TROY — First Place Financial Corp. announced today that it has reached an agreement to sell all of the common stock of its subsidiary, First Place Bank, to Talmer Bancorp Inc., a well-capitalized bank holding company based in Troy that operates 45 bank branches throughout the Midwest. Under the terms of an Asset Purchase Agreement, Talmer has agreed to purchase the stock of First Place Bank for $45 million. In addition, Talmer is expected to provide more than $200 million in capital to First Place Bank to satisfy regulatory capital requirements, strengthen the Bank’s capital structure, and support lending activity.
“First Place Bank has faced significant issues for a number of years, and today’s agreement with Talmer will enable us to meet the capital requirements set out by our regulator in July 2011,” said Samuel A. Roth, chairman of First Place Financial Corp. “Partnering with Talmer is a long-term solution for the Bank, its employees and the customers we proudly serve throughout the Midwest. Talmer has strong ties to the region and recognizes the value and importance of local banks to the communities they serve.”
Roth added, “Although First Place Bank has always had competitive products, a strong and loyal customer base and outstanding employees, the issues we faced called for a comprehensive solution and a strategic partner with the resources and commitment to secure our future. That is what we have done today and I am confident that, with Talmer, First Place Bank will now be in a much stronger position to compete and grow.”
David T. Provost, president and CEO of Talmer Bancorp Inc., and Talmer Bank and Trust, said, “We are excited about this potential acquisition given the strategic fit of our two banking organizations. Talmer Bancorp is one of the best capitalized banking institutions in the region, and if this transaction is approved, we intend to improve First Place Bank’s capital position and make necessary investments in its infrastructure to improve its ability to serve its communities.”
The sale will be implemented under section 363 of Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Accordingly, today the holding company for the bank, First Place Financial Corp., filed a voluntary Chapter 11 petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. As part of the court process, other qualified bidders will be given the opportunity to submit competing bids for the Bank stock being sold, and any qualified bidder would also be required to recapitalize the Bank to an appropriate level and demonstrate the ability to promptly receive the required regulatory approvals.
First Place Bank is not included in Chapter 11 filing and its operations will not be affected by the filing.
All deposits held by First Place Bank continue to be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to the maximum extent permitted by law. First Place Bank’s 41 branches in Ohio and Michigan, as well as loan offices, ATMs and service centers will continue to serve customers.
First Place Bank will continue to operate without interruption.
“It is important for our customers, employees and all other constituents to know that First Place Bank, which operates separately from the holding company, is not part of the Chapter 11 process,” Roth said. “We will continue to process loan applications, fund commitments and conduct all other banking operations as we do every day. In addition, customers will have full access to their accounts, as all customer deposits remain FDIC insured. We deeply appreciate the support of our customers and employees during this process and remain committed to providing outstanding service to the communities we serve.”
Roth said, “Community banks play a vital role in our economy. We lend to small businesses that create most of the new jobs in the U.S. I am very pleased that this transaction, when complete, will ensure that First Place Bank can continue to play an important role in the Midwest’s economic recovery.”
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods served as financial adviser to First Place Bank and Patton Boggs LLP Washington D.C. served as legal counsel.
