<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001193125-17-026718.txt : 20170201
<SEC-HEADER>0001193125-17-026718.hdr.sgml : 20170201
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20170201082902
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001193125-17-026718
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		3
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20170201
ITEM INFORMATION:		Other Events
ITEM INFORMATION:		Financial Statements and Exhibits
FILED AS OF DATE:		20170201
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20170201

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			CIVISTA BANCSHARES, INC.
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000944745
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS [6022]
		IRS NUMBER:				341558688
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			OH
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		8-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-36192
		FILM NUMBER:		17563183

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		100 EAST WATER ST
		STREET 2:		P O BOX 5016
		CITY:			SANDUSKY
		STATE:			OH
		ZIP:			44870
		BUSINESS PHONE:		4196254121

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		100 EAST WATER ST
		STREET 2:		P O BOX 5016
		CITY:			SANDUSKY
		STATE:			OH
		ZIP:			44870

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	FIRST CITIZENS BANC CORP /OH
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19950502
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>d339277d8k.htm
<DESCRIPTION>FORM 8-K
<TEXT>
<HTML><HEAD>
<TITLE>Form 8-K</TITLE>
</HEAD>
 <BODY BGCOLOR="WHITE">

 <P STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:3.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>UNITED STATES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Washington D.C. 20549 </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>FORM <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">8-K</FONT> </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>CURRENT
REPORT </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>February&nbsp;1, 2017 </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:24pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Civista
Bancshares, Inc. </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) </B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="34%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="32%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="32%"></TD></TR>


<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>Ohio</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">001-36192</FONT></B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">34-1558688</FONT></B></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(State or other jurisdiction of</B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>incorporation or organization)</B></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Commission</B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>File Number)</B></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(IRS Employer</B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Identification No.)</B></P></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>100 East Water Street, P.O. Box 5016, Sandusky, Ohio 44870 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Address of principle executive offices) </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Registrant&#146;s telephone number, including area code: (419) <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">625-4121</FONT> </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>N/A </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Former name or
former address, if changed since last report) </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Check the appropriate box below
if the Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">8-K</FONT> filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#9744;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#9744;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">14a-12</FONT> under the Exchange Act (17 CFR <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">240.14a-12)</FONT> </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#9744;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Pre-commencement</FONT> communications pursuant to Rule <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">14d-2(b)</FONT> under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">240.14d-2(b))</FONT> </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#9744;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Pre-commencement</FONT> communications pursuant to Rule <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">13e-4(c)</FONT> under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">240.13e-4(c))</FONT> </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:3.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>

<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">


<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><B>Item&nbsp;8.01</B></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><B>Other Events </B></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Civista Bancshares, Inc. is sending a letter to its shareholders regarding the payment of
a first quarter dividend of $0.06 per share. The letter discusses a number of issues that have had an impact on, and are expected to continue to impact, the Company. A copy of the letter as mailed is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Civista Bancshares, Inc. is a $1.4&nbsp;billion financial holding company headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio and may be accessed at <U>www.civb.com</U>. The
Company&#146;s common shares are traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol &#147;CIVB&#148;. The Company&#146;s depositary shares, each representing a 1/40<SUP STYLE="font-size:85%; vertical-align:top">th</SUP> ownership interest in a
Series B Preferred Share, are traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol &#147;CIVBP&#148;. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><B>Item&nbsp;9.01</B></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><B>Financial Statements and Exhibits </B></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="4%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="95%"></TD></TR>


<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>(a)</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Exhibit 99.1 Letter to Shareholders dated February&nbsp;1, 2017</TD></TR>
</TABLE>

<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">SIGNATURE </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="47%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="47%"></TD></TR>


<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Civista Bancshares, Inc.</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">(Registrant)</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">Date: February&nbsp;1, 2017</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">/s/ Todd A. Michel</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Todd A. Michel,</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Senior Vice President and Controller</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
</BODY></HTML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.1
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>d339277dex991.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EX-99.1
<TEXT>
<HTML><HEAD>
<TITLE>EX-99.1</TITLE>
</HEAD>
 <BODY BGCOLOR="WHITE">

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="right"><B>Exhibit 99.1 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:56%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">February&nbsp;1, 2017 </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Dear
Shareholder: </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Enclosed (unless you have direct deposit) is your February&nbsp;1, 2017, dividend for Civista Bancshares, Inc. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Based upon our preliminary determination, we are very pleased to report the earnings for 2016 were $15,727,000 or $1.57 diluted per share earnings available
to common shareholders. This compares to 2015 earnings of $11,168,000, or $1.17 diluted per share earnings available to common shareholders, a 34% increase. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Total loans at year end were $1,055,506,000 compared to $1,001,527,000 for <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">year-end</FONT> 2015. This was an increase of
$53,979,000 or 5.4%. In addition to that net growth in booked loans, we generated and sold $67,725,000 in real estate mortgages. Our deposits increased to $1,121,103,000 at <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">year-end,</FONT> up 6.6% from
$1,052,033,000 from <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">year-end</FONT> 2015. Our noninterest deposits now comprise 30.8% of our total deposits, up from 28.6% a year ago. Our focus on noninterest-bearing deposits has contributed nicely to our interest
margin. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Looking at our earnings components, net interest income (again, the money we earn by collecting deposits and putting them to work in loans and
investments) was $50,259,000. This was up $2,867,000 or 6.0% from <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">year-end</FONT> 2015. We are very pleased with that increase given the interest rate environment in 2016. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our provision for loan losses was a positive number for 2016. We received a recovery of $1,300,000 from a loan charged down during the recession that was
refinanced elsewhere, allowing us a total recovery. In 2015 we had a provision of $1,200,000. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Our noninterest income for the year was $16,131,000. This
was up $1,853,000 or 13.0% from 2015. Contributors to this increase were service charges, gain on the sale of mortgages (from the $67,725,000 in real estate mortgages described above), ATM fees, and a $750,000 increase in revenue from our tax refund
processing business. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The fourth component of net income is noninterest expenses which were $43,837,000, up $893,000 or just 2.1%, from 2015. In 2016 we
had a full year of expenses from the Dayton acquisition and a full year expense from our Mayfield Heights operation. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">You will be receiving your annual
report and proxy by <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">mid-March.</FONT> It will contain much more detail on the 2016 performance. As always, I would also encourage you to read the material and vote your shares. Your votes and comments are important.
We do look at them. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The annual shareholders meeting will be April&nbsp;18, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. at the Firelands Campus of BGSU in Huron, Ohio. We hope to
see you there. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">If you have any questions, a call is always welcomed. </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><DIV ALIGN="right">
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="40%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="100%"></TD></TR>


<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Very truly yours,</P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">


<IMG SRC="g339277g89l67.jpg" ALT="LOGO">
</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">James O. Miller</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">President and CEO</P></TD></TR>
</TABLE></DIV> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B><I><U>Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information</U> </I></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><I>Comments made in this letter include &#147;forward-looking statements&#148; within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results or future events could differ,
possibly materially, from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this letter, and Civista Bancshares, Inc. assumes no duty to update any forward-looking statements to
reflect events or circumstances after the date of this letter, except to the extent required by law. </I></P>
</BODY></HTML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>GRAPHIC
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>g339277g89l67.jpg
<DESCRIPTION>GRAPHIC
<TEXT>
begin 644 g339277g89l67.jpg
M_]C_X  02D9)1@ ! 0$ W #;  #_X@Q824-#7U!23T9)3$4  0$   Q(3&EN
M;P(0  !M;G1R4D="(%A96B 'S@ "  D !@ Q  !A8W-P35-&5     !)14,@
M<U)'0@                  ]M8  0    #3+4A0("
M                                             !%C<')T   !4
M #-D97-C   !A    &QW='!T   !\    !1B:W!T   "!    !1R6%E:   "
M&    !1G6%E:   "+    !1B6%E:   "0    !1D;6YD   "5    '!D;61D
M   "Q    (AV=65D   #3    (9V:65W   #U    "1L=6UI   #^    !1M
M96%S   $#    "1T96-H   $,     QR5%)#   $/   " QG5%)#   $/
M" QB5%)#   $/   " QT97AT     $-O<'ER:6=H=" H8RD@,3DY."!(97=L
M971T+5!A8VMA<F0@0V]M<&%N>0  9&5S8P         2<U)'0B!)14,V,3DV
M-BTR+C$              !)S4D="($E%0S8Q.38V+3(N,0
M                                                    6%E:(
M     /-1  $    !%LQ865H@                     %A96B        !O
MH@  ./4   .06%E:(        &*9  "WA0  &-I865H@        )*    ^$
M  "VSV1E<V,         %DE%0R!H='1P.B\O=W=W+FEE8RYC:
M    %DE%0R!H='1P.B\O=W=W+FEE8RYC:
M                                  !D97-C         "Y)14,@-C$Y
M-C8M,BXQ($1E9F%U;'0@4D="(&-O;&]U<B!S<&%C92 M('-21T(
M     "Y)14,@-C$Y-C8M,BXQ($1E9F%U;'0@4D="(&-O;&]U<B!S<&%C92 M
M('-21T(                             9&5S8P         L4F5F97)E
M;F-E(%9I97=I;F<@0V]N9&ET:6]N(&EN($E%0S8Q.38V+3(N,0
M    +%)E9F5R96YC92!6:65W:6YG($-O;F1I=&EO;B!I;B!)14,V,3DV-BTR
M+C$                                  '9I97<      !.D_@ 47RX
M$,\4  /MS  $$PL  UR>     5A96B       $P)5@!0    5Q_G;65A<P
M       !                         H\    "<VEG(     !#4E0@8W5R
M=@        0     !0 *  \ %  9 !X (P H "T ,@ W #L 0 !% $H 3P!4
M %D 7@!C &@ ;0!R '< ? "! (8 BP"0 )4 F@"? *0 J0"N +( MP"\ ,$
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M])5?E<F6-):?EPJ7=9?@F$R8N)DDF9"9_)IHFM6;0INOG!R<B9SWG62=TIY
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M 2(  A$! Q$!_\0 'P   04! 0$! 0$           $" P0%!@<("0H+_\0
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M Q$ /P#W^BBB@ HHHH **** "N=U+7+RZOI-,\.0)/<1\3W4A_<VWL<<L_\
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M;:X\/W#?OM+D*1YZO Q)C;\OE_X#5O6_$*V=RFGZ?";[4Y?NP(>$']YS_"*
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MJG1#@"/Q!:Y)'W8+E1Z=D;_QVI;7QQH[3"WU"272;GG]U?QF$\=2&/RD?0T
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/ **** "BBB@ HHHH __9

end
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
