitations on Indebtedness</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">The terms of the New Notes do not limit the amount of additional indebtedness the Company, the Bank or any of our respective subsidiaries may incur or the amount of other obligations ranking senior or equal to the New Notes that we may incur.</p>
			</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Limited Subordinated Indenture Covenants</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">The subordinated indenture governing the New Notes contains no financial covenants requiring us to achieve or maintain any minimum financial results relating to our financial position or results of operations or meet or exceed any financial ratios as a general matter or in order to incur additional indebtedness or obligations or to maintain any reserves.</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Moreover, neither the subordinated indenture nor the New Notes contain any covenants prohibiting us from, or limiting our right to, grant liens on our assets to secure our indebtedness or other obligations that are senior in right of payment to the New Notes, to repurchase our stock or other securities, including any of the New Notes, or to pay dividends or make other distributions to our shareholders.</p>
			</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Listing; No Public Market</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">The New Notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market, and we do not expect any public market to develop in the future for the New Notes. We do not intend to list the New Notes on any national securities exchange or quotation system.</p>
			</td>
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<p style="margin: 0pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<div class="hf-cell PGNUM" data-number="8" data-prefix="" data-suffix="" style="text-align: center; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">8</div>
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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Risk Factors</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">See &#8220;<a href="#riskfactors" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">Risk Factors</a>&#8221;&nbsp;beginning on page 10 of this prospectus, as well as in our reports filed with the SEC, and other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should consider carefully before deciding to participate in the exchange offer.</p>
			</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Trustee</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Wilmington Trust, National Association, or successor if replaced in accordance with the applicable provisions of the subordinated indenture.</p>
			</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Governing Law</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">The New Notes and the subordinated indenture will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.</p>
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<div class="PGNUM" data-number="9" data-prefix="" data-suffix="" style="text-align: center; width: 100%; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">9</div>

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<div class="TOCLink hf-cell" style="width: 100%; display: inline-block; text-align: left;"><a href="#toc" style="font-weight: initial; font-style: initial; font-variant: initial; font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif;">Table of Contents</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b><a id="riskfactors" name="riskfactors" title="riskfactors"></a>RISK FACTORS</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;">In consultation with your own advisors, you should carefully consider, among other matters, the factors set forth below as well as the other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus before deciding whether to participate in the exchange offer. In particular, you should carefully consider, among other things, the factors described under the caption &#8220;Risk Factors&#8221; in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, each of which are incorporated herein by reference, as updated by our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. If any of the risks contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus develop into actual events, our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected, the value of the New Notes could decline, our ability to repay the New Notes may be impaired, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Some statements in this prospectus, including statements in the following risk factors, constitute forward-looking statements. See the &#8220;Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements&#8221; section in this prospectus.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Risks Related to Our Business</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;">For a discussion of certain risks applicable to our business and operations, please refer to the section entitled &#8220;Risk Factors&#8221; in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Risks Related to the Exchange Offer</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>If you do not properly tender your Old Notes, you will continue to hold unregistered Old Notes and your ability to transfer Old Notes will be adversely affected.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We will only issue New Notes in exchange for Old Notes that you timely and properly tender. Therefore, you should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery of the Old Notes and you should carefully follow the instructions on how to tender your Old Notes. Neither we nor the exchange agent are required to tell you of any defects or irregularities with respect to your tender of Old Notes. See &#8220;The Exchange Offer&#8201;&#8201;&#8212;&#8201;&#8201;Procedures for Tendering Old Notes.&#8221;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">If you do not exchange your Old Notes for New Notes in the exchange offer, you will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer of your Old Notes described in the legend on the certificates for your Old Notes. In general, you may only offer or sell the Old Notes if they are registered under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or you offer and sell under an exemption from these requirements. We do not plan to register any sale of the Old Notes under the Securities Act.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The tender of Old Notes under the exchange offer will reduce the principal amount of the Old Notes outstanding, which may have an adverse effect upon, and increase the volatility of, the market price of the Old Notes due to reduction in liquidity.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>You may not receive New Notes in the exchange offer if you do not properly follow the exchange offer procedures.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We will issue New Notes in exchange for your Old Notes only if you properly tender the Old Notes before expiration of the exchange offer. Neither we nor the exchange agent are required to tell you of any defects or irregularities with respect to your tender of Old Notes. If you are the beneficial holder of Old Notes that are held through your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, and you wish to tender such Old Notes in the exchange offer, you should promptly contact the person through whom your Old Notes are held and instruct that person to tender on your behalf in accordance with the procedures described in this prospectus and the accompanying transmittal letter.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>Some holders who exchange their Old Notes may be deemed to be underwriters.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Based on interpretations of the Securities Act by the staff of the SEC contained in certain no-action letters issued to other parties, we believe that you, or any other person receiving New Notes, may offer for resale, resell or otherwise transfer the New Notes without complying with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. Our belief that transfers of New Notes would be permitted without registration or prospectus delivery under the conditions described above is based on interpretations by the staff of the SEC given to other, unrelated issuers in similar exchange offers. The staff of the SEC has not considered the exchange offer in the context of a no-action letter, and we cannot assure you that the staff of the SEC would make a similar interpretation with respect to the exchange offer. Additionally, in some instances described in this prospectus under &#8220;Plan of Distribution,&#8221; certain holders of New Notes will remain obligated to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to transfer the New Notes. If any such holder transfers any New Notes without delivering a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act or without an applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act, such holder may incur liability under the Securities Act. We do not and will not assume, or indemnify any such holder or other person against, such liability.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Risks Related to the Notes</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>The notes are unsecured and subordinated to our existing and future senior indebtedness.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Although the New Notes will rank on par with the Old Notes, the notes will be unsecured, subordinated obligations of Mercantile and, consequently, will rank junior in right of payment to all of our secured and unsecured &#8220;senior indebtedness&#8221; now existing or that we incur in the future, as described under &#8220;Description of the Notes&#8201;&#8212;&#8201;Subordination.&#8221; As a result, upon any payment or distribution of assets to creditors in the case of liquidation, dissolution, winding up, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors or any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding, the holders of the senior indebtedness will be entitled to have the senior indebtedness paid in full prior to the holders of the notes receiving any payment of principal of, or interest on, the notes.</p>

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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">As of December 31, 2021, the Company&#8217;s subsidiaries had, in the aggregate, outstanding debt and deposits of approximately $4.7 billion, which would rank senior to the notes. In addition, as of December 31, 2021, the Company had approximately $48 million of indebtedness that would rank senior to the notes, no indebtedness that would rank <i>pari passu</i> with the notes, and no indebtedness that would rank subordinate to the notes. The notes do not limit the amount of additional indebtedness or senior indebtedness that we or any of our subsidiaries, including the Bank, may incur. Accordingly, in the future, we and our subsidiaries may incur other indebtedness, which may be substantial in amount, including senior indebtedness, indebtedness ranking equally with the notes and indebtedness ranking effectively senior to the notes, as applicable. Any additional indebtedness and liabilities that we and our subsidiaries incur may adversely affect our ability to pay our obligations on the notes.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">As a consequence of the subordination of the notes to our existing and future senior indebtedness, an investor in the notes may lose all or some of its investment upon our liquidation, dissolution, winding up, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors or any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding. In such an event, our assets would be available to pay the principal of, and any accrued and unpaid interest on, the notes only after all of our senior indebtedness had been paid in full. In such an event, any of our other general, unsecured obligations that do not constitute senior indebtedness, depending upon their respective preferences, will share <i>pro rata</i> in our remaining assets after we have paid all of our senior indebtedness in full.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>The notes are obligations only of Mercantile Bank Corporation and not obligations of the Bank or any of our other subsidiaries and will be effectively subordinated to the existing and future indebtedness of the Bank, deposits of the Bank, and other liabilities of the Bank and our other subsidiaries.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The notes are obligations solely of Mercantile Bank Corporation and are not obligations of the Bank or any of our other subsidiaries, and are not insured by any government or private agency. The Bank and our other subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities from Mercantile Bank Corporation. Because we are a holding company, the rights of Mercantile Bank Corporation and the rights of its creditors, including the holders of the notes, to participate in any distribution of the assets of the Bank or any other subsidiary (either as a shareholder or as a creditor) upon an insolvency, bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution, winding up or similar proceeding of the Bank or such other subsidiary (and the consequent right of the holders of the notes to participate in those assets after repayment of our existing or future senior indebtedness), will be subject to the claims of the creditors of the Bank, including depositors of the Bank, or such other subsidiary. Accordingly, the notes are effectively subordinated to all of the existing and future indebtedness, deposits and other liabilities of the Bank and our other subsidiaries, to the extent that those liabilities, including deposit liabilities, equal or exceed their respective assets.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The notes do not limit the amount of indebtedness or other liabilities that the Bank or any of our other subsidiaries may incur, all of which would rank structurally senior to the notes. Any additional indebtedness and liabilities that our subsidiaries incur may adversely affect our ability to pay our obligations on the notes.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>The notes include limited covenants and do not restrict our ability to incur additional debt.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The notes do not contain any financial covenants that would require us to achieve or maintain any minimum financial results relating to our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations or meet or exceed certain financial ratios as a general matter or to incur additional indebtedness or obligations or to maintain any reserves. Moreover, the notes do not contain any covenants prohibiting us or our subsidiaries from, or limiting our or our subsidiaries&#8217; right to, grant liens on assets to secure indebtedness or other obligations, to repurchase our stock or other securities, including any of the notes, or to pay dividends or make other distributions to our shareholders. The notes do not contain any provision that would provide protection to the holders of the notes against a material decline in our credit quality.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">In addition, the notes do not limit the amount of additional indebtedness the Company, the Bank or any of our other subsidiaries may incur or the amount of other obligations that the Company or the Bank may incur ranking senior or equal to the indebtedness evidenced by the notes. The issuance or guarantee of any such securities or the incurrence of any such other liabilities may reduce the amount, if any, recoverable by holders of the notes in the event of our insolvency, bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution, winding up or similar proceeding, and may limit our ability to meet our obligations under the notes.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>To service our debt, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Our ability to make payments on or to refinance our indebtedness, including our ability to meet our obligations under the notes, and to fund our operations depends on our ability to generate cash and our access to the capital markets in the future. These will depend on our financial and operating performance, which, to a certain extent, are subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, capital market conditions and other factors that are beyond our control. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be unable to obtain new financing or to fund our obligations to our customers and business partners, implement our business plans, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness, including the notes. As a result, we may be unable to meet our obligations under the notes. In the absence of sufficient capital resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions of assets or to obtain the proceeds that they could realize from them and these proceeds may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due, including obligations under the notes. Additionally, as a holding company, our ability to service our debt is dependent, in part, on the receipt of dividends, fees, and interest paid to us by the Bank. The Bank is a separate legal entity that is legally distinct from us and has no obligation to make funds available to us for payments of principal of or interest on the notes. While we expect these payments to continue in the future, there are regulatory limits under federal law on the amount of dividends and distributions that the Bank can pay to us without regulatory approval. Accordingly, we can provide no assurance that we will receive dividends or other distributions from the Bank in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of or interest on the notes. For additional information, see &#8220;Business&#8201;&#8212; Regulation and&#8201;Supervision&#8221; in Part I, Item 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.</p>

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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>Payments on the notes will depend on receipt of dividends and distributions from our subsidiaries.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We are a bank holding company, and we conduct substantially all of our operations through subsidiaries, including the Bank. We depend on dividends, distributions and other payments from our subsidiaries to meet our obligations, including to fund payments on the notes. Our primary source of funds to make payments of principal and interest on the notes and to satisfy any other financial obligations are dividends from the Bank. Our ability to receive dividends from the Bank is contingent on a number of factors, including the Bank&#8217;s ability to meet applicable regulatory capital requirements, the Bank&#8217;s profitability and earnings, and the general strength of its balance sheet.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Various federal and state laws and regulations limit the amount of dividends that the Bank may pay to the Company. Moreover, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC have issued policy statements stating that insured banks and financial and bank holding companies generally should pay dividends only out of current operating earnings. Also, the Company&#8217;s right to participate in a distribution of assets upon a subsidiary&#8217;s liquidation or reorganization is subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary&#8217;s creditors. In the event the Bank is unable to pay dividends to us, we may not be able to service any debt we may incur, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The Bank also may not pay dividends if payment would cause it to become undercapitalized or if it is already undercapitalized and must maintain a common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer of greater than 2.5% to avoid becoming subject to restrictions on capital distributions, including dividends. Further, contractual or other restrictions may also limit our subsidiaries&#8217; abilities to pay dividends or make distributions, loans or advances to us. See &#8220;Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements &#8211; Note 20 &#8211; Regulatory Matters&#8221; in Part IV, Item 16 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 for additional information.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">In addition, state and federal banking regulators have broad authority to restrict the payment of dividends, including in circumstances where a bank under such regulator&#8217;s jurisdiction engages in (or is about to engage in) unsafe or unsound practices. Such regulators have the authority to require that the bank cease and desist from unsafe and unsound practices and to prevent a bank from paying a dividend if its financial condition is such that the regulator views the payment of a dividend to constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">For these reasons, we may not have access to any assets or cash flow of our subsidiaries to make principal or interest payments on the notes.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>The notes are subject to limited rights of acceleration.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Payment of principal of the notes may be accelerated only in the case of certain bankruptcy-related events with respect to us. As a result, you have no right to accelerate the payment of principal of the notes if we fail to pay principal of or interest on the notes or if we fail in the performance of any of our other obligations under the notes.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>You should not rely on indicative or historical data concerning SOFR.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The interest rate during the Floating Rate Period will be determined using Three-Month Term SOFR (unless a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date occur with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR, in which case the rate of interest will be based on the next-available Benchmark Replacement).</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">In the following discussion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or &#8220;SOFR,&#8221; when we refer to SOFR-linked Notes, we mean the notes at any time when the interest rate on the notes is or will be determined based on SOFR, including Three-Month Term SOFR.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">SOFR is published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (&#8220;FRBNY&#8221;) and is intended to be a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities. FRBNY reports that SOFR includes all trades in the Broad General Collateral Rate, plus bilateral U.S. Treasury repurchase agreement (&#8220;repo&#8221;) transactions cleared through the delivery-versus-payment service offered by the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (the &#8220;FICC&#8221;), a subsidiary of The Depository Trust &amp; Clearing Corporation (&#8220;DTCC&#8221;). SOFR is filtered by FRBNY to remove a portion of the foregoing transactions considered to be &#8220;specials.&#8221; According to FRBNY, &#8220;specials&#8221; are repos for specific-issue collateral which take place at cash-lending rates below those for general collateral repos because cash providers are willing to accept a lesser return on their cash in order to obtain a particular security.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">FRBNY reports that SOFR is calculated as a volume-weighted median of transaction-level tri-party repo data collected from The Bank of New York Mellon, which currently acts as the clearing bank for the tri-party repo market, as well as general collateral finance repo transaction data and data on bilateral U.S. Treasury repo transactions cleared through the FICC&#8217;s delivery-versus-payment service.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">FRBNY states that it obtains information from DTCC Solutions LLC, an affiliate of DTCC. FRBNY currently publishes SOFR daily on its website at https://apps.newyorkfed.org/markets/autorates/sofr. FRBNY states on its publication page for SOFR that use of SOFR is subject to important disclaimers, limitations and indemnification obligations, including that FRBNY may alter the methods of calculation, publication schedule, rate revision practices or availability of SOFR at any time without notice. The foregoing Internet website is an inactive textual reference only, meaning that the information contained on the website is not part of this prospectus or incorporated by reference herein.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">FRBNY started publishing SOFR in April 2018. FRBNY has also started publishing historical indicative SOFRs dating back to 2014, although this historical indicative data inherently involves assumptions, estimates and approximations. You should not rely on this historical indicative data or on any historical changes or trends in SOFR as an indicator of the future performance of SOFR.</p>

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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>SOFR may be more volatile than other benchmark or market rates.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Since the initial publication of SOFR, daily changes in the rate have, on occasion, been more volatile than daily changes in comparable benchmark or market rates, and SOFR over time may bear little or no relation to the historical actual or historical indicative data. In addition, the return on and value of the SOFR-linked Notes may fluctuate more than floating rate securities that are linked to less volatile rates.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>Changes in SOFR could adversely affect the amount of interest that accrues on the SOFR-linked Notes and the trading prices for the SOFR-linked Notes.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Because SOFR is published by FRBNY based on data received from other sources, we have no control over its determination, calculation or publication. There can be no assurance that SOFR will not be discontinued or fundamentally altered in a manner that is materially adverse to the interests of investors in the SOFR-linked Notes. If the manner in which SOFR is calculated is changed, that change may result in a change in the amount of interest that accrues on the SOFR-linked Notes, which may adversely affect the trading prices of the SOFR-linked Notes. In addition, the interest rate on the SOFR-linked Notes for any day will not be adjusted for any modification or amendment to SOFR for that day that FRBNY may publish if the interest rate for that day has already been determined prior to such publication. Further, if the Benchmark rate on the SOFR-linked Notes during the Floating Rate Period for any interest period declines to zero or becomes negative, interest will only accrue on the SOFR-linked Notes at a rate equal to the spread of 212 basis points per annum with respect to that interest period. There is no assurance that changes in SOFR could not have a material adverse effect on the yield on, value of and market for the SOFR-linked Notes.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>SOFR differs fundamentally from, and may not be a comparable substitute for, U.S. dollar LIBOR.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">In June 2017, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (the &#8220;ARRC&#8221;) convened by the Federal Reserve and FRBNY announced SOFR as its recommended alternative to the London interbank offered rate for U.S. dollar LIBOR. However, because SOFR is a broad U.S. Treasury repo financing rate that represents overnight secured funding transactions, it differs fundamentally from U.S. dollar LIBOR. For example, SOFR is a secured overnight rate, while U.S. dollar LIBOR is an unsecured rate that represents interbank funding over different maturities. In addition, because SOFR is a transaction-based rate, it is backward-looking, whereas U.S. dollar LIBOR is forward- looking. Because of these and other differences, there can be no assurance that SOFR will perform in the same way as U.S. dollar LIBOR would have done at any time, and there is no guarantee that it is a comparable substitute for U.S. dollar LIBOR.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>SOFR may be modified or discontinued.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">SOFR is a relatively new rate, and the FRBNY or any successor, as administrator of SOFR, may make methodological or other changes that could change the value of SOFR, including changes related to the methodology by which SOFR is calculated, eligibility criteria applicable to the transactions used to calculate SOFR or timing related to the publication of SOFR. If the manner in which SOFR is calculated is changed, that change may result in a reduction of the amount of interest payable on the notes, which may adversely affect the market price of the notes. The administrator of SOFR may withdraw, modify, amend, suspend or discontinue the calculation or dissemination of SOFR in its sole discretion and without notice and has no obligation to consider the interests of holders of the notes in calculating, withdrawing, modifying, amending, suspending or discontinuing SOFR.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>Any failure of SOFR to gain market acceptance could adversely affect the trading prices of the SOFR-linked Notes.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">SOFR may fail to gain market acceptance. SOFR was developed for use in certain U.S. dollar derivatives and other financial contracts as an alternative to U.S. dollar LIBOR in part because it is considered to be a good representation of general funding conditions in the overnight U.S. Treasury repo market. However, as a rate based on transactions secured by U.S. Treasury securities, it does not measure bank-specific credit risk and, as a result, is less likely to correlate with the unsecured short-term funding costs of banks. This may mean that market participants would not consider SOFR to be a suitable substitute or successor for all of the purposes for which U.S. dollar LIBOR historically has been used (including, without limitation, as a representation of the unsecured short-term funding costs of banks), which may, in turn, lessen its market acceptance. Any failure of SOFR to gain market acceptance could adversely affect the return on, value of and market for SOFR-linked Notes.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>Any market for the SOFR-linked Notes may be illiquid or unpredictable.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Since SOFR is a relatively new market index, SOFR-linked debt securities likely will have no established trading market when issued, and an established trading market for the SOFR-linked Notes may never develop or may not be very liquid. Market terms for securities that are linked to SOFR, such as the spread over the base rate reflected in the interest rate provisions, may evolve over time, and as a result, trading prices of the SOFR-linked Notes may be lower than those of later-issued securities that are linked to SOFR. Similarly, if SOFR does not prove to be widely used in securities that are similar or comparable to the SOFR-linked Notes, the trading price of the SOFR-linked Notes may be lower than those of securities that are linked to rates that are more widely used. You may not be able to sell the SOFR-linked Notes at all or may not be able to sell the SOFR-linked Notes at prices that will provide you with a yield comparable to similar investments that have a developed secondary market, and may consequently suffer from increased pricing volatility and market risk. The manner of adoption or application of reference rates based on SOFR in the bond and equity markets may differ materially compared with the application and adoption of SOFR in other markets, such as the derivatives and loan markets. You should carefully consider how any potential inconsistencies between the adoption of reference rates based on SOFR across these markets may impact any hedging or other financial arrangements which you may put in place in connection with any acquisition, holding or disposal of the SOFR-linked Notes.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>The interest rate for the notes during the Floating Rate Period may be determined based on a rate other than Three-Month Term SOFR.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Under the terms of the notes, the interest rate on the notes for each interest period during the Floating Rate Period will be based on Three-Month Term SOFR, a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months that will be based on SOFR. On July 29, 2021, the ARRC formally recommended the use of the CME Group&#8217;s forward-looking SOFR term rate. Uncertainty surrounding the development of forward-looking term rates based on SOFR could have a material adverse effect on the return on, value of and market for the notes. If, at the commencement of the Floating Rate Period for the notes the calculation agent determines that the use of a forward-looking rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR is not administratively feasible, then the next-available Benchmark Replacement under the benchmark transition provisions will be used to determine the interest rate on the notes during the Floating Rate Period (unless a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date occur with respect to that next-available Benchmark Replacement).</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Under the terms of the notes, the calculation agent is expressly authorized to make determinations, decisions or elections with respect to technical, administrative or operational matters that it decides may be appropriate to reflect the use of Three-Month Term SOFR as the interest rate basis for the notes in a manner substantially consistent with market practice, which are defined in the terms of the notes as &#8220;Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions.&#8221; The calculation agent&#8217;s determination and implementation of any Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions could result in adverse consequences to the amount of interest that accrues on the notes during the Floating Rate Period, which could adversely affect the return on, value of and market for the notes.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>Any Benchmark Replacement may not be the economic equivalent of Three-Month Term SOFR.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Under the benchmark transition provisions of the notes, if the calculation agent determines that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR, then the interest rate on the notes during the Floating Rate Period will be determined using the next-available Benchmark Replacement (which may include a related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment). However, the Benchmark Replacement may not be the economic equivalent of Three-Month Term SOFR. For example, Compounded SOFR, the first available Benchmark Replacement, is the compounded average of the daily Secured Overnight Financing Rates calculated in arrears, while Three-Month Term SOFR is intended to be a forward- looking rate with a tenor of three months. In addition, very limited market precedent exists for securities that use Compounded SOFR as the rate basis, and the method for calculating Compounded SOFR in those precedents varies. Further, the ISDA Fallback Rate, which is another Benchmark Replacement, has not yet been established and may change over time.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The terms &#8220;Benchmark Replacement Adjustment,&#8221; &#8220;Compounded SOFR,&#8221; and &#8220;ISDA Fallback Rate&#8221; have the meanings set forth below under &#8220;Description of the Notes &#8211; Principal, Maturity and Interest.&#8221;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>A modification of the notes could occur for tax purposes in the event that a Benchmark Replacement is not a </i></b>&#8220;<b><i>qualified rate</i></b>&#8221;<b><i> under applicable Treasury Regulations.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Recently finalized Treasury Regulations provide guidance on the tax consequences on the use of a reference rate other than SOFR (or another interbank offered rate) in debt instruments. The final Treasury Regulations explain a significant modification of a debt instrument would not result in the event that a &#8220;qualified rate&#8221; is used (rather than Three-Month Term SOFR). A &#8220;qualified rate&#8221; is a rate that includes, among other things, a rate selected, endorsed or recommended by a central bank (or similar authority) as a replacement for SOFR (or another interbank offered rate) in that jurisdiction. In light of the final Treasury Regulations, we expect that the notes would include a &#8220;qualified rate&#8221; in lieu of Three-Month Term SOFR such that a significant modification of the notes would not result from the new rate, but cannot guarantee that a &#8220;qualified rate&#8221; could be used for the notes or that a significant modification would not occur.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>The implementation of Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes could adversely affect the amount of interest that accrues on the notes and the trading prices for the notes.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Under the benchmark transition provisions of the notes, if a particular Benchmark Replacement or Benchmark Replacement Adjustment cannot be determined, then the next-available Benchmark Replacement or Benchmark Replacement Adjustment will apply. These replacement rates and adjustments may be selected or formulated by: (i) the Relevant Governmental Body (such as the ARRC), (ii) the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., otherwise referred to herein as ISDA, or (iii) in certain circumstances, the calculation agent. In addition, the benchmark transition provisions expressly authorize the calculation agent to make certain changes, which are defined in the terms of the notes as &#8220;Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes,&#8221; with respect to, among other things, the determination of interest periods, and the timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest. The application of a Benchmark Replacement and Benchmark Replacement Adjustment, and any implementation of Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, could result in adverse consequences to the amount of interest that accrues on the notes during the Floating Rate Period, which could adversely affect the return on, value of and market for the notes. Further, there is no assurance that the characteristics of any Benchmark Replacement will be similar to the then-current Benchmark that it is replacing, or that any Benchmark Replacement will produce the economic equivalent of the then-current Benchmark that it is replacing.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>The calculation agent (which may be us or another entity we appoint) will make certain determinations with respect to the notes.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:27pt;">We will act as the initial calculation agent. The calculation agent will make certain determinations with respect to the notes during the Floating Rate Period, including with respect to the determination of the applicable interest rates during the interest periods during the Floating Rate Period. Any of these determinations may adversely affect the payout to investors. Moreover, certain determinations may require the exercise of discretion and the making of subjective judgments. These potentially subjective determinations may adversely affect the payout to you on the notes.</p>

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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>The amount of interest payable on the notes will vary beginning January 30, 2027, and interest after that date may be less than the initial fixed annual rate of 3.25% in effect until January 30, 2027.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:27pt;">During the Fixed Rate Period, the notes will bear interest at an initial rate of 3.25% per annum. Thereafter, the notes will bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal to the benchmark rate, which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR, plus 212 basis points, subject to the provisions under &#8220;Description of the Notes&#8201;&#8212;&#8201;Principal, Maturity and Interest.&#8221; The per annum interest rate that is determined at the Reference Time for each interest period will apply to the entire quarterly interest period following such determination date even if the Benchmark rate increases during that period.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Floating rate notes bear additional risks not associated with fixed rate debt securities. These risks include fluctuation of the interest rates and the possibility that you will receive an amount of interest that is lower than expected. We have no control over a number of matters that may impact prevailing interest rates, including, without limitation, economic, financial, and political events that are important in determining the existence, magnitude, and longevity of market volatility, and other risks and their impact on the value of, or payments made on, the notes. In recent years, interest rates have been volatile, and that volatility may be expected in the future.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>The notes may be redeemed at our option under certain circumstances, which limits the ability of holders of the notes to accrue interest over the full stated term of the notes.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We may, at our option, redeem the notes (i) in whole or in part, beginning with the interest payment date of January 30, 2027 and on any interest payment date thereafter and (ii) in whole or in part, at any time upon the occurrence of a Tier 2 Capital Event, Tax Event or an Investment Company Event (each of such terms as defined below in &#8220;Description of the Note&#8201;&#8212;&#8201;Redemption&#8221;), in each case at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued but unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption. Any redemption of the notes will be subject to prior approval of the Federal Reserve, to the extent such approval is then required. There can be no assurance that the Federal Reserve will approve any redemption of the notes that we may propose. In addition, the redemption of the notes may be subject to prior approval of the holders of our senior indebtedness, and there is no assurance that such holders of our senior indebtedness will approve any redemption of the notes. Furthermore, you should not expect us to redeem any notes when they first become redeemable or on any particular date thereafter. The Company may be more likely to redeem the notes on or after January 30, 2027 if the interest rate applicable to the notes is higher than that which would be payable on one or more other forms of borrowing. If the Company redeems the notes prior to their maturity date, holders may not be able to invest in other securities that yield as much interest as the notes. If we redeem the notes for any reason, you will not have the opportunity to continue to accrue and be paid interest to the stated maturity date and you may not be able to reinvest the redemption proceeds you receive in a similar security or in securities bearing similar interest rates or yields.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>An active trading market for the notes may not develop.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The notes constitute a new issue of securities for which there is no existing trading market. We do not intend to apply for listing of the notes on any securities exchange or for quotation of the notes in any automated dealer quotation system. We cannot provide you with any assurance regarding whether a trading market for the notes will develop, the ability of holders of the notes to sell their notes or the prices at which holders may be able to sell their notes. You should also be aware that there may be a limited number of buyers when you decide to sell your notes. This may affect the price you receive for your notes or your ability to sell your notes at all. Investors in the notes may not be able to sell the notes at all or may not be able to sell the notes at prices that will provide them with a yield comparable to similar investments that have a developed secondary market, and may consequently suffer from increased pricing volatility and market risk. In addition, the liquidity of the trading market in the notes and the market price quoted for the notes may be adversely affected by changes in the overall market for this type of security and by changes in our financial performance or prospects or in the prospects for companies in our industry generally.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial results and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under the notes.</i></b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">In addition to our currently outstanding indebtedness, we may be able to borrow substantial additional indebtedness in the future. If new indebtedness is incurred in addition to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could increase. Our indebtedness, including the indebtedness we may incur in the future, could have important consequences for the holders of the notes, including:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">limiting our ability to satisfy our obligations with respect to the notes;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic industry conditions;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate requirements;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">requiring a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations for the payment of principal of and interest on our indebtedness and thereby reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate requirements;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry; and</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">putting us at a disadvantage compared to competitors with less indebtedness.</p>
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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>Changes in our credit ratings may adversely affect your investment in the notes.</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The credit ratings on the notes are an assessment by rating agencies of our ability to pay our debts when due. These ratings are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell the notes, inasmuch as the ratings do not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor, are limited in scope, and do not address all material risks relating to an investment in the notes, but rather reflect only the view of each rating agency at the time the rating is issued. The ratings are based on current information furnished to the ratings agencies by us and information obtained by the ratings agencies from other sources. An explanation of the significance of such rating may be obtained from such rating agency. There can be no assurance that such credit ratings will remain in effect for any given period of time or that such ratings will not be lowered, suspended or withdrawn entirely by the rating agencies, if, in each rating agency&#8217;s judgment, circumstances so warrant.</p>

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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Any ratings of our long-term debt are based on a number of factors, including our financial strength as well as factors not entirely within our control, including conditions affecting the financial services industry generally. There can be no assurance that we will not receive adverse changes in our ratings in the future, which could adversely affect the cost and other terms upon which we are able to obtain funding and the way in which we are perceived in the capital markets. Actual or anticipated changes or downgrades in our credit ratings, including any announcement that our ratings are under review for a downgrade, could affect the market value and liquidity of the notes and increase our borrowing costs.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>As a holder of the notes, you are not entitled to any rights with respect to our capital stock.</i></b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">If you hold a note, you are not entitled to any rights with respect to our capital stock (including, without limitation, voting rights and rights to receive any dividends or other distributions on our capital stock) by virtue of holding a note.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>Holders of the notes have no say over our management and affairs.</i></b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Our officers and directors will make all decisions with respect to our management. Holders of the notes have no right or power to take part in our management. Holders of the notes are entirely reliant on our officers and directors to effectively manage our business so that we may meet our debt obligations when they fall due.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>Your right to receive payments on the notes is effectively subordinated to those lenders who have a security interest in our assets.</i></b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Our obligations under the notes are unsecured and we may be able to obtain indebtedness from time to time that is secured by all or substantially all of our assets. If we are declared bankrupt or insolvent, or if we default under such secured indebtedness, the lenders could declare all of the funds borrowed thereunder, together with accrued interest, immediately due and payable. If we were unable to repay such indebtedness, the lenders could foreclose on the pledged assets to the exclusion of holders of the notes, even if an event of default exists under the notes. In any such event, because the notes are not secured by any of our assets, it is possible that there would be no assets remaining from which your claims could be satisfied or, if any assets remained, they might be insufficient to satisfy your claims fully.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>We have increased debt service obligations as a result of the issuance of the notes.</i></b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Upon issuance of the notes, we have incurred additional debt service in addition to normal operating expenses and planned capital expenditures. Our increased level of indebtedness may have several important effects on our future operations including, without limitation, a portion of our cash flow must be dedicated to the payment of interest and principal on the notes, reducing funds available for distribution to shareholders and our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and general corporate and other purposes may be limited. Our ability to meet our debt service obligations and to reduce our total indebtedness will be dependent upon the future performance of the Bank and its ability to pay dividends to us, which will be subject to regulatory restrictions, general economic, industry and competitive conditions and to financial, business and other factors affecting us and the Bank, many of which are beyond our control. We cannot assure you that the Bank will be able to continue to generate cash flow at or above its current level and that we will be able to pay principal and interest on the notes as it becomes due.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>An investment in the notes is not an FDIC insured deposit.</i></b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The notes are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of any of our bank or non-bank subsidiaries and are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other governmental agency or instrumentality. Your investment will be subject to investment risk and you may experience loss with respect to your investment.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>Government regulation may affect the priority of the notes in the case of a bankruptcy or liquidation.</i></b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act (the &#8220;Dodd-Frank Act&#8221;) created a new resolution regime known as the &#8220;orderly liquidation authority,&#8221; which may apply to us as a bank holding company. Under the orderly liquidation authority, the FDIC may be appointed as receiver for an entity for purposes of liquidating the entity if the Secretary of the Treasury determines that the entity is in severe financial distress and that the entity&#8217;s failure would have serious adverse effects on the U.S. financial system.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">If the FDIC is appointed as receiver under the orderly liquidation authority, then the Dodd-Frank Act, rather than applicable insolvency laws, would determine the powers of the receiver, and the rights and obligations of creditors and other parties who have dealt with the institution. There are substantial differences in the rights of creditors under the orderly liquidation authority compared to those under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, including the right of the FDIC to disregard the strict priority of creditor claims in some circumstances, the use of an administrative claims procedure to determine creditors&#8217; claims (as opposed to the judicial procedure utilized in bankruptcy proceedings) and the right of the FDIC to transfer claims to a &#8220;bridge&#8221; entity. As a consequence of the rights of the FDIC under the orderly liquidation authority, the holders of the notes may be fully subordinated to interests held by the U.S. government in the event that we enter into a receivership, insolvency, liquidation or similar proceeding. While the FDIC has issued regulations to implement the orderly liquidation authority, not all aspects of how the FDIC might exercise this authority are known and additional rulemakings are likely. Further, it is uncertain how the FDIC might exercise its discretion under the orderly liquidation authority in a particular case.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The notes are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC, any other governmental agency or any of our subsidiaries. The notes will be structurally subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries, which means that creditors of our subsidiaries generally will be paid from those subsidiaries&#8217; assets before holders of the notes would have any claims to those assets.</p>

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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The notes are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of the Bank or any of our non-bank subsidiaries and are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other governmental agency or public or private insurer. The notes are obligations of the Company only and are neither obligations of, nor guaranteed by, any of our subsidiaries. The notes are ineligible and may not be used as collateral for loans made by the Company or the Bank. The notes will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries, which means that creditors of our subsidiaries (including, in the case of the Bank, its depositors) generally will be paid from those subsidiaries&#8217; assets before holders of the notes would have any claims to those assets. Even if we become a creditor of any of our subsidiaries, our rights as a creditor would be subordinate to any security interest in the assets of that subsidiary and any debt of that subsidiary senior to that held by us, and our rights could otherwise be subordinated to the rights of other creditors and depositors of that subsidiary. Furthermore, none of our subsidiaries is under any obligation to make payments to us, and any payments to us would depend on the earnings or financial condition of our subsidiaries and various business considerations. Statutory, contractual or other restrictions also limit our subsidiaries&#8217; ability to pay dividends or make distributions, loans or advances to us. For these reasons, we may not have access to any assets or cash flows of our subsidiaries to make interest and principal payments on the notes.</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b><a id="useproceeds" name="useproceeds" title="useproceeds"></a>USE OF PROCEEDS</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We will not receive any cash proceeds from the exchange offer. In consideration for issuing the New Notes as contemplated by this prospectus, we will receive in exchange Old Notes in like principal amount. We intend to cancel all Old Notes received in exchange for New Notes in the exchange offer.</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b><a id="exchange" name="exchange" title="exchange"></a>THE EXCHANGE OFFER</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>General</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">In connection with the issuance of the Old Notes on December 15, 2021 and on January 14, 2022, we entered into registration rights agreements with the initial purchasers of the Old Notes, which provides for the exchange offer we are making pursuant to this prospectus. The exchange offer will permit eligible holders of Old Notes to exchange their Old Notes for New Notes that are identical in all material respects with the Old Notes, except that:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the New Notes have been registered with the SEC under the Securities Act and, as a result, will not bear any legend restricting their transfer;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the New Notes bear different CUSIP numbers from the Old Notes;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the New Notes generally will not be subject to transfer restrictions;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the New Notes will not be entitled to registration rights under the registration rights agreements or otherwise; and</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">because the New Notes will not be entitled to registration rights, holders of the New Notes will not have the right to additional interest under the circumstances described in the registration rights agreements relating to our fulfillment of our registration obligations.</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The New Notes will evidence the same debt as the Old Notes. Holders of the New Notes will be entitled to the benefits of the subordinated indenture. Accordingly, the New Notes and the Old Notes will be treated as a single series of subordinated debt securities under the subordinated indenture. Old Notes that are not tendered for exchange in the exchange offer will remain outstanding, and interest on those Old Notes will continue to accrue at the applicable interest rate and be subject to the terms of the subordinated indenture.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The exchange offer does not depend on any minimum aggregate principal amount of Old Notes being tendered for exchange.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the provisions of the registration rights agreements and the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act, and the related rules and regulations of the SEC applicable to transactions of this type.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We will be deemed to have accepted validly tendered Old Notes when and if we have given oral or written notice to the exchange agent of our acceptance of such Old Notes. Subject to the terms and conditions of this exchange offer, delivery of New Notes will be made by the exchange agent promptly after receipt of our notice of acceptance. The exchange agent will act as agent for the holders of Old Notes tendering their Old Notes for the purpose of receiving New Notes from us in exchange for such tendered and accepted Old Notes. If any tendered Old Notes are not accepted for exchange because of an invalid tender, the occurrence of other events described in this prospectus or otherwise, we will return or cause to be returned the Old Notes not exchanged, at our expense, to the tendering holder promptly after the expiration of the exchange offer.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">If a holder of Old Notes validly tenders Old Notes in the exchange offer, the tendering holder will not be required to pay us brokerage commissions or fees. In addition, subject to the instructions in the letter of transmittal and certain limited exceptions described in this prospectus, the tendering holder will not have to pay transfer taxes for the exchange of Old Notes. Subject to certain exceptions described in this prospectus, we will pay all of the expenses in connection with the exchange offer, other than certain applicable taxes. See &#8220;&#8212; Fees and Expenses.&#8221;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Holders of outstanding Old Notes do not have any appraisal, dissenters&#8217; or similar rights in connection with the exchange offer. Outstanding Old Notes which are not tendered, or are tendered but not accepted, in connection with the exchange offer will remain outstanding. See &#8220;Risk Factors&#8201;&#8201;&#8212;&#8201;&#8201;Risks Related to the Exchange Offer&#8201;&#8201;&#8212;&#8201;&#8201;If you do not properly tender your Old Notes, you will continue to hold unregistered Old Notes and your ability to transfer Old Notes will be adversely affected.&#8221;</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>NEITHER WE NOR THE EXCHANGE AGENT ARE MAKING ANY RECOMMENDATION TO THE HOLDERS OF THE OUTSTANDING OLD NOTES AS TO WHETHER TO TENDER OR REFRAIN FROM TENDERING ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THEIR OUTSTANDING OLD NOTES IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER. IN ADDITION, NEITHER WE NOR THE EXCHANGE AGENT HAVE AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO MAKE ANY SUCH RECOMMENDATION. HOLDERS OF THE OUTSTANDING OLD NOTES MUST MAKE THEIR OWN DECISION WHETHER TO TENDER PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER, AND, IF SO, THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF OUTSTANDING OLD NOTES TO TENDER AFTER READING THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CONSULTING WITH THEIR ADVISERS, IF ANY, BASED ON THEIR FINANCIAL POSITION AND INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS.</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Registration Rights Agreements</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The following provides a summary of certain terms of the registration rights agreements. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete version of the form of registration rights agreement, which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Under the terms of the registration rights agreements that we entered into with the purchasers of the Old Notes at the time we issued the Old Notes, we agreed to register the New Notes and undertake this exchange offer. This exchange offer is intended to satisfy the rights of holders of Old Notes under such registration rights agreements. After the exchange offer is completed, we will have no further obligations, except under the limited circumstances described below, to provide for any exchange or undertake any further registration with respect to the Old Notes.</p>

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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Under the terms of the registration rights agreements, we agreed, among other things, to:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">file a registration statement with the SEC under the Securities Act with respect to a registered offer to exchange the Old Notes for substantially identical notes that do not contain transfer restrictions and will be registered under the Securities Act; and</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">use our commercially reasonable efforts to cause that registration statement to become effective no later than April 14, 2022, which is the date that is 120 days after December 15, 2021.</p>
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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The registration rights agreements also require us to commence the exchange offer promptly after the effectiveness of the registration statement and to keep the exchange offer open for not less than 20 business days, or longer if required by applicable law, after the date on which notice of the exchange offer is mailed to the holders of the Old Notes.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We also agreed to issue and exchange New Notes for all Old Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn before the expiration of the exchange offer. We are sending this prospectus, together with a letter of transmittal, to all the holders of the Old Notes known to us. For each Old Note validly tendered to us in the exchange offer and not validly withdrawn, the holder will receive a New Note having a principal amount equal to the principal amount of the tendered Old Note. Old Notes may be exchanged, and New Notes will be issued, only in minimum denominations of $100,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We further agreed that under certain circumstances we would either file a shelf registration statement with the SEC or designate an existing effective shelf registration statement of ours that would allow resales by certain holders of the Old Notes in lieu of such holders participating in the exchange offer.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Eligibility; Transferability</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We are making this exchange offer in reliance on interpretations of the staff of the SEC set forth in several no- action letters provided to other parties. We have not sought our own no-action letter from the staff of the SEC with respect to this particular exchange offer. However, based on these existing SEC staff interpretations, we believe that you, or any other person receiving New Notes, may offer for resale, resell or otherwise transfer the New Notes without complying with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the U.S. federal securities laws, if:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">you are, or the person receiving the New Notes is, acquiring the New Notes in the ordinary course of business;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">you do not, nor does any such person, have an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in any distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the New Notes;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">you are not, nor is any such person, our &#8220;affiliate&#8221;&nbsp;as such term is defined under Rule 405 under the Securities Act; and</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">you are not acting on behalf of any person who could not truthfully make these statements.</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">To participate in the exchange offer, you must represent as a holder of Old Notes that each of these statements is true.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">In addition, in order for broker-dealers registered under the Exchange Act to participate in the exchange offer, each such broker-dealer must also (i) represent that it is participating in the exchange offer for its own account and is exchanging Old Notes acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, and (ii) acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the New Notes. The letter of transmittal to be delivered in connection with a tender of the Old Notes states that by acknowledging that it will deliver, and by delivering, a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resale of the New Notes received in exchange for the Old Notes where such Old Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of 180 days following the expiration date, we will amend or supplement this prospectus to expedite or facilitate the disposition of any New Notes by such broker-dealers.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Any holder of Old Notes (i) who is our affiliate, (ii) who does not acquire the New Notes in the ordinary course of business, (iii) who intends to participate in the exchange offer for the purpose of distributing the New Notes, or (iv) who is a broker-dealer who purchased the Old Notes directly from us:</p>

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			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">will not be able to rely on the interpretation of the staff of the SEC set forth in the no-action letters described above;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<td style="vertical-align:top;">
			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">will not be able to tender Old Notes in the exchange offer; and</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any sale or transfer of the New Notes, unless the sale or transfer is made pursuant to an exemption from those requirements.</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The exchange offer is not being made to, nor will we accept tenders for exchange from, holders of Old Notes in any jurisdiction in which the exchange offer or the acceptance of the exchange offer would not be in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdiction.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Expiration of the Exchange Offer; Extensions; Amendments</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"> The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on April 15, 2022, which we refer to as the &#8220;expiration date,&#8221; unless we extend the exchange offer. If we extend the exchange offer, the expiration date will be the latest date and time to which the exchange offer is extended. To extend the exchange offer, we will notify the exchange agent and each registered holder of the Old Notes of any extension before 9:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date. During any such extension, all Old Notes previously tendered will remain subject to the exchange offer and may be accepted for exchange by us. </p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We reserve the right to extend the exchange offer, delay accepting any tendered Old Notes or, if any of the conditions described below under the heading &#8220;&#8212; Conditions&#8221; have not been satisfied, to terminate the exchange offer. We also reserve the right to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner. We will give oral or written notice of any delay, extension, termination or amendment to the exchange agent. We will keep the exchange offer open for not less than 20 business days, or longer if required by applicable law, after the date on which notice of the exchange offer is mailed to holders of the Old Notes.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">If we amend the exchange offer in a manner that we consider material, we will disclose that amendment by means of a prospectus supplement, and we will extend the exchange offer so that at least five business days remain in the exchange offer following notice of the material change.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">If we determine to make a public announcement of any delay, extension, amendment or termination of the exchange offer, we will do so by making a timely release through an appropriate news agency.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">If we terminate or withdraw the exchange offer, we will promptly pay the consideration offered, or return any Old Notes deposited, under the exchange offer as required by Rule 14e-1(c) under the Exchange Act.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Conditions</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The exchange offer is not conditioned on any minimum aggregate principal amount of Old Notes being tendered or accepted for exchange. Notwithstanding any other term of the exchange offer, we will not be required to accept for exchange, or issue any New Notes for, any Old Notes, and may terminate or amend the exchange offer before the acceptance of the Old Notes, if:</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">such Old Notes are tendered to us other than in accordance with the terms and conditions of the exchange offer;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">we determine that the exchange offer violates any law, statute, rule, regulation or interpretation by the staff of the SEC; or</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">any action or proceeding is instituted or threatened in any court or by or before any governmental agency relating to the exchange offer which, in our judgment, could reasonably be expected to impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer.</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The conditions listed above are for our sole benefit and may be asserted by us regardless of the circumstances giving rise to any of these conditions. We may waive these conditions in our absolute discretion in whole or in part at any time and from time to time prior to the expiration date. Our failure at any time to exercise any of the above rights will not be considered a waiver of that right, and that right will be considered an ongoing right which we may assert at any time and from time to time.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">In addition, we will not accept for exchange any Old Notes tendered, and no New Notes will be issued in exchange for those Old Notes, if at any time any stop order is threatened or issued by the SEC with respect to the registration statement for the exchange offer and the New Notes or the qualification of the subordinated indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the &#8220;Trust Indenture Act&#8221;). In any such event, we must use our commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any stop order as soon as practicable.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Further, we will not be obligated to accept for exchange the Old Notes of any holder that has not made to us the representations described under &#8220;&#8212; Eligibility; Transferability&#8221; and &#8220;Plan of Distribution.&#8221;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Procedures for Tendering Old Notes</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">In order to participate in the exchange offer, you must validly tender your Old Notes to the exchange agent, as described below, by the expiration date. It is your responsibility to validly tender your Old Notes. We have the right to waive any defects. However, we are not required to waive defects and are not required to notify you of defects in your tender.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">If you have any questions or need help in exchanging your Old Notes, please call the exchange agent, whose address and phone number are set forth in &#8220;&#8212; Exchange Agent.&#8221;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Old Notes Issued in Book-Entry Form</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">All of the Old Notes were issued in book-entry form and are currently represented by global certificates held for the account of DTC. Accordingly, DTC, as depositary, or its nominee is treated as the registered holder of the Old Notes and will be the only entity that can tender your Old Notes for New Notes. Therefore, to validly tender Old Notes and to obtain New Notes, you must comply with the procedures described below to initiate the exchange agent&#8217;s book-entry transfer of the Old Notes into the exchange agent&#8217;s account at DTC using DTC&#8217;s ATOP procedures. To comply with those procedures, you must cause:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">a properly transmitted &#8220;agent&#8217;s message&#8221;&nbsp;(as defined below) to be received by the exchange agent through ATOP prior to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on the expiration date; and</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">a timely confirmation of a book-entry tender of the Old Notes into the exchange agent&#8217;s account at DTC through ATOP pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described below to be received by the exchange agent prior to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time on the expiration date.</p>
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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Following receipt of a properly transmitted &#8220;agent&#8217;s message,&#8221; the exchange agent will establish an ATOP account with DTC for purposes of the exchange offer promptly after the commencement of the exchange offer. Any financial institution that is a DTC participant, including your broker or bank, may make a book-entry tender of outstanding Old Notes by causing the book-entry transfer of such Old Notes into the exchange agent&#8217;s ATOP account in accordance with DTC&#8217;s procedures for such transfers. In connection with the transfer, the exchange agent must receive a properly transmitted &#8220;agent&#8217;s message,&#8221; as well as a timely confirmation of a book-entry tender of the Old Notes into its account at DTC through ATOP, prior to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on the expiration date. Subject to the terms of the exchange offer, following the expiration or termination of the exchange offer, the exchange agent will exchange Old Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to such expiration or termination for an equal principal amount of New Notes by credit to the holder&#8217;s account at DTC. If the entire principal amount of all Old Notes held by a holder is not tendered, then Old Notes for the principal amount of the Old Notes not tendered and accepted will be returned by credit to the holder&#8217;s account at DTC following the expiration date.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The term &#8220;agent&#8217;s message&#8221; means a message transmitted by a DTC participant to DTC, and thereafter transmitted by DTC to the exchange agent, which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgement from the participant stating that such participant and beneficial holder agree to be bound by the terms of the exchange offer, including the letter of transmittal, and that such agreement may be enforced against such participant.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Each agent&#8217;s message must include the following information:</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">name of the beneficial owner tendering such Old Notes;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">account number of the beneficial owner tendering such Old Notes;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">principal amount of Old Notes tendered by such beneficial owner; and</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">a confirmation that the beneficial owner of the Old Notes has agreed to be bound by the terms of the accompanying letter of transmittal.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The delivery of the Old Notes through DTC, and any transmission of an agent&#8217;s message through ATOP, is at the election and risk of the person tendering Old Notes. If we do not accept any tendered Old Notes for exchange or if Old Notes are submitted for a greater principal amount than the holder desires to exchange, the unaccepted or non-exchanged Old Notes will be returned, without expense, to their tendering holder by crediting the holder&#8217;s account at DTC, following the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The tender by a holder of Old Notes that is not validly withdrawn prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer and that is accepted by us will constitute a binding agreement between us and the holder in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the accompanying letter of transmittal. By using the ATOP procedures to exchange Old Notes, you will not be required to deliver a letter of transmittal to the exchange agent. However, by using the ATOP procedures to tender and exchange Old Notes, you will be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal, and you will be deemed to have made the acknowledgements and the representations and warranties it contains, just as if you had signed it. Each tendering holder, by delivery of an agent&#8217;s message, waives any right to receive any notice of the acceptance of such tender.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">There is no procedure for guaranteed late delivery of the Old Notes in connection with the exchange offer.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We will determine all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt), and acceptance and withdrawal of tendered Old Notes in our sole discretion, and our determination will be final and binding on all parties. We reserve the absolute right, in our sole and absolute discretion, to reject any and all Old Notes not validly tendered or any Old Notes whose acceptance by us would, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful. We also reserve the absolute right, in our sole discretion subject to applicable law, to waive or amend any of the conditions of the exchange offer or to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to any particular Old Notes, either before or after the expiration date. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer (including the instructions in the accompanying letter of transmittal) will be final and binding on all parties. No alternative, conditional or contingent tenders will be accepted. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of Old Notes must be cured within a time period we will reasonably determine. We are not required to waive defects and are not required to notify you of defects in your tender. Although we intend to request the exchange agent to notify holders of defects or irregularities relating to tenders and withdrawals of Old Notes, neither we, the exchange agent nor any other person will have any duty or incur any liability for failure to give such notification. Tenders of Old Notes will not be considered to have been made until such defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. If we waive any terms or conditions with respect to a noteholder, we will extend the same waiver to all noteholders with respect to that term or condition. Any Old Notes received by the exchange agent that are not validly tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned by the exchange agent, without expense, to the tendering holders following the expiration date of the exchange offer. Each tendering holder, by delivery of an agent&#8217;s message, waives any right to receive any notice of the acceptance of such tender.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Representations</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">By tendering Old Notes, each holder is deemed to have represented to us that:</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">any New Notes that you receive will be acquired in the ordinary course of business;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">you have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the New Notes in violation of the provisions of the Securities Act;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">you are not an &#8220;affiliate&#8221;&nbsp;(within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act);</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">you are not acting on behalf of any person who could not truthfully make the foregoing representations; and</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<div class="PGBK" style="width: 100%; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt">
<div class="PGFTR" style="text-align: center; width: 100%">
<div class="hf-row">
<div class="hf-cell PGNUM" data-number="22" data-prefix="" data-suffix="" style="text-align: center; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">22</div>
</div>
</div>

<hr style="PAGE-BREAK-AFTER: always; border: none; width: 100%; height: 2px; color: #000000; background-color: #000000">
<div class="PGHDR" style="text-align: left; width: 100%">
<div class="hf-row">
<div class="hf-cell TOCLink" style="display: inline-block; text-align: left;"><a href="#toc" style="font-weight: initial; font-style: initial; font-variant: initial; font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif;">Table of Contents</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">if you are a broker-dealer that will receive New Notes for your own account in exchange for Old Notes, you acquired those New Notes as a result of market-making or other trading activities and you will deliver a prospectus (or to the extent permitted by law, make available a prospectus to purchasers) in connection with any resale of such New Notes.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Withdrawal of Tenders</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus, you may validly withdraw your book-entry tender of Old Notes at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on the expiration date of the exchange offer. For a withdrawal of book-entry tendered Old Notes to be effective, the exchange agent must receive, prior to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time on the expiration date, a computer-generated notice of withdrawal, transmitted by DTC on your behalf in accordance with the appropriate procedures of DTC&#8217;s ATOP system prior to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on the expiration date. Any such notice of withdrawal must:</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">specify the name of the tendering holder of Old Notes;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">specify the principal amount of the Old Notes delivered for exchange;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">specify the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawn Old Notes;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">include a statement that such holder is withdrawing its election to have such Old Notes exchanged; and</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">otherwise comply with the procedures of DTC.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We will determine all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) of such withdrawal notices. Any Old Notes so withdrawn will be considered not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the applicable exchange offer, and no New Notes will be issued in exchange for such Old Notes unless the Old Notes withdrawn are validly re-tendered. Any Old Notes which have been tendered but which are not accepted for exchange or which are withdrawn will be returned to the holder, without expense to such holder, promptly after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the applicable exchange offer. Validly withdrawn Old Notes may be re-tendered by following one of the procedures described above under &#8220;&#8212; Procedures for Tendering Old Notes&#8221; at any time prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Exchange Agent</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Wilmington Trust, National Association has been appointed the exchange agent for this exchange offer. The letters of transmittal and all correspondence in connection with this exchange offer should be sent or delivered by each holder of Old Notes, or a beneficial owner&#8217;s commercial bank, broker, dealer, trust company or other nominee, to the exchange agent as follows:</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table cellpadding="0pt" cellspacing="0pt" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; width: 100%; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;">

		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">By Mail or Hand Delivery:</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Wilmington Trust, National Association</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Rodney Square North</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">1100 North Market Street</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Wilmington, Delaware 19890</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Attention: Workflow Management &#8211;&nbsp;5<sup style="vertical-align:top;line-height:120%;font-size:pt">th</sup>&nbsp;Floor</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Facsimile:</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">(302) 636-4139</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Email:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">DTC@wilmingtontrust.com</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Delivery to an address other than as listed above or transmission of instructions via facsimile other than as listed above does not constitute a valid delivery. We will pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse it for its reasonable, out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this exchange offer.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Fees and Expenses</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We will bear the expenses of soliciting tenders of the Old Notes and issuance of the New Notes. The principal solicitation is being made through ATOP. However, we may make additional solicitations by mail, email, telephone or in person by our officers and employees and those of our affiliates.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the exchange offer and will not make any payments to broker-dealers or others soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer. As indicated above, we will, however, pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and reimburse it for its related reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. We will also pay any other cash expenses that we incur in connection with the exchange offer.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Except as described below, we will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of Old Notes under the exchange offer. The tendering holder will be required to pay any transfer taxes, whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person, if:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">New Notes and/or substitute Old Notes not exchanged are to be delivered to, or registered or issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the Old Notes so exchanged;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">tendered Old Notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing the letter of transmittal; or</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of Old Notes under the exchange offer.</p>
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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">If satisfactory evidence of payment of transfer taxes is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the amount of any transfer taxes will be billed to the tendering holder.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Accounting Treatment</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We will record the New Notes at the same carrying value as the Old Notes reflected in our accounting records on the date of the exchange. Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes upon completion of the exchange offer.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Consequences of Failure to Exchange</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Old Notes that are not exchanged will remain &#8220;restricted securities&#8221; within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Accordingly, they may not be offered, sold, pledged or otherwise transferred except:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">to us or to any of our subsidiaries;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">under a registration statement which has been declared effective under the Securities Act;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">for so long as the Old Notes are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, to a person the holder of the Old Notes and any person acting on its behalf reasonably believes is a &#8220;qualified institutional buyer&#8221;&nbsp;as defined in Rule 144A, that purchases for its own account or for the account of another qualified institutional buyer, in each case to whom notice is given that the transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A; or</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">under any other available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act (in which case we and the trustee shall have the right to require the delivery of an opinion of counsel (at the holder&#8217;s sole cost), certifications and/or other information satisfactory to us and the trustee);</p>
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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">in each case subject to compliance with any applicable foreign, state or other securities laws.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Upon completion of the exchange offer, due to the restrictions on transfer of the Old Notes and the absence of such restrictions applicable to the New Notes, it is likely that the market, if any, for Old Notes will be relatively less liquid than the market for New Notes. Consequently, holders of Old Notes who do not participate in the exchange offer could experience significant diminution in the value of their Old Notes, compared to the value of the New Notes. The holders of Old Notes not tendered will have no further registration rights, except that, under limited circumstances specified in the registration rights agreements, we may be required to file a shelf registration statement for a continuous offer of Old Notes.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Additional Information Regarding the Registration Rights Agreements</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">As noted above, we are effecting the exchange offer to comply with the registration rights agreements. The registration rights agreements require us to cause an exchange offer registration statement to be filed with the SEC under the Securities Act, to use our commercially reasonable efforts to cause the registration statement to become effective, and to satisfy certain other obligations, within certain time periods.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">In the event that:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the registration statement is not filed with the SEC on or prior to February 13, 2022, which is the 60th day after December 15, 2021;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the registration statement has not been declared effective by the SEC on or prior to April 14, 2022, which is the 120th day after December 15, 2021; or</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the exchange offer is not completed on or prior to the 45th day following the effective date of the registration statement;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">the interest rate on the Old Notes will be increased by a rate of 0.25% per annum immediately following such registration default and will increase by 0.25% per annum immediately following each 90-day period during which additional interest accrues, but in no event will such increase exceed 0.50% per annum. Following the cure of all such registration defaults, the accrual of additional interest will cease and the interest rate will be immediately reduced to the original interest rate borne by the Old Notes.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Our obligation to register the New Notes will terminate upon completion of the exchange offer. However, under certain limited circumstances specified in the registration rights agreements, we may be required to file a shelf registration statement for a continuous offer in connection with the Old Notes.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b><a id="descripiton" name="descripiton" title="descripiton"></a>DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">On December 15, 2021 and on January 14, 2022, we issued a total of $90,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of our 3.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2032, which we have referred to in this prospectus as the Old Notes. The Old Notes were issued in a private placement transaction to certain institutional accredited investors and qualified institutional buyers, and as such, were not registered under the Securities Act. The Old Notes were issued under a first supplemental indenture dated December 15, 2021 to a subordinated indenture dated December 15, 2021, each between Mercantile Bank Corporation, as issuer, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, and collectively referred to in this prospectus as the &#8220;indenture.&#8221; The term &#8220;notes&#8221; refers collectively to the Old Notes and the New Notes, unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The New Notes will be issued under the indenture and will evidence the same debt as the Old Notes. The terms of the New Notes are identical in all material respects to those of the Old Notes, except that:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the New Notes have been registered with the SEC under the Securities Act and, as a result, will not bear any legend restricting their transfer;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the New Notes bear different CUSIP numbers from the Old Notes;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the New Notes generally will not be subject to transfer restrictions;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the New Notes will not be entitled to registration rights under the registration rights agreements or otherwise; and</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">because the New Notes will not be entitled to registration rights, holders of the New Notes will not have the right to additional interest under the circumstances described in the registration rights agreements relating to our fulfillment of our registration obligations.</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The New Notes will be issued only in fully registered form without interest coupons, in minimum denominations of $100,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. Unless otherwise required for institutional accredited investors, the New Notes will be evidenced by a global note deposited with the trustee for the New Notes, as custodian for DTC, and transfers of beneficial interests will be facilitated only through records maintained by DTC and its participants.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The terms of the New Notes include those stated in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The following provides a summary of certain terms of the indenture and the New Notes. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete version of the indenture, which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and to the form of New Notes, which is included as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We urge you to read the indenture and the form of New Notes because those documents, not this summary description, define your rights as holders of the New Notes. Whenever we refer to the defined terms of the indenture in this prospectus without defining them, the terms have the meanings given to them in the indenture. You must look to the indenture for the most complete description of the information summarized in this prospectus.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>General</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The exchange offer for the New Notes will be for up to $90,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes. The New Notes, together with any Old Notes that remain outstanding after the exchange offer, will be treated as a single class for all purposes of the indenture, including, without limitation, waivers, consents, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Principal, Maturity and Interest</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The New Notes have materially identical interest terms as the Old Notes except with respect to additional interest that may be earned on the Old Notes under circumstances relating to our registration obligations under the registration rights agreements. Interest on the notes will accrue from and including December 15, 2021. The notes will mature and become payable, unless earlier redeemed, on January 30, 2032.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">From and including December 15, 2021, to but excluding January 30, 2027, or earlier redemption date, the New Notes will bear interest at a fixed rate equal to 3.25% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 30 and July 30 of each year, beginning on July 30, 2022 and interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">From and including January 30, 2027, to but excluding the maturity date or earlier redemption date, the New Notes will bear interest at an annual floating rate, reset quarterly, equal to a benchmark rate (which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR) plus 212 basis points, payable quarterly in arrears on January 30, April 30, July 30, and October 30 of each year commencing on April 30, 2027.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">During this period, interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed. With regard to Three-Month Term SOFR:</p>

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		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;SOFR&#8221;&nbsp;means the daily Secured Overnight Financing Rate published by the FRBNY, as the administrator of the benchmark (or a successor administrator), on the FRBNY&#8217;s Website.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;SOFR&#8221;&nbsp;means the daily Secured Overnight Financing Rate provided by the FRBNY, as the administrator of the benchmark (or a successor administrator), on the FRBNY&#8217;s Website.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;Term SOFR&#8221;&nbsp;means the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

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		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;Term SOFR Administrator&#8221;&nbsp;means any entity designated by the Relevant Governmental Body as the administrator of Term SOFR (or a successor administrator).</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;Three-Month Term SOFR&#8221;&nbsp;means the rate for Term SOFR for a tenor of three months that is published by the Term SOFR Administrator at the Reference Time for any Floating Rate Period, as determined by the Calculation Agent after giving effect to the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions. All percentages used in or resulting from any calculation of Three-Month Term SOFR shall be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one-hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, with 0.000005% rounded up to 0.00001%.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions&#8221;&nbsp;means any determination, decision or election with respect to any technical, administrative or operational matter (including with respect to the manner and timing of the publication of Three-Month Term SOFR, or changes to the definition of &#8220;interest period,&#8221;&nbsp;timing and frequency of determining Three-Month Term SOFR with respect to each interest period and making payments of interest, rounding of amounts or tenors, and other administrative matters) that the Calculation Agent decides may be appropriate to reflect the use of Three-Month Term SOFR as the Benchmark in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Calculation Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Calculation Agent determines that no market practice for the use of Three-Month Term SOFR exists, in such other manner as the Calculation Agent determines is reasonably necessary).</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

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<div class="hf-cell PGNUM" data-number="25" data-prefix="" data-suffix="" style="text-align: center; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">25</div>
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<div class="hf-cell TOCLink" style="display: inline-block; text-align: left;"><a href="#toc" style="font-weight: initial; font-style: initial; font-variant: initial; font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif;">Table of Contents</a></div>
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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">If, at the commencement of the Floating Rate Period for the notes, the Relevant Governmental Body (as defined below) has not selected or recommended a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR, the development of a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR that has been recommended or selected by the Relevant Governmental Body is not complete or we determine that the use of a forward-looking rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR is not administratively feasible, then the next-available Benchmark Replacement under the benchmark transition provisions will be used to determine the interest on the notes during the floating-rate interest period (unless a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date occur with respect to that next-available Benchmark Replacement).</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">For purposes of determining a Benchmark Replacement, if necessary, under the terms of the notes:</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;Benchmark&#8221;&nbsp;means, initially, Three-Month Term SOFR; provided that if the Calculation Agent determines on or prior to the Reference Time that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR or the then-current Benchmark, then &#8220;Benchmark&#8221;&nbsp;means the applicable Benchmark Replacement.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;Benchmark Replacement&#8221;&nbsp;means the Interpolated Benchmark with respect to the then-current Benchmark; provided that if (a) the Calculation Agent cannot determine the Interpolated Benchmark as of the Benchmark Replacement Date or (b) the then-current Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR and a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR (in which event no Interpolated Benchmark with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR shall be determined), then &#8220;Benchmark Replacement&#8221;&nbsp;means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Calculation Agent as of the Benchmark Replacement Date:</p>
			</td>
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</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 72pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">a)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">Compounded SOFR;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 72pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">b)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the sum of: (i) the alternate rate of interest that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor and (ii) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 72pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">c)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the sum of: (i) the ISDA Fallback Rate and (ii) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;</p>
			</td>
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</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 72pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">d)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the sum of: (i) the alternate rate of interest that has been selected by the Calculation Agent as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor, giving due consideration to any industry-accepted rate of interest as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate securities at such time and (ii) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;Benchmark Replacement Adjustment&#8221;&nbsp;means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Calculation Agent as of the Benchmark Replacement Date:</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 72pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">a)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero), that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

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			<td style="width: 72pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">b)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">if the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is equivalent to the ISDA Fallback Rate, then the ISDA Fallback Adjustment; and</p>
			</td>
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</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 72pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">c)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Calculation Agent giving due consideration to any industry-accepted spread adjustment or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of the then-current Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate notes at such time.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes&#8221;&nbsp;means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of &#8220;interest period,&#8221;&nbsp;timing and frequency of determining rates with respect to each interest period and making payments of interest, rounding of amounts or tenors, and other administrative matters) that the Calculation Agent decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption of such Benchmark Replacement in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Calculation Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Calculation Agent determines that no market practice for use of the Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner as the Calculation Agent determines is reasonably necessary).</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;Benchmark Replacement Date&#8221;&nbsp;means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:</p>
			</td>
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</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 72pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">a)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">in the case of clause (a) of the definition of &#8220;Benchmark Transition Event,&#8221;&nbsp;the relevant Reference Time in respect of any determination;</p>
			</td>
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</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<div class="hf-cell PGNUM" data-number="26" data-prefix="" data-suffix="" style="text-align: center; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">26</div>
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<div class="hf-cell TOCLink" style="display: inline-block; text-align: left;"><a href="#toc" style="font-weight: initial; font-style: initial; font-variant: initial; font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif;">Table of Contents</a></div>
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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 72pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">b)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">in the case of clause (b) or (c) of the definition of &#8220;Benchmark Transition Event,&#8221;&nbsp;the later of (i) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (ii) the date on which the administrator of the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide the Benchmark; or</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 72pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">c)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">in the case of clause (d) of the definition of &#8220;Benchmark Transition Event,&#8221;&nbsp;the date of such public statement or publication of information referenced therein.</p>
			</td>
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</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">For the avoidance of doubt, if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for purposes of such determination.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;Benchmark Transition Event&#8221;&nbsp;means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 72pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">a)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">if the Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR, (i) the Relevant Governmental Body has not selected or recommended a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR, (ii) the development of a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR that has been recommended or selected by the Relevant Governmental Body is not complete or (iii) the Company determines that the use of a forward-looking rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR is not administratively feasible;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 72pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">b)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of the Benchmark announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark, permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 72pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">c)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark, the central bank for the currency of the Benchmark, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark, a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for the Benchmark, which states that the administrator of the Benchmark has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark; or</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 72pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">d)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark announcing that the Benchmark is no longer representative.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;Calculation Agent&#8221;&nbsp;means such bank or other entity (which may be the Company or an affiliate of the Company) as may be appointed by the Company to act as Calculation Agent for the Subordinated Notes during the Floating Rate Period. If no Calculation Agent has been appointed, the Company shall be deemed the Calculation Agent. The Company shall initially act as the Calculation Agent.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;Compounded SOFR&#8221;&nbsp;means the compounded average of SOFRs for the applicable Corresponding Tenor, with the rate, or methodology for this rate, and conventions for this rate being established by the Calculation Agent in accordance with:</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 72pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">a)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the rate, or methodology for this rate, and conventions for this rate selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for determining Compounded SOFR; provided that;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 72pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">b)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">if, and to the extent that, the Company or its designee determines that Compounded SOFR cannot be determined in accordance with clause (a) above, then the rate, or methodology for this rate, and conventions for this rate that have been selected by the Calculation Agent giving due consideration to any industry-accepted market practice for U.S. dollar-denominated floating rate securities at such time.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">For the avoidance of doubt, the calculation of Compounded SOFR will exclude the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;Corresponding Tenor&#8221;&nbsp;with respect to a Benchmark Replacement means a tenor (including overnight) having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as the applicable tenor for the then-current Benchmark.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;FRBNY&#8221;&nbsp;means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;FRBNY&#8217;s Website&#8221;&nbsp;means the website of the FRBNY at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;Interpolated Benchmark&#8221;&nbsp;with respect to the Benchmark means the rate determined for the Corresponding Tenor by interpolating on a linear basis between: (1) the Benchmark for the longest period (for which the Benchmark is available) that is shorter than the Corresponding Tenor, and (2) the Benchmark for the shortest period (for which the Benchmark is available) that is longer than the Corresponding Tenor.</p>
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</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;ISDA&#8221;&nbsp;means the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;ISDA Definitions&#8221;&nbsp;means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by the ISDA, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time.</p>
			</td>
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</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<div class="PGBK" style="width: 100%; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt">
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<div class="hf-cell PGNUM" data-number="27" data-prefix="" data-suffix="" style="text-align: center; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">27</div>
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<div class="hf-cell TOCLink" style="display: inline-block; text-align: left;"><a href="#toc" style="font-weight: initial; font-style: initial; font-variant: initial; font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif;">Table of Contents</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;ISDA Fallback Adjustment&#8221;&nbsp;means the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be determined upon the occurrence of an index cessation event with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor.</p>
			</td>
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</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;ISDA Fallback Rate&#8221;&nbsp;means the rate that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon the occurrence of an index cessation date with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor excluding the applicable ISDA Fallback Adjustment.</p>
			</td>
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</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;Reference Time&#8221;&nbsp;with respect to any determination of the Benchmark means (1) if the Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR, the time determined by the Calculation Agent after giving effect to the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions, and (2) if the Benchmark is not Three-Month Term SOFR, the time determined by the Calculation Agent after giving effect to the Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes.</p>
			</td>
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</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;Relevant Governmental Body&#8221;&nbsp;means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the &#8220;Federal Reserve&#8221;) and/or the FRBNY, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve and/or the FRBNY or any successor thereto.</p>
			</td>
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</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8220;Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement&#8221;&nbsp;means the Benchmark Replacement excluding the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Interest Payments</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We will make each interest payment to the holders of record of the notes at the close of business on the fifteenth calendar day prior to the applicable interest payment date. Principal of and interest on the notes will be payable, and the notes will be exchangeable and transferable, at the office or agency that we have designated and maintain for such purposes, which, initially, will be the corporate trust office of the trustee located at Wilmington Trust, National Association, Rodney Square North, 1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19890, Attention: Mercantile Bank Corporation Administrator; except that payment of interest may be made at our option by check mailed or to the person entitled thereto as shown on the security register or by wire transfer to an account appropriately designated by the person entitled thereto.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Subordination</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The indenture will govern the extent to which payment on the notes will be subordinated to the prior payment in full of all of our senior indebtedness. The notes also are effectively subordinated to all debt and other liabilities, including trade payables and lease obligations, if any, of our subsidiaries.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Upon any distribution of our assets upon any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization, the payment of principal and interest on the notes will be subordinated to the prior payment in full of all senior indebtedness in cash or other payment satisfactory to the holders of such senior indebtedness. If the notes are accelerated because of an event of default, the holders of any senior indebtedness would be entitled to payment in full in cash or other payment satisfactory to such holders of all senior indebtedness obligations before the holders of the notes are entitled to receive any payment or distribution. The indenture requires us or the trustee to promptly notify holders of designated senior indebtedness of any acceleration of payment of the notes.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We may not make any payment on the notes, including upon redemption (whether at the holder's or our option) if:</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

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			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">a default in the payment of the principal, premium, if any, interest, rent or other obligations in respect of any senior indebtedness occurs and is continuing beyond any applicable grace period (called a &#8220;payment default&#8221;); or</p>
			</td>
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</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; text-indent: 0px;">

		<tr style="vertical-align: top;">
			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">a default (other than a payment default) with respect to designated senior indebtedness occurs and is continuing that permits holders of designated senior indebtedness to accelerate its maturity, and the trustee receives a notice of such default (called a &#8220;payment blockage notice&#8221;) from us or any other person permitted to give such notice under the indenture (called a &#8220;non-payment default&#8221;).</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We may resume payments and distributions on the notes, in the case of a payment default, upon the date on which such default is cured or waived or ceases to exist; and, in the case of a non-payment default, the earlier of the date on which such nonpayment default is cured or waived and 179 days after the date on which the payment blockage notice is received, if the maturity of the designated senior indebtedness has not been accelerated, unless the indenture otherwise prohibits such payment or distribution at the time of such payment or distribution.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">No new payment blockage notice may be given unless and until 365 days have elapsed since the initial effectiveness of the immediately prior payment blockage notice and all scheduled payments, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities that have come due have been paid in full in cash. A non-payment default existing or continuing on the date of delivery of any payment blockage notice cannot be the basis for any later payment blockage notice.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">If the trustee or any holder of the notes receives any payment or distribution of our assets in contravention of the foregoing subordination provisions, then such payment or distribution will be held in trust for the benefit of holders of senior indebtedness or their representatives to the extent necessary to make payment in full in cash or payment satisfactory to the holders of senior indebtedness of all unpaid senior indebtedness.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">As a result of the subordination of the notes in favor of the holders of our senior indebtedness, in the event of our bankruptcy, dissolution or reorganization, holders of senior indebtedness may receive more, ratably, and holders of the notes may receive less, ratably, than our other creditors (including our trade creditors). This subordination will not prevent the occurrence of any event of default under the indenture.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<div class="hf-cell PGNUM" data-number="28" data-prefix="" data-suffix="" style="text-align: center; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">28</div>
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</div>
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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The indenture does not prohibit us from incurring debt, including senior indebtedness. We may from time to time incur additional debt, including senior indebtedness.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We are obligated to pay compensation to the trustee, reimburse the trustee for reasonable expenses and to indemnify the trustee against certain losses, liabilities or expenses it incurs in connection with its duties relating to the notes. The trustee's claims for these payments will generally be senior to those of noteholders in respect of all funds collected or held by the trustee and will not be subject to subordination.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The term &#8220;senior indebtedness&#8221; means any obligation of the Company to its creditors, whether now outstanding or subsequently incurred, other than any obligation where, in the instrument creating or evidencing the obligation or pursuant to which the obligation is outstanding, it is provided that the obligation is not &#8220;senior indebtedness&#8221;; including without limitation:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the principal and any premium or interest for money borrowed or purchased by the Company;</p>
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		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">any capital lease obligation of the Company;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">any obligation of the Company issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations of the Company and all obligations of the Company under any conditional sale or title retention agreement, but excluding trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">any obligation arising from off-balance sheet guarantees and direct credit substitutes, including obligations in respect of any letters of credit, bankers&#8217;&nbsp;acceptances, security purchase facilities and similar credit transactions;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">any obligation of the Company associated with derivative products such as interest and foreign exchange rate contracts, commodity contracts and similar arrangements;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">all obligations of the type referred to in the preceding clauses above of other persons or entities for the payment of which the Company is responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, whether or not classified as a liability on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">all obligations of the type referred to in the preceding clauses above of other persons or entities secured by any lien on any property or asset of the Company whether or not such obligation is assumed by the Company; and</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">any deferrals, renewal or extensions of any obligations of the type referred in the preceding clauses above.</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">in each case, whether outstanding on the date the indenture became effective, or created, assumed or incurred after that date.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Notwithstanding the foregoing, &#8220;senior indebtedness&#8221; excludes:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the notes;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business; and</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">any indebtedness that by its terms ranks on an equal basis with, or is subordinated to, the notes.</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">All liabilities of the Bank and our other subsidiaries, including deposits and liabilities to general creditors arising during the ordinary course of business or otherwise, will be effectively senior in right of payment to the notes to the extent of the assets of the subsidiary because, as a shareholder of the subsidiary, we do not have any rights to the assets of the subsidiary except if the subsidiary declares a dividend payable to us or if there are assets of the subsidiary remaining after it has discharged its liabilities to its creditors in connection with its liquidation. As of December 31, 2021, the Company&#8217;s subsidiaries had, in the aggregate, outstanding debt and deposits of $4.7 billion, which would rank senior to the notes. Over the term of the notes, we will need to rely primarily on dividends paid to us by the Bank, which is a regulated and supervised depository institution, for the funds necessary to pay the interest on our outstanding debt obligations and to make dividends and other payments on our other securities outstanding now or in the future. With respect to the payment of the principal of the notes at their maturity, we may rely on the funds we receive from dividends paid to us by the Bank, but may have to rely on the proceeds of borrowings and/or the sale of other securities to pay the principal amount of the notes.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Regulatory rules may restrict the Bank&#8217;s ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us or provide funds to us by other means. As a result, with respect to the assets of the Bank, our creditors (including the holders of the notes) are structurally subordinated to the prior claims of creditors of the Bank, including its depositors, except to the extent that we may be a creditor with recognized claims against the Bank.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Redemption</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We may, at our option, redeem the notes, in whole or in part, on any interest payment date on or after January 30, 2027. In addition, at our option, we may redeem the notes at any time upon the occurrence of:</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">a &#8220;Tier 2 Capital Event,&#8221;&nbsp;which is defined in the indenture to mean the Company&#8217;s good faith determination that, as a result of (i) any amendment to, or change in, the laws, rules or regulations of the United States (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any agency or instrumentality of the United States, including the Federal Reserve and other federal bank regulatory agencies) or any political subdivision of or in the United States that is enacted or becomes effective after the original issue date of the notes, (ii) any proposed change in those laws, rules or regulations that is announced or becomes effective after December 15, 2021, or (iii) any official administrative decision or judicial decision or administrative action or other official pronouncement interpreting or applying those laws, rules, regulations, policies or guidelines with respect thereto that is announced after December 15, 2021, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Company will not be entitled to treat the notes as Tier 2 Capital for so long as any notes are outstanding;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<div class="hf-cell PGNUM" data-number="29" data-prefix="" data-suffix="" style="text-align: center; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">29</div>
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<div class="hf-cell TOCLink" style="display: inline-block; text-align: left;"><a href="#toc" style="font-weight: initial; font-style: initial; font-variant: initial; font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif;">Table of Contents</a></div>
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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">a &#8220;Tax Event,&#8221;&nbsp;which is defined in the indenture to mean the receipt by the Company of an opinion of independent tax counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that as a result of (i) an amendment to or change (including any announced prospective amendment or change) in any law or treaty, or any regulation thereunder, of the United States or any of its political subdivisions or taxing authorities, (ii) a judicial decision, administrative action, official administrative pronouncement, ruling, regulatory procedure, regulation, notice or announcement, including any notice or announcement of intent to adopt or promulgate any ruling, regulatory procedure or regulation (any of the foregoing, an &#8220;Administrative or Judicial Action&#8221;), or (iii) an amendment to or change in any official position with respect to, or any interpretation of, an Administrative or Judicial Action or a law or regulation of the United States that differs from the previously generally accepted position or interpretation, in each case, which change or amendment or challenge becomes effective or which pronouncement, decision or challenge is announced on or after December 15, 2021, there is more than an insubstantial risk that interest payable by the Company on the notes is not, or, within 120 days of the date of such opinion, will not be, deductible by the Company, in whole or in part, for United States federal income tax purposes; or</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">an &#8220;Investment Company Event,&#8221;&nbsp;which means that the Company has determined that there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Company is or will be, considered an &#8220;investment company&#8221;&nbsp;that is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Any redemption of the New Notes will be subject to prior approval of the Federal Reserve, to the extent such approval is then required. If less than the then outstanding principal amount of a New Note is redeemed, (i) a new note shall be issued representing the unredeemed portion without charge to the holder thereof and (ii) such redemption shall be effected in accordance with DTC&#8217;s applicable procedures among all of the noteholders. Any redemption of the notes will be at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued but unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption. Any redemption of the notes will be subject to any required regulatory approvals.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">If less than all of the notes are to be redeemed, the trustee will select the notes or portions thereof to be redeemed on a <i>pro rata</i> basis, unless otherwise required by law or applicable depositary requirements.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Notices of redemption will be mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), facsimile or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, at least 30 but no more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of notes to be redeemed at its registered address. If any note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to that note will state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original note, if any, will be issued in the name of the holder thereof upon cancellation of the original note. Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. On and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on notes or portions of them called for redemption.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Repurchases</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We may purchase notes at any time on the open market or otherwise. If we purchase notes in this manner, we have the discretion to hold, resell or surrender the notes to the trustee under the indenture for cancellation.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>No Sinking Fund; Non-Convertible</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The notes will not be entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund. This means that we will not deposit money on a regular basis into any separate custodial account to repay the notes. The notes are not convertible into, or exchangeable for, any of our equity securities.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Form, Denomination, Transfer, Exchange and Book-Entry Procedures</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The notes will be issued only in fully registered form, without interest coupons, and in minimum denominations of $100,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Unless otherwise required for institutional accredited investors, the notes will be evidenced by a global note which will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC, or any successor thereto, and registered in the name of Cede &amp; Co., or Cede, as nominee of DTC. Except as set forth below, record ownership of the global note may be transferred, in whole or in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. If New Notes are issued to institutional accredited investors in certificated form, the New Notes will be transferable only on the records of the trustee and may not be exchanged for a beneficial interest in the global note unless the exchange occurs in connection with a transfer where the transferor and transferee provide evidence satisfactory to the trustee and DTC that the transferee is eligible to hold a beneficial interest in the global note.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The global note will not be registered in the name of any person, or exchanged for notes that are registered in the name of any person, other than DTC or its nominee, unless one of the following occurs:</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue acting as the depositary for the global note, or DTC has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and in either case we fail to appoint a successor depositary; or</p>
			</td>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">an event of default with respect to the notes represented by the global note has occurred and is continuing.</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">In those circumstances, DTC will determine in whose names any securities issued in exchange for the global note will be registered. Any such notes in certificated form will be issued in minimum denominations of $100,000 and multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof and may be transferred or exchanged only in such minimum denominations.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">DTC or its nominee will be considered the sole owner and holder of the global note for all purposes, and as a result:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">you cannot get notes registered in your name if they are represented by the global note;</p>
			</td>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">you cannot receive certificated (physical) notes in exchange for your beneficial interest in the global note;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">you will not be considered to be the owner or holder of the global note or any note it represents for any purpose; and</p>
			</td>
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</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">all payments on the global note will be made to DTC or its nominee.</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain kinds of purchasers (for example, certain insurance companies) can only own securities in definitive (certificated) form. These laws may limit your ability to transfer your beneficial interests in the global note to these types of purchasers.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Only institutions (such as a securities broker or dealer) that have accounts with DTC or its nominee (called &#8220;participants&#8221;) and persons that may hold beneficial interests through participants (including through Euroclear Bank SA/NV or Clearstream Banking, soci&#233;t&#233; anonyme, as DTC participants) can own a beneficial interest in the global note. The only place where the ownership of beneficial interests in the global note will appear and the only way the transfer of those interests can be made will be on the records kept by DTC (for their participants&#8217; interests) and the records kept by those participants (for interests of persons held by participants on their behalf).</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Secondary trading in bonds and notes of corporate issuers is generally settled in clearinghouse (that is, next-day) funds. In contrast, beneficial interests in a global note usually trade in DTC&#8217;s same-day funds settlement system, and settle in immediately available funds. We make no representations as to the effect that settlement in immediately available funds will have on trading activity in those beneficial interests.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Cash payments of interest on and principal of the global note will be made to Cede, the nominee for DTC, as the registered owner of the global note. These payments will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds on each payment date.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">You may exchange or transfer the notes at the corporate trust office of the trustee for the notes or at any other office or agency maintained by us for those purposes. We will not require payment of a service charge for any transfer or exchange of the notes, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any applicable tax or other governmental charge.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We have been informed that, with respect to any cash payment of interest on or principal of the global note, DTC&#8217;s practice is to credit participants&#8217; accounts on the payment date with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the notes represented by the global note as shown on DTC&#8217;s records, unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payment on that payment date. Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in notes represented by the global note held through participants will be the responsibility of those participants, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in &#8220;street name.&#8221;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We also understand that neither DTC nor Cede will consent or vote with respect to the notes. We have been advised that under its usual procedures, DTC will mail an &#8220;omnibus proxy&#8221; to us as soon as possible after the record date. The omnibus proxy assigns Cede&#8217;s consenting or voting rights to those participants to whose accounts the notes are credited on the record date identified in a listing attached to the omnibus proxy.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Because DTC can only act on behalf of participants, who in turn act on behalf of indirect participants, the ability of a person having a beneficial interest in the principal amount represented by the global note to pledge the interest to persons or entities that do not participate in the DTC book-entry system, or otherwise take actions in respect of that interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing its interest.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">DTC has advised that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes (including the presentation of notes for exchange) only at the direction of one or more participants to whose account with DTC interests in the global note are credited and only in respect of such portion of the principal amount of the notes represented by the global note as to which such participant has, or participants have, given such direction.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">DTC has also advised as follows: DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a &#8220;banking organization&#8221; within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve, a &#8220;clearing corporation&#8221; within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code, as amended, and a &#8220;clearing agency&#8221; registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its participants. Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations and may include certain other organizations. Certain of such participants (or their representatives), together with other entities, own DTC. Indirect access to the DTC system is available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and its direct and indirect participants are on file with the SEC.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The policies and procedures of DTC, which may change periodically, will apply to payments, transfers, exchanges and other matters relating to beneficial interests in the global note. We and the trustee and our or its agents have no responsibility or liability for any aspect of DTC&#8217;s or any participants&#8217; records relating to beneficial interests in the global note, including for payments made on the global note, and we and the trustee are not responsible for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of those records.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Indenture Covenants</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The indenture contains no covenants or restrictions restricting the incurrence of indebtedness or other obligations by us or by a subsidiary of ours, including the Bank. The indenture contains no financial covenants requiring us to achieve or maintain any minimum financial results relating to our financial position or results of operations or meet or exceed any financial ratios as a general matter or in order to incur additional indebtedness or obligations or to maintain any reserves. Moreover, neither the indenture nor the notes contain any covenants limiting our right to incur additional indebtedness or obligations, grant liens on our assets to secure our indebtedness or other obligations that are senior in right of payment to the notes, repurchase our stock or other securities, including any of the notes, or pay dividends or make other distributions to our shareholders. In addition, neither the indenture nor the notes contain any provision that would provide protection to the holders of the notes against a sudden and dramatic decline in our credit quality resulting from a merger, takeover, recapitalization or similar restructuring or any other event involving us or our subsidiaries that may adversely affect our credit quality.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Events of Default; Right of Acceleration; Failure to Pay Principal or Interest</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The following are events of default under the indenture:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company by a court having jurisdiction in the premises in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization law, now or hereafter in effect of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, and such decree or order will have continued unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization law, now or hereafter in effect of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, or the consent by the Company to the entry of a decree or order for relief in an involuntary case or proceeding under any such law;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the appointment of a receiver of the Bank (or any Major Constituent Bank) by a competent government agency having primary regulatory authority over the Bank (or any Major Constituent Bank) under any applicable federal or state banking, insolvency or similar law now or hereafter in effect, or the entry of a decree or order in any case or proceeding under any applicable federal or state banking, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect appointing any receiver of the Bank (or any Major Constituent Bank). by a competent government agency having prim</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">&#8220;Major Constituent Bank&#8221; means any subsidiary of the Company which is organized as a banking organization under federal or state law and which represents 50% or more of the consolidated assets of the Company determined as of the date of the most recent audited financial statements of the Company.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">If an event of default with respect to the notes occurs, the principal amount of all the notes will be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder of the notes.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:9pt;">Under the indenture, if the Company fails to make any payment of interest on any note when such interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days, or if the Company fails to make any payment of the principal of any note when such principal becomes due and payable, or if the Company fails to perform any other covenant or agreement contained in the indenture and such failure is not remedied for a period of 90 days after written notice of such failure has been given to the Company by the trustee or holders of 25% or more in aggregate principal of the outstanding notes, the trustee may, subject to certain limitations and conditions, demand, for the benefit of the holders of the notes, that the Company pay to the trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the notes, the whole amount then due and payable with respect to the notes, with interest upon the overdue principal, and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, upon any overdue installments of interest at the rate or respective rates, as the case may be, provided for or with respect to the notes or, if no such rate or rates are so provided, at the rate or respective rates, as the case may be, of interest borne by the notes. Any such rights to receive payment of such amounts under the notes remain subject to the subordination provisions of the notes as discussed above under &#8220;&#8212; Subordination.&#8221; Neither the trustee nor the holders of the notes will have the right to accelerate the maturity of the notes in the case of our failure to pay the principal of, or interest on, the notes or our non-performance of any other covenant or warranty under the notes or the indenture.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Amendment, Supplement and Waiver</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:9pt;">Without the consent of any holder of notes, we and the trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental to the indenture for any of the following purposes:</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">to evidence the succession of another person to the Company, and the assumption by any such successor of our covenants contained in the indenture and the notes;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">to add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders, or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us with respect to the notes;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">to permit or facilitate the issuance of notes in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and with or without coupons, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of the notes in uncertificated form;</p>
			</td>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under the indenture by a successor trustee and to add to or change any provisions of the indenture to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one trustee;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="width: 45pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 18pt;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision that may be defective or that may be inconsistent with any other provision, provided that such action will not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the notes;</p>
			</td>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<div class="hf-cell PGNUM" data-number="32" data-prefix="" data-suffix="" style="text-align: center; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">32</div>
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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the indenture that will not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the notes;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">to add any additional events of default;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">to secure the notes;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">to establish the form or terms of a new series of subordinated debt securities of the Company under the indenture;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">to implement any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes; or</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">to make any change that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the indenture of any holder.</p>
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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">With the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes, we and the trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental to the indenture for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of the indenture or the notes or of modifying in any manner the rights of the holders of the notes under the indenture, except that no such supplemental indenture will, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding note affected thereby:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">make any change to the stated maturity of or the time for payment of interest on any note;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">reduce the principal of, or interest on, or any premium payable upon the redemption of any note;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">reduce the principal which would be due and payable upon an acceleration of the maturity of any note;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">make any note payable in money other than dollars;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">make any change to provisions of the indenture protecting the right of a holder to receive payment of principal of and interest on such note on or after the due date thereof or to bring suit to enforce payment;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">modify the provisions of the indenture with respect to the subordination of the notes in a manner adverse to any holders;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">reduce the percentage in principal amount of the outstanding notes, the consent of whose holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or certain defaults thereunder and their consequences); or</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">modify any of the provisions of the section of the indenture governing supplemental indentures with the consent of holders, or those provisions relating to waiver of defaults or certain covenants, except to increase any such percentage required for such actions or to provide that certain other provisions of the indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of each outstanding note affected thereby.</p>
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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes may on behalf of the holders of all notes waive any past default under the indenture and its consequences, except a default in any payment in respect of the principal of or interest on any note, or in respect of a covenant or provision of the indenture under which the indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding note.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Satisfaction and Discharge of the Indenture; Defeasance</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We may terminate our obligations under the indenture when:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">either: (1) all notes that have been authenticated and delivered have been delivered to the trustee for cancellation, or (2) all notes that have not been delivered to the trustee for cancellation (i) have become due and payable or (ii) will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year or (iii) if redeemable at the option of the Company, are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the trustee, and in the case of the foregoing clause 2(i), 2(ii) or 2(iii), we have deposited or caused to be deposited with the trustee immediately available funds in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the outstanding notes;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">we have paid or caused to be paid all other sums then due and payable by us under the indenture with respect to the notes; and</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">we have delivered to the trustee an officer&#8217;s certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent under the indenture relating to the satisfaction and discharge of the indenture have been satisfied.</p>
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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We may elect, at our option and at any time, to have our obligations discharged with respect to the outstanding notes, which we refer to as legal defeasance. Legal defeasance means that we will be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the outstanding notes, except for:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the rights of the holders of such notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of and interest on such notes when payments are due;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">our obligations and the obligations of the trustee with respect to such notes concerning registration of notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for payments on the notes to be held in trust;</p>
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<div class="hf-cell PGNUM" data-number="33" data-prefix="" data-suffix="" style="text-align: center; font-size: 10pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">33</div>
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<div class="hf-cell TOCLink" style="display: inline-block; text-align: left;"><a href="#toc" style="font-weight: initial; font-style: initial; font-variant: initial; font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif;">Table of Contents</a></div>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the rights, powers, trust, indemnities and immunities of the trustee under the indenture; and</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">the defeasance provisions and the application of trust money provisions of the indenture.</p>
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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">In addition, we may elect, at our option, to have our obligations released with respect to certain covenants contained in the indenture, which is also called covenant defeasance. In the event covenant defeasance occurs, certain events (not including non-payment, bankruptcy and insolvency events) will no longer constitute an event of default with respect to the notes.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">In order to exercise either legal defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to outstanding notes:</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">we must irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to the benefits of the holders of such notes, (1) an amount in dollars, (2) U.S. government obligations that through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment on the notes, money in an amount, or (3) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient to pay and discharge, and which will be applied by the trustee to pay and discharge, the entire indebtedness in respect of the principal of and interest on the notes on the stated maturity thereof or, with respect to notes called for redemption, on the redemption date thereof;</p>
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<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">in the case of legal defeasance, we will have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or since the date of the indenture there has been a change in the applicable United States federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion will confirm that, the holders of the notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such legal defeasance to be effected with respect to such notes and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such legal defeasance had not occurred;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&#8226;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">in the case of covenant defeasance, we will have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of the outstanding notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such covenant defeasance to be effected with respect to the notes and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such covenant defeasance had not occurred;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">no event of default, or event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become an event of default with respect to the outstanding notes will have occurred and be continuing at the time of such deposit referred to in the first bullet point above and will have occurred and be continuing at any time during the period ending on the 90th day after the date of such deposit;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, the indenture or any other material agreement or material instrument to which we are a party or by which we are bound;</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">we will have delivered to the trustee an officer&#8217;s certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance have been satisfied; and</p>
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			<p style="font-family: Times New Roman;font-size: 10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">in the case of legal defeasance, we will have delivered to the trustee an officers&#8217;&nbsp;certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the holders of the notes over any other creditors of the Company or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any other creditors of the Company.</p>
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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">In connection with a discharge or defeasance, in the event the trustee is unable to apply the moneys deposited as contemplated under the satisfaction and discharge provisions of the indenture for any reason, our obligations under the indenture and the notes will be revived as if the deposit had never occurred.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Regarding the Trustee</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Wilmington Trust, National Association is acting as the trustee under the indenture and the initial paying agent and registrar for the notes. From time to time, we and some of our subsidiaries may maintain deposit accounts and conduct other banking transactions, including lending transactions, with the trustee in the ordinary course of business.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Except during the continuance of an event of default under the indenture, the trustee will perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in the indenture. During the continuance of an event of default that has not been cured or waived, the trustee will exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by the indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The indenture and the Trust Indenture Act contain certain limitations on the rights of the trustee, should it become a creditor of our organization, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions; however, if it acquires any &#8220;conflicting interest&#8221; (as defined in the Trust Indenture Act) it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue or resign.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, subject to certain exceptions. The indenture provides that in case an event of default has occurred and is continuing, the trustee will exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by the indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances. The trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by the indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders under the indenture, unless such holders will have provided to the trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against the losses, liabilities and expenses which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>No Personal Liability of Shareholders, Employees, Officers or Directors, or Exchange Agent</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">No past, present or future director, officer, employee or shareholder of our company or any of our predecessors or successors, as such or in such capacity, nor the exchange agent will have any personal liability for any of our obligations under the notes or the indenture by reason of his, her or its status as such director, officer, employee or shareholder. Each holder of notes by accepting a note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws, and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Governing Law</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The notes and the indenture are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b><a id="material" name="material" title="material"></a>MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The following is a general summary of the material United States federal income tax considerations of the exchange of outstanding Old Notes for New Notes in the exchange offer. It is not a complete analysis of all the potential tax considerations relating to the exchange of outstanding Old Notes for New Notes. This discussion is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the &#8220;Code&#8221;), its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations under the Code, and administrative and judicial interpretations, all as currently in effect. These authorities are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. We cannot assure you that the Internal Revenue Service will not challenge one or more of the tax consequences described in this discussion, and we have not obtained, nor do we intend to obtain, a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or an opinion of counsel with respect to the United States federal income tax consequences described herein.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The tax treatment of a holder of notes may vary depending on the holder&#8217;s particular situation. This discussion is limited to the United States federal income tax consequences applicable to holders that purchased their Old Notes from us in the initial offering and at the initial offering price for cash and who held the Old Notes, and will hold the New Notes, as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code for United States federal income tax purposes. This discussion does not address all United States federal income tax considerations that may be applicable to holders&#8217; particular circumstances or to holders that may be subject to special tax rules under United States federal income tax laws, including, but not limited to, banks, insurance companies, or other financial institutions, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, tax-exempt organizations, dealers or traders in securities, commodities or currencies, United States expatriates, controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies, holders subject to the alternative minimum tax, traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings, United States holders whose functional currency is not the United States dollar, persons that will hold the New Notes as a position in a hedging transaction, straddle, conversion transaction or other integrated transactions or risk reduction transaction, persons deemed to sell the New Notes under the constructive sale provisions of the Code, persons that will hold the New Notes in an individual retirement account, 401(k) plan or similar tax-favored account, an accrual method taxpayer who is required to recognize income for United States federal income tax purposes no later than when such income is taken into account for financial accounting purposes, a person that purchases or sells notes as part of a wash sale for tax purposes, or entities or arrangements classified as partnerships for United States federal income tax purposes or other pass-through entities, or investors in such entities. If a partnership or other pass-through entity holds Old Notes or New Notes, the United States federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership or owner of an equity interest in the pass-through entity will generally depend on the status of the partner or owner and the activities of the partnership or other pass-through entity. This discussion does not address the tax considerations arising under the laws of any foreign, state or local jurisdiction, or any non-income tax consequences of the exchange of Old Notes for New Notes.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The exchange of Old Notes for New Notes in the exchange offer should not constitute a taxable exchange for United States federal income tax purposes. Consequently, (1) holders of Old Notes should not recognize gain or loss upon the receipt of New Notes in the exchange offer, (2) a holder&#8217;s basis in the New Notes received in the exchange offer should be the same as such holder&#8217;s basis in the Old Notes surrendered in exchange therefor immediately before the exchange, and (3) a holder&#8217;s holding period in the New Notes should include such holder&#8217;s holding period in the Old Notes surrendered in exchange therefor.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">This discussion of material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations is for general information only and may not be applicable depending upon a holder&#8217;s particular situation. Holders of Old Notes considering the exchange offer are urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences to them of exchanging Old Notes for New Notes, including the tax consequences under state, local, estate, foreign and other tax laws and the possible effects of changes in United States or other tax laws.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b><a id="plandistribute" name="plandistribute" title="plandistribute"></a>PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it may be a statutory underwriter and that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes where such Old Notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities provided that such broker-dealer notifies the Company to that effect by so indicating on the letter of transmittal. To the extent that any notifying broker-dealer participates in the exchange offer, we will use our commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of this prospectus.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of New Notes by broker-dealers or any other persons. New Notes received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the New Notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any New Notes. Any broker-dealer that receives New Notes in exchange for Old Notes acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, and resells such New Notes, and any broker-dealer that participates in a distribution of such New Notes may be deemed to be an &#8220;underwriter&#8221; within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any such resale of New Notes and any commission or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an &#8220;underwriter&#8221; within the meaning of the Securities Act.</p>

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<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;">We will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that reasonably requests such documents. We have agreed to pay certain expenses in connection with the exchange offer and will indemnify the holders of the Old Notes (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b><a id="legal" name="legal" title="legal"></a>LEGAL MATTERS</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The validity of the New Notes will be passed upon for us by Dickinson Wright PLLC.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b><a id="experts" name="experts" title="experts"></a>EXPERTS</b></p>

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<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"> The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2021 and&nbsp;2020, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and management&#8217;s assessment of the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021&nbsp;incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and in the Registration Statement have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of BDO USA, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated herein by reference, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. </p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>PART II</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Item 20.</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<b>Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>Indemnification</i></b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Sections 561-571 of the Michigan Business Corporation Act, as amended, grant Mercantile broad powers to indemnify any person in connection with legal proceedings brought against that person by reason of their present or past status as an officer or director of Mercantile, provided that the person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to Mercantile's best interests, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The Michigan Business Corporation Act also gives Mercantile broad powers to indemnify defined persons against expenses and reasonable settlement payments in connection with any action by or in the right of Mercantile, provided the person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to Mercantile's best interests, except that no indemnification may be made if that person is adjudged to be liable to Mercantile unless and only to the extent the court in which that action was brought determines upon application that, despite the adjudication, but in view of all the circumstances of the case, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for reasonable expenses as the court deems proper. In addition, to the extent that any specified person is successful in the defense of any defined legal proceeding, Mercantile is required by the Michigan Business Corporation Act to indemnify him or her against expenses, including attorneys' fees, that are actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the proceeding.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Mercantile's Articles of Incorporation provide that it shall indemnify its present and past directors, officers, and such other persons as the Board of Directors may authorize to the full extent permitted by law.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Mercantile's Bylaws contain indemnification provisions concerning third party actions as well as actions in the right of Mercantile. The Bylaws provide that Mercantile shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of Mercantile) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of Mercantile or while serving as such a director or officer, is or was serving at the request of Mercantile as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, whether for profit or not, against expenses (including attorney's fees), judgments, penalties, fees and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Mercantile or its shareholders and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regulations impose limitations on indemnification payments which could restrict, in certain circumstances, payments by Mercantile or its bank subsidiaries to their respective directors or officers otherwise permitted under the Michigan Business Corporation Act or the Michigan Banking Code.</p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">With respect to derivative actions, the Bylaws provide that Mercantile shall indemnify any person who was or is a party to or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of Mercantile to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of Mercantile, or while serving as such a director or officer, is or was serving at the request of Mercantile as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, whether for profit or not, against expenses (including attorney's fees) and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the action or suit if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Mercantile or its shareholders. No indemnification is provided in the Bylaws in respect of any claim, issue or matter in which such person has been found liable to Mercantile except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of Mercantile pursuant to the provisions discussed above or otherwise, Mercantile has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The Michigan Business Corporation Act permits Mercantile to purchase insurance on behalf of its directors and officers against liability arising out of their positions with Mercantile (or positions held with another entity at the request of Mercantile), whether or not the liabilities would be within the indemnification provisions described above. Under an insurance policy maintained by Mercantile, its directors and officers are insured within the limits and subject to the limitations of the policy, against specified expenses in connection with the defense of specified claims, actions, suits or proceedings, and specified liabilities which might be imposed as a result of claims, actions, suits or proceedings, which may be brought against them by reason of being or having been directors and officers of Mercantile.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b><i>Limitation of Director Liability</i></b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Section 209(1)(c) of the Michigan Business Corporation Act permits corporations to limit the personal liability of their directors in certain circumstances. However, under the Michigan Business Corporation Act, a corporation may not eliminate or limit a director's liability to the corporation or its shareholders for money damages for any action taken or any failure to take any action as a director for any of the following: (1) the amount of a financial benefit received by a director to which he or she is not entitled; (2) intentional infliction of harm on the corporation or its shareholders; (3) a violation of Section 551 of the Michigan Business Corporation Act; and (4) an intentional criminal act.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<div class="hf-cell PGNUM">II-1</div>
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<div class="hf-cell TOCLink" style="display: inline-block; text-align: left;"><a href="#toc" style="font-weight: initial; font-style: initial; font-variant: initial; font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif;">Table of Contents</a></div>
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<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Mercantile's Articles of Incorporation provide that its directors shall not be personally liable to it or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty, except for liability (1) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to Mercantile or its shareholders; (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (3) for a violation of Section 551(1) of the Michigan Business Corporation Act; or (4) for any transaction from which the director derived any improper personal benefit. Under the Michigan Business Corporation Act, if prior to October 24, 1997 the articles of incorporation of a corporation contained a provision which, subject to exceptions, eliminated liability of a director as Mercantile's does, that provision is considered to eliminate liability of a director to the extent permitted in Section 209(1)(c) of the Michigan Business Corporation Act.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Pursuant to Mercantile's Articles of Incorporation, if the Michigan Business Corporation Act is amended after the date of the Articles of Incorporation to authorize corporate action eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of Mercantile shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Michigan Business Corporation Act, as so amended.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Item 21.</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<b>Exhibits and Financial Statements</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The exhibits listed below in the &#8220;Exhibit Index&#8221; are part of this Registration Statement and are numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<table cellpadding="0pt" cellspacing="0pt" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; width: 100%; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;">

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			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;"><b>Exhibit</b></p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;"><b>No.</b></p>
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			<td style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: bottom; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;"><b>Description</b></p>
			</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">3.1*</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042729/000143774922003577/ex_334288.htm" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">Articles of Incorporation of Mercantile Bank Corporation, including all amendments thereto, as certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Michigan on December 13, 2021.</a></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">3.2</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042729/000143774915003509/ex3-1.htm" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Mercantile Bank Corporation (incorporated by reference to the Company&#8217;s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 26, 2015).</a></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">4.1</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042729/000143774921028845/ex_316975.htm" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">Subordinated Indenture, dated December 15, 2021, by and between Mercantile Bank Corporation and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to the Company&#8217;s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 17, 2021).</a></p>
			</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">4.2</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042729/000143774921028845/ex_316976.htm" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">First Supplemental Indenture to Subordinated Indenture, dated December 15, 2021, by and between Mercantile Bank Corporation and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to the Company&#8217;s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 17, 2021).</a></p>
			</td>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">4.3</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042729/000143774921028845/ex_316977.htm" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">Form of 3.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Note due 2032 (incorporated by reference to the Company&#8217;s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 17, 2021).</a></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">4.4</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042729/000143774921028845/ex_316978.htm" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">Form of Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement dated December 15, 2021, by and among Mercantile Bank Corporation and the Purchasers (incorporated by reference to the Company&#8217;s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 17, 2021).</a></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">4.5</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042729/000143774921028845/ex_316979.htm" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">Form of Registration Rights Agreement dated December 15, 2021, by and among Mercantile Bank Corporation and the Purchasers (incorporated by reference to the Company&#8217;s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 17, 2021).</a></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">5.1*</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042729/000143774922003577/ex_334289.htm" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">Opinion of Dickinson Wright PLLC.</a></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;"> 23.1** </p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt;"><a href="ex_346006.htm" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;"> Consent of BDO USA, LLP. </a></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">23.2*</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042729/000143774922003577/ex_334289.htm" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">Consent of Dickinson Wright PLLC (included in Exhibit 5.1).</a></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">24.1*</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042729/000143774922003577/mbwm20220208_s4.htm#poa" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">Power of Attorney (included on original signature page to this registration statement).</a></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">25.1*</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042729/000143774922003577/ex_336735.htm" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of Wilmington Trust, National Association, with respect to the Indenture, dated as of December 15, 2021, between Mercantile Bank Corporation and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, regarding 3.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2032.</a></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">99.1*</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042729/000143774922003577/ex_334590.htm" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">Form of Global Note Letter of Transmittal relating to the 3.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2032.</a></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 6%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt; text-align: center;">107*</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 4%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 90%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1042729/000143774922003577/ex_334291.htm" style="-sec-extract:exhibit;">Filing Fee Table</a></td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<hr style="text-align: left; height: 1px; color: #000000; background-color: #000000; width: 10%; border: none; margin: 3pt auto 3pt 0">
<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"> *&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Previously Filed. </p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"> **&nbsp; &nbsp;Filed herewith. </p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;">All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission have been omitted because they are not required, amounts which would otherwise be required to be shown with respect to any item are not material, are inapplicable or the required information has already been provided elsewhere or incorporated by reference in the registration statement.</p>

<p style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<div class="hf-row">
<div class="hf-cell PGNUM">II-2</div>
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<div class="hf-cell TOCLink" style="display: inline-block; text-align: left;"><a href="#toc" style="font-weight: initial; font-style: initial; font-variant: initial; font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif;">Table of Contents</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"><b>Item 22.</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<b>Undertakings</b></p>

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<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant&#8217;s annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan&#8217;s annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<div class="PGFTR" style="text-align: center; width: 100%">
<div class="hf-row">
<div class="hf-cell PGNUM">II-3</div>
</div>
</div>

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<div class="hf-cell TOCLink" style="display: inline-block; text-align: left;"><a href="#toc" style="font-weight: initial; font-style: initial; font-variant: initial; font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif;">Table of Contents</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b>SIGNATURES</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;"> Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Grand Rapids, State of Michigan, on March 10, 2022. </p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td colspan="2" style="vertical-align: top; width: 3%;">
			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"> <b>MERCANTILE BANK CORPORATION</b> </p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 12%;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td colspan="2" style="vertical-align: top; width: 3%;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 12%;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 3%;">
			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"> By: </p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top; width: 35%;">
			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"> /s/ Charles E. Christmas </p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 12%;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 50%;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 3%;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%;">
			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"> Charles E. Christmas </p>

			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"> Executive Vice President </p>

			<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;"> Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer </p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 12%;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;text-align:center;margin:0pt;"><b><a id="poa" name="poa" title="poa"></a>POWER OF ATTORNEY</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Robert B. Kaminski, Jr. and Charles E. Christmas as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments and registration statements filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act) to this registration statement and to file the same, with all relevant exhibits and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;text-indent:18pt;">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;"><b><u>Signature</u></b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;"><b><u>Title</u></b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;"><b><u>Date</u></b></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;"> * </p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Director</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> March 10, 2022 </td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">David M. Cassard</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="margin: 0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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<div class="PGFTR" style="text-align: center; width: 100%">
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<div class="hf-cell PGNUM">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
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<hr style="PAGE-BREAK-AFTER: always; border: none; width: 100%; height: 2px; color: #000000; background-color: #000000">
<div class="PGHDR" style="text-align: left; width: 100%">
<div class="hf-row">
<div class="hf-cell TOCLink" style="display: inline-block; text-align: left;"><a href="#toc" style="font-weight: initial; font-style: initial; font-variant: initial; font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif;">Table of Contents</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0pt; text-align: left">&nbsp;</p>

<table cellpadding="0pt" cellspacing="0pt" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; width: 100%; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;">

		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: bottom; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">/s/ Charles E. Christmas</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Executive Vice President, Chief</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Financial Officer and Treasurer</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> March 10, 2022 </td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Charles E. Christmas</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> * </td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Director</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> March 10, 2022 </td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Michael S. Davenport</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> * </td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Director</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> March 10, 2022 </td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Michelle L. Eldridge</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> * </td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Director</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> March 10, 2022 </td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Jeff A. Gardner</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> * </td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">President, Chief Executive Officer and Director</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> March 10, 2022 </td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Robert B. Kaminski, Jr.</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> * </td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Chairman</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> March 10, 2022 </td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Michael H. Price</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> * </td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Director</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> March 10, 2022 </td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">David B. Ramaker</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> * </td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Executive Vice President, Chief</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> March 10, 2022 </td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Raymond E. Reitsma</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">Operating Officer</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> * </td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Senior Vice President and Human Resource Director</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> March 10, 2022 </td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Lonna L. Wiersma</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> * </td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Senior Vice President, Chief Risk Officer, Secretary&nbsp;and General Counsel</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> March 10, 2022 </td>
		</tr>
		<tr style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 35%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: center; margin: 0pt;">Robert T. Worthington</p>
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 5%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="vertical-align: top; width: 30%; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

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			<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: left; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt;"> *By: </p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: auto;">
			<p style="margin: 0pt; text-align: left; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt;"> <u>/s/ Charles E. Christmas&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</u> </p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 45pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt;"> Name </td>
			<td style="width: auto; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt;"> Charles E. Christmas </td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 45pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt;"> Title: </td>
			<td style="width: auto; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt;"> Attorney-in-Fact </td>
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<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.1
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>ex_346006.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 23.1
<TEXT>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: right; margin-top: 0px"><font style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt"><b>Exhibit 23.1</b></font></p>

<p style="margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: left; margin-top: 0px"><font style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;</font></p>

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			<div><img alt="a01.jpg" src="a01.jpg"></div>
			</td>
			<td style="width: 18%;">
			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Tel: 616-774-7000</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Fax: 616-776-3680</p>

			<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>www.bdo.com</b></p>
			</td>
			<td style="width: 32%; vertical-align: top;">
			<p style="margin: 0pt;">200 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 300</p>

			<p style="margin: 0pt;">Grand Rapids, MI 49503</p>
			</td>
		</tr>

</table>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt 0pt 0pt 213pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt 0pt 0pt 213pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;"><b>Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm</b></p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Mercantile Bank Corporation Grand Rapids, Michigan</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt;">We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus constituting a part of this Registration Statement of our reports dated March 4, 2022, relating to the consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of Mercantile Bank Corporation&#8217;s internal control over financial reporting, of Mercantile Bank Corporation appearing in the Company&#8217;s Annual Report on Form 10- K for the year ended December 31, 2021.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; text-align: justify; margin: 0pt;">We also consent to the reference to us under the caption &#8220;Experts&#8221; in the Prospectus.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<div><img alt="a02.jpg" src="a02.jpg"></div>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; margin: 0pt;">Grand Rapids, Michigan March 10, 2022</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt 0pt 0pt 6pt;">BDO USA, LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership, is the U.S. member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms.</p>

<p style="font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;font-variant:normal;margin:0pt 0pt 0pt 6pt;">BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO Member Firms.</p>

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end
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
