As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 2, 2019

FileNo. 333-_________333-230635

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

___________________

 

FORM S-4Amendment No. 1

to

FORMS-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Michigan6022Michigan38-2022454
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or Organization)
6022
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
38-2022454
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)

333 W. Fort Street, Suite 1800

Detroit, Michigan 48226

235 E. Main Street(800)867-9757
Midland, Michigan 48640
(989) 839-5350

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

David T. Provost

David B. Ramaker
Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer and President
235 East Main Street
Midland, Michigan 48640
(989) 839-5350

Chief Executive Officer and President

Chemical Financial Corporation

333 W. Fort Street, Suite 1800

Detroit, Michigan 48226

(800)867-9757

(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)

 

Copies to:

Jeffrey A. OttJ. Brennan Ryan
Charlie GoodeJohn M. JenningsCraig R. DahlLee A. Meyerson
Warner Norcross & Judd LLPAllie L. NagyChief Executive Officer and
President
Sebastian Tiller

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

111 Lyon Street, N.W., Suite 900

Atlantic Station

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-2487

201 17th Street NW, Suite 1700

(616) 752-2000

Atlanta, Georgia 30363

(404)322-6000

 

TCF Financial Corporation

200 Lake Street East

Code(404) 322-6000EXO-01-G

Wayzata, Minnesota 55391

(952)745-2760

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10017

(212)455-2000

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.effective and upon completion of the merger described in the enclosed joint proxy statement/prospectus.

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:  ¨

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.  ¨

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.  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filerþ              Accelerated filer¨                  Non-accelerated filer¨               Smaller reporting company¨

                                                                            (do not check if smaller reporting company)


Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer☐  Smaller reporting company
Emerging Growth Company

If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

Exchange Act Rule13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)¨  ☐

Exchange Act Rule14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer)¨  ☐

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

Title of Each Class
of Securities to be
Registered

Amount to be
Registered (1)
Proposed Maximum
Offering Price
Per Share (2)
Proposed Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price (2)

Amount of
Registration Fee
Common Stock35,094,409N/A$1,211,525,896$122,000.66

(1)Represents the maximum number of shares of Chemical Financial Corporation common stock that may be issued upon the completion of the merger described in this registration statement. The amount is based on the exchange of each share of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. Class A common stock for 0.4725 shares of Chemical Financial Corporation common stock and the exchange of each outstanding stock option of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. for the option to purchase 0.525 shares of Chemical Financial Corporation common stock.
(2)Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rules 457(c) and 457(f) under the Securities Act. The proposed maximum aggregate offering price was calculated by multiplying (i) 73,531,168, the estimated maximum number of shares of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. Class A common stock to be received by the Registrant or cancelled upon completion of the merger, including 66,846,744 shares of Class A common stock and 6,684,424 shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding stock options by (ii) $17.94, the average of the high and low prices per share of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market on March 29, 2016, less (iii) $107.6 million, the estimated aggregate amount of cash expected to be paid by the Registrant in exchange for shares of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. common stock.

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.

 

 

The information in this joint proxy statement and prospectus is subject to completion and amendment. A registration statement relating to the securities described in this joint proxy statement and prospectus has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy these securities be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This joint proxy statement and prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction, in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.


Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A registration statement relating to the shares of Chemical common stock and Chemical preferred stock and related depositary shares to be issued in the merger has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This joint proxy statement/prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is not permitted or would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

PRELIMINARY JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

DATED MAY 2, 2019, SUBJECT TO COMPLETION — DATED MARCH 31, 2016

JOINT PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS

 

          

LOGOLOGO

MERGER PROPOSED — PROPOSED—YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

[·], 2019

The board of directorsTo the Shareholders of Chemical Financial Corporation is furnishing this joint proxy statement and prospectus and the accompanying form of proxyTCF Financial Corporation:

On January 27, 2019, Chemical Financial Corporation, which we refer to Chemical shareholders to solicit proxies to vote at a special meeting of Chemical’s shareholders to be held on [●], at [●] local time, at the Midland Center for the Arts, 1801 W. St. Andrews Drive, Midland, Michigan and at any adjournments of the special meeting. The board of directors of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. is furnishing this joint proxy statement and prospectus and the accompanying form of proxy to Talmer shareholders to solicit proxies to vote at a special meeting of Talmer’s shareholders to be held on [●], at [●] local time, at Somerset Inn, 2601 West Big Beaver Road, Troy, Michigan 48084and at any adjournments of the special meeting.

as Chemical, and TalmerTCF Financial Corporation, which we refer to as TCF, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, datedwhich we refer to as of January 25, 2016. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Talmerpursuant to which Chemical and TCF have agreed to combine their respective businesses in a merger of equals. Under the merger agreement, TCF will be mergedmerge with and into Chemical, with Chemical as the surviving corporation. The boards of directors of each of Chemical and Talmer have unanimously adoptedcorporation, in a transaction that we refer to as the merger. Immediately following the merger agreementor at such later time as the parties may mutually agree, Chemical’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Chemical Bank, a Michigan banking corporation, will merge with and authorized and approvedinto TCF’s wholly-owned subsidiary, TCF National Bank, a national banking association, with TCF National Bank as the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby.surviving bank. At the special meetings, each of Chemical shareholders and Talmer shareholders will be asked to approve, among other things, a proposal to approve the merger agreement.Each of the boards of directors of Chemical and Talmer unanimously recommend that their respective shareholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement and “FOR” all of the remaining proposals to be voted on at their respective special meeting as set forth in this joint proxy statement and prospectus.

Completion of the merger is subject to regulatory approval, approval of the merger agreement by Chemical and Talmer shareholders and other customary closing conditions. Upon completion of the merger, Talmer shareholders will receive 0.4725 shares of Chemical common stock and $1.61 in cash, without interest, for each share of Talmer Class A common stock that they own. The exchange ratio is fixed and will not be adjusted to reflect stock price changes prior to the effective time of the merger.merger, Chemical shareholders will continuechange its name to own their existing“TCF Financial Corporation.”

If the merger is completed, each outstanding share of TCF common stock, par value $0.01 per share, which we refer to as TCF common stock, except for treasury stock or shares owned by TCF or Chemical, shares.in each case, other than in a fiduciary or agency capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted, will be converted into the right to receive 0.5081 shares, such shares referred to as the merger consideration, of Chemical common stock, par value $1.00 per share, which we refer to as Chemical common stock. The value of the merger consideration will depend on the market price of Chemical common stock on the effective date of the merger.

In addition, each outstanding share of TCF 5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, which we refer to as TCF Series C preferred stock, and each related depositary share, will be converted into the right to receive, without interest, one share of a newly created series of Chemical preferred stock designated as Chemical 5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, which we refer to as Chemical Series C preferred stock, and one depositary share, respectively, with equivalent rights and preferences.

Chemical common stock and Talmer Class Ais listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, or NASDAQ, under the symbol “CHFC.” TCF common stock are currently tradedis listed on The NASDAQthe New York Stock MarketExchange, or NYSE, under the symbols “CHFC” and “TLMR,symbol “TCF.respectively. On January 25, 2016,Following the datemerger, the common stock of the Merger Agreement,combined company will be listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “TCF.” The depositary shares issued in exchange for the depositary shares related to the TCF Series C preferred stock are also expected to be listed on NASDAQ.

Based on the closing price per share of Chemical common stock was $29.70 andon NASDAQ, on January 25, 2019, the last trading day before public announcement of the merger, of $42.47, the value of the per share merger consideration


payable to holders of TCF common stock would be $21.58. Based on the closing price per share of Talmer Class A common stock was $16.00. On March 30, 2016, the closing price per share of Chemical common stock was $36.22 andon NASDAQ on May 1, 2019, the closing pricelast practicable trading date before the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, of $43.26, the value of the per share merger consideration payable to holders of Talmer Class ATCF common stock was $18.30. would be $21.98.We urge you to obtain current market quotations for both Chemical common stock and TCF common stock.

Based on the number of shares of TCF common stock outstanding as of May 1, 2019, the total number of shares of Chemical common stock expected to be issued in connection with the merger is approximately 83.4 million. In addition, based on the number of outstanding shares of Chemical common stock and Talmer Class ATCF common stock.

Your votestock as of May 1, 2019, and based on the exchange ratio of 0.5081, it is important. Please submit your proxy as soon as possible regardlessexpected that Chemical shareholders will hold approximately 46.2% and TCF shareholders will hold approximately 53.8% of whether or not you expect to attend the meeting in person.

Please read this joint proxy statementissued and prospectus carefully because it contains important information about the merger and the merger agreement. Read carefully the risk factors beginning on page 23. You can also obtain additional information about Chemical and Talmer from documents that each has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

Theoutstanding shares of Chemical common stock to be issued inimmediately following the merger are not deposits or savings accounts or other obligations of any bank or savings association, and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. Chemical common stock is subject to investment risks, including possible loss of value.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapprovedclosing of the securities to be issued under this joint proxy statement and prospectus or determined if this joint proxy statement and prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation tomerger. Based on the contrary is a criminal offense.

This joint proxy statement and prospectus is dated [●]

and is first being mailed to Chemical shareholders on or about [●]

and to Talmer shareholders on or about [●].

 

 Chemical Financial Corporation
235 E. Main Street
Midland, Michigan 48640
(989) 839-5350

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held On[●]

To the Shareholdersnumber of Chemical Financial Corporation:

We are pleased to invite you to attend the special meetingshares of shareholders of Chemical Financial Corporation, a Michigan corporation (“Chemical”), which will be held at the Midland Center for the Arts, 1801 W. St. Andrews Drive, Midland, Michigan, on [●] at [●], local time, for the following purposes:

1.To approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 25, 2016, by and between Talmer Bancorp, Inc. (“Talmer”) and Chemical Financial Corporation (the “merger agreement”), under which Talmer will merge with and into Chemical (the “merger”), a copy of which is included as Annex A to the joint proxy statement and prospectus of which this notice is a part;
2.To vote on a proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Chemical commonTCF Series C preferred stock $1 par value per share, to shareholders of Talmer in connection with the merger;
3.To vote on a proposal to approve an amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 60 million to 100 million, a copy of which amendment is included as Annex B to the joint proxy statement and prospectus of which this notice is a part;
4.To cast a non-binding, advisory vote to approve the compensation that may be paid or become payable to Chemical’s named executive officers that is based on or otherwise related to the merger (the “Chemical merger-related compensation proposal”); and
5.To vote on a proposal to approve the adjournment of the Chemical special meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve proposals 1 through 3 listed above (the “Chemical adjournment proposal”).

We will also transact such other business as may properly come before the special meeting or any adjournment of the special meeting.

The Chemical board of directors has fixed the close of business on[●] as the record date for the Chemical special meeting. Only Chemical shareholders of record at that time are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Chemical special meeting or any adjournment of the special meeting.

The Chemical board of directors has unanimously adopted the merger agreement and authorized and approved the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, and unanimously recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR”number of depositary shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of TCF Series C preferred stock, outstanding as of May 1, 2019, the proposal to approve the merger agreement, “FOR” the proposal to approve the issuancetotal number of shares of Chemical commonSeries C preferred stock expected to Talmer shareholdersbe issued in connection with the merger “FOR”is 7,000 and the proposaltotal number of depositary shares expected to approve the amendment to Chemical’s Articlesbe issued in respect of Incorporation, “FOR” the Chemical merger-related compensation proposal, and “FOR” the Series C preferred stock is 7,000,000.

Chemical adjournment proposal.

Your vote is very important. Whether or not you expectwill hold a special meeting of its shareholders, which we refer to attendas the Chemical special meeting, in person, please vote your shares as promptly as possible by (i) visiting the internet site listed on the proxy,

(ii) calling the toll-free number listed on the proxy or (iii) submitting your proxy by mail by using the provided self-addressed, stamped envelope.

The enclosed joint proxy statement and prospectus provides a detailed description of the merger and the merger agreement and the other matters to be consideredJune 7, 2019, at the Chemical special meeting. We urge you to carefully read the joint proxy statement and prospectus, including any documents incorporated by reference, and the Annexes in their entirety. If you have any questions concerning the merger or the joint proxy statement and prospectus, would like additional copies or need help voting your shares of Chemical common stock, please contact Lori A. Gwizdala at (800) 867-9757.

By Order of the Chemical Board of Directors

/s/ David B. Ramaker

David B. Ramaker

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President

[●], 2016

Midland, Michigan

 

Talmer Bancorp, Inc.

2301 West Big Beaver Road, Suite 525

Troy, Michigan 48084

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON[●], 2016

To the Shareholders of Talmer Bancorp, Inc.:

We are pleased to invite you to attend the special meeting of shareholders of Talmer Bancorp, Inc., which will be held on [●], 2016, at [●],10:00 a.m. local time, at the Somerset Inn, 2601 West Big Beaver Road, Troy, Michigan 48084, forwhere the following purposes:

1.To approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 25, 2016, by and between Talmer Bancorp, Inc. (“Talmer”) and Chemical Financial Corporation (“Chemical”), as it may be amended from timeChemical shareholders will be asked to vote on a proposal to approve the merger agreement, which we refer to time (the “merger agreement”), a copy of which is included as Annex A to the joint proxy statement and prospectus of which this notice is a part, under which Talmer will merge with and into Chemical;
2.To cast a non-binding, advisory vote, to approve the compensation that may be paid or become payable to Talmer’s named executive officers that is based on or otherwise related to the merger (the “Talmer merger-related compensation proposal”);
3.To vote on a proposal to approve the adjournment or postponement of the Talmer special meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the merger agreement (the “Talmer adjournment proposal”); and
4.To transact such other business as may properly come before the special meeting or any adjournments of the special meeting.

The Talmer board of directors has set [●], 2016 as the record date forChemical merger proposal, a proposal to amend the Talmer special meeting. Only holdersChemical articles of recordincorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Talmer Class AChemical common stock at the close of business on [●], 2016 will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at,change the Talmer special meeting and any adjournment or postponements thereof.

Talmer shareholder approvalname of Chemical to “TCF Financial Corporation,” effective only upon completion of the merger, agreement is requiredwhich we refer to completeas the Chemical articles amendment proposal, and other related matters. TCF will hold a special meeting of its shareholders, which we refer to as the TCF special meeting, on June 7, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. local time, at the TCF Minnetonka office, 11100 Wayzata Boulevard, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305, where the TCF shareholders will be asked to vote on a proposal to adopt the merger agreement, which requireswe refer to as the affirmative voteTCF merger proposal, and other related matters. The merger cannot be completed unless, among other things, holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Talmer Class AChemical common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting.

The Talmer board of directors has unanimously adopted the merger agreement and authorized and approved the merger and the transactions contemplated thereby, has recommended the merger agreement to Talmer shareholders, and recommends that you vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the Chemical merger agreement, “FOR” the Talmer merger-related compensation proposal and “FOR” the Talmer adjournmentChemical articles amendment proposal and holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of TCF common stock vote to approve the TCF merger proposal.

Your vote is very important. We urge Chemical and TCF are sending you this joint proxy statement/prospectus to ask you to vote in favor of these and other matters described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF CHEMICAL COMMON STOCK OR TCF COMMON STOCK YOU OWN. To ensure your shares nowrepresentation at the Chemical special meeting or TCF special meeting, as applicable, please complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope or submit your proxy by telephone or via the Internet by following the instructions in the enclosed joint proxy statement/prospectus and on your proxy card. Please vote promptly whether or not you expect to attend the Talmer specialyour meeting in person.of shareholders. Submitting a proxy now will notNOT prevent you from being able to vote in person at the Talmer special meeting. You may revoke your proxy at any time before the proxy is voted by following the procedures described in the joint proxy statement and prospectus.

Voting by the Internet is fast and convenient, and your vote is immediately confirmed and tabulated. You may also vote by completing, signing, dating and returning the accompanying proxy card in the enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope furnished for that purpose.meeting of shareholders. If you hold your shares are held in the“street name, of a” you should instruct your broker, bank broker or other nominee please follow the instructions onhow to vote in accordance with the voting instruction card furnished by suchform you receive from your broker, bank broker or other nominee.

The enclosed joint proxy statementChemical board of directors has unanimously (i) determined that the merger agreement and prospectus provides a detailed descriptionthe transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, are in the best interests of Chemical and its shareholders and (ii) adopted the merger agreement and approved the execution and delivery of the merger agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, the issuance of shares of Chemical common stock and Chemical Series C preferred stock and related depositary shares in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and the amendment to the Chemical articles of incorporation. The Chemical board of directors unanimously recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR” the Chemical merger proposal, “FOR” the Chemical articles amendment proposal and “FOR” the other matters to be considered at the TalmerChemical special meeting. We urge


The TCF board of directors has unanimously (i) determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, are in the best interests of TCF and its shareholders and declared that the merger agreement is advisable and (ii) approved the execution of the merger agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger. The TCF board of directors unanimously recommends that the TCF shareholders vote “FOR” the TCF merger proposal and “FOR” the other matters to be considered at the TCF special meeting.

This joint proxy statement/prospectus provides you with detailed information about the merger agreement and the merger. It also contains or references information about Chemical and TCF and certain related matters. You are encouraged to carefullyread this joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully.In particular, youshould read the Risk Factors” section beginning on page31for a discussion of the risks you should consider in evaluating the proposed merger andhow it will affect you. You can also obtain information about Chemical and TCF from documents that have been filed with the Securities and ExchangeCommission that are incorporated into this joint proxy statement and statement/prospectus including any documents incorporated by reference, and the Annexes in their entirety. If you have any questions concerning the merger or the joint proxy statement and prospectus, would like additional copies or need help voting your shares of Talmer Class A common stock, please contact Brad Adams at (248) 498-2862.reference.

Sincerely,

 

On behalf of the board of directors,

/s/ David T. Provost

David T. Provost

President and Chief Executive Officer

[●], 2016

Troy, Michigan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

ABOUT THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS1
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION2
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS3
SUMMARY7
The Companies7
The Merger8
Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data of Talmer14
GAAP Reconciliation and Management Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures15
Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data of Chemical17
Summary Selected Pro Forma Combined Data (Unaudited)19
Comparative Per Share Data (Unaudited)20
Comparative Market Prices20
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS22
RISK FACTORS23
THE CHEMICAL PROPOSALS27
Chemical Proposal 1 – Approval of the Merger Agreement27
Chemical Proposal 2 – Approval of Issuance of Chemical Shares to Talmer Shareholders in the Merger27
Chemical Proposal 3 – Approval of the Amendment to Chemical's Articles of Incorporation27
Chemical Proposal 4 – Chemical Merger-Related Compensation Proposal28
Chemical Proposal 5 – Chemical Adjournment Proposal28
THE TALMER PROPOSALS28
Talmer Proposal 1 – Approval of the Merger Agreement28
Talmer Proposal 2 – Talmer Merger-Related Compensation Proposal29
Talmer Proposal 3 – Talmer Adjournment Proposal29
THE CHEMICAL SPECIAL MEETING30
Date, Time and Place30
Purpose of the Chemical Special Meeting30
Recommendation of the Chemical Board of Directors30
Chemical Record Date; Shareholders Entitled to Vote30
Voting by Chemical's Directors and Executive Officers31
Quorum and Adjournment31
Required Vote31
Voting of Proxies by Holders of Record32
Shares Held in Street Name32
Attending the Meeting; Voting in Person32
Revocation of Proxies33
Solicitation of Proxies33
THE TALMER SPECIAL MEETING34
Date, Time and Place34
Purpose of the Talmer Special Meeting34
i

President

Recommendations of the Talmer Board of Directors34
Talmer Record Date; Shareholders Entitled to Vote34
Voting by Talmer’s Directors and Executive Officers34
Quorum and Adjournment35
Required Vote35
Voting of Proxies by Holders of Record35
Shares Held in Street Name36
Attending the Meeting; Voting in Person36
Revocation of Proxies37
Solicitation of Proxies37
THE MERGER38
Effects of the Merger38
Background of the Merger38
Talmer’s Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the Talmer Board of Directors52
Chemical’s Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the Chemical Board of Directors55
Opinion of Chemical's Financial Advisor in Connection with the Merger58
Opinion of Talmer's Financial Advisor in Connection with the Merger69
Certain Talmer Unaudited Prospective Financial Information80
Interests of Certain Chemical Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger81
Interests of Certain Talmer Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger82
Board of Directors and Management Following the Merger88
Regulatory Clearances Required for the Merger89
Exchange of Shares in the Merger89
Litigation Related to the Merger90
Bank Consolidation Following the Merger90
Chemical Dividend Policy90
Listing of Chemical Common Stock91
De-Listing and Deregistration of Talmer Stock91
Support Agreements91
No Appraisal or Dissenters’ Rights91
THE MERGER AGREEMENT92
General; The Merger92
When the Merger Becomes Effective92
Merger Consideration93
Dividends and Distributions93
Treatment of Talmer Awards93
Procedure for Receiving Merger Consideration94
Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates95
Representations and Warranties95
Conduct of Business Pending the Completion of the Transaction97
Restrictions on Solicitation100
Changes in Board Recommendations101
Efforts to Obtain Required Shareholder Approvals102
Efforts to Complete the Transactions102
Other Covenants and Agreements102
Conditions to Completion of the Transaction103
ii

Termination of the Merger Agreement105
Termination Fees and Expenses; Liability for Breach107
Governance of the Combined Company Following the Completion of the Transaction109
Indemnification and Insurance110
Amendments, Extensions and Waivers110
Governing Law110
No Third Party Beneficiaries111
Specific Performance111
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES112
Tax Consequences of the Merger Generally112
Tax Consequences of the Merger to Chemical and Talmer114
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT114
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION115
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS122
Authorized Capital Stock122
Issuance of Additional Shares122
Number and Classification of Directors123
Election of Directors123
Nomination of Director Candidates by Shareholders123
Removal of Directors124
Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Employees124
Shareholder Proposals124
Special Meetings of Shareholders125
Shareholder Action Without a Meeting125
Amendment of Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws125
Business Combination Restrictions and Other Shareholder Limitations125
NO APPRAISAL OR DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS126
LEGAL MATTERS126
EXPERTS126
Chemical126
Talmer126
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS126
OTHER MATTERS PRESENTED AT THE MEETINGS127
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION128
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE128

Annex A – Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 25, 2016

Annex B – Amendment to Chemical Financial Corporation Articles of Incorporation

Annex C – Opinion of Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.

Annex D – Opinion of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

iii

ABOUT THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS

This joint proxy statement and prospectus, which forms part of a registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (referred to as the “SEC”) by Chemical, constitutes a prospectus of Chemical under Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (referred to as the “Securities Act”), with respect to the shares of Chemical common stock to be offered to Talmer shareholders in connection with the merger. This joint proxy statement and prospectus also constitutes a joint proxy statement for both Chemical and Talmer under Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (referred to as the “Exchange Act”). It also constitutes a notice of meeting with respect to the special meeting of Chemical shareholders and a notice of meeting with respect to the special meeting of Talmer shareholders.

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement and prospectus. No one has been authorized to provide you with information that is different from that contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this joint proxy statement and prospectus. You should not assume that the information contained in this joint proxy statement and prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this joint proxy statement and prospectus. You should not assume that the information incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement and prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of the incorporated document. Neither our mailing of this joint proxy statement and prospectus to Chemical shareholders or Talmer shareholders nor the issuance by Chemical of shares of common stock pursuant to the merger will create any implication to the contrary.

This joint proxy statement and prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction to or from any person to whom it is unlawful to make any such offer or solicitation. Information contained in this joint proxy statement and prospectus regarding Chemical has been provided by Chemical and information contained in this joint proxy statement and prospectus regarding Talmer has been provided by Talmer.

All references in this joint proxy statement and prospectus to “Chemical” refer to Chemical Financial Corporation. All references in this joint proxy statement and prospectus to “Talmer” refer to Talmer Bancorp, Inc. All references in this joint proxy statement and prospectus to “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Chemical and Talmer collectively, unless otherwise indicated or as the context requires.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This joint proxy statement and prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about Chemical and Talmer from other documents filed with the SEC that are not included in or delivered with this joint proxy statement and prospectus. You can obtain any of the documents filed with the SEC by Chemical and/or Talmer at no cost from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You can also obtain the documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement and prospectus free of charge by requesting them in writing or by telephone from the appropriate company at the following addresses and telephone numbers:

Chemical Financial Corporation

235 E. Main Street
Midland, Michigan 48640
(800) 867-9757

Attention: Lori A. Gwizdala

Talmer Bancorp, Inc.

2301 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 525

Troy, Michigan 48084

(248) 498-2862

Attention: Brad Adams

Investors may also visit Chemical’s or Talmer’s website for more information about Chemical or Talmer, respectively. Chemical’s website is www.chemicalbankmi.com. Talmer’s website is www.talmerbank.com. Information included on these websites is not incorporated by reference into, and does not constitute a part of, this joint proxy statement and prospectus.

If you would like to request any documents, please do so by[●] in order to receive them before the special meetings.

For a more detailed description of the information incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement and prospectus and how you may obtain it, see “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page 128.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q:     Why am I receiving this joint proxy statement and prospectus and what will I be asked to vote on?

A:     Chemical and Talmer have agreed to a merger pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, a copy of which is included in this joint proxy statement and prospectus as Annex A. In order to complete the merger, among other things, Chemical shareholders must approve the merger agreement, the issuance of shares of Chemical common stock to Talmer shareholders in connection with the merger, and an amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of capital stock of Chemical and Talmer shareholders must approve the merger agreement. In addition, while not a condition to the closing of the merger, Chemical shareholders will vote on the Chemical merger-related compensation proposal and the Chemical adjournment proposal and Talmer shareholders will vote on the Talmer merger-related compensation proposal and the Talmer adjournment proposal.

Chemical and Talmer will hold separate special meetings of their shareholders to vote on these proposals.

Q:     What will I receive in the merger?

A:     Chemical shareholders: Whether or not the merger is completed, Chemical shareholders will retain the Chemical common stock that they currently own. They will not receive any merger consideration, and they will not receive any cash or any additional shares of Chemical common stock in the merger.

Talmer shareholders: If the merger is completed, Talmer shareholders will receive 0.4725 shares of Chemical common stock and $1.61 in cash, without interest, for each share of Talmer Class A common stock that they hold at the effective time of the merger plus cash in lieu of any fractional share of Chemical common stock. The exchange ratio is fixed and will not be adjusted to reflect stock price changes prior to the effective time of the merger. We urge you to obtain current market quotations for the shares of Chemical common stock and Talmer Class A common stock.

Q:     When and where will the special meetings be held?

A:     Chemical shareholders: The special meeting of Chemical shareholders will be held at the Midland Center for the Arts, 1801 W. St. Andrews Drive, Midland, Michigan, on [·], at [·], local time.

Talmer shareholders: The special meeting of Talmer shareholders will be held at the Somerset Inn, 2601 West Big Beaver Road, Troy, Michigan 48084, on [·], at [·], local time.

Q:     Who is entitled to vote at the special meetings?

A:     Chemical shareholders: The record date for the Chemical special meeting is [·]. Only record holders of shares of Chemical common stock at the close of business on such date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Chemical special meeting.

Talmer shareholders: The record date for the Talmer special meeting is [·]. Only record holders of shares of Talmer Class A common stock at the close of business on such date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Talmer special meeting.

Q:     What constitutes a quorum at the special meetings?

A:     Chemical shareholders: Shareholders who hold shares representing at least a majority of the shares entitled to vote at the Chemical special meeting must be present in person or represented by proxy to constitute a quorum. All shares of Chemical common stock represented at the Chemical special meeting, including shares that are represented but that vote to abstain, will be treated as present for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum.

Talmer shareholders: Shareholders who hold shares representing at least a majority of the shares entitled to vote at the Talmer special meeting must be present in person or represented by proxy to constitute a quorum. All shares of

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Talmer Class A common stock represented at the Talmer special meeting, either in person or by proxy, including shares that are represented but that vote to abstain, will be treated as present for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum.

Q:     How many votes do I have?

A:     Chemical shareholders: With respect to each proposal to be presented at the Chemical special meeting, holders of Chemical common stock are entitled to one vote for each share of Chemical common stock owned at the close of business on the Chemical record date.

Talmer shareholders: With respect to each proposal to be presented at the Talmer special meeting, holders of Talmer Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share of Talmer Class A common stock owned at the close of business on the Talmer record date.

Q:     What vote is required to approve each proposal?

A:     Chemical shareholders: The proposal to approve the merger agreement and the proposal to amend Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation each require the affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Chemical common stock entitled to vote at the Chemical special meeting. Failures to vote, broker non-votes and abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against this proposal.

The remaining proposals each require the approval of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal at the Chemical special meeting. Failures to vote, broker non-votes and abstentions will have no effect on the vote for the proposal.

Talmer shareholders: The proposal to approve the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Talmer Class A common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting. Failures to vote, broker non-votes and abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against this proposal.

The remaining proposals each require the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal at the Talmer special meeting. Failures to vote, broker non-votes and abstentions will have no effect on the vote for the proposal.

Q:     How does the Chemical board of directors recommend that Chemical shareholders vote?

A:     The Chemical board of directors unanimously recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement, “FOR” the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Chemical common stock to Talmer shareholders in connection with the merger, “FOR” the proposal to approve the amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation, “FOR” the Chemical merger-related compensation proposal, and “FOR” the Chemical adjournment proposal.

Q:     How does the Talmer board of directors recommend that Talmer shareholders vote?

A:     The Talmer board of directors unanimously recommends that Talmer shareholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement, “FOR” the Talmer merger-related compensation proposal, and “FOR” the Talmer adjournment proposal.

Q:     How do I vote if I am a shareholder of record?

A:     Chemical shareholders: If you were a record holder of Chemical common stock at the close of business on the record date for the Chemical special meeting, you may vote in person by attending the Chemical special meeting or, you may authorize a proxy to vote by:

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Talmer shareholders: If you were a record holder of Talmer Class A common stock at the close of business on the record date for the Talmer special meeting, you may vote in person by attending the Talmer special meeting or, you may authorize a proxy to vote by:

Q:     My shares are held in “street name” by my broker, bank or other nominee. Will my broker, bank or other nominee automatically vote my shares for me?

A:     No. If your shares are held through a stock brokerage account or a bank or other nominee, you are considered the “beneficial holder” of the shares held for you in what is known as “street name.” The “record holder” of such shares is your broker, bank or other nominee, and not you. If this is the case, this joint proxy statement and prospectus has been forwarded to you by your broker, bank or other nominee. You must provide the record holder of your shares with instructions on how to vote your shares. Otherwise, your broker, bank or other nominee may not vote your shares on any of the proposals to be considered at the Chemical special meeting or the Talmer special meeting, as applicable, and a broker non-vote will result.

Please follow the voting instructions provided by your broker, bank or other nominee so that it may vote your shares on your behalf. Please note that you may not vote shares held in street name by returning a proxy card directly to Chemical or Talmer or by voting in person at the special meeting unless you first obtain a “legal proxy” from your broker, bank or other nominee.

Q:     What will happen if I return my proxy without indicating how to vote?

A:     Chemical shareholders: If you properly complete and sign your proxy card but do not indicate how your shares of Chemical common stock should be voted on a proposal, the shares of Chemical common stock represented by your proxy will be voted as the Chemical board of directors recommends and, therefore, “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement, “FOR” the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Chemical common stock to Talmer shareholders in connection with the merger, “FOR” the proposal to approve the amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation, “FOR” the Chemical merger-related compensation proposal, and “FOR” the Chemical adjournment proposal.

Talmer shareholders: If you properly complete and sign your proxy card but do not indicate how your shares of Talmer Class A common stock should be voted on a proposal, the shares of Talmer Class A common stock represented by your proxy will be voted as the Talmer board of directors recommends and, therefore, “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement, “FOR” the Talmer merger-related compensation proposal, and “FOR” the Talmer adjournment proposal.     

Q:     Can I change my vote or revoke my proxy after I have returned a proxy or voting instruction card?

A:     Yes. If you are the record holder of either Chemical or Talmer stock, you can change your vote or revoke your proxy at any time before your proxy is voted at the applicable special meeting. You can do this by:

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 If you hold shares of either Chemical or Talmer in “street name,” you must contact your broker, bank or other nominee to change your vote.

Q:     Do I need to do anything with my shares of common stock other than vote for the proposals at the special meeting?

A:     Chemical shareholders: If you are a Chemical shareholder, after the merger is completed, you are not required to take any action with respect to your shares of Chemical common stock.

Talmer shareholders: If you are a Talmer shareholder, after the merger is completed, each share of Talmer Class A common stock that you hold will be converted automatically into the right to receive 0.4725 shares of Chemical common stock and $1.61 in cash, without interest, together with cash in lieu of any fractional share. You will receive instructions at that time regarding exchanging your Talmer shares for shares of Chemical common stock. You do not need to take any action at this time. Please do not send your Talmer stock certificates with your proxy.

Q:     Are shareholders entitled to appraisal or dissenters’ rights?

A:     No. Neither the shareholders of Talmer nor the shareholders of Chemical are entitled to appraisal rights or dissenters’ rights in connection with the merger under Michigan law or otherwise.

Q:     What if I hold shares in both Chemical and Talmer?

A:     If you are both a Chemical shareholder and a Talmer shareholder, you will receive two separate packages of proxy materials. A vote cast as a Chemical shareholder will not count as a vote cast as a Talmer shareholder, and a vote cast as a Talmer shareholder will not count as a vote cast as a Chemical shareholder. Therefore, please separately submit a proxy for each of your Chemical and Talmer shares.

Q:     Who can help answer my questions?

A:     Shareholders of Chemical or Talmer who have questions about the merger, the other matters to be voted on at the special meetings, or how to submit a proxy or who desire additional copies of this joint proxy statement and prospectus or additional proxy cards should contact:

Chemical Financial Corporation

235 E. Main StreetCraig R. Dahl

Midland, Michigan 48640Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

(800) 867-9757TCF Financial Corporation

Attention: Lori A. Gwizdala

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the merger, the issuance of shares of Chemical common stock or Chemical Series C preferred stock in connection with the merger or the other transactions described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of the disclosure in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The securities to be issued in connection with the merger are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of any bank or savings association and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.

This joint proxy statement/prospectus is dated [●], 2019, and is first being mailed to Chemical shareholders and TCF shareholders on or about [●], 2019.


LOGO

NOTICE OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 7, 2019

To the Shareholders of Chemical Financial Corporation:

We are pleased to invite you to attend the special meeting of shareholders, which we refer to as the Chemical special meeting, of Chemical Financial Corporation, which we refer to as Chemical, to be held on June 7, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. local time, at the Somerset Inn, 2601 West Big Beaver Road, Troy, Michigan 48084, for the following purposes:

1.    To consider and vote on a proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 27, 2019, by and between Chemical and TCF Financial Corporation, which we refer to as TCF, as it may be amended from time to time, which we refer to as the merger agreement, a copy of which is included asAnnex A to the joint proxy statement/prospectus of which this notice is a part, under which TCF will merge with and into Chemical, which we refer to as the Chemical merger proposal;

2.    To consider and vote on a proposal to approve an amendment to Chemical’s articles of incorporation to (a) increase the number of authorized shares of Chemical common stock from 135 million to 220 million, and (b) change the name of Chemical to “TCF Financial Corporation,” effective only upon consummation of the merger, a copy of which is attached asExhibit 2 toAnnex A, which we refer to as the Chemical articles amendment proposal;

3.     To consider and vote on a proposal to approve, on anon-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to the named executive officers of Chemical that is based on or otherwise relates to the merger, which we refer to as the Chemical compensation proposal; and

4.    To consider and vote on the proposal to adjourn the Chemical special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to permit further solicitation of proxies in favor of the Chemical merger proposal or Chemical articles amendment proposal, which we refer to as the Chemical adjournment proposal.

The Chemical board of directors has set May 1, 2019 as the record date for the Chemical special meeting. Only holders of record of Chemical common stock at the close of business on May 1, 2019 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Chemical special meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.

The affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Chemical common stock entitled to vote thereon is required to approve each of the Chemical merger proposal and the Chemical articles amendment proposal. Assuming a quorum is present, approval of each of the Chemical compensation proposal and the Chemical adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on each such proposal at the Chemical special meeting. Chemical will transact no other business at the Chemical special meeting, except for business properly brought before the Chemical special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Chemical shareholders must approve both the Chemical merger proposal and the Chemical articles amendment proposal in order for the merger to occur. If Chemical shareholders fail to approve either the Chemical merger proposal or the Chemical articles amendment proposal, the merger will not occur. The joint proxy statement/prospectus accompanying this notice explains the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, as well as the proposals to be considered at the Chemical special meeting. Please carefully review the joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the annexes thereto and the documents incorporated by reference therein.


YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF CHEMICAL COMMON STOCK YOU OWN. Whether or not you plan to attend the Chemical special meeting, please complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card by using the enclosed postage-paid envelope provided at your earliest convenience. You may also submit a proxy by telephone or via the Internet by following the instructions in the enclosed joint proxy statement/prospectus and on your proxy card. If you hold your shares in “street name” through a broker, bank or other nominee, you should direct the vote of your shares in accordance with the voting instruction form received from your broker, bank or other nominee.

The Chemical board of directors has unanimously (i) determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, are in the best interests of Chemical and its shareholders and (ii) adopted the merger agreement and approved the execution and delivery of the merger agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, the issuance of shares of Chemical common stock and Chemical Series C preferred stock and related depositary shares in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and the amendment to the Chemical articles of incorporation. The Chemical board of directors unanimously recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR” the Chemical merger proposal, “FOR” the Chemical articles amendment proposal, “FOR” the Chemical compensation proposal and “FOR” the Chemical adjournment proposal.

If you have any questions or need assistance with voting, please contact our proxy solicitor, D.F. King & Co., Inc., by calling (212)269-5550, or toll-free at (800) 309-2984.

If you plan to attend the Chemical special meeting, please bring valid photo identification. Chemical shareholders that hold their shares of Chemical common stock in “street name” are required to bring valid photo identification and proof of stock ownership in order to attend the Chemical special meeting, and, if you intend to vote the shares at the meeting, a legal proxy, executed in such shareholder’s favor, from the record holder of such shareholder’s shares, such as a broker, bank or other nominee.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
LOGO
David T. Provost
Chief Executive Officer and President

[●], 2019

Detroit, Michigan


LOGO

NOTICE OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 7, 2019

To the Shareholders of TCF Financial Corporation:

We are pleased to invite you to attend the special meeting of shareholders, which we refer to as the TCF special meeting, of TCF Financial Corporation, which we refer to as TCF, to be held on June 7, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. local time, at the TCF Minnetonka office, 11100 Wayzata Boulevard, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305, for the following purposes:

 

1.

Talmer Bancorp, Inc.

2301 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 525

Troy, Michigan 48084

(248) 498-2862

Attention: Brad Adams

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SUMMARY

The Companies

Chemical

To consider and vote on the proposal to adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 27, 2019, by and between Chemical Financial Corporation,

235 E. Main Street

Midland, Michigan 48640

Telephone:  (989) 839-5350

Chemical is a financial holding company with its business concentrated in a single industry segment – commercial banking. Chemical is headquartered in Midland, Michigan and is the second largest banking company headquartered and operating branch offices in Michigan. Chemical’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol CHFC and is one of the issues comprising The NASDAQ Global Select Market.

As of December 31, 2015, Chemical had total assets of $9.2 billion, total loans of $7.3 billion, total deposits of $7.5 billion and total shareholders’ equity of $1.0 billion. Chemical operates through a single subsidiary bank, Chemical Bank.  As of December 31, 2015, Chemical Bank had 185 banking offices spread over 47 counties in Michigan.

More information about Chemical is available by visiting the “investor info” section of its website at www.chemicalbankmi.com. Information contained on Chemical’s website does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated into, this joint proxy statement and prospectus. For a complete description of Chemical’s business, financial condition, results of operations and other important information, please which we refer to Chemical’s filings with the SEC that are incorporated by reference in this document, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. For instructions on howas Chemical, and TCF, as it may be amended from time to find copies of these documents, see “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page 128.

Talmer

Talmer Bancorp, Inc.

2301 West Big Beaver Road, Suite 525

Troy, Michigan 48084

Telephone:  (248) 498-2802

Talmer is a bank holding company that was incorporated under the laws of the State of Michigan in February 2003. As of December 31, 2015, Talmer had total assets of $6.6 billion, total loans of $4.8 billion, total deposits of $5.0 billion, and total shareholders’ equity of $725.2 million. Talmer’s Class A common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “TLMR.”

Talmer conducts substantially all of its operations through its wholly-owned subsidiary bank, Talmer Bank and Trust (“Talmer Bank”),time, which as of December 31, 2015, principally operated through 81 branches in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Nevada and five lending offices located primarily in the Midwest. Talmer Bank’s product line includes loans to small and medium-sized businesses, residential mortgage loans, commercial real estate loans, residential and commercial construction and development loans, farmland and agricultural production loans, home equity loans, consumer loans and a variety of commercial and consumer demand, savings and time deposit products. Talmer Bank also offers online banking and bill payment services, online cash management, safe deposit box rentals, debit card and ATM card services and the availability of a network of ATMs for its customers.

Talmer’s website can be accessed at www.talmerbank.com. Information contained on Talmer’s website does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated into, this joint proxy statement and prospectus. For a complete description of Talmer’s business, financial condition, results of operations and other important information, pleasewe refer to Talmer’s filings with the SEC that are incorporated by reference in this document, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as amended. For instructions on how to find copies of these documents, see “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page 128.

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The Merger (see page 38)

Effects of the Merger (see page 38)

Subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, ata copy of which is included asAnnex A to the effective timejoint proxy statement/prospectus of the merger, Talmerwhich this notice is a part, under which TCF will be mergedmerge with and into Chemical, andwhich we refer to as the separate corporate existence of Talmer shall cease, and Chemical shall be the surviving corporation of the merger.TCF merger proposal;

 

2.

Upon completion of the merger, Talmer shareholders will automatically have the right to receive the following for each share of Talmer Class A common stock they hold: (i) 0.4725 shares (the “exchange ratio”) of Chemical common stockTo consider and (ii) $1.61 in cash, without interest, plus cash in lieu of any fractional share of Chemical common stock.

Chemical’s Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the Chemical Board of Directors (see page 55)

The board of directors of Chemical supports the merger and believes that it is in the best interests of Chemical and its shareholders. In adopting the merger agreement and recommending approval of the Chemical proposals set forth in this joint proxy statement and prospectus, the Chemical board of directors consulted with members of Chemical’s management and with Chemical’s legal, financial, and business advisors, and also considered a number of factors that the Chemical board of directors viewed as supporting its decisions, including, among other factors, the belief that the merger will create the preeminent Michigan-based banking franchise; the fact that the merger will create the largest community bank headquartered in Michigan; the fact that the merger will allow Chemical to make a marked entry into southeast Michigan and expand for the first time beyond Michigan’s borders; the belief that the merger allows Chemical to efficiently and meaningfully cross the $10 billion in total assets threshold; and the expectation that the merger will result in approximately 8% accretion to Chemical earnings per share in the first full year and a tangible book value earn-back period of 3.25 years.

The Chemical board of directors unanimously recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR”on the proposal to approve, the merger agreement, “FOR” the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Chemical common stock to Talmer shareholders in connection with the merger, “FOR” the proposal to approve the amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation, “FOR” the Chemical merger-related compensation proposal, and “FOR” the Chemical adjournment proposal.

Talmer’s Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the Talmer Board of Directors (page 52)

The board of directors of Talmer supports the merger and believes that it is in the best interests of Talmer and its shareholders. The board of directors of Talmer believes that the merger will: create, and enable Talmer shareholders to become shareholders of, the preeminent Michigan-based banking franchise; provide significant earnings per share accretion for Talmer shareholders; provide increased dividends per share for Talmer shareholders; allow Talmer to merge with a growing partner that has sound credit quality and strong operating performance; provide primarily stock merger consideration and have a fixed exchange ratio, which will enable Talmer shareholders to participate in long-term stock price appreciation; and increase Talmer shareholder value as a result of, among other factors, franchise improvement, earnings per share accretion and combined company valuation. The Talmer board of directors believes that the terms of the merger are fair to and in the best interests of Talmer and its shareholders.

The Talmer board of directors unanimously recommends the merger agreement to Talmer shareholders and that Talmer shareholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement, “FOR” the Talmer merger-related compensation proposal, and “FOR” the Talmer adjournment proposal.

Opinion of Chemical’s Financial Advisor in Connection with the Merger (see page 58)

In connection with the merger, Chemical’s financial advisor, Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. (“Sandler O’Neill”), delivered a written opinion, dated January 25, 2016, to the Chemical board of directors as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of the opinion, to Chemical of the merger consideration in the

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proposed merger. The full text of the opinion, which describes the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Sandler O’Neill in preparing the opinion, is attached as Annex C to this joint proxy statement and prospectus.The opinion was for the information of, and was directed to, the Chemical board of directors (in its capacity as such) in connection with its consideration of the financial terms of the merger. The opinion did not address the underlying business decision of Chemical to engage in the merger or enter into the merger agreement or constitute a recommendation to the Chemical board of directors in connection with the merger, and it does not constitute a recommendation to any holder of Chemical common stock or any shareholder of any other entity as to how to vote in connection with the merger or any other matter.

Opinion of Talmer’s Financial Advisor in Connection with the Merger (see page 69)

In connection with the merger, Talmer’s financial advisor, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. (“KBW”), delivered a written opinion, dated January 25, 2016, to the Talmer board of directors as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of the opinion, to the holders of Talmer Class A common stock of the merger consideration in the proposed merger. The full text of the opinion, which describes the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by KBW in preparing the opinion, is attached as Annex D to this joint proxy statement and prospectus.The opinion was for the information of, and was directed to, the Talmer board of directors (in its capacity as such) in connection with its consideration of the financial terms of the merger. The opinion did not address the underlying business decision of Talmer to engage in the merger or enter into the merger agreement or constitute a recommendation to the Talmer board of directors in connection with the merger, and it does not constitute a recommendation to any holder of Talmer Class A common stock or any shareholder of any other entity as to how to vote in connection with the merger or any other matter.

Interests of Certain Chemical Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger (see page 81)

In considering the recommendation of the Chemical board of directors that you vote to approve the proposals submitted for the Chemical shareholder vote set forth in this joint proxy statement and prospectus, you should be aware that Chemical’s directors and executive officers have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of Chemical’s shareholders generally. In the case of Chemical directors, their additional interests are limited to their continued service as directors of the combined company. The Chemical board of directors was aware of and considered these potential interests, among other matters, in evaluating the merger agreement and the merger and in recommending to you that you approve the proposals submitted for the Chemical shareholder vote set forth in this joint proxy statement and prospectus.

The merger will constitute a “change in control” of Chemical for the purposes of Chemical’s stock incentive plans. All unvested stock options and other stock-based awards held by Chemical directors and executive officers will become fully vested as of the effective time of the merger.

The merger agreement provides that upon completion of the merger, (i) the board of directors of Chemical will consist of twelve directors, which will include the seven directors of Chemical serving immediately prior to the merger and (ii) David Ramaker, the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Chemical, will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the combined company after the merger and Lori Gwizdala, the Chief Financial Officer of Chemical, will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer of the combined company after the merger.

Interests of Certain Talmer Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger (see page 82)

In considering the recommendation of the Talmer board of directors that you vote to approve the proposals submitted for the Talmer shareholder vote set forth in this joint proxy statement and prospectus, you should be aware that Talmer’s directors and executive officers have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of Talmer’s shareholders generally. The Talmer board of directors was aware of and considered these potential interests, among other matters, in evaluating the merger agreement and the merger and in recommending to you that you approve the proposals submitted for the Talmer shareholder vote set forth in this joint proxy statement and prospectus.

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These interests include:

  • Five members of Talmer’s board of directors, including Gary Torgow, Talmer’s Chairman, and David Provost, Talmer’s current President and Chief Executive Officer, will be appointed to serve on the Chemical board of directors following the closing of the merger.

  • Chemical has agreed to indemnify the directors and officers of Talmer following the merger against certain liabilities arising from their acts or omissions before the merger. Chemical has also agreed to provide directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance for the directors and officers of Talmer for a period of six years following the merger with respect to acts or omissions occurring before the merger that were committed by such officers and directors.

  • Dennis Klaeser and Thomas Shafer will each receive a lump sum cash change in control payment upon completion of the merger under their existing Talmer employment agreements. (Mr. Provost and Mr. Torgow each voluntarily waived his right to receive a lump sum cash change in control payment upon completion of the merger under their existing Talmer employment agreements.)

  • Gregory Bixby and certain other executive officers (other than Mr. Provost, Mr. Torgow, Mr. Klaeser and Mr. Shafer) will each be eligible for a lump sum cash change in control payment upon completion of the merger, if the executive officer is terminated without cause or if the executive officer terminates his or her employment for good reason during the 18 month period following the merger under their existing Talmer change in control agreements.

  • As holders of equity-based compensation awards, Talmer’s directors and executive officers will be entitled to the same treatment of outstanding Talmer stock options and unvested Talmer restricted stock awards as Talmer’s other employees.

  • Pursuant to the merger agreement, Mr. Provost, Mr. Torgow and Mr. Klaeser have entered into services agreements that provide for the payment of base salary compensationwith Chemical and Talmer Bank that will become effective upon the closing of the merger.

  • Mr. Shafer will enter into an employment agreement with the surviving bank (that will only become effective at the effective time of the subsidiary bank merger) to serve as an Executive Vice President of the surviving bank.

For a more complete description of these interests, see “The Merger - Interests of Certain Talmer Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger,” beginning on page 82.

Voting by Directors and Executive Officers and Support Agreements (see page 91)

At the close of business on the record date for the Chemical special meeting, Chemical directors and executive officers were entitled to vote [●] shares of, or approximately [●]%, of Chemical common stock outstanding on that date. At the close of business on the record date for the Talmer special meeting, Talmer directors and executive officers were entitled to vote [●] shares of, or approximately [●]%, of Talmer Class A common stock outstanding on that date.

Chemical’s and Talmer’s directors have entered into support agreements obligating them to vote their shares in favor of the merger agreement. At the close of business on the record date for the Chemical special meeting, Chemical directors were entitled to vote [●] shares of, or approximately [●]%, of Chemical common stock outstanding on that date. At the close of business on the record date for the Talmer special meeting, Talmer directors were entitled to vote [●] shares of, or approximately [●]%, of Talmer Class A common stock outstanding on that date.

10

Treatment of Talmer Equity-Based Awards (see page 93)

Talmer Stock Options

Upon completion of the merger, all outstanding Talmer stock options will be converted into Chemical stock options in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, provided that up to 25% of outstanding Talmer stock options at the time of execution of the merger agreement may be cashed out at closing as described in the following paragraph.

Cash Tender Offer for Up to 25% of Outstanding Talmer Stock Options

Talmer intends to make a tender offer to all holders of outstanding Talmer stock options (“optionholders”) that will give each optionholder the opportunity to tender to Talmer up to 25% of such optionholder’s options outstanding as of the date of the merger agreement, calculated on the basis of the number of shares of Talmer Class A common stock for which such options are exercisable, in exchange for a cash payment to be made on the closing date of the merger. Each option that is validly tendered and not withdrawn will be cancelled upon such payment. The payment for each such option will be calculated under a formula provided in the merger agreement that generally reflects the amount that each Talmer option is “in the money.” All options with the same exercise price will be cancelled for the same per-share consideration.

The tender offer will be conditioned on the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions in the merger agreement (except for those conditions in the merger agreement that by their nature cannot be satisfied until the closing date of the merger but that are expected to be satisfied at the closing date of the merger), and we expect that the tender offer will be completed simultaneous with or immediately prior to the merger. The closing of the merger is not conditioned on any particular percentage of Talmer options being tendered.

When Talmer commences the tender offer, Talmer will file with the SEC a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO, including the Offer to Purchase and related tender offer materials. The Tender Offer Statement (including an Offer to Purchase, a related Letter of Transmittal and other tender offer documents) will contain important information that should be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the tender offer. These documents (and all other offer documents filed by Talmer with the SEC) will be available at no charge on the SEC’s website atwww.sec.gov.

Talmer Restricted Stock Awards

All unvested Talmer restricted stock awards will be converted into Chemical restricted stock awards in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement and on the same terms and conditions applicable to the Talmer restricted stock awards, subject to any acceleration of vesting provided for in the applicable Talmer stock plan or award document.

Regulatory Approval Required for the Merger (see page 89)

Approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”) is required to complete the merger. Approval has not yet been obtained.  While Chemical and Talmer expect to obtain all required regulatory clearances, we cannot assure you that these regulatory clearances will be obtained or that the granting of these regulatory clearances will not involve the imposition of additional conditions on the completion of the merger, including the requirement to divest assets, or require changes to the terms of the merger agreement. These conditions or changes could result in the conditions to the merger not being satisfied.

Conditions to Completion of the Merger (see page 103)

The obligations of Chemical and Talmer to complete the merger are subject to the satisfaction of outstanding conditions, including:

  • the approval of the merger agreement by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Talmer Class A common stock;

11

  • the approval of each of the merger agreement and the amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 60 million to 100 million by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Chemical common stock, and the approval of the issuance of Chemical common stock constituting the merger consideration to Talmer shareholders by a majority of votes cast by Chemical shareholders;

  • the authorization for listing on NASDAQ of the shares of Chemical common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger, subject to official notice of issuance;

  • the declaration of effectiveness by the SEC of this registration statement of which this joint proxy statement and prospectus forms a part, which registration statement must not be subject to any stop order or proceedings initiated or threatened by the SEC for such purpose;

  • the absence of any order, injunction or decree issued by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction, or any other legal restraint or prohibition, preventing consummation of the merger or any other transaction contemplated by the merger agreement, and the absence of any law, regulation, order or decree prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the merger; and

  • the receipt and effectiveness of all required regulatory approvals, excluding regulatory approvals applicable solely to the consolidation of the parties’ respective subsidiary banks, the expiration of all statutory notice and waiting periods in respect of such regulatory approval, and the absence of any condition or restriction in connection with any such regulatory approval that would have a material adverse effect on the surviving corporation.

In addition, each of Chemical’s and Talmer’s obligations to effect the merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of additional conditions relating to the accuracy of the other party’s representations and warranties, the performance of the other party’s covenants, the absence of a material adverse effect on the other party and certain other matters.

No Solicitation of Alternative Proposals (see page 100)

If Chemical or Talmer receives an unsolicited acquisition proposal from a third party and the receiving party’s board of directors, among other things, determines in good faith (after consultation with its legal and financial advisors) that such unsolicited proposal is or is reasonably likely to result in a superior proposal to the merger, then the receiving party may furnish non-public information to and enter into discussions with that third party regarding the alternative acquisition proposal. Otherwise, the merger agreement generally precludes Chemical and Talmer from directly soliciting or engaging in discussions or negotiations with a third party with respect to an alternative acquisition proposal.

Termination of the Merger Agreement (see page 105)

Chemical and Talmer may mutually agree to terminate the merger agreement at any time, notwithstanding approval of the merger agreement by shareholders. Either company may also terminate the merger agreement if the merger is not consummated by December 31, 2016, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, either company may terminate the merger agreement to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a superior proposal, subject to certain conditions and the payment of a termination fee.

Termination Fees and Expenses (see page 107)

Generally, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement will be paid by the party incurring those expenses, subject to the specific exceptions discussed in this joint proxy statement and prospectus where Chemical or Talmer, as the case may be, may be required to pay a termination fee of $34 million and/or expense reimbursement up to $3 million.

12

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger (see page 112)

Chemical and Talmer expect the merger to qualify as a “reorganization” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the merger qualifies as a reorganization, then, in general, Talmer shareholders who exchange their Talmer Class A common stock for Chemical common stock will not recognize any gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon that exchange. Talmer shareholders, however, may have taxable gain or loss with respect to the cash received in exchange for their shares of Talmer Class A common stock and/or taxable gain or loss that may result from the receipt of cash in lieu of any fractional share of Chemical common stock that the Talmer shareholders would otherwise be entitled to receive.

You are urged to consult your own tax advisor regarding the particular consequences to you of the merger.

Litigation Related to the Merger (see page 90)

In connection with the merger, three purported Talmer shareholders have filed three putative class action lawsuits against Talmer, its board of directors, and Chemical. Among other remedies, the plaintiffs seek to enjoin the merger. If this litigation is not resolved, these lawsuits could prevent or delay completion of the merger and result in substantial costs to Talmer and Chemical, including any costs associated with indemnification. Additional lawsuits may be filed against Talmer, Chemical or the directors and officers of either company in connection with the merger. The defense or settlement of any lawsuit or claim that remains unresolved at the effective time of the merger may adversely affect Talmer’s and Chemical’s business, financial condition, results of operation, cash flows and market price.

No Appraisal or Dissenter’s Rights (see page 91)

Neither the Chemical shareholders nor the Talmer shareholders are entitled to appraisal rights or dissenters’ rights in connection with the merger under Michigan law or otherwise.

13

Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data of Talmer

The following tables set forth summary selected historical consolidated financial information of Talmer as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011. The summary selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the summary selected income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was derived from Talmer’s audited consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement and prospectus. The summary selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and the summary selected income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were derived from Talmer’s audited consolidated financial statements for each respective year that are not included in this joint proxy statement and prospectus or incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement and prospectus. You should read this information in conjunction with Talmer’s consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Talmer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 As of and for the years ended December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands, except per
share data)
2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 
Earnings Summary               
Interest income$234,888 $217,023 $179,722 $102,564 $119,478 
Interest expense 20,222  12,760  11,725  5,695  7,076 
Net interest income 214,666  204,263  167,997  96,869  112,402 
Provision (benefit) for loan losses (9,203) 4,327  5,098  35,872  68,319 
Bargain purchase gains   41,977  71,702    39,385 
Noninterest income 86,445  117,499  181,138  74,309  113,774 
Noninterest expense 226,319  218,880  250,814  103,404  106,591 
Income before income taxes 83,995  98,555  93,223  31,902  51,266 
Income tax provision (benefit) 23,866  7,705  (5,335) 10,232  17,817 
Net income 60,129  90,850  98,558  21,670  33,449 
Per Share Data               
Basic earnings per common share$0.87 $1.30 $1.49 $0.46 $0.85 
Diluted earnings per common share 0.81  1.21  1.41  0.44  0.82 
Dividends paid per share 0.04  0.02       
Dividend payout ratio 4.60% 1.54% % % %
Book value per common share$10.97 $10.80 $9.32 $7.86 $7.23 
Tangible book value per share(1) 10.72  10.61  9.12  7.77  7.06 
Shares outstanding (in thousands) 66,115  70,532  66,234  66,229  44,469 
Average diluted common shares
  (in thousands)
 73,331  75,150  69,664  48,806  40,639 
Selected Period End Balances               
Total assets$6,595,890 $5,872,264 $4,547,361 $2,347,508 $2,123,560 
Securities available-for-sale 890,770  740,819  620,083  345,405  223,938 
Total loans 4,806,700  4,249,127  3,003,984  1,322,151  1,254,879 
Uncovered loans 4,806,700  3,902,637  2,473,916  604,446  324,486 
Covered loans   346,490  530,068  717,705  930,393 
FDIC indemnification asset   67,026  131,861  226,356  358,839 
Total deposits 5,014,581  4,548,863  3,600,865  1,730,226  1,695,599 
Total liabilities 5,870,675  5,110,657  3,930,346  1,826,765  1,802,234 
Total shareholders’ equity 725,215  761,607  617,015  520,743  321,326 
Tangible shareholders’ equity(1) 708,883  748,572  603,810  514,672  314,017 
Performance and Capital Ratios               
Return on average assets 0.95% 1.61% 2.09% 0.98% 1.60%
Return on average equity 8.04  12.42  16.33  6.16  11.95 
Net interest margin (fully taxable
  equivalent)(2)
 3.73  4.04  3.90  4.69  5.81 
                  

14

 As of and for the years ended December 31, 
 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 
Core efficiency ratio(1) 63.65  72.84  80.44  67.89  76.34 
Average equity to average assets 11.76  12.96  12.77  15.88  13.35 
Tangible average equity to
  tangible average assets(1)
 11.52  12.73  12.50  15.63  13.04 
Common equity tier 1 capital(3) 11.99  N/A  N/A  N/A  N/A 
Tier 1 leverage ratio(3) 10.21  11.56  12.19  22.71  14.58 
Tier 1 risk-based capital(3) 11.99  15.20  18.29  44.36  35.65 
Total risk-based capital(3) 13.00  16.44  19.21  45.66  36.91 
Asset Quality Ratios:               
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to
  average loans
 (0.17)% 0.19% 0.30% 2.95% 1.90%
Nonperforming assets as a
  percentage of total assets
 1.30  1.78  1.55  1.79  1.20 
Nonperforming loans as a percent
  of total loans
 1.20  1.34  1.40  1.30  0.41 
Allowance for loan losses as a
  percentage of period-end loans
 1.12  1.30  1.93  4.72  5.04 
Allowance for loan losses as a
  percentage of nonperforming
  loans, excluding loans accounted
  for under ASC 310-30
 55.13  39.39  43.52  94.75  344.68 
                  

(1)Denotes a non-GAAP Financial Measure, see section entitled “GAAP Reconciliation and Management Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
(2)Presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 35% tax rate for all periods presented.
(3)The year ended December 31, 2015 is under Basel III transitional and the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are under Basel I.

GAAP Reconciliation and Management Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Some of the financial data included in Talmer’s selected historical consolidated financial information are not measures of financial performance recognized by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are “tangible shareholders’ equity,” “tangible book value per share,” “tangible average equity to tangible average assets,” and “core efficiency ratio.” Talmer’s management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of Talmer’s performance.

  • “Tangible shareholders’ equity” is shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets. As with other financial assets, Talmer considered the FDIC indemnification asset to be a tangible asset. Talmer has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
  • “Tangible book value per share” is defined as total equity reduced by goodwill and other intangible assets divided by total common shares outstanding. This measure is important to investors interested in changes from period-to-period in book value per share exclusive of changes in intangible assets. As with other financial assets, Talmer considered the FDIC indemnification asset to be a tangible asset. Talmer has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
  • “Tangible average equity to tangible average assets” is defined as the ratio of average shareholders’ equity less average goodwill and average other intangible assets, divided by average total assets. This measure is important to investors interested in relative changes from period to period in equity and total assets, each exclusive of changes in intangible assets. As with other financial assets, Talmer considered the FDIC indemnification asset to be a tangible asset. Talmer has not considered average loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
  • “Core efficiency ratio” begins with the efficiency ratio and then excludes certain items deemed by Talmer management to be unrelated to its regular operations including bargain purchase gains, net loss on the early termination of its FDIC loss share agreements, net gain on sale of branches, the fair value adjustment to its loan servicing rights, transaction and integration related costs, FDIC loss share income and expense recognized related to its targeted review of property efficiency.

15

Talmer believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to management and investors that is supplementary to its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows computed in accordance with GAAP; however, Talmer acknowledges that its non-GAAP financial measures have a number of limitations. As such, you should not view these disclosures as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP, and they are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP financial measures that other companies use.

The following reconciliation table provides a more detailed analysis of these non-GAAP financial measures:

 For the years ended December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands, except per
share data)
2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 
Total shareholders’ equity$725,215 $761,607 $617,015 $520,743 $321,326 
Less:               
   Core deposit intangibles 12,808  13,035  13,205  6,071  7,309 
   Goodwill 3,524         
Tangible shareholders’ equity$708,883 $748,572 $603,810 $514,672 $314,017 
Shares outstanding 66,115  70,532  66,234  66,229  44,469 
Tangible book value per share$10.72 $10.61 $9.12 $7.77 $7.06 
Average assets$6,358,314 $5,646,248 $4,725,785 $2,215,501 $2,096,325 
Average equity 747,424  731,766  603,657  351,909  279,817 
Average core deposit intangibles 13,898  15,055  14,524  6,672  7,488 
Average goodwill 3,167         
Tangible average equity to
  tangible average assets
 11.52% 12.73% 12.50% 15.63% 13.04%
Core efficiency ratio:               
Net interest income$214,666 $204,263 $167,997 $96,869 $112,402 
Noninterest income 86,445  117,499  181,138  74,309  113,774 
Total revenue 301,111  321,762  349,135  171,178  226,176 
Less:               
Bargain purchase gain   41,977  71,702    39,385 
(Expense)/benefit from the
  change in the fair value of loan
  servicing rights due to valuation
  inputs or assumptions (1)
 (3,323) (10,237) 14,218  (598) (582)
FDIC loss share income (9,692) (6,211) (10,226) 21,498  50,551 
Net gains on sales of branches   14,410       
Total core revenue 314,126  281,823  273,441  150,278  136,822 
Total noninterest expense 226,319  218,880  250,814  103,404  106,591 
Less:               
Transaction and integration
  related costs
 4,207  13,609  30,849  1,382  2,145 
Net loss on early termination of
  FDIC loss share agreements
 20,364         
Property efficiency review 1,820         
Total core noninterest expense 199,928  205,271  219,965  102,022  104,446 
Core efficiency ratio 63.65% 72.84% 80.44% 67.89% 76.34%
                  

___________________________

(1)Prior to January 1, 2013, we accounted for loan servicing rights using the amortization method. The years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 include the impairment recognized on loan servicing rights.

16

Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data of Chemical

The following tables set forth summary selected historical consolidated financial information of Chemical as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011. The summary selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the summary selected income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was derived from Chemical’s audited consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement and prospectus. The summary selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and the summary selected income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were derived from Chemical’s audited consolidated financial statements for each respective year that are not included in this joint proxy statement and prospectus or incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement and prospectus. You should read this information in conjunction with Chemical’s consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Chemical’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 Year Ended 
($ in thousands, except per
  share data)
December 31,
2015 (1)(2)(3)(4)
 December 31, 2014 (1)(2)(3) December 31,
2013 (1)(2)
 December 31,
2012(1)(2)
 December 31,
2011 (1)
 
INCOME STATEMENT
  DATA:
               
Interest income$291,789 $227,261 $214,061 $210,758 $215,242 
Interest expense 17,781  14,710  17,414  23,213  31,389 
Net interest income 274,008  212,551  196,647  187,545  183,853 
Provision for loan losses 6,500  6,100  11,000  18,500  26,000 
Noninterest income, including
  securities gains
 80,216  
63,095
  60,409  54,684  46,890 
Securities gains, net 630  —    1,133  34  —   
Operating expenses 223,894  179,925  164,948  151,921  144,493 
Net income 86,830  62,121  56,808  51,008  43,050 
Cash dividends declared per
  common share
$1.00 $

 

0.94

 $0.87 $0.82 $0.80 
PERFORMANCE:               
Basic earnings per share$2.41 $1.98 $2.02 $1.86 $1.57 
Diluted earnings per share 2.39  1.97  2.00  1.85  1.57 
Book value per common share 26.62  24.32  23.38  21.69  20.82 
Return on average assets 1.02% 0.96% 0.95% 0.94% 0.81%
Return on average
  shareholders’ equity
 9.4
%
 

 

8.2

% 9.1% 8.7% 7.6%
Net interest margin 3.58% 3.59% 3.59% 3.76% 3.80%
BALANCE SHEET DATA:               
Total assets$9,188,797 $7,322,143 $6,184,708 $5,917,252 $5,339,453 
Earning assets 8,426,736  6,833,898  5,819,049  5,541,426  4,986,936 
Total loans 7,271,147  5,688,230  4,647,621  4,167,735  3,831,285 
Total deposits 7,456,767  6,078,971  5,122,385  4,921,443  4,366,857 
Other borrowings 242,391  —    —    34,289  43,057 
Shareholders’ equity 1,015,974  797,133  696,500  596,341  571,729 
DAILY AVERAGE
  BALANCE SHEET
  SUMMARY:
               
Total assets$8,481,228 $6,473,144 $5,964,592 $5,442,079 $5,304,098 
Earning assets 7,851,134  6,095,064  5,628,969  5,116,127  4,971,704 
Total loans 6,583,846  4,976,563  4,355,152  3,948,407  3,730,795 
Total deposits 6,958,667  5,339,422  4,964,082  4,464,062  4,349,873 
Other borrowings 117,000  1,695  1,935  39,301  64,257 
Shareholders’ equity 919,328  754,211  626,555  587,451  569,521 

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 Year Ended 
($ in thousands, except per
  share data)
December 31,
2015 (1)(2)(3)(4)
 December 31,
2014 (1)(2)(3)
 December 31,
2013 (1)(2)
 December 31,
2012 (1)(2)
 December 31,
2011 (1)
 
ASSET QUALITY RATIOS:               
Net loan charge-offs to
  average loans
 0.13
%
 0.19% 0.38% 0.57% 0.73%
Allowance for loan losses to
  total originated loans
 1.26% 1.51% 1.81% 2.22% 2.60%
Allowance for loan losses to
  total nonperforming loans
 87% 106% 96% 92% 82%
Nonperforming loans to total
  loans
 1.15% 1.25% 1.76% 2.18% 2.77%
Nonperforming assets to total
  assets
 1.02% 1.17% 1.48% 1.85% 2.47%
SELECTED RATIOS:               
Total loans to total deposits 98% 94% 91% 85% 88%
Average total loans to average
  earning assets
 84% 82% 77% 77% 75%
Noninterest income to net
  revenue
 23% 23% 24% 23% 20%
Leverage ratio 8.6% 9.3% 9.9% 9.2% 9.0%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 10.7% 11.1% 12.7% 12.0% 12.1%
Total risk-based capital ratio 11.8% 12.4% 14.0% 13.2% 13.3%
Average equity to average
  assets
 10.8% 11.7% 10.5% 10.8% 10.7%
Tangible shareholders’ equity
  to tangible assets (5)
 8.1% 8.5% 9.4% 8.1% 8.7%
Dividend payout ratio 41.8% 47.7% 43.5% 44.3% 51.0%

(1)Includes the impact of the acquisition of O.A.K. Financial Corporation on April 30, 2010.
(2)Includes the impact of the acquisition of 21 branch offices from Independent Bank on December 7, 2012.
(3)Includes the impact of the acquisition of Northwestern Bancorp, Inc. on October 31, 2014.
(4)Includes the impact of the acquisition of Lake Michigan Financial Corporation on May 31, 2015, and the acquisition of Monarch Community Bancorp, Inc. on April 1, 2015
(5)The tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets is a non-GAAP financial measure.  This financial measure has been included as Chemical believes it is an important metric to allow investors to analyze Chemical’s financial condition and capital strength. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure follows:

 December 31,
2015
 December 31,
2014
 December 31,
2013
 December 31,
2012
 December 31,
2011
 
           
Shareholders’ equity$    1,015,974 $       797,133       696,500 $       596,341 $       571,729 
Intangible assets (a)(299,123)(188,505)(125,485)(127,897)(117,493)
Tangible shareholders’ equity$       716,851 $       608,628 $       571,015 $       468,444 $       454,236 
           
Total assets$    9,188,797 $    7,322,143 $    6,184,708 $    5,917,252 $    5,339,453 
Intangible assets (a)(299,123)(188,505)(125,485)(127,897)(117,493)
Tangible assets$    8,889,674 $    7,133,638 $    6,059,223 $    5,789,355 $    5,221,960 

(a)   Includes goodwill, core deposit intangible assets and noncompete agreements, net of taxes.

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Summary Selected Pro Forma Combined Data (Unaudited)

The following table shows selected financial information on a pro forma combinednon-binding, advisory basis, giving effect to the merger as if the merger had become effective at the end of the period presented, in the case of balance sheet information, and at the beginning of the period presented, in the case of income statement information. Estimated merger and integration costs expected to be incurred in conjunction with this transaction are not included in the pro forma income statement information. The pro forma information reflects the purchase method of accounting.

The pro forma information, while helpful in illustrating the financial characteristics of the combined organization under one set of assumptions, does not reflect the potential benefits of the merger, nor does it include the funding cost or the lost opportunity cost related to the cash consideration, and, accordingly, does not attempt to predict or suggest future results. It also does not necessarily reflect what the historical results of the combined organization would have been had the companies been combined as of the date and during the period presented.


(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 Year Ended
December 31, 2015
 
    
Pro Forma Combined Income Statement Data     
Net interest income $482,369  
Provision (benefit) for loan losses  (2,703) 
Noninterest income  169,892  
Operating expenses  469,168  
Net income  135,317  
Net income per common share:     
     Basic $1.95  
     Diluted $1.91  
Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet Data(1)     
Total assets $16,215,735  
Total loans  12,033,894  
Total deposits  12,470,303  
Shareholders’ equity  2,120,593  

(1)The pro forma combined balance sheet data assumes the issuance of approximately 31,246,364 shares of Chemical common stock as merger consideration.  This is based on the fixed exchange ratio of 0.4725 shares of Chemical common stock for each share of Talmer Class A common stock outstanding as ofJanuary 25, 2016, and a market price per share of Chemical common stock of $34.27 as of December 31, 2015.  The number of shares to be issued is subject to adjustment in certain limited circumstances.

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Comparative Per Share Data (Unaudited)

The following table shows information about earnings per share, dividends paid per share, and tangible book value per share, on a historical basis and on a pro forma combined and pro forma equivalent per share basis.

Comparative Per Share Data


Chemical
Historical
 


Talmer
Historical
 

Pro Forma
Combined
(1)(2)
 Equivalent
Pro Forma
Per Share
of Talmer
(3)
            
Year ended December 31, 2015:           
   Basic earnings$2.41 $0.87 $1.95 $0.92
   Diluted earnings 2.39  0.81  1.91  0.90
   Cash dividends paid 1.00  0.04  1.00  0.47
   Tangible book value 18.78  10.72  18.64  8.81

__________________________

(1)The pro forma combined earnings per share amounts were calculated by totaling the historical earnings of Chemical and Talmer, adjusted for purchase accounting entries, and dividing the resulting amount by the average pro forma shares of Chemical and Talmer, giving effect to the merger as if it had occurred as of the beginning of the period presented, excluding any merger transaction costs.  The pro forma combined tangible book value amount, however, does include the impact of estimated contractually obligated merger costs due upon completion of the merger.  The average pro forma shares of Chemical and Talmer reflect historical basic and diluted shares, plus historical basic and diluted average shares of Talmer, as adjusted based on the fixed exchange ratio of 0.4725 shares of Chemical common stock for each share of Talmer Class A common stock.  The number of shares to be issued is subject to adjustment in certain limited circumstances.
(2)Pro forma combined cash dividends paid represents Chemical’s historical amounts only.
(3)The equivalent pro forma per share amounts of Talmer were calculated by multiplying the pro forma combined amounts by the fixed exchange ratio of 0.4725 shares of Chemical common stock for each share of Talmer Class A common stock.

Comparative Market Prices

The following table shows the high, low and closing sale prices of Chemical common stock and Talmer Class A common stock as reported on NASDAQ for each of the quarterly periods presented.

 Chemical Common Stock Talmer Class A Common Stock
 High Low Close High Low Close
2015           
    First Quarter$       31.56 $       28.16 $       31.36 $       15.62 $       12.65 $       15.32
    Second Quarter34.27 29.73 33.06 17.39 15.17 16.75
    Third Quarter34.49 30.09 32.35 18.16 15.00 16.65
    Fourth Quarter37.26 30.98 34.27 18.71 15.63 18.11
2014           
    First Quarter*33.26 27.86 32.45 14.69 13.20 14.64
    Second Quarter33.28 26.99 28.08 15.42 13.05 13.79
    Third Quarter29.00 26.77 26.89 14.99 13.00 13.83
    Fourth Quarter30.95 26.10 30.64 14.80 13.47 14.04

_________________

* Talmer first publicly traded February 12, 2014.

The closing sales price of Chemical common stock as of January 25, 2016, the last trading day before the merger agreement was announced, was $29.70. The closing sales price of Chemical common stock as of March 30, 2016, the latest practicable trading day before the date of this joint proxy statement and prospectus, was $36.22. The closing sales price of Talmer Class A common stock as of January 25, 2016, the last trading day before the merger agreement was announced, was $16.00. The closing sales price of Talmer Class common stock as of March 30, 2016, the latest practicable trading day before the date of this joint proxy statement and prospectus, was $18.30.

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The following table shows the closing sales prices of Chemical common stock and Talmer Class A common stock as of January 25, 2016, the last trading day before the merger agreement was announced, and on March 30, 2016, the latest practicable trading day before the date of this joint proxy statement and prospectus. This table also shows the implied value of the merger consideration payable for each share of Talmer Class A common stock, which was calculated by multiplying the closing price of Chemical common stock on those dates by the exchange ratio of 0.4725 of a share of Chemical common stock per share of Talmer Class A common stock and then adding the cash consideration of $1.61.

 
Chemical
Common
Stock
 Talmer
Class A
Common
Stock
 

Cash
Consideration
 Implied Value of
One Share of
Talmer Class A
Common Stock
            
January 25, 2016$29.70 $16.00 $1.61 $15.64
March 30, 2016$36.22 $18.30 $1.61 $18.72

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This joint proxy statement and prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement and prospectus contain forward-looking statements regarding Chemical’s and Talmer’s outlook or expectations with respect to the merger, including the expected costs to be incurred and cost savings to be realized in connection with the merger, the expected impact of the merger on Chemical’s future financial performance (including anticipated accretion to earnings per share and tangible book value earn back period), the assumed purchase accounting adjustments, other key transaction assumptions, the timing of the closing of the merger, and consequences of Talmer’s integration into Chemical. Words such as “anticipated,” “believes,” “estimated,” “expected,” “projected,” “assumed,” “approximately,” “continued,” “should,” “will” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Pro forma financial information is not a guaranty of future results and is presented for informational purposes only. 

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future financial performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions (“risk factors”) that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Neither Chemical nor Talmer assumes any duty to update, amend or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 

Risk factors relating both to the merger and the integration of Talmer into Chemical after closing include, without limitation: 

  • Completion of the merger is dependent on, among other things, receipt of regulatory approvals and receipt of Talmer and Chemical shareholder approvals, the timing of which cannot be predicted with precision at this point and which may not be received at all.
  • The impact of the completion of the merger on Chemical’s and Talmer’s financial statements will be affected by the timing of the merger.
  • The merger may be more expensive to complete and the anticipated benefits, including anticipated cost savings and strategic gains, may be significantly harder or take longer to achieve than expected or may not be achieved in their entirety as a result of unexpected factors or events.
  • The integration of Talmer’s business and operations into Chemical, which will include conversion of Talmer’s operating systems and procedures, may take longer than anticipated or be more costly than anticipated or have unanticipated adverse results relating to Talmer’s or Chemical’s existing businesses.
  • Chemical’s ability to achieve anticipated results from the merger is dependent on the state of the economic and financial markets going forward. Specifically, in addition to other risks, Chemical may incur more credit losses than expected and customer and employee attrition may be greater than expected.
  • The outcome of pending or threatened litigation, whether currently existing or commencing in the future, including litigation related to the merger.
  • The effect of divestitures that may be required by regulatory authorities in certain markets in which Chemical and Talmer compete.
  • The challenges of integrating, retaining and hiring key personnel.
  • Failure to attract new customers and retain existing customers in the manner anticipated.

In addition, risk factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors described in Item 1A of each of Chemical’s and Talmer’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. These and other factors are representative of the risk factors that may emerge and could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a forward-looking statement.

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RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement and prospectus, including the risk factors included in Chemical’s and Talmer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and the matters addressed in this joint proxy statement and prospectus under the heading “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” you should carefully consider the following risk factors in deciding how to vote on the merger agreement.

The value of the merger consideration will fluctuate with the price of Chemical common stock and Talmer shareholders cannot be certain of the market value of the merger consideration they will receive.

Upon completion of the merger, each share of Talmer Class A common stock will be converted into the right to receive merger consideration consisting of 0.4725 shares of Chemical common stock, $1.61 in cash, without interest, and cash in lieu of any fractional share pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement. Generally, there will be no adjustment made to the merger consideration as a result of fluctuations in the market price of Chemical common stock or Talmer Class A common stock. As a result, it is possible that the value of any Chemical common stock that a Talmer shareholder receives in the merger will be different than the value of such shares on the date that the Talmer board of directors and the Chemical board of directors adopted the merger agreement, on the date of the information concerning stock value presented in this joint proxy statement and prospectus, on the date that you vote to approve the merger agreement, and on the date the merger is completed. Stock price changes may result from a variety of factors, including general market and economic conditions, changes in Chemical’s business, operations and prospects, and regulatory considerations. Many of these factors are beyond Talmer’s and Chemical’s control. Accordingly, at the time of the Chemical and the Talmer special meeting, as applicable, you will not necessarily know or be able to calculate the exact value of the shares of Chemical common stock the Talmer shareholders will receive upon completion of the merger. You should obtain current market quotations for shares of Chemical common stock and for shares of Talmer Class A common stock.

Regulatory approvals may not be received, may take longer to receive than expected, or may impose conditions that are not presently anticipated.

Before the merger may be completed, regulatory approvals must be obtained from the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board will consider, among other factors, the competitive impact of the merger, Chemical’s financial and managerial resources, the convenience and needs of the communities to be served, capital position, safety and soundness, legal and regulatory compliance matters, and Community Reinvestment Act matters, and they may impose conditions, limitations, obligations or restrictions on the conduct of the combined company’s business, require branch divestitures or changes to the terms of the merger agreement. There can be no assurance as to whether regulatory approvals will be received, the timing of those approvals or whether any conditions, limitations, obligations or restrictions will be imposed and, if imposed, that such conditions, limitations, obligations or restrictions will not have the effect of materially delaying the completion of the merger, imposing additional material costs on or materially limiting the revenues of the combined company following the merger or otherwise materially reduce the anticipated benefits of the merger.

Each party is subject to business uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the merger is pending, which could adversely affect each party’s business and operations.

Uncertainty about the effect of the merger on employees and customers may have an adverse effect on Talmer and Chemical. These uncertainties may impair Chemical’s and Talmer’s ability to attract, retain and motivate key personnel until the merger is consummated. Retention of certain employees by Chemical and Talmer may be challenging during the pendency of the merger, as certain employees may experience uncertainty about their future roles with Chemical. If key employees depart because of issues relating to the uncertainty and difficulty of integration or a desire not to remain with Chemical, Chemical’s business following the merger could be harmed. In addition, uncertainties related to the merger could cause customers and others that deal with Talmer or Chemical to seek to change existing business relationships with Talmer or Chemical, or delay or defer certain business decisions with respect to Talmer or Chemical, which could negatively affect Chemical’s or Talmer’s respective revenues, earnings and cash flows, as well as the market price of Chemical common stock or Talmer Class A common stock, regardless of whether the merger is completed. Furthermore, the merger agreement restricts each of Chemical and

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Talmer from taking specified actions without the consent of the other until the merger occurs or the merger agreement is terminated. These restrictions may prevent Chemical and Talmer from pursuing attractive business opportunities that may arise prior to the completion of the merger. See “The Merger Agreement – Conduct of Business Pending the Completion of the Transaction” for a summary of certain of the contractual restrictions to which Chemical and Talmer are subject.

Combining the two companies may be more difficult, costly or time-consuming than we expect.

The difficulties of merging the operations of Talmer with those of Chemical include, among others, integrating personnel with diverse business backgrounds, combining different corporate cultures, retaining key employees, and converting operating systems. The process of integrating operations could cause an interruption of, or loss of momentum in, the activities of the companies, and the loss of key personnel. The diversion of management’s attention and any delays or difficulties encountered in connection with the merger and integration of Talmer into Chemical could have an adverse effect on the business and results of operations of Talmer or Chemical. As with any merger of banking institutions, there also may be business disruptions that cause the banks to lose customers or cause customers to take their deposits out of the banks. The success of the combined company following the merger may depend in large part on the ability to integrate the two businesses, including their business models, employees, cultures and operating systems. Inability to integrate our operations successfully and in a timely manner could result in the expected benefits of the merger not being realized.

Talmer shareholders’ and Chemical shareholders’ percentage ownership of the combined company will be much smaller than their percentage ownership of Talmer or Chemical individually.

Talmer shareholders currently have the right to vote in the election of the Talmer board of directors and on other matters affecting Talmer, and Chemical shareholders currently have the right to vote in the election of the Chemical board of directors and on other matters affecting Chemical. When the merger occurs, each Talmer shareholder will become a shareholder of Chemical, and each of the Talmer shareholders and Chemical shareholders will have a percentage ownership of the combined organization that is much smaller than the shareholder’s percentage ownership of either Talmer or Chemical individually. Because of this, each of the Talmer shareholders and Chemical shareholders will have less influence on the management and policies of the combined company than they now have on the management and policies of Talmer or Chemical individually. Based on the number of shares of Chemical common stock and Talmer Class A common stock outstanding at the close of business on the record date, [●], and based on the number of shares of Chemical common stock expected to be issued in the merger, the former shareholders of Talmer as a group will receive shares in the merger constituting approximately [●]% of the outstanding shares of Chemical common stock immediately after the merger. As a result, current shareholders of Chemical as a group will own approximately [●]% of the outstanding shares of Chemical common stock immediately after the merger. Because of this, each of the Talmer shareholders and Chemical shareholders will have less influence on the management and policies of the combined company than they now have on the management and policies of Talmer or Chemical individually.

The merger agreement limits Talmer’s and Chemical’s abilities to pursue alternatives to the merger.

The merger agreement contains provisions that limit the ability of Talmer and Chemical to encourage or consider competing third-party proposals related to an alternative transaction. These provisions, which include a $34.0 million termination fee payable under certain circumstances, might discourage a potential competing acquirer that might have an interest in acquiring all or a significant part of Talmer or Chemical from considering or proposing that acquisition even, in the case of Talmer, if it were prepared to pay consideration with a higher per share market price than that proposed in the merger, or might result in a potential competing acquirer proposing to pay a lower per share price to acquire Talmer or Chemical than it might otherwise have proposed to pay.

The merger agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms and the merger may not be completed, which could have a negative impact on Talmer and Chemical.

The merger agreement is subject to a number of conditions that must be fulfilled in order to complete the merger. Those conditions include completion of the merger by December 31, 2016, receipt of Talmer shareholder

24

approval and Chemical shareholder approval, receipt of regulatory approvals, continued accuracy of certain representations and warranties by both parties and performance by both parties of certain covenants and agreements.

If the merger agreement is terminated, there may be various consequences to Chemical and Talmer, including:

  • Chemical’s business and Talmer’s business may have been adversely impacted by the failure to pursue other beneficial opportunities due to the focus of management on the merger without realizing any of the anticipated benefits of completing the merger; and

  • Chemical and Talmer may have incurred substantial expenses in connection with the merger without realizing any of the anticipated benefits of completing the merger.

If the merger agreement is terminated and the Talmer board of directors seeks another merger or business combination, under certain circumstances Talmer is required to pay Chemical a $34.0 million termination fee. If the merger agreement is terminated and the Chemical board of directors seeks another merger or business combination, under certain circumstances Chemical is required to pay Talmer a $34.0 million termination fee. In addition, upon termination of the merger agreement under certain circumstances, either party may be required to reimburse the other party for its expenses incurred in connection with the merger agreement, up to a total of $3.0 million. Talmer shareholders and Chemical shareholders cannot be certain that either Talmer or Chemical would be able to find a party willing to enter into a transaction on terms equally favorable or more favorable than the terms of the merger agreement.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information included in this document is preliminary and the actual financial condition and results of operations of Chemical after the merger may differ materially.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information in this document is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of what Chemical’s actual financial condition or results of operations would have been had the merger been completed on the dates indicated. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information reflect adjustments, which are based upon preliminary estimates, to record the Talmer identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value and the resulting goodwill recognized. The purchase price allocation reflected in this document is preliminary, and final allocation of the purchase price will be based upon the actual purchase price and the fair value of the assets and liabilities of Talmer as of the date of the completion of the merger. Accordingly, the final acquisition accounting adjustments may differ materially from the pro forma adjustments reflected in this document. For more information, see “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.”

We may fail to realize the cost savings estimated for themerger.

Chemical expects to achieve cost savings from the merger when the two companies have been fully integrated. The cost savings estimates assume the ability to combine the businesses of Chemical and Talmer in a manner that permits those cost savings to be realized. If the estimates turn out to be incorrect or if Chemical is not able to combine successfully the two companies, the anticipated cost savings may not be fully realized or realized at all, or may take longer to realize than expected.

The fairness opinion received by the Chemical board of directors from Sandler O’Neill and the fairness opinion received by the Talmer board of directors from KBW have not been, and are not expected to be, updated to reflect any changes in circumstances that may have occurred since the date of such opinions.

The fairness opinions of Sandler O’Neill and KBW were rendered to the parties’ respective board of directors on January 25, 2016. Changes in the operations and prospects of Chemical or Talmer, general market and economic conditions and other factors which may be beyond the control of Chemical and Talmer may have altered the value of Chemical or Talmer or the sale prices of shares of Chemical common stock and Talmer common stock as of the date of this joint proxy statement and prospectus, or may alter such values and sale prices by the time the merger is completed. The opinions from Sandler O’Neill and KBW, each dated January 25, 2016, do not speak as of any date other than the dates of such opinions.

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The merger may fail to qualify as a reorganization for federal income tax purposes, resulting in a shareholder’s recognition of taxable gain or loss in respect of all of his or her Talmer Class A common stock.

Chemical and Talmer intend for the merger to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) will not provide a ruling on the matter. Chemical and Talmer each will, as a condition to closing, obtain an opinion from counsel that the merger will constitute a reorganization for federal income tax purposes. However, these opinions do not bind the IRS or prevent the IRS from adopting a contrary position. If the merger fails to qualify as a reorganization, Talmer shareholders generally would recognize gain or loss on each share of Talmer Class A common stock surrendered in an amount equal to the difference between the shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in that share and the fair market value of the Chemical common stock received in exchange for that share upon completion of the merger. If the merger qualifies as a reorganization, Talmer shareholders may recognize taxable gain with respect to the amount of cash received upon completion of the merger in exchange for their shares of Talmer Class A common stock.

Litigation filed against Talmer, Chemical, and their respective boards of directors that could prevent or delay the completion of the merger or result in the payment of damages following completion of the merger.

In connection with the merger, three purported Talmer shareholders have filed putative class action lawsuits against Talmer, Talmer’s board of directors, and Chemical. Among other remedies, the plaintiffs seek to enjoin the merger. If this litigation is not resolved, these lawsuits could prevent or delay completion of the merger and could result in substantial costs to Talmer and Chemical, including any costs associated with indemnification. Additional lawsuits may be filed against Talmer, Chemical, and their respective officers and boards of directors. The defense or settlement of any lawsuit or claim that remains unresolved at the time the merger is consummated may adversely affect Talmer’s and Chemical’s business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and market price.

Risks Relating to Chemical’s and Talmer’s respective businesses.

You should read and consider risk factors specific to Chemical’s business that will also affect the combined company after the merger. These risks are described in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” in Chemical’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 and in other documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement and prospectus. You should also read and consider risk factors specific to Talmer’s business that will also affect the combined company after the merger. These risks are described in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” in Talmer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 and in other documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement and prospectus. Please see “Where You Can Find More Information” for the location of information incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement and prospectus.

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THE CHEMICAL PROPOSALS

Chemical Proposal 1 – Approval of the Merger Agreement

At the Chemical special meeting, the Chemical shareholders will be asked to approve the merger agreement. Holders of Chemical common stock should read this joint proxy statement and prospectus carefully and in its entirety, including the annexes, for more detailed information concerning the merger agreement and the merger. A copy of the merger agreement is attached to this joint proxy statement and prospectus as Annex A.

After careful consideration, the Chemical board of directors unanimously adopted the merger agreement, authorized and approved the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and determined the merger agreement and the merger to be advisable and in the best interests of Chemical and its shareholders.

The Chemical board of directors unanimously recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement.

Chemical Proposal 2 – Approval of Issuance of Chemical Shares to Talmer Shareholders in the Merger

At the Chemical special meeting, the Chemical shareholders will be asked to approve the issuance of shares of Chemical common stock to Talmer shareholders in connection with the merger. If the merger is completed, Talmer shareholders will receive 0.4725 shares of Chemical common stock and $1.61 in cash for each share of Talmer Class A common stock that they hold at the effective time of the merger. Approval of this proposal is required under NASDAQ listing rules, and is a condition to the closing of the merger.

After careful consideration, the Chemical board of directors unanimously approved the issuance of shares of Chemical common stock to Talmer shareholders in connection with the merger.

The Chemical board of directors unanimously recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Chemical common stock to Talmer shareholders in connection with the merger.

Chemical Proposal 3 – Approval of the Amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation

At the Chemical special meeting, Chemical shareholders will be asked to approve a proposal to amend Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Chemical common stock from 60,000,000 to 100,000,000. A copy of the proposed amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation is attached to this joint proxy statement and prospectus as Annex B. Approval of this proposal is a condition to the closing of the merger.

As of the close of business on the record date, [●], Chemical had no shares of Chemical preferred stock and [●] shares of Chemical common stock issued and outstanding. As of the close of business on the record date, [●], there were approximately [●] shares of Chemical common stock reserved for issuance under various equity plans of Chemical. Based on the number of shares of Talmer Class A common stock outstanding as of such date, if the merger is completed, Chemical would be required to issue approximately [●] additional shares of Chemical common stock to the Talmer shareholders. In addition, upon completion of the merger, Chemical would reserve for issuance approximately [●] million additional shares of Chemical common stock to cover, among other things, stock options, restricted stock, and other share-based awards assumed from Talmer. Chemical has determined that the 60 million shares of common stock currently authorized under Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation will be insufficient to complete the merger. It is estimated that following completion of the merger, Chemical will have approximately [●] million shares of common stock outstanding. The Chemical board of directors believes that it is advisable to have additional authorized shares of common stock available for important corporate purposes, such as to provide the ability to react quickly to strategic opportunities and to attract and retain talented employees through the use of equity incentive compensation. Although there are no present plans or commitments for the issuance of any of the additional shares that would be authorized upon approval of this amendment, other than the issuance of shares in connection with the merger, such additional shares would be available for equity incentive plans, possible future stock splits and dividends, public or private offerings of common stock or securities convertible into common stock,

27

equity-based acquisitions and other corporate purposes that might be proposed. The additional shares of Chemical common stock will not be entitled to preemptive rights nor will existing shareholders have any preemptive right to acquire any of those shares when issued.

After careful consideration, the Chemical board of directors unanimously approved, subject to approval by the Chemical shareholders, an amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Chemical common stock from 60,000,000 to 100,000,000.

The Chemical board of directors unanimously recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR” the proposal to amend Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Chemical common stock.

Chemical Proposal 4 – Chemical Merger-Related Compensation Proposal

Section 14A of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-21(c) under the Exchange Act require that Chemical seek a nonbinding advisory vote from its shareholders to approve the “golden parachute” compensation that its named executive officers will receive in connection with the merger discussed in “The Merger – Interests of Certain Chemical Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger.” As required by these provisions, Chemical is asking its shareholders to vote on the adoption of the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation that may be paid or become payable to Chemical’sTCF’s named executive officers in connection withthat is based on or otherwise relates to the merger, which we refer to as disclosedthe TCF compensation proposal; and

3.

To consider and vote on the proposal to adjourn the TCF special meeting, if necessary or appropriate to permit further solicitation of proxies in favor of the table entitled “Golden Parachute Compensation” pursuantTCF merger proposal, which we refer to Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K, includingas the associated narrative discussion,TCF adjournment proposal.

The TCF board of directors has set April 30, 2019 as the record date for the TCF special meeting. Only holders of record of TCF common stock at the close of business on April 30, 2019 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the TCF special meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. Any shareholder entitled to attend and vote at the TCF special meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote on such shareholder’s behalf. Such proxy need not be a holder of TCF common stock.

The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of TCF common stock entitled to vote thereon is required to approve the TCF merger proposal. Assuming a quorum is present, approval of each of the TCF compensation proposal and TCF adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of TCF common stock represented at the TCF special meeting, in person or by proxy, that are entitled to vote on such proposal. TCF will transact no other business at the special meeting, except for business properly brought before the TCF special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

TCF shareholders must approve the TCF merger proposal in order for the merger to occur. If TCF shareholders fail to approve the TCF merger proposal, the merger will not occur. The merger is not conditioned on the approval of the TCF compensation proposal. The joint proxy statement/prospectus accompanying this notice explains the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, as well as the proposals to be considered at the TCF special meeting. Please carefully review the joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the annexes thereto and the documents incorporated by reference therein.

YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF TCF COMMON STOCK YOU OWN. Whether or not you plan to attend the TCF special meeting, please complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided at your earliest convenience. You may also submit a proxy by telephone or via the Internet by following the instructions in the enclosed joint proxy statement/prospectus and on your proxy card. If you hold your shares in “street name” through a broker, bank or other nominee, you should direct the vote of your shares in accordance with the voting instruction form received from your broker, bank or other nominee.


The TCF board of directors has unanimously (i) determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, are in the best interests of TCF and its shareholders and declared that the merger agreement is advisable and (ii) approved the execution of the merger agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger. The TCF board of directors unanimously recommends that the TCF shareholders vote “FOR” the TCF merger proposal, “FOR” the TCF compensation proposal and “FOR” the TCF adjournment proposal.

If you have any questions or need assistance with voting, please contact our proxy solicitor, Georgeson LLC, by calling toll-free at (800) 676-0098.

If you plan to attend the TCF special meeting in person, please bring valid photo identification. TCF shareholders that hold their shares of TCF common stock in “street name” are required to bring valid photo identification and proof of stock ownership in order to attend the TCF special meeting, and, if you intend to vote the shares at the meeting, a legal proxy, executed in such shareholder’s favor, from the record holder of such shareholder’s shares, such as a broker, bank or other nominee.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
LOGO
Craig R. Dahl
Chairman, President and the agreements or understandings pursuant to which such compensation may be paid or become payable, are hereby APPROVED.Chief Executive Officer
Wayzata, Minnesota


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Both Chemical and TCF file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other business and financial information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In addition, Chemical and TCF file reports and other business and financial information with the SEC electronically, and the SEC maintains a website located at www.sec.gov containing this information. You will also be able to obtain these documents, free of charge, from Chemical at www.chemicalbank.com under the tab “Investor Information” and then under the heading “Financial Information” and then “SEC Filings, or from TCF at www.tcfbank.com under the tab “About TCF” then under the tab “Investor Relations,” and then under the heading “Financial Information” and then “SEC Filings.”

Chemical has filed a registration statement on FormS-4 of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus forms a part. As permitted by SEC rules, this joint proxy statement/prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement or in the exhibits or schedules to the registration statement. You may obtain a free copy of the registration statement, including any amendments, schedules and exhibits at the addresses set forth below. Statements contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other documents referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus are not necessarily complete. In each case, you should refer to the copy of the applicable contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. This joint proxy statement/prospectus incorporates by reference documents that Chemical and TCF have previously filed with the SEC. These documents contain important information about the companies and their financial condition. See “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” beginning on page 163. These documents are available without charge to you upon written or oral request to the applicable company’s principal executive offices. The respective addresses and telephone numbers of such principal executive offices are listed below.

 

The vote with respect to this proposal is an advisory vote and will not be binding on
Chemical Talmer or the combined company. Therefore, regardless of whether Chemical shareholders approve this proposal, if the merger agreement is approved by the shareholders and the merger is completed, the “golden parachute” compensation will still be paid to such named executive officers to the extent payable in accordance with the terms of such compensation contracts and arrangements. Approval of this proposal is not a condition to the closingFinancial Corporation
333 W. Fort Street, Suite 1800
Detroit, Michigan
Attention: Investor Relations
(800)867-9757
TCF Financial Corporation
200 Lake Street East,EXO-01-G
Wayzata, Minnesota 55391
Attention: Investor Relations
(952)745-2760

If you have any questions regarding the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus, you may contact D.F. King & Co., Inc., Chemical’s proxy solicitor, by calling (212)269-5550, or toll-freeat (800) 309-2984, or Georgeson LLC, TCF’s proxy solicitor, by calling toll-free at (800) 676-0098.

To obtain timely delivery of these documents, you must request the information no later than May 31, 2019 in order to receive them before Chemical’s special meeting and no later than May 31, 2019 in order to receive them before TCF’s special meeting.


ABOUT THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

This joint proxy statement/prospectus, which forms part of a registration statementon Form S-4 filed with the SEC by Chemical, constitutes a prospectus of Chemical under Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, referred to as the Securities Act, with respect to the shares of Chemical common stock and preferred stock to be offered to TCF shareholders in connection with the merger. This joint proxy statement/prospectus also constitutes a joint proxy statement for both Chemical and TCF under Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, referred to as the Exchange Act. It also constitutes a notice of meeting with respect to the Chemical special meeting of shareholders and a notice of meeting with respect to the TCF special meeting of shareholders.

No person has been authorized to give any information or make any representation about the merger or Chemical or TCF that differs from, or adds to, the information in this joint proxy statement/prospectus or in documents that are publicly filed with the SEC. 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 in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, and neither the mailing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus to Chemical shareholders and TCF shareholders nor the issuance of Chemical common stock and preferred stock in the merger shall create any implication to the contrary.

This joint proxy statement/prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction in which or from any person to whom it is unlawful to make any such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.

All references in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to “Chemical” refer to Chemical Financial Corporation, a Michigan corporation and all references to “Chemical Bank” refer to Chemical Bank, a Michigan state-chartered bank. All references in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to “TCF” refer to TCF Financial Corporation, a Delaware corporation and all references to “TCF Bank” refer to TCF National Bank, a national banking association. All references in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to the “combined company” refer to Chemical immediately following completion of the merger. All references in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to “Chemical common stock” refer to the common stock of Chemical, par value $1.00 per share, and all references in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to “TCF common stock” refer to the common stock of TCF, par value $0.01 per share. All references in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to “Chemical Series C preferred stock” refer to the Chemical 5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and all references in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to “TCF Series C preferred stock” refer to the TCF 5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share. All references in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to the “merger agreement” refer to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated January 27, 2019, by and between Chemical and TCF. All references in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Chemical and TCF collectively, unless otherwise indicated or as the context requires.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETINGS

1

SUMMARY

11

The Chemical boardMerger

11

Merger Consideration

11

Treatment of directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” approvalTCF Preferred Stock

11

Treatment of TCF Equity Awards

11

Recommendation of the Chemical merger-related compensation proposal.Board of Directors

12

Recommendation of the TCF Board of Directors

12

Opinion of Chemical’s Financial Advisor

12

Opinion of TCF’s Financial Advisor

13

Chemical Proposal 5 –Special Meeting of Shareholders

13

TCF Special Meeting of Shareholders

14

Interests of Chemical Adjournment Proposal

The Chemical special meeting may be adjourned to another time or place if there are insufficient votes represented atDirectors and Executive Officers in the Chemical special meeting to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct business atMerger

14

Interests of TCF Directors and Executive Officers in the Chemical special meeting or if there are insufficient votes necessary to obtain the approval of Proposals 1 through 3, above.Merger

15

Governance Matters

16

Chemical requests that its shareholders authorize the holder of any proxy solicited by the Chemical board of directors on a discretionary basis to vote in favor of adjourning the Chemical special meeting to another time or place, if determined necessary or appropriate by Chemical, to solicit additional proxies (including the solicitation of proxies from Chemical shareholders who have previously voted). Approval of this proposal is not a conditionLitigation Relating to the closingMerger

17

Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger

17

Conditions to the Merger

17

Agreement Not to Solicit Other Offers

18

Termination; Termination Fee

18

Amendment, Waiver and Extension of the merger.Merger Agreement

20

No Appraisal or Dissenter Rights

20

Comparison of Rights of TCF Shareholders and Chemical Shareholders

20

Risk Factors

20

Accounting Treatment of the Merger

20

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

20

The Parties

21

SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA FOR CHEMICAL

22

SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA FOR TCF

24

SUMMARY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

26

UNAUDITED COMPARATIVE PER COMMON SHARE DATA

27

COMPARATIVE PER SHARE MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

28

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

29

RISK FACTORS

31

Risks Related to the Merger

31

Risks Relating to the Combined Company

37

CHEMICAL SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

40


Page

Date, Time and Place

40

Purpose of Chemical board of directors unanimously recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR” approvalSpecial Meeting

40

Recommendation of the Chemical adjournment proposal.Board of Directors

40

Chemical Record Date; Shareholders Entitled to Vote

40

THE TALmerVoting by Chemical’s Directors and Executive Officers

41

Quorum and Adjournment

41

Required Vote; Treatment of Abstentions and Failure to Vote

41

Voting on Proxies; Incomplete Proxies

42

Revocability of Proxies and Changes to a Chemical Shareholder’s Vote

43

Solicitation of Proxies

43

Attending the Chemical Special Meeting

44

CHEMICAL PROPOSALS

45

TalmerChemical Proposal 1 – Approval of the Merger Agreement

At the Talmer special meeting, the Talmer shareholders will be asked to approve the merger agreement. Holders of Talmer Class A common stock should read this joint proxy statement and prospectus carefully and in its

2845 

entirety, including the annexes, for more detailed information concerning the merger agreement and the merger. A copy of the merger agreement is attached to this joint proxy statement and prospectus as Annex A.

After careful consideration, the Talmer board of directors unanimously adopted the merger agreement, authorized and approved the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and determined the merger agreement and the merger to be advisable and in the best interests of Talmer and its shareholders.

The Talmer board of directors unanimously recommends that Talmer shareholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement.

TalmerChemical Proposal 2 – Talmer Merger-RelatedApproval of the Amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation

45

Chemical Proposal 3 – Chemical Compensation Proposal

46

Chemical Proposal 4 – Chemical Adjournment Proposal

47

Section 14ATCF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

48

TCF PROPOSALS

52

TCF Proposal 1 – Adoption of the Merger Agreement

52

TCF Proposal 2 – TCF Compensation Proposal

52

TCF Proposal 3 – TCF Adjournment Proposal

52

THE PARTIES

54

THE MERGER

56

Terms of the Merger

56

Conversion of Shares; Exchange Act and Rule 14a-21(c) underPayment Procedures

57

Background of the Exchange Act require that Talmer seek a nonbinding advisory vote from its shareholders to approveMerger

58

Recommendation of the “golden parachute” compensation that its named executive officers will receive in connection withChemical Board of Directors and Reasons for the merger discussed in “The Merger -

66

Recommendation of the TCF Board of Directors and Reasons for the Merger

69

Unaudited Financial Forecasts

72

Opinion of Chemical’s Financial Advisor

76

Opinion of TCF’s Financial Advisor

86

Interests of Certain TalmerChemical Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger.” As required by these provisions, Talmer is asking its shareholdersMerger

94

Merger-Related Compensation for Chemical’s Named Executive Officers

98

Interests of TCF Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger

100

Merger-Related Compensation for TCF’s Named Executive Officers

103

Board of Directors and Management Following the Merger

105

Dividends/Distributions

106

Litigation Relating to vote on the adoptionMerger

107

Page

REGULATORY APPROVALS REQUIRED FOR THE MERGER

108

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

111

PUBLIC TRADING MARKETS

112

RESALE OF SHARES OF CHEMICAL COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK

112

THE MERGER AGREEMENT

113

Structure of the following resolution:Merger

113

Treatment of TCF Equity Awards

114

Closing and Effective Time of the Merger

114

Conversion of Shares and Exchange of Certificates

114

Representations and Warranties

115

Covenants and Agreements

117

Chemical Shareholder Meeting and TCF Shareholder Meeting and the Recommendations of Their Respective Boards of Directors

123

Agreement Not to Solicit Other Offers

124

Conditions to Complete the Merger

125

Termination; Termination Fee

126

Expenses and Fees

129

Amendment, Waiver and Extension of the Merger Agreement

129

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER

130

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

133

Note 1—Basis of Presentation

136

Note 2—Purchase Price Determination

136

Note 3—Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation

137

Note 4—Pro Forma Adjustments

138

Note 5—Merger Integration Costs

140

DESCRIPTION OF CHEMICAL CAPITAL STOCK

141

Authorized Capital

141

Common Stock

141

Preferred Stock

141

Certain Provisions of Chemical’s Organizational Documents and Applicable Law

142

Transfer Agent and Registrar

144

Listing

144

COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF TCF SHAREHOLDERS AND CHEMICAL SHAREHOLDERS

144

General

144

Comparison of Rights of TCF Shareholders and Chemical Shareholders

144

NO APPRAISAL OR DISSENTER RIGHTS

156

EXPERTS

157

LEGAL OPINIONS

158

Page

HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS

159

OTHER MATTERS

160

CHEMICAL ANNUAL MEETING SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

161

TCF ANNUAL MEETING SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

162

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

163

Annex A: Merger Agreement

A-1

Exhibit 1 – Form of Certificate of Designations of 5.70% Series C Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of the Combined Company

A-63

Exhibit 2 – Form of Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Combined Company

A-70

Exhibit 3 – Form of Bylaws of the Combined Company

A-73

Annex B: Opinion of Keefe, Bruyette  & Woods, Inc., financial advisor to Chemical

B-1

Annex C: Opinion of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, financial advisor to TCF

C-1

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETINGS

The following are answers to certain questions that you may have regarding the merger and the Chemical special meeting or TCF special meeting. We urge you to read carefully the remainder of this joint proxy statement/prospectus because the information in this section may not provide all the information that might be important to you in determining how to vote. Additional important information is also contained in the annexes to, and the documents incorporated by reference in, this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Q:    WHAT IS THE MERGER?

 

A:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation that may be paid or become payableChemical and TCF have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 27, 2019, which we refer to Talmer’s named executive officers in connection withas the merger as disclosedagreement. Under the merger agreement, Chemical and TCF have agreed to combine their respective companies in the table entitled “Golden Parachute Compensation” pursuant to Item 402(t)a merger of Regulation S-K, including the associated narrative discussion, and the agreements or understandingsequals, pursuant to which TCF will merge with and into Chemical, with Chemical continuing as the surviving entity, in a transaction we refer to as the merger. Immediately following the merger or at such compensationlater time as the parties may be paid or become payable, are hereby APPROVED.mutually agree, Chemical Bank, Chemical’s wholly owned subsidiary, will merge with and into TCF Bank, TCF’s wholly owned subsidiary, with TCF Bank as the surviving bank, in a transaction we refer to as the bank merger. At the effective time of the merger, Chemical will change its name to “TCF Financial Corporation.

Chemical will hold a special meeting of its shareholders, which we refer to as the Chemical special meeting, and TCF will hold a special meeting of its shareholders, which we refer to as the TCF special meeting, to obtain the required approvals, and you are being provided with this joint proxy statement/prospectus in connection with those meetings. A copy of the merger agreement is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex A. We urge you to read carefully this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the merger agreement in their entirety.

Q:    WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS DOCUMENT?

A:    In order to complete the merger, among other things:

Chemical shareholders must (1) approve the merger agreement, and (2) approve an amendment to Chemical’s articles of incorporation to (a) increase the number of authorized shares of Chemical common stock from 135 million to 220 million, and (b) change the name of Chemical to “TCF Financial Corporation,” effective only upon consummation of the merger.

TCF common shareholders must adopt the merger agreement.

Each of Chemical and TCF is sending this joint proxy statement/prospectus to its shareholders to help them decide how to vote their shares of common stock with respect to such matters to be considered at their respective meetings of shareholders.

Information about these meetings, the merger and the other business to be considered by Chemical shareholders at its special meeting or by TCF shareholders at its special meeting, as applicable, is contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and you should read it carefully.

This document constitutes both a joint proxy statement of Chemical and TCF and a prospectus of Chemical. It is a joint proxy statement because each of the boards of directors of Chemical and TCF is soliciting proxies from their shareholders using this document. It is a prospectus because Chemical, in connection with the merger, will issue shares of Chemical common stock to TCF common shareholders and shares of a newly created series of Chemical preferred stock to be designated as 5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, which we refer to as Chemical Series C preferred stock, and related depositary shares each representing a 1/1000th interest in a share of Chemical Series C preferred stock, in exchange for the outstanding shares of TCF 5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, which we refer to as TCF Series C preferred stock, and related depositary shares each representing a 1/1000th interest in a share of TCF Series C preferred stock, and this joint proxy statement/prospectus contains information about that common stock and Series C preferred stock.

Q:    WHAT WILL TCF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS RECEIVE IN THE MERGER?

 

A:

The vote with respectIf the merger is completed, each outstanding share of TCF common stock, except for treasury stock or shares owned by TCF or Chemical, in each case, other than in a fiduciary or agency capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted (which will be cancelled), will be automatically converted into the right to this proposal is an advisory vote andreceive 0.5081 shares, which ratio we refer to as the exchange ratio, of Chemical common stock. Chemical will not be bindingissue any fractional shares of Chemical common stock in the merger. Instead, a TCF shareholder who otherwise would have received a fraction of a share of Chemical common stock will receive an amount in cash (rounded to the nearest cent) determined by multiplying (i) the average of the closing sale prices of Chemical common stock for the five full trading days ending on Talmer, Chemical, or the combined company. Therefore, regardlessday before the effective time of whether Talmer shareholders approve this proposal, if the merger agreement is approved by (ii) the shareholders and completed, the “golden parachute” compensation will still be paid to such named executive officersfraction of a share (rounded to the extent payablenearest thousandth when expressed in accordancedecimal form) of Chemical common stock to which such shareholder would otherwise be entitled to receive.

Q:    WHAT WILL TCF SERIES C PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS RECEIVE IN THE MERGER?

A:

If the merger is completed, each share of TCF Series C preferred stock and related depositary shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of TCF Series C preferred stock will be converted into the right to receive, without interest, one share of Chemical Series C preferred stock, and the related depositary shares. The Chemical Series C preferred stock will have equivalent rights and preferences as the TCF Series C preferred stock.

Q:

WILL THE VALUE OF THE MERGER CONSIDERATION TO TCF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS CHANGE BETWEEN THE DATE OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND THE TIME THE MERGER IS COMPLETED?

A:

Yes. Although the exchange ratio is fixed, the value of the merger consideration is dependent upon the value of Chemical’s common stock and therefore will fluctuate with the termsmarket price of such compensation contracts and arrangements. ApprovalChemical’s common stock. Accordingly, any change in the market price of this proposal is not a conditionChemical’s common stock prior to the closingmerger will affect the market value of the merger consideration that TCF’s shareholders will receive as a result of the merger.

The Talmer board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” approval of the Talmer merger-related compensation proposal.

Q:    WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO SHARES OF CHEMICAL COMMON STOCK IN THE MERGER?

 

A:

Talmer Proposal 3 – Talmer Adjournment Proposal

The Talmer special meeting may be adjourned to another time or place if there are insufficient votes represented atNothing. Each share of Chemical common stock outstanding will remain outstanding as a share of Chemical common stock following the Talmer special meeting to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct business at the Talmer special meeting or if there are insufficient votes necessary to obtain the approval of Proposal 1, above.

Talmer requests that its shareholders authorize the holder of any proxy solicited by the Talmer board of directors on a discretionary basis to vote in favor of adjourning the Talmer special meeting to anothereffective time or place, if determined necessary or appropriate by Talmer, to solicit additional proxies (including the solicitation of proxies from Talmer shareholders who have previously voted). Approval of this proposal is not a condition to the closing of the merger.

The Talmer board of directors unanimously recommends that Talmer shareholders vote “FOR” the proposal to adjourn the Talmer special meeting, if necessary or appropriate to solicit additional proxies.

Q:    WHAT AM I BEING ASKED TO VOTE ON?

 

A:

29

THE CHEMICAL SPECIAL MEETING

Date, Time and Place

The special meeting of Chemical shareholders will be held at the Midland Center for the Arts, 1801 W. St. Andrews Drive, Midland, Michigan, on [●] at [●] , local time. On or about [●], Chemical commenced mailing this joint proxy statement and prospectus and the enclosed form of proxy to its shareholders entitled to vote at the Chemical special meeting.

Purpose of the Chemical Special Meeting

At the Chemical special meeting,: Chemical shareholders will beare being asked to consider and vote on the following:following proposals:

a proposal to approve the merger agreement, which we refer to as the Chemical merger proposal;

a proposal to approve an amendment to Chemical’s articles of incorporation to (a) increase the number of authorized shares of Chemical common stock from 135 million to 220 million, and (b) change the name of Chemical to “TCF Financial Corporation,” effective only upon consummation of the merger, which we refer to as the Chemical articles amendment proposal;

a proposal to approve, on anon-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to the named executive officers of Chemical that is based on or otherwise relates to the merger, which we refer to as the Chemical compensation proposal; and

a proposal to approve the adjournment of the Chemical special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to permit further solicitation of proxies in favor of the Chemical merger proposal or the Chemical articles amendment proposal, which we refer to as the Chemical adjournment proposal.

TCF Special Meeting: TCF shareholders are being asked to consider and vote on the following proposals:

a proposal to adopt the merger agreement, which we refer to as the TCF merger proposal;

a proposal to approve, on anon-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to the named executive officers of TCF that is based on or otherwise relates to the merger, which we refer to as the TCF compensation proposal; and

a proposal to approve the adjournment of the TCF special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to permit further solicitation of proxies in favor of the TCF merger proposal, which we refer to as the TCF adjournment proposal.

Q:

WHEN AND WHERE ARE THE CHEMICAL SPECIAL MEETING AND TCF SPECIAL MEETING?

A:

Chemical Special Meeting: The Chemical special meeting will be held on June 7, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. local time, at the Somerset Inn, 2601 West Big Beaver Road, Troy, Michigan 48084.

TCF Special Meeting: The TCF special meeting will be held on June 7, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. local time, at the TCF Minnetonka office, 11100 Wayzata Boulevard, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305.

Q:    WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE AT EACH MEETING?

 

A:

  • a proposal to approve the issuance of sharesChemical Special Meeting: All holders of Chemical common stock to Talmer shareholders in connection with the merger;

  • a proposal to approve an amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorizedwho held shares of Chemical common stock;

  • a proposal to approve the Chemical merger-related compensation proposal;

  • a proposal to approve the Chemical adjournment proposal.

Completion of the merger is conditioned on approval of the merger agreement, approval of the issuance of shares of Chemical common stock to Talmer shareholders in connection with the merger, and approval of the amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Chemical common stock, among other conditions. Completion of the merger is not conditioned on the approval of the Chemical merger-related compensation proposal or the Chemical adjournment proposal.

Recommendation of the Chemical Board of Directors

At a special meeting held on January 25, 2016, the Chemical board of directors unanimously determined that the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the issuance of shares of Chemical common stock to Talmer shareholders in connection with the merger and the proposed amendment to the Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the authorized shares of common stock from 60 million to 100 million, are in the best interests of Chemical and its shareholders. The Chemical board of directors unanimously recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement, “FOR” the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Chemical common stock to Talmer shareholders in connection with the merger, “FOR” the proposal to approve the amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation, “FOR” the Chemical merger-related compensation proposal, and “FOR” the Chemical adjournment proposal.

Chemical shareholders should carefully read this joint proxy statement and prospectus, including any documents incorporated by reference and the Annexes in their entirety, for more detailed information concerning the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Chemical Record Date; Shareholders Entitled to Vote

The record date for the Chemical special meeting is [●]. Only record holders of shares of Chemical common stock at the close of business on suchMay 1, 2019, which we refer to as the Chemical record date, are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Chemical special meeting, or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. At the close of business on the record date, the only outstanding voting securities of Chemical were common stock, and [●]provided that such shares of Chemical common stock were issued andremain outstanding on the date of the Chemical special meeting.

TCF Special Meeting: All holders of TCF common stock who held shares at the close of business on April 30, 2019, which we refer to as the TCF record date, are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the TCF special meeting, provided that such shares of TCF common stock remain outstanding on the date of the TCF special meeting.

Q:

WILL HOLDERS OF TCF SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK BE ENTITLED TO VOTE ON THE MERGER AT THE TCF SPECIAL MEETING?

A:

No. The TCF Series C preferred stock (or related depositary shares) does not have voting rights with respect to any of the proposals that will be considered at the TCF special meeting. Holders of TCF preferred stock (or related depositary shares) will not be entitled to vote at the ChemicalTCF special meeting.meeting, and should not submit a proxy card with respect to the TCF special meeting or otherwise attempt to vote with respect to their TCF Series C preferred stock (or related depositary shares).

Q:    WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUORUM AT EACH MEETING?

 

A:

30

Each share of Chemical common stock outstanding on the record dateSpecial Meeting: The presence, in person or represented by proxy, of the Chemical special meeting is entitled to one vote on each proposal and any other matter coming before the Chemical special meeting.

Voting by Chemical’s Directors and Executive Officers

At the close of business on the record date for the Chemical special meeting, Chemical directors and executive officers and their affiliates were entitled to vote [●] shares of Chemical common stock or approximately [●]% of the shares of Chemical common stock outstanding on that date. In connection with the merger agreement, the Chemical directors entered into Support Agreements with Talmer, in their capacities as shareholders, agreeing to vote in favor of the approval of the merger agreement, subject to certain limited exceptions. At the close of business on the record date for the Chemical special meeting, Chemical directors were entitled to vote [●] shares of Chemical common stock or approximately [●]% of the shares of Chemical common stock outstanding on that date.

Quorum and Adjournment

No business may be transacted at the Chemical special meeting unless a quorum is present. Shareholders who hold shares representing at least a majority of the shares entitled to vote at the Chemical special meeting must be present in person or by proxy to constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not present, the chairman may adjourn the meeting to solicit additional proxies. In addition, if fewer shares are voted than thetotal number of shares required to obtain the necessary Chemical shareholder approvals, then the special meeting may be adjourned to allow additional time for obtaining additional proxies, if the approval of a majority of the votes cast at the special meeting on the Chemical adjournment proposal is obtained.

No notice of an adjourned meeting need be given if the time and place of the adjourned meeting are announced at the special meeting unless, after the adjournment, a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, in which case a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. At any adjourned meeting, all proxies will be voted in the same manner as they would have been voted at the original convening of the special meeting, except for any proxies that have been effectively revoked or withdrawn prior to the adjourned meeting.

Alloutstanding shares of Chemical common stock representedentitled to vote is necessary in order to constitute a quorum for purposes of the matters being voted on at the Chemical special meeting, including shares that are represented but that vote to abstain, will be treated as present for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum. Broker non-votes will have no effect on determining the presence or absence of a quorum.meeting.

Abstentions will be included in determining the number of shares present at the Chemical special meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum, but brokernon-votes will not be counted for the purposes of determining whether a quorum exists.

TCF Special Meeting: The presence, in person or represented by proxy, of at least a majority of the total number of outstanding shares of TCF common stock entitled to vote is necessary in order to constitute a quorum for purposes of the matters being voted on at the TCF special meeting.

Abstentions will be included in determining the number of shares present at the TCF special meeting for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum, but brokernon-votes will not be counted for the purposes of determining whether a quorum exists.

 

Q:

Required VoteWHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE EACH PROPOSAL AT THE CHEMICAL SPECIAL MEETING?

 

A:

The required votes to approveChemical merger proposal:

Standard: Approval of the Chemical proposals are as follows:

  • The approval of the merger agreementproposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Chemical common stock entitled to vote atvote. Chemical shareholders must approve the Chemical special meeting. Failuresmerger proposal in order for the merger to occur. If Chemical shareholders fail to approve the Chemical merger proposal, the merger will not occur.

Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes: If you fail to vote, mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy card or fail to instruct your bank or broker non-votes and abstentionshow to vote with respect to the Chemical merger proposal, it will have the same effect as votes against thisa vote “AGAINST” the proposal.

Chemical articles amendment proposal:

  • The approval of the issuance of shares of Chemical common stock to Talmer shareholders in connection with the merger requires the approval of a majority of the votes cast on this proposal at the Chemical special meeting, assuming a quorum. Failures to vote, broker non-votes and abstentions will have no effect on the vote for this proposal.

  • The approval of the proposed amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Chemical common stock requires the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of Chemical common stock entitled to vote at the Chemical special meeting. Failures to vote, broker non-votes and abstentions will have the same effect as votes against this proposal.

  • The approvalStandard: Approval of the Chemical merger-related compensationarticles amendment proposal requires the approval of a majority of the votes cast on this proposal at the Chemical special meeting, assuming a quorum. Failures to vote, broker non-votes and abstentions will have no effect on the vote for this proposal.

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  • The approval of the Chemical adjournment proposal requires the approval of a majority of the votes cast on this proposal at the Chemical special meeting, regardless of whether or not there is a quorum. Failures to vote, broker non-votes and abstentions will have no effect on the vote for this proposal.

Voting of Proxies by Holders of Record

If you were a record holder of Chemical common stock at the close of business on the record date of the Chemical special meeting, a proxy card is enclosed for your use. Chemical requests that you vote your shares as promptly as possible by (i) visiting the internet site listed on the Chemical proxy card, (ii) calling the toll-free number listed on the Chemical proxy card or (iii) submitting your Chemical proxy card by mail by using the provided self-addressed, stamped envelope. Information and applicable deadlines for voting through the internet or by telephone are set forth on the enclosed proxy card. When the accompanying proxy is returned properly executed, the shares of Chemical common stock represented by it will be voted at the Chemical special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting in accordance with the instructions contained in the proxy card. Your internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you had marked, signed and returned a proxy card.

If a proxy is returned without an indication as to how the shares of Chemical common stock represented are to be voted with regard to a particular proposal, the Chemical common stock represented by the proxy will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the Chemical board of directors and, therefore, “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement, “FOR” the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Chemical common stock to Talmer shareholders in connection with the merger, “FOR” the proposal to amend Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Chemical common stock, “FOR” the proposal to approve the Chemical merger-related compensation proposal and “FOR” Chemical’s adjournment proposal.

As of the date hereof, the Chemical board of directors has no knowledge of any business that will be presented for consideration at the Chemical special meeting and that would be required to be set forth in this joint proxy statement and prospectus or the related proxy card other than the matters set forth in Chemical’s Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders. If any other matter is properly presented at the Chemical special meeting for consideration, the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy and acting thereunder will vote in accordance with their discretion on such matter.

Your vote is important. If you were a record holder of Chemical common stock on the record date of the Chemical special meeting, please sign and return the enclosed proxy card, or vote via the internet or telephone, regardless of whether or not you plan to attend the Chemical special meeting in person. Proxies submitted through the specified internet website or by phone must be received by[●], Eastern Time, on[●].

Shares Held in Street Name

If you hold shares of Chemical common stock through a stock brokerage account or a bank or other nominee, you are considered the “beneficial holder” of the shares held for you in what is known as “street name.” The “record holder” of such shares is your broker, bank or other nominee, and not you, and you must provide the record holder of your shares with instructions on how to vote your shares. Please follow the voting instructions provided by your broker, bank or other nominee. Please note that you may not vote shares held in street name by returning a proxy card directly to Chemical or by voting in person at the Chemical special meeting unless you have a “legal proxy,” which you must obtain from your broker, bank or other nominee. Please also note that brokers, banks or other nominees who hold shares of Chemical common stock on behalf of their customers may not give a proxy to Chemical to vote those shares without specific instructions from their customers.

If you are a Chemical shareholder and you do not instruct your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote your shares, your broker, bank or other nominee may not vote your shares on any of the Chemical proposals.

Attending the Meeting; Voting in Person

Only Chemical shareholders, their duly appointed proxies and invited guests may attend the meeting.All attendees must present government-issued photo identification (such as a driver’s license or passport) for

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admittance. The additional items, if any, that attendees must bring depend on whether they are shareholders of record, beneficial owners, or proxy holders.

A Chemical shareholder who holds shares directly registered in such shareholder’s name with Chemical’s transfer agent, Computershare, and who wishes to attend the special meeting in person should bring government-issued photo identification.

A shareholder who holds shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, trustee or other nominee (referred to in this joint proxy statement and prospectus as a “beneficial owner”) and who wishes to attend the special meeting in person must bring proof of beneficial ownership as of the record date, such as a letter from the broker, bank, trustee or other nominee that is the record owner of such beneficial owner’s shares, a brokerage account statement or the voting instruction form provided by the broker.

A person who holds a validly executed proxy entitling such person to vote on behalf of a record owner of Chemical shares and who wishes to attend the special meeting in person must bring the validly executed proxy naming such person as the proxy holder, signed by the Chemical shareholder, and proof of the signing shareholder’s record ownership as of the record date.

No cameras, recording equipment or other electronic devices will be allowed in the meeting room. Failure to provide the requested documents at the door or failure to comply with the procedures for the special meeting may prevent shareholders from being admitted to the Chemical special meeting.

Revocation of Proxies

A Chemical shareholder may revoke a proxy at any time before it is voted at the meeting by taking any of the following four actions:

  • delivering written notice of revocation to Chemical’s Corporate Secretary, William C. Collins, 235 East Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640;

  • delivering a proxy card bearing a later date than the proxy that you wish to revoke;

  • casting a subsequent vote via telephone or the Internet, as described above; or

  • attending the meeting and voting in person.

Merely attending the meeting will not, by itself, revoke your proxy; you must cast a subsequent vote at the meeting using forms provided for that purpose. Your last valid vote that we receive before or at the special meeting is the vote that will be counted.

Solicitation of Proxies

Chemical is soliciting proxies for the Chemical special meeting from its shareholders. In accordance with the merger agreement, Chemical will pay its own costs of soliciting proxies from its shareholders, including the cost of mailing this joint proxy statement and prospectus. In addition to solicitation of proxies by mail, proxies may be solicited by Chemical’s officers, directors and regular employees, without additional remuneration, by personal interview, telephone or other means of communication.

Chemical will make arrangements with brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward proxy solicitation materials to beneficial owners of Chemical common stock. Chemical may reimburse these brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses incurred in forwarding the proxy materials.

To help assure the presence in person or by proxy of the largest number of shareholders possible, we have engaged [●], a proxy solicitation firm, which we refer to as “[●]”, to solicit proxies on Chemical’s behalf. We have

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agreed to pay [●] a proxy solicitation fee of $[●]. We will also reimburse [●] for its reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses.

THE TALMER SPECIAL MEETING

Date, Time and Place

The special meeting of Talmer shareholders will be held on [●], 2016, at [●], local time, at the Somerset Inn, 2601 West Big Beaver Road, Troy, Michigan 48084. On or about [●], Talmer commenced mailing this joint proxy statement and prospectus and the enclosed form of proxy to its shareholders entitled to vote at the Talmer special meeting.

Purpose of the Talmer Special Meeting

At the Talmer special meeting, Talmer shareholders will be asked to consider and vote on the following:

  • a proposal to approve the merger agreement;

  • a proposal to approve the Talmer merger-related compensation proposal; and

  • a proposal to approve the Talmer adjournment proposal.

Completion of the merger is conditioned on approval of the merger agreement by the Talmer shareholders, among other conditions. Completion of the merger is not conditioned on the approval of the Talmer merger-related compensation proposal or the Talmer adjournment proposal.

Recommendations of the Talmer Board of Directors

The Talmer board of directors has unanimously determined that the merger is advisable and in the best interests of Talmer and its shareholders. The Talmer board of directors unanimously recommends that Talmer shareholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement, “FOR” the Talmer merger-related compensation proposal, and “FOR” the Talmer adjournment proposal.

Talmer shareholders should carefully read this joint proxy statement and prospectus, including any documents incorporated by reference, and the Annexes in their entirety for more detailed information concerning the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Talmer Record Date; Shareholders Entitled to Vote

The record date for the Talmer special meeting is [●], 2016. Only holders of record of shares of Talmer Class A common stock at the close of business on such date will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Talmer special meeting and any adjournment or postponements of the meeting. At the close of business on the record date, the only outstanding voting securities of Talmer were Class A common stock, and [●] shares of Talmer Class A common stock were issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the Talmer special meeting.

Each share of Talmer Class A common stock outstanding on the record date for the Talmer special meeting is entitled to one vote on each proposal to be considered at the Talmer special meeting.

Voting by Talmer’s Directors and Executive Officers

At the close of business on the record date for the Talmer special meeting, Talmer directors and executive officers and their affiliates were entitled to vote [●] shares of Talmer Class A common stock or approximately [●]% of the shares of Talmer Class A common stock outstanding on that date. In connection with the merger agreement, the Talmer directors entered into Support Agreements with Chemical, in their capacities as shareholders, agreeing to vote in favor of the approval of the merger agreement, subject to certain limited exceptions. At the close of business

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on the record date for the Talmer special meeting, Talmer directors were entitled to vote [●] shares of Talmer Class A common stock or approximately [●]% of the shares of Talmer Class A common stock outstanding on that date.

Quorum and Adjournment

No business may be transacted at the Talmer special meeting unless a quorum is present. Shareholders who hold shares representing at least a majority of the shares entitled to vote at the Talmer special meeting must be present in person or by proxy to constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not present, the chairman may adjourn the meeting to solicit additional proxies. In addition, if fewer shares are voted than the number of shares required to obtain the necessary Talmer shareholder approvals, then the special meeting may be adjourned to allow additional time for obtaining additional proxies, if the approval of a majority of the votes cast at the special meeting on the Talmer adjournment proposal is obtained.

No notice of an adjourned meeting needs to be given if the time and place of the adjourned meeting are announced at the special meeting unless, after the adjournment, a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, in which case a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. At any adjourned meeting, all proxies will be voted in the same manner as they would have been voted at the original convening of the special meeting, except for any proxies that have been effectively revoked or withdrawn prior to the adjourned meeting.

In determining whether there is a quorum at the Talmer special meeting for purposes of all matters to be voted on, all votes “for” or “against” and all votes to “abstain” will be counted. Broker non-votes will have no effect on determining the presence or absence of a quorum.

Required Vote

The required votes to approve the Talmer proposals are as follows:

  • The approval of the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Talmer Class AChemical common stock entitled to vote atvote. Chemical shareholders must approve the Talmer special meeting. An abstention,Chemical articles amendment proposal in order for the merger to occur. If Chemical shareholders fail to approve the Chemical articles amendment proposal, the merger will not occur.

Effect of abstentions and broker non-vote or a failurenon-votes: If you fail to vote, mark “ABSTAIN” on your sharesproxy card or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the Chemical articles amendment proposal, it will have the same effect as a vote cast “against” this“AGAINST” the proposal.

Chemical compensation proposal:

  • TheStandard: Assuming a quorum is present, approval of the Talmer merger-relatedChemical compensation proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Chemical special meeting, assuming a quorummeeting. This is present. Abstentions,an advisory vote, and therefore is not binding on Chemical or the Chemical board of directors or the Chemical compensation committee. If Chemical shareholders fail to approve the Chemical compensation proposal, but approve the merger proposal and the Chemical articles amendment proposal, the merger may nonetheless occur.

Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes and a failure: If you fail to vote, mark “ABSTAIN” on your sharesproxy card or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the Chemical compensation proposal, you will be deemed not to have cast a vote with respect to the proposal and it will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.

Chemical adjournment proposal:

  • TheStandard: Assuming a quorum is present, approval of the TalmerChemical adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Chemical special meeting, regardlessmeeting. If Chemical shareholders fail to approve the Chemical adjournment proposal, but approve the merger proposal and the Chemical articles amendment proposal, the merger may nonetheless occur.

Effect of whether or not there is a quorum. Abstentions,abstentions and brokernon-votes and a failure: If you fail to vote, mark “ABSTAIN” on your sharesproxy card or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the Chemical adjournment proposal, you will be deemed not to have cast a vote with respect to the proposal and it will have no effect on the outcomeproposal.

Q:

WHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE EACH PROPOSAL AT THE TCF SPECIAL MEETING?

A:

TCF merger proposal:

Standard: Approval of this proposal.

Votingthe TCF merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of Proxies by Holdersa majority of Recordthe issued and outstanding shares of TCF common stock. TCF shareholders must approve the TCF merger proposal in order for the merger to occur. If TCF shareholders fail to approve the TCF merger proposal, the merger will not occur.

 

Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes: If you were a record holder of Talmer Class A common stock at the close of businessfail to vote, mark “ABSTAIN” on the record date of the Talmer special meeting, a proxy card is enclosed for your use. Talmer requests that you vote your shares as promptly  as possible by (i) voting through the Internet site listed on the Talmer proxy card or (ii) submittingfail to instruct your Talmer proxy card by mail by usingbank or broker how to vote with respect to the provided self-addressed, stamped envelope. Information and applicable deadlines for voting throughTCF merger proposal, it will have the Internet are set forth onsame effect as a vote “AGAINST” the enclosed proxy card. Whenproposal.

TCF compensation proposal:

Standard: Assuming a quorum is present, approval of the accompanying proxy is returned properly executed,TCF compensation proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of shares of Talmer Class ATCF common stock represented at the TCF special meeting, in person or by proxy, that are entitled to vote. This is an advisory vote, and therefore is not binding on TCF, Chemical or the boards of directors or the compensation committees of TCF or Chemical. If TCF shareholders fail to approve the TCF compensation proposal, but approve the TCF merger proposal, the merger may nonetheless occur.

Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes: Because shares voted “ABSTAIN” are counted as present for purposes of determining a quorum, if you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy card, your abstention will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the TCF compensation proposal. If you fail to vote or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the TCF compensation proposal, you will be deemed not to be present with respect to the proposal, and it will be votedhave no effect on the proposal.

TCF adjournment proposal:

Standard: Assuming a quorum is present, approval of the TCF adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of shares of TCF common stock represented at the TalmerTCF special meeting, in person or anyby proxy, that are entitled to vote. If TCF shareholders fail to approve the TCF adjournment proposal, but approve the TCF merger proposal, the merger may nonetheless occur.

Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes: Because shares voted “ABSTAIN” are counted as present for purposes of determining a quorum, if you mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy card, it will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the TCF adjournment proposal. If you fail to vote or postponementfail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the TCF adjournment proposal, you will be deemed not to be present with respect to the proposal, and it will have no effect on the proposal.

Q:    WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS TO COMPLETE THE MERGER?

A:

The obligations of Chemical and TCF to complete the meeting in accordance withmerger are subject to the instructionssatisfaction or waiver of certain closing conditions contained in the proxy card. Your Internet vote authorizesmerger agreement, including the named proxiesreceipt of required regulatory approvals and the expiration of all statutory waiting periods without the imposition of any materially burdensome regulatory condition, tax opinions, approval by Chemical shareholders of both the Chemical merger proposal and the Chemical articles amendment proposal and approval by TCF shareholders of the TCF merger proposal. For more information, see “The Merger Agreement—Conditions to vote your sharesComplete the Merger” beginning on page 125.

Q:

WHEN WILL THE MERGER BE COMPLETED?

A:

We will complete the merger when all of the conditions to completion contained in the same manner as if you had marked, signedmerger agreement are satisfied or waived, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals and returned a proxy card.

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If a proxy is returned without an indication as to how the sharesexpiration of Talmer Class A common stock represented areall statutory waiting periods and approval by Chemical shareholders of both the Chemical merger proposal and the Chemical articles amendment proposal and approval by TCF shareholders of the TCF merger proposal. While we expect the merger to be voted with regard to a particular proposal,completed in the Talmer Class A common stock represented by the proxy will be voted in accordance with the recommendationlate third or early fourth quarter of 2019, because fulfillment of some of the Talmerconditions to completion of the merger are not entirely within our control, we cannot assure you of the actual timing.

Q:

HOW DOES THE CHEMICAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE TCF BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND THAT I VOTE?

A:

The Chemical board of directors and, therefore, “FOR” the proposal to approvehas unanimously adopted the merger agreement and approved the transactions contemplated thereby, including the issuance of Chemical common stock and Chemical Series C preferred stock (or related depositary shares) and the amendment to the Chemical articles of incorporation, and recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR” the Talmer merger-relatedChemical merger proposal, “FOR” the Chemical articles amendment proposal, “FOR” the Chemical compensation proposal and “FOR” the TalmerChemical adjournment proposal.

The TCF board of directors unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and recommends that the TCF shareholders vote “FOR” the TCF merger proposal, “FOR” the TCF compensation proposal and “FOR” the TCF adjournment proposal.

Q:    WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NOW?

 

A:

AtAfter carefully reading and considering the date hereof, the Talmer board of directors has no knowledge of any business that will be presented for consideration at the Talmer special meeting and that would be required to be set forthinformation contained in or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement and statement/prospectus, orincluding its annexes, please vote your shares as soon as possible so that your shares will be represented at your respective company’s meeting of shareholders. Please follow the related proxy card other than the mattersinstructions set forth in Talmer’s Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders. If any other matter is properly presented at the Talmer special meeting for consideration, the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy and acting thereunder will vote in accordance with their discretionherein or on such matter.

Your vote is important. Accordingly, if you were a record holder of Talmer Class A common stock on the record date of the Talmer special meeting, please sign and return the enclosed proxy card or vote via the Internet, regardless of whether or not you plan to attend the Talmer special meeting in person. Proxies submitted through the specified internet website must be received by[●], Eastern Time, on [●].

Shares Held in Street Name

If you hold shares of Talmer Class A common stock through a stock brokerage account or a bank or other nominee, you are considered the “beneficial holder” of the shares held for you in what is known as “street name.” The “record holder” of such shares is your broker, bank or other nominee, and not you, and you must provide the record holder of your shares with instructions on how to vote your shares. Please follow the voting instructionsinstruction form provided by your broker, bank or other nominee. Please note that you may not votenominee if your shares are held in streetthe name by returning a proxy card directly to Talmer or by voting in person at the Talmer special meeting unless you have a “legal proxy,” which you must obtain fromof your broker, bank or other nominee. Please also note that

Q:

HOW DO I VOTE?

A:

If you are a shareholder of record of Chemical as of May 1, 2019, the Chemical record date, you may submit your proxy before the Chemical special meeting in any of the following ways:

by mail, by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card to Chemical using the enclosed postage-paid envelope;

by telephone, by calling toll-free1-866-895-6904 and following the recorded instructions; or

via the Internet, by accessing the website www.proxypush.com/CHFC and following the instructions on the website.

If you are a shareholder of record of TCF as of April 30, 2019, the TCF record date, you may submit your proxy before the TCF special meeting in any of the following ways:

by mail, by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card to TCF using the enclosed postage-paid envelope;

by telephone, by calling toll-free1-800-690-6903 and following the recorded instructions; or

via the Internet, by accessing the website www.proxyvote.com and following the instructions on the website.

If you intend to submit your proxy by telephone or via the Internet, you must do so by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on the day before your respective company’s meeting of shareholders. If you intend to submit your proxy by mail, your completed proxy card must be received prior to your respective company’s meeting of shareholders.

If you are a Chemical shareholder as of the Chemical record date or TCF shareholder as of the TCF record date, you may also cast your vote in person at your respective company’s meeting of shareholders. If you plan to attend your respective company’s meeting of shareholders, you must hold your shares in your own name or have a letter from the record holder of your shares confirming your ownership. In addition, you must bring a form of personal photo identification with you in order to be admitted to the meeting. Each of Chemical and TCF reserves the right to refuse admittance to anyone without proper proof of stock ownership or without proper photo identification. Whether or not you intend to be present at your respective company’s meeting of shareholders, you are urged to complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card to Chemical or TCF, as applicable, in the enclosed postage-paid envelope or submit a proxy by telephone or via the Internet as described on the enclosed instructions as soon as possible. If you are then present and wish to vote your shares in person, your original proxy may be revoked by attending and voting at your respective company’s meeting of shareholders.

If you hold your shares in “street name” through a broker, bank or other nominee, your broker, bank or other nominee will send you separate instructions describing the procedure for voting your shares. If your shares are held in “street name,” you must obtain a legal proxy, executed in your favor, from the record holder of your shares, such as a broker, bank or other nominee, to vote your shares in person at your respective company’s meeting of shareholders.

Q:

IF MY SHARES ARE HELD IN “STREET NAME” BY A BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE, WILL MY BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE VOTE MY SHARES FOR ME?

A:

No. Under the rules of the NYSE, brokers banks or other nominees who hold shares in “street name” for a beneficial owner of Talmer Class A common stock on behalf of their customers may not give a proxy to Talmerthose shares typically have the authority to vote those sharesin their discretion only on “routine” proposals when they have not received instructions from beneficial owners. However, brokers are not permitted to exercise their voting discretion with respect to the approval of matters that the NYSE determines to be“non-routine” without specific instructions from their customers.

Ifthe beneficial owner. Under the NYSE rules, all of the proposals to be voted on at the Chemical special meeting and the TCF special meeting are considered“non-routine” matters. Because none of the proposals to be voted on at the Chemical special meeting and TCF special meeting are “routine” matters for which brokers may have discretionary authority to vote, neither Chemical nor TCF expects any brokernon-votes at the Chemical special meeting or the TCF special meeting. As a result, if you are a Talmer shareholderhold your shares of Chemical common stock or TCF common stock in “street name,” your shares will not be represented and will not be voted on any matter unless you do notaffirmatively instruct your bank, broker or other nominee how to vote your shares in one of the ways indicated by your bank, broker or other nominee.It is therefore critical that you cast your vote by instructing your bank, broker or other nominee on how to vote.

Please follow the voting instructions provided by your broker, bank or other nominee. Please note that you may not vote shares held in “street name” by returning a proxy card directly to Chemical or TCF or by voting in person at your respective company’s meeting of shareholders, unless you provide a legal proxy, executed in your favor, from the record holder of your shares, such as a broker, bank or other nominee. In addition to such legal proxy, if you plan to attend your respective company’s meeting of shareholders, but you are not a shareholder of record because you hold your shares in “street name,” please bring evidence of your beneficial ownership of your shares (e.g., a copy of a recent brokerage statement showing the shares) and valid photo identification with you to such company’s meeting of shareholders.

Q:

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I RETURN MY PROXY CARD WITHOUT INDICATING HOW TO VOTE?

A:

If you sign and return your shares, your broker, bank or other nominee may not vote your shares on any of the Talmer proposals.

Attending the Meeting; Voting in Person

Only Talmer shareholders, their duly appointed proxies, and invited guests may attend the meeting.All attendees must present government-issued photo identification (such as a driver’s license or passport) for admittance. The additional items, if any, that attendees must bring depend on whether they are shareholders of record, beneficial owners, or proxy holders.

A Talmer shareholder who holds shares directly registered in such shareholder’s name with Talmer’s transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, and who wishes to attend the special meeting in person should bring government-issued photo identification.

A shareholder who holds shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, trustee or other nominee (referred to as a “beneficial owner”) and who wishes to attend the special meeting in person must bring proof of beneficial ownership as of the record date, such as a letter from the broker, bank, trustee or other nominee that is the record owner of such beneficial owner’s shares, a brokerage account statement or the voting instruction form provided by the broker.

A person who holds a validly executed proxy entitling such personcard without indicating how to vote on behalf of a record owner of Talmer shares and who wishes to attendany particular proposal, the special meeting in person must bring the validly executed proxy naming such person as the proxy holder, signed by the Talmer shareholder, and proof of the signing shareholder’s record ownership as of the record date.

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No cameras, recording equipment or other electronic devices will be allowed in the meeting room. Failure to provide the requested documents at the door or failure to comply with the procedures for the special meeting may prevent shareholders from being admitted to the Talmer special meeting.

Revocation of Proxies

If you are a Talmer record holder (i.e., you hold your shares directly instead of through a brokerage account or other nominee) and you change your mind after you return your proxy, you may revoke it and change your vote at any time before the polls close at the Talmer special meeting. You may do this by:

  • delivering written notice of revocation to Talmer’s Corporate Secretary, James Dunn, 2301 West Big Beaver Road, Suite 525, Troy, Michigan 48084;

  • delivering a proxy card bearing a later date than the proxy that you wish to revoke;

  • casting a subsequent vote via the Internet; or

  • attending the meeting and voting in person.

Merely attending the meeting will not, by itself, revoke your proxy; you must cast a subsequent vote at the meeting using forms provided for that purpose.

If you hold your shares through a brokerage account, you must contact your brokerage firm to revoke your proxy.

Solicitation of Proxies

Talmer is soliciting proxies for the Talmer special meeting from its shareholders. In accordance with the merger agreement, Talmer will pay its own costs of soliciting proxies from its shareholders, including the cost of mailing this joint proxy statement and prospectus. In addition to solicitation of proxies by mail, proxies may be solicited by Talmer’s officers, directors and regular employees, without additional remuneration, by personal interview, telephone or other means of communication.

Talmer will make arrangements with brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward proxy solicitation materials to beneficial owners of Talmer Class A common stock. Talmer may reimburse these brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses incurred in forwarding the proxy materials.

To help assure the presence in person or by proxy of the largest number of shareholders possible, we have engaged [●], a proxy solicitation firm, which we refer to as “[●]”), to solicit proxies on Talmer’s behalf. We have agreed to pay to [●] a proxy solicitation fee of $[●]. We will also reimburse [●] for its reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses.

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THE MERGER

This discussion of the merger is qualified in its entirety by reference to the merger agreement, which is attached to this joint proxy statement and prospectus and registration statement as Annex A. You should read the entire merger agreement carefully, as it is the legal document that governs the merger.

Effects of the Merger

At the effective time of the merger, Talmer will merge with and into Chemical. Chemical will be the surviving entity following the merger.

In the merger, each outstanding share of Talmer Class A common stock will be converted into the right to receive 0.4725 shares of Chemical common stock represented by your proxy will be voted as recommended by the Chemical board of directors with respect to such proposal or the shares of TCF common stock represented by your proxy will be voted as recommended by the TCF board of directors with respect to such proposal, as the case may be.

Q:

MAY I CHANGE MY VOTE AFTER I HAVE SUBMITTED MY PROXY OR VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD?

A:

Yes. If you are the record holder of either Chemical or TCF common stock, you can change your vote or revoke your proxy at any time before your proxy is voted at the applicable meeting. You can do this by:

timely delivering a signed written notice of revocation to the Corporate Secretary of Chemical or TCF, as applicable;

timely delivering a new, valid proxy bearing a later date; or

attending the special meeting and voting in person. Simply attending the Chemical special meeting or the TCF special meeting without voting will not revoke any proxy that you have previously given or change your vote.

If you hold shares of either Chemical or TCF common stock in “street name,” you must contact your broker, bank or other nominee to change your vote.

Q:    ARE TCF SHAREHOLDERS ENTITLED TO APPRAISAL RIGHTS?

A:

No, under Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL, which is the law under which TCF is incorporated, the holders of TCF common stock and $1.61 in cash, without interest, together with cash paid in lieu of any fractional share of Chemical common stock. This exchange ratio is fixedTCF Series C preferred stock and related depositary shares will not be adjustedentitled to reflect stock price changes prior to the effective time of the merger. Chemical shareholders will continue to hold their existing Chemical shares.

Background of the Merger

As part of Talmer’s ongoing consideration and evaluation of its long-term prospects and strategies, since the recapitalization of Talmer in 2010, Talmer’s Board of Directors and senior management have regularly reviewed and assessed its business strategies and objectives, all with the goal of enhancing long term value for its shareholders. The Talmer Board of Directors also formed a Strategic Initiatives Committee in November of 2014 in order to facilitate preliminary consideration of corporate opportunities in an efficient and timely manner and involve the Talmer Board with management in preliminary discussions regarding such opportunities. The Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee is comprised of three independent directors. Its members on March 31, 2015 were David Leitch, Ron Klein and Barbara Mahone. In November of 2015, Mr. Leitch left Talmer’s Board of Directors upon his appointment as general counsel of a major national bank, and Al Papa replaced him on the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee.

The Talmer Board of Directors, directly and through the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee, reviews and assesses strategic alternatives, including growth strategies (including acquisitions and organic growth), capital planning (including warrant repurchases, share repurchases, dividends and FDIC loss-share agreement terminations), and potential earnings improvement through revenue increases, expense reductions and strategic mergers. The Talmer Board of Directors has also reviewed the state of the banking industry generally and Talmer in particular, including the economic, interest rate and regulatory environment; the competitive landscape for community banks; public trading prices of bank stocks; and bank merger and acquisition activity and valuations. These meetings have included discussions regarding potential business combinations, economies of scale, increased client service, and shareholder value benefits that might be achieved if Talmer were to become a larger institution through acquisitions of troubled institutions and small, healthy banks, acquisitions of banks with more substantial size,any appraisal rights or a merger with a similarly-sized or significantly larger financial institution.

In recent years, in addition to pursuing organic loan growth and implementing its capital planning strategies, Talmer, with the assistance of its outside advisors, has repeatedly evaluated the community bank merger and acquisition market and potential merger partners and acquisition candidates for Talmer. Talmer directors and executive officers have had discussions from time to time with many investment bankers and financial institutions in an effort to maintain knowledge of the relevant market for business combinations and to gauge the potential interest level and suitability of various financial institutions with respect to exploring a business combination with Talmer. These contacts have occurred through formal and informal meetings and telephone calls and impromptu meetings at investor conferences, banking industry conferences, and social settings. As part of Talmer’s active involvement in the bank merger and acquisition market, between April 30, 2010 and February 6, 2015, Talmer completed eight acquisitions. Of these, the pursuit of troubled bank acquisitions was its primary initial focus. Four of Talmer’s acquisitions were FDIC-assisted transactions and two of them involved bank acquisitions from holding companies in transactions facilitated under Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In addition, in 2014, Talmer also engaged in two branch sale transactions involving branches that were outside of Talmer’s Midwest regional focus area.

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Talmer Exploratory Discussions with Other Institutions

While Talmer was pursuing troubled bank acquisition transactions, as part of Talmer’s ongoing efforts to explore opportunities to enhance long-term value for its shareholders, Talmer and its advisers also continued to engage in discussions and due diligence with numerous other potential merger and acquisition partners. As a result of Talmer’s activities and analysis of the community bank merger and acquisition market, Talmer developed its understanding of its logical potential merger and acquisition partners. Prior to the announcement of the merger with Chemical, a number of possible merger or acquisition discussions and meetings took place over a multi-year period with parties that were similar in size to or substantially larger than Talmer which Talmer deemed to have the highest likelihood of engaging in a transaction with Talmer, taking into account a number of criteria, including the ability-to-pay, strategic rationale, regulatory readiness and previous oral expressions of interest. A number of the more substantive exploratory discussions that occurred during 2014 and 2015 include the following.

In late March 2014, a representative of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. (“KBW”), an investment banking firm that had served as an underwriter in connection with Talmer’s initial public offering in February 2014 and had also previously provided other financial advisory services to Talmer, and the CEO of a community bank located in the Midwest that was slightly larger than Talmer, which we refer to as “Institution A,” discussed a potential merger transaction between Talmer and Institution A. Subsequently, Talmer senior executives and representatives of KBW met with executives of Institution A on several occasions during 2014 to discuss a potential merger with Talmer. In September 2015, Institution A advised Talmer’s CFO that Institution A was focused on other priorities and so was not interested in pursuing a business combination with Talmer.

In November 2014, Talmer senior executives met with senior executives of a substantially larger regional bank with operations in the State of Michigan, which we refer to as “Institution B,” and discussed a potential merger. The meeting ended with a commitment to have further discussions, but without any clearly defined next steps. In August 2015, Talmer re-initiated discussions with Institution B to determine whether it was interested in pursuing a strategic transaction with Talmer. Institution B expressed a desire to continue to meet periodically, but it was made clear to Talmer’s CFO that Institution B was not prepared to pursue a transaction with Talmer at that time. In December 2015, Talmer’s CEO met with Institution B’s CEO and further discussed the possibility of a merger transaction between Institution B and Talmer. Institution B advised Talmer’s CEO that Institution B was not in a position to pursue a business combination with Talmer at that time.

In November 2014, Talmer’s CEO met with the CEO of a larger regional bank with banking offices in Michigan and Ohio, which we refer to as “Institution C,” and discussed their respective banking franchises, management philosophies and the possibility of joining together. In July 2015, Talmer’s senior management team met with several members of Institution C’s senior management team to discuss a potential strategic merger transaction. Following this meeting, the parties participated in a number of telephone calls through the end of 2015. At the conclusion of these discussions, in December 2015, Talmer was informed that Institution C was not interested in pursuing a business combination in the near term.

In April 2015, Talmer’s CFO met with senior management of a bank that was slightly larger than Talmer and located in one of Talmer’s markets, which we refer to as “Institution D.” Institution D had been identified with input from KBW as a financial institution that might have interest in exploring a potential transaction with Talmer. The parties discussed Talmer as well as Institution D’s long-term desire to expand further into Talmer’s Michigan markets. Institution D informed Talmer’s CFO that they had a long-term interest in Talmer’s markets; however, they were not planning on this expansion within the next couple of years.

Talmer’s discussions with Institutions A, B, C and D were all preliminary in nature, with no specific proposals being made. In addition to these institutions, Talmer or its advisers had preliminary exploratory discussions during 2014 and 2015 with representatives of several other potential merger partners that were similar sized to or substantially larger than Talmer, none of which indicated that it was interested in pursuing a business combination with Talmer at that time, except for Chemical and one substantially larger party that we refer to as “Institution E,” as discussed below.

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Discussions Between Talmer and Chemical and Talmer and Institution E

The Chemical Board of Directors and management team regularly review Chemical’s performance, risks, opportunities and strategy and discusses such matters at board meetings. Chemical’s Board of Directors and management team review and evaluate the possibility of pursuing various strategic alternatives and relationships as part of Chemical’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its businesses and improve its operations and financial performance in order to create value for its shareholders, taking into account economic, regulatory, competitive and other conditions. Since 2000, Chemical has completed 11 merger and acquisition transactions, including, most recently, the acquisitions of Northwestern Bancorp, Inc. (October 31, 2014), Monarch Community Bancorp, Inc. (April 1, 2015) and Lake Michigan Financial Corporation (May 31, 2015). In addition, during the last several years, the Chemical Board of Directors and management team have considered other strategic transactions with other companies, including Talmer. In May 2014, with Talmer’s knowledge and approval, KBW discussed with Chemical’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, David B. Ramaker, a potential merger between Chemical and Talmer and offered to introduce Mr. Ramaker to Mr. Provost of Talmer. A possible strategic transaction with Talmer was first introduced to the Chemical Board of Directors at a meeting held on July 22, 2014 in executive session, at which meeting the Board of Directors instructed Mr. Ramaker to proceed to learn more about the possibilities of a possible strategic transaction with Talmer and pursue informal discussions about a possible transaction with Talmer management.

Following an introduction by KBW, Mr. Provost and Mr. Ramaker met on August 15, 2014 to discuss management philosophies and the concept of a potential business combination.

On September 24, 2014, Mr. Torgow, Mr. Provost and Mr. Klaeser had discussions with Mr. Ramaker and Chemical’s CFO, Lori A. Gwizdala to discuss the respective cultures and governance of Chemical and Talmer, including how the respective cultures and governance of each organization might assimilate together following a potential business combination.

On October 21, 2014, the Chemical Board of Directors met in executive session and continued discussions relating to a possible strategic transaction with Talmer, including Mr. Ramaker provided his thoughts on his initial impressions relating to the viability of a transaction based on discussions with Talmer management to date.

During February 2015, Mr. Klaeser had discussions with Ms. Gwizdala, regarding Chemical’s potential interest in a business combination with Talmer. These discussions focused on financial logic and strategic compatibility, and no specific proposals were made. In March 2015, with Talmer’s knowledge and approval, KBW provided information to Chemical regarding Talmer and a potential merger between Talmer and Chemical.

On March 6, 2015, Talmer’s Chairman had a social lunch with the CEO of Institution E, during which they discussed the banking environment and their respective institutions’ business philosophies. Prior to its initial public offering, in 2013, Talmer had engaged in discussions regarding a possible business combination with Institution E. After conducting preliminary due diligence, Institution E had expressed interest in acquiring Talmer in a primarily stock transaction, although the merger consideration proposed was not considered sufficient by Talmer’s Board of Directors, which decided to move forward independently. Senior management of Talmer and Institution E had continued to have informal dialogue over the next year and a half.

Talmer senior executives met with senior executives of Institution E on two subsequent occasions in March 2015 to further discuss their respective institutions’ financial performance, markets, and management philosophies, with no specific merger proposals being made.

On March 31, 2015, the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee held a meeting that was also attended by Messrs. Torgow, Provost and Klaeser as well as KBW and Talmer’s outside legal counsel, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP (“Nelson Mullins”), to discuss strategic planning in general, as well as a potential acquisition by Talmer of another institution and Talmer’s discussions of a strategic transaction with Institution E. As described below, KBW was subsequently engaged to serve as Talmer’s financial advisordissenters’ rights in connection with the potential transaction with Institution E.merger.

 

Q:

ARE CHEMICAL SHAREHOLDERS ENTITLED TO APPRAISAL RIGHTS?

40

 

A:

During its March 31, 2015 meeting, the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee was updated regarding the potential acquisition by Talmer of another bank of approximately $2 billion in assets—which we refer to as “Institution F”—that had been reviewed with the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee in January 2015. Institution F had indicated to Talmer that it would require a higher valuation range than the indicative range proposed by Talmer, and Talmer management discussed with the committee that an acquisition at the higher valuation range would not provide sufficient earnings accretion to Talmer shareholders and would create downside risk to Talmer’s valuation. The committee also discussed another bank that management had performed due diligence on that had recently been acquired by another bank. Management believed that this bank would have also been a strategic fit with Talmer, but that it had been acquired for a price that was notably higher than the price that Talmer had considered paying.

The Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee then discussed the recent contact between Talmer management and Institution E. Mr. Klaeser advised the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee that any business combination with Institution E would likely include a significant portion of stock as a result of Institution E’s capital structure, and that due consideration should be given to potential share price appreciation of Institution's E's stock and the perceived interest of many Talmer shareholders to maintain a stock investment in the combined company if a merger with Institution E were to occur.

Also at this meeting, KBW discussed with the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee, among other matters: the market outlook for banks; trends in financial acquisition analysis, including tangible book value earn-back calculations, price-to-earnings and price-to-book trends; then current market and analyst expectations for Talmer; the status of discussions with various potential Talmer business combination partners; the significant number of informal discussions in which Talmer had engaged during the prior two years with banks in Talmer’s markets; and publicly available financial information regarding Institution E and its prospects. During this discussion, KBW explained how financial institution mergers were being received in the current public markets, including the observed impact that “overpriced” mergers, such as mergers with dilution earn back periods that exceed periods that were acceptable to the investor market, have had upon acquirer stock prices immediately following merger agreement announcements.

The Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee discussed with management and KBW various challenges and opportunities associated with various strategic alternatives, including, among others, pursuing: (i) a stand-alone strategy relying on organic growth, (ii) acquisitions of troubled institutions and small, healthy banks, (iii) acquisitions of banks with more substantial size, (iv) a merger with a similarly-sized institution, or (v) a merger with a significantly larger financial institution. The committee discussed with management Talmer’s strategy and goals, including Talmer’s expected 2015 earnings, Talmer’s potential acquisition targets, the diminishing opportunities for troubled-bank acquisitions by Talmer, and continuing regulatory burdens. The committee requested that Talmer management keep it up to date regarding discussions with Institution E, including by scheduling a subsequent meeting if Institution E made a proposal or if negotiations with respect to terms of a potential merger with Institution E otherwise developed. Following this meeting, Talmer and Institution E initiated more formalized due diligence. With Talmer’s knowledge and approval, KBW also maintained communication with Chemical regarding a potential merger between Talmer and Chemical.

On May 31, 2015, Chemical completed its previously announced acquisition of Lake Michigan Financial Corporation, with respect to which KBW had served as Chemical’s financial advisor. Upon completionNo, under Section 450.1762 of the Michigan Business Corporation Act, or the MBCA, which is the law under which Chemical merger with Lake Michigan Financial Corporation, KBW ceased to have any active investment banking services engagement with Chemical.

On June 8, 2015,is incorporated, the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee held a meeting that was also attended by Messrs. Torgow, Provost and Klaeser as well as KBW and Nelson Mullins. The committee received an update regarding discussions and due diligence with Institution E, discussions withholders of Chemical and preliminary exploratory discussions with other financial institutions. Also at this meeting, KBW discussed with the committee, among other things, Institution E’s financial and stock performance and for illustrative purposes certain financial aspects of a hypothetical merger with Institution E. The committee considered, in consultation with KBW, the likelihood that, based on Institution E’s financial ability to pursue and provide consideration in a potential merger with Talmer, the value of the merger consideration at the time of announcement of a merger with Institution E was expected to potentially be at or near then-current Talmer share trading prices. However, the committee also considered, in

41

consultation with KBW, potential earnings accretion to Talmer shareholders and other factors that could potentially contribute to a merger with Institution E being in the best interest of Talmer shareholders, such as price to earnings ratios, price to book value ratios, premium to market pricing over a multi-month period, the possibility that Institution E’s stock was undervalued, and the potential impact of a merger on Institution E’s common stock value. At this meeting, KBW also discussed with the committee, among other matters, possible strategic options that mightwill not be availableentitled to Talmer as well as advantages and disadvantages of various approaches to exploring potential strategic merger partners.

Nelson Mullins discussed with the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee various transaction structures and provided an overview of the fiduciary duties of board members associated therewith. The committee instructed management and KBW to continue discussions with Institution E and to also continue outreach efforts to Chemical and certain other institutions. The committee also directed that Talmer’s due diligence on Institution E continue. The committee expressed its availability to further discuss a potential transaction with Institution E and the committee’s willingness to convene a meeting on short notice. The committee instructed management and KBW to keep the committee updated and to be prepared to discuss a potential merger with Institution E with the full Talmer Board when a transaction appeared more likely to occur. Management discussed concerns regarding the extensive due diligence being conducted by Institution E and possible risks that enterprise-wide due diligence raised with respect to the retention of key employees. The committee noted these concerns.

On June 9, 2015, the Talmer Board of Directors held a meeting that was also attended by Dennis Klaeser and Nelson Mullins, and received a report from the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee with respect to the committee’s meeting the day before. The Board discussed the matters that had been reviewed with and considered by the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee on the previous day and the process by which potential transactions would be evaluated. The Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee informed the full Talmer Board that it was heavily involved in the process and would continue to update the full Talmer Board regarding any developments.

On June 17, 2015, the Talmer Board of Directors held a meeting that was also attended by Dennis Klaeser, and Talmer COO Tom Shafer as well as Nelson Mullins. The Board discussed the process to date with Institution E, discussions with other potentially interested merger partners, KBW’s engagement as Talmer’s financial advisorappraisal rights or dissenters’ rights in connection with a potential transaction with Institution E and the importance of confidentiality and of Talmer continuing to operate as effectively as possible without potential employee and customer distractions caused by rumors of a transaction. Senior management provided a summary of the process to date with Institution E, and discussed that Institution E had indicated that due to the recent increase in Talmer’s stock price, which closed at $16.84 on June 16, 2015 (as compared to a closing price of $14.20 on March 5, 2015, the day before the lunch meeting between Mr. Torgow and the CEO of Institution E), and the current value of Institution E’s stock, an offer from Institution E would likely provide no premium or would be at a discount to the market trading price at the time of a deal announcement. Mr. Torgow informed the Board that based on his prior discussions with Institution E, the value of the merger consideration could be below current market levels.Nevertheless, a merger with Institution E was expected to involve at least 80% stock consideration, and the Board discussed that, depending on various factors, a merger could potentially be advisable. The Board was advised that KBW was going to continue discussions with other potentially interested merger partners. Talmer’s management indicated that if negotiations continued to develop, it would convene additional meetings with the Board to provide the Board with significant additional detail and KBW’s advice and assistance. The Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee noted KBW’s bank merger expertise and reported that the committee had been well-served by the advice and assistance that KBW had provided to the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee. After discussing the proposed engagement of KBW, the Board approved the retention of KBW to serve as Talmer’s financial advisor in anticipation of a potential merger with Institution E. Following the meeting, Nelson Mullins delivered to the Board a memorandum reviewing the Board’s fiduciary duties in connection with its evaluation of a potential business combination transaction.

On June 18, 2015, Mr. Provost and Mr. Ramaker met at a banking conference to further discuss the possibility of a transformational merger between Talmer and Chemical.

On June 24, 2015, Mr. Klaeser and Ms. Gwizdala met to discuss lending, Talmer’s strategic focus and markets, and steps and challenges associated with merging similarly-sized institutions. Mr. Klaeser and Ms. Gwizdala also discussed certain critical accounting matters and certain financial matters relating to a possible strategic transaction between Talmer and Chemical. Chemical informed Talmer that it was focused on completing

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the integration process related to its recent acquisition, although the parties agreed that they would continue dialogue.

On June 29, 2015, the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee held a meeting that was also attended by Messrs. Torgow, Provost, Klaeser and Shafer as well as KBW and Nelson Mullins. The committee discussed Mr. Klaeser’s meeting with Ms. Gwizdala to discuss a transformational merger between Talmer and Chemical, as well as a scheduled meeting with Institution C’s management team. The committee received an update regarding, among other matters, the extensive due diligence being performed by Institution E, discussions between KBW and Institution E’s investment banker, and the due diligence to be performed by Talmer. The committee suggested several items to be included in the list of reverse due diligence topics, and Nelson Mullins indicated that management would update the committee on these topics once the related due diligence was complete.

On July 7, 2015, the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee held a meeting that was also attended by Messrs. Torgow, Provost and Klaeser as well as KBW and Nelson Mullins. The committee discussed Institution E’s due diligence. In addition, KBW discussed with the committee, among other matters, the potential risks, opportunities and shareholder value expectations associated with remaining independent and those associated with completing a business combination transaction, including an acquisition of a bank with substantial size, a merger with a similarly-sized institution, or a merger with a significantly larger financial institution.

On July 10, 2015, Talmer senior executives met with senior executives of Institution E and discussed remaining due diligence and anticipated future earnings for the combined company.

On July 13, 2015, counsel to Institution E delivered a draft merger agreement to Nelson Mullins. The draft merger agreement contemplated all-stock merger consideration, but it did not include a proposed stock exchange ratio.

On July 14, 2015, the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee held a meeting that was also attended by Messrs. Torgow, Provost, Klaeser and Shafer as well as KBW and Nelson Mullins. At this meeting, Mr. Torgow reported to the committee regarding the recent meeting with Institution E. KBW discussed with the committee, among other matters, the potential merger with Institution E, and possible advantages and disadvantages of strategic alternatives that might be available to Talmer, including continuing as a standalone entity, an acquisition of a bank with substantial size, a merger with a similarly-sized institution, including Chemical, or a merger with a significantly larger financial institution. Nelson Mullins discussed the draft merger agreement with the committee.

Also on July 14, 2015, the Talmer Board of Directors held a meeting that was also attended by Messrs. Klaeser and Shafer as well as KBW and Nelson Mullins. At this meeting, KBW discussed with the Board, among other matters, the potential merger with Institution E, Institution E’s operating and financial metrics and possible advantages and disadvantages of strategic alternatives that might be available to Talmer, including continuing as a standalone entity, an acquisition of a bank with substantial size, a merger with a similarly-sized institution, including Chemical, or a merger with a significantly larger financial institution.

On July 17, 2015, the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee held a meeting that was also attended by Messrs. Torgow, Provost, Klaeser and Shafer as well as KBW and Nelson Mullins. Mr. Torgow reported to the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee regarding recent discussions with Institution E with respect to due diligence and the timing of a potential merger consideration proposal. The committee reviewed the draft Institution E merger agreement and discussed the Board’s fiduciary duties and certain provisions of the draft agreement with Nelson Mullins.

On July 21, 2015, KBW attended a Chemical Board of Directors meeting regarding a strategic options review. KBW was requested to discuss the state of the banking industry, overview of the markets, various operating themes, historical review of the mergers and acquisitions in the depository institution sector, Chemical’s current business model and the issues surrounding crossing $10 billion in total assets, a summary of strategic options that might be available to Chemical (including the status quo, various acquisitions, mergers and control sale) and the advantages and disadvantages of each category. With Talmer’s knowledge and approval, one of the numerous examples of potentially available options for Chemical discussed by KBW was a potential merger with Talmer, which was addressed during a brief portion of KBW’s discussion with the Chemical Board of Directors. KBW

43

provided information regarding a potential merger with Talmer, including strategic rationale, transaction structure considerations and illustrative potential pro forma financial impacts of a hypothetical merger. After KBW left this meeting, the Chemical Board of Directors met in executive session and continued discussions relating to a possible strategic transaction with Talmer, including an update from Mr. Ramaker on discussions with Talmer management to date.

On or around July 28, 2015, Institution E advised Talmer that it was not going to make a merger consideration proposal, in part because Institution E was not willing to offer a level of merger consideration that Institution E believed would be acceptable to Talmer. The Talmer Board of Directors met on July 29, 2015 with Mr. Klaeser and Nelson Mullins and were advised of Institution E’s position. Due to a combination of increased regulatory scrutiny and risk management oversight, banks’ due diligence processes have grown significantly. Directors noted that a substantial number of persons from Institution E accessed electronic due diligence, with an even larger number with overall knowledge of the transaction. This level of access inevitably led to some knowledge of the transaction within Talmer’s employee ranks. As a result, senior management expressed concern about employee retention, and the Compensation Committee felt a need to institute new retention incentives to retain certain key personnel.

On July 29, 2015, Mr. Provost from Talmer and Mr. Ramaker from Chemical spoke at length on the telephone regarding a potential transformational merger. They agreed to revisit the matter over the following months once Chemical completed integration activities related to its most recent acquisition.

On July 30, 2015, Mr. Klaeser from Talmer and Ms. Gwizdala from Chemical met to further discuss critical accounting matters, including accounting for impaired loans, FDIC loss share arrangements, deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carryforwards and potential cost synergies, and certain financial matters, including capital levels and cash liquidity available to fund any portion of a strategic transaction.

On September 23, 2015, Mr. Provost and Mr. Shafer met with Mr. Ramaker, Chemical’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Customer Experience, Robert S. Rathbun, and Chemical’s Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, James E. Tomczyk and discussed credit aspects relating to each institution, including credit culture and philosophy, core credit competencies, underwriting procedures and processes, lending staffing and overall credit quality of the loan portfolio. Also on September 23, 2015, Mr. Klaeser and Ms. Gwizdala met and further discussed critical accounting matters and financial matters relating to a potential strategic transaction between Talmer and Chemical.

In early October 2015, with Talmer’s knowledge and approval, KBW provided updated information to Chemical regarding a potential merger between Chemical and Talmer for purposes of facilitating Chemical management’s preparation for a meeting of the Chemical Board of Directors on October 20, 2015. Consistent with discussions to date between Chemical’s and Talmer’s respective managements, which had not advanced to negotiation of the merger consideration, the information was focused on addressing the potential strategic rationale for a merger, including industrial logic, pro forma branch footprint and the loan and deposit portfolios of each institution and on a combined basis. The information also addressed transaction structure considerations and the potential financial viability of the merger for both parties, including illustrative potential pro forma financial impacts of a hypothetical merger.

On October 20, 2015, the Chemical Board of Directors met in executive session and continued discussions relating to a possible strategic transaction with Talmer, including an update from Mr. Ramaker on discussions with Talmer management to date. At this meeting, Mr. Ramaker reviewed certain aspects relating to a strategic transaction with Talmer, including the rationale and industrial logic for a transaction, a pro forma franchise footprint, preliminary due diligence findings, the corporate and capitalization history of Talmer (in particular, Mr. Ramaker noted that WL Ross Funds had fully divested its approximate 14% ownership in Talmer common stock on August 31, 2015 and that certain other “halo” investors in Talmer’s IPO had also previously fully divested their ownership in Talmer common stock), the loan and deposit portfolios of each institution and on a pro forma basis, a contribution analysis, various financial metrics, a sensitivity analysis and certain “guideposts” for a transformational merger. The Chemical Board of Directors gave Mr. Ramaker direction to proceed with entering into formal discussions with Talmer about a potential strategic transaction and authorized Mr. Ramaker to engage a financial advisor.

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On October 23, 2015, Chemical retained Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. (“Sandler O’Neill”) as its financial advisor with respect to a potential strategic transaction with Talmer.

On October 26, 2015, the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee held a meeting that was also attended by Messrs. Torgow, Provost and Klaeser as well as KBW and Nelson Mullins. At this meeting, various aspects of a potential merger with Chemical were discussed, including, among other matters, the potential strategic fit, costs savings, governance, earnings and capital impacts, and merger consideration and value to Talmer shareholders associated with a potential merger with Chemical. The committee considered, in consultation with Talmer’s senior executives and KBW, that the proposed merger with Chemical would be a transformational strategic combination of similarly-sized institutions rather than a sale of Talmer to Chemical and that the merger would be expected to, among other things:

·create, and enable Talmer shareholders to become shareholders of, the preeminent Michigan-based banking franchise;

·provide significant earnings per share accretion for Talmer shareholders;

·provide increased dividends per share for Talmer shareholders;

·allow Talmer to merge with a growing partner that has sound credit quality and strong operating performance;

·provide primarily stock merger consideration and have a fixed exchange ratio, which would enable Talmer shareholders to participate in long-term stock price appreciation; and

·increase Talmer shareholder value as a result of, among other factors, franchise improvement, earnings per share accretion and combined company valuation.

 

Q:

KBW discussed withWHAT ARE THE MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO U.S. TCF SHAREHOLDERS?

A:

The merger is intended to qualify for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a “reorganization” within the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee for illustrative purposes certain potential financial aspectsmeaning of a hypothetical merger with Chemical. The committee and KBW also discussed factors such as relative contribution, earnings per share accretion and tangible book value earn back period that could impact the parties’ negotiationSection 368(a) of the merger consideration exchange ratio. The committee recognized that, given the anticipated high percentageInternal Revenue Code of stock consideration, Talmer shareholders would have a significant interest in the performance of Chemical’s stock price. The committee considered, in consultation with KBW, the likelihood that a merger with Chemical would provide earnings per share accretion for Chemical shareholders and a tangible-book-value earn back period for Chemical shares that was within the range observed in other financial institution mergers to have been previously acceptable to the investor market and which would be expected to support combined company stock price appreciation. The committee also discussed with Talmer’s senior executives Talmer’s overall strategy and goals.

On October 28, 2015, the Talmer Board of Directors held a meeting that was also attended by Dennis Klaeser and Nelson Mullins. The Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee reported on its October 26, 2015 meeting, including the matters regarding the potential merger with Chemical that had been considered and discussed. Mr. Provost informed the Board that he had recently met with the Chemical CEO to discuss their respective companies and the possibility of exploring a business combination transaction generally, with no specific proposal being made. The rationale for a merger,1986, as outlined during the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee’s October 26, 2015 meeting, was discussed with the Board. The Talmer Board of Directors discussed the potential retention of KBW as Talmer’s financial advisor in connection with a potential merger with Chemical. The Board authorized the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee to approve the retention of KBW as Talmer’s financial advisor subject to the Strategic Initiative Committee’s review of a conflicts of interest analysis with respect to KBW and engagement terms.

From November 2, 2015, the date the parties executed a non-disclosure agreement, until the execution of the merger agreement, Chemical and Talmer conducted mutual due diligence including, in addition to the review of

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publicly available information and materials posted to an online data room or provided during on-site diligence, a combination of in-person and telephone meetings between Chemical and Talmer personnel.

On November 3, 2015, the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee held a meeting that was also attended by Messrs. Provost and Klaeser as well as KBW and Nelson Mullins. The committee discussed KBW’s prior investment banking and financial advisory services for Chemical and Talmer, the fact that to date KBW had previously discussed the potential merger between Chemical and Talmer separately with and had provided information to both parties in order to facilitate their respective preliminary assessments of their respective interests in exploring the potential merger, and the fact that Chemical had retained Sandler O’Neill as its financial advisor with respect to a potential merger with Talmer. KBW confirmed for the committee, among other things, that it did not have at that time a current or prospective investment banking services engagement with Chemical. The Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee discussed KBW’s prior relationships with Chemical, including the relationships described under the section entitled “Opinion of Talmer’s Financial Advisor in Connection with the Merger,” and determined that they did not impair the ability of KBW to continue to act as the financial advisor to Talmer. The Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee concluded that, based on KBW’s extensive knowledge of both Talmer and the market with respect to community bank mergers and the committee’s confidence in KBW’s capabilities and professionalism based on Talmer’s previous experiences working with KBW, KBW was the best positioned investment bank to advise Talmer in connection with a potential merger with Chemical and approved the retention of KBW as Talmer’s financial advisor in connection with a potential merger with Chemical.

On November 17, 2015, the Talmer Board of Directors held a meeting that was also attended by Dennis Klaeser and Nelson Mullins. The Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee discussed with the Board the conflicts of interest analysis with respect to KBW and the potential terms of KBW’s engagement. The Board discussed the ongoing due diligence process with Chemical. Also on November 17, 2015, Mr. Provost and Mr. Ramaker met and discussed certain aspects relating to a proposed strategic transaction, including corporate culture, operating structure, operating territory, conversion of data systems and the process of due diligence.

On November 25, 2015, Mr. Provost and Mr. Ramaker met and discussed certain aspects relating to a proposed strategic transaction between Talmer and Chemical, including early results of due diligence, types of loan structures and potential cultural differences and the respective loan portfolios of each institution.

On December 3, 2015, the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee held a meeting that was also attended by Messrs. Torgow, Provost and Klaeser as well as Nelson Mullins. The committee discussed the status and outlook for the due diligence process relating to a potential merger with Chemical. It also reviewed and approved the terms of KBW’s engagement.

On December 15, 2015, the Talmer Board of Directors held a meeting that was also attended by Dennis Klaeser and Nelson Mullins. The Board discussed the due diligence process, potential merger costs savings associated with a Chemical merger and the timing of a potential letter of intent.

On December 21, 2015 and December 22, 2015, the parties negotiated the terms of a letter of intent for the transaction.

On December 22, 2015, the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee met to discuss the status of the potential Chemical merger, and to review a draft preliminary, non-binding letter and term sheet,amended, which we refer to as the “letter of intent.” The meeting was attended by Messrs. Torgow, Provost, KlaeserCode, and Shafer as well as KBW and Nelson Mullins. The committee reviewedit is a condition to the strategic rationale of a merger with Chemical and received an update on the progress of due diligence efforts. The committee reviewed with KBW and Nelson Mullins the terms of the draft letter of intent, including: the entities involved, strategic rationale, transaction structure, timing, form of consideration, exchange ratio, dividends, management structure, board of directors composition, headquarters location, employees, employment contracts, anticipated termination fees, covenants, representations and warranties, conditions and other merger agreement provisions, exclusivity expectations, contingencies, approvals, indemnification, due diligence, that at least 50% of Talmer stock options would be allowed to convert into Chemical stock options, and certain other assumptions. The letter of intent contemplated merger consideration to Talmer shareholders composed of 90% Chemical stock and 10% cash. The exchange ratio, viewed on a 100% stock merger consideration equivalent basis, was between 0.50 and 0.525 Chemical shares for each Talmer share. Based on the closing price of $34.65 for Chemical’s shares on December 17, 2015, the range of the exchange ratio set forth in the letter of intent, viewed on a 100% stock merger consideration equivalent basis, indicated an implied value range of the merger consideration of between $17.32 and $18.19. Based on the

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closing price of $34.65 for Chemical’s shares on December 17, 2015, and assuming a 100% stock merger consideration equivalent exchange ratio of 0.525, the implied value of the merger consideration of $18.19 for each Talmer share represented a 4.3% premium over Talmer’s stock price of $17.44 on December 17, 2015, a 9.1% premium over Talmer’s ninety-day volume weighted average trading price, and a 37.3% premium over Talmer’s initial public offering price.

The Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee considered, in consultation with KBW, potential earnings accretion and dividend increases for Talmer shareholders based on the potential terms set forth in the letter of intent. In addition, KBW discussed with the committee that, at that time, Chemical’s common stock was not performing as well as the stock of certain other financial institutions considered to be peersrespective obligations of Chemical and that this market underperformance was potentially attributable in partTCF to apparent market concern that Chemical could cross the $10 billion asset threshold without engaging in a material transaction, which could result in Chemical incurring additional expenses such as debit card interchange fee limitations, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau oversight, additional stress testing requirements and potential surcharges levied by the FDIC, without offsetting benefits from the economies of scale provided by a material transaction. The committee discussed with KBW how potential Chemical share price appreciation might occur due to Chemical earnings accretion resulting fromcomplete the merger if Chemical werethat each receives a legal opinion to trade at an earnings per share multiple in line with financial institutions considered to be its peers, and how any such appreciation could benefit Talmer shareholders because of the anticipated significant stock component of the merger consideration and fixed merger exchange ratio with respect to such stock component. The Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee discussed regulatory and other due diligence matters, as well as potential merger agreement breakup fees. The committee asked questions of KBW and Nelson Mullins throughout the meeting, and the members discussed, among other things, the strategic rationale, transaction structure, timing, form of consideration, exchange ratio, governance, definitive agreement and key assumptions related to the potential merger. The committee approved the non-binding letter of intent and directed management to call a board meeting to present the letter of intent to the full board.

On December 22, 2015, the Chemical Board of Directors met with select members of Chemical management (including Mr. Ramaker and Ms. Gwizdala), Sandler O’Neill and Chemical’s outside legal counsel, Warner Norcross & Judd LLP (“Warner Norcross”), to consider a merger with Talmer and authorize and approve the terms and delivery of the letter of intent. Sandler O’Neill reviewed with the Chemical Board of Directors various aspects relating to a merger with Talmer, including a transaction overview and assumptions (including fair value adjustments, regulatory costs, cost savings and other assumptions), a pro forma merger analysis (with the merger consideration at various prices and composed on 90% stock and 10% cash and 100% stock), including a summary financial impact on Chemical, reconciliations related to transaction value and shares of Chemical common stock to be issued in a merger and a tangible book value earn back sensitivity analysis. The Chemical Directors asked questions of Chemical management and Sandler O’Neill throughout the presentation. Mr. Ramaker reviewed the terms of the letter of intent. Following questions that were asked of Chemical management, Sandler O’Neill and Warner Norcross, the Chemical Board of Directors approved the terms and delivery of the letter of intent to Talmer. The letter of intent was delivered to Talmer following the meeting.

On January 5, 2016, the Talmer Board of Directors held a meeting that was also attended by Messrs. Klaeser and Shafer as well as KBW and Nelson Mullins. The Board discussed the terms of the letter of intent. In response to the Board’s questions regarding whether there was an exchange ratio ceiling above which the merger would be unacceptable to Chemical, the Talmer Board was advised by Mr. Klaeser that earnings contributions were critical to both parties and that if the exchange ratio, viewed on a 100% stock merger consideration equivalent basis, was greater than 0.525 then Chemical’s earnings per share accretion from the merger would decrease to a level that would likely be lower than Chemical would accept. The board reviewed the strategic rationaleeffect. Therefore, for the merger, and KBW discussed with the Board the financial aspects of the potential merger, including the exchange ratio range set forth in the letter of intent and the impact of the recent decline and volatility in bank stock prices since the December 22, 2015 meeting of the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee on the implied transaction statistics for the merger. Based on the closing price of Chemical’s shares on January 4, 2016 of $33.01, and assuming a 100% stock merger consideration equivalent exchange ratio of 0.525, the implied value of the merger consideration was reduced to $17.33 which represented a 1.8% discount to the closing price of Talmer’s shares as of the same date, a 3.3%

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premium to Talmer’s ninety-day volume-weighted average price, and a 33.3% premium to Talmer’s initial public offering price.

The Board also considered, in consultation with KBW, whether, in the event of a financial downturn, the combined company would be expected to perform better than Talmer as a stand-alone entity. The Board considered that Chemical had performed relatively well in the most recent economic downturn and that the anticipated increase in earnings per share for Talmer shareholdersU.S. federal income tax purposes, as a result of the merger, should be a positive factor for shareholders in the combined company in the eventU.S. holder of an economic downturn. Throughout the discussionshares of the letter of intent, members of the Talmer Board asked questions of KBW and Nelson Mullins and provided inputTCF common stock generally will not recognize gain or loss on the topics presented.

Nelson Mullins discussed the directors’ fiduciary duties in connection with the Talmer Board’s evaluation of a potential business combination transaction. Nelson Mullins reviewed a draft merger agreement that Nelson Mullins had prepared and provided to the Board. Among other provisions, Nelson Mullins discussed with the Talmer Board terms of the merger agreement that provided that a termination fee could become payable if Talmer or Chemical terminated the merger agreement in certain circumstances, that would prohibit Talmer and Chemical from soliciting third-party acquisition proposals, and that would provide Talmer and Chemical with the ability to match third-party acquisition proposals made to the other party, as well as the unlikelihood that such terms would have a preclusive effect on a potentially interested third party from making a superior offer because the provisions preserved the ability of the parties to pay a termination fee and accept a superior proposal. The Talmer Board were informed by Talmer’s advisors that in their experience such provisions were consistent with common market practice in transactions of this nature.

The Board also discussed Talmer’s efforts to support community development programs in the locales it serves, including with respect to the Southeast Michigan metropolitan area, and the possibility of Chemical making a donation, in connection with a potential business combination transaction with Talmer, to an appropriate community development foundation focused on revitalization or community reinvestment efforts in the Southeast Michigan metropolitan area.

On January 6, 2016, Nelson Mullins delivered an initial draft of the merger agreement to Chemical and to Warner Norcross. Through January 25, 2016, the respective management teams of Chemical and Talmer, with the assistance of the respective legal counsel and the financial advisors to Chemical and Talmer, engaged in negotiations with respect to the merger agreement and exchanged drafts of the merger agreement.

On January 12, 2016, the Talmer Board of Directors held a meeting that was also attended by Messrs. Klaeser and Shafer, Talmer Chief Legal Officer Jim Dunn and Nelson Mullins. The Board discussed due diligence, the status of the merger agreement negotiations, as well as the recent stock price volatility of the market as a whole and of the shares of Chemical and Talmer, whose shares had closed at $32.40 per share and $17.05 per share, respectively, on the day before the meeting.

On January 14, 2016, the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee held a meeting that was also attended by Messrs. Torgow, Provost, Klaeser and Shafer and Nelson Mullins. The committee discussed the status and outlook for the due diligence process as well as Chemical’s comments on the draft merger agreement. Nelson Mullins explained that Talmer’s processes were designed to provide significant oversight and involvement by Talmer’s Board of Directors in the evaluation and negotiation of the potential merger.

On January 18, 2016, the Chemical Board of Directors met with select members of Chemical management (including Mr. Ramaker and Ms. Gwizdala) and Sandler O’Neill to consider a merger with Talmer. At this meeting, Chemical management reviewed with the Chemical Board of Directors its due diligence findings with respect to Talmer, including relating to corporate history and organization, capitalization, finance and accounting, taxation, lending, deposits and borrowings, facilities, contracts and agreements, personnel and compensation, legal, risk management, mortgage banking, commercial banking, information technology, treasury and ALCO, corporate strategy, consumer and retail, internal audit, fiduciary activities and wealth management and special assets and presented its findings and assessment of risks associated with Talmer's business operations. Management also updated the Chemical Board of Directors on the status of negotiations with respect to the merger agreement, the voting and support agreements and the services agreements with Messrs. Torgow, Provost and Klaeser.

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Management noted for the Chemical Board of Directors that, on December 28, 2015, Talmer entered into an agreement to terminate Talmer’s loss share arrangements with the FDIC and discussed the expected resulting benefits to Talmer’s future results of operations. In addition, Sandler O’Neill discussed certain aspects of a merger with Talmer and the Chemical directors asked questions of Sandler O’Neill throughout the presentation.

On January 19, 2016, the Talmer Board of Directors held a meeting that was attended by Messrs. Klaeser and Shafer as well as KBW and Nelson Mullins. The Board discussed due diligence and the status of the merger agreement negotiations. KBW and Nelson Mullins discussed with the Board the termination fee that could become payable if Talmer or Chemical terminated the merger agreement in certain circumstances, and reviewed termination fees included in certain other merger transactions. The Talmer Board discussed with Nelson Mullins and KBW that a termination fee equal to 3% of the merger consideration had been raised as a possibility and that such a termination fee percentage would be relatively low compared to the percentages observed in certain other community bank mergers. The Talmer Board, in consultation with Nelson Mullins and KBW, considered that it would be unlikely that such a termination fee would have a preclusive effect on a potentially interested third party from making a superior offer.

KBW again discussed with the Board the decline and volatility in bank stock prices since December of 2015, including the stock prices of Talmer and Chemical, and the impact that this decline could have on announcement-date transaction multiples. During the period between the December 22, 2015 meeting of the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee and the execution of the merger agreement, as the parties considered and negotiated with respect to the transaction and continued to perform due diligence on one another, U.S. equity markets experienced tremendous volatility. For example, from December 22, 2015 to January 25, 2016, the S&P 500 Bank Index declined by 17.4% and the share prices of Chemical and Talmer common stock declined by 14.4% and 10.8%, respectively.

The Talmer Board also discussed with Nelson Mullins and KBW the advantages and disadvantages of a fixed merger exchange ratio versus a floating merger exchange ratio and stock collars. A fixed exchange ratio was determined to better position Talmer shareholders to participate in any Chemical stock price increase after the announcement of a merger agreement and appeared to be more customary based on the publicly disclosed terms of certain other bank merger transactions. In addition, based on the publicly disclosed terms of certain other merger transactions, a stock collar appeared to be unusual for a merger of similarly sized banks where the target company’s shareholders were to receive primarily stock merger consideration. Nelson Mullins made a presentation to the Board and answered questions from directors regarding the advantages and disadvantages of an exclusive litigation forum bylaw provision.

On January 19, 2016, the Chemical Board of Directors met with select members of Chemical management (including Mr. Ramaker and Ms. Gwizdala) and Sandler O’Neill to consider a merger with Talmer. Specifically, Sandler O’Neill reviewed with the Chemical Board of Directors updated transaction modeling using new assumptions based on due diligence findings and compared the updated transaction modeling with the information Sandler O’Neill reviewed with the Chemical Board of Directors on December 22, 2015. The Chemical directors asked questions of Sandler O’Neill throughout the presentation.

On January 24, 2016, the Chemical Board of Directors met with select members of Chemical management (including Mr. Ramaker and Ms. Gwizdala), Sandler O’Neill and Warner Norcross, to consider a merger with Talmer. At this meeting, management informed the Chemical Board of Directors that the merger agreement, the voting and support agreements and the services agreements with Messrs. Torgow, Provost and Klaeser were in negotiated form. Warner Norcross reviewed the terms of the merger agreement with the Board of Directors, including the non-solicitation provisions and termination fee that could become payable if Talmer or Chemical terminated the merger agreement in certain circumstances, the voting and support agreements and the terms of the services agreements with Messrs. Torgow, Provost and Klaeser. Warner Norcross also reviewed the directors’ fiduciary duties in connection with the Chemical Board of Directors’ evaluation of a merger with Talmer. The Chemical directors asked questions of Warner Norcross throughout the presentation.

Sandler O’Neill reviewed with the Board of Directors various aspects relating to a merger with Talmer, generally consistent with those aspects discussed during the January 19, 2016 Chemical Board of directors meeting, but with certain information updated for the presentation. In addition, Sandler O’Neill reviewed certain trading data for Chemical and Talmer stock, an implied purchase price per share analysis, a comparable company analysis for Chemical and Talmer and on a pro forma basis, an analysis of analyst estimates for Chemical and Talmer, a net

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present value analysis for Chemical and Talmer and on a pro forma basis, shareholder composition for Chemical and Talmer, a precedent transaction analysis. The Chemical Directors asked questions of Chemical management and Sandler O’Neill throughout the presentation.

On January 25, 2016, the Talmer Compensation Committee met in executive session with Nelson Mullins. Nelson Mullins provided an overview of draft employment services agreements with Messrs. Torgow, Provost and Klaeser that were proposed to become effective upon the closing of a merger with Chemical. The agreements were requested by Chemical to provide management support and commitment regarding these executives’ roles with the combined company. The agreements provided for base salary only and stated that the individuals were not expected to be eligible for the Chemical Bank Annual Incentive Plan or the Chemical Bank Long Term Incentive Plan or any bonus or incentive plan of Chemical or any stock options, restricted stock units, or other equity awards under any Chemical equity plan. The base salary amounts were materially less than the total compensation amounts (including equity awards and bonus) of these individuals in each of the past three years. In addition, the agreements of each of Mr. Torgow and Mr. Provost eliminated change in control payments of approximately $1.2 million that would otherwise have been payable to each of Mr. Torgow and Mr. Provost upon completion of a merger with Chemical. The employment services agreements of Mr. Torgow and Mr. Provost contained eighteen-month post-termination non-compete and non-solicitation provisions. Subject to approval of the merger agreement with Chemical by the Talmer Board of Directors, the Compensation Committee approved the employment services agreements.

The Talmer Compensation Committee also reviewed a draft merger agreement provision that would allow Talmer to offer to cancel up to 25% of the outstanding Talmer stock options immediately prior to completion of a merger with Chemical in exchange for an amount for each such cancelled stock option equal to the difference between the per share value of the merger consideration and the per share exercise price of such option. All of Talmer’s stock options were already fully vested, and Talmer directors and officers could already exercise their options and sell into the market in accordance with SEC Rule 144 and subject to applicable securities laws. The committee reviewed the provision, discussed its possible benefits and determined that it was fair to and in the best interests of Talmer and its shareholders. The committee was aware that any actual offer to cancel Talmer stock options for a cash payment would require further Compensation Committee approval.

Later in the day on January 25, 2016, the Talmer Board of Directors held a meeting that was also attended by Dennis Klaeser, Thomas Shafer and JoAnne Huls, the Chief of Staff at Talmer Bank as well as KBW and Nelson Mullins. The Compensation Committee reported to the Board with respect to its review and actions regarding the employment services agreements of Messrs. Torgow, Provost and Klaeser, and its determinations with respect to the draft merger agreement provision concerning the potential cash-out of 25% of the outstanding Talmer stock options. Nelson Mullins discussed with the Board potential advantages and disadvantages of an exclusive forum bylaw provision. The Board unanimously approved the amendment and restatement of the Talmer bylaws to include an exclusive forum bylaw provision.

At this meeting, KBW made a presentation to the Talmer Board regarding the financial aspects of the proposed transaction and rendered to the Talmer Board of Directors an opinion to the effect that, as of that date and subject to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by KBW as set forth in such opinion, the merger consideration in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to holders of Talmer common stock. Prior to delivery of KBW’s opinion, the Talmer directors engaged in extensive discussions with KBW and among themselves regarding, among other matters, the anticipated earnings per share and dividend accretion for Talmer shareholders, the timing of the proposed transaction in light of recent stock market volatility, and the value of Talmer shares if Talmer were to remain independent as compared to the value of such shares if Talmer were to merge with Chemical.

The Talmer Board considered, in consultation with KBW, the fact that, based on Chemical’s closing share price of $30.69 on January 22, 2016, the implied value of the merger consideration per share of Talmer was $16.11, which represented a 2.5% discount to Talmer’s closing share price on January 22, 2016. However, the Talmer board of directors also considered, in consultation with KBW, that the recent share price declines of Chemical and Talmer appeared to be part of overall stock market declines and not the result of any developments specific to the fundamental financial results of Talmer or Chemical, which did not appear to have changed in any material respect over the prior month. The Talmer Board was advised that the recent decline in Chemical’s stock price had provided additional leverage for Talmer to use in negotiating for merger consideration that was at the highest end of the range

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set forth in the letter of intent, notwithstanding the fact that that the stock price volatility had not affected the relative contributions of the parties with respect to assets, loans, deposits, tangible common equity or net income. The proposed merger consideration of 0.4725 sharesreceipt of Chemical common stock and $1.61 in cash for each share of Talmer common stock reflected a 100% stock merger consideration equivalent exchange ratio of 0.525 (based on Chemical’s closing stock price on January 22, 2016). Management reported that it had insisted on an exchange ratio at the highest end of the possible range negotiated in the letter of intent. The Talmer board considered, in consultation with KBW, that the Chemical merger was expected to result in per share earnings and dividend accretion for Talmer shareholders, which would be expected to result in greater long-term value. The Talmer Board also considered that Talmer shareholders would receive primarily Chemical stock as merger consideration, which would position Talmer shareholders to participate in any general market recovery and to benefit from the anticipated synergies associated with the proposed Chemical merger. Additionally, the Talmer Board noted that five of the 12 total directors of the combined company would be current Talmer directors (including Messrs. Torgow and Provost).

Nelson Mullins reviewed the terms of the merger agreement with the Talmer Board, including the termination fee that could become payable if Talmer or Chemical terminated the merger agreement in certain circumstances. The Talmer Board discussed with Nelson Mullins the unlikelihood that the termination fee would have a preclusive effect on a potentially interested third party from making a superior offer. The Board also discussed the plan for the combined company to donate to the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan’s Talmer/Chemical Donor Advised Fund, and the impact that it could have on Southeast Michigan communities.

The Talmer directors further discussed among themselves, and in consultation with Talmer senior management, KBW and Nelson Mullins, the terms of the proposed merger agreement, Talmer’s potential future prospects as an independent company and Talmer’s strategic alternatives. After considering the proposed terms of the merger agreement and the various presentations of its financial and legal advisors, and taking into consideration the matters discussed during the meeting and in prior meetings of the Talmer Board and the Talmer Strategic Initiatives Committee, including the factors described under “—Talmer’s Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the Talmer Board of Directors”, the Talmer Board of Directors unanimously adopted and approved the merger agreement and unanimously determined to recommend the merger agreement to the Talmer shareholders for approval.

The Board also discussed with Nelson Mullins and approved voting and support agreements to be entered into by each director with Chemical, which agreements would terminate by their terms in the event the Board recommends a superior business combination proposal for Talmer and its shareholders.

On January 25, 2016, the Chemical Board of Directors met with select members of Chemical management (including Mr. Ramaker and Ms. Gwizdala), Sandler O’Neill and Warner Norcross, to consider a merger with Talmer. At this meeting, management informed the Chemical Board of Directors that the merger agreement, the voting and support agreements and the services agreements with Messrs. Torgow, Provost and Klaeser were in final form and ready to be executed.

Sandler O’Neill rendered its oral opinion, subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of January 25, 2016, and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken as set forth in its opinion, the proposed merger consideration was fair, from a financial point of view, to Chemical.

After considering the proposed terms of the merger agreement and the various presentations of its financial and legal advisors, and taking into consideration the matters discussed during the meeting and in prior meetings of the Chemical Board of Directors, including the factors described under “—Chemical’s Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the Chemical Board of Directors”, the Chemical Board of Directors unanimously adopted and approved the merger agreement and unanimously determined to recommend the merger agreement to the Chemical shareholders for approval. In addition, the Chemical Board of Directors approved the voting and support agreements and the services agreements with Messrs. Torgow, Provost and Klaeser.

The merger agreement was entered into on January 25, 2016. On the morning of January 26, 2016, Talmer and Chemical issued a joint news release publicly announcing the merger agreement.

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Talmer’s Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the Talmer Board of Directors

In reaching its decision to adopt the merger agreement and recommend that Talmer’s shareholders approve the merger agreement, in addition to relying on personal knowledge of Talmer, Chemical and the banking industry, the Talmer Board of Directors evaluated the merger and merger agreement in consultation with Talmer senior management and outside financial and legal advisors, reviewed various financial data and due diligence information, and considered the views of, among others, Talmer’s CFO and COO. After such consultation and review, and after considering Talmer’s future prospects as an independent company and its strategic alternatives, the Talmer Board of Directors concluded that the proposed merger with Chemical was fair to and in the best interests of Talmer and its shareholders.

In evaluating the merger agreement and reaching its decision to adopt the merger agreement and recommend that Talmer shareholders approve the merger agreement, Talmer’s Board of Directors considered a number of factors, including the following, which are not intended to be exhaustive and are not presented in any relative order of importance:

·the belief that the merger will create, and enable Talmer shareholders to become shareholders of, the preeminent Michigan-based banking franchise;

·the anticipated earnings per share accretion for Talmer shareholders as a result of the merger;

·the anticipated future receipt by Talmer shareholders of an increase in dividends after completion of the merger as Chemical shareholders, based on Chemical’s current and forecasted dividend payout ratio;

·the views of the Talmer Board of Directors as to the prospect that Chemical’s stock price was undervalued considering its strong performance metrics, consistently strong credit metrics and strong organic and acquisitive growth over the prior five years;

·the current and prospective business and economic environment of the markets in which Talmer operates, including consolidation in the banking industry, a declining number of opportunities for troubled bank acquisitions, the level of pricing for healthy bank acquisitions, the regulatory burdens on financial institutions and the increased regulatory costs associated with having more than $10 billion in assets, and anticipated core net interest margin pressure as accretable yield from legacy purchased loans diminishes;

·the fact that Talmer shares would be converted primarily into Chemical common stock in the merger, which would allow Talmer shareholders to participate substantially in the future performance of the combined businesses of Talmer and Chemical, the potential synergies resulting from the merger and potential increases in the trading price of Chemical’s shares;

·the business, earnings, operations, financial condition, stock price performance, management, prospects, capital levels and credit quality of both Talmer and Chemical, taking into account the results of Talmer’s due diligence of Chemical;

·the overall greater scale that would be achieved by the merger, which is expected to position the combined company to efficiently cross the $10 billion asset threshold and operate efficiently, thereby facilitating continued growth and profitability;

·the Talmer Board of Directors’ views with respect to other potential Talmer strategic alternatives, including remaining independent, making acquisitions, pursuing other similarly-sized merger partners and pursuing larger merger partners;

·the Talmer Board of Directors’ views with respect to the value of the merger consideration to Talmer’s shareholders, including: the implied net present value of the merger consideration (based on (i) 2016 and 2017 EPS consensus “street estimates” for Chemical and dividend and long term net income and balance sheet growth rate assumptions for Chemical provided by Chemical management, (ii) financial forecasts and

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projections relating to Talmer prepared by Talmer management, and (iii) pro forma assumptions (including purchase accounting adjustments, cost savings and related expenses) prepared by Talmer management in consultation with Chemical management) compared to the implied net present value of Talmer’s common stock if Talmer were to remain an independent company (based on Talmer’s internal management financial forecasts and projections) and as compared to recent Talmer share trading prices;

·the form and amount of the merger consideration, including the tax effects of stock merger consideration;

·the fact that Talmer shareholders would own approximately 45% of the combined company;

·the fact that five of the 12 total directors of the combined company would be current Talmer directors (including Messrs. Torgow and Provost);

·the results of Talmer’s exploration of possible merger partners other than Chemical, the Talmer Board of Directors’ views based on years of strategic combination discussions and evaluations, with respect to the likelihood of any such other merger occurring and providing greater value to Talmer shareholders, and the ability of the combined company to explore potential merger opportunities and for current Talmer shareholders, as Chemical shareholders following the Talmer merger with Chemical, to participate in the financial benefits of any such combined company merger;

·the views of the Talmer Board of Directors as to the potential of the combined company’s strong position in Michigan and adjacent markets to make it an attractive acquisition candidate;

·the views of the Talmer Board of Directors with respect to the complementary aspects of the businesses of Talmer and Chemical, including geographic focus, business lines and compatibility of management philosophies with respect to credit quality, operating performance and expenses, which the Talmer Board of Directors believes should facilitate integration and enhance the likelihood of successful post-merger operations;

·the views of the Talmer Board of Directors as to the ability of Chemical’s and Talmer’s management teams to successfully integrate and operate the business of the combined company after the merger;

·the continued participation from both merger parties in the management team and board of directors of the combined company, which increases the likelihood that the expected benefits of the merger will be realized;

·the potential revenue synergy opportunities resulting from the merger, including opportunities to cross-sell expanded products and services to a larger combined customer base and to larger customers;

·the potential cost-saving opportunities resulting from the merger which were estimated to be approximately $52 million per year, with 50% of these savings expected to be achieved in the first year after the merger and the full amount to be achieved in subsequent years;

·the Talmer Board of Directors’ understanding of Chemical’s commitment to its strategic position in Michigan and in the Midwest region, and the Talmer Board of Directors’ views as to the potential of the combined company to serve, and to compete effectively in, its markets;

·Chemical’s historical performance and asset quality, and the views of the Talmer Board of Directors as to the stability of the combined company’s business and earnings in varying economic and market climates;

·the views of the Talmer Board of Directors as to the likelihood that the regulatory approvals necessary to complete the merger would be obtained;

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·the views of the Talmer Board of Directors as to the potential pro-forma impact of the merger on the future profitability and earnings per share of Chemical and the potential impact of such factors on Chemical’s stock price;

·the potential increased demand among index funds and other large investors for the stock of the combined company, which stock is expected to be more liquid than the stock of Talmer or Chemical on a standalone basis, and the potential for stock price appreciation as a result;

·the potential trading peer group for the combined company and potential increased trading multiple to earnings for the combined company compared to the multiplier at which Chemical’s stock was trading on a standalone basis;

·the financial presentation, dated January 25, 2016, of KBW to the Talmer Board of Directors and opinion, dated January 25, 2016, of KBW to the Talmer Board of Directors as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of the opinion, to the holders of Talmer common stock of the merger consideration in the proposed merger, as more fully described below under “Opinion of Talmer’s Financial Advisor in connection with the Merger;” and

·the terms of the merger agreement, including the tax treatment and transaction protection provisions provided by the merger agreement, including:

othe ability of Talmer’s Board of Directors to withdraw its recommendation to Talmer’s shareholders under certain circumstances to accept a superior business combination proposal (and the fact that the voting support agreements signed by Talmer directors terminate upon any change of the Talmer Board of Directors’ recommendation with respect to the merger with Chemical); and

othe ability of Talmer’s Board of Directors to terminate the merger agreement in order to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a superior proposal (subject to payment of a $34 million termination fee, which termination fee was lower, as a percentage of transaction value, than the average termination fee in selected transactions reviewed by the Talmer Board of Directors).

The Talmer Board of Directors also considered a variety of risks and other potentially negative factors concerning the merger, including the following, which are not intended to be exhaustive and are not presented in any relative order of importance:

·that the exchange ratio for the stock portion of the merger consideration is fixed, so that if the market price of Chemical common stock is lower at the time of the closing of the merger, the economic value of the per share merger consideration to be received by Talmer’s shareholders in exchange for their shares of Talmer common stock will also be lower;

·the fact that the estimated value of the merger consideration as of January 25, 2016 represented a discount to the closing price of Talmer common stock on the preceding trading day;

·the possibility that the merger and the related integration process could result in the loss of key employees, in the disruption of Talmer’s ongoing business and in the loss of customers for the combined company;

·there can be no assurance that all conditions to the parties’ obligations to complete the merger agreement will be satisfied, including the risk that certain regulatory approvals, the receipt of which are conditions to the consummation of the merger, might not be obtained, and, as a result, that the merger might not be consummated;

·the fact that Talmer’s officers and employees would have to focus on actions required to complete the merger, which would divert their attention from Talmer’s day-to-day business, and that Talmer will incur substantial transaction costs even if the merger is not consummated;

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·the risk that potential benefits and synergies sought in the merger might not be realized or might not be realized within the expected time period, and the risks associated with the integration of the two companies;

·the restrictions on the conduct of Talmer’s business prior to the completion of the merger, which are customary for public company merger agreements involving financial institutions, but which, subject to specific exceptions, could delay or prevent Talmer from undertaking business opportunities that might arise or any other action it would otherwise take with respect to the operations of Talmer absent the pending completion of the merger;

·the significant risks and costs involved in connection with entering into and completing the merger, or failing to complete the merger in a timely manner, or at all, including as a result of any failure to obtain required regulatory approvals, such as the risks and costs relating to diversion of management and employee attention from other strategic opportunities and operational matters, potential employee attrition, and the potential effect on business and customer relationships;

·the fact that shareholder litigation is common in connection with public company mergers;

·the fact that Talmer would be prohibited from affirmatively soliciting acquisition proposals after execution of the merger agreement, and the possibility that, while it was not viewed as precluding other proposals, the $34 million termination fee payable by Talmer upon the termination of the merger agreement under certain circumstances could potentially dampen the interest of other potential acquirers in making a competing offer to acquire Talmer; and

·the fact that Talmer shareholders would not be entitled to dissenters’ rights in connection with the merger.

In addition, the Talmer Board of Directors was aware of and considered the fact that some of Talmer’s directors and executive officers may have other interests in the merger, that may be different from,but will recognize gain or in addition to, their interests as Talmer shareholders, as more fully described under “—Interests of Talmer’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger.” The Talmer Board of Directors also realized that there can be no assurance about future results, including results expected or considered in the factors listed above. However, the Board of Directors concluded that the potential positive factors outweighed the risks and other potentially negative factors associated with the merger.

In reaching its conclusion, the Talmer Board of Directors did not find it practical to assign, and did not assign, any relative or specific weight to the different factors that were considered, and individual members of the Talmer Board of Directors may have given different weight to different factors. It should be noted that the explanation of the reasoning of the Talmer Board of Directors and certain information presented in this section is forward-looking in nature and should be read in light of the factors set forth in the section entitled “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

The Talmer Board of Directors unanimously adopted the merger agreement and recommends that you vote “FOR” approval of the merger agreement.

Each of the Talmer directors has entered into a voting and support agreement with Chemical, pursuant to which they have agreed to vote in favor of the merger agreement at the special meeting. For more information regarding the voting and support agreements, please see the section entitled “The Merger — Support Agreements” beginning on page 91.

Chemical’s Reasons for the Merger and Recommendation of the Chemical Board of Directors

In adopting the merger agreement and recommending approval of the Chemical proposals set forth in this joint proxy statement and prospectus, the Chemical board of directors consulted with members of Chemical’s management and with Chemical’s legal, financial, and business advisors, and also considered a number of factors that the Chemical board of directors viewed as supporting its decisions. The principal factors that the Chemical board of directors viewed as supporting its decisions are:

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·the belief that the merger will create the preeminent Michigan-based banking franchise;

·the fact that the merger will create the largest community bank headquartered in Michigan, with approximately $16 billion in total assets, $12 billion in total loans and $13 billion in total deposits and 266 locations primarily in Michigan and northeast Ohio as of December 31, 2015;

·the fact that the merger will allow Chemical to make a marked entry into southeast Michigan and expand for the first time beyond Michigan’s borders;

·the belief that, in Talmer, Chemical will be partnering with a like-minded, growth-oriented organization that shares a conservative lending culture built by talented and experienced professionals who seek to develop and support long-term customer relationships with businesses and consumers who reside in the communities they serve;

·the belief that the combined organization will add increased talent and scale and established track records for acquisitive and organic growth resulting in continued growth;

·the belief that the merger will allow the combined organization to more effectively and efficiently navigate the challenges and costs associated with becoming a larger financial institution;

·the belief that the merger allows Chemical to efficiently and meaningfully cross the $10 billion in total assets threshold and the expected resulting mitigation of regulatory costs associated with crossing that threshold;

·the expectation that the merger will result in complementary strengths in specialty business lines, such as wealth management and mortgage banking, leading to organic growth opportunities across the combined organization’s expanded franchise;

·the fact that the merger will result in the combined organization having material scale in nearly all of the lower peninsula of Michigan and immediate scale in northeastern Ohio;

·the expectation that the merger will result in approximately 8% accretion to Chemical earnings per share in the first full year and a tangible book value earn-back period of 3.25 years;

·the fact that the combined organization will have a deep, experienced team based on management strengths of Chemical and Talmer;

·the expectation that the combined company will have a comprehensive retail branch delivery system in Michigan, which will offer access to new customers and markets;

·the compatible cultures of Chemical and Talmer, with similar strategies, customer focus, strong service and community orientation;

·the potential opportunities for greater efficiencies from conducting Chemical’s and Talmer’s operations as part of a single enterprise;

·the board of directors’ belief that the merger represents a superior opportunity for increasing shareholder value compared to the other strategic alternatives available to Chemical;

·the expectation that the combined company will have increased resources to invest in future growth opportunities in comparison to Chemical on a stand-alone basis; and

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·the opinion of Sandler O’Neill, dated January 25, 2016, addressed to Chemical’s board of directors as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the merger consideration to Chemical, as more fully described below under the caption “Opinion of Chemical’s Financial Advisor.”

In addition to considering the factors described above, the Chemical board of directors also considered the following factors:

·its knowledge of Chemical’s business, operations, financial condition, earnings and prospects and its knowledge of Talmer’s business, operations, financial condition, earnings and prospects, taking into account Talmer’s publicly-filed information and the results of Chemical’s due diligence review of Talmer;

·the long-term and recent historical trading prices with respect to Chemical common stock and Talmer Class A common stock and the type and amount of the merger consideration;

·the fact that the exchange ratio is fixed and will not fluctuate based upon changes in the market price of Chemical common stock or Talmer Class A common stock between the date of the merger agreement and the date of the completion of the merger;

·the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, including the commitments by both Chemical and Talmer to complete the merger and certain reciprocal provisions that may have the effect of discouraging alternative acquisition proposals involving Talmer or Chemical, and the likelihood of completing the merger; and

·the fact that the merger agreement does not preclude a third party from making an unsolicited proposal for a competing transaction with Chemical or Talmer and, that under certain circumstances, Chemical or Talmer, as applicable, may furnish non-public information to and enter into discussions with such third party regarding an alternative transaction and the Chemical or Talmer board, as applicable, may withdraw or modify its recommendations to Chemical or Talmer shareholders regarding the merger and terminate the merger agreement to enter into an alternative transaction under certain circumstances.

The Chemical board of directors weighed the foregoing against a number of potentially negative factors, including:

·the restrictions on the conduct of Chemical’s business during the period between the execution of the merger agreement and the completion of the merger;

·the costs associated with the completion of the merger and the realization of the benefits expected to be obtained in connection with the merger, including management’s time and energy and potential opportunity cost;

·the challenges in absorbing the effect of any failure to complete the merger, including potential termination fees and shareholder and market reactions;

·the risk that regulatory agencies may not approve the merger or may impose terms and conditions on their approvals that adversely affect the business and financial results of the combined company;

·the challenges inherent in the combination of two businesses of the size and complexity of Chemical and Talmer, including the possible diversion of management attention for an extended period of time;

·the risk of not being able to realize all of the anticipated cost savings and operational synergies between Chemical and Talmer and the risk that other anticipated benefits might not be realized; and

·the risks of the type and nature described under “Risk Factors,” beginning on page 23, and the matters described under “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” beginning on page 22.

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This discussion of the information and factors considered by Chemical’s board of directors in reaching its conclusions and recommendation includes the principal factors considered by the board of directors, but is not intended to be exhaustive and may not include all of the factors considered by the Chemical board of directors. In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and the complexity of these matters, the Chemical board of directors did not find it useful and did not attempt to quantify, rank or assign any relative or specific weights to the various factors that it considered in reaching its determination to approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and to make its recommendation to Chemical shareholders. Rather, the Chemical board of directors viewed its decisions as being based on the totality of the information presented to it and the factors it considered, including its discussions with and questioning of members of Chemical’s management and outside legal and financial advisors. In addition, individual members of the Chemical board of directors may have assigned different weights to different factors.

Certain of Chemical’s directors and executive officers have financial interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of Chemical’s shareholders generally, as discussed under the caption “The Merger – Interests of Certain Chemical Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger,” below. The Chemical board of directors was aware of and considered these potential interests, among other matters, in evaluating the merger and in making its recommendation to Chemical shareholders.

The Chemical board of directors unanimously adopted the merger agreement, authorized the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and determined that the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the issuance of shares of Chemical common stock to Talmer shareholders in connection with the merger, are in the best interests of Chemical and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Chemical board of directors unanimously recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the merger agreement, “FOR” the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Chemical common stock to Talmer shareholders in connection with the merger, “FOR” the proposal to approve the amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of shares of Chemical’s common stock, “FOR” the Chemical merger-related compensation proposal, and “FOR” the Chemical adjournment proposal.

Opinion of Chemical’s Financial Advisor in Connection with the Merger

Chemical retained Sandler O’Neill to act as an independent financial advisor to the Chemical board of directors in connection with Chemical’s consideration of a possible business combination. Sandler O’Neill is a nationally recognized investment banking firm whose principal business specialty is advising financial institutions. In the ordinary course of its investment banking business, Sandler O’Neill is regularly engaged in the valuation of financial institutions and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions and other corporate transactions. The Chemical board of directors also considered the fact that Sandler O’Neill is familiar with Chemical and its business, as Sandler O’Neill has provided investment banking services to Chemical in the past.

Sandler O’Neill acted as financial advisor in connection with the proposed merger and participated in certain of the negotiations leading to the execution of the merger agreement. At the January 25, 2016 meeting at which the Chemical board of directors considered and adopted the merger agreement and authorized and approved the merger, Sandler O’Neill delivered to the Chemical board of directors its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of such date, the merger consideration was fair to Chemical from a financial point of view. The full text of Sandler O’Neill’s opinion is attached as Annex C to this joint proxy statement and prospectus. The opinion outlines the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Sandler O’Neill in rendering its opinion. The description of the opinion set forth below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion.Holders of Chemical common stock are urged to read the entire opinion carefully in connection with their consideration of the merger agreement and the merger.

Sandler O’Neill’s opinion speaks only as of the date of the opinion. The opinion was directed to the Chemical board of directors in connection with its consideration of the merger agreement and the merger and is directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the merger consideration to Chemical. Sandler O’Neill’s opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any holder of Chemical common stock as

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to how such holder of Chemical common stock should vote with respect to the merger agreement and the merger or any other matter. It does not address the underlying business decision of Chemical to engage in the merger, the relative merits of the merger as compared to any other alternative business strategies that might exist for Chemical or the effect of any other transaction in which Chemical might engage.Sandler O’Neill did not express any opinion as to the fairness of the amount or nature of the compensation to be received in the merger by any Chemical or Talmer officer, director, or employee, or class of such persons, if any, relative to the amount of any compensation to be received by any other shareholder. Sandler O’Neill’s opinion was approved by Sandler O’Neill’s fairness opinion committee.

In connection with rendering its opinion, Sandler O’Neill reviewed and considered, among other things:

·a draft of the merger agreement dated January 25, 2016;

·certain publicly available financial statements and other historical financial information of Chemical that Sandler O’Neill deemed relevant;

·certain publicly available financial statements and other historical financial information of Talmer that Sandler O’Neill deemed relevant;

·publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Chemical for the years ending December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, as well as an estimated earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of Chemical;

·publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Talmer for the years ending December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, as well as an estimated earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of Talmer;

·the pro forma financial impact of the merger on Chemical based on assumptions related to transaction expenses, purchase accounting adjustments, regulatory costs and cost savings, as provided by the senior management of Chemical;

·the publicly reported historical price and trading activity for Chemical and Talmer Class A common stock, including a comparison of certain financial and stock market information for Chemical and Talmer Class A common stock and certain stock indices as well as similar publicly available information for certain other companies, the securities of which are publicly traded;

·a comparison of certain financial information for Chemical and Talmer with similar bank institutions for which publicly available information is available;

·the financial terms of certain other recent business combinations in the commercial banking industry on a national basis, to the extent publicly available;

·the current market environment generally and the banking environment in particular; and

·such other information, financial studies, analyses and investigations and financial, economic and market criteria as Sandler O’Neill considered relevant.

Sandler O’Neill also discussed with certain members of the senior management of Chemical the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of Chemical and held similar discussions with certain members of the senior management of Talmer regarding the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of Talmer.

In performing its review, Sandler O’Neill relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information that was available to and reviewed by it from public sources, that was provided to it by Chemical or Talmer, or their respective representatives, or that was otherwise reviewed by it, and Sandler O’Neill

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assumed such accuracy and completeness for purposes of rendering its opinion without any independent verification or investigation. Sandler O’Neill relied, at the direction of Chemical, without independent verification or investigation, on the assessments of the management of Chemical as to its existing and future relationships with key employees and partners, clients, products and services and assumed, with the consent of Chemical, that there would be no developmentsloss with respect to any such matters that would affect Sandler O’Neill’s analyses or opinion. Sandler O’Neill further relied on the assurancescash received in lieu of the respective managements of Chemical and Talmer that they were not aware of any facts or circumstances that would have made any of such information inaccurate or misleading. Sandler O’Neill was not asked to undertake, and did not undertake, an independent verification of any such information and did not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy and completeness thereof. Sandler O’Neill did not make an independent evaluation or appraisal of the specific assets, the collateral securing assets or the liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Chemical or Talmer, or any of their respective subsidiaries, nor was Sandler O’Neill furnished with any such evaluations or appraisals. Sandler O’Neill rendered no opinion or evaluation on the collectability of any assets or the future performance of any loans of Chemical or Talmer. Sandler O’Neill did not make an independent evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses of Chemical or Talmer, or the combined entity after the merger, and did not review any individual credit files related to Chemical or Talmer. Sandler O’Neill assumed, with Chemical’s consent, that the respective allowances for loan losses for both Chemical and Talmer were adequate to cover such losses and would be adequate on a pro forma basis for the combined entity.

In preparing its analyses, Sandler O’Neill used publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Chemical for the years ending December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, as well as an estimated earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of Chemical, as well as publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Talmer for the years ending December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, as well as an estimated earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of Talmer. Sandler O’Neill also received and used in its pro forma analyses certain assumptions relating to transaction expenses, purchase accounting adjustments, regulatory costs and cost savings, as provided by the senior management of Chemical. With respect to the foregoing information, the senior managements of Chemical and Talmer confirmed to Sandler O’Neill that such information reflected (or, in the case of the publicly available mean analyst earnings per share estimates referred to above, were consistent with) the best currently available estimates and judgments of the senior managements of Chemical and Talmer, respectively, and Sandler O’Neill assumed that the financial results reflected in such information would be achieved. Sandler O’Neill expressed no opinion as to such estimates or judgments, or the assumptions on which they were based. Sandler O’Neill also assumed that there had been no material change in Chemical’s or Talmer’s assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects since the date of the most recent financial statements made available to Sandler O’Neill. Sandler O’Neill assumed in all respects material to its analysis that Chemical and Talmer would remain as going concerns for all periods relevant to its analyses.

Sandler O’Neill also assumed, with Chemical’s consent, that (i) each of the parties to the merger agreement would comply in all material respects with all material terms of the merger agreement and all related agreements, that all of the representations and warranties contained in such agreements were true and correct in all material respects, that each of the parties to such agreements would perform in all material respects all of the covenants and other obligations required to be performed by such party under such agreements and that the conditions precedent in such agreements were not waived, (ii) in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory or third party approvals, consents and releases with respect to the merger, no delay, limitation, restriction or condition would be imposed that would have an adverse effect on Chemical, Talmer or the merger or any related transaction, (iii) the merger and any related transactions would be consummated in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement without any waiver, modification or amendment of any material term, condition or agreement thereof and in compliance with all applicable laws and other requirements, and (iv) themerger wouldqualifyasatax-freereorganizationforfederal income taxpurposes. Finally, with Chemical’s consent, Sandler O’Neill relied upon the advice that Chemical received from its legal,accounting ortaxadvisors as to all legal, accounting and tax matters relating tothe merger and theother transactionscontemplatedby the merger agreement.

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Sandler O’Neill’s analyses and the views expressed therein are necessarily based on financial, economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to Sandler O’Neill as of, the date of its opinion. Events occurring after the date of the opinion could materially affect Sandler O’Neill’s views. Sandler O’Neill has not undertaken to update, revise, reaffirm or withdraw its opinion or otherwise comment upon events occurring after the date thereof. Sandler O’Neill expressed no opinion as to the trading values of Chemical common stock or Talmer Class A common stock after the date of its opinion or what the value of Chemical common stock would be once it is actually received by the holders of Talmer Class A common stock.

In rendering its opinion, Sandler O’Neill performed a variety of financial analyses. The summary below is not a complete description of all of the analyses underlying Sandler O’Neill’s opinion or the presentation made by Sandler O’Neill to the Chemical board of directors, but is a summary of the material analyses performed and presented by Sandler O’Neill. The summary includes information presented in tabular format.In order to fully understand the financial analyses, these tables must be read together with the accompanying text. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the financial analyses. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process involving subjective judgments as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances. The process, therefore, is not necessarily susceptible to a partial analysis or summary description. Sandler O’Neill believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of the factors and analyses to be considered without considering all factors and analyses, or attempting to ascribe relative weights to some or all such factors and analyses, could create an incomplete view of the evaluation process underlying its opinion. Also, no company included in Sandler O’Neill’s comparative analyses described below is identical to Chemical or Talmer and no transaction is identical to the merger. Accordingly, an analysis of comparable companies or transactions involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies and other factors that could affect the public trading values or merger transaction values, as the case may be, of Chemical and Talmer and the companies to which they are being compared. In arriving at its opinion, Sandler O’Neill did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or factor that it considered. Rather, Sandler O’Neill made qualitative judgments as to the significance and relevance of each analysis and factor. Sandler O’Neill did not form an opinion as to whether any individual analysis or factor (positive or negative) considered in isolation supported or failed to support its opinion, rather, Sandler O’Neill made its determination as to the fairness of the merger consideration on the basis of its experience and professional judgment after considering the results of all its analyses taken as a whole.

In performing its analyses, Sandler O’Neill also made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, business and economic conditions and various other matters, many of which cannot be predicted and are beyond the control of Chemical, Talmer and Sandler O’Neill. The analyses performed by Sandler O’Neill are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future results, both of which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by such analyses. Sandler O’Neill prepared its analyses solely for purposes of rendering its opinion and provided such analyses to the Chemical board of directors at its January 25, 2016 meeting. Estimates on the values of companies do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which companies or their securities may actually be sold. Such estimates are inherently subject to uncertainty and actual values may be materially different. Accordingly, Sandler O’Neill’s analyses do not necessarily reflect the value of Chemical common stock or the prices at which Chemical or Talmer Class A common stock may be sold at any time. The analyses of Sandler O’Neill and its opinion were among a number of factors taken into consideration by the Chemical board of directors in making its determination to adopt the merger agreement and authorize and approve the merger and the analyses described below should not be viewed as determinative of the decision of the Chemical board of directors or management with respect to the fairness of the merger.

Summary of Proposed Merger Consideration and Implied Transaction Metrics. Sandler O’Neill reviewed the financial terms of the merger. As described in the merger agreement, each share of Talmer Class A common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, other than certain shares described in the merger agreement which will be cancelled without any consideration delivered in exchange therefor, will be converted into the right to receive $1.61 in cash, without interest, and 0.4725fractional shares of Chemical common stock. Based upon Chemical’s price per shareA holder of commonTCF Series C preferred stock of $30.69 as of January 22, 2016, Sandler O’Neill calculated an aggregate implied transaction value of approximately $1.1 billion, or $16.11 per share. Based upon Chemical’s 1-month volume weighted average price per share of commonrelated depositary shares that exchanges its TCF Series C preferred stock of $32.52 as of January 22, 2016, Sandler O’Neill calculated an aggregate implied transaction value of approximately $1.2 billion,for Chemical Series C preferred stock or $16.97 per share. The aggregate implied transaction value was calculated assuming, atrelated depositary shares generally will not recognize gain or loss on the directionreceipt of Chemical and Talmer’sSeries C preferred stock. For more information, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger” beginning on page 130.

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The consequences of the merger to any particular shareholder will depend on that shareholder’s particular facts and circumstances. Accordingly, you are urged to consult your tax advisor to determine your tax consequences from the merger.

Q:    WHAT HAPPENS IF THE MERGER IS NOT COMPLETED?

 

A:

senior management, 66,114,798 outstandingIf the merger is not completed, TCF’s common shareholders will not receive any consideration for their shares of Talmer Class ATCF common stock and 7,235,424 outstanding Talmer Class A common stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $6.97 per share, as of December 31, 2015, and assuming 75% of the outstanding Talmer stock options are converted into Chemical options and 25% are cashed out, based upon guidance of Talmer and Chemical senior management. Based upon financial information for Talmer as of or for the period ending December 31, 2015 (unless otherwise indicated), Sandler O’Neill calculated the following implied transaction metrics:

 Chemical
common stock
price of $30.69
 Chemical 1-
Month Volume
weighted average
common stock
price of
$32.52
Transaction Price / Book Value Per Share:147% 155%
Transaction Price / Tangible Book Value Per Share:150% 158%
Transaction Price / 2015 Earnings Per Share:19.9x 21.0x
Transaction Price / 2016 Estimated Earnings Per Share(1):13.1x 13.8x
Transaction Price / 2017 Estimated Earnings Per Share(1):11.8x 12.5x
Tangible Book Premium / Core Deposits(2):10.8% 12.4%
Market Premium(3): (2.5%)2.7%

___________________

(1)Based on mean analyst earnings per share estimates as provided by Bloomberg.
(2)Core deposits defined as total deposits, less time deposit accounts with a balance of at least $100,000.
(3)Talmer closing price of $16.52 per share as of January 22, 2016.

Stock Trading History.Sandler O’Neill reviewed the history of the publicly reported trading prices of Chemical common stock for the three-year period ended January 22, 2016 and Talmer Class A common stock for the period beginning February 11, 2014, the first trading day following Talmer’s initial public offering of common stock, and ending January 22, 2016. Sandler O’Neill then compared the relationship between the movements in the price of Chemical and Talmer Class A common stock, respectively, to movements in their respective peer groups, as well as certain stock indices.

Chemical’s Three Year Stock Performance

 Beginning Value
January 22, 2013
Ending Value
January 22, 2016
Chemical100%124.4%
NASDAQ Bank Index100%126.9%
Chemical Peer Group100%121.6%

Talmer’s Stock Performance Since Initial Public Offering

 Beginning Value
February 11, 2014
Ending Value
January 22, 2016
Talmer100%127.1%
NASDAQ Bank Index100%100.6%
Talmer Peer Group100%110.0%

Comparable Company Analysis. Sandler O’Neill used publicly available information to compare selected financial information for Chemical with a group of financial institutions selected by Sandler O’Neill. The Chemical peer group consisted of Midwest banks whose securities trade on a major exchange with assets between $5.0 billion and $15.0 billion (the “Chemical Peer Group”). The Chemical Peer Group excluded announced merger targets and MB Financial due to its pending acquisition which will result in total assets above the defined asset range. The Chemical Peer Group consisted of the following companies:

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Old National BancorpHeartland Financial USA, Inc.
First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.Talmer Bancorp, Inc.
Great Western Bancorp, Inc.First Merchants Corporation
First Financial Bancorp.1st Source Corporation
Park National Corporation

The analysis compared publicly available financial information for Chemical as of or for the periods ending December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2015 with corresponding data for the Chemical Peer Group as of or for the period ending September 30, 2015 (unless otherwise indicated), with pricing data as of January 22, 2016. The table below sets forth the data for Chemical and the median, mean, high and low data for the Chemical Peer Group.

Comparable Company Analysis

   Chemical Peer Group
 

Chemical

12/31/15

Chemical

9/30/15

MedianMeanHighLow
Total assets (in millions)$9,189$9,265$7,300$7,976$11,915$5,188
Tangible common equity/Tangible assets7.91%7.64%8.50%8.72%10.96%6.50%
Leverage ratio8.62%8.39%9.29%9.61%12.23%8.33%
Total risk-based capital ratio11.78%11.59%13.24%13.48%14.97%11.43%
LTM Return on average assets1.02%0.97%1.00%1.02%1.16%0.84%
LTM Return on average tangible common equity13.0%12.4%13.1%12.3%15.2%8.3%
LTM Net interest margin3.58%3.58%3.74%3.73%3.94%3.41%
LTM Efficiency ratio59.8%60.6%63.0%62.6%71.1%48.5%
Loan loss reserves/Gross loans1.01%1.05%1.04%1.17%2.20%0.75%
Non-performing assets(1)/Total assets*1.47%0.84%1.09%1.76%0.67%
Net charge-offs/Average loans0.24%0.05%0.02%0.03%0.18%(0.11%)
Price/Tangible book value163%168%157%158%202%129%
Price/Book value115%117%112%120%182%91%
Price/LTM Earnings per share12.8x14.1x12.8x13.9x21.2x9.7x
Price/FY1 Est. Earnings per share(2)11.4x12.3x12.3x12.9x16.7x9.7x
Price/FY2 Est. Earnings per share(2)10.7x11.4x11.6x11.7x15.0x9.6x
Current Dividend Yield3.4%3.4%2.3%2.6%4.4%0.2%
LTM Dividend Ratio45.0%45.0%30.9%32.7%68.6%5.1%
Market value (in millions)$1,170$1,170$1,092$1,059$1,334$612

___________________

(1)Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans and leases, renegotiated loans and leases and real estate owned.
(2)FY1 EPS estimate represents 2015 EPS estimate for companies not having reported December 31, 2015 financial results, and 2016 EPS estimates where December 31, 2015 results have been reported. FY2 EPS estimate represents 2016 EPS estimates for companies not having reported December 31, 2015 financial results, and 2017 EPS estimates where December 31, 2015 results have been reported. Great Western Bancorp, Inc.’s FY1 estimate represents 2016 fiscal year ending September 30, 2016 and FY2 estimate represents fiscal year ending September 30, 2017.
*Indicates financial metric is unavailable or has been provided by Chemical management but is not comparable to data provided by SNL Financial.

Source:   SNL Financial and Chemical senior management.

Note:LTM defined as last-twelve-months; Financial data for First Financial Bancorp and 1st Source Corporation as of December 31, 2015; First Financial Bancorp’s Leverage Ratio, ROATCE and NPAs/Total Assets data as of September 30, 2015; 1st Source Corporation’s Leverage Ratio and NPAs/Total Assets data as of September 30, 2015.

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Sandler O’Neill used publicly available information to perform a similar analysis for Talmer and a group of financial institutions, as selected by Sandler O’Neill. Talmer’s peer group consisted of Midwest banks whose securities trade on a major exchange with assets between $3.0 billion and $10.0 billion (the “Talmer Peer Group”). The Talmer Peer Group excluded companies with supervoting structures and announced merger targets. The Talmer Peer Group consisted of the following companies:

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.
Great Western Bancorp, Inc.Community Trust Bancorp, Inc.
Chemical Financial CorporationFirst Busey Corporation
First Financial Bancorp.Lakeland Financial Corporation
Park National CorporationEnterprise Financial Services Corp
Heartland Financial USA, Inc.MainSource Financial Group, Inc.
First Merchants CorporationPeoples Bancorp Inc.
1st Source Corporation

The analysis compared publicly available financial information for Talmer as of or for the periods ending September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2015 with corresponding data for the Talmer Peer Group as of or for the period ending September 30, 2015 (unless otherwise indicated), with pricing data as of January 22, 2016. The table below sets forth the data for Talmer and the median, mean, high and low data for the Talmer Peer Group.

Comparable Company Analysis

   Talmer Peer Group
 Talmer
12/31/15
Talmer
9/30/15
MedianMeanHighLow
Total assets (in millions)$6,596$6,504$5,188$5,883$9,935$3,229
Tangible common equity/Tangible assets10.77%10.76%8.90%8.95%10.96%6.50%
Leverage ratio10.21%10.21%10.14%10.16%12.40%8.33%
Total risk-based capital ratio13.00%13.20%13.79%14.07%17.95%11.43%
LTM Return on average assets0.95%0.96%1.04%1.02%1.29%0.43%
LTM Return on average tangible common equity*8.3%11.8%11.9%15.2%5.8%
LTM Net interest margin3.73%3.74%3.72%3.70%4.53%3.07%
LTM Efficiency ratio*69.5%60.6%60.8%71.1%48.5%
Loan loss reserves/Gross loans1.12%1.16%1.14%1.28%2.20%0.78%
Non-performing assets(1)/Total assets*1.44%0.83%1.06%2.73%0.30%
Net charge-offs/Average loans(0.23%)(0.11%)0.10%0.11%0.38%(0.05%)
Price/Tangible book value154%157%158%155%202%116%
Price/Book value151%153%117%125%182%75%
Price/LTM Earnings per share20.4x21.2x13.4x14.3x23.6x9.7x
Price/FY1 Est. Earnings per share(2)13.4x16.7x12.4x13.2x17.6x9.7x
Price/FY2 Est. Earnings per share(2)12.1x13.4x11.6x11.8x15.0x9.6x
Current Dividend Yield0.2%0.2%2.6%2.8%4.4%1.2%
LTM Dividend Ratio5.1%5.1%33.8%38.1%82.2%14.1%
Market value (in millions)$1,092$1,092$672$795$1,324$318

___________________

(1)Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans and leases, renegotiated loans and leases and real estate owned.
(2)FY1 EPS estimate represents 2015 EPS estimate for companies not having reported December 31, 2015 financial results, and 2016 EPS estimates where December 31, 2015 results were reported. FY2 EPS estimate represents 2016 EPS estimates for companies which had not reported December 31, 2015 financial results, and 2017 EPS estimates where December 31, 2015 results were reported. Great Western Bancorp, Inc.’s FY1 estimate represents 2016 fiscal year ending September 30, 2016 and FY2 estimate represents fiscal year ending September 30, 2017.
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*Indicates financial metric was unavailable or has been provided by Talmer management but is not comparable to data provided by SNL Financial.

Source:   SNL Financial and Talmer senior management.

Note:LTM defined as last-twelve-months; Financial data for First Financial Bancorp, 1st Source Corporation, Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. and Community Trust Bancorp, Inc. as of December 31, 2015; First Financial Bancorp’s Leverage Ratio, LTM Return on average tangible common equity and Non-performing assets/total assets as of September 30, 2015; 1st Source Corporation’s Leverage Ratio and non-performing assets/total assets as of September 30, 2015; Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.’s non-performing assets/total assets as of September 30, 2015.

Analysis of Selected Merger Transactions. Sandler O’Neill reviewed a group of selected merger and acquisition transactions. The group consisted of nationwide bank and thrift transactions announced between January 1, 2013 and January 24, 2016 with reported deal values over $100 million where pro forma target ownership was greater than 40% (the “Nationwide Precedent Transactions”).

The Nationwide Precedent Transactions group was composed of the following transactions:

AcquirorTarget
BBCN Bancorp Inc.Wilshire Bancorp Inc.
Nicolet Bankshares Inc.Baylake Corp.
Yadkin Financial CorporationVantageSouth Bancshares
Center Bancorp Inc.ConnectOne Bancorp Inc.
Rockville Financial Inc.United Financial Bancorp
Heritage Financial CorporationWashington Banking Company
Umpqua Holdings CorporationSterling Financial Corporation
Mercantile Bank CorporationFirstbank Corporation
Peoples Financial ServicesPenseco Financial Services
Union First Market Bankshares CorporationStellarOne Corporation
Provident New York BancorpSterling Bancorp

Using the latest publicly available information prior to the announcement of the relevant transaction, Sandler O’Neill reviewed the following transaction metrics: transaction price to last-twelve-months earnings per share, transaction price to estimated earnings per share, transaction price to book value per share, transaction price to tangible book value per share, tangible book premium to core deposits, and 1-day market premium. Sandler O’Neill compared the indicated transaction metrics for the merger to the median, mean, high and low metrics of the Nationwide Precedent Transactions group.

  Nationwide Precedent Transactions
 Chemical /
Talmer
MedianMeanHighLow
Transaction price/LTM earnings per share:19.9x(1)16.1x17.1x21.8x13.9x
Transaction price/Estimated earnings per share:13.1x(2)17.0x16.9x19.6x13.1x
Transaction price/Book value per share:147%(3)134%140%194%103%
Transaction price/Tangible book value per share:150%(3)149%161%224%140%
Core deposit premium:10.8%(3)7.5%9.7%22.9%5.3%
1-Day market premium:(2.5%)  14.5%15.0%26.1%5.2%

___________________

(1)Calculated using 2015 earnings per share.
(2)Calculated using 2016 mean analyst estimated earnings per share per Bloomberg.
(3)Calculated using December 31, 2015 book value and tangible book value per share.

Source: SNL Financial and Talmer senior management.

Net Present Value Analyses. Sandler O’Neill performed an analysis that estimated the net present value per share of Chemical common stock, assuming that Chemical performed in accordance with publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Chemical for the years ending December 31, 2016 through

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December 31, 2017 as well as an estimated earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of Chemical. To approximate the terminal value of Chemical common stock at December 31, 2020, Sandler O’Neill applied price to 2020 earnings multiples ranging from 11.0x to 16.0x and multiples of December 31, 2020 tangible book value ranging from 125% to 175%. The terminal values were then discounted to present values using different discount rates ranging from 8.0% to 12.0% when applied to 2020 earnings multiples and 8.0% to 12.0% when applied to multiples of December 31, 2020 tangible book value, which were chosen to reflect different assumptions regarding required rates of return of holders or prospective buyers of Chemical common stock. As illustrated in the following tables, the analysis indicated an imputed range of values per share of Chemical common stock of $26.28 to $43.06 when applying earnings multiples and $24.52 to $38.66 when applying multiples of tangible book value.

Earnings Per Share Multiples

Discount
Rate

11.0x

12.0x

13.0x

14.0x

15.0x

16.0x
8.0%$31.14$33.52$35.91$38.29$40.68$43.06
9.0%$29.82$32.10$34.38$36.66$38.93$41.21
10.0%$28.58$30.75$32.93$35.11$37.28$39.46
11.0%$27.40$29.48$31.56$33.64$35.71$37.79
12.0%$26.28$28.26$30.25$32.24$34.23$36.22

Tangible Book Value Multiples

Discount
Rate

125%

135%

145%

155%

165%

175%
8.0%$29.03$30.96$32.88$34.81$36.74$38.66
9.0%$27.81$29.65$31.49$33.33$35.17$37.01
10.0%$26.66$28.41$30.17$31.93$33.69$35.44
11.0%$25.56$27.24$28.92$30.60$32.28$33.96
12.0%$24.52$26.13$27.73$29.34$30.95$32.55

Sandler O’Neill also considered and discussed with the Chemical board of directors how this analysis would be affected by changes in the underlying assumptions, including variations with respect to net income. To illustrate this impact, Sandler O’Neill performed a similar analysis assuming Chemical’s net income varied from 25% above estimates to 25% below estimates. This analysis resulted in the following range of per share values for Chemical common stock, applying the price to 2020 earnings multiples range of 11.0x to 16.0x referred to above and a discount rate of 8.86%.

Earnings Per Share Multiples

Annual
Estimate
Variance


11.0x


12.0x


13.0x


14.0x


15.0x


16.0x
(25.0%)$23.70$25.42$27.14$28.86$30.58$32.30
(20.0%)$24.96$26.80$28.63$30.46$32.30$34.13
(15.0%)$26.22$28.17$30.12$32.07$34.02$35.96
(10.0%)$27.48$29.55$31.61$33.67$35.73$37.80
(5.0%)$28.74$30.92$33.10$35.28$37.45$39.63
0.0%$30.00$32.30$34.59$36.88$39.17$41.46
5.0%$31.26$33.67$36.08$38.49$40.89$43.30
10.0%$32.53$35.05$37.57$40.09$42.61$45.13
15.0%$33.79$36.42$39.06$41.69$44.33$46.97
20.0%$35.05$37.80$40.55$43.30$46.05$48.80
25.0%$36.31$39.17$42.04$44.90$47.77$50.63

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Sandler O’Neill also performed an analysis that estimated the net present value per share of Talmer Class A common stock, assuming Talmer performed in accordance with publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Talmer for the years ending December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 as well as an estimated earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of Talmer. To approximate the terminal value of Talmer Class A common stock at December 31, 2020, Sandler O’Neill applied price to 2020 earnings multiples ranging from 11.0x to 16.0x and multiples of December 31, 2020 tangible book value ranging from 125% to 175%. The terminal values were then discounted to present values using different discount rates ranging from 9.0% to 13.0% when applied to 2020 earnings multiples and 9.0% to 13.0% when applied to multiples of December 31, 2020 tangible book value, which were chosen to reflect different assumptions regarding required rates of return of holders or prospective buyers of Talmer Class A common stock. As illustrated in the following tables, the analysis indicated an imputed range of values per share of Talmer Class A common stock of $11.57 to $19.32 when applying multiples of earnings and $12.66 to $20.45 when applying multiples of tangible book value.

Earnings Per Share Multiples

Discount
Rate

11.0x

12.0x

13.0x

14.0x

15.0x

16.0x
9.0%$13.75$14.86$15.98$17.09$18.20$19.32
10.0%$13.16$14.22$15.29$16.35$17.41$18.48
11.0%$12.60$13.62$14.63$15.65$16.67$17.68
12.0%$12.07$13.04$14.01$14.99$15.96$16.93
13.0%$11.57$12.50$13.43$14.36$15.29$16.22

Tangible Book Value Multiples

Discount
Rate

125%

135%

145%

155%

165%

175%
9.0%$15.06$16.14$17.21$18.29$19.37$20.45
10.0%$14.41$15.44$16.47$17.50$18.53$19.56
11.0%$13.80$14.78$15.77$16.75$17.73$18.72
12.0%$13.22$14.16$15.10$16.04$16.98$17.92
13.0%$12.66$13.56$14.46$15.36$16.26$17.16

Sandler O’Neill also considered and discussed with the Chemical board of directors how this analysis would be affected by changes in the underlying assumptions, including variations with respect to net income. To illustrate this impact, Sandler O’Neill performed a similar analysis, assuming Talmer’s net income varied from 25% above estimates to 25% below estimates. This analysis resulted in the following range of per share values for Talmer Class A common stock, applying the price to 2020 earnings multiples range of 11.0x to 16.0x referred to above and a discount rate of 12.00%.

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Earnings Per Share Multiples

Annual
Estimate
Variance


11.0x


12.0x


13.0x


14.0x


15.0x


16.0x
(25.0%)$9.40$10.13$10.85$11.58$12.31$13.04
(20.0%)$9.93$10.71$11.49$12.26$13.04$13.82
(15.0%)$10.47$11.29$12.12$12.94$13.77$14.60
(10.0%)$11.00$11.88$12.75$13.62$14.50$15.37
(5.0%)$11.53$12.46$13.38$14.31$15.23$16.15
0.0%$12.07$13.04$14.01$14.99$15.96$16.93
5.0%$12.60$13.62$14.65$15.67$16.69$17.71
10.0%$13.14$14.21$15.28$16.35$17.42$18.49
15.0%$13.67$14.79$15.91$17.03$18.15$19.26
20.0%$14.21$15.37$16.54$17.71$18.87$20.04
25.0%$14.74$15.96$17.17$18.39$19.60$20.82

In connection with its analyses, Sandler O’Neill considered and discussed with the Chemical board of directors how the present value analyses would be affected by changes in the underlying assumptions. Sandler O’Neill noted that the net present value analysis is a widely used valuation methodology, but the results of such methodology are highly dependent upon the numerous assumptions that must be made, and the results thereof are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future results.

Pro Forma Merger Analysis. Sandler O’Neill analyzed certain potential pro forma effects of the merger, based on the following assumptions: (i) the merger closes on June 30, 2016; (ii) 100% of the outstanding shares of Talmer common are converted into the stock consideration at the fixed exchange ratio of 0.4725 and receive $1.61 in cash (other than certain shares described in the merger agreement which will be cancelled without any consideration delivered in exchange therefor); and (iii) 75% of the outstanding Talmer stock options are converted into Chemical options and 25% are cashed out, based upon guidance of Talmer and Chemical senior management. Sandler O’Neill also utilized assumptions, as provided by the senior management of Chemical, relating to (a) estimated transaction costs and expenses, (b) purchase accounting adjustments, (c) anticipated regulatory costs, and (d) estimated cost savings resulting from the merger. The analysis indicated that the merger would be accretive to Chemical’s estimated earnings per share in 2017 (the first full-year after the estimated closing of the transaction) and dilutive to estimated tangible book value per share at close.

In connection with this analysis, Sandler O’Neill considered and discussed with the Chemical board of directors how the analysis would be affected by changes in the underlying assumptions, including the impact of final purchase accounting adjustments determined at the closing of the transaction, and noted that the actual results achieved by the combined company may vary from projected results and the variations may be material.

Sandler O’Neill’s Relationship.Sandler O’Neill is acting as Chemical’s financial advisor in connection with the merger, and TCF preferred shareholders or holders of related depositary shares will not receive Chemical has agreed to pay Sandler O’Neill a fee for such services in an amount equal to 0.70% of the aggregate merger consideration, a substantial portion of which is contingent upon the closing of the merger. Sandler O’Neill also received a fee from Chemical in an amount equal to $500,000 as a result of rendering its opinion, which opinion fee will be credited in full towards the fee that will become payable on the day of closing of the merger. Chemical has also agreed to indemnify Sandler O’Neill against certain liabilities arising out of Sandler O’Neill’s engagement and to reimburse Sandler O’Neill for certain of its out-of-pocket expenses incurredSeries C preferred stock or related depositary shares in connection with its engagement.the merger. Instead, TCF will remain an independent public company and both TCF common stock and depositary shares representing 1/1000th interest in a share of TCF Series C preferred stock will continue to be listed and traded on the NYSE. In addition, if the merger agreement is terminated in certain circumstances, Chemical or TCF may be required to pay the other party a fee with respect to such termination of the merger agreement. See “The Merger Agreement—Termination; Termination Fee” beginning on page 126.

 

Q:

InWHAT HAPPENS IF I SELL MY SHARES AFTER THE APPLICABLE RECORD DATE BUT BEFORE MY COMPANY’S MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS?

A:

Each of the two years precedingChemical record date and TCF record date is earlier than the date of its opinion, Sandler O’Neill provided certain other investment banking services to Chemical, for which compensation was received, and may provide, and receive compensation for, such services in the future, including during the pendency of the merger. In addition, as Sandler O’Neill advised the Chemical boardspecial meeting or TCF special meeting, as applicable, and earlier than the date that the merger is expected to be completed. If you sell or otherwise transfer your shares of directors, inChemical common stock or TCF common stock, as applicable, after the two years precedingapplicable record date but before the date of Sander O’Neill’s opinion, Sandler O’Neill provided certain investment banking servicesthe applicable shareholder meeting, you will retain your right to Talmer and received compensation forvote at such services. Inmeeting (provided that such shares remain outstanding on the ordinary coursedate of Sandler O’Neill’s business as a broker-dealer, Sandler O’Neill may purchase securities from and

68

sell securitiessuch meeting), but, with respect to Chemical and Talmer and their respective affiliates. Sandler O’Neill may also actively trade the equity and debt securities of Chemical, Talmer or their affiliates for its own account and for the accounts of its customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.

Opinion of Talmer’s Financial Advisor in Connection with the Merger

Talmer engaged Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. (“KBW”) to render financial advisory and investment banking services to Talmer, including an opinion to the Talmer board of directors as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the holders of Talmer Class ATCF common stock, ofyou will not have the right to receive the merger consideration to be received by suchTCF shareholders in the proposed merger of Talmer with and into Chemical. Talmer selected KBW because KBW is a nationally recognized investment banking firm with substantial experience in transactions similar to the merger and is familiar with Talmer and its business. As part of its investment banking business, KBW is continually engaged in the valuation of financial services businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions.

As part of its engagement, representatives of KBW attended the meeting of the Talmer board of directors held on January 25, 2016, at which the Talmer board of directors evaluated the proposed merger. At this meeting, KBW discussed with the Talmer board of directors the financial aspects of the proposed merger and rendered an opinionIn order to the Talmer board of directors to the effect that, as of such date and subject to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by KBW as set forth in its opinion,receive the merger consideration, in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial pointyou must hold your shares of view, to the holders of Talmer Class ATCF common stock. The Talmer board of directors adopted the merger agreement at this meeting.

The descriptionstock through completion of the opinionmerger.

Q:

WHAT DO I DO IF I RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS OR SET OF VOTING INSTRUCTIONS?

A:

Chemical shareholders and TCF shareholders may receive more than one set forth herein is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion, which is attached as Annex D tovoting materials, including multiple copies of this joint proxy statement and statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference,multiple proxy cards or voting instruction forms. For example, if you hold shares of Chemical or TCF common stock in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction form for each brokerage account in which you hold such shares. If you hold shares directly as a record holder and describesalso in “street name” or otherwise through a nominee, you will receive more than one joint proxy statement/prospectus and/or set of voting instructions relating to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by KBWapplicable shareholder meeting. These should each be voted and/or returned separately in preparing the opinion.order to ensure that all of your shares are voted.

Q:    SHOULD TCF SHAREHOLDERS SEND IN THEIR STOCK CERTIFICATES NOW?

 

A:

KBW’s opinion speaksNo. TCF common and preferred shareholders SHOULD NOT send in any stock certificates now. After the merger is complete, you will receive separate written instructions for surrendering your shares of TCF common stock in exchange for the merger consideration or TCF Series C preferred stock in exchange for Chemical Series C preferred stock, as applicable. In the meantime, you should retain your stock certificates because they are still valid. Please do not send in your stock certificates with your proxy card.

Q:    WILL A PROXY SOLICITOR BE USED?

A:

Yes. Chemical has engaged D.F. King & Co., Inc., which we refer to as D.F. King, to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the Chemical special meeting, and estimates it will pay D.F. King a fee of approximately $13,500 plus certain expenses. Chemical has also agreed to indemnify D.F. King against certain losses. TCF

has engaged Georgeson LLC, which we refer to as Georgeson, to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the TCF special meeting, and estimates it will pay Georgeson a fee of approximately $12,500 plus certain expenses. TCF has also agreed to indemnify Georgeson against certain losses. In addition, Chemical, TCF and their respective officers and employees may also solicit proxies by mail, telephone, facsimile, electronic mail or in person, but no additional compensation will be paid to them.

Q:    WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANIES?

A:

You can find more information about Chemical and TCF from the various sources described under “Where You Can Find More Information” in the forepart of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” beginning on page 163.

Q:

WHAT IS HOUSEHOLDING AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT ME?

A:

The SEC permits companies to send a single set of proxy materials to any household at which two or more shareholders reside, unless contrary instructions have been received, but only asif the applicable shareholders provide advance notice and follow certain procedures. In such cases, each shareholder continues to receive a separate notice of the datemeeting and proxy card. Certain brokerage firms may have instituted householding for beneficial owners of Chemical common stock or TCF common stock, as applicable, held through brokerage firms. If your family has multiple accounts holding Chemical common stock or TCF common stock, as applicable, you may have already received a householding notification from your broker. Please contact your broker directly if you have any questions or require additional copies of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The broker will arrange for delivery of a separate copy of this joint proxy statement/prospectus promptly upon your written or oral request. You may decide at any time to revoke your decision to household, and thereby receive multiple copies.

Q:

WHOM SHOULD I CONTACT IF I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

A:

You may contact Chemical or TCF at the opinion. The opinion wastelephone numbers listed under “Where You Can Find More Information” in the forepart of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” beginning on page 163. If you have any questions about the proxy materials or if you need assistance submitting your proxy or voting your shares or need additional copies of this joint proxy statement/prospectus or the enclosed proxy card, you should contact the proxy solicitation agent for the information of, and was directed to,company in which you hold shares. If you are a Chemical shareholder, you should contact D.F. King, the Talmerproxy solicitation agent for Chemical, by calling(212)269-5550, or toll-free at (800) 309-2984. If you are a TCF shareholder, you should contact Georgeson, the proxy solicitation agent for TCF, toll-free at(800) 676-0098.

SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should read this entire document and its annexes and the other documents to which we refer before you decide how to vote. In addition, we incorporate by reference important business and financial information about Chemical and TCF into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in the forepart of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” beginning on page 163. Each item in this summary includes a page reference directing you to a more complete description of that item.

The Merger (page 56)

Chemical and TCF have entered into the merger agreement, pursuant to which TCF will merge with and into Chemical, with Chemical continuing as the surviving corporation, in a transaction we refer to as the merger. The terms and conditions of the merger are contained in the merger agreement, which is attached asAnnex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus. We encourage you to read the merger agreement carefully, as it is the legal document that governs the merger. Immediately following the merger or at such later time as the parties may mutually agree, Chemical Bank will merge with and into TCF Bank, with TCF Bank as the surviving bank.

Merger Consideration (page 56)

Each outstanding share of TCF common stock, except for shares of TCF common stock owned by TCF as treasury stock or shares of TCF common stock owned by TCF or Chemical, in each case, other than in a fiduciary or agency capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted (which will be cancelled), will be automatically converted into the right to receive the merger consideration of 0.5081 shares of Chemical common stock.

Based on the closing trading price of Chemical common stock on NASDAQ on January 25, 2019, the last trading day before public announcement of the merger, of $42.47, the value of the per share merger consideration payable to holders of TCF common stock would be $21.58. Based on the closing trading price of Chemical common stock on NASDAQ on May 1, 2019, the last practicable trading date before the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, of $43.26, the value of the per share merger consideration payable to holders of TCF common stock would be $21.98. The value of the merger consideration that TCF shareholders will receive for each share of TCF common stock will depend on the price per share of Chemical common stock at the time the TCF shareholders receive the shares of Chemical common stock. Therefore, the value of the merger consideration may be different than its estimated value based on the current price of Chemical common stock, the price of Chemical common stock at the time of the Chemical special meeting or the TCF special meeting and the price of Chemical common stock on the date the merger is completed.

Treatment of TCF Preferred Stock (page 56)

Each share of TCF’s outstanding 5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, will be converted into the right to receive, without interest, one share of Chemical’s 5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, with equivalent rights and preferences.

Treatment of TCF Equity Awards (page 56)

At the effective time of the merger, each equity award granted under TCF’s equity plans, which we refer to as a TCF equity award, that is outstanding immediately prior to the effective time will be adjusted so that



its holder will be entitled to receive a number of shares of Chemical common stock (i) equal to the product of (a) the number of shares of TCF common stock subject to such TCF equity award immediately prior to the effective time multiplied by (b) the exchange ratio and (ii) rounded, as applicable, to the nearest whole share, and shall otherwise remain subject to the same terms and conditions (including, without limitation, with respect to vesting conditions (taking into account any vesting upon the occurrence of the effective time that is applicable to the TCF equity awards granted to TCF’snon-employee directors) and cash dividend equivalent rights). All TCF equity awards held by an employee whose employment will continue with the combined company or its subsidiaries after the merger will vest in their entirety to the extent such employee’s employment is terminated by the combined company without cause or by the employee for good reason prior to the second anniversary of the effective time of the merger. For any TCF equity awards that are subject to performance-based vesting, the number of shares of TCF common stock underlying such award will be calculated and fixed as of the effective time of the merger assuming achievement of the applicable performance conditions at the greater of the target level performance and the actual level of achievement of such conditions based on TCF’s performance results through the latest practicable date prior to the effective time of the merger, and such awards will convert into service-based vesting awards with the applicable vesting date to be the last day of the original performance period. For purposes of TCF equity awards for which performance is achievable at a single level, the performance condition will be no longer relevant as of the effective time of the merger.

For more information, see “The Merger—Terms of the Merger—Treatment of TCF Equity Awards” beginning on page 56.

Recommendation of the Chemical Board of Directors (page 66 )

The Chemical board of directors has unanimously (i) adopted the merger agreement and determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, are in the best interests of Chemical and its shareholders and (ii) approved the execution and delivery of the merger agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, the issuance of Chemical common stock and preferred stock (or related depositary shares) and the amendment to the Chemical articles of incorporation. The Chemical board of directors unanimously recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR” the Chemical merger proposal, “FOR” the Chemical articles amendment proposal, “FOR” the Chemical compensation proposal and “FOR” the Chemical adjournment proposal. See “The Merger—Recommendation of the Chemical Board of Directors and Reasons for the Merger” beginning on page 66.

Recommendation of the TCF Board of Directors (page 69)

The TCF board of directors has unanimously (i) determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, are in the best interests of TCF and its shareholders and declared that the merger agreement is advisable and (ii) approved the execution of the merger agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger. The TCF board of directors unanimously recommends that the TCF shareholders vote “FOR” the TCF merger proposal, “FOR” the TCF compensation proposal and “FOR” the TCF adjournment proposal. See “The Merger—Recommendation of the TCF Board of Directors and Reasons for the Merger” beginning on page 69.

Opinion of Chemical’s Financial Advisor (page 76)

In connection with the merger, Chemical’s financial advisor, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., which we refer to as KBW, delivered a written opinion, dated January 27, 2019, to the Chemical board of directors as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of the opinion, to Chemical of the exchange ratio in the proposed merger. The full text of the opinion, which describes the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by KBW in preparing the opinion,



is attached asAnnex B to this joint proxy statement/ prospectus. The summary of the KBW opinion set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such opinion. Chemical’s shareholders are urged to read the opinion in its entirety.The opinion was for the information of, and was directed to, the Chemical board of directors (in its capacity as such) in connection with its consideration of the financial terms of the merger. The opinion did not address the underlying business decision of Chemical to engage in the merger or enter into the merger agreement or constitute a recommendation to the Chemical board of directors in connection with the merger, and it does not constitute a recommendation to any holder of Chemical common stock or any shareholder of any other entity as to how to vote in connection with the merger or any other matter.

For more information, see the section entitled “The Merger—Opinion of Chemical’s Financial Advisor” beginning on page 76 of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the copy of the KBW opinion included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex B.

Opinion of TCF’s Financial Advisor (page 86)

At the meeting of the TCF board of directors on January 27, 2019, TCF’s financial advisor, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, which we refer to as J.P. Morgan, rendered its oral opinion to the TCF board of directors, subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in its opinion, the exchange ratio in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of TCF’s common stock.

The J.P. Morgan written opinion, dated January 27, 2019, is sometimes referred to herein as the J.P. Morgan opinion. The full text of the J.P. Morgan opinion, which sets forth the assumptions made, matters considered and limits on the review undertaken, is attached asAnnex C to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.The summary of the J.P. Morgan opinion set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such opinion. TCF’s shareholders are urged to read the opinion in its entirety. J.P. Morgan’s written opinion was addressed to the TCF board of directors (in its capacity as such) in connection with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the proposed merger, was directed only to the exchange ratio in the merger and did not address any other aspect of the merger. J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion as to the fairness of the exchange ratio to the holders of any class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of TCF or as to the underlying decision by TCF to engage in the proposed merger. The issuance of J.P. Morgan’s opinion was approved by a fairness committee of J.P. Morgan. The opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of TCF as to how such shareholder should vote with respect to the proposed merger or any other matter.

For more information, see the section entitled “The Merger—Opinion of TCF’s Financial Advisor” beginning on page 86 of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the copy of the J.P. Morgan opinion included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex C.

Chemical Special Meeting of Shareholders (page 40)

The special meeting of Chemical shareholders will be held on June 7, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. local time, at the Somerset Inn, 2601 West Big Beaver Road, Troy, Michigan 48084. At the Chemical special meeting, Chemical shareholders will be asked to approve the Chemical merger proposal, the Chemical articles amendment proposal, the Chemical compensation proposal and the Chemical adjournment proposal.

The Chemical board of directors has fixed the close of business on May 1, 2019 as the record date for determining the holders of Chemical common stock entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Chemical special meeting. As of the Chemical record date, there were 71,551,637 shares of Chemical common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Chemical special meeting held by 4,702 holders of record.



The presence, in person or represented by proxy, of at least a majority of the total number of outstanding shares of Chemical common stock entitled to vote is necessary in order to constitute a quorum for purposes of the matters being voted on at the Chemical special meeting.

Each share of Chemical common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on each proposal to be considered at the Chemical special meeting. As of the record date, directors and executive officers of Chemical and their affiliates owned and were entitled to vote 559,594 shares of Chemical common stock, representing approximately 0.78% of the shares of Chemical common stock issued and outstanding on that date. Chemical currently expects that its directors and executive officers will vote their shares in favor of the Chemical merger proposal, the Chemical articles amendment proposal, the Chemical compensation proposal and the Chemical adjournment proposal, although none of them has entered into any agreements obligating them to do so. As of the record date, TCF did not beneficially hold any shares of Chemical common stock.

TCF Special Meeting of Shareholders (page 48)

The special meeting of TCF shareholders will be held on June 7, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. local time, at the TCF Minnetonka office, 11100 Wayzata Boulevard, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305. At the TCF special meeting, TCF shareholders will be asked to approve the TCF merger proposal, the TCF compensation proposal and the TCF adjournment proposal.

The TCF board of directors has fixed the close of business on April 30, 2019 as the record date for determining the holders of TCF common stock entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the TCF special meeting. As of the TCF record date, there were 164,186,454 shares of TCF common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the TCF special meeting held by 5,072 holders of record.

The presence, in person or represented by proxy, of at least a majority of the total number of outstanding shares of TCF common stock entitled to vote is necessary in order to constitute a quorum for purposes of the matters being voted on at the TCF special meeting.

Each share of TCF common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on each proposal to be considered at the TCF special meeting. As of the TCF record date, directors and executive officers of TCF and their affiliates owned and were entitled to vote 3,786,390 shares of TCF common stock, representing approximately 2.3% of the shares of TCF common stock issued and outstanding on that date. TCF currently expects that its directors and executive officers will vote their shares in favor of the TCF merger proposal, the TCF compensation proposal and the TCF adjournment proposal, although none of them has entered into any agreements obligating them to do so. As of the record date, Chemical did not beneficially hold any shares of TCF common stock.

Interests of Chemical Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger (page 94)

In considering the recommendation of the Chemical board of directors with respect to the merger, Chemical shareholders should be aware that certain of Chemical’s directors and executive officers have interests in the merger, including financial interests, that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of the other shareholders of Chemical generally. The Chemical board of directors was aware of and considered these interests during its deliberations of the merits of the merger and in determining to recommend to Chemical shareholders that they vote for the Chemical merger proposal and thereby approve the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.

These interests include, among others:

In connection with the merger, performance-based restricted stock units held by Chemical executive officers for which performance results have not been measured will be measured as of



the latest practicable date before the closing of the merger and the number of performance-based restricted stock units will be fixed at the greater of the target (100%) performance level or actual performance and such awards will continue to vest based on the executive’s continued service through the end of the applicable performance period;

If a Chemical executive officer experiences a qualifying termination without cause by Chemical, or if the executive terminates his or her employment for good reason following the merger, such executive’s unvested stock options and time-vesting restricted stock units will fully vest and all performance-based restricted stock units will fully vest at the greater of the target (100%) performance level or actual performance, measured as of the latest practicable date before the closing of the merger;

If Dennis Klaeser, Thomas Shafer or J. Brennan Ryan are terminated without cause, or if Mr. Klaeser or Mr. Ryan terminates his employment for good reason, each within six months before or two years following the merger, he will receive a lump sum cash severance payment and certain other benefits, and if Mr. Shafer experiences a good reason event within two years following the merger, he will receive a lump sum retention bonus but will not be entitled to a cash severance payment if he is later terminated without cause following the merger;

If certain Chemical executive officers, other than the named executive officers, are terminated by Chemical without cause, or if the executive terminates his or her employment for good reason, each within six months before or two years following the merger, the executive will receive a lump sum cash severance payment and certain other benefits;

David Provost and Gary Torgow entered into retention agreements with Chemical that will become effective on the closing date of the merger, pursuant to which Mr. Provost will serve as Executive Vice Chair of the board of directors of the combined company and Chair of the board of directors of the combined bank, and Mr. Torgow will serve as the Executive Chair of the board of directors of the combined company;

Mr. Torgow, Mr. Provost and six other members of the Chemical board of directors, to be designated by Chemical, will serve on the board of directors of the combined company; and

Four executive officers from Chemical—Mr. Provost, Mr. Shafer, Mr. Klaeser and Sandra Kuohn—will serve on the board of directors of the combined bank.

For a more complete description of these interests, see “The Merger—Interests of Chemical Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” beginning on page  94.

Interests of TCF Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger (page 100)

In considering the recommendation of the TCF board of directors with respect to the merger, TCF shareholders should be aware that certain of TCF’s directors and executive officers have interests in the merger, including financial interests, that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of the other TCF shareholders generally. The TCF board of directors was aware of and considered these interests during its deliberations of the merits of the merger and in determining to recommend to TCF shareholders that they vote to approve the TCF merger proposal and thereby approve the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger.

These interests include, among others:

TCF equity awards, including those held by directors and executive officers, will convert, as of the effective time of the merger, into equity awards of Chemical of approximately equivalent value and subject to the same terms and conditions (taking into account any vesting upon the



occurrence of the effective time that is applicable to the TCF equity awards granted to TCF’snon-employee directors and the calculation and fixing of performance-based awards described in the bullet below), which will vest in full upon a covered termination of employment within two years following the effective time of the merger;

TCF equity awards that are subject to performance-based vesting, including those held by executive officers, will be calculated and fixed as of the effective time and converted into service-based vesting awards with the applicable vesting date to be the last day of the original performance period, assuming achievement of applicable performance conditions at the greater of target and actual performance through the last practicable date prior to the effective time of the merger;

Certain of TCF’s executive officers are entitled to severance benefits under change in control severance agreements in the event of a qualifying termination following the effective time of the merger;

Craig Dahl has entered into an amended employment agreement with TCF that governs the terms of his employment following the effective time of the merger;

TCF’s directors and executive officers are entitled to continued indemnification and insurance coverage under the merger agreement;

Mr. Dahl, Vance Opperman and six other members of the TCF board of directors to be designated by TCF will serve on the board of directors of the combined company; and

Six executive officers from TCF—Mr. Dahl, Michael Jones, William Henak, James Costa, Thomas Butterfield, Brian Maass and Patricia Jones—will serve on the board of directors of the combined bank.

For a more complete description of these interests, see “The Merger—Interests of TCF Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” beginning on page 100.

Governance Matters (page 120)

Board of Directors of Chemical

Upon completion of the merger, the board of directors of the combined company will be comprised of 16 directors, with eight directors designated by each of Chemical and TCF. For a period of 36 months following the effective time of the merger, there will be eight “Legacy Chemical Directors,” which are the directors initially designated by Chemical (two of whom will be Gary Torgow and David Provost); and eight “Legacy TCF Directors,” which are the directors initially designated by TCF (two of whom will be Craig Dahl and Vance Opperman).

Executive Management of Chemical

At the effective time of the merger, Mr. Torgow will continue to serve as Chair of the combined company and the board of directors, Mr. Provost will become and serve as Vice Chair of the combined company and the board of directors, Mr. Dahl will become and serve as Chief Executive Officer and President of the combined company and Mr. Opperman will become and serve as Lead Director of the board of directors. For the36-month period following the effective time of the merger, any removal of, termination of employment of, amendment or modification to any employment or similar agreement adversely affecting, or modification to any duties, authority or reporting relationships set forth in the bylaws of any of the persons set forth in the preceding sentence, will require the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the entire board of directors.                



Executive Management of TCF Bank

The combined company, in its capacity as sole shareholder of TCF Bank, will cause TCF Bank to appoint Mr. Provost as Chairman of TCF Bank and Mr. Dahl as Chief Executive Officer of TCF Bank. For the36-month period following the effective time of the merger, the combined company will cause TCF Bank not to remove, terminate the employment of, appoint a replacement for, or amend or modify any employment or similar agreement in a way adversely affecting either of Messrs. Provost or Dahl with regard to the foregoing capacities except with the affirmative vote of 75% of the entire board of directors. For the36-month period following the effective time of the merger, the combined company may not exercise its authority to modify, amend or repeal any of the provisions of the bylaws of TCF Bank relating to the duties, authority or reporting relationships of the Chairman or the Chief Executive Officer of TCF Bank without the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the entire board of directors.

For a more complete description of certain governance provisions, see “The Merger Agreement—Corporate Governance” beginning on page 120.

Litigation Relating to the Merger (page 107)

Certain litigation is pending in connection with the merger. For more information, see “The Merger—Litigation Relating to the Merger” beginning on page 107.

Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger (page 108)

Subject to the terms of the merger agreement, both Chemical and TCF have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to obtain as promptly as reasonably practicable all regulatory approvals necessary or advisable to complete the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger and the bank merger, and comply with the terms and conditions of such approvals. These approvals include approvals from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, which we refer to as the Federal Reserve Board, in connection with the merger, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which we refer to as the OCC, in connection with the bank merger. Notifications and/or applications requesting approval for the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement may also be submitted to other federal and state regulatory authorities and self-regulatory organizations. Chemical, TCF and/or their respective subsidiaries filed notices and applications to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals on March 15, 2019. The completion of the merger is also subject to the expiration of certain waiting periods and other requirements. Although neither Chemical nor TCF knows of any reason why it would not be able to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to complete the merger and bank merger, as applicable, in a timely manner, neither Chemical nor TCF can be certain when or if it will obtain such approvals or, if obtained, whether such approvals will contain terms, conditions or restrictions not currently contemplated that will restrain, prevent or delay the closing of the merger or contain any condition or restriction that would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Chemical and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, after giving effect to the merger (measured on a scale relative to TCF and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole after giving effect to the merger), which we refer to as a materially burdensome regulatory condition. For more information regarding the regulatory approvals to which completion of the merger and bank merger are subject, see “Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger” beginning on page 108.

Conditions to the Merger (page 125)

The obligations of Chemical and TCF to complete the merger are each subject to the satisfaction (or waiver, if permitted) of the following conditions:

the approval of each of the Chemical merger proposal and the Chemical articles amendment proposal by the requisite vote of the Chemical shareholders;

the approval of the TCF merger proposal by the requisite vote of the TCF common shareholders;

the authorization for listing on NASDAQ of the shares of Chemical common stock and depositary shares related to the Chemical Series C preferred stock to be issued in the merger;



the receipt of all required regulatory approvals which are necessary to consummate the merger and the bank merger and the expiration of all statutory waiting periods without the imposition of any materially burdensome regulatory condition;

the effectiveness of the registration statement on FormS-4, of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus is a part, and the absence of a stop order or proceeding initiated or threatened by the SEC for that purpose;

the absence of any order, injunction, decree or other legal restraint preventing the consummation of the merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement or making the consummation of the merger illegal;

the absence of any statute, rule or regulation enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any governmental entity which prohibits or makes illegal consummation of the merger;

subject to certain exceptions, the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the other party, generally subject to a material adverse effect qualification;

the prior performance in all material respects by the other party of the obligations required to be performed by it at or before the closing date of the merger; and

receipt by each party of an opinion from its counsel to the effect that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

Neither TCF nor Chemical can be certain when, or if, the conditions to the merger will be satisfied or waived, or that the merger will be completed. For more information see “The Merger Agreement—Conditions to Complete the Merger” beginning on page 125.

Agreement Not to Solicit Other Offers (page 124)

Under the terms of the merger agreement, each of Chemical and TCF has agreed not to initiate, solicit, knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate inquiries or proposals with respect to, or engage or participate in any negotiations concerning, or provide any confidential or nonpublic information or data to, or have or participate in any discussions with any person relating to, or enter into any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement, merger agreement or other definitive transaction agreement (other than a confidentiality agreement described in this paragraph) relating to, any acquisition proposal. Notwithstanding these restrictions, the merger agreement provides that, under specified circumstances, in response to an unsolicited bona fide written acquisition proposal which, in the good faith judgment of the Chemical board of directors or TCF board of directors, as applicable, after receiving the advice of its outside counsel and financial advisors, is or would reasonably be likely to result in a proposal which is superior to the merger, Chemical or TCF, as applicable, may furnish nonpublic information or data regarding Chemical or TCF, as applicable, and participate in discussions or negotiations with such third party to the extent that the Chemical board of directors or TCF board of directors, as applicable, determines in good faith (after receiving the advice of its outside counsel and financial advisors) that failure to take such actions would be reasonably likely to violate its fiduciary duties under applicable law, provided, further, that prior to providing any such nonpublic information or data, Chemical or TCF, as applicable, will have entered into a confidentiality agreement with such third party on terms, in all material respects, no less favorable to it than the confidentiality agreement between Chemical and TCF and which shall not provide such third party with any exclusive right to negotiate with Chemical or TCF, as applicable.

Termination; Termination Fee (page 126)

The merger agreement may be terminated at any time by Chemical or TCF before the effective time of the merger, whether before or after approval or adoption of the merger agreement by the Chemical shareholders or TCF shareholders, as applicable, under the following circumstances:

by mutual written consent of Chemical and TCF;



by either Chemical or TCF, if a required regulatory approval is denied by final,non-appealable action, or if a governmental entity has issued a final,non-appealable order permanently enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal the closing of the merger or the bank merger, unless the failure to obtain a required regulatory approval is due to the failure of the party seeking to terminate the merger agreement to perform or observe the covenants and agreements of such party set forth in the merger agreement;

by either Chemical or TCF, if the merger has not closed on or before January 27, 2020, which we refer to as the termination date, unless the failure to close by such date is due to the failure of the party seeking to terminate the merger agreement to perform or observe the covenants and agreements of such party set forth in the merger agreement; provided, that if on the termination date all other closing conditions are satisfied other than receipt of required regulatory approvals, then the termination date may be extended for a period of three months at the option of either Chemical or TCF;

by either Chemical or TCF, if there is a breach by the other party of any of the covenants or agreements or any of the representations or warranties (or any such representation or warranty shall cease to be true) contained in the merger agreement that would, individually or in the aggregate with other breaches by such party (or failures of such representations or warranties to be true), result in the failure of a closing condition, unless the breach (or failure to be true) is cured within 45 days following written notice of such breach (or failure to be true), or such fewer days as remain prior to the termination date; provided that the terminating party is not then in material breach of the merger agreement;

by TCF before the approval of the Chemical merger proposal and the Chemical articles amendment proposal by the Chemical shareholders, if (a) the Chemical board of directors (i) fails to recommend in this joint proxy statement/prospectus that the Chemical shareholders approve the Chemical merger proposal or withdraws, modifies or qualifies such recommendation in a manner adverse to TCF or publicly discloses that it has resolved to do so or fails to recommend against acceptance of a tender offer or exchange offer constituting an acquisition proposal within ten business days after the beginning of such tender or exchange or (ii) recommends or endorses an acquisition proposal or fails to issue a press release announcing opposition to such acquisition proposal within ten business days after an acquisition proposal is publicly announced or (b) Chemical breaches its obligation to call a shareholder meeting and recommend to its shareholders, in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, the approval of the Chemical merger proposal and Chemical articles amendment proposal or to refrain from soliciting alternative acquisition proposals in any material respect; or

by Chemical prior to the approval of the TCF merger proposal by the TCF shareholders, if (a) the TCF board of directors (i) fails to recommend in this joint proxy statement/prospectus that the TCF shareholders approve the TCF merger proposal, or withdraws, modifies or qualifies such recommendation in a manner adverse to Chemical, or publicly discloses that it has resolved to do so or fails to recommend against acceptance of a tender offer or exchange offer constituting an acquisition proposal within ten business days after the beginning of such tender or exchange offer or (ii) recommends or endorses an acquisition proposal or fails to issue a press release announcing opposition to such acquisition proposal within ten business days after an acquisition proposal is publicly announced or (b) TCF breaches its obligation to call a shareholder meeting and recommend to its shareholders, in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, the adoption of the merger agreement or to refrain from soliciting alternative acquisition proposals in any material respect.

TCF or Chemical may be required to pay a termination fee of $134.0 million to the other party, upon termination of the merger agreement under certain circumstances. For more information, see “The Merger Agreement—Termination; Termination Fee” beginning on page 126.



Amendment, Waiver and Extension of the Merger Agreement (page 129)

Chemical and TCF may jointly amend the merger agreement, and each of Chemical and TCF may waive its right to require the other party to comply with particular provisions of the merger agreement. However, Chemical and TCF may not amend the merger agreement or waive their respective rights after the Chemical shareholders have approved the Chemical merger proposal or the TCF shareholders have approved the TCF merger proposal if the amendment or waiver would legally require further approval by the Chemical shareholders or the TCF shareholders, as applicable, without first obtaining such further approval.

For more information, see “The Merger Agreement—Amendment, Waiver and Extension of the Merger Agreement” beginning on page 129.

No Appraisal or Dissenter Rights (page 156)

TCF shareholders are not entitled to appraisal rights under the DGCL in connection with the merger. Chemical shareholders are not entitled to appraisal or dissenters’ rights under the MBCA in connection with the merger. For more information, see “No Appraisal or Dissenter Rights” beginning on page 156.

Comparison of Rights of TCF Shareholders and Chemical Shareholders (page 144)

Following the merger, the rights of TCF shareholders who become Chemical shareholders in the merger will no longer be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, TCF’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which we refer to as the TCF charter, and TCF’s amended and restated bylaws, which we refer to as the TCF bylaws, and instead will be governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, as well as by Chemical’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, each as amended in accordance with the merger agreement. For more information, see “Comparison of Rights of TCF Shareholders and Chemical Shareholders” beginning on page 144.

Risk Factors (page 31)

You should consider all the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus in deciding how to vote for the proposals presented in the joint proxy statement/prospectus. In particular, you should consider the factors described under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 31.

Accounting Treatment of the Merger (page 111)

The merger will be accounted for as a reverse acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting, with Chemical treated as the legal acquirer and TCF treated as the accounting acquirer for financial reporting purposes.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger (page 130)

The merger is intended to qualify for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and it is a condition to the respective obligations of Chemical and TCF to complete the merger that each receives a legal opinion to that effect. Therefore, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as a result of the merger, a U.S. holder of shares of TCF common stock generally will not recognize gain or loss with respect to Chemical common stock received in the merger, but will recognize gain or loss with respect to any cash received in lieu of fractional shares of Chemical common stock. A holder of TCF Series C preferred stock that exchanges its TCF Series C preferred stock for Chemical Series C preferred stock generally will not recognize gain or loss on the receipt of Chemical Series C preferred stock.



For more information, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger” beginning on page 130.

The Parties (page 54)

Chemical Financial Corporation

333 W. Fort Street, Suite 1800

Detroit, Michigan

(800)867-9757

Chemical Financial Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, that was incorporated in the State of Michigan in August 1973. Chemical relocated its headquarters from Midland, Michigan to Detroit, Michigan effective July 25, 2018, and is the largest banking company headquartered in Michigan. Chemical’s common stock is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “CHFC.” As of December 31, 2018, Chemical had total consolidated assets of $21.5 billion, total loans of $15.3 billion, total deposits of $15.6 billion and total shareholders’ equity of $2.8 billion. Chemical operates through a single subsidiary bank, Chemical Bank. As of December 31, 2018, Chemical Bank had 212 banking offices located in Michigan, Ohio and northern Indiana.

More information about Chemical is available by visiting the “Investor Information” tab of its website at www.chemicalbank.com. Information contained on Chemical’s website does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated into, this joint proxy statement/prospectus. For a complete description of Chemical’s business, financial condition, results of operations and other important information, please refer to Chemical’s filings with the SEC that are incorporated by reference in this document, including its Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. For instructions on how to find copies of these documents, see “Where You Can Find More Information” in the forepart of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

TCF Financial Corporation

200 Lake Street East, Mail CodeEXO-01-G

Wayzata, Minnesota 55391-1693

(952)745-2760

TCF Financial Corporation is a national bank holding company, headquartered in Wayzata, Minnesota. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary TCF National Bank, TCF operated 314 bank branches in Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Colorado, Wisconsin, Arizona and South Dakota at December 31, 2018. TCF provides a full range of consumer-facing and commercial services, including consumer banking services in 47 states, commercial banking services in 42 states, commercial leasing and equipment financing in all 50 states and, to a limited extent, in foreign countries and commercial inventory financing in all 50 states and Canada and, to a limited extent, in other foreign countries.

More information about TCF is available by visiting the “About TCF” tab of its website at www.tcfbank.com. Information contained on TCF’s website does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated into, this joint proxy statement/prospectus. For a complete description of TCF’s business, financial condition, results of operations and other important information, please refer to TCF’s filings with the SEC that are incorporated by reference in this document, including its Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. For instructions on how to find copies of these documents, see “Where You Can Find More Information” in the forepart of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.



SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA FOR CHEMICAL

The following tables set forth a summary of selected historical consolidated financial information of Chemical as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014. The summary selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 and the summary selected income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was derived from Chemical’s audited consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The summary selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 and the summary selected income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were derived from Chemical’s audited consolidated financial statements for each respective year that are not included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus or incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. You should read this information in conjunction with Chemical’s consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Chemical’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in the forepart of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” beginning on page 163.

   As of and for the years ended December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 

Income Statement

          

Interest income

  $775,996   $632,135   $410,379   $291,789   $227,261 

Interest expense

   143,663    74,557    29,298    17,781    14,710 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

   632,333    557,578    381,081    274,008    212,551 

Provision for loan losses

   30,750    23,300    14,875    6,500    6,100 

Noninterest income

   148,536    144,019    122,350    80,216    63,095 

Operating expenses

   424,198    421,994    338,418    223,894    179,925 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   325,921    256,303    150,138    123,830    89,621 

Income tax expense

   41,901    106,780    42,106    37,000    27,500 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  $284,020   $149,523   $108,032   $86,830   $62,121 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Per Common Share Data

          

Net Income

          

Basic

  $3.98   $2.11   $2.21   $2.41   $1.98 

Diluted

   3.94    2.08    2.17    2.39    1.97 

Cash dividends declared and paid

   1.24    1.10    1.06    1.00    0.94 

Book value at end of period

   39.69    37.48    36.57    26.62    24.32 

Tangible book value per share(non-GAAP)(1)

   23.54    21.21    20.20    18.73    18.57 

Balance Sheet Data

          

Total assets

  $21,498,341   $19,280,873   $17,355,179   $9,188,797   $7,322,143 

Investment securities

   3,645,931    2,640,639    1,858,391    1,063,702    1,065,277 

Loans, net of deferred fees and costs

   15,269,779    14,155,267    12,990,779    7,271,147    5,688,230 

Deposits

   15,593,282    13,642,803    12,873,122    7,456,767    6,078,971 

Liabilities

   18,662,081    16,612,124    14,773,653    8,172,823    6,525,010 

Shareholders’ equity

   2,836,260    2,668,749    2,581,526    1,015,974    797,133 

Tangible shareholders’ equity(non-GAAP)(1)

   1,682,383    1,510,011    1,425,998    714,901    606,419 


   As of and for the years ended December 31, 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

  2018  2017  2016  2015  2014 

Performance Ratios

      

Net interest margin

   3.48  3.40  3.51  3.49  3.49

Net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent)(1)

   3.53  3.48  3.60  3.58  3.59

Return on average assets

   1.41  0.81  0.90  1.02  0.96

Return on average shareholders’ equity

   10.40  5.70  7.00  9.40  8.20

Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity(Non-GAAP)(1)

   17.90  10.20  11.20  12.90  10.40

Efficiency ratio (GAAP)

   54.30  60.10  67.20  63.20  65.30

Efficiency ratio-adjusted(non-GAAP)(1)

   51.50  51.90  54.40  58.70  60.90

Dividend payout ratio

   31.50  52.90  48.80  41.80  47.70

Consolidated Capital Ratios

      

Shareholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets

   13.20  13.80  14.90  11.10  10.90

Common equity tier 1 capital(2)

   10.70  10.20  10.70  10.60  N/A 

Tier 1 leverage ratio(2)

   8.70  8.30  9.00  8.60  9.30

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio(2)

   10.70  10.20  10.70  10.70  11.10

Total risk-based capital ratio(2)

   11.50  11.00  11.50  11.80  12.40

Asset Quality

      

Net loan charge-offs as a percentage of average loans

   0.09  0.07  0.11  0.13  0.19

Allowance for originated loan losses as a percentage of total originated loans

   0.93  0.94  1.05  1.26  1.51

Allowance for originated loan losses as a percentage of nonaccrual loans

   128.20  145.60  176.50  117.80  148.50

Nonaccrual loans as a percentage of total loans

   0.56  0.45  0.34  0.86  0.89

Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets

   0.43  0.37  0.35  0.79  0.89

(1)

Denotes anon-GAAP Financial Measure. See section entitled “GAAP Reconciliation and Management Explanation ofNon-GAAP Financial Measures” in Chemical’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for a reconciliation ofnon-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

(2)

The years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015 are under BASEL III framework and the year ended December 31, 2014 is under the Basel I framework. The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio is a new ratio introduced under the Basel III framework.



SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA FOR TCF

The following tables set forth a summary of selected historical consolidated financial information of TCF as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014. The summary selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 and the summary selected income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was derived from TCF’s audited consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The summary selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 and the summary selected income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were derived from TCF’s audited consolidated financial statements for each respective year that are not included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus or incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. You should read this information in conjunction with TCF’s consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in TCF’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in the forepart of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” beginning on page 163.

  At or For the Year Ended December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2018  2017  2016  2015  2014 

Consolidated Income:

     

Net interest income

 $992,007  $925,238  $848,106  $820,388  $815,629 

Non-interest income

  470,885   448,299   465,900   441,998   433,267 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total revenue

  1,462,892   1,373,537   1,314,006   1,262,386   1,248,896 

Provision for credit losses

  46,768   68,443   65,874   52,944   95,737 

Non-interest expense

  1,014,400   1,059,934   909,887   894,747   871,777 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense (benefit)

  401,724   245,160   338,245   314,695   281,382 

Income tax expense (benefit)

  86,096   (33,624  116,528   108,872   99,766 

Income attributable tonon-controlling interest

  11,270   10,147   9,593   8,700   7,429 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income attributable to TCF Financial Corporation

  304,358   268,637   212,124   197,123   174,187 

Preferred stock dividends

  11,588   19,904   19,388   19,388   19,388 

Impact of preferred stock redemption

  3,481   5,779   —     —     —   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income available to common shareholders

 $289,289  $242,954  $192,736  $177,735  $154,799 

Earnings per common share:

     

Basic

 $1.75  $1.44  $1.15  $1.07  $0.95 

Diluted

  1.74   1.44   1.15   1.07   0.94 

Dividends declared

  0.60   0.30   0.30   0.225   0.20 

Consolidated Financial Condition:

     

Loans and leases

 $19,072,311  $19,104,460  $17,843,827  $17,435,999  $16,401,646 

Total assets

  23,699,612   23,002,159   21,441,326   20,689,609   19,393,656 

Deposits

  18,903,686   18,335,002   17,242,522   16,719,989   15,449,882 

Borrowings

  1,449,472   1,249,449   1,077,572   1,039,938   1,235,535 

Total equity

  2,556,260   2,680,584   2,444,645   2,306,917   2,135,364 

Book value per common share

  14.45   13.96   12.66   11.94   11.10 

Tangible book value per common share(1)

  13.38   12.92   11.33   10.59   9.72 


   At or For the Year Ended December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  2018  2017  2016  2015  2014 

Financial Ratios:

      

Return on average assets

   1.37  1.26  1.05  1.03  0.96

Return on average common equity

   12.42   10.80   9.13   9.19   8.71 

Adjusted return on average common equity(1)

   13.51   10.80   9.13   9.19   8.71 

Return on average tangible common equity(1)

   13.56   15.73   10.29   10.48   10.08 

Adjusted return on average tangible common equity(1)

   14.74   15.73   10.29   10.48   10.08 

Net interest margin(2)

   4.63   4.54   4.34   4.42   4.61 

Common equity to assets

   9.99   10.42   10.09   9.80   9.58 

Dividend payout ratio

   34.48   20.83   26.09   21.03   21.28 

Efficiency ratio

   69.34   77.17   69.25   70.88   69.80 

Adjusted efficiency ratio(1)

   67.15   77.17   69.25   70.88   69.80 

Credit Quality Ratios:

      

Non-accrual loans and leases as a percentage of total loans and leases

   0.56  0.62  1.02  1.15  1.32

Non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans and leases and other real estate owned

   0.65   0.72   1.28   1.43   1.71 

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans and leases

   0.83   0.90   0.90   0.90   1.00 

Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases

   0.29   0.24   0.26   0.30   0.49 

(1)

See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis - Consolidated Financial Condition Analysis -Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in TCF’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for a reconciliation of eachnon-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

(2)

Net interest income on a fullytax-equivalent basis divided by average interest-earning assets.



SUMMARY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following table shows summary unaudited pro forma combined condensed consolidated financial information about the financial condition and results of operations after giving effect to the merger and other pro forma adjustments. The information below should be read in conjunction with “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Consolidated Financial Information” beginning on page 133.

In thousands    
   Year Ended
December 31, 2018
 

Statement of Income

  

Net interest income

  $1,650,284 

Provision for credit losses

   77,518 

Noninterest income

   619,421 

Operating expenses

   1,463,963 
  

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

   728,224 

Income tax expense

   128,118 
  

 

 

 

Income after income tax expense

   600,106 

Income attributable tonon-controlling interest

   11,270 

Preferred stock dividends and impact of preferred stock redemption

   15,069 
  

 

 

 

Net income available to common shareholders

  $573,767 
  

 

 

 
   As of
December 31, 2018
 

Statement of Financial Condition

  

Investment securities

  $6,351,075 

Net loans and leases

   33,799,677 

Total assets

   45,497,949 

Deposits

   34,463,933 

Borrowings

   4,057,618 

Total shareholders’ equity

   5,578,407 


UNAUDITED COMPARATIVE PER COMMON SHARE DATA

The following table shows information about earnings per share, dividends paid per share and tangible book value per share, on a historical basis and on a pro forma combined and pro forma equivalent per share basis. The information below should be read in conjunction with “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Consolidated Financial Information” beginning on page 133.

Comparative Per Share Data  

Chemical
Historical
   

TCF
Historical
   

Pro Forma
Combined (1)(2)
   Equivalent
Pro Forma
Per Share
of TCF(3)
 

Year ended December 31, 2018:

        

Basic earnings

  $3.98   $1.75   $3.75   $1.91 

Diluted earnings

   3.94    1.74    3.73    1.90 

Cash dividends paid

   1.24    0.60    1.24    0.63 

Tangible book value (period end)

   23.54    13.38    22.98    11.68 

(1)

The pro forma combined earnings per share amounts were calculated by totaling the historical earnings of Chemical and TCF, adjusted for purchase accounting entries and other capital actions, and dividing the resulting amount by the average pro forma shares of Chemical and TCF, giving effect to the merger as if it had occurred as of the beginning of the period presented, excluding any merger transaction costs. The pro forma combined tangible book value amount, however, does include the impact of estimated contractually obligated merger costs due upon completion of the merger. The opinion addressed onlyaverage pro forma shares of Chemical and TCF reflect historical basic and diluted shares, plus historical basic and diluted average shares of TCF, as adjusted based on the fairness, from a financial pointfixed exchange ratio of view,0.5081 shares of Chemical common stock for each share of TCF common stock. The number of shares to be issued is subject to adjustment in certain limited circumstances.

(2)

Pro forma combined cash dividends paid represents Chemical’s historical amounts only.

(3)

The equivalent pro forma per share amounts of TCF were calculated by multiplying the pro forma combined amounts by the fixed exchange ratio of 0.5081 shares of Chemical common stock for each share of TCF common stock.



COMPARATIVE PER SHARE MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

The table below sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the high and low sales prices, as well as the dividend declared, per share of Chemical common stock, which trades on the NASDAQ under the symbol “CHFC,” and per share of TCF common stock, which trades on the NYSE under the symbol “TCF.”

   Chemical Common Stock   TCF Common Stock 
   High   Low   Dividend   High   Low   Dividend 

2015

            

First Quarter

  $31.56   $28.16   $0.24   $16.31   $13.78   $0.075 

Second Quarter

   34.27    29.73    0.24    17.29    14.93    0.075 

Third Quarter

   34.49    30.09    0.26    17.07    14.35    0.075 

Fourth Quarter

   37.26    30.98    0.26    15.94    13.78    0.075 

2016

            

First Quarter

  $36.45   $29.40   $0.26   $13.97   $10.37   $0.075 

Second Quarter

   40.14    34.29    0.26    14.48    11.62    0.075 

Third Quarter

   47.62    35.73    0.27    14.78    11.72    0.075 

Fourth Quarter

   55.55    40.93    0.27    19.97    13.73    0.075 

2017

            

First Quarter

  $54.98   $47.52   $0.27   $20.03   $15.33   $0.075 

Second Quarter

   51.52    44.22    0.27    17.47    14.89    0.075 

Third Quarter

   46.42    43.61    0.28    17.20    14.58    0.075 

Fourth Quarter

   58.17    50.39    0.28    21.29    16.71    0.075 

2018

            

First Quarter

  $59.83   $52.40   $0.28   $23.80   $20.41   $0.15 

Second Quarter

   59.46    52.98    0.28    27.34    21.99    0.15 

Third Quarter

   59.10    53.34    0.34    26.55    23.57    0.15 

Fourth Quarter

   54.47    34.62    0.34    24.82    18.17    0.15 

2019

            

First Quarter

  $47.71   $36.01   $0.34   $23.83   $19.18   $0.15 

On January 25, 2019, the last trading day before the public announcement of the signing of the merger agreement, the closing sale price per share of Chemical common stock on the NASDAQ was $42.47 and the closing sale price per share of TCF common stock on the NYSE was $21.58. On May 1, 2019, the latest practicable trading date before the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the last sale price per share of Chemical common stock on the NASDAQ was $43.26 and the last sale price per share of TCF common stock on the NYSE was $21.81.



CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This joint proxy statement/prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus contain forward-looking statements regarding Chemical’s and TCF’s outlook or expectations with respect to the merger, including the expected costs to be incurred and cost savings to be realized in connection with the merger, the expected impact of the merger on the combined company’s future financial performance (including anticipated accretion to earnings per share), the assumed purchase accounting adjustments, other key transaction assumptions, the timing of the closing of the merger and consequences of the integration of the businesses and operations of Chemical and TCF. Words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “estimate,” “continue,” “positions,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “goal,” “objective,” “prospects,” “possible” or “potential,” by future conditional verbs such as “assume,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” or “may,” or by variations of such words or by similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time, are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of either company. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and Chemical and TCF assume no duty to update forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers are used for illustrative purpose only, are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results. Actual results may differ materially from current projections.

In addition to factors previously disclosed in Chemical’s and TCF’s reports filed with the SEC and those identified elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus (including the “Risk Factors” beginning on page 31), the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance:

the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals when expected or at all (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the transaction);

the failure of either Chemical or TCF to obtain the requisite shareholder approvals, or to satisfy any of the other closing conditions to the transaction on a timely basis or at all;

the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the merger agreement;

the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the merger, including anticipated cost savings and strategic gains, are not realized when expected or at all, including as a result of the impact of, or problems arising from, the integration of the two companies or as a result of the strength of the economy, competitive factors in the areas where Chemical and TCF do business or as a result of other unexpected factors or events;

the impact of purchase accounting with respect to the merger, or any change in the assumptions used regarding the assets purchased and liabilities assumed to determine their fair value;

diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities;

potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the merger;

the ability of either company to effectuate share repurchases and the prices at which such repurchases may be effectuated;

the integration of the businesses and operations of Chemical and TCF, which may take longer than anticipated or be more costly than anticipated or have unanticipated adverse results relating to Chemical’s or TCF’s existing businesses;

challenges retaining or hiring key personnel;

business disruptions resulting from or following the merger;

delay in closing the merger and the bank merger;

the outcome of pending or threatened litigation or of matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing or commencing in the future, including litigation related to the merger;

increased capital requirements, other regulatory requirements or enhanced regulatory supervision;

the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth;

the inability to efficiently manage operating expenses;

changes in interest rates and capital markets;

changes in asset quality and credit risk;

adverse changes in economic conditions;

capital management activities;

changes in Chemical’s stock price before closing, including as a result of the financial performance of TCF or Chemical prior to closing;

customer acceptance of Chemical’s and TCF’s products and services;

customer borrowing, repayment, investment and deposit practices;

the impact, extent and timing of technological changes;

changes in legislation, regulation, policies or administrative practices, whether by judicial, governmental or legislative action, including but not limited to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, otherwise referred to as the Dodd-Frank Act, and other changes pertaining to banking, securities, taxation, rent regulation and housing, financial accounting and reporting, environmental protection and insurance and the ability to comply with such changes in a timely manner;

changes in the monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board;

changes in accounting principles, policies, practices or guidelines;

the potential impact of announcement or consummation of the merger on relationships with third parties, including customers, vendors, employees and competitors;

failure to attract new customers and retain existing customers in the manner anticipated;

any interruption or breach of security resulting in failures or disruptions in customer account management, general ledger, deposit, loan or other systems;

natural disasters, war or terrorist activities; and

other actions of the Federal Reserve Board and legislative and regulatory actions and reforms.

Additional factors that could cause Chemical’s and TCF’s results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in Chemical’s and TCF’s filings with the SEC, including Chemical’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 and TCF’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. These and other factors are representative of the risk factors that may emerge and could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a forward-looking statement.

RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the matters addressed under the caption “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” you should carefully consider the following risk factors in deciding how to vote on the proposals presented in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in the forepart of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” beginning on page 163.

Risks Related to the Merger

Because the exchange ratio is fixed and the market price of Chemical common stock will fluctuate, TCF shareholders cannot be certain of the market value of the merger consideration they will receive.

Upon completion of the merger, each outstanding share of TCF common stock, except for treasury stock or shares owned by TCF or Chemical (in each case other than in a fiduciary or agency capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted), will be converted into the right to receive 0.5081 shares of Chemical common stock. This exchange ratio is fixed in the merger agreement. The market value of the merger consideration will vary from the closing price of Chemical common stock on the date Chemical and TCF announced the merger, on the date that this joint proxy statement/prospectus is mailed to Chemical shareholders and TCF shareholders, on the date of the Chemical special meeting and the date of the TCF special meeting, and on the date the merger is completed. Any change in the market price of Chemical common stock prior to the completion of the merger will affect the market value of the merger consideration that TCF shareholders will receive upon completion of the merger, and there will be no adjustment to the merger consideration for changes in the market price of either shares of Chemical common stock or TCF common stock.

Changes in the market price of Chemical common stock and TCF common stock may result from a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, changes in sentiment in the market regarding Chemical’s and TCF’s operations or business prospects, including market sentiment regarding Chemical’s and/or TCF’s entry into the merger agreement. These risks may also be affected by:

operating results that vary from the expectations of Chemical’s and/or TCF’s management or of securities analysts and investors;

developments in Chemical’s and/or TCF’s business or in the financial services sector generally;

regulatory or legislative changes affecting the banking industry generally or Chemical’s and/or TCF’s business and operations;

operating and securities price performance of companies that investors consider to be comparable to Chemical and/or TCF;

changes in estimates or recommendations by securities analysts or rating agencies;

announcements of strategic developments, acquisitions, dispositions, financings and other material events by Chemical, TCF or their competitors; and

changes in global financial markets and economies and general market conditions, such as interest or foreign exchange rates, stock, commodity, credit or asset valuations or volatility.

Many of these factors are outside the control of Chemical and TCF. Accordingly, at the time of the Chemical special meeting and the TCF special meeting, Chemical shareholders and TCF shareholders will not know the precise market value of the merger consideration that TCF shareholders will receive upon completion of the merger. You should obtain current market quotations for both Chemical common stock and TCF common stock.

Chemical shareholders and TCF shareholders will each have reduced ownership and voting interest in and will exercise less influence over management of the combined company.

Chemical shareholders currently have the right to vote in the election of the Chemical board of directors and on other matters affecting Chemical, and TCF common shareholders currently have the right to vote in the election of the TCF board of directors and on other matters affecting TCF. When the merger occurs, each TCF shareholder will become a shareholder of Chemical, and each TCF shareholder and Chemical shareholder will have a percentage ownership in the combined company that is much smaller than the shareholder’s percentage ownership of either TCF or Chemical individually. Based on the number of shares of Chemical common stock and TCF common stock outstanding at the close of business on the record dates of May 1, 2019 and April 30, 2019, respectively, and based on the number of shares of Chemical common stock expected to be issued in the merger, the former holders of TCF common stock as a group will receive shares in the merger constituting approximately 53.8% of the outstanding shares of Chemical common stock immediately after the merger. As a result, current shareholders of Chemical as a group will own approximately 46.2% of the outstanding shares of Chemical common stock immediately after the merger. Because of this, each TCF shareholder and Chemical shareholder will have less influence on the management and policies of the combined company than each now has on the management and policies of TCF or Chemical individually.

The market price of the Chemical common stock after the merger may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting the prices of Chemical common stock and TCF common stock.

The businesses of Chemical and TCF differ, and accordingly, the results of operations of the combined company and the market price of the shares of the Chemical common stock after the completion of the merger may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting the independent results of operations and market prices of common stock of each of Chemical and TCF. For a discussion of the businesses of Chemical and TCF and of certain factors to consider in connection with those businesses, see “Where You Can Find More Information” in the forepart of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” beginning on page 163.

Regulatory approvals may not be received, may take longer than expected or may impose conditions that are not presently anticipated or cannot be met.

Before the transactions contemplated in the merger agreement can be completed, various approvals must be obtained from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, which we refer to as the Federal Reserve Board, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which we refer to as the OCC. In deciding whether to grant these approvals, the relevant governmental entities will consider a variety of factors, including the regulatory standing of each of the parties and the effect of the merger on competition, and the factors described in the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger” beginning on page 108. An adverse development in either party’s regulatory standing or other factors could result in an inability to obtain one or more of the required regulatory approvals or delay receipt of required approvals. The Federal Reserve Board has stated that if material weaknesses are identified by examiners before a banking organization applies to engage in expansionary activity, the Federal Reserve Board will expect the banking organization to resolve all such weaknesses before applying for such expansionary activity. The Federal Reserve Board has also stated that if issues arise during the processing of an application for expansionary activity, it will expect the applicant banking organization to withdraw its application pending resolution of any supervisory concerns. It is possible that other regulatory agencies, such as the OCC, could adopt similar expectations for applicants. Accordingly, if there is an adverse development in either party’s regulatory standing, Chemical may be required to withdraw its application for approval of the proposed merger and, if possible, resubmit it after the applicable supervisory concerns have been resolved. Similarly, in such an event, TCF Bank may also be required to withdraw its application for approval of the proposed bank merger, and, if possible, resubmit such application after the applicable supervisory concerns have been resolved.

The approvals that are granted may impose terms and conditions, limitations, obligations or costs, or place restrictions on the conduct of the combined company’s business or require changes to the terms of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. There can be no assurance that regulators will not impose any such conditions, limitations, obligations or restrictions and that such conditions, limitations, obligations or restrictions will not have the effect of delaying the completion of any of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, imposing additional material costs on or materially limiting the revenues of the combined company following the merger or otherwise reduce the anticipated benefits of the merger if the merger were consummated successfully within the expected timeframe. In addition, there can be no assurance that any such conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions will not result in the delay or abandonment of the merger. Additionally, the completion of the merger is conditioned on the absence of certain orders, injunctions or decrees by any court or regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction that would prohibit or make illegal the completion of any of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Chemical and TCF believe that the proposed transactions should not raise significant regulatory concerns and that Chemical and TCF will be able to obtain all requisite regulatory approvals in a timely manner. However, the processing time for obtaining regulatory approvals for mergers of banks and bank holding companies, particularly for larger institutions, has increased since the financial crisis. Specifically, the Dodd-Frank Act requires bank regulators to consider financial stability concerns when evaluating a proposed transaction. In addition, despite the parties’ commitments to use their reasonable best efforts to comply with conditions imposed by regulators, under the terms of the merger agreement, neither Chemical nor TCF will be required, and neither party will be permitted without the prior written consent of the other party, to take actions or agree to conditions that would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Chemical and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, after giving effect to the merger (measured on a scale relative to TCF and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole). See “Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger” beginning on page 108.

The merger agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms and the merger may not be completed.

The merger agreement is subject to a number of conditions which must be fulfilled in order to complete the merger. Those conditions include: (i) the approval of the Chemical merger proposal and the Chemical articles amendment proposal, by the requisite vote of the Chemical shareholders; (ii) the approval of the TCF merger proposal, by the requisite vote of the TCF shareholders; (iii) authorization for listing on the NASDAQ of the shares of Chemical common stock and depositary shares representing 1/1000th interest in a share of Chemical Series C preferred stock to be issued in the merger; (iv) the receipt of all required regulatory approvals which are necessary to close the merger and the bank merger and the expiration of all statutory waiting periods without the imposition of any materially burdensome regulatory condition; (v) the effectiveness of the registration statement on FormS-4, of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus is a part, and the absence of a stop order or proceeding initiated or threatened by the SEC for that purpose; (vi) the absence of any order, injunction, decree or other legal restraint preventing the completion of the merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement or making the completion of the merger illegal; (vii) subject to certain exceptions, the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the other party, generally subject to a material adverse effect qualification; (viii) the prior performance in all material respects by the other party of the obligations required to be performed by it at or prior to the closing date of the merger; and (ix) receipt by each party of an opinion from its counsel to the effect that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to as the Code.

These conditions to the closing of the merger may not be fulfilled in a timely manner or at all, and, accordingly, the merger may not be completed. In addition, the parties can mutually decide to terminate the merger agreement at any time, before or after shareholder approval, or Chemical or TCF may elect to terminate the merger agreement in certain other circumstances. See “The Merger Agreement—Termination; Termination Fee” beginning on page 126.

Failure to complete the merger could negatively impact Chemical and TCF.

If the merger is not completed for any reason, including as a result of Chemical shareholders failing to approve either the Chemical merger proposal or the Chemical articles amendment proposal or TCF shareholders failing to approve the TCF merger proposal, the ongoing businesses of Chemical and TCF may be adversely affected, and, without realizing any of the benefits of having completed the merger, Chemical and TCF will be subject to a number of risks, including the following:

each company may be required, under certain circumstances, to pay the other party a termination fee of $134.0 million under the merger agreement;

each company will be required to pay certain costs relating to the merger, whether or not the merger is completed, such as legal, accounting, financial advisor and printing fees;

the merger agreement places certain restrictions on the conduct of each company’s business prior to completion of the merger, the waiver of which is subject to the consent of the other company, which may adversely affect each company’s ability to execute certain of its business strategies; and

matters relating to the merger may require substantial commitments of time and resources by Chemical and TCF management, which could otherwise have been devoted to other opportunities that may have been beneficial to Chemical and TCF, as applicable, as independent companies.

In addition, if the merger is not completed, Chemical and/or TCF may experience negative reactions from the financial markets and from their respective customers and employees. For example, Chemical and TCF businesses may be impacted adversely by the failure to pursue other beneficial opportunities due to the focus of management on the merger, without realizing any of the anticipated benefits of completing the merger. The market price of Chemical or TCF common stock could decline to the extent that the current market prices reflect a market assumption that the merger will be completed. Chemical and/or TCF also could be subject to litigation related to any failure to complete the merger or to proceedings commenced against Chemical or TCF to perform their respective obligations under the merger agreement. If the merger is not completed, Chemical and TCF cannot assure their respective shareholders that the risks described above will not materialize and will not materially affect the business, financial results and stock prices of Chemical and/or TCF.

Failure to attract, motivate and retain executives and other key employees could diminish the anticipated benefits of the merger.

The success of the merger will depend in part on the retention of personnel critical to the business and operations of the combined company due to, for example, their customer relationships, skills or management expertise. Competition for qualified personnel can be intense.

Current and prospective employees of Chemical and TCF may experience uncertainty about their future roles with Chemical and TCF until strategies with regard to these employees are announced or executed, which may impair Chemical’s and TCF’s ability to attract, retain and motivate key management, commercial lenders, specialty lenders and other personnel prior to and following the merger. Employee retention may be particularly challenging during the pendency of the merger, as employees of Chemical and TCF may experience uncertainty about their future roles with the combined company. If Chemical and TCF are unable to retain personnel, including Chemical’s and TCF’s key management, who are critical to the successful integration and future operations of the companies, Chemical and TCF could face disruptions in their operations, loss of existing customers, loss of key information, expertise orknow-how, and unanticipated additional recruitment costs. In addition, the loss of key personnel could diminish the anticipated benefits of the merger.

At the effective time, certain of Chemical’s and TCF’s executive officers are entitled to receive severance benefits upon a qualifying termination of employment following the completion of the merger. Accordingly, each of these executive officers could potentially terminate his or her employment following specified circumstances set forth in their applicable employment, change in control agreement or similar agreement, including certain changes in such executive’s duties or responsibilities (except with respect to certain contemplated changes in connection with the merger for Mr. Torgow, Mr. Dahl and Mr. Provost), compensation or office location, and become entitled to receive severance. See the section entitled “The Merger—Interests of Chemical Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” beginning on page 94 and the section entitled “The Merger—Interests of TCF Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” beginning on page 100 for a further discussion of some of these issues.

If key employees of Chemical or TCF depart, the integration of the companies may be more difficult and the combined company’s business following the merger may be harmed. Furthermore, the combined company may have to incur significant costs in identifying, hiring and retaining replacements for departing employees and may lose significant expertise and talent relating to the business of each of Chemical or TCF, and the combined company’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger may be adversely affected.

Chemical and TCF will be subject to business uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the merger is pending, which could adversely affect each party’s business and operations.

Uncertainty about the effect of the merger on customers may have an adverse effect on Chemical and/or TCF. These uncertainties could cause customers and others that deal with Chemical and/or TCF to seek to change existing business relationships with Chemical and/or TCF. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, Chemical and TCF have each agreed to operate its business in the ordinary course prior to the closing date of the merger and each party is also restricted from making certain acquisitions and taking other specified actions without the consent of the other party until the merger occurs. These restrictions may prevent TCF and/or Chemical from pursuing attractive business opportunities that may arise prior to the completion of the merger. See “The Merger Agreement—Covenants and Agreements” beginning on page 117.

The directors and executive officers of Chemical and TCF have interests and arrangements that may be different from, or in addition to, those of Chemical shareholders or TCF shareholders generally.

When considering the recommendations of the boards of directors of Chemical and TCF, as applicable, with respect to the proposals described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, you should be aware that the directors and executive officers of Chemical and TCF may have interest in the merger, which are different from, or in addition to, the interests of Chemical shareholders and TCF shareholders generally. These interests include, among others, the continued employment of certain executive officers of Chemical and TCF by the combined company, the continued service of certain directors of Chemical and TCF as directors of the combined company, severance arrangements, other compensation and benefits arrangements and the right to continued indemnification of former TCF directors and officers by the combined company. The Chemical board of directors was aware of these interests and considered these interests, among other matters, when making its decision to adopt the merger agreement and authorize the merger and approve the Chemical articles amendment and in recommending that the Chemical shareholders vote in favor of the Chemical merger proposal and the Chemical articles amendment proposal. See “The Merger—Interests of Chemical Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” beginning on page 94. Likewise, the TCF board of directors was aware of these interests and considered these interests, among other matters, when making its decision to approve the merger agreement and authorize the merger and in recommending that the TCF shareholders vote in favor of the TCF merger proposal. See “The Merger—Interests of TCF Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” beginning on page 100.

The merger agreement contains provisions that could discourage a potential competing acquirer that might be willing to pay more to acquire or merge with either Chemical or TCF.

The merger agreement contains provisions that restrict each of Chemical’s and TCF’s ability to, among other things, initiate, solicit, knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate, inquiries or proposals with respect to, or, subject to certain exceptions generally related to the exercise of fiduciary duties by each respective board of directors, engage in any negotiations concerning, or provide any confidential information relating to, any alternative acquisition proposals. These provisions, which include a $134.0 million termination fee payable under certain circumstances, might discourage a potential competing acquirer that might have an interest in acquiring all or a significant part of TCF or Chemical from considering or proposing that acquisition even, in the case of TCF, if it were prepared to pay consideration with a higher per share market price than that proposed in the merger, or might result in a potential competing acquirer proposing to pay a lower per share price to acquire TCF or Chemical than it might otherwise have proposed to pay because of Chemical’s and TCF’s, as applicable, obligation, in connection with termination of the merger agreement under certain circumstances, to pay the other party a $134.0 million termination fee. In addition, the merger agreement requires that each of Chemical and TCF submit the merger proposal to a vote of its respective shareholders, even if the respective board of directors changes its recommendation in favor of the merger proposal in a manner adverse to the other party. For more information, see “The Merger Agreement—Agreement Not to Solicit Other Offers,” “The Merger Agreement—Termination; Termination Fee” and “The Merger Agreement—Chemical Shareholder Meeting and TCF Shareholder Meeting and Recommendations of Their Respective Boards of Directors” beginning on pages 124, 126 and 123, respectively.

The opinions of Chemical’s and TCF’s financial advisors delivered to the parties’ respective boards of directors prior to the signing of the merger agreement will not reflect changes in circumstances occurring after the date of such opinions.

Each of the opinions of Chemical’s and TCF’s financial advisors was delivered on, and dated, January 27, 2019. Changes in the operations and prospects of Chemical or TCF, general market and economic conditions and other factors that may be beyond the control of Chemical or TCF may significantly alter the value of Chemical or TCF or the prices of the Chemical common stock or TCF common stock by the time the merger is completed. The opinions do not speak as of the time the merger will be completed or as of any date other than the date of such opinions. See “The Merger—Opinion of Chemical’s Financial Advisor” beginning on page 76 and “The Merger—Opinion of TCF’s Financial Advisor” beginning on page 86.

TCF shareholders will become shareholders of a Michigan corporation and will have their rights as shareholders governed by Chemical’s organizational documents and Michigan law.

As a result of the completion of the merger, TCF shareholders will become shareholders of Chemical, and their rights as shareholders of Chemical will be governed by Chemical’s organizational documents and the Michigan Business Corporation Act, which we refer to as the MBCA. As a result, there will be differences between the rights currently enjoyed by TCF shareholders and the rights they expect to have as shareholders of the combined company. See “Comparison of Rights of TCF Shareholders and Chemical Shareholders” beginning on page 144.

Chemical and TCF will incur transaction and integration costs in connection with the merger.

Chemical and TCF have incurred and expect to incur significant,non-recurring costs in connection with negotiating the merger agreement and closing the merger. In addition, the combined company will incur integration costs following the completion of the merger as Chemical and TCF integrate the businesses of the two companies, including facilities and systems consolidation costs and employment-related costs. There can be no assurances that the expected benefits and efficiencies related to the integration of the businesses will be realized to offset these transaction and integration costs over time. Chemical and TCF may also incur additional

costs to maintain employee morale and to retain key employees. Chemical and TCF will also incur significant legal, financial advisor, accounting, banking and consulting fees, fees relating to regulatory filings and notices, SEC filing fees, printing and mailing fees and other costs associated with the merger. Some of these costs are payable regardless of whether the merger is completed. See “The Merger Agreement—Expenses and Fees” beginning on page 129.

Lawsuits challenging the merger have been filed against TCF and additional such lawsuits may be filed against TCF and Chemical, and an adverse judgment in any such lawsuit or any future similar lawsuits may prevent the merger from becoming effective or from becoming effective within the expected timeframe.

Shareholders of TCF and/or shareholders of Chemical may file lawsuits against TCF, Chemical and/or the directors and officers of either company in connection with the merger. For more information about current litigation that is pending in connection with the merger, see “The Merger—Litigation Relating to the Merger” beginning on page 107. One of the conditions to the closing of the merger is that no order, injunction or decree issued by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition that prevents the closing of the merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement be in effect. If any plaintiff were successful in obtaining an injunction prohibiting TCF or Chemical defendants from completing the merger on the agreed upon terms, then such injunction may prevent the merger from becoming effective or from becoming effective within the expected timeframe and could result in significant costs to TCF and/or Chemical, including any cost associated with the indemnification of directors and officers. If a lawsuit is filed, the defense or settlement of any lawsuit or claim that remains unresolved at the time the merger is completed may adversely affect the combined company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

Neither Chemical shareholders nor TCF shareholders will have dissenters’ or appraisal rights in the merger.

Dissenters’ or appraisal rights are statutory rights that, if applicable under law, enable shareholders to dissent from an extraordinary transaction, such as a merger, and to demand that the corporation pay the fair value for their shares as determined by a court in a judicial proceeding instead of receiving the consideration offered to shareholders in connection with the extraordinary transaction. Under the MBCA and DGCL, a Chemical shareholder or TCF shareholder, respectively, may not dissent from a merger as to shares that are listed on a national securities exchange at the record date fixed to determine the shareholders entitled to receive notice of the meeting of shareholders to vote upon the agreement of merger or consolidation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, appraisal rights are available if shareholders are required by the terms of the merger agreement to accept for their shares anything other than (a) shares of stock of the surviving corporation, (b) shares of stock of another corporation that will either be listed on a national securities exchange or held of record by more than 2,000 holders, (c) cash instead of fractional shares or (d) any combination of clauses (a)-(c).

Pursuant to the MBCA, holders of Chemical common stock will not be entitled to dissenters’ or appraisal rights in the merger with respect to their shares of Chemical common stock because Chemical common stock is listed on the NASDAQ, a national securities exchange, and is expected to continue to be so listed on the record date. Pursuant to the DGCL, holders of TCF common stock will not be entitled to dissenters’ or appraisal rights in the merger with respect to their shares of TCF common stock because TCF common stock is listed on the NYSE, a national securities exchange, and is expected to continue to be so listed on the record date, and because holders of TCF common stock will receive shares of Chemical common stock in the merger, which is expected to be listed on NASDAQ upon the effective time of the merger.

Risks Relating to the Combined Company

The failure to successfully combine the businesses of Chemical and TCF may adversely affect the combined company’s future results.

The success of the merger will depend, in part, on the ability of the combined company to realize anticipated benefits from combining the businesses of Chemical and TCF. To realize these anticipated benefits,

the businesses of Chemical and TCF must be successfully combined. If the combined company is not able to achieve these objectives, the anticipated benefits of the merger may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected.

The failure to integrate successfully the businesses and operations of Chemical and TCF in the expected time frame may adversely affect the combined company’s future results.

Chemical and TCF have operated and, until the completion of the merger, will continue to operate independently. There can be no assurances that their businesses can be integrated successfully. It is possible that the integration process could result in the loss of key Chemical employees or key TCF employees, the loss of customers, the disruption of either company’s or both companies’ ongoing businesses, inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies, unexpected integration issues, higher than expected integration costs and an overall post-completion integration process that takes longer than originally anticipated. Specifically, the following issues, among others, must be addressed in integrating the operations of Chemical and TCF in order to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger so the combined company performs as expected:

combining the companies’ operations and corporate functions;

combining the businesses of Chemical and TCF in a manner that permits the combined company to achieve the cost savings and revenue synergies anticipated to result from the merger, the failure of which would result in the anticipated benefits of the merger not being realized in the time frame currently anticipated or at all;

integrating personnel from the two companies;

integrating the companies’ technologies;

identifying and eliminating redundant functions;

harmonizing the companies’ operating practices, employee development and compensation programs, internal controls and other policies, procedures and processes;

addressing possible differences in business backgrounds, corporate cultures and management philosophies and priorities;

managing the movement of certain positions to different locations;

coordinating a geographically dispersed organization;

integrating the branches of the combined company; and

limiting the outflow of deposits held by new customers and successfully retaining and managing interest-earning assets (i.e., loans) of the combined company.

In addition, at times the attention of certain members of either company’s or both companies’ management and resources may be focused on completion of the merger and the integration of the businesses of the two companies and diverted fromday-to-day business operations, which may disrupt each company’s ongoing business and the business of the combined company.

Furthermore, the board of directors and executive leadership of the combined company will consist of former directors and executive officers from each of Chemical and TCF. Combining the boards of directors and management teams of each company into a single board and a single management team could require the reconciliation of differing priorities and philosophies.

Combining the businesses of Chemical and TCF may be more difficult, costly or time-consuming than expected and the combined company may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger, which may adversely affect the combined company’s business results and negatively affect the value of the common stock of the combined company following the merger.

The success of the merger will depend on, among other things, the ability of Chemical and TCF to combine their businesses in a manner that facilitates growth opportunities and realizes cost savings. Chemical and TCF entered into the merger agreement because each believes that the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of its respective shareholders and that combining the businesses of Chemical and TCF will produce benefits and cost savings.

However, Chemical and TCF must successfully combine their respective businesses in a manner that permits these benefits to be realized. In addition, the combined company must achieve the anticipated growth and cost savings without adversely affecting current revenues and future growth. If the combined company is not able to successfully achieve these objectives, the anticipated benefits of the merger may not be realized fully, or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected.

An inability to realize the full extent of the anticipated benefits of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, as well as any delays encountered in the integration process, could have an adverse effect upon the revenues, level of expenses and operating results of the combined company, which may adversely affect the value of the common stock of the combined company after the completion of the merger.

In addition, the actual integration may result in additional and unforeseen expenses, and the anticipated benefits of the integration plan may not be realized. Actual growth and cost savings, if achieved, may be lower than what Chemical and TCF expect and may take longer to achieve than anticipated. If Chemical and TCF are not able to adequately address integration challenges, they may be unable to successfully integrate their operations or realize the anticipated benefits of the integration of the two companies.

The unaudited pro forma combined condensed consolidated financial information included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is preliminary and the actual financial condition and results of operations after the merger may differ materially.

The unaudited pro forma financial information included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of what the combined company’s actual financial position or results of operations would have been had the merger been completed on the date(s) indicated. The preparation of the pro forma financial information is based upon available information and certain assumptions and estimates that Chemical and TCF currently believe are reasonable. For financial reporting purposes, TCF will be treated as the accounting acquirer, and Chemical will be treated as the accounting acquiree. The unaudited pro forma financial information reflects adjustments, which are based upon preliminary estimates, to allocate the purchase price to Chemical’s net assets. The purchase price allocation reflected in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is preliminary, and the final allocation of the purchase price will be based upon the actual purchase price and the fair value of the assets and liabilities of Chemical, as the accounting acquiree, as of the date of the completion of the merger. In addition, following the completion of the merger, there may be further refinements of the purchase price allocation as additional information becomes available. Accordingly, the final purchase accounting adjustments may differ materially from the pro forma adjustments reflected in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Consolidated Financial Information” beginning on page 133.

Risks relating to Chemical’s and TCF’s respective businesses.

You should read and consider the risk factors specific to Chemical’s business that will also affect the combined company after the merger. These risks are described in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” in Chemical’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 and in other documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. You should also read and consider risk factors specific to TCF’s business that will also affect the combined company after the merger. These risks are described in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” in TCF’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended

December 31, 2018 and in other documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Please see “Where You Can Find More Information” in the forepart of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” beginning on page 163 for the location of information incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

CHEMICAL SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Date, Time and Place

The special meeting of Chemical shareholders will be held on June 7, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. local time, at the Somerset Inn, 2601 West Big Beaver Road, Troy, Michigan 48084. On or about [●], 2019, Chemical will commence mailing this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the enclosed form of proxy to its shareholders entitled to vote at the Chemical special meeting.

Purpose of Chemical Special Meeting

At the Chemical special meeting, Chemical shareholders will be asked to vote on the following:

a proposal to approve the merger agreement, which we refer to as the Chemical merger proposal;

a proposal to approve an amendment to Chemical’s articles of incorporation to (a) increase the number of authorized shares of Chemical common stock from 135 million to 220 million, and (b) change the name of Chemical to “TCF Financial Corporation,” effective only upon consummation of the merger, which we refer to as the Chemical articles amendment proposal;

a proposal to approve, on anon-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to the named executive officers of Chemical that is based on or otherwise relates to the merger, which we refer to as the Chemical compensation proposal; and

a proposal to adjourn the Chemical special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to permit further solicitation of proxies in favor of the Chemical merger proposal or Chemical articles amendment proposal, which we refer to as the Chemical adjournment proposal.

Completion of the merger is conditioned on approval of both the Chemical merger proposal and the Chemical articles amendment proposal, among other conditions.

Completion of the merger is not conditioned on the approval of the Chemical compensation proposal or the Chemical adjournment proposal.

Recommendation of the Chemical Board of Directors

The Chemical board of directors recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR” the Chemical merger proposal, “FOR” the Chemical articles amendment proposal, “FOR” the Chemical compensation proposal and “FOR” the Chemical adjournment proposal. See “The Merger—Recommendation of the Chemical Board of Directors and Reasons for the Merger” beginning on page 66.

Chemical Record Date; Shareholders Entitled to Vote

The Chemical board of directors has fixed the close of business on May 1, 2019 as the record date for determining the holders of Chemical common stock entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Chemical special meeting. As of the Chemical record date, there were 71,551,637 shares of Chemical common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Chemical special meeting held by 4,702 holders of record.

Each share of Chemical common stock outstanding on the record date of the Chemical special meeting is entitled to one vote on each proposal and any other matter coming before the Chemical special meeting.

Voting by Chemical’s Directors and Executive Officers

At the close of business on the record date for the Chemical special meeting, Chemical directors and executive officers and their affiliates were entitled to vote 559,594 shares of Chemical common stock or approximately 0.78% of the shares of Chemical common stock outstanding on that date. At the close of business on the record date for the Chemical special meeting, Chemical directors were entitled to vote 408,686 shares of Chemical common stock or approximately 0.57% of the shares of Chemical common stock outstanding on that date. Chemical currently expects that its directors and executive officers will vote their shares in favor of the Chemical merger proposal, the Chemical articles amendment proposal, the Chemical compensation proposal and the Chemical adjournment proposal, although none of them has entered into any agreements obligating them to do so.

Quorum and Adjournment

No business may be transacted at the Chemical special meeting unless a quorum is present. Shareholders who hold shares representing at least a majority of the shares entitled to vote at the Chemical special meeting must be present in person or by proxy to constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not present, the chairman of the special meeting may adjourn the meeting to solicit additional proxies. In addition, if fewer shares are voted than the number of shares required to obtain the necessary Chemical shareholder approvals, then the special meeting may be adjourned to allow additional time for obtaining additional proxies, if the approval of a majority of the votes cast at the special meeting on the Chemical adjournment proposal is obtained.

No notice of an adjourned meeting need be given if the time and place of the adjourned meeting are announced at the special meeting unless, after the adjournment, a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, in which case a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. At any adjourned meeting, all proxies will be voted in the same manner as they would have been voted at the original convening of the special meeting, except for any proxies that have been effectively revoked or withdrawn prior to the adjourned meeting.

All shares of Chemical common stock represented at the Chemical special meeting, including shares that are represented but that vote to abstain, will be treated as present for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum, but brokernon-votes will not be counted for the purposes of determining whether a quorum exists.

Required Vote; Treatment of Abstentions and Failure to Vote

Chemical merger proposal:

Standard: Approval of the Chemical merger considerationproposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Chemical common stock entitled to vote. Chemical shareholders must approve the Chemical merger proposal in order for the merger to occur. If Chemical shareholders fail to approve the holders of Talmer Class A common stock. It did not address the underlying business decision of Talmer to engage inChemical merger proposal, the merger will not occur.

Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes: If you fail to vote, mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy card or enter into the merger agreementfail to instruct your bank or constitute a recommendation to the Talmer board of directors in connection with the merger, and it does not constitute a recommendation to any holder of Talmer Class A common stock or any shareholder of any other entity as tobroker how to vote in connection with the merger or any other matter, nor does it constitute a recommendation regarding whether or not any such shareholder should enter into a voting, shareholders’ or affiliates’ agreement with respect to the merger.Chemical merger proposal, it will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the proposal.

Chemical articles amendment proposal:

 

KBW’s opinion was reviewed and approved by KBW’s Fairness Opinion Committee in conformity with its policies and procedures established under the requirements of Rule 5150Standard: Approval of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

In connection withChemical articles amendment proposal requires the opinion, KBW reviewed, analyzed and relied upon material bearing upon the merger and upon the financial and operating conditionaffirmative vote of Talmer and Chemical, including, among other things:

  • a draftmajority of the merger agreement dated January 25, 2016 (the most recent draft then made available to KBW);

  • the audited financial statements for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2014,issued and the Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, of Talmer;

  • the unaudited quarterly financial statements and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2015, June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2015 of Talmer;

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  • certain unaudited quarterly and fiscal year-end financial results for the period ended December 31, 2015 of Talmer (provided to KBW by representatives of Talmer);

  • the audited financial statements and Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 of Chemical;

  • the unaudited quarterly financial statements and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2015, June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2015 of Chemical;

  • certain draft and unaudited quarterly and fiscal year-end financial results for the period ended December 31, 2015outstanding shares of Chemical (providedcommon stock entitled to KBW by representatives of Chemical);

  • certain regulatory filings of Talmer, Talmer Bank,vote. Chemical andshareholders must approve the Chemical Bank, including (as applicable) the quarterly reports on Form FRY-9C and Form FRY-9LP and the quarterly call reports filed with respect to each quarter during the three year period ended December 31, 2014 and the three quarters ended March 31, 2015, June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2015;

  • certain other interim reports and other communications of Talmer and Chemical to their respective shareholders; and

  • other financial information concerning the businesses and operations of Talmer and Chemical that was furnished to KBW by Talmer and Chemical or which KBW was otherwise directed to use for purposes of KBW’s analyses.

KBW’s consideration of financial information and other factors that it deemed appropriate under the circumstances or relevant to its analyses included, among others, the following:

  • the historical and current financial position and results of operations of Talmer and Chemical;

  • the assets and liabilities of Talmer and Chemical;

  • the nature and terms of certain other merger transactions and business combinationsarticles amendment proposal in the banking industry;

  • a comparison of certain financial and stock market information for Talmer and Chemical with similar information for certain other companies the securities of which were publicly traded;

  • financial and operating forecasts and projections of Talmer that were prepared by, and provided to KBW and discussed with KBW by, Talmer management and that were used and relied upon by KBW at the direction of such management and with the consent of the Talmer board of directors;

  • publicly available consensus “street estimates” (per FactSet Research Systems) of Chemical for 2016 and 2017, as well as assumed long term growth rates provided to KBW by Chemical management, all of which information was discussed with KBW by such management and used and relied upon by KBW based on such discussions, at the direction of Talmer management and with the consent of the Talmer board of directors; and

  • estimates regarding certain pro forma financial effects of the merger on Chemical (including, without limitation, the cost savings and related expenses expected to result or be derived from the merger) that were prepared (in consultation with Chemical management) by, and provided to and discussed with KBW by, the management of Talmer, and used and relied upon by KBW at the direction of Talmer management and with the consent of the Talmer board of directors.

KBW also performed such other studies and analyses as it considered appropriate and took into account its assessment of general economic, market and financial conditions and its experience in other transactions, as well as

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its experience in securities valuation and knowledge of the banking industry generally. KBW also held discussions with senior management of Talmer and Chemical regarding the past and current business operations, regulatory relations, financial condition and future prospects of their respective companies and such other matters as KBW deemed relevant to its inquiry.

In conducting its review and arriving at its opinion, KBW relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information that was provided to it or that was publicly available and did not independently verify the accuracy or completeness of any such information or assume any responsibility or liability for such verification, accuracy or completeness. KBW relied upon the management of Talmer as to the reasonableness and achievability of the financial and operating forecasts and projections of Talmer and the estimates regarding certain pro forma financial effects of the merger on Chemical referred to above (and the assumptions and bases for such forecasts, projections and estimates, including without limitation, the cost savings and related expenses expected to result or be derived from the merger) and KBW assumed, with the consent of the Talmer board of directors, that such forecasts, projections and estimates were reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of such management and that such forecasts projections and estimates would be realized in the amounts and in the time periods estimated by such management. KBW further relied, with the consent of Talmer, upon Chemical management as to the reasonableness and achievability of the publicly available consensus “street estimates” of Chemical and the assumed long term growth rates provided to and discussed with KBW by such management referred to above and KBW assumed, with the consent of the Talmer board of directors, that such information was reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting, or in the case of the publicly available consensus “street estimates” of Chemical referred to above were consistent with, the best currently available estimates and judgments of Chemical management and that the forecasts, projections and estimates reflected in such information would be realized in the amounts and in the time periods estimated.

It is understood that the forecasts, projections and estimates of Talmer and Chemical provided to KBW were not prepared with the expectation of public disclosure and that all such forecasts, projections and estimates, together with the publicly available consensus “street estimates” of Chemical referred to above that KBW was directed to use, were based on numerous variables and assumptions that are inherently uncertain, including, without limitation, factors related to general economic and competitive conditions and that, accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from those set forth in such information. KBW assumed, based on discussions with the respective managements of Talmer and Chemical with the consent of the Talmer board of directors, that all such information provided a reasonable basis upon which KBW could form its opinion and KBW expressed no view as to any such information or the assumptions or bases therefor. KBW relied on all such information without independent verification or analysis and did not in any respect assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness thereof.

KBW also assumed that there were no material changes in the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects of either Talmer or Chemical since the date of the last financial statements of each such entity that were made available to KBW. KBW is not an expert in the independent verification of the adequacy of allowances for loan and lease losses and KBW assumed, without independent verification and with Talmer’s consent, that the aggregate allowances for loan and lease losses for Talmer and Chemical were adequate to cover such losses. In rendering its opinion, KBW did not make or obtain any evaluations or appraisals or physical inspection of the property, assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Talmer or Chemical, the collateral securing any of such assets or liabilities, or the collectability of any such assets, nor did KBW examine any individual loan or credit files, nor did it evaluate the solvency, financial capability or fair value of Talmer or Chemical under any state or federal laws, including those relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or other matters. Estimates of values of companies and assets do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which companies or assets may actually be sold. Because such estimates are inherently subject to uncertainty, KBW assumed no responsibility or liability for their accuracy.

KBW assumed, in all respects material to its analyses:

  • that the merger and any related transactions (including the subsidiary bank merger) would be completed substantially in accordance with the terms set forth in the merger agreement (the final terms of which KBW assumed would not differ in any respect material to KBW’s analyses from the draft reviewed and referred to above) with no adjustments to the merger consideration;

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  • that the representations and warranties of each party in the merger agreement and in all related documents and instruments referred to in the merger agreement were true and correct;

  • that each party to the merger agreement and all related documents would perform all of the covenants and agreements required to be performed by such party under such documents;

  • that there were no factors that would delay any necessary regulatory or governmental approvalorder for the merger or any related transaction or cause any necessary regulatory or governmental approval forto occur. If Chemical shareholders fail to approve the Chemical articles amendment proposal, the merger will not occur.

Effect of abstentions and brokernon-votes: If you fail to vote, mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy card or any related transactionfail to be subjectinstruct your bank or broker how to any adverse conditions, and that all conditions to the completion of the merger and any related transaction would be satisfied without any waivers or modifications to the merger agreement; and

  • that in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory, contractual, or other consents or approvals for the merger and any related transaction, no restrictions, including any divestiture requirements, termination or other payments or amendments or modifications, would be imposed that would have a material adverse effect on the future results of operations or financial condition of Talmer, Chemical, the combined entity, or the contemplated benefits of the merger, including the cost savings and related expenses expected to result or be derived from the merger.

KBW assumed, in all respects material to KBW’s analyses, that the merger would be consummated in a manner that complied with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, and all other applicable federal and state statutes, rules and regulations. KBW was further advised by representatives of Talmer that Talmer relied upon advice from its advisors (other than KBW) or other appropriate sources as to all legal, financial reporting, tax, accounting and regulatory matters with respect to Talmer, Chemical, the merger, any related transaction (including the subsidiary bank merger), and the merger agreement. KBW did not provide advice with respect to any such matters.

KBW’s opinion addressed only the fairness, from a financial point of view, as of the date of the opinion, to the holders of Talmer Class A common stock of the merger consideration to be received by such holders in the merger. KBW’s opinion did not consider, include or address any other terms or aspects of the merger or any term or aspect of any related transaction (including the subsidiary bank merger), including without limitation, the form or structure of the merger (including the form of merger consideration or the allocation thereof between cash and stock) or any related transaction, any consequences of the merger or any related transaction to Talmer, its shareholders, creditors or otherwise, or any terms, aspects, merits or implications of any employment, consulting, voting, support, shareholder or other agreements, arrangements or understandings contemplated or entered into in connection with the merger or otherwise. KBW’s opinion was necessarily based upon conditions as they existed and could be evaluated on the date of such opinion and the information made available to KBW through such date. Developments subsequent to the date of KBW’s opinion may have affected, and may affect, the conclusion reached in KBW’s opinion and KBW did not and does not have an obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion. KBW’s opinion did not consider, include or address:

  • the underlying business decision of Talmer to engage in the merger or enter into the merger agreement;

  • the relative merits of the merger as compared to any strategic alternatives that are, have been or may be available to or contemplated by Talmer or the Talmer board of directors;

  • the fairness of the amount or nature of any compensation to any of Talmer’s officers, directors or employees, or any class of such persons, relative to the compensation to the holders of Talmer Class A common stock;

  • the effect of the merger or any related transaction on, or the fairness of the consideration to be received by, holders of any class of securities of Talmer (other than the holders of Talmer Class A common stock solelyvote with respect to the merger consideration,Chemical articles amendment proposal, it will have the same effect as described in KBW’s opinion and not relative toa vote “AGAINST” the consideration to be received by holders of any other class of securities) or holders of any class of securities of Chemical or any other party to any transaction contemplated by the merger agreement;

proposal.

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Chemical compensation proposal:

 

  • whether Chemical has sufficient cash, available lines of credit or other sources of funds to enable it to pay the aggregate amount of the cash consideration to the holders of Talmer Class A common stock at the closing of the merger;

  • the actual valueStandard: Assuming a quorum is present, approval of the Chemical common stock to be issued incompensation proposal requires the merger;

  • the prices, trading range or volume at which Talmer Class A common stock or Chemical common stock would trade following the public announcementaffirmative vote of a majority of the mergervotes cast at the Chemical special meeting. This is an advisory vote, and therefore is not binding on Chemical or the prices, trading range or volume at which Chemical common stock would trade following the consummation of the merger;

  • any advice or opinions provided by any other advisor to any of the parties to the merger or any other transaction contemplated by the merger agreement; or

  • any legal, regulatory, accounting, tax or similar matters relating to Talmer, Chemical, their respective shareholders, or relating to or arising out of or as a consequence of the merger or any related transaction (including the subsidiary bank merger), including whether or not the merger would qualify as a tax-free reorganization for United States federal income tax purposes.

In performing its analyses, KBW made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, which are beyond the control of KBW, Talmer and Chemical. Any estimates contained in the analyses performed by KBW are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by these analyses. Additionally, estimates of the value of businesses or securities do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which such businesses or securities might actually be sold. Accordingly, these analyses and estimates are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty. In addition, the KBW opinion was among several factors taken into consideration by the Talmer board of directors in making its determinationor the Chemical compensation committee. If Chemical shareholders fail to adoptapprove the Chemical compensation proposal, but approve the Chemical merger proposal and the Chemical articles amendment proposal, the merger agreementmay nonetheless occur.

Effect of abstentions and authorize and approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby. Consequently, the analyses described below should not be viewed as determinative of the decision of the Talmer board of directorsbrokernon-votes: If you fail to vote, mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy card or fail to instruct your bank or broker how to vote with respect to the fairnessChemical compensation proposal, you will be deemed not to have cast a vote with respect to the proposal and it will have no effect on the proposal.

Chemical adjournment proposal:

Standard: Assuming a quorum is present, approval of the Chemical adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Chemical special meeting. If Chemical shareholders fail to approve the Chemical adjournment proposal, but approve the Chemical merger consideration. The typeproposal and amount of consideration payable inthe Chemical articles amendment proposal, the merger were determined through negotiation between Talmermay nonetheless occur.

Effect of abstentions and Chemical and the decisionbrokernon-votes: If you fail to adopt the merger agreement was solely that of the Talmer board of directors.

The following is a summary of the material financial analyses presented by KBWvote, mark “ABSTAIN” on your proxy card or fail to and reviewed by KBWinstruct your bank or broker how to vote with the Talmer board of directors in connection with its opinion. The summary is not a complete description of the financial analyses underlying the opinion or the presentation made by KBWrespect to the Talmer board of directors, but summarizes the material analyses performed and presented in connectionChemical adjournment proposal, you will be deemed not to have cast a vote with such opinion. The financial analyses summarized below include information presented in tabular format. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the financial analyses. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex analytic process involving various determinations as to appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methodsrespect to the particular circumstances. Therefore, a fairness opinion is not readily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. In arriving at its opinion, KBW did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or factor thatproposal and it considered, but rather made qualitative judgmentswill have no effect on the proposal.

Voting on Proxies; Incomplete Proxies

If you were a record holder of Chemical common stock at the close of business on the record date of the Chemical special meeting, a proxy card is enclosed for your use. Chemical requests that you vote your shares as promptly as possible by (i) visiting the internet site listed on the Chemical proxy card, (ii) calling the toll-free number listed on the Chemical proxy card or (iii) submitting your Chemical proxy card by mail by using the provided self-addressed, stamped envelope. Information and applicable deadlines for voting through the internet or by telephone are set forth on the enclosed proxy card. When the accompanying proxy is returned properly executed, the shares of Chemical common stock represented by it will be voted at the Chemical special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting in accordance with the instructions contained in the proxy card. Your internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you had marked, signed and returned a proxy card.

If a proxy is returned without an indication as to how the shares of Chemical common stock represented are to be voted with regard to a particular proposal, the Chemical common stock represented by the proxy will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the Chemical board of directors and, therefore, “FOR” the Chemical merger proposal, “FOR” the Chemical articles amendment proposal, “FOR” the Chemical compensation proposal and “FOR” the Chemical adjournment proposal.

As of the date hereof, the Chemical board of directors has no knowledge of any business that will be presented for consideration at the Chemical special meeting and that would be required to be set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus or the related proxy card other than the matters set forth in Chemical’s Notice of

Special Meeting of Shareholders. If any other matter is properly presented at the Chemical special meeting for consideration, the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy and acting thereunder will vote in accordance with their discretion on such matter.

Your vote is important. If you were a record holder of Chemical common stock on the record date of the Chemical special meeting, please sign and return the enclosed proxy card, or vote via the internet or telephone, regardless of whether or not you plan to attend the Chemical special meeting in person. Proxies submitted through the specified internet website or by phone must be received by 11:59 P.M., Eastern Time, on June 6, 2019.

Shares Held in Street Name

If you hold shares of Chemical common stock through a stock brokerage account or a bank or other nominee, you are considered the “beneficial holder” of the shares held for you in what is known as “street name.” The “record holder” of such shares is your broker, bank or other nominee, and not you, and you must provide the record holder of your shares with instructions on how to vote your shares. Please follow the voting instructions provided by your broker, bank or other nominee. Please note that you may not vote shares held in street name by returning a proxy card directly to Chemical or by voting in person at the Chemical special meeting unless you have a “legal proxy,” which you must obtain from your broker, bank or other nominee. Please also note that brokers, banks or other nominees who hold shares of Chemical common stock on behalf of their customers may not give a proxy to Chemical to vote those shares without specific instructions from their customers.

If you are a Chemical shareholder and you do not instruct your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote your shares, your broker, bank or other nominee may not vote your shares on any of the Chemical proposals.

Revocability of Proxies and Changes to a Chemical Shareholder’s Vote

A Chemical shareholder may revoke a proxy at any time before it is voted at the meeting by taking any of the following four actions:

timely delivering written notice of revocation to Chemical’s Corporate Secretary, William C. Collins, 235 East Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640;

timely delivering a proxy card bearing a later date than the proxy that you wish to revoke;

timely casting a subsequent vote via telephone or the Internet, as described above; or

attending the meeting and voting in person.

Merely attending the meeting will not, by itself, revoke your proxy; you must cast a subsequent vote at the meeting using forms provided for that purpose. Your last valid vote that we receive before or at the special meeting is the vote that will be counted.

If you have instructed a broker, bank or other nominee to vote your shares of Chemical common stock, you must follow the directions you receive from your broker, bank or other nominee in order to change or revoke your vote.

Solicitation of Proxies

Chemical is soliciting proxies for the Chemical special meeting from its shareholders. In accordance with the merger agreement, Chemical will pay its own costs of soliciting proxies from its shareholders, including the cost of mailing this joint proxy statement/prospectus. In addition to solicitation of proxies by mail, proxies may be solicited by Chemical’s officers, directors and regular employees, without additional remuneration, by personal interview, telephone or other means of communication.

Chemical will make arrangements with brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward proxy solicitation materials to beneficial owners of Chemical common stock. Chemical may reimburse these brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses incurred in forwarding the proxy materials.

To help assure the presence in person or by proxy of the largest number of shareholders possible, Chemical has engaged D.F. King & Co., Inc., a proxy solicitation firm, which we refer to as “D.F. King,” to solicit proxies on Chemical’s behalf. Chemical has agreed to pay D.F. King a proxy solicitation fee of approximately $13,500 plus certain expenses.

Attending the Chemical Special Meeting

Only Chemical shareholders, their duly appointed proxies and invited guests may attend the meeting. All attendees must present government-issued photo identification (such as a driver’s license or passport) for admittance. The additional items, if any, that attendees must bring depend on whether they are shareholders of record, beneficial owners, or proxy holders.

A Chemical shareholder who holds shares directly registered in such shareholder’s name with Chemical’s transfer agent, Computershare, and who wishes to attend the special meeting in person should bring government-issued photo identification.

A shareholder who holds shares in “street name” through a broker, bank, trustee or other nominee, such shareholder referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as a beneficial owner, and who wishes to attend the special meeting in person must bring proof of beneficial ownership as of the record date, such as a letter from the broker, bank, trustee or other nominee that is the record owner of such beneficial owner’s shares, a brokerage account statement or the voting instruction form provided by the broker.

A person who holds a validly executed proxy entitling such person to vote on behalf of a record owner of Chemical common stock and who wishes to attend the special meeting in person must bring the validly executed proxy naming such person as the proxy holder, signed by the Chemical shareholder, and proof of the signing shareholder’s record ownership as of the record date.

No cameras, recording equipment or other electronic devices will be allowed in the meeting room. Failure to provide the requested documents at the door or failure to comply with the procedures for the special meeting may prevent shareholders from being admitted to the Chemical special meeting.

CHEMICAL PROPOSALS

Chemical Proposal 1 – Approval of the Merger Agreement

At the Chemical special meeting, the Chemical shareholders will be asked to approve the merger agreement. Holders of Chemical common stock should read this joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully and in its entirety, including the annexes, for more detailed information concerning the merger agreement and the merger. A copy of the merger agreement is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus asAnnex A. Approval of this proposal is a condition to the closing of the merger.

After careful consideration, the Chemical board of directors unanimously adopted the merger agreement, authorized and approved the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and determined the merger agreement and the merger to be advisable and in the best interests of Chemical and its shareholders.

The Chemical board of directors unanimously recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR” the Chemical merger proposal.

Chemical Proposal 2 – Approval of the Amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation

At the Chemical special meeting, Chemical shareholders will be asked to approve a proposal to amend Chemical’s articles of incorporation to:

increase the number of authorized shares of Chemical common stock from 135,000,000 to 220,000,000; and

change the name of Chemical to “TCF Financial Corporation,” effective only upon consummation of the merger.

A copy of the proposed amendment to Chemical’s articles of incorporation is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus asExhibit 2 toAnnex A. Approval of this proposal is a condition to the closing of the merger.

As of the Chemical record date, Chemical had 71,551,637 shares of Chemical common stock issued and outstanding and 2,768,122 shares of common stock reserved for issuance to directors and employees under various equity compensation plans, with the remaining 60,680,241 shares being authorized, unissued and unreserved shares available for other corporate purposes. In connection with the merger, Chemical expects to issue approximately 83.4 million shares of Chemical common stock to TCF common shareholders. In addition, upon completion of the merger, Chemical would reserve for issuance approximately 2.4 million additional shares of Chemical common stock to cover, among other things, stock options, restricted stock, and other share-based awards assumed under the TCF equity plans.

Without this approval, Chemical has determined that it will not have a sufficient number of authorized shares to complete the merger. Based on current estimates, if the proposal is approved, Chemical will have approximately 65.0 million authorized but unissued shares of common stock available after completion of the merger. The Chemical board of directors considers the proposed increase in the number of authorized shares desirable because it will enable Chemical to complete the merger and it will provide greater flexibility in the capital structure of the combined company, following the merger, by allowing it to raise capital that may be necessary to further develop its business, to fund potential acquisitions, to have shares available for use in connection with equity plans, and to pursue other corporate purposes that may be identified by the Chemical board of directors in the future.

Each share of common stock authorized for issuance has the same rights as, and is identical in all respects with, each other share of common stock. The newly authorized shares of common stock will not affect the rights, such as voting and liquidation rights, of the shares of Chemical common stock currently outstanding. Under the Chemical articles of incorporation, Chemical’s shareholders do not havepre-emptive rights. Therefore, should the Chemical board of directors elect to issue additional shares of common stock, existing common shareholders would not have any preferential rights to purchase those shares, and such issuance could have a dilutive effect on earnings per share, book value per share, and the voting power and shareholdings of current shareholders, depending on the particular circumstances in which the additional shares of common stock are issued. Other than in connection with the merger and pursuant to the Chemical equity compensation plans, Chemical does not have any current plans to issue shares of common stock at this time.

In addition, under the merger agreement, Chemical will change its name to TCF Financial Corporation upon completion of the merger.

The amendment to the Chemical articles of incorporation will become effective at the effective time of the merger. However, at any time prior to the effectiveness of the filing of the articles amendment with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the Chemical board of directors may abandon the articles amendment without further action of the Chemical shareholders, notwithstanding prior authorization of the Chemical articles amendment proposal by the Chemical shareholders.

The foregoing description of the amendment to the Chemical articles of incorporation does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the amendment, which is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus asExhibit 2 toAnnex A.

The Chemical board of directors unanimously recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR” the Chemical articles amendment proposal.

Chemical Proposal 3 – Chemical Compensation Proposal

Section 14A of the Exchange Act and Rule14a-21(c) under the Exchange Act require that Chemical seek a nonbinding advisory vote from its shareholders to approve the “golden parachute” compensation that its named executive officers will receive in connection with the merger discussed in “The Merger—Interests of Chemical Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” and “The Merger—Merger-Related Compensation for Chemical’s Named Executive Officers” beginning on page 98. As required by these provisions, Chemical is asking the Chemical shareholders to vote on the adoption of the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation that may be paid or become payable to Chemical’s named executive officers in connection with the merger, and the agreements or understandings pursuant to which such compensation may be paid or become payable, in each case as disclosed pursuant to Item 402(t) of RegulationS-K in “The Merger—Merger-Related Compensation for Chemical’s Named Executive Officers,” are hereby APPROVED.”

The vote with respect to this proposal is an advisory vote and will not be binding on Chemical, TCF or the combined company. Therefore, regardless of whether Chemical shareholders approve this proposal, if the Chemical merger proposal is approved by Chemical shareholders and the Chemical articles amendment proposal is approved by Chemical shareholders and the merger is completed, the “golden parachute” compensation may still be paid to such named executive officers to the extent payable in accordance with the terms of such compensation agreements and arrangements. Approval of this proposal is not a condition to the closing of the merger.

The Chemical board of directors unanimously recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR” approval of the Chemical compensation proposal.

Chemical Proposal 4 – Chemical Adjournment Proposal

The Chemical special meeting may be adjourned to another time or place if there are insufficient votes represented at the Chemical special meeting to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct business at the Chemical special meeting or if there are insufficient votes necessary to obtain the approval of Proposals 1 and 2, above.

Chemical requests that its shareholders authorize the holder of any proxy solicited by the Chemical board of directors on a discretionary basis to vote in favor of adjourning the Chemical special meeting to another time or place, if determined necessary or appropriate by Chemical, to solicit additional proxies (including the solicitation of proxies from Chemical shareholders who have previously voted). Approval of this proposal is not a condition to the closing of the merger.

The Chemical board of directors unanimously recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR” approval of the Chemical adjournment proposal.

TCF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Date, Time and Place

The special meeting of TCF shareholders will be held on June 7, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. local time, at the TCF Minnetonka office, 11100 Wayzata Boulevard, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305. On or about [●], 2019, TCF commenced mailing this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the enclosed form of proxy to its shareholders entitled to vote at the TCF special meeting.

Purpose of the TCF Special Meeting

At the TCF special meeting, TCF shareholders will be asked to vote on the following:

a proposal to adopt the merger agreement, which we refer to as the TCF merger proposal;

a proposal to approve, on annon-binding advisory basis, certain compensation that may be paid or become payable to the named executive officers of TCF that is based on or otherwise relates to the merger, which we refer to as the TCF compensation proposal; and

a proposal to approve of the adjournment of the TCF special meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary or appropriate, for the purpose of soliciting additional votes for the approval of the TCF merger proposal, which we refer to as the TCF adjournment proposal.

Completion of the merger is conditioned on approval of the TCF merger proposal, among other conditions.

Completion of the merger is not conditioned on the approval of the TCF compensation proposal or the TCF adjournment proposal.

Recommendation of the TCF Board of Directors

The TCF board of directors unanimously recommends that TCF shareholders vote “FOR ” the TCF merger proposal, “FOR ” the TCF compensation proposal and “FOR ” the TCF adjournment proposal. See “The Merger—Recommendation of the TCF Board of Directors and Reasons for the Merger” beginning on page 69.

TCF Record Date and Quorum

The TCF board of directors has fixed the close of business on April 30, 2019 as the record date for determining the holders of TCF common stock entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the TCF special meeting. As of the TCF record date, there were 164,186,454 shares of TCF common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the TCF special meeting held by 5,072 holders of record.

To transact business at the TCF special meeting, the presence, in person or represented by proxy, of at least a majority of the total number of outstanding shares of TCF common stock entitled to vote at the TCF special meeting is necessary in order to constitute a quorum for purposes of the matters being voted on at the TCF special meeting. Abstentions will be treated as present at the TCF special meeting for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum, but brokernon-votes will not be counted for the purposes of determining whether a quorum exists. In the event that a quorum is not present at the TCF special meeting, the holders of a majority of the voting shares represented at the TCF special meeting, in person or by proxy, may adjourn the meeting from time to time to another time and/or place until a quorum is so present or represented.

TCF Voting Rights

Each share of TCF common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on each proposal to be considered at the TCF special meeting.

Required Vote

Approval of the TCF merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of TCF common stock entitled to vote thereon. Assuming a quorum is present, approval of the TCF compensation proposal and TCF adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of shares of TCF common stock represented at the TCF special meeting, in person or by proxy, that are entitled to vote.

Voting by TCF’s Directors and Executive Officers

As of the TCF record date, directors and executive officers of TCF and their affiliates owned and were entitled to vote 3,786,390 shares of TCF common stock, representing approximately 2.3% of the shares of TCF common stock outstanding on that date. TCF currently expects that its directors and executive officers will vote their shares in favor of the TCF merger proposal, the TCF compensation proposal and the TCF adjournment proposal, although none of them has entered into any agreements obligating them to do so.

Treatment of Abstentions; Failure to Vote

For purposes of the TCF special meeting, an abstention occurs when a TCF shareholder attends the TCF special meeting, either in person or by proxy, but abstains from voting or marks abstain on such shareholder’s proxy card.

For the TCF merger proposal, an abstention or failure to vote, either in person or by proxy, at the TCF special meeting will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” such proposal.

For the TCF compensation proposal and the TCF adjournment proposal, failure to vote, either in person or by proxy, at the TCF special meeting will have will have no effect on the proposal. For each of these proposals, abstentions are deemed present for the purposes of establishing a quorum and will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” such proposal.

Voting on Proxies; Incomplete Proxies

Giving a proxy means that a TCF shareholder authorizes the persons named in the enclosed proxy card to vote its shares of TCF common stock at the TCF special meeting in the manner such shareholder directs. A TCF shareholder may vote by proxy or in person at the TCF special meeting. If you hold your shares of TCF common stock in your name as a shareholder of record, to submit a proxy, you, as a TCF shareholder, may use one of the following methods:

By mail: Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage paid envelope we have provided.

By telephone: Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 6, 2019. Have your proxy card available when you call and then follow the instructions.

Via the Internet: Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 6, 2019. Have your proxy card available when you access the website www.proxyvote.com and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

When the accompanying proxy is returned properly executed prior to the TCF special meeting, the shares of TCF common stock represented by it will be voted at the TCF special meeting in accordance with the instructions contained on the proxy card. If any proxy is returned without indication as to how to vote, the shares of TCF common stock represented by the proxy will be voted as recommended by the TCF board of directors.

If a TCF shareholder’s shares of TCF common stock are held in “street name” by a broker, bank or other nominee, the TCF shareholder should check the voting form used by that firm to determine whether it may vote by telephone or via the Internet.

Your vote is very important, regardless of the number of shares of TCF common stock you own. Accordingly, each TCF shareholder should complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, or vote via the Internet or by telephone as soon as possible, whether or not you plan to attend the TCF special meeting in person.

Shares Held in Street Name

If you are a TCF shareholder and your shares of TCF common stock are held in “street name” through a broker, bank or other nominee, your broker, bank or other nominee’s ability to vote your shares of TCF common stock for you is governed by the rules of the NYSE. Without your specific instruction, a broker, bank or other nominee may only vote your shares of TCF common stock on routine proposals. As such, your broker, bank or other nominee will submit a proxy card on your behalf as to routine proposals but leave your shares of TCF common stock unvoted onnon-routine proposals—this is known as a “brokernon-vote.” The TCF merger proposal, the TCF compensation proposal and the TCF adjournment proposal are regarded asnon-routine matters and your broker, bank or other nominee will not vote on these matters without instructions from you. Therefore, if you are a TCF shareholder holding your shares of TCF common stock in “street name” and you do not instruct your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote, your shares of TCF common stock will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the TCF merger proposal and will have no effect on the TCF compensation proposal or the TCF adjournment proposal.

Revocability of Proxies and Changes to a TCF Shareholder’s Vote

If you are the owner of record of your shares and have submitted your proxy and would like to revoke it, you may do so before your shares of TCF common stock are voted at the TCF special meeting by taking any of the following actions:

delivering a written notice bearing a date later than the date of your proxy to the secretary of TCF stating that you revoke your proxy, which notice must be received by TCF prior to the beginning the TCF special meeting;

completing, signing, dating and returning to the secretary of TCF a new proxy card relating to the same shares of TCF common stock and bearing a later date, which new proxy card must be received by TCF prior to the beginning of the TCF special meeting;

casting a new vote by telephone or via the Internet at any time before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the day before the TCF special meeting; or

attending the TCF special meeting and voting in person, although attendance at the TCF special meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy.

If you choose to send a written notice of revocation or to mail a new proxy to TCF, you must submit your notice of revocation or your new proxy to TCF Financial Corporation, Attention: Corporate Secretary at TCF Financial Corporation, 200 Lake Street East, Mail CodeEXO-01-G, Wayzata, MN 55391-1693, and it must be received at any time before the vote is taken at the TCF special meeting.

If you have instructed a broker, bank or other nominee to vote your shares of TCF common stock, you must follow the directions you receive from your broker, bank or other nominee in order to change or revoke your vote.

TCF shareholders retain the right to revoke their proxies in the manner described above. Unless so revoked, the shares of TCF common stock represented by such proxies will be voted at the TCF special meeting and all adjournments or postponements thereof.

Solicitation of Proxies

The cost of solicitation of proxies for the TCF special meeting will be borne by TCF. TCF will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy materials to the beneficial owners of common stock. TCF has retained Georgeson LLC to assist in the solicitation of proxies for a fee of approximately $12,500 plus related fees for any additional services and reasonableout-of-pocket expenses. In addition, TCF’s directors, officers and employees may also solicit proxies by mail, telephone, facsimile, electronic mail or in person, but no additional compensation will be paid to them.

Attending the TCF Special Meeting

All TCF shareholders of record as of the record date, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend the TCF special meeting. If you plan to attend the TCF special meeting, you must hold your shares of TCF common stock in your own name or have a letter from the record holder of your shares confirming your ownership. In addition, you must bring a form of personal photo identification with you in order to be admitted to the TCF special meeting, together with the admission ticket attached to the top half of your proxy card. TCF reserves the right to refuse admittance to anyone without proper proof of stock ownership or without proper photo identification.

If your shares of TCF common stock are held in “street name” by a bank, broker or other nominee and you wish to attend the TCF special meeting, please bring evidence of your beneficial ownership of your shares (e.g., a copy of a recent brokerage statement showing the shares) in addition to your valid photo identification. If you intend to vote in person at the TCF special meeting and you own your shares in “street name,” you also are required to bring to the TCF special meeting a legal proxy, executed in your favor, from the record holder of your shares, such as a broker, bank or other nominee.

TCF PROPOSALS

TCF Proposal 1 – Adoption of the Merger Agreement

As discussed elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, TCF shareholders will consider and vote on the TCF merger proposal. TCF shareholders must approve the TCF merger proposal in order for the merger to occur. If TCF shareholders fail to approve the TCF merger proposal, the merger will not occur.

Accordingly, TCF is asking TCF shareholders to vote to approve the TCF merger proposal, either by attending the TCF special meeting and voting in person or by submitting a proxy. You should carefully read this joint proxy statement/prospectus in its entirety for more detailed information concerning the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. In particular, you are urged to read the merger agreement in its entirety, which is attached asAnnex A hereto.

The TCF board of directors unanimously recommends that TCF shareholders vote “FOR” the TCF merger proposal.

TCF Proposal 2 – TCF Compensation Proposal

Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act and Rule14a-21(c) of the Exchange Act, TCF is seekingnon-binding, advisory shareholder approval of the compensation of TCF’s named executive officers that is based on or otherwise relates to the merger as disclosed in “The Merger—Interests of TCF Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” and “The Merger—Merger-Related Compensation for TCF’s Named Executive Officers” beginning on page 103. The proposal gives TCF’s shareholders the opportunity to express their views on the merger-related compensation of TCF’s named executive officers. Accordingly, TCF is requesting shareholders to adopt the following resolution, on anon-binding, advisory basis:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation that may be paid or become payable to TCF’s named executive officers in connection with the merger, and the agreements or understandings pursuant to which such compensation may be paid or become payable, in each case as disclosed pursuant to Item 402(t) of RegulationS-K in “The Merger— Merger-Related Compensation for TCF’s Named Executive Officers,” are hereby APPROVED on anon-binding, advisory basis.”

The vote on this proposal is a vote separate and apart from the vote of the TCF shareholders to approve the TCF merger proposal, and approval of this TCF compensation proposal is not a condition to completion of the merger. Accordingly, a holder of TCF common stock may vote against this TCF compensation proposal and vote to approve the TCF merger proposal or vice versa. The vote with respect to this TCF compensation proposal is advisory only and will not be binding on TCF or Chemical, regardless of whether the other proposals are approved. If the merger is completed, the merger-related compensation may be paid to TCF’s named executive officers to the extent payable in accordance with the terms of the compensation agreements and arrangements even if TCF’s shareholders fail to approve the TCF compensation proposal.

The TCF board of directors unanimously recommends that TCF shareholders vote “FOR” the TCF compensation proposal.

TCF Proposal 3 – TCF Adjournment Proposal

The TCF special meeting may be adjourned to another time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to permit further solicitation of proxies in favor of the TCF merger proposal.

If, at the TCF special meeting, the number of shares of TCF common stock present in person or represented by proxy and voting in favor of the TCF merger proposal is insufficient to approve the TCF merger proposal, TCF may move to adjourn the TCF special meeting in order to enable the TCF board of directors to solicit additional proxies in favor of the TCF merger proposal.

In the TCF adjournment proposal, TCF is asking its shareholders to authorize the holder of any proxy solicited by the TCF board of directors to vote in favor of granting discretionary authority to the proxy holders, and each of them individually, to adjourn the TCF special meeting to another time and/or place for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies. If the TCF shareholders approve the TCF adjournment proposal, TCF could adjourn the TCF special meeting and any adjourned session of the TCF special meeting and use the additional time to solicit additional proxies, including the solicitation of proxies from TCF shareholders who have previously voted. TCF does not intend to call a vote on adjournment of the special meeting to solicit additional proxies if the TCF merger proposal is adopted at the TCF special meeting.

The TCF board of directors unanimously recommends that TCF shareholders vote “FOR” the TCF adjournment proposal.

THE PARTIES

Chemical Financial Corporation

333 W. Fort Street, Suite 1800

Detroit, Michigan 48226

(800)867-9757

Chemical Financial Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, that was incorporated in the State of Michigan in August 1973. Chemical relocated our headquarters from Midland, Michigan to Detroit, Michigan effective July 25, 2018. Chemical is the largest banking company headquartered and operating branch offices in Michigan. Chemical’s common stock is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “CHFC.” On June 30, 1974, Chemical acquired Chemical Bank and Trust Company pursuant to a reorganization in which the former shareholders of Chemical Bank and Trust Company became shareholders of Chemical. Chemical changed the name of Chemical Bank and Trust Company to Chemical Bank on December 31, 2005. As of December 31, 2018, Chemical had total consolidated assets of $21.5 billion, total loans of $15.3 billion, total deposits of $15.6 billion and total shareholders’ equity of $2.8 billion. Chemical operates through a single subsidiary bank, Chemical Bank. As of December 31, 2018, Chemical Bank had 212 banking offices located in Michigan, Ohio and northern Indiana.

Since Chemical’s acquisition of Chemical Bank and Trust Company, Chemical has acquired 25 community banks and 36 other branch bank offices through December 31, 2018. Chemical’s most recent transactions include the merger with Talmer Bancorp, Inc. during the third quarter of 2016, and the acquisitions of Lake Michigan Financial Corporation and Monarch Community Bancorp, Inc. during the second quarter of 2015.

Chemical’s business is concentrated in a single industry segment, commercial banking, which is conducted through our single commercial bank subsidiary, Chemical Bank. Chemical offers a full range of traditional banking and fiduciary products and services to residents and business customers in our geographical market areas. These products and services include business and personal checking accounts, savings and individual retirement accounts, time deposit instruments, electronically accessed banking products, residential and commercial real estate financing, commercial lending, consumer financing, debit cards, safe deposit box services, money transfer services, automated teller machines, access to insurance and investment products, corporate and personal wealth management services, mortgage banking and other banking services.

More information about Chemical is available by visiting the “Investor Information” tab of its website at www.chemicalbank.com. Information contained on Chemical’s website does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated into, this joint proxy statement/prospectus. For a complete description of Chemical’s business, financial condition, results of operations and other important information, please refer to Chemical’s filings with the SEC that are incorporated by reference in this document, including its Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. For instructions on how to find copies of these documents, see “Where You Can Find More Information” in the forepart of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

TCF Financial Corporation

200 Lake Street East,EXO-01-G

Wayzata, Minnesota 55391-1693

(952)745-2760

TCF Financial Corporation is a national bank holding company, headquartered in Wayzata, Minnesota. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary TCF National Bank, TCF operated 314 bank branches in Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Colorado, Wisconsin, Arizona and South Dakota as of December 31, 2018. TCF provides a full range of consumer-facing and commercial services, including consumer banking services in 47 states, commercial banking services in 42 states, commercial leasing and equipment financing in all 50 states and, to a limited extent, in foreign countries and commercial inventory financing in all 50 states and Canada and, to a limited extent, in other foreign countries.

TCF was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 1987 and at December 31, 2018, had total assets of $23.7 billion, total deposits of $18.9 billion and over 5,500 employees.

More information about TCF is available by visiting the “About TCF” tab of its website at www.tcfbank.com. Information contained on TCF’s website does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated into, this joint proxy statement/prospectus. For a complete description of TCF’s business, financial condition, results of operations and other important information, please refer to TCF’s filings with the SEC that are incorporated by reference in this document, including its Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. For instructions on how to find copies of these documents, see “Where You Can Find More Information” in the forepart of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

THE MERGER

The following is a discussion of the merger and the material terms of the merger agreement between Chemical and TCF. You are urged to read carefully the merger agreement in its entirety, a copy of which is attached asAnnex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and incorporated by reference herein. This summary does not purport to be complete and may not contain all of the information about the merger agreement that is important to you. This section is not intended to provide you with any factual information about Chemical or TCF. Such information can be found elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and in the public filings Chemical and TCF make with the SEC. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in the forepart of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” beginning on page163.

Terms of the Merger

On January 27, 2019, the Chemical board of directors and the TCF board of directors each unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby including, in the case of the Chemical board of directors, the issuance of Chemical common stock and Chemical Series C preferred stock (and related depositary shares) in connection with the merger. Under the merger agreement, TCF will merge with and into Chemical, with Chemical as the surviving corporation. Immediately following the merger or at such later time as the parties may mutually agree, Chemical’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Chemical Bank, a Michigan banking corporation will merge with and into TCF’s wholly-owned subsidiary, TCF National Bank, a national banking association, with TCF National Bank as the surviving bank.

Merger Consideration

Each outstanding share of TCF common stock, except for shares of TCF common stock owned by TCF as treasury stock or shares of common stock owned by TCF or Chemical, in each case, other than in a fiduciary or agency capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted (which will be cancelled), will be automatically converted into the merger consideration of 0.5081 shares of Chemical common stock.

In addition, each share of TCF’s outstanding 5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and each related depositary share, will be converted into the right to receive, without interest, one share of Chemical’s 5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, with equivalent rights and preferences, or one depositary share, respectively.

Treatment of TCF Equity Awards

At the effective time of the merger, each TCF equity award outstanding immediately prior to the effective time will be adjusted so that its holder will be entitled to receive a number of shares of Chemical common stock (i) equal to the product of (a) the number of shares of TCF common stock subject to such TCF equity award, as applicable, immediately prior to the effective time multiplied by (b) the exchange ratio and (ii) rounded, as applicable, to the nearest whole share, and shall otherwise remain subject to the same terms and conditions (including, without limitation, with respect to vesting conditions (taking into account any vesting upon the occurrence of the effective time that is applicable to the TCF equity awards granted to TCF’snon-employee directors) and cash dividend equivalent rights). All TCF equity awards held by an employee whose employment will continue with the combined company or its subsidiaries after the merger will vest in their entirety to the extent such employee’s employment is terminated by the surviving corporation without cause or by the employee for good reason prior to the second anniversary of the effective time of the merger. For any TCF equity awards that are subject to performance-based vesting, the number of shares of TCF common stock underlying such award will be calculated and fixed as of the effective time of the merger assuming achievement of the applicable performance conditions at the greater of target level performance and the actual level of achievement of such conditions based on TCF’s performance results through the latest practicable date prior to the effective time of

the merger, and such awards will convert into service-based vesting awards with the applicable vesting date to be the last day of the original performance period. For purposes of TCF equity awards for which performance is achievable at a single level, the performance condition will be no longer relevant as of the effective time of the merger.

Conversion of Shares; Exchange and Payment Procedures

At or prior to the effective time of the merger, Chemical will deposit or cause to be deposited with an exchange agent designated by Chemical and reasonably acceptable to TCF, for the benefit of the holders of shares of TCF common stock, sufficient cash, shares of Chemical common stock, and shares of Chemical Series C preferred stock and related depositary shares to be exchanged in accordance with the merger agreement, including the merger consideration and payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares in the case of TCF common stock.

The conversion of TCF common stock into the right to receive the merger consideration and the conversion of TCF preferred stock and related depositary shares into the right to receive Chemical Series C preferred stock and related depositary shares will occur automatically at the effective time of the merger. As promptly as practicable after the effective time of the merger, the exchange agent (i) will exchange certificates or book entry shares representing shares of TCF common stock for merger consideration and (ii) will exchange certificates representing the shares of TCF preferred stock for shares of Chemical Series C preferred stock to be received in the merger pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement.

Letters of Transmittal

As promptly as practicable after the effective time of the merger, but in no event later than five business days thereafter, the exchange agent will mail to each holder of record of (i) TCF common stock immediately prior to the effective time of the merger that has been converted at the effective time of the merger into the right to receive the merger consideration and (ii) TCF Series C preferred stock immediately prior to the effective time of the merger that has been converted at the effective time of the merger into the right to receive Chemical Series C preferred stock, a letter of transmittal and instructions. The letter of transmittal and instructions to TCF common shareholders will explain how to surrender shares of TCF common stock in exchange for the merger consideration and cash in lieu of fractional shares such holder is entitled to receive under the merger agreement. Additionally, the letter of transmittal and instructions to TCF Series C preferred shareholders will explain how to surrender shares of TCF Series C preferred stock in exchange for Chemical Series C preferred stock. TCF shareholders who properly surrender their certificates or book entry shares to the exchange agent, together with a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal, and such other documents as may be required pursuant to such instructions, will receive for each share of TCF common stock, 0.5081 shares of Chemical common stock plus any cash payable in lieu of any fractional shares of Chemical common stock, and any dividends or distributions such holder has the right to receive pursuant to the merger agreement or will receive for each share of TCF Series C preferred stock, a share of Chemical Series C preferred stock, and any unpaid dividends or distributions on the Chemical Series C preferred stock. No interest will be paid or accrue on any merger consideration or cash in lieu of fractional shares.

After completion of the merger, there will be no further transfers on the stock transfer books of TCF of shares of TCF common stock or TCF Series C preferred stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger. If certificates representing shares of TCF common stock or book entry shares are presented for transfer after the effective time of the merger, they will be cancelled and exchanged for the merger consideration into which the shares of TCF common stock represented by that certificate or book entry share have been converted. If certificates representing shares of TCF Series C preferred stock are presented for transfer after the effective time of the merger, they will be cancelled and exchanged for shares of Chemical Series C preferred stock into which the shares of TCF Series C preferred stock represented by that certificate have been converted.

Dividends and Distributions

No dividends or other distributions declared with respect to Chemical common stock or Chemical Series C preferred stock will be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered certificates or book entry shares of such capital stock until the holder surrenders such certificate or book entry share in accordance with the merger agreement. After the surrender of a certificate or book entry share in accordance with the merger agreement, the record holder thereof will be entitled to receive any such dividends or other distributions, without any interest, which had previously become payable with respect to the whole shares of Chemical common stock or Chemical Series C preferred stock, as applicable, that the shares of TCF common stock or TCF Series C preferred stock, as applicable, represented by such certificate or book entry share have been converted into the right to receive under the merger agreement.

Fractional Shares

Chemical will not issue any fractional shares of Chemical common stock in the merger. Instead, a TCF shareholder who otherwise would have received a fraction of a share of Chemical common stock will receive an amount in cash (rounded to the nearest cent) determined by multiplying (i) the average of the closing-sale prices of Chemical common stock for the five full trading days ending on the day prior to the effective time of the merger by (ii) the fraction of a share (rounded to the nearest thousandth when expressed in decimal form) of Chemical common stock to which such shareholder would otherwise be entitled to receive.

Withholding

Each of Chemical and the exchange agent will be entitled to deduct and withhold from any consideration otherwise payable pursuant to the merger agreement such amounts they are required to deduct and withhold under the Code or any provision of state, local, or foreign tax law. If any such amounts are withheld and paid over to the appropriate governmental authority, these amounts will be treated for all purposes of the merger agreement as having been paid to the person in respect of which the deduction and withholding was made.

Dissenting Shares

Under the DGCL, TCF shareholders will not have any appraisal rights with respect to the merger.

Under the MBCA, Chemical shareholders will not have any appraisal rights or dissenters’ rights with respect to the merger.

Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Stock Certificates

If a certificate for TCF common stock or TCF Series C preferred stock (or related depositary shares) has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the exchange agent will issue the appropriate consideration properly payable under the merger agreement upon receipt of (i) an affidavit of that fact by the claimant and (ii) if required by Chemical, the posting of a bond in an amount as Chemical may determine is reasonably necessary as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such certificate.

Background of the Merger

Each of Chemical’s and TCF’s boards of directors and senior management have from time to time separately engaged in reviews and discussions of long-term strategies and objectives and have considered ways to enhance their respective companies’ performance and prospects in light of competitive, regulatory and other relevant developments, all with the goal of increasing long-term value for their respective shareholders. For each of Chemical and TCF, these reviews have included periodic discussions with respect to potential transactions that would further its strategic objectives and the potential benefits and risks of any such transactions.

As part of their respective strategic reviews and discussions, each of Chemical and TCF has considered a number of factors, including that additional scale and capital may be required for continued growth and increased profitability of their respective businesses, potential opportunities for organic and inorganic growth, the regulatory environment, trends in interest rates, the competitive landscape for financial institutions and other economic factors.

David Provost, Chemical’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Craig Dahl, TCF’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, have periodically discussed trends in the financial services industry and their respective institutions generally. These discussions occurred during impromptu meetings at investor and banking industry conferences and social settings. Prior to May 2018, none of these discussions included substantive discussions regarding a potential business combination between Chemical and TCF.

On May 11, 2018, Mr. Dahl contacted Mr. Provost to discuss, in general terms, their respective companies, the financial services industry sectors in which they operate, general financial services industry trends and strategic developments, and business combination trends and opportunities in the banking industry. Messrs. Provost and Dahl further discussed these matters during anin-person meeting in Detroit, Michigan on May 21, 2018.

On May 24, 2018, Chemical and TCF entered into a confidentiality agreement in order to facilitate more detailed discussions of a potential business combination and reciprocal due diligence efforts.

Shortly thereafter, Mr. Dahl briefed Vance Opperman, the lead director of the TCF board of directors, on the discussions Mr. Dahl had had with Mr. Provost and the potential benefits of a potential business combination with Chemical. Mr. Dahl and Mr. Opperman discussed these matters and possible steps for exploring a potential transaction.

On June 18, 2018, the Chemical board of directors held a meeting at which members of Chemical management provided a general overview of TCF and its businesses and discussed the status of exploratory discussions with TCF with respect to a potential business combination. The Chemical board of directors reconfirmed the members of its strategic initiatives committee, which was composed of six independent directors of Chemical. The Chemical board of directors had previously formed the strategic initiatives committee to assist the Chemical board of directors with oversight responsibility with respect to strategic opportunities and assist Chemical management with respect to the evaluation of strategic opportunities. At the meeting, the Chemical board of directors authorized Chemical management to continue discussions with TCF with respect to a potential business combination transaction.

On June 19, 2018, Gary Torgow, the executive Chairman of the board of directors of Chemical, Mr. Provost and Mr. Dahl met in Detroit, Michigan and further discussed their respective companies, the financial services industry sectors in which they operate, general financial services industry trends and strategic developments, and the possibility of a strategic combination between Chemical and TCF.

On June 25, 2018, members of Chemical and TCF management met in Chicago, Illinois, and discussed their respective businesses and the possibility of a business combination.

On June 26, 2018, the Chemical board of directors held a meeting, which was attended by members of Chemical management and representatives of KBW, Chemical’s financial advisor. Chemical management updated the board with regard to the meeting with TCF management that occurred the previous day. Chemical’s management discussed the potential for a business combination with TCF to diversify Chemical’s and TCF’s respective balance sheets and revenue streams, provide greater scale to support investments in technology and accelerate efficiencies, and enhance shareholder value. Members of Chemical management noted that continuing discussions between the parties would focus on potential synergies, integration and management of complementary business lines. Representatives of KBW discussed with the Chemical board of directors a general overview of TCF and preliminary financial considerations with respect to a potential merger with TCF.

At a banking industry conference on June 28 and 29, 2018, Thomas C. Shafer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chemical Bank, and Mr. Dahl met. In addition to discussing banking industry trends, Messrs. Dahl and Shafer shared information about Chemical’s and TCF’s respective histories, markets, business lines and management backgrounds.

On July 12, 2018, Messrs. Provost, Torgow and Dahl met in Minneapolis, Minnesota and discussed the potential benefits of a merger to their respective companies and shareholders, as well as the potential board composition, management structure, the name of the potential combined company, and the locations of its headquarters and key operations centers.

After this meeting, Mr. Dahl updated the lead director of the TCF board of directors on the discussions that had occurred, including TCF management’s preliminary assessments of the potential financial and strategic benefits of a transaction and initial discussions on possible corporate structure and organization.

In early September 2018, Chemical, with assistance from KBW and Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP, legal counsel to Chemical, which we refer to as Nelson Mullins, prepared a draftnon-binding term sheet with respect to a potential merger of equals transaction between Chemical and TCF. The draft term sheet provided for, among other things, the merger of TCF into Chemical, with Chemical as the surviving entity, a conversion of ten percent of TCF’s common stock into cash at an unspecifiedper-share amount, and a conversion of ninety percent of TCF’s common stock into Chemical common stock based on an“at-the-market” fixed exchange ratio based on the20-day volume weighted average trading price of each party’s common stock prior to execution of the definitive merger agreement. The draft term sheet also provided that the board of directors of the combined company would be comprised of fourteen directors, with seven directors to be designated by each of Chemical and TCF, and that Mr. Torgow would serve as the Chairman of the board. Mr. Provost would serve as a director and initially as Chief Executive Officer and President of the combined holding company, before transitioning within eighteen months following the closing to serve as Chairman of the combined company’s bank subsidiary. Mr. Dahl would serve as a director and initially serve as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the combined company’s bank subsidiary, before transitioning within eighteen months following the closing to serve as Chief Executive Officer and President of the combined holding company. The draft term sheet contemplated that the combined company would adopt the TCF name, and that the headquarters of the holding company would be in Detroit, Michigan.

On September 7, 2018, the TCF board of directors held a meeting to discuss the possible transaction with Chemical as well as other potential strategic alternatives for TCF, with members of TCF management and representatives of J.P. Morgan, Perkins Advisors, LLC, who also served as TCF’s financial advisor, which we refer to as Perkins Advisors, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, legal counsel to TCF, which we refer to as Simpson Thacher, in attendance. Mr. Dahl reported to the TCF board of directors on the various meetings and discussions he and other representatives of TCF management had with representatives of Chemical regarding a potential business combination of TCF and Chemical. Mr. Dahl then discussed with the TCF board of directors various strategic alternatives that could potentially be available to TCF, including TCF continuing as a standalone company focusing exclusively on organic growth, smaller acquisitions of other banks, more significant transactions (including large acquisitions or a merger of equals) and a transaction involving the sale of TCF. A representative of Simpson Thacher then reviewed with the TCF board of directors certain legal matters, including the directors’ fiduciary duties under Delaware law and certain legal aspects of a merger of equals transaction. The representatives of J.P. Morgan then discussed with the TCF board of directors, among other matters, certain considerations regarding merger of equals transactions, the transactional landscape in the financial services industry and certain financial and other information regarding Chemical, and reviewed certain preliminary financial analyses prepared by J.P. Morgan of TCF, Chemical and a potential business combination of TCF and Chemical. Members of management and the representatives of J.P. Morgan then reviewed and discussed with the TCF board of directors certain preliminary terms of a potentialall-stock, merger of equals business combination of Chemical and TCF that Mr. Dahl had discussed with Messrs. Torgow and Provost and the strategic rationale for exploring such a transaction. Following discussion, the TCF board of directors

authorized TCF management, with the assistance of TCF’s financial and legal advisors, to continue their discussions with representatives of Chemical and its advisors and their due diligence investigation of Chemical.

On September 13, 2018, Chemical provided the draftnon-binding term sheet to TCF.

On September 20, 2018, the Chemical board of directors held a meeting, which was attended by members of Chemical management and representatives of Nelson Mullins. Members of Chemical management provided an update to the board regarding the discussions with TCF, ongoing due diligence and work on financial matters with respect to a potential business combination with TCF.

On September 23 and 24, 2018, a wider group of Chemical and TCF management representing the respective key functions and businesses of the two banks met in Detroit, Michigan to discuss various aspects of each party’s business and their potential integration.

On September 27, 2018, the Chemical strategic initiatives committee held a meeting, which was attended by members of Chemical management and representatives of KBW and Nelson Mullins. Members of Chemical management provided an update regarding due diligence and the work on financial matters in process between the parties and their respective financial advisors. The Chemical strategic initiatives committee met on multiple subsequent occasions and reviewed and discussed the potential business combination with members of Chemical management and Chemical’s advisors.

On October 8, 2018, members of Chemical management, together with representatives of Nelson Mullins and KBW, discussed thenon-binding draft term sheet on a telephone call with Mr. Dahl and representatives of Simpson Thacher and TCF’s financial advisors.

After the call, TCF delivered a revised draftnon-binding term sheet to Chemical. The revised draftnon-binding term sheet provided, among other things, for anall-stock business combination of TCF and Chemical based on ato-be-agreed fixed exchange ratio. The term sheet also included additional proposed details on the contemplated governance arrangements, including that Mr. Dahl would, in addition to serving as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the combined company’s bank subsidiary, initially serve as the vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of the combined holding company after the closing, before transitioning within eighteen months after the closing to serve as the Chief Executive Officer and President of the combined holding company, and that an independent director of TCF would serve as the lead director of the combined holding company. In addition, during the three-year period after the closing, any changes to the board composition or senior executive roles would require approval of at least 75% of the board of the combined holding company.

Also on October 8, 2018, TCF management provided the TCF board of directors with an update regarding the discussions with Chemical of a potential transaction, including the management meetings on September 23 and 24, 2018 and the ongoing discussions with representatives of Chemical regarding the potential governance and management structure of the combined company.

On multiple occasions over the following weeks, the respective management teams of Chemical and TCF, with the assistance of their respective legal counsel and financial advisors, engaged in discussions with respect to the terms of a potential transaction, including with respect to the appropriate method for determining the exchange ratio, a board governance and management structure designed to achieve meaningful participation by both companies in the future strategic direction of the combined company, and the location of the combined company’s headquarters and major operational centers, and exchangednon-binding term sheet drafts reflecting these discussion points.

On October 17, 2018, management of Chemical and management of TCF met in Minneapolis, Minnesota to conduct additionalin-person due diligence sessions and further discuss various aspects of each party’s business and operations, and the integration of their respective businesses.

On October 23, 2018, the Chemical board of directors held a meeting that was attended by members of Chemical management and representatives of Nelson Mullins and KBW. At the meeting, representatives of KBW reviewed with the Chemical board of directors the bank equity and M&A markets and strategic alternatives potentially available to Chemical. The Chemical board of directors discussed with Chemical management and representatives of KBW and Nelson Mullins various strategic alternatives potentially available to Chemical, including a business combination with TCF. Representatives of Nelson Mullins reviewed with the Chemical board of directors their fiduciary duties in connection with consideration of a business combination transaction.

On October 24, 2018, the TCF board of directors held a meeting that was attended by members of TCF’s management and representatives of J.P. Morgan, Perkins Advisors and Simpson Thacher, to discuss, among other matters, the potential business combination of TCF and Chemical. TCF management updated the TCF board of directors regarding the status of the discussions with Chemical and its advisors, including the ongoing negotiation of the governance arrangements for the combined company. TCF management reviewed and discussed with the TCF board of directors the status, process and preliminary findings of TCF’s ongoing due diligence regarding Chemical. Representatives of J.P. Morgan discussed with the TCF board of directors certain financial information of TCF and Chemical, including each company’s recent stock price performance, and reviewed certain preliminary financial analyses prepared by J.P. Morgan of TCF, Chemical and the potential transaction. Following further discussion, the TCF board of directors authorized TCF management, with the assistance of TCF’s financial and legal advisors, to continue their discussions with Chemical regarding a potential business combination transaction.

On October 30, 2018, Messrs. Shafer and Dahl met in Detroit, Michigan and discussed various aspects of each party’s business and operations, including each company’s anticipated stand-alone earnings, and potential cost synergies and revenue enhancements.

Over the course of October, however, the significant volatility in bank stock prices, including the trading prices for both Chemical’s and TCF’s shares, worsened substantially. In light of these market developments, which adversely affected the parties’ ability to agree on a mutually acceptable exchange ratio, as well as continuing open issues regarding board composition and leadership and senior management structure for a combined company, discussions with respect to a potential business combination were discontinued on November 2, 2018.

On November 5, 2018, the TCF board of directors held a meeting, during which TCF management briefed the board on the recent developments regarding the potential business combination transaction, including that discussions with Chemical had been discontinued.

Subsequently, on November 30, 2018, Messrs. Provost, Torgow and Dahl met at a banking industry conference in New York and discussed again the potential benefits of a merger of equals between the two companies, as well as potential steps to reengage in discussions. They agreed to explore whether the significant potential benefits of a merger of equals transaction to both parties madere-engaging in discussions advisable, notwithstanding the current stock market volatility.

On December 13, 2018, the Chemical board of directors held a meeting that was attended by members of Chemical management and representatives of Nelson Mullins. The Chemical board of directors and management discussed the potential benefits of a merger of equals between the two companies and concluded that, notwithstanding the recent market volatility, it was worthwhile to pursue further discussions. Members of Chemical management and representatives of Nelson Mullins discussed with the Chemical board of directors a draft of a revisednon-binding term sheet. The revised draft term sheet provided, among other things, that TCF would merge with Chemical, with TCF shareholders to receive Chemical stock based on a fixed exchange ratio to be agreed upon by the parties, with the parties to also discuss up to a potential five percent cash component to be paid to the TCF shareholders in lieu of stock consideration. It also provided for a sixteen-person board of

directors, including Messrs. Torgow, Provost, Dahl and Opperman, and a realignment of certain executive roles, with Mr. Dahl becoming Chief Executive Officer of the combined holding company as well as the combined bank and Mr. Provost becoming Chairman of the combined bank, in each case, immediately upon closing, and with Mr. Torgow continuing to serve as the Chairman of the board of the combined holding company upon closing. Following further discussion, the Chemical board of directors authorized Chemical management to further negotiate with respect to the terms contemplated by the draft revisednon-binding term sheet and to otherwise continue to explore a potential transaction with TCF.

On December 17, 2018, members of Chemical management, together with representatives of Nelson Mullins and KBW, discussed the revisednon-binding draft term sheet with Mr. Dahl, J.P. Morgan, Perkins Advisors and Simpson Thacher.

On December 19, 2018, the TCF board of directors met, with members of TCF management and representatives of J.P. Morgan, Perkins Advisors and Simpson Thacher in attendance. TCF management updated the TCF board of directors on the resumption of discussions between TCF and Chemical regarding a potential transaction. Mr. Dahl also discussed with the TCF board of directors the proposed governance arrangements for the combined company currently under negotiation. The representatives of J.P. Morgan then discussed with the TCF board of directors, among other matters, certain financial information of TCF and Chemical, and reviewed certain preliminary financial analyses regarding potential exchange ratios prepared by J.P. Morgan. Following discussion, the TCF board of directors authorized TCF management to resume their due diligence investigation of Chemical and, with the assistance of TCF’s financial and legal advisors, to continue to discuss the terms of a potential transaction with Chemical.

On January 3, 2019, Simpson Thacher delivered an initial draft of the merger agreement to Nelson Mullins, which draft contemplated anall-stock merger based on ato-be-agreed fixed exchange ratio. Through January 27, 2018, the respective management teams of Chemical and TCF, with the assistance of their respective legal counsel, engaged in due diligence and, with the assistance of their respective financial advisors, engaged in financial modeling work and negotiations with respect to the merger agreement and exchanged multiple drafts of the merger agreement as well as ancillary documents, including retention/employment agreements for Messrs. Torgow, Provost and Dahl based on their proposed roles with the combined company, as well as conforming amendments to Chemical’s bylaws to address board composition and leadership and senior executive positions of the combined company. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, which we refer to as Wachtell Lipton, served as special counsel to Chemical with respect to employment agreement and benefit plan-related matters.

On January 9, 2019, the Chemical strategic initiatives committee held a meeting that was attended by members of Chemical management and representatives of KBW and Nelson Mullins. Representatives of KBW reviewed, together with members of Chemical management, potential financial aspects of a merger with TCF. The committee discussed the terms of the initial draft of the merger agreement with members of Chemical management and representatives of Nelson Mullins.

On January 9 and 10, 2019, Messrs. Provost, Shafer, Torgow and Dahl met in Detroit, Michigan and discussed various aspects of each party’s business and operations, including each company’s anticipated stand-alone earnings, management of the potential combined company, and potential cost synergies and revenue enhancements.

On January 10, 2019, the Chemical board of directors held a meeting that was attended by members of Chemical management and representatives of Nelson Mullins. Following an update regarding the due diligence review of TCF, members of Chemical management reviewed with the board of directors financial aspects of a potential merger with TCF and discussed the potential timing for a transaction. Mr. Dahl attended a portion of the Chemical board meeting and discussed the strategic vision of a combined company, cultural compatibility of Chemical and TCF, and business opportunities for the combined company.

On January 11, 2019, the TCF board of directors met, with members of TCF management and representatives of J.P. Morgan, Perkins Advisors and Simpson Thacher in attendance. TCF management provided the TCF board of directors with an update regarding the status of the discussions and negotiations with Chemical regarding the potential merger, including a report on Mr. Dahl’s participation in the January 10, 2019 meeting of the Chemical board of directors and a proposed timeline until the announcement of a potential transaction. The representatives of J.P. Morgan then discussed with the TCF board of directors, among other matters, the recent stock price performance of TCF and Chemical and other financial information of the two companies and J.P. Morgan’s analysis of certain financial aspects of the proposed transaction assuming anat-the-market exchange ratio based on closing stock prices for TCF and Chemical as of January 10, 2019. Representatives of TCF management reviewed with the TCF board of directors the status and process of TCF’s ongoing due diligence regarding Chemical, including TCF’s preliminary diligence findings and the remaining diligence areas to be covered. The representative of Simpson Thacher then reviewed with the TCF board of directors the current terms of the proposed merger agreement.

On January 22, 2019, the Chemical board of directors held a meeting that was attended by members of Chemical management and representatives of Nelson Mullins. Members of Chemical management updated the Chemical board of directors on the progress of negotiation of the definitive transaction documents with TCF since the last meeting and discussed the potential timing of a transaction. The Chemical board of directors reviewed and discussed with representatives of Nelson Mullins certain terms of the draft merger agreement.

On January 23, 2019, the TCF board of directors met, with members of TCF management and representatives of J.P. Morgan, Perkins Advisors and Simpson Thacher in attendance. TCF management reviewed with the TCF board of directors the process and status of TCF’s ongoing due diligence investigation of Chemical, including their due diligence findings. The representatives of J.P. Morgan then discussed with the TCF board of directors, among other matters, J.P. Morgan’s analysis of certain financial aspects of the proposed transaction assuming anat-the-market exchange ratio based on recent closing stock prices for TCF and Chemical and certain financial information, and reviewed its preliminary financial analyses regarding TCF, Chemical and the potential transaction.

Following the close of trading on Friday, January 25, 2019, management of each of Chemical and TCF, and their respective financial advisors, discussed the exchange ratio for the potential merger agreement, and determined to propose to their respective boards of directors a fixed exchange ratio of 0.5081 shares of Chemical common stock for each share of TCF common stock in anall-stock merger, which represented anat-the-market exchange ratio based on the parties’ respective closing stock prices on January 25, 2019.

On January 27, 2019, prior to the scheduled special meeting of the Chemical board of directors, the Compensation and Pension Committee of the Chemical board of directors held a meeting that was attended by representatives of Wachtell Lipton and Nelson Mullins. Representatives of Wachtell Lipton reviewed and discussed with the committee the terms of the proposed retention agreements to be entered into by Chemical with Messrs. Torgow and Provost, and the proposed amended employment agreement to be entered into by TCF with Mr. Dahl, in connection with and effective upon the closing of the proposed business combination. Representatives of Wachtell Lipton also reviewed and discussed with the committee the proposed treatment of TCF and Chemical equity awards under the merger agreement. The Compensation and Pension Committee approved the proposed retention agreements to be entered into by Chemical with Messrs. Torgow and Provost, and the proposed treatment of TCF and Chemical equity awards under the merger agreement, subject to approval by the Chemical board of directors of the proposed merger agreement.

In the afternoon of January 27, 2019, a special meeting of the Chemical board of directors was held, which was attended by members of Chemical management and representatives of KBW and Nelson Mullins. Representatives of Nelson Mullins reviewed the fiduciary duties of directors in connection with considering business combination transactions. Representatives of Nelson Mullins also discussed with the board of directors proposed amendments to Chemical’s bylaws, which would address certain matters related to the conduct,

adjournment and postponement of shareholders’ meetings and would require that certain types of legal actions, including certain actions brought against Chemical or its directors or officers, be brought in certain courts in Michigan. The Chemical board of directors approved such bylaw amendments.

Members of Chemical management updated the Chemical board of directors with respect to its due diligence review of TCF and discussed the strategic rationale for the merger. KBW then reviewed and discussed with the Chemical board of directors, among other matters, the financial aspects of the proposed merger and rendered to the Chemical board of directors an opinion, which was initially rendered verbally and confirmed by a written opinion dated January 27, 2019, to the Chemical board of directors to the effect that, as of that date and subject to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by KBW as set forth in such opinion, the exchange ratio in the merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to Chemical. See “—Opinion of Chemical’s Financial Advisor.” Representatives of Nelson Mullins then reviewed and discussed with the Chemical board of directors the final terms of the proposed merger agreement. The Chemical board discussed the matters considered and approved at the Compensation and Pension Committee meeting earlier that day. Members of Chemical management also reviewed with the Chemical board of directors Chemical’s efforts to support community development programs in the communities it serves, including with respect to the Southeast Michigan metropolitan area, and that Chemical would make a donation in connection with the proposed merger to a Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan donor advised fund, which would focus on revitalization or community reinvestment efforts in the Southeast Michigan metropolitan area.

Following further discussion and after taking into consideration the matters discussed during the January 27, 2019 meeting and prior meetings of the Chemical board of directors, including the factors described under the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “—Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Chemical Board of Directors,” the Chemical board of directors unanimously determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby were fair to and in the best interests of Chemical and its shareholders, and adopted the merger agreement and approved the documents contemplated thereby, including the amendment and restatement of the Chemical bylaws, the Chemical articles amendment, and the certificate of designations for 5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of Chemical, with each such document to be effective only if filed in connection with the completion of the merger, and recommended that the Chemical shareholders approve the Chemical merger proposal and the articles amendment proposal.

Also in the afternoon of January 27, 2019, the TCF board of directors met, with representatives of TCF management, J.P. Morgan, Perkins Advisors and Simpson Thacher in attendance. TCF management provided the board of directors with an update regarding the discussions and negotiations with Chemical since the prior board meeting, and the results of the completed due diligence review of Chemical. The representative of Simpson Thacher then reviewed with the TCF board of directors the final terms of the proposed merger agreement. Representatives of J.P. Morgan reviewed and discussed with the TCF board of directors, among other matters, J.P. Morgan’s analysis of certain financial aspects of the proposed transaction based on the 0.5081 exchange ratio and its financial analyses regarding the exchange ratio. Following discussion, the representatives of J.P. Morgan rendered J.P. Morgan’s oral opinion to the TCF board of directors, which was subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of January 27, 2019 and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in its opinion, the exchange ratio in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of TCF’s common stock. See “—Opinion of TCF’s Financial Advisor.” A representative of TCF management then reviewed and discussed with the TCF board of directors the proposed amended and restated employment agreement to be entered into with Mr. Dahl.

Following further discussion and after taking into consideration the matters discussed during the January 27, 2019 meeting and prior meetings of the TCF board of directors, including the factors described under the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “—Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the TCF Board of Directors,” the TCF board of directors unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the proposed merger, the amended and restated employment

agreement to be entered into with Mr. Dahl (with Mr. Dahl abstaining from voting on the proposal to approve such agreement) and directed that the adoption of the merger agreement be submitted to a vote at a meeting of the TCF shareholders, and recommended that the TCF shareholders adopt the merger agreement. In addition, at this meeting the TCF board of directors also approved an amendment and restatement of TCF’s bylaws to add a new provision, which designated the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain legal actions, unless TCF consented in writing to the selection of an alternative forum.

On the evening of January 27, 2019, following the meetings of the TCF and Chemical boards of directors, the merger agreement and related transaction documents (including Mr. Dahl’s amended and restated employment agreement and Messrs. Torgow’s and Provost’s retention agreements) were executed and delivered by the applicable parties.

On the morning of January 28, 2019, TCF and Chemical publicly announced their entry into the merger agreement via a joint press release.

Recommendation of the Chemical Board of Directors and Reasons for the Merger

After careful consideration, the Chemical board of directors, at a special meeting held on January 27, 2019, unanimously (i) determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, are in the best interests of Chemical and its shareholders, and (ii) adopted the merger agreement and approved the execution and delivery of the merger agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, the issuance of Chemical common stock and Chemical Series C preferred stock (and related depositary shares) in connection with the merger, and the proposed amendment to the Chemical articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Chemical common stock from 135 million to 220 million and to change the name of Chemical to “TCF Financial Corporation,” effective only upon consummation of the merger. Accordingly, the Chemical board of directors unanimously recommends that Chemical shareholders vote “FOR” the approval of the Chemical merger proposal, “FOR” the approval of the Chemical articles amendment proposal, “FOR” the Chemical compensation proposal and “FOR” the Chemical adjournment proposal.

In reaching its decision to adopt the merger agreement and to approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and to recommend that Chemical’s shareholders approve the Chemical merger proposal, the Chemical articles amendment proposal, the Chemical compensation proposal and the Chemical adjournment proposal, the Chemical board of directors evaluated the merger and the merger agreement in consultation with Chemical management, as well as Chemical’s financial and legal advisors, and considered a number of factors, including the following principal factors:

each of Chemical’s and TCF’s business, operations, financial condition, asset quality, earnings and prospects. In reviewing these factors, the Chemical board of directors considered the following:

its view that Chemical’s business and operations complement those of TCF, which is anticipated to broaden market channels and customers and position the combined company to enhance revenues through increased scale and product and service offerings;

its view that the merger would position the combined company to leverage Chemical’s wealth management offerings and strength in commercial and corporate banking, and TCF’s strength in national lending verticals to create a more balanced franchise across consumer and commercial business lines;

its understanding that the merger would diversify Chemical’s loan portfolio, revenue streams and markets and strengthen its core retail deposit franchise, which may mitigate certain business risks;

the anticipated cost savings associated with the merger;

the anticipated long-term earnings per share accretion for Chemical shareholders as a result of the merger; and

the anticipated impact of the transaction on the combined company, including the expected impact on additional key financial metrics (including tangible book value per share, return on assets, return on tangible common equity, and cash efficiency ratio) and on regulatory capital ratios.

its understanding of the current and prospective environment in which Chemical and TCF operate, including national and local economic conditions, the competitive environment for financial institutions generally, and the likely effect of these factors on Chemical both with and without the proposed transaction;

its views with respect to other potential strategic alternatives, including focusing exclusively on organic growth, making smaller acquisitions, pursuing othersimilarly-sized merger partners and pursuing larger merger partners;

its review and discussions with Chemical’s senior management and its outside legal counsel concerning the due diligence review of TCF;

its understanding that Chemical shareholders would own approximately 46.2% of the combined company’s common stock;

the fact that eight of 16 total directors of the combined company would be current members of the Chemical board of directors (including Messrs. Torgow and Provost);

the fact that Mr. Torgow will serve as Executive Chairman of the combined company, Mr. Dahl will serve as CEO and President of the combined company and Mr. Provost will serve as Vice Chairman of the combined company and Chairman of the board of directors of the combined bank;

the fact that Chemical’s bylaws would be amended to preserve certain corporate governance arrangements of the combined company (including senior executive management positions of the combined company and the allocation of directors between Chemical and TCF) for a period of at least three years following the closing of the merger;

the opinion of KBW, dated January 27, 2019, to the Chemical board of directors as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of the opinion, to Chemical of the exchange ratio in the merger, as more fully described below under “Opinion of Chemical’s Financial Advisor” beginning on page 76;

the terms of the merger agreement, including the expected tax treatment and the deal protection and termination fee provisions, which it reviewed with its outside legal counsel;

its view regarding the compatible nature of the cultures of the two companies, which it believes will help to facilitate integration and implementation of the business combination;

its understanding that Chemical’s and TCF’s senior leadership share beliefs in strong community ties, customer focus and accountability, and its views regarding the long-term impacts of such philosophies with respect to the development of the communities in which the combined company will operate and the business performance of the combined company;

its view that combined organization would have a stronger, deeper leadership team than Chemical as a stand-alone company and that Chemical and TCF have complementary strengths, which could facilitate enhanced operational performance, strategic growth, and risk management for the combined company;

the regulatory and other approvals required in connection with the merger and the likelihood that that such regulatory approvals will be received in a reasonably timely manner and without the imposition of unacceptable conditions;

the fact that Chemical’s shareholders will have the opportunity to vote to approve the merger agreement;

its right to withdraw its recommendation to the Chemical shareholders that they approve the merger agreement and the right of the TCF board of directors to withdraw its recommendation to the TCF shareholders that they adopt the merger agreement, in each case in certain circumstances, as more fully described under “The Merger Agreement—Termination; Termination Fee” beginning on page 126;

the fact that Chemical or TCF may be obligated to pay the other party a termination fee of $134 million in certain circumstances as more fully described under “The Merger Agreement—Termination; Termination Fee” beginning on page 126;

the restrictions on the conduct of Chemical’s business during the period between execution of the merger agreement and the consummation of the merger, which restrictions are customary for public company merger agreements involving financial institutions but which, subject to specific exceptions, could delay or prevent Chemical from undertaking business opportunities that might arise or certain other actions it might otherwise take with respect to Chemical’s operations absent the pendency of the merger;

the potential risks associated with achieving, within anticipated time periods or at all, cost savings and successfully integrating the businesses, operations, and workforces of Chemical and TCF, including the costs and risks of successfully integrating the differing business models and lines of business of the two companies;

the possibility that the merger and the related integration process could result in the loss of key employees, in the disruption of Chemical’s ongoing business and in the loss of customers for the combined company;

that there can be no assurance that all conditions to the parties’ obligations to complete the merger will be satisfied, including the risk that certain regulatory approvals might not be obtained;

the substantial costs to be incurred in connection with the merger, including the costs of integrating the businesses of Chemical and TCF, transaction fees, expenses and other payments that will or may arise from the merger;

the potential risk of diverting management attention and resources from the operation of Chemical’s business and towards the completion of the merger and the integration of the two companies; and

the risk that the merger may not be completed despite the combined efforts of Chemical and TCF, or that completion may be unduly delayed, even if the required regulatory approvals are obtained and the requisite approvals are obtained from the Chemical shareholders and the TCF shareholders.

This discussion of the information and factors considered by Chemical’s board of directors in reaching its conclusions and recommendation includes principal factors considered by the board of directors, but is not intended to be exhaustive and may not include all of the factors considered by the Chemical board of directors. In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and the complexity of these matters, the Chemical board of directors did not find it useful and did not attempt to quantify, rank or assign any relative or specific weights to the various factors that it considered in reaching its determination to approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and to make its recommendation to Chemical shareholders. Rather, the Chemical board of directors viewed its decisions as being based on the totality of the information presented to it and the factors it considered. In addition, individual members of the Chemical board of directors may have assigned different weights to different factors.

Certain of Chemical’s directors and executive officers have other interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of Chemical’s shareholders generally, as discussed under the caption “The Merger – Interests of Chemical Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger,” below. The Chemical board of directors was aware of and considered these potential interests, among other matters, in evaluating the merger and in making its recommendation to Chemical shareholders.

Recommendation of the TCF Board of Directors and Reasons for the Merger

After careful consideration, the TCF board of directors, at a special meeting held on January 27, 2019, unanimously (i) determined that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, are in the best interests of TCF and its shareholders, (ii) declared the merger agreement advisable and (iii) approved the execution, delivery and performance of the merger agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger. Accordingly, the TCF board of directors unanimously recommends that the TCF shareholders vote “FOR” the merger proposal, “FOR” the TCF compensation proposal and “FOR” the TCF adjournment proposal.

In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger, and to recommend that TCF’s shareholders adopt the merger agreement, the TCF board of directors consulted with TCF management, as well as its financial and legal advisors, and considered a number of factors, including the following:

each of TCF’s and Chemical’s business, operations, financial condition, stock performance, asset quality, earnings and prospects. In reviewing these factors, including the information obtained through due diligence, the TCF board of directors considered the following:

its view that the merger is a strategically compelling transaction that will create a stronger company, elevate growth and provide meaningful long-term value for the shareholders of both TCF and Chemical;

that shareholders of TCF and Chemical would benefit from expected annual cost synergies from maximizing efficiencies across the combined organization;

its view that the combined company would be strategically positioned to capitalize on market opportunities and better serve its customers throughout several of the largest, most attractive markets in the Midwest;

that the combined company would have the scale to better invest, compete and perform by leveraging leading market positions and complementary products;

its view that TCF’s strength in national lending verticals complements Chemical’s corein-market commercial lending and wealth management offerings, which would broaden opportunities to drive sustainable growth and increase market share;

its view that TCF’s and Chemical’s shared strengths in infrastructure, digital platforms and mortgage banking would enhance the combined company’s position while improving efficiency;

its view that the proposed merger would create a more diversified deposit mix between retail and commercial business lines and a more balanced loan portfolio across geographies, asset classes and commercial industries and that the combined company would have increased capacity for loan growth while maintaining its current risk tolerances;

that both TCF and Chemical share a legacy of developing deep community ties, along with core values centered on customer service, accountability and adaptability to market changes and the expectation that the combined company would continue to provide philanthropic, civic and economic development support to the communities in which it operates;

its view that, in light of the agreed-upon governance arrangements, the combined company would have a stronger, deeper leadership team with complementary expertise to drive enhanced operational performance, strategic growth and risk management;

the anticipated impact of the transaction on the combined company, including the expected impact on financial metrics (including earnings per share, return on average assets, return on average tangible common equity and cash efficiency ratio);

the historical performance of TCF and Chemical common stock; and

its review and discussions with TCF’s management and its legal advisors concerning the due diligence review of Chemical;

its familiarity of the current and prospective environment in the financial services industry, including economic conditions and the interest rate and regulatory environments, possible effects of scale, increased operating costs resulting from regulatory and compliance mandates, increasing competition from both nationwide banks andnon-bank financial and financial technology firms, and current financial market conditions and the likely effects of these factors on TCF’s and the combined company’s potential growth, development productivity and strategic options, and the likely effect of these factors on TCF both with and without the proposed transaction;

its views with respect to other strategic alternatives potentially available to TCF, including continuing as a standalone company focusing exclusively on organic growth, making smaller acquisitions of other banks, transformative transactions (including large acquisitions or a merger of equals) and a transaction involving the sale of TCF;

the structure of the transaction as a merger of equals in which TCF’s board of directors and management would have significant participation in the combined company; in particular, the provisions of the merger agreement setting forth the corporate governance of the combined company, including:

that, until the third anniversary of the consummation of the merger, the board of directors of the combined holding company would consist of sixteen members, with eight from each of Chemical and TCF (including Mr. Dahl and Vance Opperman, the current Lead Director of TCF’s board of directors);

that (i) Mr. Craig Dahl, the current Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of TCF, would become and serve as the Chief Executive Officer and President of the combined holding company, (ii) Mr. Opperman would become Lead Director of the combined holding company and (iii) other members of TCF management would participate in the senior management of the combined holding company and the combined bank; and

that the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the board of the combined company would be required to remove Mr. Dahl or Mr. Opperman from serving in the capacities referred to above;

the consistency of the transaction with TCF’s business strategies, including achieving strong earnings growth, reaching new markets, improving customer attraction and retention, developing technology capabilities and focusing on cost management;

its conclusion that TCF and Chemical are a complementary fit because of the nature of the markets served and products offered by TCF and Chemical and the expectation that the transaction would provide economies of scale, enhanced ability to invest in technology and innovation, expanded product offerings, improved efficiencies and reduced costs and enhanced opportunities for growth;

TCF’s and Chemical’s shared belief in a purpose-driven and thoughtful approach to the combination and the resulting company, structured to maximize the potential for synergies and positive impact to local communities and minimize the loss of customers and employees and to further diversify the

combined company’s operating risk profile compared to the significance and relevancerisk profile of each analysis and factor. Accordingly, KBW believes that its analyses and the summary of its analyses must be considered aseither company on a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and factors or focusing on the information presented below in tabular format, without considering all analyses and factors or the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the process underlying its analyses and opinion.stand-alone basis;

 

the belief that the transaction is likely to increase value to shareholders, given that, from the perspective of a TCF shareholder, the transaction is expected to be immediately accretive in 2020;

the expectation that the transaction will be generallytax-free for United States federal income tax purposes to TCF shareholders;

the analyses and presentations by J.P. Morgan and its oral opinion to the TCF board of directors, which was subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of January 27, 2019 and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in its opinion, the exchange ratio in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of TCF’s common stock. See “—Opinion of TCF’s Financial Advisor” beginning on page 86;

the financial and other terms of the merger agreement, which TCF reviewed with its outside financial and legal advisors, including:

its expectation that, upon consummation of the merger, TCF shareholders would own approximately 54% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis;

the fact that the exchange ratio is fixed, which the TCF board of directors believed was consistent with market practice for transactions of this type and with the strategic purpose of the transaction;

the fact that TCF’s shareholders will have an opportunity to vote on the adoption of the merger agreement;

the right of the TCF board of directors under the merger agreement to withdraw its recommendation to the TCF shareholders that they adopt the merger agreement and the right of the Chemical board of directors under the merger agreement to withdraw its recommendation to the Chemical shareholders that they approve the merger agreement, in each case, in certain circumstances, as more fully described under “The Merger Agreement—Covenants and Agreements” and “The Merger Agreement—Termination; Termination Fee” beginning on pages 117 and 126, respectively;

the rights of TCF and Chemical to terminate the merger agreement in certain circumstances, as more fully described under “The Merger Agreement—Termination; Termination Fee” beginning on page 126; and

the fact that TCF or Chemical may be obligated to pay the other party a termination fee of $134 million in certain circumstances, as more fully described under “The Merger Agreement—Termination; Termination Fee” beginning on page 126;

the potential for the value of the merger consideration to be received by holders of shares of TCF common stock to be adversely affected by a decrease in the trading price of Chemical common stock;

the potential risks associated with achieving anticipated efficiency improvements and cost reductions and savings and successfully integrating Chemical’s business, operations and workforce with those of TCF;

the nature and amount of payments and other benefits to be received by TCF management in connection with the merger pursuant to existing TCF plans and compensation arrangements and the merger agreement;

the potential risk of diverting management attention and resources from the operation of TCF’s business and towards the completion of the merger and the integration of the two companies;

the regulatory and other approvals required in connection with the merger and the expected likelihood that such regulatory approvals will be received in a reasonably timely manner and without the imposition of unacceptable conditions;

the restrictions on the conduct of TCF’s business during the period between execution of the merger agreement and the consummation of the merger, which could potentially delay or prevent TCF from undertaking business opportunities that might arise or certain other actions it might otherwise take with respect to its operations absent the pendency of the merger;

the potential effect of the merger on TCF’s overall business, including its relationships with customers, employees, suppliers and regulators;

the risk of losing key TCF or Chemical employees during the pendency of the merger and thereafter;

the substantial costs to be incurred in connection with the merger, including the costs of integrating the businesses of TCF and Chemical, transaction fees, expenses and other payments that will or may arise from the merger;

the fact that TCF shareholders would not be entitled to appraisal or dissenters’ rights in connection with the merger;

that TCF’s directors and executive officers may have interests in the merger that are different from or in addition to those of its shareholders generally, as more fully described under “—Interests of TCF Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger,” beginning on page 100;

the risk that the merger may not be completed despite the combined efforts of TCF and Chemical or that completion may be unduly delayed, even if the required regulatory approvals are obtained and the requisite approvals are obtained from TCF and Chemical shareholders; and

the other risks described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” beginning on pages 31 and 29, respectively.

The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the TCF board of directors is not intended to be exhaustive and may not include all of the factors considered by the TCF board of directors. In view of the variety of factors considered in connection with its consideration of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and the complexity of these matters, the TCF board of directors did not find it useful, and did not attempt, to quantify, rank or otherwise assign any relative or specific weights to the factors considered in reaching its determination. The above factors are not listed in any particular order of priority. Rather, the TCF board of directors viewed its decisions as being based on the totality of the information presented to it and the factors it considered, including its discussions with and questioning of members of TCF management and TCF’s outside legal and financial advisors. In addition, individual members of the TCF board of directors may have assigned different weights to different factors.

Certain of TCF’s directors and executive officers have other interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of TCF’s shareholders generally, as discussed under the caption “—Interests of TCF Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger,” below. The TCF board of directors was aware of and considered these potential interests, among other matters, in evaluating the merger and in making its recommendation to TCF shareholders.

Unaudited Financial Forecasts

Chemical and TCF do not, as a matter of course, publicly disclose forecasts or internal projections as to future performance, revenues, earnings, financial condition or other results due to, among other reasons, the inherent uncertainty of the underlying assumptions and estimates.

However, in connection with the merger, TCF senior management prepared or approved for use certain unaudited prospective financial information with respect to TCF on a standalone basis and without giving effect to the merger, which we refer to as the TCF financial forecasts, Chemical senior management prepared or approved for use certain unaudited prospective financial information with respect to Chemical on a standalone

basis and without giving effect to the merger, which we refer to as the Chemical financial forecasts, and Chemical senior management and TCF senior management jointly prepared certain unaudited prospective financial information with respect to the combined company after giving effect to the merger, which we refer to as the joint financial forecasts, including, among other things, estimated costs savings expenses, resulting or derived from the merger, which were provided to and considered by KBW and J.P. Morgan for the purpose of performing financial analyses in connection with their respective opinions, as described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus under the heading “—Opinion of TCF’s Financial Advisor” beginning on page 86 and “—Opinion of Chemical’s Financial Advisor” beginning on page 76, respectively, and the Chemical and TCF boards of directors in connection with their respective evaluations of the merger. We refer to the TCF financial forecasts, the Chemical financial forecasts and the joint financial forecasts collectively as the “financial forecasts.”

The financial forecasts were not prepared for the purposes of, or with a view toward, public disclosure or with a view toward complying with the guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for preparation and presentation of prospective financial information, published guidelines of the SEC regarding forward-looking statements or generally accepted accounting principles. A summary of certain significant elements of this information is set forth below, and is included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus solely for the purpose of providing Chemical shareholders and TCF shareholders access to certain nonpublic information made available to Chemical’s and TCF’s respective financial advisors for the purpose of performing financial analyses in connection with their respective opinions. The information included below does not comprise all of the prospective financial information provided to Chemical’s or TCF’s respective financial advisors.

Although presented with numeric specificity, the financial forecasts reflect numerous estimates and assumptions made by Chemical senior management or TCF senior management, as applicable, at the time such forecasts were prepared or approved for use by their respective financial advisors and represent Chemical senior management’s or TCF senior management’s respective evaluation of Chemical’s expected future financial performance on a stand-alone basis, without reference to the merger, and TCF senior management’s evaluation of TCF’s expected future financial performance on a stand-alone basis, without reference to the merger, and Chemical senior management’s and TCF senior management’s respective evaluation of, among other things, estimated costs savings, expenses, capital transactions and purchase accounting adjustments expected to result or be derived from the merger with respect to the combined company or to be completed prior to or in connection with the closing of the merger. These and the other estimates and assumptions underlying the financial forecasts involve judgments with respect to, among other things, economic, competitive, regulatory and financial market conditions and future business decisions that may not be realized and that are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies, including, among other things, the inherent uncertainty of the business and economic conditions affecting the industries in which Chemical and TCF operate and the risks and uncertainties described under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 31, “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” beginning on page 29 and in the reports that Chemical and TCF respectively file with the SEC from time to time, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are outside the control of Chemical and TCF and will be beyond the control of the combined company following completion of the merger. There can be no assurance that the underlying assumptions would prove to be accurate or that the projected results would be realized, and actual results could differ materially from those reflected in the financial forecasts, whether or not the merger is completed. Further, these assumptions do not include all potential actions that the senior management of Chemical or TCF could or might have taken during these time periods. The inclusion in this joint proxy statement/prospectus of the unaudited prospective financial information below should not be regarded as an indication that Chemical, TCF or their respective boards of directors or financial advisors, considered, or now consider, these projections and forecasts to be material information to any Chemical shareholder or TCF shareholder, as the case may be, particularly in light of the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with those projections and forecasts. The financial forecasts are not fact and should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of actual future results, and this information should not be relied on as such. The financial forecasts also reflect numerous variables, expectations and assumptions available at the

time they were prepared as to certain business decisions that are subject to change and do not take into account any circumstances or events occurring after the date they were prepared. No assurances can be given that if these financial forecasts and the underlying assumptions had been prepared as of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, similar assumptions would be used. In addition, the financial forecasts may not reflect the manner in which the combined company would operate after the merger.

KPMG LLP (Chemical’s and TCF’s independent registered public accounting firm) has not examined, compiled or otherwise performed any procedures with respect to the prospective financial information contained in these financial forecasts and, accordingly, KPMG LLP has not expressed any opinion or given any other form of assurance with respect thereto and they assume no responsibility for the prospective financial information. The reports of the independent registered public accounting firm incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus relate to the historical financial information of Chemical and TCF, respectively. Such reports do not extend to the financial forecasts and should not be read to do so. No independent registered public accounting firm has examined, compiled or otherwise performed any procedures with respect to the prospective financial information contained in these financial forecasts and, accordingly, no independent registered public accounting firm has expressed any opinion or given any other form of assurance with respect thereto and no independent registered public accounting firm assumes any responsibility for the prospective financial information.

In light of the foregoing, and taking into account that the Chemical special meeting and the TCF special meeting will be held several months after the financial forecasts were prepared, as well as the uncertainties inherent in any forecasted information, Chemical shareholders and TCF shareholders are strongly cautioned not to place unwarranted reliance on such information, and Chemical and TCF urge all Chemical shareholders and TCF shareholders to review Chemical’s and TCF’s respective most recent SEC filings for descriptions of Chemical’s and TCF’s respective reported financial results. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in the forepart of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

TCF Financial Forecasts

For purposes of the financial analyses performed in connection with J.P. Morgan’s and KBW’s respective opinions, TCF senior management provided J.P. Morgan and KBW with TCF management’s estimates of certain income metrics for TCF in 2019, which included EPS for TCF in 2019 of $2.10 per share, as well as estimated long-term earnings and balance sheet growth rates and certain other assumptions to be used to extrapolate TCF’s financial results thereafter. TCF senior management also provided J.P. Morgan with TCF management’s estimate of TCF net income available to common shareholders for 2019 of $327 million.

The following table presents the consensus Wall Street research estimates for TCF’s 2019 and 2020 net income available to TCF common shareholders and EPS, which we refer to collectively as the TCF street estimates, that were used by KBW in connection with the financial analyses performed in connection with KBW’s opinion:

   2019E   2020E 

Net Income Available to Common Shareholders (in millions)

  $311   $314 

Earnings Per Share

  $1.92   $2.00 

For purposes of extrapolating TCF financial results, TCF senior management provided J.P. Morgan and KBW with, among other things, estimated long-term annual growth rates of 3% for TCF’s net income and 2% for TCF’s balance sheet, an estimatedpre-tax cost of cash of 2.50% and an estimated marginal tax rate of 21.0%.

Chemical Financial Forecasts

For purposes of the financial analyses performed in connection with KBW’s and J.P. Morgan’s respective opinions, Chemical senior management provided KBW and J.P. Morgan with Chemical management’s

estimated net income and EPS for Chemical in 2019, estimated long-term earnings and balance sheet growth rates and certain other assumptions to be used to extrapolate Chemical’s financial results and dividends thereafter. Chemical senior management’s estimates of Chemical net income and EPS for 2019 were $299.3 million and $4.14 per share, respectively.

The following table presents the consensus Wall Street research estimates for Chemical’s 2019 and 2020 net income and EPS, which we refer to collectively as the Chemical street estimates, that were used by KBW in connection with the financial analyses performed in connection with KBW’s opinion:

   2019E   2020E 

Net Income (in millions)

  $297.4   $314.5 

Earnings Per Share

  $4.12   $4.38 

For purposes of extrapolating Chemical financial results, Chemical senior management provided KBW and J.P. Morgan with, among other things, an estimated long-term annual growth rate of 3% for Chemical’s net income and balance sheet, an estimatedpre-tax cost of cash of 2.50% and an estimated marginal tax rate of 21.0%.

Pro Forma Assumptions – Estimated Costs Savings and Expenses Resulting or Derived from the Merger and Purchase Accounting Adjustments

For purposes of Pro Forma Impact Analysis and Illustrative Pro Forma Combined Discounted Cash Flow Analysis performed by KBW, and for purposes of Value Creation analysis performed by J.P. Morgan, senior management of each of Chemical and TCF provided to KBW and J.P. Morgan, respectively, certain assumptions that had been jointly developed by Chemical and TCF, with respect to estimated cost savings and expenses expected to result or be derived from the proposed merger, including among other things: (i) an estimate of $180 million of annualpre-tax cost savings (synergies) expected to result or be derived from the merger, with $75 million of such annual cost savings to be phased in during the first 12 months after the closing of the merger and the full amount of such annual cost savings to be realized annually thereafter, and (ii) an estimate of $325 million ofpre-tax merger, integration and restructuring costs expected to result from the merger.

For purposes of Pro Forma Impact Analysis and Illustrative Pro Forma Combined Discounted Cash Flow Analysis performed by KBW, senior management of Chemical provided to KBW certain purchase accounting assumptions with respect to the proposed merger that had been jointly developed by Chemical and TCF, including a gross credit mark on loans of approximately $189 million in excess of the reserve, with approximately $25 million of Chemicalnon-accretable credit discount to be reversed at closing of the merger and netted against the gross credit mark; rate, spread and other fair value market value marks representing an aggregate discount of approximately $200 million, to be accreted based on estimated remaining life of individual assets and liabilities; and a core deposit intangible of approximately $168 million, to be amortized over ten years utilizing thesum-of-the-digits methodology.

General

The financial forecasts were prepared separately using, in some cases, different assumptions, and are not intended to be added together. Adding the financial forecasts together for the two companies is not intended to represent the results the combined company will achieve if the merger is completed and is not intended to represent forecasted financial information for the combined company if the merger is completed.

By including in this joint proxy statement/prospectus a summary of the financial forecasts, neither Chemical nor TCF nor any of their respective representatives has made or makes any representation to any person regarding the ultimate performance of Chemical or TCF compared to the information contained in the financial forecasts. Neither Chemical, TCF nor, after completion of the merger, the combined company

undertakes any obligation to update or otherwise revise the financial forecasts or financial information to reflect circumstances existing since their preparation or to reflect the occurrence of subsequent or unanticipated events, even in the event that any or all of the underlying assumptions are shown to be in error, or to reflect changes in general economic or industry conditions.

The financial forecasts summarized in this section are not being included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus in order to induce any TCF shareholder to vote in favor of the TCF merger proposal or any of the other proposals to be voted on at the TCF special meeting or to induce any Chemical shareholder to vote in favor of the Chemical merger proposal or any of the other proposals to be voted on at the Chemical special meeting.

Opinion of Chemical’s Financial Advisor

Chemical engaged Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., which we refer to as KBW, to render financial advisory and investment banking services to Chemical, including an opinion to the Chemical board of directors as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to Chemical of the exchange ratio in the proposed merger. Chemical selected KBW because KBW is a nationally recognized investment banking firm with substantial experience in transactions similar to the merger. As part of its investment banking business, KBW is continually engaged in the valuation of financial services businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions.

As part of its engagement, representatives of KBW attended the meeting of the Chemical board of directors held on January 27, 2019 at which the Chemical board of directors evaluated the proposed merger. At this meeting, KBW reviewed the financial aspects of the proposed merger and rendered an opinion, initially rendered verbally and confirmed by written opinion, dated January 27, 2019, to the Chemical board of directors, to the effect that, as of such date and subject to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by KBW as set forth in such opinion, the exchange ratio in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to Chemical. The Chemical board of directors adopted the merger agreement at this meeting.

The description of the opinion set forth herein is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion, which is attached as Annex B to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference, and describes the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by KBW in preparing the opinion.

KBW’s opinion speaks only as of the date of the opinion. The KBW opinion was provided for the information of, and was directed to, the Chemical board of directors (in its capacity as such) in connection with, and for purposes of, its consideration of the financial terms of the merger. The opinion addressed only the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the exchange ratio in the merger to Chemical. It did not address the underlying business decision of Chemical to engage in the merger or enter into the merger agreement or constitute a recommendation to the Chemical board of directors in connection with the merger, and it does not constitute a recommendation to any holder of Chemical common stock or any shareholder of any other entity as to how to vote in connection with the merger or any other matter.

KBW’s opinion was reviewed and approved by KBW’s Fairness Opinion Committee in conformity with its policies and procedures established under the requirements of Rule 5150 of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

In connection with the opinion, KBW reviewed, analyzed and relied upon material bearing upon the financial and operating condition of Chemical and TCF and bearing upon the merger, including, among other things:

a draft of the merger agreement, dated January 26, 2019 (the most recent draft then made available to KBW);

the audited financial statements and the Annual Reports on Form10-K for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 of Chemical;

the unaudited quarterly financial statements and Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018 of Chemical;

certain draft and unaudited quarterly and fiscalyear-end financial results for the period ended December 31, 2018 of Chemical (provided by Chemical);

the audited financial statements and the Annual Reports on Form10-K for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 of TCF;

the unaudited quarterly financial statements and Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018 of TCF;

certain draft and unaudited quarterly and fiscalyear-end financial results for the period ended December 31, 2018 of TCF (provided by TCF);

certain regulatory filings of Chemical and TCF and their respective subsidiaries, including, as applicable, the quarterly reports on FormFRY-9C and quarterly call reports that were filed with respect to each quarter during the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 as well as the quarters ended March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018;

certain other interim reports and other communications of Chemical and TCF to their respective shareholders; and

other financial information concerning the respective businesses and operations of Chemical and TCF that was furnished to KBW by Chemical and TCF or that KBW was otherwise directed to use for purposes of its analysis.

KBW’s consideration of financial information and other factors that it deemed appropriate under the circumstances or relevant to its analyses included, among others, the following:

the historical and current financial position and results of operations of Chemical and TCF;

the assets and liabilities of Chemical and TCF;

the nature and terms of certain other merger transactions and business combinations in the banking industry;

a comparison of certain financial and stock market information of Chemical and TCF with similar information for certain other companies, the securities of which were publicly traded;

publicly-available consensus “street estimates” of TCF, as well as assumed TCF long-term growth rates that were provided to KBW by TCF management, all of which information was discussed with KBW by Chemical management and TCF management and used and relied upon by KBW based on such discussions, at the direction of Chemical management and with the consent of the Chemical board of directors;

financial and operating forecasts and projections of Chemical that were prepared by Chemical management, provided to and discussed with KBW by Chemical management, and used and relied upon by KBW at the direction of Chemical management and with the consent of the Chemical board of directors; and

estimates regarding certain pro forma financial effects of the merger on Chemical (including, without limitation, the potential cost savings and related expenses expected to result or be derived from the merger) that were prepared by Chemical management, provided to and discussed with KBW by Chemical management, and used and relied upon by KBW at the direction of Chemical management and with the consent of the Chemical board of directors.

At the request of the Chemical board of directors, KBW also reviewed, and used for certain of its analyses, financial and operating forecasts and projections of TCF with respect to 2019 that were prepared by TCF management and provided to and discussed with KBW by TCF management and publicly-available consensus “street estimates” of Chemical. KBW also performed such other studies and analyses as it considered appropriate and took into account its assessment of general economic, market and financial conditions and its experience in other transactions, as well as its experience in securities valuation and knowledge of the banking industry generally. KBW also participated in discussions that were held by the managements of Chemical and TCF regarding the past and current business operations, regulatory relations, financial condition and future prospects of their respective companies and such other matters as KBW deemed relevant to its inquiry.

In conducting its review and arriving at its opinion, KBW relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information that was provided to it or that was publicly available and KBW did not independently verify the accuracy or completeness of any such information or assume any responsibility or liability for such verification, accuracy or completeness. KBW relied upon Chemical management as to the reasonableness and achievability of the publicly available consensus “street estimates” of Chemical, the assumed TCF long-term growth rates, the financial and operating forecasts and projections of Chemical, and the estimates regarding certain pro forma financial effects of the merger on Chemical (including, without limitation, the potential cost savings and related expenses expected to result or be derived from the merger), all as referred to above (and the assumptions and bases therefor). KBW assumed that all of the foregoing information was reasonably prepared and represented (or in the case of the publicly available consensus “street estimates” of TCF that such estimates were consistent with) the best currently available estimates and judgments of Chemical management and that the forecasts, projections and estimates reflected in all such information would be realized in the amounts and in the time periods estimated. In addition, in the case of financial and operating forecasts and projections of TCF with respect to 2019 provided by TCF management and used by KBW for certain of its analyses, KBW assumed that such forecasts and projections of TCF were reasonably prepared and represented the best currently available estimates and judgments of TCF management.

It is understood that the portion of the foregoing financial information of Chemical and TCF that was provided to and discussed with KBW was not prepared with the expectation of public disclosure and that all of the foregoing financial information (including the publicly available consensus “street estimates” of TCF and Chemical referred to above) was based on numerous variables and assumptions that are inherently uncertain (including, without limitation, factors related to general economic and competitive conditions) and, accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from those set forth in such information. KBW assumed, based on discussions with the respective managements of Chemical and TCF and with the consent of the Chemical board of directors, that all such information provided a reasonable basis upon which KBW could form its opinion and KBW expressed no view as to any such information or the assumptions or bases therefor. KBW relied on all such information without independent verification or analysis and did not in any respect assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness thereof.

KBW also assumed that there were no material changes in the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects of either Chemical or TCF since the date of the last financial statements of each such entity that were made available to KBW and that KBW was directed to use. KBW is not an expert in the independent verification of the adequacy of allowances for loan and lease losses and KBW assumed, without independent verification and with Chemical’s consent, that the aggregate allowances for loan and lease losses for each of Chemical and TCF are adequate to cover such losses. In rendering its opinion, KBW did not make or obtain any evaluations or appraisals or physical inspection of the property, assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Chemical or TCF, the collateral securing any of such assets or liabilities, or the collectability of any such assets, nor did KBW examine any individual loan or credit files, nor did it evaluate the solvency, financial capability or fair value of Chemical or TCF under any state or federal laws, including those relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or other matters. Estimates of values of companies and assets do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which companies or assets may actually be sold. Because such estimates are inherently subject to uncertainty, KBW assumed no responsibility or liability for their accuracy.

KBW assumed, in all respects material to its analyses:

the merger would be completed substantially in accordance with the terms set forth in the merger agreement (the final terms of which KBW assumed would not differ in any respect material to its analyses from the draft version of the merger agreement reviewed by KBW and referred to above), with no adjustments to the exchange ratio and with no other consideration or payments in respect of TCF common stock;

that any related transactions (including the subsidiary bank merger and Chemical’s issuance of subordinated debt, which we refer to as the Chemical debt issuance) would be completed substantially in accordance with the terms set forth in the merger agreement or as otherwise described to KBW by representatives of Chemical; the representations and warranties of each party in the merger agreement and in all related documents and instruments referred to in the merger agreement were true and correct;

each party to the merger agreement or any of the related documents would perform all of the covenants and agreements required to be performed by such party under such documents;

there were no factors that would delay or subject to any adverse conditions, any necessary regulatory or governmental approval for the merger or any related transaction and that all conditions to the completion of the merger and any related transactions would be satisfied without any waivers or modifications to the merger agreement or any of the related documents; and

in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory, contractual, or other consents or approvals for the merger and any related transactions, no restrictions, including any divestiture requirements, termination or other payments or amendments or modifications, would be imposed that would have a material adverse effect on the future results of operations or financial condition of Chemical, TCF or the pro forma entity, or the contemplated benefits of the merger, including without limitation the cost savings and related expenses expected to result or be derived from the merger.

KBW assumed that the merger would be consummated in a manner that complied with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and all other applicable federal and state statutes, rules and regulations. KBW was further advised by representatives of Chemical that Chemical relied upon advice from its advisors (other than KBW) or other appropriate sources as to all legal, financial reporting, tax, accounting and regulatory matters with respect to Chemical, TCF, the merger and any related transaction (including the subsidiary bank merger and the Chemical debt issuance), and the merger agreement. KBW did not provide advice with respect to any such matters. At Chemical’s direction, KBW gave effect to the occurrence of the Chemical debt issuance for purposes of certain of KBW’s analyses.

KBW’s opinion addressed only the fairness, from a financial point of view, as of the date of such opinion, of the exchange ratio in the merger to Chemical. KBW expressed no view or opinion as to any other terms or aspects of the merger or any term or aspect of any related transaction (including the subsidiary bank merger and the Chemical debt issuance), including without limitation, the form or structure of the merger or any such related transaction, the treatment of outstanding TCF preferred stock and other TCF securities in the merger, any consequences of the merger to Chemical, its shareholders, creditors or otherwise, or any terms, aspects, merits or implications of any employment, retention, consulting, termination, voting, support, shareholder or other agreements, arrangements or understandings contemplated or entered into in connection with the merger, any such related transaction, or otherwise. KBW’s opinion was necessarily based upon conditions as they existed and could be evaluated on the date of such opinion and the information made available to KBW through such date. Developments subsequent to the date of KBW’s opinion may have affected, and may affect, the conclusion reached in KBW’s opinion and KBW did not and does not have an obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion. KBW’s opinion did not address, and KBW expressed no view or opinion with respect to:

the underlying business decision of Chemical to engage in the merger or enter into the merger agreement;

the relative merits of the merger as compared to any strategic alternatives that are, have been or may be available to or contemplated by Chemical or the Chemical board of directors;

any business, operational or other plans with respect to TCF or the pro forma entity that might be then contemplated by Chemical or the Chemical board of directors or that might be implemented subsequent to the closing of the merger;

the fairness of the amount or nature of any compensation to any of Chemical’s officers, directors or employees, or any class of such persons, relative to any compensation to the holders of Chemical common stock or relative to the exchange ratio;

the effect of the merger or any related transaction (including the subsidiary bank merger and the Chemical debt issuance) on, or the fairness of the consideration to be received by, holders of any class of securities of Chemical, TCF or any other party to any transaction contemplated by the merger agreement;

the actual value of Chemical common stock to be issued in connection with the merger;

the prices, trading range or volume at which Chemical common stock or TCF common stock would trade following the public announcement of the merger or the prices, trading range or volume at which Chemical common stock would trade following the consummation of the merger;

any advice or opinions provided by any other advisor to any of the parties to the merger or any other transaction contemplated by the merger agreement; or

any legal, regulatory, accounting, tax or similar matters relating to Chemical, TCF, any of their respective shareholders, or relating to or arising out of or as a consequence of the merger or any other related transaction (including the subsidiary bank merger and the Chemical debt issuance), including whether or not the merger would qualify as atax-free reorganization for United States federal income tax purposes.

In performing its analyses, KBW made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, which are beyond the control of KBW, Chemical and TCF. Any estimates contained in the analyses performed by KBW are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by these analyses. Additionally, estimates of the value of businesses or securities do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which such businesses or securities might actually be sold. Accordingly, these analyses and estimates are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty. In addition, KBW’s opinion was among several factors taken into consideration by the Chemical board of directors in making its determination to adopt the merger agreement and approve the merger. Consequently, the analyses described below should not be viewed as determinative of the decision of the Chemical board with respect to the fairness of the exchange ratio. The type and amount of consideration payable in the merger were determined through negotiation between Chemical and TCF and the decision of Chemical to adopt the merger agreement was solely that of the Chemical board of directors.

The following is a summary of the material financial analyses presented by KBW to the Chemical board of directors in connection with its opinion. The summary is not a complete description of the financial analyses underlying the opinion or the presentation made by KBW to the Chemical board of directors, but summarizes the material analyses performed and presented in connection with such opinion. The financial analyses summarized below include information presented in tabular format. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the financial analyses. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex analytic process involving various determinations as to appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances. Therefore, a fairness opinion is not readily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. In arriving at its opinion, KBW did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or factor that it considered, but rather made qualitative judgments as to the

significance and relevance of each analysis and factor. Accordingly, KBW believes that its analyses and the summary of its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and factors or focusing on the information presented below in tabular format, without considering all analyses and factors or the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the process underlying its analyses and opinion.

Implied Transaction Statistics for the Proposed Merger

InFor purposes of the financial analyses described below, performed for purposes of its opinion, KBW utilized an implied transaction value for the proposed merger of $16.11$21.58 per outstanding share of Talmer Class ATCF common stock, consisting ofor $3.5 billion in the sum of (i)aggregate, based on the implied value of0.5081x exchange ratio in the stock consideration based onproposed merger and the closing price of Chemical common stock on January 22, 2016, and (ii) the cash consideration. In addition to such financial analyses,25, 2019. KBW reviewed with the TalmerChemical board of directors, among other things, the following implied transaction statistics for the proposed merger, which (as indicated below) were based on either the implied transaction value for the proposed merger of $16.11 per

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share of Talmer Class A common stock or an implied “fully diluted” transaction value for the proposed merger (after giving effect to the treatment of Talmer stock options in the proposed merger) of approximately $1.131 billion in the aggregate and usedpreliminary historical financial information of Talmer as of orTCF for the latest 12 month (“LTM”) period ended December 31, 2015fiscal year 2018 provided by TCF management and either earnings per common share (“EPS”) consensus “street estimates” for TalmerTCF or internal EPS estimates for Talmer preparedTCF provided by TalmerTCF management:

 

Price / Tangible Book Value per Share

  
Consensus “Street
Estimates”
1.61x Internal Talmer
Management
Estimates

Price / 2018 Earnings per Share

12.4x

Price / 2018 Core Earnings per Share

11.4x
 Based on
“Street”
Estimates
Based on
Internal
Estimates(1)

Price / 2019 Earnings per Share

11.2x    10.3x
Implied Transaction Value Per Share / LTM Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)19.9 x19.9 x
     Implied “Fully Diluted” Transaction Value / LTM Earnings20.0 x20.0 x
Implied Transaction Value Per Share / 2016 Estimated EPS13.1 x13.1 x
     Implied “Fully Diluted” Transaction Value / 2016 Estimated Earnings13.1 x13.2 x
Implied Transaction Value Per Share / 2017 Estimated EPS11.8 x11.3 x
     Implied “Fully Diluted” Transaction Value / 2017 Estimated Earnings11.9 x11.3 x
Implied Transaction Value Per Share / Tangible Book Value Per Share1.50 x1.50 x
     Implied “Fully Diluted” Transaction Value / Tangible Book Value1.60 x1.60 x

KBW also reviewed with the Talmer board of directors, among other things, the implied value of the stock consideration provided for in the proposed merger based on the average price of Chemical common stock for various periods ended January 22, 2016, as compared to the implied value of the stock consideration of $14.50 based on the closing price of Chemical common stock on January 22, 2016:

Based on:Implied Value of Stock
Consideration
(0.4725x)
 
Current Chemical Stock

Price / 2020 Earnings per Share

10.8x    9.7x $14.50
30-Day VWAP (1)$15.65
90-Day VWAP (1)$15.96
LTM Average$15.28
Average since 2/11/2014 (2)$14.51

 

(1)VWAP refers to Volume Weighted Average Price.
(2)February 11, 2014 was Talmer’s initial public offering date.

Reviewed with the Chemical board of directors at the request of Chemical.

Chemical and TCF Selected Companies AnalysesAnalysis

Using publicly available information, KBW compared the financial performance, financial condition and market performance of Chemical and TalmerTCF to 19 selected depositories headquartered in the Midwest region (defined as Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota23 major exchange-traded U.S. banks and Wisconsin) that were traded on NASDAQ or the New York Stock Exchangethrifts with total assets between $3$15.0 billion and $15$30.0 billion. Merger targets were excluded from the selected companies.

The selected companies were as follows:

 

1st Source

BancorpSouth Bank

Bank of Hawaii Corporation

Great Western

Bank OZK

Cathay General Bancorp

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

First Hawaiian, Inc.

Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.

Capitol Federal

Fulton Financial Inc.

Heartland Financial USA, Inc.
Community TrustCorporation

Hancock Whitney Corporation

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

Lakeland Financial Corporation
Enterprise Financial Services CorpMainSource Financial Group,

Investors Bancorp, Inc.

First Busey CorporationMB Financial, Inc.
First Financial Bancorp.

Old National Bancorp

First Merchants Corporation

Park

PacWest Bancorp

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.

Simmons First National Corporation

First Midwest Bancorp,

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.

Peoples Bancorp

UMB Financial Corporation

Umpqua Holdings Corporation

United Bankshares, Inc.

Flagstar Bancorp,

Washington Federal, Inc.

Republic Bancorp, Inc.
Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.

Webster Financial Corporation

Western Alliance Bancorporation

74

To perform this analysis, KBW used the profitability data and other financial information for the latest 12 months (“LTM”) available or as of or for the period ended September 30, 2015,end of the most recent quarter available and market price information as

of January 22, 2016.25, 2019. KBW also used 20162019 and 2017 earnings per share (“EPS”)2020 EPS estimates taken from publicly available consensus “street estimates” (per FactSet Research Systems) for Chemical, TalmerTCF and the selected companies. Certain financial data prepared by KBW, as referenced in the tables presented below, may not correspond to the data presented in Chemical and Talmer’sChemical’s or TCF’s historical financial statements, or the data prepared by Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.J.P. Morgan presented under the section “The Merger —“— Opinion of Chemical’sTCF’s Financial Advisor, in Connection with the Merger,” as a result of the different periods, assumptions and methods used by KBW to compute the financial data presented.

KBW’s analysis showed the following concerning the financial performance of Chemical, TalmerTCF and to the extent publicly available, the selected companies:

 

     Selected Companies
 
Chemical
 
Talmer
 Bottom
Quartile
 
Average
 
Median
 Top
Quartile
            
LTM Core Return on Average Assets (1)1.07% 1.03% 0.96% 1.05% 1.09% 1.16%
LTM Core Return on Average Equity (1)9.75% 8.50% 7.95% 8.95% 9.34% 9.93%
LTM Core Return on Average Tangible
  Common Equity (1)

13.35%
 
8.69%
 
11.44%
 
11.58%
 
12.04%
 
13.05%
LTM Net Interest Margin3.58% 3.74%(3)3.35% 3.56% 3.72% 3.86%
LTM Fee Income / Revenue Ratio (2)23.2% 25.5% 23.1% 27.4% 28.2% 33.0%
LTM Efficiency Ratio60.6% 69.5% 65.8% 61.5% 63.4% 59.0%
           Selected Companies 
   Chemical   TCF   25th
Percentile
   Median   Average   75th
Percentile
 

LTM Core Return on Average Assets (%)(1)

   1.48    1.49    1.28    1.34    1.42    1.52 

LTM Core Return on Average Equity (%)(1)

   10.88    13.57    9.80    10.58    11.48    12.96 

LTM Core Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (%)(1)

   18.92    14.74    14.67    17.06    16.75    18.86 

LTM Net Interest Margin (%)

   3.48    4.63    3.23    3.54    3.63    3.77 

LTM Fee Income / Revenue Ratio (%)(2)

   19.0    32.0    10.7    21.5    20.5    25.6 

LTM Efficiency Ratio (%)

   51.6    67.3    58.3    53.1    53.5    46.7 

___________________

(1)

Core income excludesexcluded extraordinary items, non-recurring items, gains/losses(losses) on sale of securities, nonrecurring revenue/expenses, and amortization of intangibles. Inintangibles as calculated by S&P Global Market Intelligence; where applicable, adjusted for deferred tax asset revaluation due to the caseTax Cuts and Jobs Act in the fourth quarter of Great Southern Bancorp, Inc., non-recurring items for Q4 2014 were not publicly available.2017.

(2)Excludes

Excluded gains/losses(losses) on sale of securities.

(3)Excluding the impact of excess accretable yield, Talmer had a Q3 2015 core net interest margin of 3.46%, per Talmer earnings release for Q3 2015.

KBW’s analysis also showed the following concerning the financial condition of Chemical, TalmerTCF and the selected companies:

 

     Selected Companies
 
Chemical
 
Talmer
 Bottom
Quartile
 
Average
 
Median
 Top
Quartile
            
Tangible Common Equity / Tangible Assets7.64% 10.76% 8.47% 9.53% 8.96% 10.15%
Total Risk-Based Capital / Risk-Weighted Assets11.59% 13.20% 13.31% 15.99% 14.75% 16.32%
Loans / Deposits94.8% 91.7% 82.9% 93.5% 89.8% 96.9%
Loan Loss Reserve / Gross Loans1.05% 1.16% 1.01% 1.24% 1.17% 1.48%
Nonperforming Assets / Loans + OREO (1)1.88% 2.02% 2.15% 1.50% 1.22% 0.90%
LTM Net Charge-Offs / Average Loans0.12% 0.05% 0.18% 0.16% 0.10% 0.03%

___________________

(1)Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans, loans 90+ days past due and other real estate owned.

           Selected Companies 
   Chemical   TCF   25th
Percentile
   Median   Average   75th
Percentile
 

Tangible Common Equity / Tangible Assets (%)

   8.23    9.32    8.32    9.12    9.32    10.06 

Total Capital Ratio (%)

   11.50    13.38    12.73    13.40    13.68    14.46 

Loans / Deposits (%)

   97.9    100.9    80.5    93.9    89.7    97.7 

Loan Loss Reserve / Gross Loans (%)

   0.72    0.83    0.72    0.86    0.85    1.03 

Non-performing assets / Loans + OREO (%)

   0.90    1.19    1.20    0.62    0.83    0.49 

LTM Net Charge-offs / Average Loans (%)

   0.09    0.29    0.26    0.16    0.16    0.06 

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In addition, KBW’s analysis showed the following concerning the market performance of Chemical, TalmerTCF and to the extent publicly available, the selected companies:

 

     Selected Companies
 
Chemical
 
Talmer
 Bottom
Quartile
 
Average
 
Median
 Top
Quartile
            
Price / 60-Day VWAP (1)88.8%  95.0%  86.4%  89.4%  89.4%  92.1% 
One – Year Stock Price Change3.7%  22.3%  (5.0%) (0.3%) (1.4%) 1.9% 
1-Year Total Return7.1%  22.6%  (2.4%) 2.4%  1.4%  5.5% 
YTD Stock Price Change(10.4%) (8.8%) (13.4%) (10.5%) (10.7%) (8.6%)
Stock Price / Book Value per Share1.17x  1.53x  1.00x  1.19x  1.14x  1.34x 
Stock Price / Tangible Book Value per Share1.71x  1.57x  1.30x  1.47x  1.52x  1.65x 
Stock Price / LTM EPS14.1x  21.2x  12.6x  14.4x  13.4x  15.5x 
Stock Price / 2016 EPS11.4x  13.4x  11.2x  12.6x  12.4x  13.6x 
Stock Price / 2017 EPS10.8x  12.1x  10.1x  11.4x  10.9x  12.1x 
Dividend Yield (2)3.4%  0.2%  2.2%  2.7%  2.6%  3.5% 
LTM Dividend Payout45.0%  5.1%  23.4%  42.1%  33.8%  49.2% 
         Selected Companies 
   Chemical  TCF  25th
Percentile
  Median  Average  75th
Percentile
 

1 – Year Stock Price Change (%)

   (27.9  (2.0  (20.4  (15.9  (16.1  (10.3

YTD Stock Price Change (%)

   16.0   10.7   10.7   13.6   14.2   16.7 

1-Year Total Return (%)

   (26.1  0.5   (19.1  (14.1  (14.1  (7.6

Stock Price / Tangible Book Value per Share (x)

   1.81   1.61   1.52   1.77   1.85   2.12 

Stock Price / LTM EPS (x)(1)

   10.8   12.4   10.9   12.0   12.6   14.3 

Stock Price / 2019 Consensus Est. EPS (x)(2)

   10.3   11.2   10.4   11.7   11.8   13.8 

Stock Price / 2020 Consensus Est. EPS (x)

   9.7   10.8   9.7   11.0   11.2   13.0 

Dividend Yield (%)

   3.2   2.8   2.0   2.7   2.6   3.5 

2019 Est. Dividend Payout (%)(2)

   33.0   31.2   25.1   31.9   31.6   41.9 

___________________

(1)VWAP refers

Where applicable, LTM EPS was adjusted for deferred tax asset revaluation due to Volume Weighted Average Price.the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the fourth quarter of 2017.

(2)Most recent completed quarter dividend annualized as a percentage of stock price.

Chemical’s price to 2019 estimated EPS multiple would be 10.3x based on the internal estimate for Chemical provided by Chemical management, and TCF’s price to 2019 estimated EPS multiple would be 10.3x based on the internal estimate for TCF provided by TCF management.

KBW also reviewed with the Talmer board of directors the corresponding trading multiple for Talmer of 11.6x based on the closing share price of Talmer Class A common stock on January 22, 2016 and the internal 2017 EPS estimate for Talmer prepared by Talmer management and provided to KBW.

No company used as a comparison in the above selected companies analysesanalysis is identical to TalmerChemical or Chemical.TCF. Accordingly, an analysis of these results is not mathematical. Rather, it involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies involved.

Select Transactions Analysis

KBW reviewed publicly available information related to 14 selected bank and thrift “merger of equals” transactions in the U.S. announced since January 1, 2010 with transaction values greater than $100 million and in which the former shareholders of the accounting target were expected to own more than 40% of the pro forma company. The selected transactions were as follows:

Accounting Buyer:Accounting Target:
BBCN Bancorp, Inc.Wilshire Bancorp, Inc.
Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.Baylake Corp.
Yadkin Financial CorporationVantageSouth Bancshares, Inc.
Center Bancorp, Inc.ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.
Rockville Financial, Inc.United Financial Bancorp, Inc.
Heritage Financial CorporationWashington Banking Company
Umpqua Holdings CorporationSterling Financial Corporation
Mercantile Bank CorporationFirstbank Corporation
PacWest BancorpCapitalSource Inc.
Peoples Financial Services Corp.Penseco Financial Services Corporation
Union First Market Bankshares CorporationStellarOne Corporation
Provident New York BancorpSterling Bancorp
Hancock Holding CompanyWhitney Holding Corporation
Nara Bancorp, Inc.Center Financial Corporation

For each selected transaction, KBW derived the following implied transaction statistics, in each case based on the transaction consideration value paid for the accounting target and using financial data based on the

76

accounting target’s then latest publicly available financial statements and forward year EPS consensus “street estimates” prior to announcement of the respective transaction:

  • price per common share to tangible book value per share of the accounting target;

  • price per common share to LTM EPS of the accounting target;

  • price to next year estimated EPS of the accounting target; and

  • tangible equity premium to core deposits of the accounting target (total deposits less time deposits greater than $100,000), referred to as core deposit premium.

KBW also reviewed the price per common share paid for the accounting target for each selected transaction as a premium to the closing price of the accounting target one day prior to the announcement of the transaction (expressed as a percentage and referred to as the one-day market premium). The above transaction statistics for the selected transactions were compared with the corresponding transaction statistics for the proposed merger based on the implied transaction value for the proposed merger of $16.11 per share of Talmer Class A common stock and using historical financial information for Talmer as of, or for the latest 12 months ended, December 31, 2015, 2016 EPS consensus “street estimates” for Talmer and the closing share price of Talmer Class A common stock on January 22, 2016.

The results of the analysis are set forth in the following table (excluding the impact of LTM and next year estimated EPS multiples for selected transaction, which multiples were considered not to be meaningful because they were negative):

   Selected Transactions
 Chemical /
Talmer
 Bottom
Quartile
 
Average
 
Median
 Top
Quartile
          
Transaction Price / Tangible Book Value1.50x  1.45x 1.59x 1.54x 1.68x
Transaction Price / LTM EPS19.9x  15.1x 21.7x 16.6x 20.4x
Transaction Price / Next Year EPS Est.13.1x  13.9x 15.6x 16.1x 17.2x
Core Deposit Premium10.8%  6.4% 11.1% 7.4% 12.7%
One-Day Market Premium(2.5%) 11.6% 16.6% 14.7% 19.6%

No company or transaction used as a comparison in the above selected transaction analysis is identical to Talmer or the proposed merger. Accordingly, an analysis of these results is not mathematical. Rather, it involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies involved.

Relative Contribution Analysis

KBW analyzed the relative standalone contribution of Chemical and TalmerTCF to various pro forma balance sheet and income statement items and the pro forma market capitalization of the combined entity. This analysis excludeddid not include purchase accounting adjustments.adjustments or synergies. To perform this analysis, KBW used (i) preliminary historical balance sheet and LTM net income data for Chemical and TalmerTCF as of December 31, 2015,2018 provided by Chemical and TCF management, respectively, (ii) net incomepublicly available consensus “street estimates” forof TCF, (iii) Chemical and net income estimates for Talmerfinancial forecasts provided by TalmerChemical management and (iii)(iv) market price data as of January 22, 2016.25, 2019. The results of KBW’s analysis are set forth in the following table, which also compares the results of KBW’s analysis with the implied pro forma ownership percentages of Chemical’sChemical and Talmer’s respectiveTCF shareholders in the combined company based on the 90% stock / 10% cash implied merger consideration mix provided for0.5081x exchange ratio in the proposed mergermerger:

   Chemical
as a % of
Total
  TCF
as a % of
Total
 

Ownership

   

At 0.5081x Merger Exchange Ratio

   46.2  53.8

Balance Sheet

   

Assets

   47.6  52.4

Gross Loans Held for Inv.

   44.5  55.5

Deposits

   45.2  54.8

Tangible Common Equity

   43.3  56.7

Income Statement

   

2018 GAAP Net Income to Common

   49.5  50.5

2019 Est. GAAP Net Income to Common

   49.0  51.0

2020 Est. GAAP Net Income to Common

   49.6  50.4

At the request of Chemical, KBW also reviewed the relative standalone contribution of Chemical and alsoTCF to the 2019 and 2020 estimated net income of the combined entity based on a hypothetical exchange ratiofinancial forecasts and projections of 0.525x assuming 100% stock consideration in the proposed merger for illustrative purposes:Chemical and TCF provided by Chemical management and TCF management, respectively:

 

77

  Chemical
as a %
of Combined
 Talmer
as a %
of Combined
 
 Ownership    
 90% stock / 10% cash (1)55.0% 45.0% 
 100% stock (1)(2)52.4% 47.6% 
      
 Balance Sheet    
 Total Assets58.2% 41.8% 
 Net Loans60.0% 40.0% 
 Deposits59.8% 40.2% 
 Tangible Common Equity (3)50.3% 49.7% 
      
 Net Income to Common    
 2015 GAAP Net Income59.1% 40.9% 
 2016 Estimated GAAP Net Income54.6% 45.4% 
 2017 Estimated GAAP Net Income52.3% 47.7% 
      
 Market Capitalization    
 Pre – Deal Market Capitalization51.7% 48.3% 

(1)Based solely on Chemical and Talmer common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015 as provided by Chemical and Talmer. After giving effect to the treatment of Talmer stock options in the proposed merger, the implied pro forma ownership percentage of Talmer’s shareholders and option holders in the combined company on a fully diluted basis would be approximately 46.3% based on the 90% stock/10% cash implied merger consideration mix provided for in the proposed merger and approximately 48.8% based on a hypothetical exchange ratio of 0.525x assuming 100% stock consideration in the proposed merger.
(2)For illustrative purposes only.
(3)Includes adjustment for Chemical’s deferred tax credit.

   Chemical
as a % of
Total
  TCF
as a % of
Total
 
   

2019 Est. Net Income

   47.6  52.4

2020 Est. Net Income

   47.6  52.4

Pro Forma Financial Impact Analysis

KBW performed a pro forma financial impact analysis that combined projected income statement and balance sheet information of Chemical and Talmer.TCF. Using closing balance sheet estimates as of June 30, 2016 for Chemicalpro forma assumptions (including, without limitation, the cost savings and Talmer perrelated expenses expected to result from the respective managements of Chemicalmerger, certain accounting adjustments and Talmer, the 2017 net income consensus “street estimate” for Chemical, anrestructuring charges assumed long-term earnings growth rate for Chemicalwith respect thereto) provided by Chemical management, a 2017 net income estimate and assumed long-term earnings growth rate for Talmer provided by Talmer management, and pro forma assumptions (including certain purchase accounting adjustments, cost savings and related expenses) provided by Talmer management (prepared in consultation with Chemical management), KBW analyzed the potentialestimated financial impact of the merger on certain projected financial resultsresults. Based on publicly available consensus “street estimates” of Chemical. ThisChemical and TCF and assumed long-term growth rates provided by Chemical management and TCF management, respectively, this analysis indicated that the merger could be accretive to Chemical’s 2017 and 20182020 estimated EPS by approximately 7.1% (and by approximately 17.2% assuming a fullphase-in of all annualpre-tax merger-related cost savings in 2020) and could be accretive to Chemical’s 2021 estimated EPS by approximately 18.4%. Additionally, based on financial forecasts and projections of Chemical and TCF provided by Chemical management and TCF management, respectively, this analysis also indicated that the merger could be accretive to Chemical’s 2020 estimated EPS by approximately 15.2% (and by approximately 24.8% assuming a fullphase-in of all annualpre-tax merger-related cost savings in 2020) and could be accretive to Chemical’s 2021 estimated EPS by approximately 26.8%. Furthermore, based on closing balance sheet estimates as of September 30, 2019 for Chemical and TCF, extrapolated from historical data using growth rates taken from publicly available consensus “street estimates” of Chemical and TCF, this analysis indicated that (a) the merger could be dilutive to Chemical’s estimated tangible book value per share at closing as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016. This analysis also indicated that, based on Chemical’s projected pro forma financial results attributable to a share of Talmer Class A common stock using a hypothetical exchange ratio of 0.525x (assuming 100% stock consideration in the proposed merger for illustrative purposes), the merger could be accretive relative to Talmer’s 20172019 by approximately 7.9% and 2018 estimated EPS and dilutive relative to Talmer’s estimated tangible book value per share as of June 30, 2016. Additionally, this analysis indicated that Chemical’s annualized fourth quarter 2015 quarterly dividend, when multiplied by the hypothetical exchange ratio of 0.525x, was higher than each of Talmer’s fourth quarter 2015 annualized quarterly dividend and Talmer’s estimated 2016 dividends provided by Talmer management. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that,(b) pro forma for the proposed merger, each of Chemical’s tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio, Leverage Ratio, Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio, Tier 1Risk-Based Capital Ratio and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio could be lower at closing as of JuneSeptember 30, 2016 could be lower.2019. For all of the above analysis, the actual results achieved by Chemicalthe combined company following the merger may vary from the projected results, and the variations may be material.

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TCF Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

KBW performed a discounted cash flow analysis to estimate a range for the implied equity value of Talmer.TCF. In this analysis, KBW used financial forecastspublicly available consensus “street estimates” of TCF and projections relating to the earnings, dividendsassumed TCF long-term growth rates provided by TCF management, and assets of Talmer prepared, and provided to KBW by Talmer management, and assumed discount rates ranging from 8.0%11.0% to 12.0%13.0%. This range of discount rates assumed in this analysis was selected taking into account capital asset pricing model implied cost of capital calculations and other factors based on KBW’s experience and judgment. The rangesrange of values werewas derived by adding (i) the present value of the estimated excess cash dividendsflows that TalmerTCF could generate over the4.25-year period from 2016the fourth quarter of 2019 through 2021 as a stand alone company,2023 and (ii) the present value of Talmer’sTCF’s implied terminal value at the end of such period. KBW assumed that TCF would maintain a tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio of 8.00% and TCF would retain sufficient earnings to maintain that level. Estimates of excess cash flows were calculated generally as any portion of estimated earnings in excess of the amount assumed to be retained by TCF to maintain the assumed tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio. In calculating the terminal value of Talmer,TCF, KBW applied a range of 11.0x10.0x to 15.0x TCF’s estimated 2022 earnings.2024 earnings, which range was selected by KBW based on factors which KBW considered appropriate based on its experience and judgment. This discounted cash flow analysis resulted in a range of implied values per share of Talmer Class ATCF common stock of approximately $13.22$20.37 per share to $21.10$28.19 per share.

The discounted cash flow analysis is a widely used valuation methodology, but the results of such methodology are highly dependent on the assumptions that must be made, including asset and earnings growth rates, terminal values, dividend payout rates and discount rates. The above analysis did not purport to be indicative of the actual values or expected values of TCF.

Chemical Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

KBW also performed a discounted cash flow analysis of the pro forma combined company to estimate a range for the implied equity value of the merger consideration per share of Talmer Class A common stock.Chemical. In this analysis, KBW used (i) financial and operating forecasts and projections relating to the earnings and assets of Chemical based on 2016 and 2017 EPS consensus “street estimates” for Chemical and dividend and long term net income and balance sheet growth rate assumptions for Chemical provided by Chemical management, (ii) financial forecasts and projections relating to the earnings, dividends and assets of Talmer provided by Talmer management, and (iii) pro forma assumptions (including purchase accounting adjustments, cost savings and related expenses) provided by Talmer management (prepared in consultation with Chemical management), and KBW assumed discount rates ranging from 8.0%11.0% to 12.0%13.0%. This range of discount rates assumed in this analysis was selected taking into account capital asset pricing model implied cost of capital calculations and other factors based on KBW’s experience and judgment. The rangesrange of values werewas derived by adding (i) the present value of the estimated excess cash dividendsflows that the pro forma combined companyChemical could generate over the4.25-year period from 2016 to 2021,the fourth quarter of 2019 through 2023 and (ii) the present value of the pro forma combined company’sChemical’s implied terminal value at the end of such period. KBW assumed that Chemical would maintain a tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio of 8.00% and Chemical would retain sufficient earnings to maintain that level. Estimates of excess cash flows were calculated generally as any portion of estimated earnings in excess of the amount assumed to be retained by Chemical to maintain the assumed tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio. In calculating the terminal value of the pro forma combined company,Chemical, KBW applied a range of 11.0x10.0x to 15.0x Chemical’s estimated 20222024 earnings, for the pro forma combined company.which range was selected by KBW based on factors which KBW considered appropriate based on its experience and judgment. This discounted cash flow analysis resulted in a range of implied values of the merger consideration per share of Talmer Class AChemical common stock of approximately $15.64$40.52 per share to $23.74$57.90 per share.

The discounted cash flow analysis is a widely used valuation methodology, but the results of such methodology are highly dependent on the assumptions that must be made, including asset and earnings growth rates, terminal values, dividend payout rates and discount rates. The foregoing discounted cash flow analysesabove analysis did not purport to be indicative of the actual values or expected values of Talmer orChemical.

Illustrative Pro Forma Combined Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

KBW performed a discounted cash flow analysis to estimate an illustrative range for the implied equity value of the pro forma combined company.entity, taking into account the cost savings and related expenses expected to result from the merger as well as certain accounting adjustments and restructuring charges assumed with respect thereto. In this analysis, KBW used publicly available consensus “street estimates” of net income to common for Chemical and TCF, assumed growth rates for Chemical and TCF provided by Chemical management and TCF management, respectively, and estimated cost savings and related expenses and accounting adjustments and restructuring charges provided by Chemical management, and KBW assumed discount rates ranging from 10.5% to 12.5%. This range of discount rates assumed in this analysis was selected taking into account capital asset pricing model implied cost of capital calculations and other factors based on KBW’s experience and judgment. The range of values was derived by adding (i) the present value of the estimated excess cash flows that the pro forma combined entity could generate over the4.25-year period from the fourth quarter of 2019 through 2023 and (ii) the present value of the pro forma combined entity’s implied terminal value at the end of such period, in each case applying estimated cost savings and related expenses and accounting adjustments and restructuring charges. KBW assumed that the pro forma combined entity would maintain a tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio of 8.00% and would retain sufficient earnings to maintain that level. Estimates of excess cash flows were calculated generally as any portion of estimated earnings in excess of the amount assumed to be retained by the pro forma combined entity to maintain the assumed tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio. In calculating the terminal value of the pro forma combined entity, KBW applied a range of 10.0x to 15.0x the pro forma combined entity’s estimated 2024 earnings, which range was selected by KBW based on factors which KBW considered appropriate based on its experience and judgment. This discounted cash flow analysis resulted in an illustrative range of implied values per share of the pro forma combined entity’s common stock of $46.09 per share to $66.28 per share.

The discounted cash flow analysis is a widely used valuation methodology, but the results of such methodology are highly dependent on the assumptions that must be made, including asset and earnings growth rates, terminal values, dividend payout rates and discount rates. The above analysis did not purport to be indicative of the actual values or expected values of the pro forma combined entity.

Miscellaneous

KBW acted as financial advisor to TalmerChemical in connection with the proposed merger and did not act as an advisor to or agent of any other person. As part of its investment banking business, KBW is continually engaged in the valuation of bank and bank holding company securities in connection with acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for various other purposes. As specialists in the securities of banking companies, KBW has experience in, and knowledge of, the valuation of banking enterprises. InKBW and its affiliates, in the ordinary course of their broker-dealer businessits and theirbroker-dealer businesses (and further to certain existing sales and trading relationships with Talmerbetween Chemical and Chemical,each of KBW and its affiliatesa KBW broker-dealer affiliate), may from time to time purchase securities from, and sell securities to, TalmerChemical and Chemical. As aTCF. In addition, as market makermakers in securities, KBW and its affiliates may from time to time have a long or short position in, and buy or sell, debt or equity securities of TalmerChemical or ChemicalTCF for its and their own accounts and for the accounts of its and their respective customers and clients.

Pursuant to the KBW engagement agreement, TalmerChemical has agreed to pay KBW a total cash fee equalcurrently estimated to 1.00% of the aggregate merger consideration, $200,000be approximately $26.4 million, $2.5 million of which became payable to KBW upon entering into the engagement letter, $2,000,000 of which became payable to KBW with the rendering of itsKBW’s opinion and the balance of which is contingent upon the closing of the merger. TalmerChemical also agreed to reimburse KBW for reasonableout-of-pocket expenses and disbursements incurred in connection with its retentionengagement and to indemnify KBW against certain liabilities relating to or arising out of KBW’s engagement or KBW’s role in connection therewith. In addition to thisOther than in connection with the present engagement, in the past two years bothpreceding the date of KBW’s opinion, KBW and a broker-dealer acquired by an affiliate of KBW in June 2015 provideddid not provide investment banking andor financial advisory services to Talmer and received compensation for such services. Both KBW and such broker-dealer served as underwriters in connection with the initial public offering of Talmer in February 2014. KBW also served as financial advisor to Talmer in connection with its acquisition of four banking subsidiaries of Capitol Bancorp Ltd. in January 2014 and as an underwriter in connection with a follow-on

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public offering of Talmer in August 2015. In connection with those public offerings and acquisition, KBW and such broker dealer received fees (including underwriting discounts) of approximately $8 million in the aggregate from Talmer.Chemical. In the past two years preceding the date of KBW’s opinion, KBW has provideddid not provide investment banking andor financial advisory services to Chemical and received compensation for such services. KBW served as financial advisor to Chemical in connection with its acquisitions of Northwestern Bancorp in October 2014, Monarch Community Bancorp, Inc. in April 2015 and Lake Michigan Financial Corporation in May 2015, and as an underwriter in connection with a follow-on public offering of Chemical in June 2014. In connection with those acquisitions and public offering, KBW received fees (including underwriting discounts) of approximately $4.8 million in the aggregate from Chemical.TCF. KBW may in the future provide investment banking and financial advisory services to TalmerChemical or ChemicalTCF and receive compensation for such services.

Opinion of TCF’s Financial Advisor

Certain Talmer Unaudited Prospective Financial Information

Talmer does notPursuant to an engagement letter dated January 27, 2019, TCF retained J.P. Morgan as a matterone of course publicly disclose forecasts or internal projections as to future performance, revenues, earnings,its financial condition or other results due to, among other reasons, the inherent uncertainty of the underlying assumptions and estimates. However,advisors in connection with the proposed merger.

At the meeting of the TCF board of directors on January 27, 2019, J.P. Morgan rendered its oral opinion to the TCF board of directors, subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in its opinion, the exchange ratio in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of TCF’s common stock.

The full text of the J.P. Morgan opinion, which sets forth the assumptions made, matters considered and limits on the review undertaken, is attached asAnnex C to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. The summary of the J.P. Morgan opinion set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such opinion. TCF’s shareholders are urged to read the opinion in its entirety. J.P. Morgan’s written opinion was addressed to the TCF board of directors (in its capacity as such) in connection with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the proposed merger, was directed only to the exchange ratio in the merger and did not address any other aspect of the merger. J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion as to the fairness of the exchange ratio to the holders of any class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of TCF or as to the underlying decision by TCF to engage in the proposed merger. The issuance of J.P. Morgan’s opinion was approved by a potentialfairness committee of J.P. Morgan. The summary of the J.P. Morgan opinion set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion.

The opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of TCF as to how such shareholder should vote with respect to the proposed merger Talmeror any other matter.

In arriving at its opinion, J.P. Morgan, among other things:

reviewed a draft dated January 25, 2019 of the merger agreement;

reviewed certain publicly available business and financial information concerning TCF and Chemical and the industries in which they operate;

compared the financial and operating performance of TCF and Chemical with publicly available information concerning certain other companies J.P. Morgan deemed relevant and reviewed the current and historical market prices of TCF common stock and Chemical common stock and certain publicly traded securities of such other companies;

reviewed certain internal financial analyses and forecasts prepared by the managements of TCF and Chemical relating to their respective businesses, as well as the estimated amount and timing of cost savings and related expenses and synergies expected to result from the merger (which we refer to as the “synergies”); and

performed such other financial studies and analyses and considered such other information as J.P. Morgan deemed appropriate for the purposes of its opinion.

In addition, J.P. Morgan held discussions with certain members of management of TCF and Chemical with respect to certain aspects of the merger, and the past and current business operations of TCF and Chemical, the financial condition and future prospects and operations of TCF and Chemical, the effects of the merger on the financial condition and future prospects of TCF and Chemical, and certain other matters J.P. Morgan believed necessary or appropriate to its inquiry.

In giving its opinion, J.P. Morgan relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all information that was publicly available or was furnished to or discussed with J.P. Morgan by TCF and Chemical or otherwise reviewed by or for J.P. Morgan, and J.P. Morgan did not independently verify (and did not assume responsibility or liability for independently verifying) any such information or its accuracy or completeness. J.P. Morgan did not conduct or was not provided with any valuation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities, nor did J.P. Morgan evaluate the solvency of TCF or Chemical under any state or federal laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar matters. In relying on financial analyses and forecasts provided to J.P. Morgan or derived therefrom (including the synergies), J.P. Morgan assumed that they were reasonably prepared certain projectionsbased on assumptions reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments by management as to the expected future results of Talmer’soperations and financial condition of TCF and Chemical to which such analyses or forecasts relate. J.P. Morgan expressed no view as to such analyses or forecasts (including the synergies) or the assumptions on which they were based. J.P. Morgan also assumed that the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement will qualify as atax-free reorganization for United States federal income tax purposes, and will be consummated as described in the merger agreement, and that the definitive merger agreement would not differ in any material respect from the draft thereof provided to J.P. Morgan. J.P. Morgan also assumed that the representations and warranties made by TCF and Chemical in the merger agreement and the related agreements were and will be true and correct in all respects material to its analysis. J.P. Morgan is not a legal, regulatory or tax expert and relied on the assessments made by advisors to TCF with respect to such issues. J.P. Morgan further assumed that all material governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the merger will be obtained without any adverse effect on TCF or Chemical or on the contemplated benefits of the merger.

The J.P. Morgan opinion was necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to J.P. Morgan as of, the date of such opinion. The J.P. Morgan opinion noted that subsequent developments may affect the J.P. Morgan opinion, and that J.P. Morgan does not have any

obligation to update, revise or reaffirm such opinion. The J.P. Morgan opinion is limited to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the holders of TCF common stock of the exchange ratio in the proposed merger, and J.P. Morgan has expressed no opinion as to the fairness of any consideration to the holders of any other class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of TCF or the underlying decision by TCF to engage in the merger. Furthermore, J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion with respect to the amount or nature of any compensation to any officers, directors or employees of any party to the proposed merger, or any class of such persons relative to the exchange ratio in the proposed merger or with respect to the fairness of any such compensation.J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion as to the price at which TCF’s common stock or Chemical’s common stock will trade at any future time.

The terms of the merger agreement, including the exchange ratio, were determined through arm’s length negotiations between TCF and Chemical, and the decision to enter into the merger agreement was solely that of TCF’s board of directors and Chemical’s board of directors. J.P. Morgan’s opinion and financial analyses were only one of the many factors considered by TCF’s board of directors in its evaluation of the proposed merger and should not be viewed as determinative of the views of TCF’s board of directors or management with respect to the proposed merger or the exchange ratio.

In accordance with customary investment banking practice, J.P. Morgan employed generally accepted valuation methodology in rendering its opinion to TCF’s board of directors on January 27, 2019 and contained in the presentation delivered to TCF’s board of directors on such date in connection with the rendering of such opinion and does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses or data presented by J.P. Morgan. Some of the summaries of the financial analyses include information presented in tabular format. The tables are not intended to stand alone, and in order to more fully understand the financial analyses used by J.P. Morgan, the tables must be read together with the full text of each summary. Considering the data set forth below without considering the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of J.P. Morgan’s analyses.

TCF Public Trading Multiples Analysis

Using publicly available information, J.P. Morgan compared selected financial and market data of TCF with similar data for selected publicly traded companies engaged in businesses which J.P. Morgan judged to be analogous to TCF’s business, including the following selected companies (which we refer to as the “TCF selected regional banks”):

Associated Banc-Corp

BOK Financial Corporation

Chemical Financial Corporation

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.

Great Western Bancorp, Inc.

Old National Bancorp

Umpqua Holdings Corporation

Wintrust Financial Corporation

Multiples were based on closing stock prices on January 25, 2019, which was the last practicable day prior to the delivery of the J.P. Morgan opinion. For each of the following analyses performed by J.P. Morgan, financial and market data for the TCF selected regional banks were based on the TCF selected regional banks’ public filings and information J.P. Morgan obtained from SNL Financial and FactSet Research Systems. The multiples and ratios for each of the TCF selected regional banks were based on the most recent publicly available information as of January 25, 2019.

None of the TCF selected regional banks reviewed is identical to TCF. Certain of these companies may have characteristics that are materially different from those of TCF. The analyses necessarily involve complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operational characteristics of the companies involved and other factors that could affect the companies differently than they would affect TCF. However, the companies were selected, among other reasons, because they are publicly traded companies with operations and businesses that, for purposes of J.P. Morgan’s analyses, may be considered similar to those of TCF.

For TCF and each TCF selected regional bank, publicly available financial performance for 2016the most recent publicly reported fiscal quarter was measured. With respect to TCF and 2017,the TCF selected regional banks, the information J.P. Morgan presented included:

multiple of price to estimated 2019 earnings per share (which we refer to as “P / FY 2019E EPS”); and

a regression analysis to review the relationship between (i) the multiple of price to tangible book value (which we refer to as “P / TBV”) and (ii) the estimated 2019 return on average tangible common equity (which we refer to as “FY 2019E ROATCE”) based on available estimates obtained from public filings and FactSet Research Systems

Based on the results of this analysis and other factors which J.P. Morgan considered appropriate based on its experience and judgment, J.P. Morgan selected multiple reference ranges for TCF as follows:

Range

P / FY 2019E EPS

10.3x – 12.2x

P / TBV

1.7x – 1.8x

Based on the above analysis, J.P. Morgan then applied a multiple reference range of 10.3x to 12.2x for P /FY 2019E EPS to TCF management’s estimate of TCF’s earnings per share for the fiscal year 2019 of $2.10. J.P. Morgan also applied a multiple reference range of 1.7x to 1.8x for P / TBV, which it derived from TCF’s management estimate of 2019 ROATCE of 15.3%, to TCF’s tangible book value per share of $13.38 as of December 31, 2018.

After applying these ranges to TCF’s estimated 2019 earnings per share and TCF’s tangible book value per share as of December 31, 2018, J.P. Morgan’s analysis indicated the following implied equity value per share ranges for the shares of TCF common stock, rounded to the nearest $0.01 per share of TCF common stock, as compared to the implied consideration of $21.58 per share of TCF common stock (which we refer to as the “assumed consideration”), which was calculated based on the product of (x) the fixed exchange ratio provided in the merger agreement of 0.5081 and (y) a closing stock price of Chemical’s common stock on January 25, 2019 of $42.47:

   Implied Equity
Value Per Share
 
   Low   High 

P / FY 2019E EPS

  $21.65   $25.55 

P / TBV

  $ 23.03   $24.34 

TCF Dividend Discount Analysis

J.P. Morgan calculated a range of implied values for TCF common stock by discounting to present value estimates of TCF’s future dividend stream and terminal value. In performing its analysis, J.P. Morgan utilized, among others, the following assumptions, which were reviewed and approved by TCF management:

earnings and asset assumptions based on TCF management’s forecast for fiscal year 2019 and assumptions provided by TCF management for extrapolations thereafter (which we refer to as the TCF internal forecast);

a December 31, 2018 valuation date;

a five-year dividend discount model;

a terminal value based on estimated 2024 net income (which was based on the TCF internal forecast), multiplied by a next twelve months price to earnings ratio (which we refer to as NTM P/E) multiple range of 10.0x to 12.0x, which range was selected by J.P. Morgan based on factors which J.P. Morgan considered appropriate based on its experience and judgment;

discount rates from 9.0% to 11.0% representing TCF’s cost of equity, which range was chosen by J.P. Morgan taking into account macroeconomic assumptions, estimates of risk, TCF’s capital structure and other appropriate factors based on its experience and judgment;

a target Tier 1 common equity ratio of 10.0% (and with capital in excess of this target paid as dividends), as provided by TCF management ;

a cost of excess capital of 2.50%(pre-tax), as provided by TCF management;

a 21.0% marginal tax rate, as provided by TCF management;

amid-year convention; and

an estimated 163.9 million fully diluted shares of TCF common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2018, as provided by TCF management.

Based on the TCF internal forecast and using a range of discount rates from 9.0% to 11.0%, reflecting estimates of TCF’s cost of equity as described above, J.P. Morgan discounted the estimated dividend streams from TCF for the period of 2019 through 2024 and the range of terminal values to derive present values, as of December 31, 2018, of TCF.

This analysis implied an equity value per share of $21.30 to $25.84 per share of TCF common stock as of December 31, 2018, based on the 163.9 million fully diluted shares of TCF common stock outstanding as compared to the assumed consideration of $21.58 per share of TCF common stock, as illustrated by the following table:

Discount Rate

  Terminal Multiple NTM P/E 
   10.0x   11.0x   12.0x 

9.0%

  $22.90   $24.37   $25.84 

10.0%

  $22.08   $23.49   $24.89 

11.0%

  $21.30   $22.65   $23.99 

Chemical Public Trading Multiples Analysis

Using publicly available information, J.P. Morgan compared selected financial and market data of Chemical with similar data for selected publicly traded companies engaged in businesses which J.P. Morgan judged to be analogous to Chemical’s business, including the following selected companies, which we refer to as the Talmer management projections,Chemical selected regional banks:

Associated Banc-Corp

BOK Financial Corporation

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.

Great Western Bancorp, Inc.

Old National Bancorp

TCF Financial Corporation

Umpqua Holdings Corporation

Wintrust Financial Corporation

Multiples were based on closing stock prices on January 25, 2019, which contain unaudited prospectivewas the last practicable day prior to the delivery of the J.P. Morgan opinion. For each of the following analyses performed by J.P. Morgan, financial and market data for the Chemical selected regional banks were based on the Chemical selected regional banks’ public filings and information J.P. Morgan obtained from SNL Financial and FactSet Research Systems. The multiples and ratios for each of the Chemical selected regional banks were based on the most recent publicly available information as of January 25, 2019.

None of the Chemical selected regional banks reviewed is identical to Chemical. Certain of these companies may have characteristics that are materially different from those of Chemical. The analyses necessarily involve complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operational characteristics of the companies involved and other factors that could affect the companies differently than they would affect Chemical. However, the companies were selected, among other reasons, because they are publicly traded companies with respectoperations and businesses that, for purposes of J.P. Morgan’s analyses, may be considered similar to Talmer on a standalone, pre-merger basis,those of Chemical.

For Chemical and which were madeeach Chemical selected regional bank, publicly available to Talmer’s financial advisor, KBW, andperformance for the most recent publicly reported fiscal quarter was measured. With respect to Chemical and the Chemical selected regional banks, the information J.P. Morgan presented included:

P / FY 2019E EPS; and

a regression analysis to review (i) P / TBV and (ii) FY 2019E ROATCE based on available estimates obtained from public filings and FactSet Research Systems.

Based on the results of this analysis and other factors which J.P. Morgan considered appropriate based on its financial adviser, Sandler O’Neill. The Talmerexperience and judgment, J.P. Morgan selected multiple reference ranges for Chemical as follows:

Range

P / FY 2019E EPS

10.3x – 12.2x

P / TBV

1.9x – 2.0x

Based on the above analysis, J.P. Morgan then applied a multiple reference range of 10.3x to 12.2x for P / FY 2019E EPS to Chemical management’s estimate of Chemical’s earnings per share for the fiscal year 2019 of $4.14. J.P. Morgan also applied a multiple reference range of 1.9x to 2.0x for P / TBV, which it derived from Chemical’s management projectionsestimate of 2019 ROATCE of 17.1%, to Chemical’s tangible book value per share of $23.54 as of December 31, 2018.

After applying these ranges to Chemical’s estimated 2019 earnings per share and Chemical’s tangible book value per share as of December 31, 2018, J.P. Morgan’s analysis indicated the following implied equity value per share ranges for the shares of Chemical common stock, rounded to the nearest $0.01 per share of Chemical common stock, as compared to the closing stock price of Chemical’s common stock on January 25, 2019 of $42.47:

   Implied Equity
Value Per Share
 
   Low   High 

P / FY 2019E EPS

  $42.67   $50.37 

P / TBV

  $44.69   $46.99 

Chemical Dividend Discount Analysis

J.P. Morgan calculated a range of implied values for Chemical common stock by discounting to present value estimates of Chemical’s future dividend stream and terminal value. In performing its analysis, J.P. Morgan utilized, among others, the following assumptions, which were not preparedreviewed and approved by TCF management:

earnings and asset assumptions based on Chemical management’s forecast for fiscal year 2019 and assumptions provided by Chemical management for extrapolations thereafter (which we refer to as the Chemical internal forecast), used at the direction of TCF management;

a December 31, 2018 valuation date;

a five-year dividend discount model;

a terminal value based on estimated 2024 net income (which was based on the Chemical internal forecast), which were used at the direction of TCF management, multiplied by a NTM P/E multiple range of 10.0x to 12.0x, which range was selected by J.P. Morgan based on factors which J.P. Morgan considered appropriate based on its experience and judgment;

discount rates from 9.0% to 11.0% representing Chemical’s cost of equity, which range was chosen by J.P. Morgan taking into account macroeconomic assumptions, estimates of risk, Chemical’s capital structure and other appropriate factors based on its experience and judgment;

a target Tier 1 common equity ratio of 10.0% (and with capital in excess of this target paid as dividends), as provided by TCF management;

a view toward public disclosurecost of excess capital of 2.50%(pre-tax), as provided by TCF management;

a 21.0% marginal tax rate, as provided by TCF management;

amid-year convention; and

an estimated 71.6 million fully diluted shares of Chemical common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2018, as provided by Chemical management.

Based on the Chemical internal forecast and using a range of discount rates from 9.0% to 11.0%, reflecting estimates of Chemical’s cost of equity as described above, J.P. Morgan discounted the estimated dividend streams from Chemical for the period of 2019 through 2024 and the inclusionrange of terminal values to derive present values, as of December 31, 2018, of Chemical.

This analysis implied an equity value per share of $42.40 to $51.59 per share of Chemical common stock as of December 31, 2018, based on the 71.6 million fully diluted shares of Chemical common stock outstanding as compared to the closing stock price of Chemical’s common stock on January 25, 2019 of $42.47, as illustrated by the following table:

Discount Rate

  Terminal Multiple NTM P/E 
   10.0x   11.0x   12.0x 

9.0%

  $45.63   $48.61   $51.59 

10.0%

  $43.97   $46.82   $49.67 

11.0%

  $42.40   $45.12   $47.84 

Relative Value Analysis

Based upon the implied valuations for each of TCF and Chemical calculated pursuant to the trading multiples analyses and standalone dividend discount analyses described above, J.P. Morgan calculated a range of implied exchange ratios of a share of Chemical common stock to a share of TCF common stock, and then compared that range of implied exchange ratios to the exchange ratio in the merger of 0.5081 shares of Chemical common stock per share of TCF common stock.

For each of the Talmer management projectionsanalyses referred to above, J.P. Morgan calculated the ratio implied by dividing the low end of each implied equity value of TCF by the high end of each implied equity value of Chemical. J.P. Morgan also calculated the ratio implied by dividing the high end of each implied equity value of TCF by the low end of each implied equity value of Chemical. J.P. Morgan assumed, in this documenteach case, that 100% of the merger consideration would be stock consideration.

This analysis indicated the following implied exchange ratios, compared in each case to the exchange ratio in the merger of 0.5081 shares of Chemical common stock per share of TCF common stock:

ComparisonRange of Implied
Exchange Ratios

Public Trading Multiples Analysis

2019E P/E

0.4298 – 0.5989

P / TBV

0.4900 – 0.5447

Dividend Discount Analysis

0.4129 – 0.6095

Value Creation Analysis

J.P. Morgan prepared a value creation analysis that compared the equity value of TCF (based on the dividend discount analysis) to the pro forma combined company equity value. J.P. Morgan determined the pro forma combined company equity value by calculating the sum of (i) the equity value of TCF using the midpoint value determined in J.P. Morgan’s dividend discount analysis described above in “—TCF Dividend Discount Analysis”, (ii) the equity value of Chemical using the midpoint value determined in J.P. Morgan’s dividend discount analysis described above in “—Chemical Dividend Discount Analysis” and (iii) the estimated present value of expected synergies, net of restructuring charges. There can be no assurance that the synergies and transaction-related expenses will not be substantially greater or less than the TCF estimate described above. The value creation analysis at the exchange ratio of 0.5081x provided for in the merger yielded accretion to the holders of TCF common stock of 17%.

Certain Other Information

J.P. Morgan also reviewed the implied historical exchange ratios during the period beginning on November 8, 2016 (the date of the most recent U.S. presidential election) and ending on January 25, 2019, which were calculated by dividing the daily closing price per share of TCF common stock by that of Chemical common stock, noting that the range of exchange ratios during such period was 0.3144x to 0.5324x, as compared to the exchange ratio in the proposed merger of 0.5081x.

Miscellaneous

The foregoing summary of certain material financial analyses does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses or data presented by J.P. Morgan. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. J.P. Morgan believes that the foregoing summary and its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of the foregoing summary and these analyses, without considering all of its analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes underlying the analyses and its opinion. As a result, the ranges of valuations resulting from any particular analysis or combination of analyses described above were merely utilized to create points of reference for analytical purposes and should not be regarded as an indication that Talmer or any other recipient of the Talmer management projections considered, or now considers, themtaken to be necessarily predictivethe view of actual future results. Neither Talmer nor its affiliates assume any responsibility for the accuracy of the Talmer management projections. The Talmer management projections were not prepared with a view toward complying with the guidelines of the SEC, the guidelines established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board for preparation or presentation of financial information, or generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Neither Talmer’s current independent registered public accounting firm, Crowe Horwath LLP, nor any other independent accountants, have compiled, examined or performed any proceduresJ.P. Morgan with respect to the Talmer management projections,actual value of TCF or expressed any opinion or any other formChemical. The order of assurance on such information or its achievability. The report of Crowe Horwath LLP that is incorporated by reference into this document related only to Talmer’s historical financial information. Itanalyses described does not extendrepresent the relative importance or weight given to those analyses by J.P. Morgan. In arriving at its opinion, J.P. Morgan did not attribute any particular weight to any prospective financial information.analyses or factors considered by it and did not form an opinion as to whether any individual analysis or factor (positive or negative), considered in isolation, supported or failed to support its opinion. Rather, J.P. Morgan considered the totality of the factors and analyses performed in determining its opinion.

The Talmer management projections reflectAnalyses based upon forecasts of future results are inherently uncertain, as they are subject to numerous estimatesfactors or events beyond the control of the parties and assumptionstheir advisors. Accordingly, forecasts and analyses used or made by TalmerJ.P. Morgan are not necessarily indicative of actual future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by those analyses. Moreover, J.P. Morgan’s analyses are not and do not purport to be appraisals or otherwise reflective of the prices at which businesses actually could be acquired or sold. None of the TCF selected regional banks or Chemical selected regional banks reviewed as described in the above summary is identical to TCF or Chemical. However, the companies selected were chosen because they are publicly traded companies with operations and businesses that, for purposes of J.P. Morgan’s analysis, may be considered similar to those of TCF and Chemical. The analyses necessarily involve complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operational characteristics of the companies involved and other factors that could affect the companies compared to TCF and Chemical.

As a part of its investment banking business, J.P. Morgan and its affiliates are continually engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, investments for passive and control purposes, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements, and valuations for corporate and other purposes. J.P. Morgan was selected to advise TCF with respect to industry performance, general business, economic, regulatory, marketthe merger on the basis of, among other things, such experience and its qualifications and reputation in connection with such matters and its familiarity with TCF and Chemical and the industries in which they operate.

For financial conditions and other future events, as well as matters specificadvisory services rendered in connection with the merger, TCF has agreed to Talmer’s business, allpay J.P. Morgan an estimated fee of approximately $26 million, of which are difficult$5 million became payable at the time J.P. Morgan delivered its opinion to predictTCF’s board of directors. In addition, TCF has agreed to reimburse J.P. Morgan for its expenses incurred in connection with its services, including the fees and manydisbursements of which are beyond Talmer’s control. The Talmer management projections also reflect assumptions as tocounsel, and will indemnify J.P. Morgan against certain business decisions that are subject to change. The Talmer management projections reflect subjective judgment in many respects and thus are susceptible to multiple interpretations and periodic revisions based on actual experience and business developments. As such,liabilities arising out of J.P. Morgan’s engagement. During the Talmer management projections constitute forward-looking information and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially fromtwo years preceding the results forecasted in such prospective information, including, but not limited to, Talmer’s performance, industry performance, general business and economic conditions, customer requirements, competition, adverse changes in applicable laws, regulations or rules, interest rates,date of the regulatory environment, and the various risks set forth in Talmer’s reports filed with the SEC. None of Talmer, ChemicalJ.P. Morgan opinion, neither J.P. Morgan nor any of their financial advisors, norits affiliates have had any other material commercial or investment banking relationships with TCF or Chemical.

During the two year period preceding the date of the J.P. Morgan opinion, the aggregate fees received by J.P. Morgan from TCF were approximately $0.9 million, and J.P. Morgan received no fees from Chemical during such period. In addition, J.P. Morgan and its affiliates hold, on a proprietary basis, less than 1% of each of the outstanding TCF common stock and Chemical common stock. In the ordinary course of their businesses, J.P. Morgan and its affiliates assumes any responsibilitymay actively trade the debt and equity securities or other financial instruments (including derivatives, bank loans or other obligations) of TCF or Chemical for their own accounts or for the validity, accuracyaccounts of customers and, accordingly, they may at any time hold long or completeness of the Talmer management projections described below. The Talmer management projections do not take into account any circumstancesshort positions in such securities or events occurring after the date they were prepared, including the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Further, the Talmer management projections do not take into account the effect of any failure of the merger to occur. None of Talmer, Chemical nor any of theirother financial advisors nor any of their affiliates intends to, and each of them disclaims any obligation to, update, revise or correct such Talmer management projections if they are or become inaccurate (even in the short term). The inclusion of the Talmer management projections herein should not be deemed an admission or representation by Talmer or Chemical that they are viewed by Talmer or Chemical as material information of Talmer, particularly in light of the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with such forecasts.instruments.

80

The following table presents selected items of the Talmer management projections.

($ in millions, except per share data)

As of and for the Years Ending

December 31,

 2016 2017
Balance Sheet:   
   Total Assets  $7,353,102 $7,914,304
   Total Net Loans5,354,410 5,952,234
   Total Deposits5,702,645 6,244,523
   Total Common Shareholders’ Equity797,877 871,690
   Tangible Common Equity788,980 865,893
   Book Value Per Share12.07 13.18
   Tangible Book Value Per Share11.88 13.04
Income Statement:   
   Net Income$85,885 $100,259
   Earnings Per Diluted Share1.23 1.43
Capital Ratios:   
   Average Tangible Common Equity / Average Tangible Assets10.70% 10.91%
   Tier 1 Leverage Ratio9.01% 9.64%
   Tier 1 Common Equity / Risk-Weighted Assets
       (Tier 1 Common Capital Ratio)

 

10.56%

 

 

11.29%

   Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio11.60% 12.25%

In addition, Talmer senior management provided KBW with, and directed KBW to rely upon and utilize, a 8% annual net income growth rate assumption for 2018 through 2021 for purposes of the discounted cash flow analysis performed in connection with KBW’s fairness opinion.

Interests of Certain Chemical Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger

In considering the recommendation of the Chemical board of directors that you votewith respect to approve the proposals submitted for themerger, Chemical shareholder vote set forth in this joint proxy statement and prospectus, youshareholders should be aware that somecertain of Chemical’s directors and executive officers have financial interests in the merger, including financial interests, that aremay be different from, or in addition to, thosethe interests of Chemical’sthe other shareholders generally. In the case of Chemical directors, their additional interests are limited to their continued service as directors of the combined company.generally. The Chemical board of directors was aware of and considered these potential interests among other matters, in evaluatingduring its deliberations of the merger agreement andmerits of the merger and in recommendingdetermining to yourecommend to Chemical shareholders that you approve the proposals submittedthey vote for the Chemical shareholder vote set forth inmerger proposal and thereby approve the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. See the sections entitled “— Background of the Merger” and “—Recommendation of the Chemical Board of Directors and Reasons for the Merger” of this joint proxy statementstatement/prospectus. These interests are described in more detail below, and prospectus.certain of them are quantified in the narrative and table below.

Treatment of Outstanding Chemical Equity Awards

The merger will constitute a “change in control”All outstanding stock options, performance-based restricted stock units and time-vesting restricted stock units of Chemical, for the purposes ofwhich we refer to as the Chemical stock incentive plan. All unvested stock options and other stock-basedequity awards, held by Chemical’s executive officers and directors will become fully vested as ofwhich are outstanding immediately before the effective time of the merger.

The merger agreement provideswill continue to be awards in respect of Chemical common stock following the merger, subject to the same terms and conditions that upon completionwere applicable to such awards before the effective time, except with respect to performance-based restricted stock units. Because the merger will constitute a change in control for purposes of the Chemical equity awards, the performance-based restricted stock units for which performance results have not been measured will be measured as of the latest practicable date before the closing of the merger (i)and the number of performance-based restricted stock units will be fixed at the greater of the target (100%) performance level or actual performance, which we refer to as the “Chemical Earned Awards,” and such Chemical Earned Awards will continue to vest based on the executive’s continued service through the end of the applicable performance period.

The Chemical equity award agreements and any employment or change in control agreement governing the treatment of such awards (if applicable) each include “double-trigger” vesting if the executive is terminated by Chemical without cause or if the executive terminates his or her employment for good reason following a change in control, each a “qualifying termination.” Accordingly, if the executive experiences a qualifying termination following the closing of the merger, all unvested stock options and time-vesting restricted stock units will fully vest, and all Chemical Earned Awards in respect of the performance-based restricted stock units will also fully vest.

For an estimate of the amounts that would be payable to each of Chemical’s named executive officers upon a qualifying termination event in settlement of their unvested Chemical equity awards, see “Merger-Related Compensation for Chemical’s Named Executive Officers” below. The estimated aggregate amount that would be realized by the nine Chemical executive officers who are not named executive officers in settlement of their unvested Chemical equity awards that were outstanding on May 1, 2019 (excluding associated dividend equivalent rights accrued thereon) if the merger were to be completed on May 1, 2019 and the executive experienced a qualifying termination on that date is $4,130,674. This amount was calculated using a price per share of Chemical common stock of $44.73 (the average closing price of Chemical common stock on the first five business days following the announcement of the merger) and, in the case of performance-based restricted stock units, assumed target performance.

Existing Chemical Employment Agreements

Chemical has existing employment agreements with the following named executive officers: David Provost, Gary Torgow, Dennis Klaeser, Thomas Shafer and J. Brennan Ryan.

Employment Agreements with Mr. Provost and Mr. Torgow.On January 27, 2019, each of Mr. Provost and Mr. Torgow entered into retention agreements with Chemical, as described below, which will become effective on the closing date of the merger, and will supersede their existing employment agreements dated February 27, 2018. Neither the current employment agreement between Chemical and each of Mr. Provost and Mr. Torgow, nor the January 27, 2019 retention agreement between Chemical and each of Mr. Provost and Mr. Torgow, contain any severance payments related specifically to a change in control, although each agreement includes severance payments and benefits in the event either executive is terminated without cause by Chemical or if he terminates his employment for good reason.

Employment Agreements with Mr. Klaeser, Mr. Shafer and Mr. Ryan. Under Chemical’s employment agreements with each of Mr. Klaeser, Mr. Shafer and Mr. Ryan, the merger will constitute a change in control. Under each employment agreement, if the executive is terminated by Chemical without cause, or with respect to Mr. Klaeser and Mr. Ryan, if the executive terminates his employment for good reason, each within six months before or two years following a change in control, we will pay each executive:

a lump sum cash severance payment in the amount of two times the executive’s then current base salary (disregarding any reduction in base salary due to a good reason termination, if applicable) plus the average of the executive’s cash bonuses under Chemical’s annual cash incentive plan for each of the most recent three complete calendar years (or such lesser number of completed calendar years that the executive has been employed by us), which we refer to as the “Change in Control Payment”;

a lump sum health care stipend in the amount of $10,000; and

reimbursement for executive-level outplacement services for a period not to exceed 12 months.

In addition, with respect to Mr. Shafer, if during the term of his employment agreement, a good reason event occurs within two years following a change in control, he will receive a lump sum retention bonus in the amount of the Change in Control Payment. Mr. Shafer currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Chemical Bank. Following the merger, he will serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of the combined bank. Because Mr. Shafer’s position and responsibilities will change following the merger, he will experience a good reason event under his employment agreement and will be entitled to the above-described retention bonus when the merger closes. Following his receipt of the retention bonus, he will no longer be entitled to a Change in Control Payment or other cash severance if he is later terminated without cause following the merger; however, his employment agreement will remain in effect through the then-current term and he will remain entitled to his current compensation and benefits through the end of such term.

Under each executive’s employment agreement, all severance payments and benefits (other than Mr. Shafer’s retention bonus) are conditioned on each executive’s execution of a mutually agreeable release of claims. In addition, each executive has agreed tonon-competition andnon-solicitation covenants during the term of each employment agreement and for a period of 24 months following the executive’s termination date, and ongoing obligations regarding the use of confidential information. Under the employment agreements, if any severance payments would be subject to excise taxes under Section 4999 of the Code, such payments will be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the payments are subject to excise taxes, but only if reducing the payments provides the executive with a netafter-tax benefit that is greater than if the reduction is not made.

For an estimate of the amounts that would be payable to Mr. Klaeser, Mr. Shafer and Mr. Ryan upon a qualifying termination event under their respective employment agreements, see “Merger-Related Compensation for Chemical’s Named Executive Officers” below.

Chemical Change in Control Agreements

Except as noted below, each of Chemical’s executive officers, other than its named executive officers, have a change in control agreement, which provides for, among other things, “double-trigger” severance benefits upon a qualifying termination without cause by Chemical or for good reason by the executive following a change in control. The closing of the merger will constitute a change in control for purposes of each change in control agreement. In lieu of a change in control agreement, Chemical has entered into an employment agreement with one executive officer that does not have any severance payments related specifically to a change in control.

Under the change in control agreements, if the executive experiences a qualifying termination within two years following a change in control or within six months before the date of a change in control, the executive is entitled to receive a severance payment in a lump sum equal to 1.5 times the sum of (a) his or her annual base salary (disregarding any reduction in base salary due to a good reason termination) plus (b) an amount equal to

the average of his or her annual performance bonuses during the three most recently completed calendar years before the change in control event (or the lesser number of years such executive has been employed). Each executive will also receive a lump sum health care stipend in the amount of $10,000 and reimbursement for executive-level outplacement services for a period not to exceed 12 months.

The estimated aggregate amount that would be payable to Chemical’s eight executive officers with change in control agreements if the merger were to be completed on May 1, 2019 and each executive experienced a qualifying termination on that date is $6,523,789.

New Retention Agreements with David Provost and Gary Torgow

On January 27, 2019, each of Mr. Provost and Mr. Torgow entered into retention agreements with Chemical that will become effective on the closing date of the merger, pursuant to which Mr. Provost will serve as Executive Vice Chair of the board of directors of Chemical will consistthe combined company and Chair of twelve directors, which will include the sevenboard of directors of the combined bank, and Mr. Torgow will serve as the Executive Chair of the board of directors of the combined company. Each retention agreement will supersede the current employment agreement between each executive and Chemical servingdated as of February 27, 2018. The retention agreements provide for the following:

A base salary of $950,000, a monthly car allowance of $900, and reimbursement for membership in two country clubs of his selection, which is unchanged from each executive’s current employment agreement.

Each executive will be eligible, among other things, to participate in the combined company’s annual bonus and equity programs for senior executives, with an annual bonus target equal to 100% of base salary and annual equity-based awards with a target level grant date fair value equal to 200% of base salary.

Each executive will be provided with an office on the executive floor of Chemical’s headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, exclusive use of the executive assistant assigned to executive immediately priorbefore the effective date of the merger, access to executive floor office suites for business use, use of a driver, the ability to recommend donations to charities and corporate sponsorships, company provided and maintained smartphone, laptop and home office technological equipment, access to the mergercompany aircraft for, and (ii) David Ramaker,reimbursement of all travel and other expenses incurred related to, business activities on behalf of Chemical, the bank and their affiliates, including for attendance at bank-related or banking industry conferences, which are referred to herein as the Office of the Chairman Chief Executive OfficerBenefits.

In the event that either executive is terminated by Chemical without cause, or the executive resigns for good reason, the executive will be entitled to the following payments, which are generally consistent with what each would be entitled to receive under his current employment agreement:

two times the executive’s then base salary (disregarding any reduction in base salary due to a good reason termination and Presidentwith base salary calculated as the higher of actual base salary or $950,000), plus two times the average of executive’s bonuses under Chemical’s annual cash incentive plan for each of the three most recently completed calendar years (with each bonus calculated as the higher of the actual bonus, including amounts deferred or paid in the form of equity, or $1.5 million per year (such highest bonus, the “Recent Bonus”)); and

alump-sum payment equal to 24 times the executive’s monthly contribution towards coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, for employee and dependent health, prescription drug and dental coverage elections under Chemical’s employee benefit plans providing such benefits, minus the COBRA administrative cost.

Each executive may retire on or after 18 months following the effective date of the merger, upon30-days advance written notice to the board. If the executive retires, he is entitled to receive (a) a

continuation payment equal to the sum of (i) his base salary through the remainder of the term, and (ii) an amount equal to (A) the quotient of his Recent Bonus divided by 365 multiplied by (B) the number of days between the date of his termination and the last day of the term of the agreement, (b) full vesting of all equity-based awards granted after February 27, 2018 (with performance-based awards to vest at the greater of target or actual performance as of the termination date), (c) a lump sum payment equal to the executive’s monthly contribution towards coverage under COBRA for the remainder of the term, minus the COBRA administrative cost, and (d) a prorated annual bonus for the year in which the termination date occurs.

Consistent with each executive’s current employment agreement, all separation payments and benefits are conditioned on each executive’s execution of a mutually agreeable release of claims. In addition, each executive has agreed tonon-competition andnon-solicitation covenants during the term of each retention agreement and for a period of 24 months following the executive’s termination date, and ongoing obligations regarding the use of confidential information.

Upon any termination of executive’s employment during or following expiration of the term of the retention agreement, Chemical will continue to provide each executive with the Office of the Chairman Benefits, while the executive continues to serve as Chief Executive Officeron the board of directors.

If any severance payments payable to the executive would be subject to excise taxes under Section 4999 of the Code, such payments will be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the payments are subject to excise taxes, but only if reducing the payments provides the executive with a netafter-tax benefit that is greater than if the reduction is not made.

Membership of the Board of Directors of the Combined Company and Bank

The board of directors of the combined company afterfollowing the merger and Lori Gwizdala, the Chief Financial Officerwill consist of Chemical,sixteen directors, including Gary Torgow (who will continue to serve as Chief Financial OfficerChair), David Provost and six other members of the Chemical board of directors, designated by Chemical. Other than Mr. Torgow and Mr. Provost, as of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, no decisions have been made with respect to which current Chemical directors will be appointed to the board of directors of the combined company afterin the merger.

The board of directors of the combined bank following the bank merger will consist of eleven directors, including four executive officers from Chemical—David Provost (who will serve as Chair), Thomas Shafer, Dennis Klaeser and Sandra Kuohn.

Golden ParachuteMerger-Related Compensation for Chemical’s Named Executive Officers

The following tablesection sets forth the information required by Item 402(t) of RegulationS-K promulgated by regarding the SEC regarding certain compensation whichfor each of Chemical’s named executive officers may receive that is based on or that otherwise relates to the merger. The merger-related compensation payable to these individuals is subject to anon-binding advisory vote of Chemical’s shareholders, as described above in “Chemical Proposals—Chemical Proposal No. 3 - Chemical Compensation Proposal.” The table below sets forth, for the purposes of this golden parachute disclosure, the amount of payments and benefits that each Chemical named executive officer would receive, using the following assumptions:

The merger is consummated on May 1, 2019 (which is an assumed date solely for the purposes of calculations in this section);

Mr. Klaeser, Mr. Shafer and Mr. Ryan each experience a qualifying termination immediately following the merger;

For unvested time-based and performance-based restricted stock units set forth in the table, associated dividend equivalent rights have been excluded, and all performance-based restricted stock units are measured at the target performance level; and

The amounts below are determined using a price per share of Chemical common stock of $44.73, the average closing price per share over the first five business days following the announcement of the merger agreement, and are based on Chemical equity awards that were outstanding as of May 1, 2019.

The calculations in the table do not include amounts that Chemical’s named executive officers were already entitled to receive or vested in as of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. In addition, these amounts do not reflect compensation actions that may occur after the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus but before the effective time of the merger. As a result of the foregoing assumptions, which may or may not actually occur or be accurate on the relevant date, including the assumptions described in the footnotes to the table, the actual amounts, if any, to be received by a named executive officer may materially differ from the amounts set forth below.

Name

  Cash ($) (1)  Equity ($) (2)   Perquisites/
Benefits ($) (3)
   Total ($) 

David Provost

   —  (a)   5,170,564    —      5,170,564 

Gary Torgow

   —  (a)   5,170,564    —      5,170,564 

Dennis Klaeser

   2,674,677(b)   1,938,867    35,000    4,648,544 

Thomas Shafer

   3,347,667(b)   2,172,268    35,000    5,554,934 

J. Brennan Ryan

   2,340,000(b)   933,157    35,000    3,308,157 

(1)

Cash.

(a)

With respect to Mr. Provost and Mr. Torgow, neither their current employment agreements with Chemical nor their new retention agreements that will become effective on the closing date of the merger, contain any severance provisions that are based on or otherwise relate to a change in control; however, each executive would receive a cash severance payment of $4,900,000 if the executive is terminated by Chemical without cause or if he terminates his employment for good reason, whether or not such termination follows a change in control, assuming such qualifying termination occurred immediately following the assumed merger closing date of May 1, 2019. See “—Interests of Chemical Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger—New Retention Agreements with David Provost and Gary Torgow.”

(b)

With respect to Mr. Klaeser, Mr. Shafer and Mr. Ryan, the amounts in this column reflect “double-trigger” lump sum cash payments to which each executive is entitled under the executive’s employment agreement, if such executive experiences a qualifying termination in the period commencing six months before and ending two years following the merger. In addition, with respect to Mr. Shafer, if during the term of his employment agreement, a good reason event occurs within two years following the merger, he will receive the amount set forth in this column, but he will not be entitled to any additional cash severance if he is later terminated without cause. See “—Interests of Chemical Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger—Existing Chemical Employment Agreements.”

(2)

Equity. The amounts in this column reflect the value of “double-trigger” vesting of each executive’s unvested Chemical equity awards, assuming the executive experiences a qualifying termination following the merger, which will result in (a) full vesting of all unvested stock options and time-vesting restricted stock units, and (b) the performance-based restricted stock units for which performance results have not been measured being measured as of the latest practicable date before the consummation of the merger and the number of performance-based restricted stock units being fixed at the greater of the target (100%) performance level or actual performance, which we refer to as the “Chemical Earned Awards” and full vesting of all such Chemical Earned Awards.

Name

  Unvested
Stock
Options

($)(a)
   Unvested
Time-Vesting

RSUs
($)
   Unvested
Performance-
Based RSUs
($)(b)
   Total
($)(c)
 

David Provost

   —      2,405,982    2,764,582    5,170,564 

Gary Torgow

   —      2,405,982    2,764,582    5,170,564 

Dennis Klaeser

   —      802,411    1,136,455    1,938,867 

Thomas Shafer

   —      802,143    1,370,125    2,172,268 

J. Brennan Ryan

   —      601,171    331,986    933,157 

(a)

Mr. Shafer is the only executive officer with unvested stock options; however, such options were notin-the-money based on the assumed price per share of Chemical common stock of $44.73, which was the average closing price per share over the first five business days following the announcement of the merger agreement.

(b)

All performance-based restricted stock units are measured at the target performance level. However, if the highest level of performance is satisfied, then the value of the performance-based restricted stock units would be as follows: Mr. Provost—$4,146,874; Mr. Torgow—$4,146,874; Mr. Klaeser—$1,704,683; Mr. Shafer—$2,055,187; Mr. Ryan—$497,979.

(c)

If the highest level of performance is satisfied on the performance-based restricted stock units then the total value of vested equity would be as follows: Mr. Provost—$6,552,856; Mr. Torgow—$6,552,856; Mr. Klaeser—$2,507,094; Mr. Shafer—$2,857,330; Mr. Ryan—$1,099,150.

(3)

Perquisites/Benefits.With respect to Mr. Provost and Mr. Torgow, neither their current employment agreements with Chemical nor their new retention agreements that will become effective on the closing date of the merger, contain any benefits that are based on or otherwise relate to a change in control; however, each executive would receive a lump sum amount equal to 24 times the executive’s monthly contribution towards COBRA for employee dependent health, prescription drug and dental coverage elections under Chemical’s employee benefit plans providing such benefits, minus the COBRA administrative cost, estimated at $31,438, assuming such qualifying termination occurred immediately following the assumed merger closing date of May 1, 2019. See “—Interests of Chemical Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger—New Retention Agreements with David Provost and Gary Torgow.” With respect to Mr. Klaeser, Mr. Shafer and Mr. Ryan, the amounts in this column reflect “double-trigger” payments to which each executive is entitled under the executive’s employment agreement, if such executive experiences a qualifying termination in the period commencing six months before and ending two years following the merger, and are comprised of a $10,000lump-sum health care stipendand the value of executive-level outplacement services for a period not to exceed 12 months, estimated at $25,000.

Interests of TCF Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger

In considering the recommendation of the TCF board of directors, TCF shareholders should be aware that the directors and executive officers of TCF have certain interests in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of TCF shareholders generally. The TCF board of directors was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in making its recommendation that the TCF shareholders vote to approve the merger proposal.

Treatment of TCF Equity Awards

At the effective time of the merger, under the terms of the merger agreement, each outstanding TCF equity award will be adjusted so that its holder will be entitled to receive a number of shares of Chemical common stock equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of TCF common stock subject to such TCF equity award, as applicable, immediately prior to the effective time multiplied by (ii) the exchange ratio and (iii) rounded, as applicable, to the nearest whole share. Such adjusted equity awards will be subject to the same terms and conditions as the TCF equity awards immediately prior to the effective time (including, without limitation, with respect to vesting conditions (taking into account any vesting upon the occurrence of the effective time that is applicable to the TCF equity awards granted tonon-employee directors) and cash dividend equivalent rights). All TCF equity awards held by an employee whose employment will continue with the combined company or its subsidiaries after the effective time will vest in their entirety to the extent such employee’s employment is terminated by the combined company without cause or by the employee for good reason prior to the second anniversary of the effective time.

Pursuant to the merger agreement, for any TCF equity awards that are subject to performance-based vesting, the number of shares of TCF common stock underlying such award will be calculated and fixed as of the effective time assuming achievement of the applicable performance conditions at the greater of target level performance and the actual level of achievement of such conditions based on TCF’s performance results through the latest practicable date prior to the effective time, and such awards will convert into service-based vesting awards with the applicable vesting date to be the last day of the original performance period. For performance-based awards for which performance is achievable at a single level, the performance conditions will no longer be relevant as of the effective time.

For an estimate of the amounts that would become payable to TCF’s named executive officers upon the vesting and settlement of their unvested equity-based awards, see “—Merger-Related Compensation for TCF’s Named Executive Officers” below. TCF estimates that the aggregate amount that would become payable to its executive officers who are not named executive officers in respect of their unvested equity-based awards on a “double-trigger” basis if the effective time of the merger were May 1, 2019 and such executive officers are terminated by TCF without cause or by the executive officer for good reason within 24 months following the closing date of the merger (a “covered termination”) is $8,259,857. TCF estimates that the aggregate amount that would become payable to its elevennon-employee directors in settlement of their unvested equity-based awards if the effective time of the merger were May 1, 2019 is $736,210. The amounts in this paragraph were determined using a price per share of TCF common stock of $22.49 (the average closing price of shares of TCF common stock on the five business days following the announcement of the merger) and, in the case of performance-vesting awards, were determined assuming the maximum level of performance. These amounts are calculated assumingbased on multiple assumptions, which may or may not be accurate on the relevant date, and do not reflect certain compensation actions that may occur before the effective time of the merger.

Change in Control Severance Agreements

TCF is party to Change in Control Severance Agreements with executive officers Brian Maass, William Henak, Michael Jones, Thomas Jasper, Thomas Butterfield, James Costa, Andrew Jackson, Joseph Green and Patricia Jones. Pursuant to the change in control severance agreements, if the employment of Messrs. Maass, Henak, Jones, Jasper, Butterfield, Costa, Jackson or Green or Ms. Jones is terminated within 24 months following a change in control other than by the combined company for cause, by reason of death or disability or by the executive without good reason (a “qualifying termination”), the executive is entitled to the following payments and benefits: (i) a cash lump sum payment equal to 1.5 times the sum of the executive’s (x) base salary and (y) target annual bonus, (ii) continued disability, accident and health insurance benefits at no greaterafter-tax cost to the executive than immediately prior to termination for 24 months following termination and (iii) any earned but unpaid incentive compensation for the fiscal year prior to termination.

All such payments and benefits are subject to execution andnon-revocation of a release of claims and compliance with certain restrictive covenants, including anon-solicitation of employees and customers covenant for 18 months following termination and a perpetual confidentiality covenant. To the extent that any payments would be subject to excise taxes under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, payments will be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the payments are subject to excise taxes, if and only if the executive is in a betterafter-tax position than absent such cutback.

Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, the merger will constitute a “change in control” within the meaning of the change in control severance agreements. TCF estimates that the aggregate amount that would become payable to its executive officers who are not named executive officers in respect of their change in control severance agreements if the effective time of the merger were May 1, 2019 and such executive officers experience a qualifying termination in connection with the merger is $5,512,500. For an estimate of the amounts that would become payable to TCF’s named executive officers under their change of control severance agreements if each experienced a qualifying termination of employment immediately following the effective time of the merger, see “—Merger-Related Compensation for TCF’s Named Executive Officers” below.

Mr. Jasper terminated employment with TCF effective February 1, 2019. Accordingly, as of an assumed effective time of the merger of May 1, 2019, he will not be entitled to payments under his change in control severance agreement. He is instead entitled to certain payments and benefits under his separation and release agreement, the terms of which are described in further detail under “—Post-Closing Roles” below.

Indemnification; Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance

Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, from and after the effective time, the surviving corporation would indemnify certain persons, including TCF’s directors and executive officers. In addition, for a period of six years from the effective time, the surviving corporation would maintain an insurance policy for the benefit of certain persons, including TCF’s directors and executive officers. For additional information, see “The Merger Agreement—Director and Officer Indemnification and Insurance” beginning on page 122.

Post-Closing Roles

Concurrently with the signing of the merger agreement, TCF entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Craig Dahl. This amended and restated employment agreement, which will become effective upon the closing of the merger, provides that Mr. Dahl will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the combined company. The employment agreement has a term ending on the third anniversary of the closing of the merger, except if a change in control of the combined company occurs during the term, the employment agreement extends to the later of the day which is 24 months following the date of such change in control and the third anniversary of the closing of the merger.

Under the employment agreement, Mr. Dahl is eligible to receive:

an annual base salary of $1,050,000;

an annual target bonus opportunity that is no less than 100% of base salary; and

an annual equity-based award with a target value equal to 200% of base salary, consisting of time and performance-vesting awards and on terms no less favorable than applicable to other senior executives.

In the event of a termination of employment by the combined company without cause or by Mr. Dahl for good reason, subject to Mr. Dahl’s execution andnon-revocation of a release of claims, Mr. Dahl will be eligible to receive:

a lump sum equal to 2.5 times the sum of (i) his annual base salary and (ii) his annual target bonus;

any earned but unpaid annual bonus;

payment of monthly COBRA insurance premiums for up to 24 months; and

vesting of all equity awards granted prior to the completion of the merger in accordance with their terms and accelerated vesting of all equity awards granted on and after the effective date of the employment agreement, with performance awards vesting at the greater of target performance and actual performance, based on results through the last completed calendar quarter prior to the termination date.

To the extent that any payments would be subject to excise taxes under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, payments will be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the payments are subject to excise taxes, if and only if the executive is in a betterafter-tax position than absent such cutback. Under the employment agreement, Mr. Dahl is subject tonon-competition and employee and customernon-solicitation covenants during employment and for a period of 24 months following termination of his employment.

On February 7, 2019, it was announced that Thomas Jasper resigned from his employment with TCF and his position as a director on TCF’s board of directors effective as of February 1, 2019. In connection with his resignation, TCF entered into a separation and release agreement with Mr. Jasper pursuant to which he received a payment that consists of (i) a $1,399,592 lump sum cash amount in separation pay and (ii) $840,000 as payment in satisfaction of amounts due to Mr. Jasper for past performance pursuant to TCF’s 2018 short-term cash incentive plan. In the event that the merger occurredis approved by TCF shareholders and subsequent to that date the merger is consummated prior to January 30, 2020, TCF shall make an additional payment to Mr. Jasper in the amount of $1,530,608. Pursuant to his separation and release agreement, TCF shall also arrange to provide Mr. Jasper and his dependents substantially similar health and welfare benefits at no greaterafter-tax cost to Mr. Jasper than theafter-tax cost immediately prior to termination, until August 31, 2020, or when he is able to secure similar coverage through another employer, whichever comes first. The separation and release agreement includes a release of claims against TCF and certain restrictive covenants, includingnon-competition,non-solicitation andnon-hire provisions for the period from February 1, 2019 through December 1, 2019.

Membership of the Board of Directors of the Combined Company and Bank

The board of directors of the combined company following the merger will consist of sixteen directors, including Mr. Dahl, Vance Opperman (who will serve as lead independent director) and six other members of the TCF board of directors, designated by TCF. Other than Mr. Dahl and Mr. Opperman, as of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, no decisions have been made with respect to which current TCF directors will be appointed to the board of directors of the combined company in the merger.

The board of directors of the combined bank following the bank merger will consist of eleven directors, including four executive officers from Chemical—Mr. Dahl, Michael Jones, William Henak, James Costa, Thomas Butterfield, Brian Maass and Patricia Jones.

Merger-Related Compensation for TCF’s Named Executive Officers

The following table and the related footnotes provide information about the compensation that could potentially become payable to TCF’s named executive officers (as identified in accordance with SEC regulations) that is based on [●], 2016. or otherwise relates to the merger and is intended to comply with Item 402(t) of RegulationS-K. The figures in the table are estimated based on current compensation levels and assume, among other things, that each of TCF’s named executive officers is terminated without cause immediately following the effective time of the merger. For additional details regarding the terms of the payments described below, see the discussion under the caption “—Interests of TCF Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” above.

The amounts indicated below are estimates based on multiple assumptions that may or may not actually occur or be accurate on the relevant date, including the assumptions described below, and do not reflect certain

compensation actions that may occur before the completioneffective time of the merger. The merger-related compensationFor purposes of calculating such amounts, we have assumed:

81

 

May 1, 2019 as the effective date of the merger (which is an assumed date solely for the purposes of calculations in this section); and

payable to the Chemical

a severance-qualifying termination of each named executive officers isofficer’s employment immediately following the subjecteffective time of a non-binding advisory vote of Chemical shareholders, as described under “The Chemical Proposals Chemical Proposal 4 – Chemical Merger-Related Compensation Proposal” beginning on page 28.the merger.

 



Name
 

Cash ($)
 
Equity
($)(1)
 Pension/
NQDC
($)
 Perquisites/
Benefits
($)
 Tax
Reimburse-
ments($)
 
Other
($)
 
Total
($)
David B. Ramaker  1,517,141     1,517,141
               
Thomas W. Kohn  561,310     561,310
               
Lori A. Gwizdala  540,111     540,111
               
James E. Tomczyk  431,345     431,345
               
Daniel W. Terpsma  148,179     148,179

Name(1)

  Cash
($)(2)
   Equity
($)(3)
   Perquisites
/ Benefits

($)(4)
  Total
($)
 

Craig Dahl

   5,250,000    6,639,993    18,243   11,908,236 

Brian Maass

   1,246,875    2,841,746    25,175   4,113,796 

William Henak

   1,456,875    2,834,122    18,301   4,309,298 

Michael Jones

   1,548,750    2,839,183    25,178   4,413,111 

Thomas Jasper

   1,530,608    —      —     1,530,608 

____________________________

(1)Represents the aggregate dollar value

Mr. Jasper terminated employment with TCF effective February 1, 2019. Accordingly, as of an assumed effective time of the accelerationmerger of in-the-money stock options, restricted stock performance unitsMay 1, 2019, he will not be entitled to merger-related compensation, except for a payment in the amount of $1,530,608 in the event the closing of the merger occurs prior to January 30, 2020 pursuant to the terms of his separation and restricted stock service-based units, assuming release agreement.

(2)

The cash amount payable to the named executive officers, except for Mr. Jasper, consists of the following components:

(a)

a valuecash severance payment equal to a lump sum equal to 1.5 times (2.5 times for Mr. Dahl) the sum of $30.80 per sharethe executive’s (i) annual base salary and (i) annual target bonus; and

(b)

to the extent not yet paid, any annual bonus for the year prior to termination.

The cash severance payments are “double trigger” (i.e., contingent upon a qualifying termination of employment following the effective time of the merger).

(3)

As described above, at the effective time of the merger, each outstanding TCF equity award will be adjusted so that its holder will be entitled to receive a number of shares of Chemical common stock equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of TCF common stock subject to such TCF equity award, as applicable, immediately prior to the effective time multiplied by (ii) the exchange ratio and (iii) rounded, as applicable, to the nearest whole share. For performance-based awards, the number of shares of TCF common stock underlying such award will be calculated and fixed as of the effective time assuming achievement of the applicable performance conditions at the greater of target level performance and the actual level of achievement of such conditions based on TCF’s performance results through the latest practicable date prior to the effective time, and such awards will convert into service-based vesting awards with the applicable vesting date to be the last day of the original performance period. For performance-based awards for which wasperformance is achievable at a single level, the performance conditions will no longer be relevant as of the effective time of the merger. To the extent not vested as of the effective time of the merger, such awards will vest in their entirety to the extent the named executive officer’s employment is terminated by the combined company without cause or by the employee for good reason prior to the second anniversary of the effective time (i.e., “double trigger”). This table assumes a price per share of TCF common stock of $22.49 (the average closing market price of Chemicalshares of TCF common stock overon the first five business days following the first public

announcement of the transaction.merger). Set forth below is the estimated value of each type of unvested TCF equity-based award held by the named executive officers that would become vested upon a qualifying termination of employment following the effective time of the merger.

 

Name

  Performance-Vesting
Restricted Stock
Units (at maximum)

($)
   Restricted Stock
($)
 

Craig Dahl

   4,834,945    1,805,048 

Brian Maass

   1,500,330    1,341,416 

William Henak

   1,921,928    912,194 

Michael Jones

   2,101,736    737,447 

Thomas Jasper

       —   

Interests of Certain Talmer Directors

(4)

The change in control severance agreements for Messrs. Maass, Henak, and Jones provide for continued disability, accident and health insurance benefits at no greaterafter-tax cost to the executive than immediately prior to termination for 24 months following termination. The employment agreement for Mr. Dahl provides for payment of monthly COBRA insurance premiums for group health and dental insurance for up to 24 months following a qualifying termination. The payment of continued welfare benefits is “double trigger.”

Mr. Jasper will not be entitled to continued disability, accident and Executive Officers in the Merger

In considering the recommendation of the Talmer board of directors that you vote to approve the proposals submitted for the Talmer shareholder vote set forth in this joint proxy statement and prospectus, you should be aware that Talmer’s directors and executive officers have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of Talmer’s shareholders generally. The Talmer board of directors was aware of and considered these potential interests, among other matters, in evaluating the merger agreement and the merger and in recommending to you that you approve the proposals submitted for the Talmer shareholder vote set forth in this joint proxy statement and prospectus.

These interests are described in further detail below. For purposes of all Talmer agreements described below, the completion of the merger contemplated by the merger agreement will constitute ahealth insurance benefit payments under his change in control changeseverance agreement, but rather is entitled to certain health and welfare benefits pursuant to his separation and release agreement, as described above.

Name

Continued Health and
Welfare Benefits

($)

Craig Dahl

18,243

Brian Maass

25,175

William Henak

18,301

Michael Jones

25,178

Thomas Jasper

—  

Board of control event or term of similar meaning. CertainDirectors and Management Following the Merger

The merger agreement includes proposed amendments to the bylaws of the agreements described below require the executive officer to be terminated without cause, or require the executive officer to terminate his or her employment for good reason before receiving a change in control benefit. We refer to either of these events as a “qualifying termination.”

Director Appointments

Under the merger agreement, Gary Torgow, Talmer’s current Chairman, and David Provost, Talmer’s current President and Chief Executive Officer,combined company that will be appointed to the board of directors of Chemicalbecome effective at the effective time of the merger. In addition, ChemicalThe bylaw amendments will appoint three additional directors from Talmer’seffect the corporate governance arrangements described below. For a period of 36 months following the effective time of the merger, the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the entire board of directors of the combined company will be required to servemodify, amend or repeal the bylaw provisions providing for these corporate governance arrangements, or to adopt any bylaw provisions or other resolutions inconsistent with such corporate governance arrangements (including by proposal or recommendation to shareholders of the combined company).

Composition of the Board of Directors. Upon completion of the merger, the board of directors of the combined company will be comprised of 16 directors, with eight directors designated by each of Chemical and TCF. For a period of 36 months following the effective time of the merger, there will be eight “Legacy Chemical Directors,” which are the directors initially designated by Chemical (two of whom will be Gary Torgow and David Provost), and any additional directors nominated by the Legacy Chemical Directors Nominating Committee (as defined below); and eight “Legacy TCF Directors,” which are the directors initially designated by TCF (two of whom will be Craig Dahl and Vance Opperman), and any additional directors nominated by the Legacy TCF Directors Nominating Committee (as defined below).

Replacement of Vacant Directorships and Nominations of Directors. The “Legacy Chemical Directors Nominating Committee” and the “Legacy TCF Directors Nominating Committee” will be committees of the board of directors comprised of all of the Legacy Chemical Directors and all of the Legacy TCF Directors, respectively, who satisfy the independence requirements (and any other requirements) for nominating committee membership under the rules of the exchange on which the combined company’s common stock is listed. For 36 months following the effective time of the merger, the Legacy Chemical Directors Nominating Committee will have the exclusive authority to nominate directors to fill each seat previously held by a Legacy Chemical Director, and the Legacy TCF Directors Nominating Committee will have the exclusive authority to nominate directors to fill each seat previously held by a Legacy TCF Director.

Chair; Vice Chair; CEO and President; Lead Director. At the effective time of the merger, Mr. Torgow will continue to serve as Chair of the combined company and its board of directors, Mr. Provost will become and serve as Vice Chair of the combined company and its board of directors, Mr. Dahl will become and serve as Chief Executive Officer and President of the combined company and Mr. Opperman will become and serve as Lead Director of the combined company board of directors. For the36-month period following the effective time of the merger, any removal of, termination of employment of, amendment or modification to any employment or similar agreement adversely affecting, or modification to any duties, authority or reporting relationships set forth in the bylaws of any of the persons set forth in the preceding sentence, will require the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the entire board of directors. The bylaws also set forth the duties of the lead director and provide that any additional grant or delegation of duties, power or authority to the lead director requires the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the entire combined company board of directors.

Committees of the Board of Directors. For a period of 36 months following the effective time of the merger, each committee of the board of directors of the combined company will have at least four members and, subject to compliance with any independence or other requirements of the exchange on which the combined company’s common stock is listed, will be composed of 50% Legacy Chemical Directors and 50% Legacy TCF Directors.

Executive Management of TCF Bank. The combined company, in its capacity as sole shareholder of TCF Bank, will cause TCF Bank to appoint Mr. Provost as Chairman of TCF Bank and Mr. Dahl as Chief Executive Officer of TCF Bank. For the36-month period following the effective time of the merger, the combined company will cause TCF Bank not to remove, terminate the employment of, appoint a replacement for or amend or modify any employment or similar agreement in a way adversely affecting either Mr. Provost or Mr. Dahl with regard to the foregoing capacities except with the affirmative vote of 75% of the entire board of directors. For the36-month period following the effective time of the merger, the combined company may not exercise its authority to modify, amend or repeal any of the provisions of the bylaws of TCF Bank relating to the duties, authority or reporting relationships of the Chairman or the Chief Executive Officer of TCF Bank without the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the entire board of directors.

Dividends/Distributions

From and after the date of the merger agreement, TCF may not, and may not permit its subsidiaries to, without the prior written consent of Chemical (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), make, declare or pay any dividend or other distributions other than dividends paid by any of TCF’s subsidiaries to TCF or any of TCF’s wholly-owned subsidiaries and other than regular quarterly cash dividends by TCF at a rate not in excess of such amount set forth in the merger agreement.

From and after the date of the merger agreement, Chemical may not, and may not permit its subsidiaries to, without the prior written consent of TCF (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), make, declare or pay any dividend or other distributions other than dividends paid by any of Chemical’s subsidiaries to Chemical or any of Chemical’s wholly-owned subsidiaries and other than regular quarterly cash dividends by Chemical at a rate not in excess of such amount sent forth in the merger agreement.

After the effective time of the merger, no dividends or other distributions declared or made with respect to shares of Chemical common stock or Chemical Series C preferred stock will be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered certificate or book entry share that evidenced ownership of shares of TCF common stock or TCF Series C preferred stock, as applicable, until such holder properly surrenders such shares. See “ Conversion of Shares; Exchange and Payment Procedures” beginning on page  114.

Litigation Relating to the Merger

Following the initial filing, on March 29, 2019, of the registration statement on Form S-4 of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, purported shareholders of TCF filed two putative class action lawsuits and one individual lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against TCF and members of the TCF Board:Wang v. TCF Financial Corporation et al., 1:19-cv-00661 (filed on April 9, 2019),Parshall v. TCF Financial Corporation et al., 1:19-cv-00663 (filed on April 10, 2019), andWhite v. TCF Financial Corporation et al., 1:19-cv-00683 (filed on April 12, 2019). The lawsuits contain similar allegations contending, among other things, that the registration statement on Form S-4 misstates or fails to disclose certain allegedly material information in violation of federal securities laws. These lawsuits generally seek, among other things, an award of costs and attorneys’ fees, to enjoin the shareholder vote with respect to the merger and/or the completion of the merger until additional information is disclosed, to recover damages and to rescind the merger to the extent the merger is completed. Additionally, a purported shareholder of TCF filed an individual lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against TCF and members of the TCF Board:Harrelson v. TCF Financial Corporation et al., 1:19-cv-03183 (filed on April 10, 2019). The lawsuit contains similar allegations to the complaints filed in the District of Delaware. Like the lawsuits filed in the District of Delaware this lawsuit seeks, among other things, an award of costs and attorneys’ fees, to enjoin the completion of the merger until additional information is disclosed, to recover damages and to rescind the merger to the extent the merger is completed. Finally, a purported shareholder of TCF filed a putative class action lawsuit in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District Court, Hennepin County against TCF and members of the TCF Board:Nelson v. TCF Financial Corporation et al., 27-cv-19-6519 (filed on April 24, 2019). The lawsuit contends, among other things, that the TCF Board breached their fiduciary duty by filing a registration statement on Form S-4 that misstates or fails to disclose certain allegedly material information in violation of federal securities laws. As with the earlier federal lawsuits this lawsuit seeks, among other things, an award of costs and attorneys’ fees, to enjoin the shareholder vote with respect to the merger and/or the completion of the merger until additional information is disclosed, to recover damages and to rescind the merger to the extent the merger is completed. The defendants have not yet answered or otherwise responded to the complaints. TCF and the TCF board of directors believe these lawsuits are without merit and intend to defend against them vigorously.

REGULATORY APPROVALS REQUIRED FOR THE MERGER

Completion of the merger and the bank merger are subject to the receipt of all approvals required to complete the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement from (i) the Federal Reserve Board, (ii) the OCC and (iii) any other regulatory approval, the failure of which to obtain would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Chemical or TCF, and the expiration of any applicable statutory waiting periods, in each case, without the imposition of a materially burdensome regulatory condition. Notifications and/or applications requesting approval may also be submitted to various other federal and state regulatory authorities and self-regulatory organizations. Chemical and TCF have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to obtain as promptly as practicable all required regulatory approvals. Chemical, TCF and/or their respective subsidiaries filed applications and notifications to obtain these regulatory approvals on March 15, 2019.

Federal Reserve Board

Completion of the merger is subject, among other things, to approval by the Federal Reserve Board pursuant to Section 3 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, which we refer to as the BHC Act. In considering the approval of an application under Section 3 of the BHC Act, the Federal Reserve Board reviews certain factors, including: (i) the competitive impact of the transaction, (ii) the financial and managerial resources of the bank holding companies and banks involved (including consideration of capital adequacy, liquidity, and earnings performance; the competence, experience, and integrity of the officers, directors, and principal shareholders; and the records of compliance with applicable laws and regulations) and the future prospects of the combined organization (including consideration of the current and projected capital positions and levels of indebtedness), (iii) the convenience and needs of the communities to be served, (iv) the effectiveness of the companies in combating money laundering, and (v) the extent to which the proposal would result in greater or more concentrated risks to the stability of the United States banking or financial system.

In considering an application under Section 3 of the BHC Act, the Federal Reserve Board also reviews the records of performance of the relevant insured depository institutions under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, which we refer to as the CRA. In addition, in connection with an interstate merger transaction, the Federal Reserve Board considers certain additional factors under the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994, including the capital position of the acquiring bank holding company, state laws regarding the minimum age of the bank to be acquired, the concentration of deposits on a nationwide and statewide basis, and compliance with any applicable state community reinvestment and antitrust laws.

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

The prior approval of the OCC under the Bank Merger Act is required for the merger of Chemical Bank with and into TCF Bank. In reviewing applications under the Bank Merger Act, the OCC must consider a number of factors, including: (i) the effect of a proposed merger on competition, (ii) financial and managerial resources of the depository institutions party to the bank merger and future prospects of the resulting institution, (iii) convenience and needs of the communities to be served, (iv) the effectiveness of both institutions in combating money laundering, and (v) the risk to the stability of the U.S. banking and financial system. Additionally, the OCC considers the capital level of the resulting bank, the conformity of the transaction to applicable law, the purpose of the merger, the impact of the merger on the safety and soundness of the bank, and the effect on the bank’s or savings association’s shareholders, depositors, other creditors and customers. In addition, in connection with an interstate bank merger transaction, OCC considers certain additional factors under the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994, including the capital position of the acquiring bank, state laws regarding the minimum age of the bank to be acquired, the concentration of deposits on a nationwide and statewide basis, and compliance with any applicable state community reinvestment and antitrust laws.

Additionally, as required by the CRA, and in reviewing the convenience and needs of the communities to be served, the OCC will consider the records of performance of the relevant insured depository institutions

under the CRA. TCF Bank’s establishment and operation of branches at Chemical Bank’s existing branch locations is also subject to approval by the OCC.

Public Comments and Notice

Furthermore, the BHC Act, the Bank Merger Act, Federal Reserve Board and OCC regulations require published notice of, and the opportunity for public comment on, the applications to the Federal Reserve Board and OCC, as applicable, and authorize the Federal Reserve Board and OCC to hold a public hearing or meeting if the Federal Reserve Board or OCC, as applicable, determines that a hearing or meeting would be appropriate. The Federal Reserve Board and the OCC takes into account the views of third party commenters, particularly on the subject of the merging parties’ CRA performance and record of service to their communities. As part of the review process in merger transactions, the Federal Reserve and OCC frequently receive protests from community groups and others. Any hearing, meeting or comments provided by third parties could prolong the period during which the applicable application is under review by the Federal Reserve Board or the OCC. As of their last respective CRA examinations, Chemical Bank received an overall “satisfactory,” and TCF Bank received an overall “outstanding,” regulatory rating with respect to CRA compliance.

Waiting Periods

Transactions approved under Section 3 of the BHC Act or the Bank Merger Act generally may not be completed until 30 days after the approval of the applicable federal agency is received, during which time the Department of Justice, which we refer to as the DOJ, may challenge the transaction on antitrust grounds. With the approval of the applicable federal agency and the concurrence of the DOJ, the waiting period may be reduced to no less than 15 days. The commencement of an antitrust action would stay the effectiveness of such an approval unless a court specifically ordered otherwise. In reviewing the merger, the DOJ could analyze the merger’s effect on competition differently than the Federal Reserve Board or the OCC, and thus it is possible that the DOJ could reach a different conclusion than the Federal Reserve Board or the OCC regarding the merger’s effects on competition. A determination by the DOJ not to object to the merger may not prevent the filing of antitrust actions by private persons or state attorneys general. There can be no assurance if and when DOJ clearance will be obtained, or as to the conditions or limitations that such DOJ approval may contain or impose.

Additional Regulatory Approvals and Notices

Chemical Bank is regulated by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, which we refer to as the Michigan DIFS. As required by Michigan law, a notice was filed with the Michigan DIFS advising the agency that Chemical Bank intends to merge with and into TCF Bank.

Notifications and/or applications requesting approval may be submitted to various other federal and state regulatory authorities and self-regulatory organizations.

Based on information available to us as of the date hereof, Chemical and TCF believe that neither the merger nor the bank merger raises substantial antitrust or other significant regulatory concerns and that we will be able to obtain all requisite regulatory approvals. However, neither Chemical nor TCF can assure you that all of the regulatory approvals described above will be obtained and, if obtained, we cannot assure you as to the timing of any such approvals, each party’s ability to obtain the approvals on satisfactory terms, or the absence of any litigation challenging such approvals. In addition, there can be no assurance that such approvals will not impose conditions or requirements that would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, assets or business of the surviving corporation and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, after giving effect to the merger. There can likewise be no assurances that U.S. federal or state regulatory authorities will not attempt to challenge the merger on antitrust grounds or for other reasons, or if such a challenge is made, as to the result of such challenge.

The processing time for obtaining regulatory approvals for mergers and bank mergers, particularly for larger institutions, has increased since the financial crisis. Specifically, the Dodd-Frank Act requires bank regulators to consider financial stability concerns when evaluating a proposed transaction.

If there is an adverse development in either party’s regulatory standing, Chemical or TCF may be required to withdraw some or all of its respective application for approval of the merger and the bank merger, and, if possible, resubmit it after the applicable supervisory concerns have been resolved.

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

The merger of TCF with and into Chemical will be accounted for as a reverse acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting, in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic805-10, Business Combinations, which provides guidance for determination of the accounting acquiring entity in this transaction. Factors considered within this guidance included, but were not limited to, the following:

the relative voting interests of Chemical shareholders and TCF shareholders in the combined company after the merger is completed;

the composition of the board of directors of the combined company followingafter the merger. Asmerger is completed;

the composition of the date of this joint proxy statementexecutive and prospectus, the additional three individuals from Talmer who will become directorssenior management of the combined company have not been determined.

Ifafter the merger is completed,completed;

the terms of the exchange of equity securities in the merger; and

the relative size of Chemical intends to merge Talmerand TCF at the time of the merger.

Given that the merger is a merger of equals, many of the factors arenon-determinative because they are evenly split between Chemical and TCF. However, the relative voting interests factor weighs in favor of TCF as the accounting acquirer because Chemical will be issuing a number of shares of voting common stock representing approximately 117% of its currently outstanding shares (as of December 31, 2018) of common stock in connection with the merger. The relative size factor also weighs in favor of TCF as the accounting acquirer as TCF is slightly larger in size (in terms of assets and deposits) than Chemical. Lastly, Chemical’s wholly-owned subsidiary bank, Chemical Bank, will be merged with and into Chemical Bank. At the effective timeTCF’s wholly-owned subsidiary bank, TCF Bank, upon completion of the bank merger, Chemical Bank will appoint two new directors to servemerger. Based on these factors and consideration of all the board of the combined bank, which two individuals will be mutually agreed upon by Talmerrelevant facts and Chemical. As of the date of this joint proxy statement and prospectus, the two new individuals who will become directors of the combined bank have not been determined.

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Indemnification and Insurance

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Chemical has agreed that it will indemnify, and provide for the advancement of reasonable expenses to, present and former Talmer directors and officers with respect to liabilities arising from acts or omissions of such directors and officers occurring before the merger. Chemical has also agreed to maintain, for at least six years from the effective timecircumstances of the merger, Talmer’s existing directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance coverage for acts or omissions of such directors and officers occurring before the merger. Alternatively, Chemical may substitute such coverage with policies that provide substantially the same coverage, or Chemical may purchase a six-year prepaid tail policy on terms and conditions providing substantially equivalent benefits as the current insurance policies. Chemical will not be required, however, to pay premiums for insurance coverage in excess of 300% of the last annual premium paid by Talmer before the date of the merger agreement. If the amount of the premiums necessary to maintain or procure such insurance coverage exceeds the 300% maximum premium amount, then Chemical must purchase the greatest coverage available for the cost, not exceeding such 300% maximum premium amount.

Existing Talmer Employment Agreements

Talmer has existing employment agreements with the following executive officers: David Provost, Gary Torgow, Dennis Klaeser and Thomas Shafer. Each of these employment agreements provide for certain lump sum cash payments upon a change in control of Talmer.

Under the merger agreement, Mr. Provost and Mr. Torgow each entered into services agreements with Chemical and Talmer Bank, as described below, which will become effective at the closing of the merger, and will supersede their existing Talmer employment agreements. Under the services agreements, Mr. Provost and Mr. Torgow each voluntarily waived his right to receive a lump sum cash payment upon a change in control of Talmer that otherwise would have been paid to each officer upon the closing of the merger under their existing Talmer employment agreements. Absent such a waiver, Mr. Provost and Mr. Torgow each would have been entitled to receive a lump sum cash payment at the closing of the merger equal to two times the sum of each officer’s then current base salary, or $1.2 million (based on each officer’s current base salary of $600,000). The aggregate amount of such payments to Mr. Provost and Mr. Torgow would have equaled $2.4 million. In addition, under the services agreements, all provisions in Mr. Provost’s and Mr. Torgow’s Talmer employment agreement that entitle each officer to certain excise tax payments upon certain events (similar to the provision described below in Mr. Shafer’s employment agreement with Talmer) will remain in full force and effect.

Under the merger agreement, Mr. Klaeser also entered into a services agreement with Chemical and Talmer Bank, as described below, which will become effective at the closing of the merger, and will supersede his existing Talmer employment agreement. Under Mr. Klaeser’s services agreement, Chemical has agreed to assume the obligation to pay Mr. Klaeser his change in control payment under his existing Talmer employment agreement, equal to a lump sum cash payment of two times his current base salary plus an amount equal to his average bonus paid in the prior two calendar years, or $1,984,307 (based on his current base salary of $500,012 and average bonus of $492,142), subject to his execution of a general release and waiver of claims against Talmer and its affiliates. In addition, under the services agreement, all provisions in Mr. Klaeser’s Talmer employment agreement that entitle him to certain excise tax payments upon certain events (similar to the provision described below in Mr. Shafer’s employment agreement with Talmer) will remain in full force and effect.

Mr. Shafer has entered into an employment agreement with Talmer pursuant to which heaccounting purposes, TCF is entitled to a lump sum payment at the closing of the merger equal to one times his current base salary plus an amount equal to his average bonus paid in the prior two calendar years, or $803,266 (based on his current base salary of $425,000 and average bonus of $378,266), subject to his execution of a general release and waiver of claims against Talmer and its affiliates. In addition, his outstanding stock options will accelerate and become fully vested upon a change in control and continueconsidered to be exercisable as providedacquiring Chemical in this transaction. As a result, the agreement or plan under which they were granted. Asassets and liabilities of the date hereof, all of Mr. Shafer’s Talmer stock options are fully vested.

Mr. Shafer’s employment agreement with Talmer also provides that if Mr. Shafer’s employment is terminated by Talmer or Talmer Bank without cause or if he terminates his employment for good reason, he is

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entitled to receive a severance payment equal to one times his current annual base salary plus an amount equal to the average of his bonus paid in the prior two calendar years, to be paid in equal installments over a one year period (subject to certain exceptions), and all of his outstanding stock options would accelerate and become fully vested and exercisable for a period of 90 days following the termination date. Under the employment agreement, if, in connection with a change in control event, Mr. Shafer experiences a qualifying termination, he is entitled to receive either the severance payment or the change in control payment, but not both. A termination of Mr. Shafer’s employment shall be conclusively deemed to be in connection with a change in control event if it occurs within six months before or after the closing date of a change in control.

Mr. Shafer’s employment agreement with Talmer further provides that if any payment received by him following a change in control is determined to constitute a “parachute payment” as such term is defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Talmer will pay to Mr. Shafer an additional amount which, after the imposition of all income and excise taxes thereon, is equal to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to such payment.

Existing Talmer Change in Control Agreements

Talmer is also a party to change in control agreements with Gregory Bixby and four other executive officers (other than Mr. Provost, Mr. Torgow, Mr. Klaeser and Mr. Shafer). Under these agreements, upon providing proper notice, if, during the 18 month period commencing after a change in control (or in the event of an anticipatory termination, the period commencing up to six months prior to the consummation of a change in control), Talmer terminates the officer without cause, or the officer terminates his or her employment for good reason, the officer is entitled to receive a severance payment in a lump sum equal to one times his or her annual base salary plus an amount equal to the average of his or her annual performance bonuses during the two calendar years before the change in control event.

In general, the change in control agreements also provide that for a term of one year following the officer’s termination he or she will not solicit any of Talmer’s customers with whom he or she had contact during the 12 months before his or her termination or solicit Talmer’s employees to join a competing business. In addition, the agreements generally provide that for a term of one year following the officer’s termination he or she will not, without Talmer’s prior written consent, engage in any business which is essentially the same as Talmer’s business within the State of Michigan, or within 25 miles of one of Talmer’s locations, if located outside of the State of Michigan. Mr. Bixby’s change in control agreement also provides that Mr. Bixby may engage in a business that is essentially the same as Talmer’s business within the restricted area and within the one year period following his termination, if he provides prior written notice of such intent and if he pays an amount equal to the pro rata portion of the severance payment Talmer previously paid to him under the change in control agreement.

The estimated aggregate amount that would be payable to Talmer’s executive officers, including Mr. Bixby, assuming each officer experienced a qualifying termination at the closing of the merger under their respective change in control agreements is $1,890,212.

Treatment of Outstanding Talmer Equity Awards

Under the merger agreement, outstanding equity-based awards held by Talmer’s directors and executive officersChemical as of the effective timedate of the merger will be treatedrecorded at their respective estimated fair values and added to those of TCF. Any excess of the purchase price consideration over the net estimated fair values of Chemical’s assets and liabilities, including core deposit intangible assets, will be allocated to goodwill. The goodwill resulting from the merger will not be amortized, but instead will be reviewed for impairment on at least an annual basis. To the extent goodwill is impaired, its carrying value would be written down to its fair value with a corresponding charge to earnings. Core deposit intangible assets with definite useful lives will be amortized to expense over their estimated useful lives on an accelerated basis.

In periods following the completion of the merger, the comparative historical financial statements of Chemical will be those of TCF prior to the merger. These financial statements will reflect the results attributable to the acquired operations of Chemical, as follows:the acquired company for accounting purposes, beginning on the date the merger is completed. The unaudited pro forma combined condensed consolidated financial information contained in this document has been prepared using the acquisition method of accounting. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Consolidated Financial Information” beginning on page 133 of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

PUBLIC TRADING MARKETS

Talmer Stock Options

Chemical common stock is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “CHFC.” TCF common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “TCF.” TCF’s depositary shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of TCF Series C preferred stock, are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “TCFPRD.”

Upon completion of the merger, all outstanding TalmerTCF common stock optionsand TCF Series C preferred stock (and related depositary shares) will be converted into Chemical stock options in accordancedelisted from the NYSE and thereafter will be deregistered under the Exchange Act and TCF will no longer be required to file periodic reports with the terms ofSEC with respect to the merger agreement, provided that up to 25% of outstanding Talmer stock options at the time of execution of the merger agreement may be cashed out at closing as described below.

Talmer intends to make a tender offer to all holders of outstanding Talmer stock options (“optionholders”), including all of Talmer’s directors and executive officers. The tender offer was authorized by the compensation

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committee of Talmer’s board of directors and by the full board. The members of the compensation committee have indicated that they will not participate in the tender offer.

The tender offer will give each optionholder the opportunity to tender to Talmer up to 25% of such optionholder’s options outstanding as of the date of the merger agreement, calculated on the basis of the number of shares of Talmer Class ATCF common stock for which such options are exercisable, in exchange for a cash payment to be made onand the closing date of the merger. Each option that is validly tendered and not withdrawn will be cancelled upon such payment.TCF Series C preferred stock (and related depositary shares). The payment for each such option will be calculated as follows: the optionholder will be entitled to receive, for each cancelled option to purchase one share of Talmer Class A common stock, cash in an amount equal to the “Option Cash-Out Consideration,” less any required withholding taxes. “Option Cash-Out Consideration” means, for each cancelled option, cash in an amount equal to (i) the sum of (A) the product of (x) 0.4725 (the exchange ratio in the merger) multiplied by (y) the “Chemical Closing Price,” plus (B) $1.61, minus (ii) the per-share exercise price for such cancelled option. The “Chemical Closing Price” means the volume weighted average trading price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market of Chemical common stock for the 15 full trading days ending on the second trading day immediately preceding the closing date of the merger. All options with the same exercise price will be cancelled for the same Option Cash-Out Consideration.

For illustrative purposes, the table below shows the cash payment the executive officers would receiveand Chemical Series C preferred stock (and related depositary shares) issuable in respect of tendering outstanding Talmer stock options, applying the assumptions described in the footnotes to the table.

Talmer Stock Options

  Outstanding Stock Options 
Name (#) Option Cash-Out
Consideration(1) (2)
 
David Provost 1,907,924 $5,617,368        
Gary Torgow 1,645,000 4,292,034        
Dennis Klaeser 450,000 1,143,338        
Thomas Shafer 450,000 1,143,338        
Gregory Bixby 150,000 334,238        
All Other Executive
   Officers as a Group
   (5 persons)
 839,000 2,245,860        


(1)The amounts set forth assumes that each executive officer tenders 25% of such optionholder’s options, calculated on the basis of the number of shares of Talmer Class A common stock for which such options are exercisable, by tendering the executive officer’s options with the lowest exercise prices to produce the highest Option Cash-Out Consideration.
(2)The Option Cash-Out Consideration was calculated using $30.80 as the assumed Chemical Closing Price, which was the average closing market price of Chemical common stock over the first five business days following the first public announcement of the merger transactions, which occurred prior to the opening of NASDAQ on January 26, 2016.

Talmer Restricted Stock

As of the date hereof, Talmer’s ten executive officers held an aggregate of 525,200 shares of unvested Talmer restricted stock, which includes an aggregate of 188,500 shares of Talmer restricted stock subject to retention grants described below and an aggregate of 336,700 shares of Talmer restricted stock that were granted in 2014 and 2015. Under the merger agreement, all restricted stock awards of Talmer that are unvested and remain outstanding at the effective time of the merger will be converted into restricted stock awards of Chemical,listed on the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the Talmer restricted stock awards. The number of shares of Chemical common stock into which the Talmer restricted stock will convert is equal to the product of (i) the total number of shares of Talmer restricted stock multiplied by (ii) the “Equity Award Exchange Ratio,” rounded up or down, if necessary, to the nearest whole share of Chemical common stock. Under the merger agreement, the

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“Equity Award Exchange Ratio” is defined as the sum of (A) 0.4725 (the exchange ratio in the merger) plus (B) the quotient of (x) $1.61 divided by (y) the Chemical Closing Price.

As noted above, on February 22, 2016, the compensation committee of the Talmer board of directors approved an aggregate of 188,500 retention restricted stock awards for its executive officers, which includes 51,000 shares granted to each of Mr. Provost and Mr. Torgow and 31,000 shares granted to each of Mr. Klaeser and Mr. Shafer. No retention awards were granted to Mr. Bixby. These awards were intended to address retention in connection with the anticipated merger, while at the same time preserving appropriate incentives and alignment of executives with Talmer shareholders in light of the possibility that the merger may not close. The awards were granted on February 22, 2016. These retention grants replaced the annual equity awards that executives would otherwise have received in 2016, consistent with Talmer’s historical practice of providing long-term equity compensation as a portion of overall executive compensation. These retention awards vest in equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the February 22, 2016 grant date. Under the restricted stock agreements, the completion of the merger will not result in vesting of the retention awards. However, if an executive officer’s employment is terminated without cause by Talmer or Talmer Bank, or any of their respective successors, then the shares of restricted stock will become fully vested (regardless of whether or not the merger closes).

In addition to the retention grants, Talmer’s executive officers hold an aggregate of 336,700 shares of unvested restricted stock that were granted in 2014 and 2015 that vest upon the earlier of (i) the vesting of the shares of restricted stock under the terms of the agreement, (ii) the one-year anniversary of a change of control event; or (iii) the date the officer is terminated by Talmer or Talmer Bank, or any of their respective successors, without cause, or by the officer for good reason, during the one-year period following such change of control event. If the executive officer’s employment ceases for any reason other than a qualifying termination following a change in control, all shares of restricted stock that are not then vested will be immediately and automatically forfeited and cancelled. For an estimate of the amounts payable in connection with the merger with respect to the 2014 and 2015 restricted stock grants, which have vesting rights affected by the merger, see “—Golden Parachute Compensation” below.

Employment with Chemical

Each of Mr. Provost, Mr. Torgow, Mr. Klaeser, and Mr. Shafer have agreed to serve as officers of the combined company or combined bank, as applicable, upon the closing of the merger.

Services Agreements with Mr. Provost, Mr. Torgow and Mr. Klaeser

Each of Mr. Provost, Mr. Torgow and Mr. Klaeser has executed a services agreement with Chemical and Talmer Bank, which will become effective upon the closing of the merger and will supersede their existing Talmer employment agreements.

Mr. Provost will become Vice Chairman of Growth Strategy of Chemical and will also continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Talmer Bank, until it is merged with Chemical Bank. Mr. Provost’s services agreement has a term of 24 months beginning on the effective date of the merger. Under the agreement, he will receive an annual salary of $1.0 million, which may not be adjusted downward during the term. He will also be eligible for a $600 per month car allowance, as well as a membership in a country club of his choice. Under the agreement, if Chemical terminates his employment with or without cause during the term, Chemical will continue to pay Mr. Provost his annual salary through the end of the term. As noted above, under the services agreement, Mr. Provost has agreed to waive his change in control payment under his existing Talmer employment agreement. In addition, unlike his existing Talmer employment agreement, Mr. Provost’s services agreement with Chemical does not contain change in control provisions or protections. The services agreement further provides that Mr. Provost is not expected to be eligible for the Chemical Bank Annual Incentive Plan or the Chemical Bank Long Term Incentive Plan or any other bonus or incentive plan of Chemical Bank or any stock options, restricted stock units or other equity awards under any Chemical equity plan. Mr. Provost’s services agreement also contains provisions related to non-competition and non-solicitation that generally preclude Mr. Provost, for a period of 18 months following the termination of the agreement, from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the operation of a bank in Michigan or any other state in which Chemical or one of its subsidiaries operated a bank during the term of his agreement, or from

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diverting from Chemical any trade or business with any customer or supplier with whom Mr. Provost had contact during his employment, subject to certain conditions and exceptions.

Mr. Torgow will become Chairman of the board of directors of Chemical. Mr. Torgow’s services agreement has a term of 24 months beginning on the effective date of the merger. Under the agreement, he will receive an annual salary of $1.0 million, which may not be adjusted downward during the term. He will also be eligible for a $600 per month car allowance, as well as a membership in a country club of his choice. Under the agreement, if Chemical terminates his employment with or without cause during the term, Chemical will continue to pay Mr. Torgow his annual salary through the end of the term. As noted above, under the services agreement, Mr. Torgow has agreed to waive his change in control payment under his existing Talmer employment agreement. In addition, unlike his existing Talmer employment agreement, Mr. Torgow’s services agreement with Chemical does not contain change in control provisions or protections. The services agreement further provides that Mr. Torgow is not expected to be eligible for the Chemical Bank Annual Incentive Plan or the Chemical Bank Long Term Incentive Plan or any other bonus or incentive plan of Chemical Bank or any stock options, restricted stock units or other equity awards under any Chemical equity plan. Mr. Torgow’s services agreement also contains provisions related to non-competition and non-solicitation that generally preclude Mr. Torgow, for a period of 18 months following the termination of the agreement, from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the operation of a bank in Michigan or any other state in which Chemical or one of its subsidiaries operated a bank during the term of his agreement, or from diverting from Chemical any trade or business with any customer or supplier with whom Mr. Torgow had contact during his employment, subject to certain conditions and exceptions.

Mr. Klaeser will become Chief Strategy Officer of Chemical and will also continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer of Talmer Bank, until it is merged with Chemical Bank. Mr. Klaeser’s services agreement has a term of 24 months beginning on the effective date of the merger. Under the agreement, he will receive an annual salary of $500,000, which may not be adjusted downward during the term. He will also be eligible for a $600 per month car allowance, as well as a membership in a country club of his choice. Under the agreement, if Chemical terminates his employment with or without cause during the term, Chemical will continue to pay Mr. Klaeser his annual salary through the end of the term. Unlike his existing Talmer employment agreement, Mr. Klaeser’s services agreement with Chemical does not contain change in control provisions or protections, although Chemical has agreed to assume the change in control payments due and payable to Mr. Klaeser under his existing Talmer employment agreement upon the closing of the merger. The services agreement further provides that Mr. Klaeser is not expected to be eligible for the Chemical Bank Annual Incentive Plan or the Chemical Bank Long Term Incentive Plan or any other bonus or incentive plan of Chemical Bank or any stock options, restricted stock units or other equity awards under any Chemical equity plan. Mr. Klaeser’s services agreement also contains provisions related to non-competition and non-solicitation that generally preclude Mr. Klaeser, for a period of 12 months following the termination of the agreement, from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the operation of a bank in Michigan or any other state in which Chemical or one of its subsidiaries operated a bank during the term of his agreement, or from diverting from Chemical any trade or business with any customer or supplier with whom Mr. Klaeser had contact during his employment, subject to certain conditions and exceptions.

Under their respective services agreements, each of Mr. Provost, Mr. Torgow and Mr. Klaeser will also be eligible to participate in Chemical’s employee benefit plans, including its 401(k) plan, group health plan and non-qualified deferred compensation plan.

Employment Agreement with Mr. Shafer

Mr. Shafer will enter into an employment agreement with the surviving bank (that will only become effective at the effective time of the subsidiary bank merger) to serve as an Executive Vice President of the surviving bank.

Golden Parachute Compensation

The following table sets forth the information required by Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC regarding certain compensation which Talmer named executive officers may receive that is based on or that otherwise relates to the merger. The amounts are calculated assuming that the effective date of the merger occurred

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on [●], 2016. The amounts indicated below are estimates based on multiple assumptions that may or may not actually occur or be accurate on the relevant date, including assumptions described below, and do not reflect certain compensation actions that may occur before the completion of the merger. The merger-related compensation payable to the Talmer named executive officers is the subject of a non-binding advisory vote of Talmer shareholders, as described under “The Talmer Proposals Talmer Proposal 2 – The Talmer Merger-Related Compensation Proposal” beginning on page 29.

As discussed above in “—Existing Talmer Employment Agreements” beginning on page 83, under the merger agreement, Mr. Provost, Mr. Torgow and Mr. Klaeser each entered into services agreements with Chemical and Talmer Bank, which will become effective at the closing of the merger, and will supersede their existing Talmer employment agreements. Under the services agreements, Mr. Provost and Mr. Torgow each voluntarily waived his right to receive a $1.2 million lump sum cash payment that otherwise would have been paid to each officer upon the closing of the merger under their existing Talmer employment agreements.



Name
 
Cash
($)(1)
 
Equity
($)(2)
 Pension/
NQDC
($)
 Perquisites/
Benefits
($)
 Tax
Reimburse-
ments($)
 
Other
($)
 
Total
($)
David Provost  1,185,554     1,185,554
               
Gary Torgow  1,185,554     1,185,554
               
Dennis Klaeser 1,984,307 824,300     2,808,607
               
Thomas Shafer 803,266 646,523     1,449,789
               
Gregory Bixby 470,500 387,926     858,426

____________________________

(1)Cash.  Mr. Provost and Mr. Torgow each voluntarily waived his right to receive a lump sum cash payment upon a change in control of Talmer that otherwise would have been made to each officer upon the closing of the merger under their existing Talmer employment agreements.  The amounts set forth for Mr. Klaeser and Mr. Shafer represents a single trigger lump sum cash payment under each of their existing Talmer employment agreements.  The amount set forth for Mr. Bixby represents a double trigger lump sum cash payment under his existing Talmer change in control agreement assuming he has a qualifying termination event during the 18 month period following the effective date of the merger.
(2)Equity.  The amounts set forth represents the value of each officer’s unvested restricted stock related to the 2014 and 2015 annual restricted stock awards assuming that each executive officer either (i) remains employed with the combined company until the one-year anniversary of the effective date of the merger, or (ii) has a qualifying termination event during the one-year period following the effective date of the merger, at which time all of such unvested shares of Talmer restricted stock will fully vest. The value of the unvested 2014 and 2015 annual restricted stock awards was calculated assuming that each share of Talmer restricted stock would convert into shares of Chemical common stock, based on the formula contained in the merger agreement described above under “Treatment of Outstanding Talmer Equity Awards—Talmer Restricted Stock,” using $30.80 as the assumed  Chemical Closing Price, which was the average closing market price of Chemical common stock over the first five business days following the first public announcement of the merger transactions, which occurred prior to the opening of NASDAQ on January 26, 2016.  The value of the converted shares also assumes a per share price of $30.80.For the retention awards, the completion of the merger itself will not result in vesting of the restricted stock awards and, therefore, these restricted stock awards have been excluded from this table.  

Board of Directors and Management Following the Merger

Immediately following the effective time of the merger, the board of directors of Chemical will consist of twelve members, which will include the seven directors of Chemical serving immediately prior to the merger and five of the directors of Talmer serving immediately prior to the merger, two of whom shall be Gary Torgow and David Provost. The parties will consult as to the other three Talmer directors who will serve on the board of directors of Chemical following the merger.

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David Ramaker will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Chemical after the merger, and Gary Torgow will become Chemical’s Chairman. Lori Gwizdala will continue to serve as Chemical’s Chief Financial Officer. David Provost will become Vice Chairman of Growth Strategy of Chemical and Dennis Klaeser will become Chemical’s Chief Strategy Officer. Following the consolidation of Chemical Bank and Talmer Bank, Thomas Shafer will become Executive Vice President of Chemical Bank.

Regulatory Clearances Required for the Merger

The merger must be approved by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, which will review, among other things, the effect of the merger on competition, the companies’ capital position, safety and soundless, legal and regulatory compliance matters and Community Investment Act matters. There can be no assurance as to whether this and other regulatory approvals will be obtained, the timing of such approvals or whether any conditions will be imposed on such approvals.

Chemical and Talmer have agreed to use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to obtain as promptly as practicable applicable regulatory approvals, and any other approval required under any applicable federal or state law. Chemical and Talmer have agreed to cooperate with one another to determine which regulatory filings or approvals are required to be made or obtained prior to the effective date of the merger and to timely make all such filings and seek all such approvals. Chemical and Talmer are currently reviewing which such regulatory filings and approvals, if any, are required and expect to timely make all such filings and seek all such approvals.

Chemical and Talmer cannot assure you that other government agencies or private parties will not initiate actions to challenge the merger before or after it is completed. Any such challenge to the merger could result in a court order enjoining the merger or in restrictions or conditions that would have a material adverse effect on the combined company following the merger if the merger is completed. Such restrictions and conditions could include requiring the divestiture or spin-off of assets or businesses. No additional shareholder approval is expected to be required or sought for any decision by Chemical or Talmer after the Chemical special meeting and the Talmer special meeting to agree to any terms and conditions necessary to resolve any regulatory objections to the merger.

Exchange of Shares in the Merger

Chemical intends to appoint Computershare to serve as exchange agent to handle the exchange of shares of Talmer Class A common stock for shares of Chemical common stock.NASDAQ. At the effective time of the merger, Chemical will change its name to “TCF Financial Corporation” and the common stock of the combined company will be listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “TCF.”

RESALE OF SHARES OF CHEMICAL COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK

All Chemical common stock and the Chemical Series C preferred stock (and depositary shares representing interests in the Chemical Series C preferred stock) received by TCF shareholders in the merger, as applicable, will be freely tradable for purposes of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, except for Chemical common stock and shares of Chemical Series C preferred stock (and depositary shares representing interests in the Chemical Series C preferred stock) received by any TCF shareholder who becomes an “affiliate” of Chemical after completion of the merger. This joint proxy statement/prospectus does not cover resales of Chemical common stock or the Chemical Series C preferred stock (and depositary shares representing interests in the Chemical Series C preferred stock) received by any person upon completion of the merger, as applicable, and no person is authorized to make any use of this joint proxy statement/prospectus in connection with any resale.

THE MERGER AGREEMENT

The description of the merger agreement in this section and elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the merger agreement, a copy of which is attached asAnnex A and incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. This summary may not contain all of the information about the merger agreement that may be important to you. You are urged to read the full text of the merger agreement carefully and in its entirety as it is the legal document governing the merger.

Structure of the Merger

The boards of directors of each of Chemical and TCF have approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. The merger agreement provides for the merger of TCF with and into Chemical, with Chemical continuing as the surviving corporation. Immediately following the merger or at such later time as Chemical and TCF may mutually agree, Chemical Bank, a Michigan banking corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chemical, will merge with and into TCF Bank, a national banking association and a wholly-owned subsidiary of TCF, with TCF Bank continuing as the surviving entity. The bank merger will be implemented pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger in a form to be mutually agreed upon by Chemical and TCF.

Merger Consideration

Each share of Talmer Class ATCF common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, except for treasury shares owned by TCF or Chemical, in each case, other than in a fiduciary or agency capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted (which will be cancelled), will be converted into the right to receive, the merger consideration, consisting of 0.4725without interest, 0.5081 shares of Chemical common stock and $1.61 in cash, without interest, and cash in lieu of any fractional share of Chemical common stock, without the need for any action by the holders of Talmer Class A common stock.

Promptly afterIf, prior to the effective time of the merger, but in no event later than ten days after the effective time, Chemical will cause the exchange agent to mail to each holdernumber of record of one or more Talmer stock certificates a letter of transmittal specifying, among other things, that delivery will be effected, and risk of loss and title to any certificates representing Talmer Class A common stock shall pass, only upon proper delivery of such certificates to the exchange agent. The letter of transmittal will also include instructions explaining the procedure for surrendering Talmer stock certificates in exchange for the merger consideration. Talmer shareholders should not return Talmer stock certificates with the enclosed proxy card.

After the effective time of the merger, shares of Talmer Class A common stock will no longer be outstanding will be automatically canceled and will cease to exist and each certificate, if any, that previously represented shares of Talmer Class A common stock will represent only the right to receive the merger consideration as described above. With respect to merger consideration deliverable upon the surrender of Talmer stock certificates, until holders of such Talmer stock certificates have surrendered such stock certificates to the exchange agent for exchange, those holders will not receive dividends or distributions with respect to such shares of Chemical common stock issuableor TCF common stock is increased, decreased, changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or securities as merger consideration with a record date afterresult of a reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or other similar change in capitalization, or there is any extraordinary dividend or distribution, an appropriate and proportionate adjustment will be made to the effective timeexchange ratio.

Treatment of TCF Series C preferred Stock

Each share of TCF’s outstanding 5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and each related depositary share will be converted into the merger,right to receive, without interest, one share of Chemical’s 5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, or a related depositary share, respectively. The Chemical Series C preferred stock will have equivalent rights and preferences to the TCF Series C preferred stock.

Fractional Shares

Chemical will not receive interest on any cash issuable as merger consideration.

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Talmer shareholders will not receiveissue any fractional shares of Chemical common stock pursuant toin the merger. In lieu of fractional shares,Instead, Chemical will pay to each former TalmerTCF shareholder who otherwise would be entitled to receive a fractional share of Chemical common stock an amount in cash (rounded up to the nearest whole cent), without interest thereon, equal to the product of determined by multiplying (i) the volume weighted average trading price onof the NASDAQ Global Select Marketclosing sale prices of Chemical common stock for the 15five full trading days ending on the second trading day immediately preceding the closing date of the merger multiplied by (ii) the fraction of a share (rounded to the nearest thousandth)thousandth when expressed in decimal form) of Chemical common stock which such holderTCF shareholder would otherwise would be entitled to receive.

Chemical shareholders need not take any action with respect to their shares

Governing Documents

Chemical’s articles of Chemical common stock,incorporation and will continue to hold their shares of Chemical common stock after the effective time of the merger.

Litigation Related to the Merger

On February 22, 2016, two putative class action and derivative complaints were filed in the Circuit Court for Oakland County, Michigan by individuals purporting to be a shareholder of Talmer. The actions are styledRegina Gertel Lee v. Chemical Financial Corporation, et. al., Case No. 2016-151642-CB andCity of Livonia Employees’ Retirement System v. Chemical Financial Corporation et. al.,Case No. 2016-151641-CB.  On March 22, 2016, one additional putative class action and derivative complaint was filed in the Circuit Court for Oakland County, Michigan by an individual purporting to be a shareholder of Talmer, styledStephen Bushansky v.Gary Torgow et. al. Case No. 2016-152112-CB.  All three complaints purport to bring the complaints derivatively on behalf of Talmer against the individual defendants, and individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated against Talmer and Chemical. The complaints allege, among other things, that the directors of Talmer breached their fiduciary duties to Talmer’s shareholders in connection with the merger by approving a transaction pursuant to an allegedly inadequate process that undervalues Talmer and includes preclusive deal protection provisions, and that Chemical allegedly aided and abetted the Talmer directors in breaching their duties to Talmer’s stockholders. The complaints also allege that the individual defendants have been unjustly enriched. All three complaints seek various remedies on behalf of the putative class (consisting of all shareholders of Talmer who are not related to or affiliated with any defendant).  The complaints filed on February 22, 2016 also request, among other things, that the Court enjoin the merger from being consummated in accordance with its agreed-upon terms, direct the Talmer directors to exercise their fiduciary duties, rescind the merger agreement to the extent that it is already implemented, award the plaintiff all costs and disbursements inbylaws, each respective action (including reasonable attorneys’ and experts’ fees), and grant such further relief as the court deems just and proper.  The complaint filed on March 22, 2016 contains similar requests for relief that include, among other things, that the Court declare the Talmer directors breached their fiduciary duties, determine and award damages flowing from those breaches, enjoin the proposed transaction, rescind the transaction if it is consummated or award the class rescissory damages, direct an accounting of all damages, award the plaintiff all costs associated with bringing the action (including reasonable attorneys’ and experts’ fees), and grant such further relief as the court deems just and proper. Talmer, Chemical and the individual defendants all believe that the claims asserted against each of them are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against these lawsuits.

Bank Consolidation Following the Merger

Following completion of the merger, Chemical intends to consolidate Talmer Bank with and into Chemical Bank, with Chemical Bank as the surviving institution, subject to, among other things, regulatory approval.

Chemical Dividend Policy

Chemical currently pays quarterly cash dividends of $0.26 per share on shares of its common stock and currently intends to consider the declaration of a dividend on a quarterly basis. Any future determination regarding dividend or distribution payments will be at the discretion of the Chemical board of directors, subject to applicable limitations under Michigan law, and will depend upon many factors, including results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, capital requirements and legal requirements.

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Listing of Chemical Common Stock

It is a condition to the completion of the merger that the shares of Chemical common stock to be issued to Talmer shareholders pursuant to the merger (including those shares of Chemical common stock to be issued upon conversion of the Talmer share-based awards) be authorized for listing on NASDAQ, subject to official notice of issuance.  

De-Listing and Deregistration of Talmer Stock

Upon completion of the merger, the Talmer Class A common stock currently listed on NASDAQ will cease to be listed on NASDAQ and will subsequently be deregistered under the Exchange Act.

Support Agreements

Each of Chemical’s directors, in their capacities as shareholders of Chemical, entered into a Support Agreement with Talmer pursuant to which the Chemical directors have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, to vote their shares, and to use reasonable efforts to cause all shares owned by such director jointly with any other person over which such director has shared voting control to be voted, in favor of the merger agreement. At the close of business on the record date for the Chemical special meeting, Chemical directors were entitled to vote [●] shares of, or approximately [●]%, of Chemical common stock outstanding on that date.

Each of Talmer’s directors, in their capacities as shareholders of Talmer, entered into a Support Agreement with Chemical pursuant to which the Talmer directors have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, to vote their shares, and to use reasonable efforts to cause all shares owned by such director jointly with any other person over which such director has shared voting control to be voted, in favor of the merger agreement. At the close of business on the record date for the Talmer special meeting, Talmer directors were entitled to vote [●] shares of, or approximately [●]%, of Talmer Class A common stock outstanding on that date.

No Appraisal or Dissenters’ Rights

Under Michigan law, as well as the governing instruments of each company, neither the holders of Chemical common stock nor the holders of Talmer Class A common stock are entitled to appraisal rights or dissenters’ rights in connection with the merger.

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THE MERGER AGREEMENT

The following describes the material provisions of the merger agreement, which is included as Annex A to this joint proxy statement and prospectus and incorporated by reference herein. The summary of the material provisions of the merger agreement below and elsewhere in this joint proxy statement and prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the merger agreement. This summary does not purport to be complete and may not contain all of the information about the merger agreement that is important to you. Chemical and Talmer encourage you to read the merger agreement carefully in its entirety before making any decisions regarding the merger as it is the legal document governing the merger and related transactions.

The merger agreement and this summary of its terms have been included to provide you with information regarding the terms of the merger agreement and are not intended to provide any factual information about Chemical or Talmer. Chemical and Talmer are responsible for considering whether additional disclosure of material information is required to make the statements in this joint proxy statement and prospectus not misleading. Factual disclosures about Chemical or Talmer contained in this joint proxy statement and prospectus or Chemical’s or Talmer’s public reports filed with the SEC may supplement, update or modify the factual disclosures about Chemical or Talmer contained in the merger agreement and described in this summary. The representations, warranties and covenants made in the merger agreement by Chemical and Talmer are qualified and subject to important limitations agreed to by Chemical and Talmer in connection with negotiating the terms of the merger agreement. In particular, in your review of the representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement and described in this summary, it is important to bear in mind that the representations and warranties were made solely for the benefit of the parties to the merger agreement, and were negotiated with the principal purpose of allocating risk between the parties to the merger agreement rather than establishing matters as facts. The representations and warranties may also be subject to a contractual standard of materiality that may be different from that generally relevant to shareholders or applicable to reports and documents filed with the SEC, and in some cases are qualified by confidential disclosures that were made by each party to the other, which disclosures are not reflected in the merger agreement or otherwise publicly disclosed. The representations and warranties in the merger agreement will not survive the completion of the merger. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of the representations and warranties may have changed since the date of the merger agreement, and subsequent developments or new information qualifying a representation or warranty may have been included or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement and prospectus. For the foregoing reasons, the representations, warranties and covenants or any descriptions of those provisions should not be read alone, but instead should be read together with the information provided elsewhere in this joint proxy statement and prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement and prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page 128.

General; The Merger

At the effective time of the merger, upon the terms and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions of the merger agreement andamended in accordance with the Michigan Business Corporation Act, Talmer will be merged with and into Chemical, the separate corporate existence of Talmer will cease, and Chemical will be the surviving corporation of the merger. As of the effective time of the merger the articles of incorporation of the surviving corporationagreement, will be the articles of incorporation and bylaws of Chemical asthe surviving corporation after completion of the merger, until thereafter amended in effect immediately prior toaccordance with applicable law.

Treatment of TCF Equity Awards

At the effective time, and the bylaws of Chemical as in effecteach TCF equity award outstanding immediately prior to the effective time will be adjusted so that its holder will be entitled to receive a number of shares of Chemical common stock (i) equal to the bylawsproduct of (a) the number of shares of TCF common stock subject to such TCF equity award, as applicable, immediately prior to the effective time multiplied by (b) the exchange ratio and (ii) rounded, as applicable, to the nearest whole share, and will otherwise remain subject to the same terms and conditions (including, without limitation, with respect to vesting conditions (taking into account any vesting upon the occurrence of the surviving corporation. Effectiveeffective time that is applicable to the TCF equity awards granted to TCF’snon-employee directors) and cash dividend equivalent rights). All TCF equity awards held by an employee whose employment will continue with the combined company or its subsidiaries after the merger will vest in their entirety to the extent such employee’s employment is terminated by the combined company without cause or by the employee for good reason prior to the second anniversary of the closing date of the merger. For any TCF equity awards that are subject to performance-based vesting, the number of shares of TCF common stock underlying such awards will be calculated and fixed as of the effective time of the merger Chemical will cause the sizeassuming achievement of the boardapplicable performance conditions at the greater of directorstarget level performance and the actual level of achievement of such conditions based on TCF’s performance results through the latest practicable date prior to the effective time, and such awards will convert into service-based vesting awards with the applicable vesting date to be the last day of the surviving corporationoriginal performance period. For purposes of TCF equity awards for which performance is achievable at a single level, the performance condition will be no longer relevant as of the effective time.

Closing and Effective Time of the Merger

The merger will be completed only if all conditions to the merger set forth in the merger agreement are either satisfied or waived. For more information, see “The Merger Agreement—Conditions to Complete the Merger.”

The merger will become effective as set forth in the certificates of merger to be 12 directors.

Whenfiled with the Merger Becomes Effective

ChemicalSecretary of State of the State of Delaware and Talmer will file a certificate of merger (the “Certificate of Merger”) with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs after the last of the conditions to theAffairs. The closing of the merger have been satisfied or waived (other than those conditions thattransactions contemplated by their nature are to be satisfied or waived at the closing of the merger), or at such other date and time as the parties may agree. The merger will be effective when the Certificate of Merger is accepted for filing by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs oroccur at such10:00 A.M., New York City time, on a date no later time as is agreed to by the parties and specified in the Certificate of Merger. If requested by Chemical,

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the effective time of the Merger will occur on either the last day or the first day of a month, but will not occur during a month in which a calendar quarter ends.

Chemical and Talmer currently expect to complete the transaction in the second half of 2016, subject to receipt of required shareholder approvals and regulatory approvals andthan three business days after the satisfaction or waiver of the otherlast to occur of the conditions toset forth in the merger described below.

Merger Consideration

The merger agreement, providesor such other date or time mutually agreed in writing by the parties. It is currently anticipated that at the effective timecompletion of the merger each sharewill occur in the late third or the fourth quarter of Talmer Class A2019, subject to Chemical shareholder approval of the Chemical merger proposal and the Chemical articles amendment proposal, TCF shareholder approval of the TCF merger proposal, and regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, but neither Chemical nor TCF can guarantee when or if the merger will be completed.

Conversion of Shares and Exchange of Certificates

The conversion of TCF common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger (except for shares of Talmer Class A common stock owned, directly or indirectly, by Talmer or Chemical immediately before the effective time of the merger (excluding any of such shares that are held (i) as a result of debts previously contracted, or (ii) in trust accounts or otherwise held in a fiduciary or agency capacity and beneficially owned by third parties), which will be cancelled and cease to exist with no consideration paid) will be converted into the right to receive 0.4725 (referred to as the “exchange ratio”) fully paid and nonassessable shares of Chemical common stock plus $1.61 in cash (collectively the “merger consideration”). Upon this conversion, such shares of Talmer Class A common stock will no longer be outstanding and all rights with respect to such shares will cease to exist, except for the right to receive the merger consideration (and cashand the conversion of TCF Series C preferred stock and related depositary shares into the right to receive the Chemical Series C preferred stock and related depositary shares will occur automatically at the effective time of the merger. TCF shareholders should not send in lieu of fractional shares).

Pursuant toany stock certificates now. After the merger Chemicalis complete, TCF shareholders will not issue any certificates or scrip representing fractionalreceive separate written instructions for surrendering shares of ChemicalTCF common stock in exchange for the merger consideration and shares of Talmer Class A commonTCF Series C preferred stock or pay any dividendsrelated depositary shares in exchange for Chemical Series C preferred stock or distributionsrelated depositary shares. In the meantime, TCF shareholders should retain their stock certificates because they are still valid. TCF shareholders should not send in their stock certificates with respect to such fractional share interests, and such fractional share interests will not entitle the holder thereof to vote or to have any rightstheir proxy cards.

Letter of Transmittal

As promptly as a holder of shares of Chemical common stock. Instead, a shareholder of Talmer who otherwise would have been entitled to receive a fraction of a share of Chemical common stock in connection with the merger will receive cash (without interest, and rounded to the nearest cent) in an amount equal to the product of (i) the volume weighted average trading price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market of Chemical common stock for the 15 full trading days ending on the second trading day immediately preceding the closing date of the merger, multiplied by (ii) such fraction of a share of Chemical common stock, rounded to the nearest thousandth.

After the effective time of the merger, there will be no further transfers on the stock transfer books of Talmer of shares of Talmer Class A common stock that were outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger.

Dividends and Distributions

No dividends or other distributions with respect to Chemical common stock with a record date on orpracticable after the effective time of the merger, but in no event later than five business days thereafter, the exchange agent will be paidmail to theeach holder of any unsurrendered certificate or book-entry share that represented Talmer Class Arecord of TCF common stock and TCF Series C preferred stock immediately prior to the effective time of the merger until the holder of such certificate or book-entry surrenders such certificate or book-entry share in accordance with the instructions received from the exchange agent. Following such surrender, there will be paid, without interest, with respect to whole shares of Chemical common stock that shares of Talmer Class A common stock represented by the certificate or book-entry share havehas been converted into: (i) at the time of such surrender, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date and a payment date on or after the effective time of the merger and on or prior to the date of such surrender and (ii) at the appropriate payment date, the amount of any dividends or other distributions with a record date on or after the effective time of the merger and prior to the date of such surrender and a payment date subsequent to the date of such surrender.

Treatment of Talmer Awards

Talmer Stock Options

As of the effective time of the merger, each outstanding Talmer stock option (excluding any Talmer stock options cancelled immediately prior to the effective time pursuant to the tender offer as described below) will be assumed by Chemical substantially in accordance with the terms of the Talmer stock plans and any applicable award

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agreements and will be converted into a stock option with respect to the number of shares of Chemical common stock equal to the product of (i) the total number of shares of Talmer Class A common stock subject to such Talmer stock option, multiplied by (ii) the equity award exchange ratio (defined below), rounded up or down, if necessary, to the nearest whole share of Chemical common stock. The per-share exercise price of such Talmer stock option will be adjusted to equal the quotient of (a) the exercise price per share of Talmer Class A common stock at which such stock option was exercisable immediately prior to the effective time, divided by (b) the equity award exchange ratio, rounded up or down to the nearest whole cent, if necessary. The “equity award exchange ratio” means the sum of (i) the exchange ratio (0.4725), plus (ii) the quotient of (a) the cash consideration ($1.61) divided by (b) the “Chemical Closing Price,” which is the volume weighted average trading price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market of Chemical common stock for the 15 full trading days ending on the second trading day immediately preceding the closing date of the merger.

Cash Tender Offer for Up to 25% of Outstanding Talmer Stock Options

Talmer intends to make a tender offer to all holders of outstanding Talmer stock options (“optionholders”) that will give each optionholder the opportunity to tender to Talmer up to 25% of such optionholder’s options that were outstanding on January 25, 2016 (the date of the merger agreement), calculated on the basis of the number of shares of Talmer Class A common stock for which such options are exercisable, in exchange for a cash payment to be made on the closing date of the merger. Each option that is validly tendered and not withdrawn will be cancelled upon such payment. The payment for each such option will be calculated as follows: the optionholder will be entitled to receive, for each cancelled option to purchase one share of Talmer Class A common stock, cash in an amount equal to the “Option Cash-Out Consideration,” less any required withholding taxes. “Option Cash-Out Consideration” means, for each cancelled option, cash in an amount equal to (i) the sum of (A) the product of (x) 0.4725 multiplied by (y) the Chemical Closing Price, plus (B) $1.61, minus (ii) the per-share exercise price for such cancelled option. All options with the same exercise price will be cancelled for the same Option Cash-Out Consideration.

The tender offer will be conditioned on the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions in the merger agreement (except for those conditions in the merger agreement that by their nature cannot be satisfied until the closing date of the merger but that are expected to be satisfied at the closing date of the merger), and we expect that the tender offer will be completed simultaneous with or immediately prior to the merger. The closing of the merger is not conditioned on any particular percentage of Talmer options being tendered.

When Talmer commences the tender offer, Talmer will file with the SEC a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO, including the Offer to Purchase and related tender offer materials. The Tender Offer Statement (including an Offer to Purchase, a related Letter of Transmittal and other tender offer documents) will contain important information that should be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the tender offer. These documents (and all other offer documents filed by Talmer with the SEC) will be available at no charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Talmer Restricted Stock Awards

Each restricted stock award granted under a Talmer stock plan which is unvested or contingent and is outstanding immediately prior to the effective time will, as of the effective time, cease to represent any rights with respect to shares of Talmer Class A common stock and will be converted into a stock award with respect to the number of shares of Chemical common stock equal to the product of (i) the total number of shares of Talmer Class A common stock subject to the Talmer stock award, multiplied by (ii) the equity award exchange ratio, rounded up or down, if necessary, to the nearest whole share of Chemical common stock. Each converted stock award will continue to be subject to the terms of the applicable Talmer stock plan (but taking into account any changes to the restricted stock award; including acceleration of vesting, provided for in the applicable Talmer stock plans or related award agreement as a result of the merger).

Procedure for Receiving Merger Consideration

At or prior to the effective time of the merger, Chemical will deposit with the exchange agent (i) evidence of shares of Chemical common stock in book-entry form, in the aggregate amount equal to the number of shares of

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Chemical common stock to which holders of Talmer Class A common stock are entitled based on the exchange ratio, (ii) cash in an amount sufficient to pay all cash consideration to which holders of Talmer Class A common stock are entitled based on cash consideration of $1.61 per share of Talmer Class A common stock, and (iii) cash in an amount sufficient to make payments in lieu of any fractional shares and payments of any dividends or other distributions payable pursuant to the merger agreement. The cash and shares deposited pursuant to the foregoing are referred to as the “exchange fund.”

As soon as reasonably practicable after the effective time of the merger (but in any event, no later than ten days after the effective time of the merger), Chemical will cause the exchange agent to mail to each holder of record of shares of Talmer Class A common stock immediately prior to the merger that were converted at the effective time of the merger into the right to receive the merger consideration (i)or Chemical Series C preferred stock pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, a letter of transmittal and (ii) instructions for use in effecting theon how to surrender of certificates or book-entrysuch shares of Talmer Class ATCF common stock or TCF Series C preferred stock in exchange for the merger consideration cash in lieu of fractional shares and any dividends or other distributions payable pursuantthe holder is entitled to receive under the merger agreement. Each holder of Talmer Class A

If a certificate for TCF common stock will be entitled to receive the appropriate merger consideration, cash in lieu of any fractional shares and any dividends or distributions payable pursuant to the merger agreement upon surrendering to the exchange agent such shareholder’s certificates or book-entry shares, together with a properly executed letter of transmittal and any other documents required by the exchange agent. The merger consideration and any other consideration paid under the merger agreement may be reduced by any amounts required to be deducted and withheld pursuant to any applicable tax law. You should not return your certificates representing shares of Talmer Class A common stock to the exchange agent without a letter of transmittal, and you should not return your certificates representing Talmer Class A common stock to Talmer.

If any shares of Chemical common stock are to be issued as merger consideration to a person other than the person in whose name the certificates or book-entry shares representing shares of Talmer Class A common stock are registered, it will be a condition to such issuance that such surrendered Talmer certificate or book-entry share is properly endorsed with a medallion signature guaranty or otherwise in proper form for transfer, and that the person requesting payment will have paid to the exchange agent in advance any transfer or other similar taxes required by reason of the issuance of Chemical shares in any name other than that of the registered holder of the surrendered Talmer shares, or required for any other reason, or establish, to the satisfaction of the exchange agent, that such taxes have been paid or are not payable.

No interest will be paid or will accrue on the merger consideration payable in respect of any shares of Talmer Class A common stock.

Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates

If any certificate representing shares of Talmer Class A commonTCF Series C preferred stock has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, the exchange agent will deliverissue the applicable merger consideration any cash in lieuor Chemical Series C preferred stock, as applicable, upon receipt of any fractional shares payable and any dividends or other distributions payable pursuant to the merger agreement with respect to the shares formerly represented by such certificate if the shareholder asserting the claim of a lost, stolen or destroyed certificate has delivered an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming such certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by Chemical, the exchange agent and has postedposting of a bond through the exchange agent in suchan amount as the exchange agent would charge other similarly situated holders of Chemical common stockmay determine is reasonably necessary as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the exchange agentit with respect to such lost, stolencertificate.

After completion of the merger, there will be no further transfers on the stock transfer books of TCF of shares of TCF common stock or destroyed Talmer certificate.TCF Series C preferred stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger.

Withholding

Chemical and the exchange agent will be entitled to deduct and withhold from any consideration otherwise payable pursuant to the merger agreement such amounts as they are required to deduct and withhold under the Code or any provision of state, local, or foreign tax law. If any such amounts are withheld and paid over to the appropriate governmental authority, such amounts will be treated for all purposes of the merger agreement as having been paid to the person in respect of which the deduction and withholding was made.

Dividends and Distributions

No dividends or other distributions declared with respect to Chemical common stock or Chemical Series C preferred stock will be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered certificates or book entry shares of TCF common stock or TCF Series C preferred stock or related depositary shares until the holder thereof surrenders such certificate or book entry shares in accordance with the merger agreement. After the surrender of a certificate or book entry shares in accordance with the merger agreement, the record holder thereof will be entitled to receive any such dividends or other distributions, without interest, which had previously become payable with respect to the whole shares of Chemical common stock or Chemical Series C preferred stock or depositary shares which the shares of TCF common stock or TCF Series C preferred stock represented by such certificate or book entry shares have been converted into the right to receive under the merger agreement.

Representations and Warranties

The representations, warranties, and covenants described below and included in the merger agreement were made only for purposes of the merger agreement and as of specific dates, may be subject to limitations, qualifications, or exceptions agreed upon by the parties, including those included in confidential disclosures made for the purposes of, among other things, allocating contractual risk between Chemical and TCF rather than establishing matters as facts, and may be subject to standards of materiality that differ from those standards relevant to investors. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of the representations, warranties and covenants may change after the date of the merger agreement, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in public disclosures by Chemical or TCF.

Therefore, the representations and warranties and other provisions of the merger agreement or any descriptions of those provisions should not be read alone or relied upon as characterizations of the actual state of

facts or condition of Chemical, TCF or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, without considering the foregoing. Instead, such provisions or descriptions should be read only in conjunction with the information provided elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. For more information, see “Where You Can Find More Information” in the forepart of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” beginning on page 163. Chemical and TCF will provide additional disclosure in their public reports to the extent that they are or become aware of the existence of any material facts that are required to be disclosed under federal securities laws and that might otherwise contradict the representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement and will update such disclosure as required under federal securities laws.

The merger agreement contains a numbercustomary representations and warranties of each of Chemical and TCF relating to their respective businesses. The representations and warranties in the merger agreement do not survive the effective time of the merger.

The merger agreement contains representations and warranties made by each of TalmerTCF and Chemical that relaterelating to among other things:a number of matters, including the following:

 

corporate existence,matters, including due organization and qualification and corporate power;subsidiaries;

adoption

capitalization;

authority relative to execution and delivery of the merger agreement and approvalthe absence of conflicts with, or violations of, organizational documents or other obligations as a result of the mergermerger;

required governmental and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement by the relevant board of directorsregulatory filings and the receipt by the relevant board of directors of a fairness opinion from its financial advisors;

any conflicts created by the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, includingconsents and approvals in connection with the merger;

subsidiaries;
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reports to regulatory authorities;

capital structure

financial statements, internal controls, books and capitalization;records, and absence of undisclosed liabilities;

financial statements;

broker’s fees payable in connection with the merger;

the absence of certain changes or events;

legal proceedings;

regulatory filings;

tax matters;

the absence of certain indemnification claims;

employee and employee benefit plan matters;

conduct of business in

compliance with applicable laws;

certain material contracts;

agreements with regulatory authorities;

derivative instruments and transactions;

environmental matters;

investment securities;

real property;

intellectual property and information security matters;

related party transactions;

inapplicability of takeover statutes;

absence of actions or circumstance that would prevent the merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” under Section 368(a) of the Code;

opinion from financial advisor;

the accuracy of information supplied for inclusion in connection with the merger agreement, this joint proxy statement and statement/prospectus and the registration statement of which it is a part;

agreements with bank regulators;
tax matters;
owned and leased real and personal property;
intellectual property;
possession and status of material permits and other rights from appropriate governmental entities necessary for the conduct of business as presently conducted;similar documents;

material contracts;
labor and employment matters;
employee benefits;
environmental matters;
performance of duties as a fiduciary;
certain related person transactions and relationships;
changes in certain business relationships;
insurance;
maintenance of content of books and records;
data security and customer privacy;
loan-related matters, including loan guarantees,

loans and investments, allowances for loansecuritization portfolios; and lease losses, and loan origination and servicing;

documents filed with the SEC and other securities laws matters;
joint ventures and strategic alliances;
policies and procedures;
the absence of a shareholder rights or other similar plan; and
the absence of undisclosed liabilities.

Many of theinsurance matters.

Certain representations and warranties in the merger agreementof Chemical and TCF are qualified by aas to knowledge, “materiality” or “material adverse effect” standard (that is, they will not be deemed to be untrue or incorrect unless their failure to be true or correct, individually or in the aggregate, as the case may be, would be material or have a material adverse effect, respectively).effect.” For purposes of the merger agreement, a “material adverse effect” with respecteffect,” when used in reference to TCF or Chemical, as the case may be, means a party is any fact, event, change, condition, development, circumstance, ormaterial adverse effect that, individually or in the aggregate,on (i) is or would be reasonably likely to be material and adverse to the business, properties, assets, liabilities, properties, results of operations or financial condition of such party and its subsidiaries taken as a whole (provided that, with respect to this clause (i), material adverse effect will not be deemed to include the impact of (a) changes, after the date of the merger agreement, in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which we refer to as GAAP, or applicable regulatory accounting requirements, (b) changes, after the date of the merger agreement, in laws, rules or regulations of general applicability to companies in the industries in which such party and its subsidiaries operate, or interpretations thereof by courts or governmental entities, (c) changes, after the date of the merger agreement, in global, national or regional political conditions (including the outbreak of war or acts of terrorism) or in economic or market conditions (including equity, credit and debt markets, as well as changes in interest rates) affecting the financial services industry generally and not specifically relating to such party or its subsidiaries, (d) public disclosure of the execution of the merger agreement, public disclosure or consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby (including any effect on a party’s relationships with its customers or employees) or actions expressly required by the merger agreement in contemplation of the transactions contemplated hereby, or (e) a decline in the trading price of such party’s common stock or the failure, in and of itself, to meet earnings projections or internal financial forecasts (it being understood that the underlying cause of such decline or failure may be taken into account in determining whether a material adverse effect has occurred); except, with respect to subclauses (a), (b) and (c), to the extent that the effects of such change(s) are materially disproportionately adverse to the business, properties, assets, liabilities, results of operations or financial condition of such party and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other companies in the industries in which such party and its subsidiaries operate) or (ii) prohibits or materially impairs or would be reasonably likely to materially impair the ability of such party to timely consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Covenants and Agreements

Conduct of Businesses Prior to the relatedCompletion of the Merger

Chemical and TCF have each agreed that, prior to the effective time of the merger (or earlier termination of the merger agreement), except as expressly contemplated by the merger agreement, required by law or as consented to in writing by the other party (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), it will, and will cause each of its subsidiaries to, (i) conduct its respective businesses in the ordinary course in all material respects and use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain and preserve intact its business organization, employees and advantageous business relationships and (ii) take no action that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect or materially delay the ability to obtain any necessary approvals of any regulatory agency or other governmental entity required for the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, except, in the case of clause (i), for any adverse fact, event, change, condition, development, circumstance or effect to the extent arising from: 

i.changes after the date of the merger agreement in GAAP or regulatory accounting requirements applicable to banks and their holdings, generally;
ii.changes after the date of the merger agreement in laws of general applicability to banks and their holding companies, generally, or interpretations thereof by governmental entities;
iii.changes after the date of the merger agreement in global or national political conditions (including the outbreak of war or acts of terrorism) or in general economic or market conditions affecting banks and their holding companies, generally;
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iv.the taking of any action required or expressly permitted by, or the failure to take any action prohibited by, the merger agreement;
v.the announcement or pendency of the merger agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby;
vi.the occurrence of any natural or man-made disaster; or
vii.the acts or omissions of a party, prior to the effective time of the merger, taken at the written request or with the prior written consent of the other party;

except, in the case of each of (i) through (iii), above, to the extent that such party is affected in a disproportionate manner as compared to other community banksperform its respective covenants and their holding companies in the midwestern United States.

The representations and warranties of the parties toagreements under the merger agreement will expire uponor to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby on a timely basis.

In addition to the general covenants above, Chemical and TCF have each agreed that before the effective time of the merger or the(or earlier termination of the merger agreement pursuant to its terms.

Conduct of Business Pending the Completion of the Transaction

Each of Talmer and Chemical has agreed to certain covenants in the merger agreement restricting the conduct of its business between the date of the merger agreement and the effective time of the merger. In general,agreement), except as (i) expressly contemplated or permitted by the merger agreement, or as(ii) required by applicableany law, regulation, licensing requirement, rule, or with the prior written consentother promulgation of any regulatory

authority, or (iii) consented to in writing by the other party (which(such consent will not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), each partyit will conduct its business in the ordinary course of business generally consistent with past practice in all material respectsnot, and will usenot permit any of its commercially reasonable effortssubsidiaries to, (i) preserve substantially intact such party’s business organization and advantageous business relationships, and (ii) retainundertake the services of such party’s key officers and key employees.

In addition, each of Talmer and Chemical have agreed to reciprocal restrictions relating to the conduct of their respective businesses between the date of the merger agreement and the effective time of the merger, including, but not limited to, prohibitions against taking the following actions without the other party’s prior written consent (which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) and subject, in each case, to certain exceptions specified in the merger agreement or previously disclosed in writing to the other party as provided in the merger agreement:following:

 

other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (which includesincur any indebtedness for borrowed money (other than intracompany indebtedness), assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for the obligations of any other individual, corporation or other entity (it being understood and agreed that incurrence of indebtedness in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice will include the creation of deposit liabilities, issuances of letters of credit, purchases of federal funds, borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank, sales of certificates of deposit,deposits and entry into repurchase agreements), incurringagreements, in each case on terms and in amounts consistent with past practice);

adjust, split, combine or reclassify any indebtedness for borrowed money,capital stock;

make, declare or assuming, guaranteeing, endorsing or otherwise as an accommodation becoming responsible for the obligations of, or making any loan or advance or capital contribution to, any other person;

adjusting, splitting, combining or reclassifying of any of its capital stock;

making, declaring or payingpay any dividend, or make any other distribution on, or directly or indirectly redeeming, purchasingredeem, purchase or otherwise acquiring,acquire, any shares of its capital stock or any securities or obligations convertible (whether currently convertible or convertible only after the passage of time or the occurrence of certain events) into or exchangeable for any shares of its capital stock (except (i) dividends paid by any of such party’s subsidiaries to such party or any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, (ii) regular quarterly dividends by each party on itsthe acceptance of shares of such party’s common stock as disclosed in writing to the other party, (iii) dividends in respect of certain outstanding trust preferred securities (and, with respect to Chemical, the payoff of Chemical’s outstanding trust preferred securities), and (iv) acceptance of such party’s shares in payment offor the exercise price or withholding taxes incurred in connection with the vesting, exercise or settlement of equity-basedequity awards of such party, in each case, in accordance with past practice and the terms of the applicable stock plans and related award agreements);

granting equity-based awardsagreement, (iii) with respect to sharesChemical, quarterly cash dividends on Chemical common stock not to exceed $0.34 per share and dividends on the outstanding trust preferred securities of such party’s common stock;

issuing any securities except pursuant to settlement of equity-based awards previously granted under such party’s stock plans, provided that each party may in its reasonable discretion engage in a bona fide capital raising transaction without the prior written consent of the other party;

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entering into any new or amending any existing employment, consulting, severance, termination or change in control agreements;

except as required by applicable law orChemical in accordance with thetheir terms, of any benefit plan of such party as in effectand (iv) with respect to TCF, quarterly cash dividends on the date of the merger agreement,TCF common stock not to exceed $0.15 per share and except for normal increases made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (i) increasing the wages, salaries, incentive compensation, incentive compensation opportunities of, or benefits provided to, any current, former, or retired employee or director of such party, its subsidiaries or its ERISA affiliates; (ii) establishing, adopting or becoming a party to any new employee benefit or compensation plan, program, commitment, or agreement, or amendment, modification, change, or termination of, or acceleration of any rights under, any benefit plan of such party; (iii) grantingregular quarterly cash dividends on TCF Series C preferred stock);

grant any stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock-based or stock-related awards, performance stock, or phantom orshares, restricted stock unit awards; (iv) taking any action other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice to fund or in any way secure the payment of compensation or benefits under any benefit plan of such party; (v) amending, modifying or altering any warrantunits, restricted shares or other equity-based awards or interests, or grant any individual, corporation or other entity any right to purchaseacquire any shares of such party’sits capital stock;

issue, sell or otherwise permit to become outstanding any additional shares of capital stock or other equity interests in such partysecurities convertible or exchangeable into, or exercisable for, any shares of its capital stock or any securities exchangeable foroptions, warrants, or convertible intoother rights of any kind to acquire any shares of capital stock, except pursuant to the settlement of such party outstanding on the date of the merger agreement; (vi) entering into any collective bargaining agreement; (vii) entering into, amending, modifying, altering, terminating, or changing any third-party vendor or service agreement related to any benefit plan of such party; or (viii) granting any severance or termination pay unless provided under any benefit plan of such party or unless such grant isparty’s equity awards in the ordinary course of business consistentaccordance with past practice;their terms;

selling, transferring, mortgaging, encumbering,

sell, transfer, mortgage, encumber or otherwise disposingdispose of any material amount of its properties or assets or any business which in any case is in excess of $500,000 based on a GAAP value to any personindividual, corporation or other entity other than a wholly-owned subsidiary, of such party, or canceling, releasing,cancel, release or assigningassign any material amountindebtedness of indebtedness to any such person or any claims held byagainst any such person, in each case other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, or pursuant to contracts or agreements in force at the date of the merger agreement; provided, however, that each party will be permitted under certain conditions to make certain divestitures as required by governmental entities to consummate the merger; and provided, further, that each party may make, sell, transfer or dispose of certain “Other Real Estate Owned” if such party notifies the other party and the other party does not object according to procedures provided

except for transactions in the merger agreement;

making any application for the opening, relocation, or closing of any branch office, loan production office or other material office or facility, or opening, relocating or closing any branch office, loan production office or other material office or facility;

acquiring, by merger, consolidation, acquisition of stock or assets, or otherwise, any business or division of a business or entering into any new lineordinary course of business or changing in any material respect its lending, investment, underwriting, risk and asset liability management, and other banking, operating, and servicing policies, except as required by applicable law, regulation, recommendation of or policies imposed by any governmental entity;

makingconsistent with past practice, make any material investment either by purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital, property transfers, or purchase of any property or assets of any other person outsideindividual, corporation or other entity other than a wholly-owned subsidiary;

terminate, materially amend, or waive any material provision of, certain contracts, or make any change in any instrument or agreement governing the terms of any of its securities, or material lease or contract, other than normal renewals of contracts and leases without material adverse changes of terms with respect to such party, or enter into certain contracts;

except as required under applicable law or the terms of any of its benefit plans in effect on the date of the merger agreement, (i) enter into, adopt or terminate any benefit plan, (ii) amend any benefit plan, other than amendments in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;practice that do not materially increase the cost of maintaining such benefit plan, (iii) increase the compensation or benefits payable to any current or former employee, officer, individual independent contractor or director, except for increases in annual base salary or wage rates (and corresponding increases in incentive opportunities) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, that do not exceed, in the aggregate for 2019, 5% of the aggregate cost of all employee annual base salaries and wage rates for 2018, (iv) enter into or amend any collective bargaining agreement or similar agreement, (v) take any action to accelerate any payment or benefit payable to any current or former employee, officer, individual independent contractor or director, (vi) fund any rabbi trust or similar arrangement, (vii) hire or promote any employee or individual independent contractor whose title is senior vice president or higher, or (viii) terminate the employment or service of any employee or individual independent contractor whose title is senior vice president or higher, other than for cause;

taking

settle any material claim, suit, action or proceeding, except in the ordinary course of business in an amount and for consideration not in excess of $500,000 individually or $1 million in the aggregate and that would not impose any material restriction on the business of Chemical and its subsidiaries after the consummation of the merger;

take any action or knowingly failingfail to take any action which iswhere such action or failure to act could reasonably likelybe expected to prevent or impede the merger from qualifying foras a “reorganization” within the intended tax treatment defined inmeaning of Section 368(a) of the merger agreement;Code;

except, in the case of Chemical, for the proposed amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock, amending

amend its articles of incorporation or bylaws, or otherwise taking any action to exempt any person (other than the other party or its subsidiaries)subsidiaries’ organizational documents;

merge or consolidate itself or any action taken by any person from any takeover statute or similarly restrictive provisions of its organizational documents or terminating, amending or waiving any provisions of any confidentiality or standstill agreements in placesubsidiaries with any third parties;other person, or restructure, reorganize or completely or partially liquidate or dissolve it or any of its subsidiaries;

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other than after prior consultation with the other party, materially changingrestructure or restructuringmaterially change its investment securities or derivatives portfolio or its gap position,interest rate exposure, through purchases, sales or otherwise, or the manner in which the portfolio is classified or reported;reported or purchase any security rated below investment grade;

other than commencement or settlement of foreclosure or debt collection actions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, commencing or settling any claim, action, or proceeding where the amount in dispute is in excess of $500,000 or subjects such party or any of its subsidiaries to any material restrictions on its current or future business operations;

taking or failing to take any action that is intended or may reasonably be expected to result in any of the conditions to the merger set forth in the merger agreement not being satisfied;satisfied, except as may be required by applicable law;

implementing

implement or adoptingadopt any material change in its tax accounting or financial accounting principles, practices or methods, changing any tax accounting period, or surrendering in writing any right to claim a tax refund, offset or other reduction in tax liability or consenting to any extension or waiver of the limitation period applicable to any tax claim or assessment relating to such party or its subsidiaries and involving in excess of $1,000,000, in each case other than as may be required by applicable law, GAAP, or regulatory guidelines;GAAP;

filing or amending

(i) enter into any tax return other than in the ordinary coursenew line of business making any significantor change in any methodmaterial respect its lending, investment, underwriting, risk and asset liability management and other banking and operating, securitization and servicing policies (including any change in the maximum ratio or similar limits as a percentage of taxits capital applicable with respect to its loan portfolio or accounting (other thanany segment thereof), except as may be required by applicable law, GAAPregulation or regulatory guidelines), making or changingpolicies imposed by any tax election, or settling or compromising any disputed tax liability in excess of $1,000,000;

extending the term of any material contract (except for the extension of any such term for one year or less due to the automatic renewal of such term in accordance with the terms of such contract), and except for transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, terminating or waiving any material provision of any material contract;

entering into or amending any contract or other transaction with any “related person” of such party (as defined in the merger agreement), except as contemplated or permitted by the merger agreement;

taking any action to enter into, or committing to enter into, any contract for trust, consulting, professional, or other services to such party or any of its subsidiaries that is not terminable by such party or its subsidiary without penalty upon 30 days’ or less notice, except for contracts for services under which the aggregate required payments do not exceed $500,000, and except for legal, accounting, and other ordinary expenses (not including expenses of financial advisors) related to the merger agreement;

taking any action to enter into, or committing to enter into, any joint venture, strategic alliance, or material relationship with any person to jointly develop, market, or offer any product or service;

failing to promptly notify the other party of the threat or the commencement of any material action against, relating to, or affecting (i) such party or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) such party or any of its subsidiaries’ directors, officers or employees in their capacities as such, (iii) such party’s or any of its subsidiaries’ assets, liabilities, businesses or operations, or (iv) the merger or the merger agreement;

except for (i) capital expenditures of amounts set forth in such party’s capital expenditure plan disclosed in writing to the other party,governmental entity, or (ii) capital expenditures required by law or governmental entities or incurred in connection with the repair or replacement of facilities destroyed or damaged due to casualty or accident, making any capital expenditure or permitting any subsidiary to make any capital expenditure;

makingloans or renewing any charitable contributions, gifts, commitments,extensions of credit or pledges of cash or other assetsrenewals thereof, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and not(a) with respect to new borrower or group of related borrowers, with an aggregate outstanding commitment in excess of $20 million or (b) with respect to existing borrowers or groups of related borrowers, in excess of $50 million (it being understood that borrowers who receive loans or extensions of credit or renewals under an inventory finance or similar program are not deemed a “group of related borrowers” under the merger agreement); provided, that each party has agreed to respond to any request for a consent to make such party’s 2016loan or extension of credit in writing within three business days after the loan package is delivered to such party;

make any material changes in its policies and practices with respect to (i) underwriting, pricing, originating, acquiring, selling, servicing, or buying or selling rights to service, loans or (ii) its hedging practices and policies, in each case except as may be required by such policies and practices or by any applicable laws, regulations, guidelines or policies imposed by any governmental entity;

other than as contemplated by the capital expenditure budget set forth in the merger agreement, make, or commit to make, any capital expenditures in excess of $100,000 individually or $1 million in the aggregate;

make application for the opening, relocating or closing of any, or open, relocate or close any, branch office, loan production office or other significant office or operations facility of it or its subsidiaries;

make, change or revoke any material tax election, change an annual tax accounting period, adopt or change any material tax accounting method, file any amended material tax return, enter into any closing agreement with respect to taxes, or settle any material tax claim, audit, assessment or dispute or surrender any material right to claim a refund of taxes; or

agree to take, make any commitment to take, or adopt any resolutions of its board of directors or similar governing body in support of, any of the actions prohibited by the merger agreement.

Corporate Governance

The merger agreement includes proposed amendments to the bylaws of the combined company that will become effective at the effective time of the merger. The bylaw amendments will effect the corporate governance arrangements described below. For a period of 36 months following the effective time of the merger, the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the entire board of directors of the combined company will be required to modify, amend or repeal the bylaw provisions providing for these corporate governance arrangements, or to adopt any bylaw provisions or other resolutions inconsistent with such charitable contributions, gifts, commitmentscorporate governance arrangements (including by proposal or pledges;recommendation to shareholders of the combined company).

Composition of the Board of Directors. Upon completion of the merger, the board of directors of the combined company will be comprised of 16 directors, with eight directors designated by each of Chemical and TCF. For a period of 36 months following the effective time of the merger, there will be eight “Legacy Chemical Directors,” which are the directors initially designated by Chemical (two of whom will be Gary Torgow and David Provost), and any additional directors nominated by the Legacy Chemical Directors Nominating Committee (as defined below); and eight “Legacy TCF Directors,” which are the directors initially designated by TCF (two of whom will be Craig Dahl and Vance Opperman), and any additional directors nominated by the Legacy TCF Directors Nominating Committee (as defined below).

Replacement of Vacant Directorships and Nominations of Directors. The “Legacy Chemical Directors Nominating Committee” and the “Legacy TCF Directors Nominating Committee” will be committees of the board of directors comprised of all of the Legacy Chemical Directors and all of the Legacy TCF Directors, respectively, who satisfy the independence requirements (and any other requirements) for nominating committee membership under the rules of the exchange on which the combined company’s common stock is listed. For 36 months following the effective time of the merger, the Legacy Chemical Directors Nominating Committee will have the exclusive authority to nominate directors to fill each seat previously held by a Legacy Chemical Director, and the Legacy TCF Directors Nominating Committee will have the exclusive authority to nominate directors to fill each seat previously held by a Legacy TCF Director.

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Chair; Vice Chair; CEO and President; Lead Director. At the effective time of the merger, Mr. Torgow will continue to serve as Chair of the combined company and its board of directors, Mr. Provost will become and serve as Vice Chair of the combined company and its board of directors, Mr. Dahl will become and serve as Chief Executive Officer and President of the combined company and Mr. Opperman will become and serve as Lead Director of the combined company board of directors. For the36-month period following the effective time of the merger, any removal of, termination of employment of, amendment or modification to any employment or similar agreement adversely affecting, or modification to any duties, authority or reporting relationships set forth in the bylaws of any of the persons set forth in the preceding sentence, will require the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the entire board of directors. The bylaws also set forth the duties of the lead director and provide that any additional grant or delegation of duties, power or authority to the lead director requires the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the entire board of directors.

 

Committees of the Board of Directors. For a period of 36 months following the effective time of the merger, each committee of the board of directors of the combined company will have at least four members and, subject to compliance with any independence or other requirements of the exchange on which the combined company’s common stock is listed, will be composed of 50% Legacy Chemical Directors and 50% Legacy TCF Directors.

taking any action that would materially impede or materially delay

Corporate Name and Headquarters; Trading Symbol. For a period of 36 months following the effective time of the merger, the name of the combined company will be TCF Financial Corporation and the shares of its common stock will be traded under the ticker symbol “TCF.” The headquarters and principal office of the combined company will be located in Detroit, Michigan.

Executive Management of TCF Bank. The combined company, in its capacity as sole shareholder of TCF Bank, will cause TCF Bank to appoint Mr. Provost as Chairman of TCF Bank and Mr. Dahl as Chief Executive Officer of TCF Bank. For the36-month period following the effective time of the merger, the combined company will cause TCF Bank not to remove, terminate the employment of, appoint a replacement for or amend or modify any employment or similar agreement in a way adversely affecting either Mr. Provost or Mr. Dahl with regard to the foregoing capacities except with the affirmative vote of 75% of the entire board of directors. For the36-month period following the effective time of the merger, the combined company may not exercise its authority to modify, amend or repeal any of the provisions of the bylaws of TCF Bank relating to the duties, authority or reporting relationships of the Chairman or the Chief Executive Officer of TCF Bank without the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the entire board of directors.

Regulatory Matters

Chemical and TCF have agreed to promptly prepare and file with the completionSEC a registration statement on FormS-4, of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus is a part. Chemical and TCF have agreed to use reasonable best efforts to have the FormS-4 declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing and to keep the FormS-4 effective for so long as necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and Chemical and TCF will thereafter as promptly as practicable mail or deliver the ability of the partiesjoint proxy statement/prospectus to their respective shareholders. Chemical has also agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to obtain anyall necessary regulatorystate securities law or governmental“Blue Sky” permits and approvals required forto carry out the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;

entering into any contract that (i) is outside the ordinary course of business consistent with past practiceagreement, and (ii) would constitute a “material contract” of such party (as defined in the merger agreement); or

except for transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, entering into any derivative transaction.

 Restrictions on Solicitation

Except as described below, each of Chemical and TalmerTCF has agreed that, from the time of the execution of the merger agreement until the earlier of the effective time of the merger or the termination of the merger agreement, it will not,to furnish all information concerning TCF and will not knowingly permit its authorized representatives to and will cause its subsidiaries not to, directly or indirectly: (i) solicit or initiate, or knowingly facilitate or knowingly encourage (including by way of furnishing non-public information) any inquiries regarding, or the making of any proposal or offer that constitutes, or wouldshareholders as may be reasonably be expected to lead to a proposal that constitutes, a takeover proposal; or (ii) engage or enter into, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any other person material non-public informationrequested in connection with any takeover proposal, or otherwise cooperate with or assist or participate in, or encourage or knowingly facilitate any such inquiries, proposals, discussions or negotiations or any effort or attempt to make a takeover proposal. Each of Chemical and Talmer have, and have caused each of its respective subsidiaries and each of its and its respective subsidiaries’ representatives to, cease any solicitation, encouragement, discussions or negotiations with any person that may be ongoing with respect to any takeover proposal, and terminated all physical and electronic data room access previously granted to any such person or its representatives.

A “takeover proposal” with respect to either Chemical or Talmer means any inquiry, proposal, or offer from any person (other than the other party) or “group”, within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, of persons relating to, in a single transaction or series of related transactions (other than any single transaction or series of related transactions to which the other party has consented to in writing), any (i) acquisition of assets equal to more than ten percent of consolidated assets or to which more than ten percent of net income on a consolidated basis are attributable; (ii) acquisition of more than ten percent of the outstanding common stock or the capital stock of any subsidiary; (iii) tender offer or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in any person or group of persons beneficially owning more than ten percent of the outstanding common stock; (iv) merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, or similar transaction; or (v) any combination of the foregoing types of transactions if the sum of the percentage of consolidated assets, consolidated net income, and common stock involved is more than ten percent, in each case, other than the merger.

Notwithstanding the restrictions described above, at any time prior to obtaining the relevant shareholder approval, if a party receives a takeover proposal, it and its representatives are permitted, subject to certain conditions, to contact the person who made such proposal to request clarification of any term or condition of the takeover proposal that such party’s board of directors determines in good faith to be ambiguous or unclear. If such party’s board of directors determines in good faith, after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, that such takeover proposal constitutes or is reasonably likely to constitute a superior proposal, such party and its representatives may furnish (pursuant to a confidentiality agreement meeting certain requirements set forth in the merger agreement) information with respect to such party and its subsidiaries to the person who made the proposal and its representatives (provided that such party provides the other party with express written notification of the availability of any written material non-public information that is provided to such person or their representatives, if such information was not previously provided to the other party or its representatives), and engage in or otherwise participate in discussions or negotiations with such person and its representatives; provided that such party will promptly provide to the other party (i) a copy of the takeover proposal together with the identity of the person(s) making the takeover proposal, and (ii) a written summary of the material terms of any such takeover proposal not made in writing.

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A “superior proposal” means, with respect to either Chemical or Talmer, any bona fide written takeover proposal with respect to such party that such party’s board of directors has determined in its good faith judgment, after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, is reasonably likely to be consummated in accordance with its terms and that is reasonably likely to result in the consummation of a transaction more favorable to the shareholders of such party than the merger, taking into account such factors as such board of directors in good faith deems relevant, including legal, financial, regulatory and other aspects of the proposal, and any changes to the terms the merger agreement proposed by the other party in response to such proposal or otherwise. For purposes of the definition of “superior proposal,” the references to “ten percent” in the definition of takeover proposal are deemed to be references to “fifty percent.”

Changes in Board Recommendations

The respective boards of directors of Chemical and Talmer have each agreed, subject to certain exceptions discussed below, not to (i) fail to recommend the approval of the merger agreement (and, in the case of the Chemical board of directors, approval of the issuance of Chemical common stock in the merger and approval of the amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock), (ii) change, qualify, withhold, withdraw or modify, or publicly propose to take such an action, in a manner adverse to the other party, their respective recommendations with respect to the merger, (iii) take any formal action or make any recommendation or public statement in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer other than a recommendation of rejection of such offer or a temporary “stop, look and listen” communication pursuant to Rule 14d-9(f) of the Exchange Act, or (iv) adopt, approve or recommend a takeover proposal. In addition, subject to certain exceptions described below and in the merger agreement, the respective boards of directors of Chemical and Talmer have agreed not to cause or permit their respective companies, or any subsidiaries thereof, to enter into any letter of intent, agreement or agreement in principle with respect to any takeover proposal (other than a confidentiality agreement meeting certain requirements set forth in the merger agreement).

Notwithstanding the restrictions described above, prior to obtaining the relevant shareholder approval, the board of directors of each of Chemical or Talmer is permitted to change, qualify, withhold, withdraw or modify in a manner adverse to the other party its recommendations with respect to the merger if, subject to certain conditions, the board of directors of Chemical or Talmer, as applicable, among other things, determines in good faith after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel that a takeover proposal received after the date of the merger agreement constitutes a superior proposal.

Prior to making a change in recommendation as described above, the party whose board of directors is making such change must (i) inform the other party in writing of its board of directors’ intention to change its recommendation at least three business days in advance, (ii) provide to such other party the material terms and conditions of and identity of the person making the takeover proposal, as well as a copy of all written materials with or from the party making such takeover proposal, and (iii) negotiate (and cause its representatives to negotiate) in good faith with the other party during such notice period, to the extent that the other party wishes to negotiate, to enable the other party to revise the terms of the merger agreement such that it would cause the superior proposal to no longer constitute a superior proposal. Following the end of such notice period, the board of directors making the change must consider in good faith any changes to the merger agreement proposed in writing by the other party, and must have determined that the superior proposal would continue to constitute a superior proposal if such revisions were to be given effect. If material revisions to a takeover proposal would have an impact, influence or other effect on the receiving party’s board of directors’ decision or discussion with respect to whether such proposal constitutes a superior proposal, that party’s board of directors must deliver to the other party a new written notice and again comply with the procedures set forth in this paragraph, except that the three business day period described above becomes a two business day period.

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Efforts to Obtain Required Shareholder Approvals

Each party has agreed to hold its special meeting, as soon as practicable following the date on which the registration statement of which this joint proxy statement and prospectus forms a part is declared effective, for the purposes of seeking the required approvals of its shareholders related to the merger agreement and the merger and, unless the board of directors of such party has changed its recommendation as permitted by the merger agreement, to use its commercially reasonable efforts to solicit the requisite shareholder approval for such proposals.

Efforts to Complete the Transactions

action.

Chemical and TalmerTCF have each agreed to amongcooperate with each other things, take,and use their reasonable best efforts to promptly prepare and file, or cause to be taken,prepared and filed, all appropriate actions, and do, or cause to be done, all things necessary proper or advisable under the merger agreement and any applicable law to consummate and make effective the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement as soon as reasonably practicable, including preparing and filing as promptly as practicable all documentation, to effect all necessary

applications, notices, reportspetitions and other filings, and to obtain as promptly as reasonably practicable all permits, consents, registrations, approvals permits and authorizations of all third parties and regulatory agencies and governmental entities which are necessary or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement (including the merger and the bank merger).

Additionally, each of Chemical and TCF has agreed to furnish, upon request, to the other, all information concerning itself, its subsidiaries, directors, officers and shareholders and such other matters as may be obtained fromreasonably necessary or advisable in connection with this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the FormS-4 or any other statement, filing, notice or application made by or on behalf of Chemical, TCF or any of their respective subsidiaries to any governmental entity or other third party in order to consummateconnection with the merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Other CovenantsChemical and Agreements

TheTCF have each agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to avoid the entry of, or to have vacated, lifted, reversed or overturned any decree, judgment, injunction or other order that would restrain, prevent or delay the closing of the merger, agreement contains certain other covenantsprovided that Chemical and agreements, including, among others,TCF will not be required or permitted, without the following covenants:

each party will hold and treat in confidence all information received fromprior written consent of the other party, to take any action, or commit to take any action, or agree to any condition or restriction, that would reasonably be expected to result in connection witha materially burdensome regulatory condition.

Employee Benefit Matters

Chemical has agreed to cause the merger agreement or the merger pursuantcombined company to the provisionsprovide each employee of the confidentiality agreement between Chemical, and Talmer;

all employees of TalmerTCF, or any Talmer subsidiary (including employees on an authorized leave of absence)their respective subsidiaries who continues to be employed by Chemical or its subsidiaries immediately beforefollowing the effective time of the merger, will automatically becomewhich we refer to collectively as the continuing employees, of Chemical and its subsidiariesfor the applicable period stated below (or such shorter period as ofsuch continuing employee is employed) with (i) during theone-year period following the effective time and Chemical will (i) provide all former Talmer employees rates of the merger, (a) a base salary or hourly wagesbase wage rate, as applicable, that are substantially similar, in the aggregate,is no less favorable than that provided by Chemical, TCF, or any such subsidiary to such continuing employee immediately prior to the base salaryeffective time of the merger, (b) annual or hourly wages ofshort-term cash incentive compensation target opportunities that, in each case, are no less favorable than that provided to such employees in effectcontinuing employee immediately prior to the effective time of the merger (provided, that Chemical will not be requiredwith respect to maintain any particular benefitcontinuing employees who are eligible to participate in the combined company’s corporate annual incentive plan, or retainincentive compensation target opportunities for the employment of any particular employee), (ii) pay severance payments to any employee of Talmer or its subsidiaries whose jobs are eliminated as a result of the merger and whose employment is terminated by Chemical within nine months afterfirst full fiscal year commencing following the effective time of the merger in accordancewill be based on terms developed by the combined company and applied on a consistent basis with Talmer’srespect to similarly-situated continuing employees), and (c) severance practices as disclosed in writingbenefits that are no less favorable than those the continuing employee was entitled to receive under the applicable benefit plan of Chemical (iii) provide credit for years of service at Talmer or any Talmer subsidiary (and their respective predecessors if currently honored by Talmer) for all purposes, (iv) honor and discharge all of Talmer’s obligations and assume all of its defenses under certain identified severance, change of control or employment agreements of Talmer and its subsidiaries, and (v) maintain all accruals existing as of the effective time under Talmer’s and its subsidiaries’ non-equity incentive or bonus plans, consistent with Talmer’s and its subsidiaries’ 2016 budget approved by its board of directors, and pay any such benefits accrued as of the effective time in accordance with Talmer’s and its subsidiaries’ historic payment practices for such benefits (with approval of such payments to be made in consultation with Chemical’s chairman);

Talmer will cooperate with Chemical in its efforts to cause certain Talmer employees identified by Chemical to enter into retention or stay bonus agreementsTCF immediately prior to the effective time of the merger;

each party will give prompt written notice to and (ii) (a) during the other party of any change or event (i) having or reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on such party, or (ii) that such party believes would or would be reasonably likely to cause or constitute a material breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained in the merger agreement;

Chemical will,period beginning at the effective time of the merger assumeand ending at the obligations of Talmer to make all payments of principal and interest on all debt securities issued pursuant to certain trust preferred securities

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agreements to which Talmer is a party, and all obligations of Talmer to perform and observe all covenants and conditions to be performed by Talmer under such trust preferred securities agreements;

each party will keep the other party reasonably informed with respect to the defense or settlement of any securityholder action against it or its directors or officers relating to the merger or other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, will give the other party opportunity to consult with it regarding the defense or settlement of any such securityholder action, and will not settle any such action without the other party’s prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed);

whether or not the merger is consummated, except as otherwise expressly provided in the merger agreement, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby will be borne by the party incurring such expenses, except that the parties will each pay and bear one-half of (i) each regulatory filing, notification, registration or similar fee required to be paid by a party in connection with the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby pursuant to the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, applicable banking laws and other applicable laws, and (ii) any fees and expenses (excluding each party’s internal costs and fees and expenses of attorneys, accountants and financial and other advisors) incurred in respect of printing, filing and mailing this joint proxy statement and prospectus and the registration statement of which this joint proxy statement and prospectus is a part;

the parties will coordinate with each other regarding the declaration, setting of record dates and payment dates of dividends with respect to shares of Chemical common stock and Talmer Class A common stock for the purpose of minimizing the risk that holders of shares of Talmer Class A common stock (i) in respect of any calendar quarter, receive dividends on both shares of Talmer Class A common stock and shares of Chemical common stock received as merger consideration, or (ii) in respect of any calendar quarter, fail to receive a dividend on shares of Talmer Class A common stock or shares of Chemical common stock received as merger consideration;

the parties will mutually agree as to a plan of merger to accomplish the consolidationend of the parties’ respective subsidiary banks followingfiscal year in which the effective time of the merger occurs, other compensation and each party will approve (and cause its subsidiary bank to approve) such plan of merger, and the parties will cooperate with each other and use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to obtain and comply with all regulatory approvals necessary to consummate the consolidation of the parties’ respective subsidiary banks following the effective time of the merger and to convert their respective information to a common information technology system; and

neither party will issue or cause the publication of, or permit any of its subsidiaries or agents to issue or cause the publication of, any press release or other public announcement with respect to the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement without the prior consent of the other party (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld), provided that either party may, without the prior written consent of the other party (but after prior consultation with the other party to the extent practicable under the circumstances) issue or cause the publication of any press release or other announcement, after consultation with outside legal counsel, to the extent required by law or NASDAQ rules or regulations.

Conditions to Completion of the Transaction

The obligations of Chemical and Talmer to consummate the transactions are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

the approval of the merger agreement by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Talmer Class A common stock;
the approval of each of the merger agreement and the amendment to Chemical’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Chemical common stock, and the approval of the issuance of Chemical common stock

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constituting the merger consideration by a majority of the votes cast by the holders of shares of Chemical common stock entitled to vote on the action;

the authorization for listing on NASDAQ of the Chemical common stock to be issued pursuant to the merger, subject to official notice of issuance;

the declaration by the SEC of the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this joint proxy statement and prospectus forms a part, which registration statement must not be subject to any stop order or proceedings initiated or threatened by the SEC for such purpose;

the absence of any order, injunction or decree issued by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction, or any other legal restraint or prohibition, preventing consummation of the merger or any other transaction contemplated by the merger agreement, and the absence of any law, regulation, order or decree prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the merger; and

the receipt and effectiveness of all required regulatory approvals, excluding regulatory approvals applicable solely to the consolidation of the parties’ respective subsidiary banks, the expiration of all statutory notice and waiting periods in respect of such regulatory approval, and the absence of any condition or restriction in connection with any such regulatory approval that would have a material adverse effect on the surviving corporation.

In addition, the obligations of Talmer to effect the merger are subject to satisfaction or waiver of the following additional conditions:

(i) the representations and warranties of Chemicalbenefits (other than certain representations related to Chemical’s
authorization and adoption of the merger agreement, enforceability of the merger agreement against Chemical, Chemical’s organization and good standing, Chemical’s capital stock, and the absence of certain changes or events), without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “material adverse effect” contained therein, being true and correct as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the effective time of the merger as though made on and as of the effective time (exceptlong-term incentive opportunities) that representations and warranties that by their terms speak specifically as of the date of the merger agreement or another date must be true and correct as of such date), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct does not have, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually orare substantially similar in the aggregate a material adverse effect on Chemical, and (ii) certain representations and warranties related to Chemical’s authorization and adoption of the merger agreement, enforceability of the merger agreement against Chemical, Chemical’s organization and good standing, Chemical’s capital stock, and the absence of certain changes or events being true and correct as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the effective time of the merger as though made on and as of the effective time (except that representations and warranties that by their terms speak specifically as of the date of the merger agreement or another date must be true and correct as of such date) in all material respects;

Chemical having performed in all material respects all of the obligations required to be performed by it under the merger agreement at or prior to the effective time of the merger;

Chemical having deliveredother compensation and benefits provided to Talmer a certificate, dated as of the closing date, executed on behalf of Chemical by its chief executive officer or chief financial officer certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions described in the preceding two paragraphs;

the absence of any change, state of facts, event, development or effect since September 30, 2015 that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on Chemical; and
the receipt by Talmer from Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP of a written opinion, dated as of the closing date, to the effect that the merger will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a reorganization

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within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and that Talmer and Chemical will each be party to that reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code.

In addition, the obligations of Chemical to effect the merger are subject to satisfaction or waiver of the following additional conditions:

(i) the representations and warranties of Talmer (other than certain representations related to Talmer’s authorization and adoption of the merger agreement, enforceability of the merger agreement against Talmer, Talmer’s organization and good standing, Talmer’s capital stock, and the absence of certain changes or events), without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “material adverse effect” contained therein, being true and correct as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the effective time of the merger as though made on and as of the effective time (except that representations and warranties that by their terms speak specifically as of the date of the merger agreement or another date must be true and correct as of such date), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct does not have, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on Talmer, and (ii) certain representations and warranties related to Talmer’s authorization and adoption of the merger agreement, enforceability of the merger agreement against Talmer, Talmer’s organization and good standing, Talmer’s capital stock, and the absence of certain changes or events being true and correct as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the effective time of the merger as though made on and as of the effective time (except that representations and warranties that by their terms speak specifically as of the date of the merger agreement or another date must be true and correct as of such date) in all material respects;

Talmer having performed in all material respects all of the obligations required to be performed by it under the merger agreement at or prior to the closing;

Talmer having delivered to Chemical a certificate, dated as of the closing date, executed on behalf of Talmer by its chief executive officer or chief financial officer certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions described in the preceding two paragraphs;

the absence of any change, state of facts, event, development or effect since September 30, 2015 that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on Talmer; and

the receipt by Chemical from Warner Norcross & Judd LLP of a written opinion, dated as of the closing date, to the effect that the merger will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and that Talmer and Chemical will each be party to that reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code.

Termination of the Merger Agreement

The merger agreement may be terminated at any timecontinuing employee immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, and, except as described below, whether before or after(b) following the receiptend of the required shareholder approvals,period set forth in the foregoing clause (ii) (a) (but not later than the first anniversary of the effective time of the merger), other compensation and benefits (including long-term incentive opportunities for eligible continuing employees) substantially similar in the aggregate to the other compensation and benefits under the following circumstances:

plans and programs developed by mutual written consentthe combined company, treating similarly-situated continuing employees on a substantially equivalent basis and not discriminating between continuing employees who were covered by TCF or Chemical benefit plans as of Chemical and Talmer;

by either Chemical or Talmer:
if any governmental entity has issued an order or taken any other action permanently enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the merger and such order or other action is final and nonappealable, except in the event that the party seeking to terminate has failed to perform any of its obligations under the merger agreement required to be performed at orimmediately prior to the effective time of the mergermerger.

Director and such failure has been a substantial cause of, or a substantial factor that resulted in, the issuance of such an order or the taking of such an action;

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Officer Indemnification and Insurance

if the merger does not occur before December 31, 2016 (the “end date”), provided that the parties may extend such date by mutual written agreement, if on the end date, all conditions to closing are satisfied or capable of being satisfied except for (i) the registration statement (of which this joint proxy statement and prospectus forms a part) having been declared effective by the SEC, (ii) there being no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement or proceedings initiated or threatened by the SEC for such purpose, or (iii) the parties having obtained all regulatory approvals (excluding regulatory approvals applicable solely to the consolidation of the parties’ respective subsidiary banks), such approvals remaining in full force and effect, and there being no materially burdensome regulatory condition (as defined in the merger agreement), then the end date will be extended to February 28, 2017 if either party notifies the other party in writing on or prior to the end date of its election to extend the end date (except that a party may not extend the end date or terminate theThe merger agreement in the eventprovides that such party has failed to perform any of its obligations under the merger agreement required to be performed at or prior tofollowing the effective time of the merger, the combined company will (i) indemnify and such failure has been a substantial cause of, or a substantial factor that resulted in, the failure of the effective time of the merger to occur on or before the end date);

(i) if the Chemical shareholder meeting has concluded and been finally adjourned and the requisite Chemical shareholder approval has not been obtained, or (ii) if the Talmer shareholder meeting has concluded and been finally adjourned and the requisite Talmer shareholder approval has not been obtained, except in the event that the party seeking to terminate has failed to perform any of its obligations under the merger agreement required to be performed at or prior to such party’s shareholder meeting and such failure has been a substantial cause of, or is a substantial factor that resulted in, the required approval of such party’s shareholders not having been obtained;

by Talmer, if Chemical has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in the merger agreement, such that the mutual conditionshold harmless, to the parties’ respective obligations to complete the transactionfullest extent permitted by applicable law, each present and former director, officer or the conditions to Talmer’s obligations to complete the transaction are not satisfied,employee of TCF and which either (i) cannot be cured by the end dateits subsidiaries (in each case, when acting in such capacity) against any

costs or (ii) if capable of being cured by the end date, have not been cured within 30 business days following receipt of written notice from Talmer of such breach or failure, except in the event that Talmer is then in breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in the merger agreement and such breach would give rise to the failure of Talmer’s satisfaction of any condition to closing;

by Chemical, if Talmer has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in the merger agreement, such that the mutual conditions to the parties’ respective obligations to complete the transaction or the conditions to Chemical’s obligations to complete the transaction are not satisfied, and which either (i) cannot be cured by the end date, or (ii) if capable of being cured by the end date, have not been cured within 30 business days following receipt of written notice from Chemical of such breach or failure, except in the event that Chemical is then in breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in the merger agreement and such breach would give rise to the failure of Chemical’s satisfaction of any condition to closing;
by Talmer prior to the receipt of the Chemical shareholder approval if: (i) the Chemical board of directors has taken any of the actions in items (i) through (iv) described above in the first sentence of the section entitled “The Merger Agreement – Changes in Board Recommendations” beginning on page 101; (ii) the Chemical board of directors has failed to reject a Chemical takeover proposal and reaffirm the Chemical board recommendation within ten business days following the public announcement of such Chemical takeover proposal, and in any event at least two business days prior to the Chemical shareholder meeting; (iii) Chemical enters into an agreement with respect to any Chemical takeover proposal (other than a confidentiality agreement that meets certain requirements set forth in the merger agreement); (iv) Chemical has materially breached its non-solicitation obligations under the non-solicitation covenant of the merger agreement; (v) subject to Chemical’s right to adjourn or postpone the Chemical shareholder meeting in accordance with the merger agreement, Chemical has failed to call, give proper notice of, convene and hold the Chemical shareholder meeting materially in accordance with the requirements set forth in the merger

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agreement; or (vi) Chemical or the Chemical board of directors has publicly announced its intention to do any of the foregoing;

by Chemical prior to the receipt of the Talmer shareholder approval if: (i) the Talmer board of directors has taken any of the actions in items (i) through (iv) described above in the first sentence of the section entitled “The Merger Agreement – Changes in Board Recommendations” beginning on page 101; (ii) the Talmer board of directors has failed to reject a Talmer takeover proposal and reaffirm the Talmer board recommendation within 10 business days following the public announcement of such Talmer takeover proposal, and in any event at least two business days prior to the Talmer shareholder meeting; (iii) Talmer enters into an agreement with respect to any Talmer takeover proposal; (iv) Talmer has materially breached its non-solicitation obligations under the non-solicitation covenant of the merger agreement; (v) subject to Talmer’s right to adjourn or postpone the Talmer shareholder meeting in accordance with the merger agreement, Talmer has failed to call, give proper notice of, convene and hold the Talmer shareholder meeting materially in accordance with the requirements set forth in the merger agreement; or (vi) Talmer or the Talmer board of directors has publicly announced its intention to do any of the foregoing;

by Talmer prior to receipt of the Talmer shareholder approval, in order to enter into a definitive merger agreement or other definitive purchase or acquisition agreement that constitutes a superior proposal, provided that (i) Talmer has complied in all material respects with its non-solicitation obligations under the merger agreement, and (ii) Talmer pays a termination fee and expense reimbursement prior to or simultaneously with such termination; or

by Chemical prior to receipt of the Chemical shareholder approval, in order to enter into a definitive merger agreement or other definitive purchase or acquisition agreement that constitutes a superior proposal, provided that (i) Chemical has complied in all material respects with its non-solicitation obligations under the merger agreement, and (ii) Chemical pays a termination fee and expense reimbursement prior to or simultaneously with such termination.

Termination Fees and Expenses; Liability for Breach

Talmer will be obligated to pay to Chemical a termination fee of $34,000,000 (referred to as the “termination fee”) and/or reimburse Chemical in an aggregate amount not to exceed $3,000,000 for out-of-pocket fees and expenses actually incurred by or on behalf of Chemical in connection with the due diligence, authorization, preparation, negotiation, executionany threatened or performance of the merger agreement and transactions contemplated thereby (referred to as the “Chemical expense reimbursement”) upon the occurrence of the event giving rise to termination as follows:

Talmer will be obligated to pay the termination fee to Chemical if Chemical terminates the merger agreement because, prior to the receipt of the Talmer shareholder approval: (i) the Talmer board of directors has effected a Talmer adverse recommendation change; (ii) the Talmer board of directors has failed to reject a Talmer takeover proposal and reaffirm the Talmer board recommendation within ten business days following the public announcement of such Talmer takeover proposal, and in any event at least two business days prior to the Talmer shareholder meeting; (iii) Talmer enters into an agreement with respect to any Talmer takeover proposal (other than a confidentiality agreement that meets certain requirements set forth in the merger agreement); (iv) Talmer has materially breached its non-solicitation obligations under the non-solicitation covenant of the merger agreement; (v) subject to Talmer’s rights to adjournactual claim, action, suit, proceeding or postpone the Talmer Shareholder Meeting in accordance with the merger agreement, Talmer has failed to call, give proper notice of, convene and hold the Talmer Shareholder Meeting materially in accordance with the requirements set forth in the merger agreement;investigation, whether arising before or (vi) Talmer or the Talmer board of directors has publicly announced its intention to do any of the foregoing.
Talmer will be obligated to pay the Chemical expense reimbursement to Chemical (i) if Chemical terminates the merger agreement because Talmer has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in the merger agreement, such that the mutual conditions to the parties’ respective obligations to complete the transaction or the conditions to Talmer’s obligations to complete the transaction are not satisfied, and which either (A) cannot be cured by

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the end date or (B) if capable of being cured by the end date, have not been cured within thirty business days following receipt of written notice from Talmer of such breach or failure, or (ii) if Chemical or Talmer terminates the merger agreement because the Talmer shareholder meeting has concluded and been finally adjourned and the requisite Talmer shareholder approval has not been obtained.

Talmer will be obligated to pay to Chemical an amount equal to the termination fee minus the amount of any Chemical expense reimbursement already paid to Chemical if (i) any person or group of persons has made (whether or not subsequently withdrawn) a takeover proposal to Chemical after the date of the merger agreement and prior to (a) the date that the merger agreement is terminated in the case of a termination by Chemical for breach, or (b) the date of the Chemical shareholder meeting in the case of a termination by Talmer or Chemical because the requisite Talmer shareholder approval has not been obtained; and (ii) at any time prior to the date that is 12 months after the date of any such termination, Talmer or any of its subsidiaries enters into a definitive agreement providing for a Talmer takeover proposal or consummates a Talmer takeover proposal (provided that for the purposes of this paragraph, references to ten percent in the definition of “Talmer takeover proposal” are deemed to be references to fifty percent).

Talmer will be obligated to pay the termination fee to Chemical if (i) Chemical or Talmer terminates the merger agreement because the merger does not occur on or before the end date (if the requisite Talmer shareholder approval has not been obtained by such date), (ii) any person or group of persons has made (whether or not subsequently withdrawn) a Talmer takeover proposal after the date of the merger agreement and prior to the date of any such termination, and (iii) at any time prior to the date that is 12 months after the date of such termination, Talmer or any of its subsidiaries enters into any definitive agreement providing for a Talmer takeover proposal or consummates a Talmer takeover proposal (provided that for the purposes of this paragraph, references to ten percent in the definition of “Talmer takeover proposal” are deemed to be references to fifty percent).

Talmer will be obligated to pay the termination fee and the Chemical expense reimbursement to Chemical if Talmer terminates the merger agreement prior to receipt of the Talmer shareholder approval in order to enter into a definitive merger agreement or other definitive purchase or acquisition agreement that constitutes a Talmer superior proposal.

Chemical will be obligated to pay the termination fee to Talmer and/or reimburse Talmer in an aggregate amount not to exceed $3,000,000 for out-of-pocket fees and expenses actually incurred by or on behalf of Talmer in connection with the due diligence, authorization, preparation, negotiation, execution or performance of the merger agreement and transactions contemplated thereby (referred to as the “Talmer expense reimbursement”) upon the occurrence of the event giving rise to termination as follows:

Chemical will be obligated to pay the termination fee to Talmer if Talmer terminates the merger agreement because, prior to the receipt of the Chemical shareholder approval: (i) the Chemical board of directors has effected a Chemical adverse recommendation change; (ii) the Chemical board of directors has failed to reject a Chemical takeover proposal and reaffirm the Chemical board recommendation within ten business days following the public announcement of such Chemical takeover proposal, and in any event at least two business days prior to the Chemical shareholder meeting; (iii) Chemical enters into an agreement with respect to any Chemical takeover proposal (other than a confidentiality agreement that meets certain requirements set forth in the merger agreement); (iv) Chemical has materially breached its non-solicitation obligations under the non-solicitation covenant of the merger agreement; (v) subject to Chemical’s rights to adjourn or postpone the Chemical shareholder meeting in accordance with the merger agreement, Chemical has failed to call, give proper notice of, convene and hold the Chemical shareholder meeting materially in accordance with the requirements set forth in the merger agreement; or (vi) Chemical or the Chemical board of directors has publicly announced its intention to do any of the foregoing.
Chemical will be obligated to pay the Talmer expense reimbursement to Talmer (i) if Talmer terminates the merger agreement because Chemical has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in the merger agreement, such that the mutual conditions to the parties’ respective obligations to complete the transaction or the conditions to Talmer’s

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obligations to complete the transaction are not satisfied, and which either (a) cannot be cured by the end date or (b) if capable of being cured by the end date, have not been cured within thirty business days following receipt of written notice from Talmer of such breach or failure, or (ii) if Talmer or Chemical terminates the merger agreement because the requisite Chemical shareholder meeting has concluded and been finally adjourned and the Chemical shareholder approval has not been obtained.

Chemical will be obligated to pay to Talmer an amount equal to the termination fee minus the amount of any Talmer expense reimbursement already paid to Talmer if (i) any person or group of persons has made (whether or not subsequently withdrawn) a takeover proposal to Chemical after the date of the merger agreement and prior to (a) the date that the merger agreement is terminated in the case of a termination by Talmer for breach, or (b) the date of the Chemical shareholder meeting in the case of a termination by Talmer or Chemical because the requisite Chemical shareholder approval has not been obtained; and (ii) at any time prior to the date that is 12 months after the date of any such termination, Chemical or any of its subsidiaries enters into a definitive agreement providing for a Chemical takeover proposal or consummates a Chemical takeover proposal (provided that for the purposes of this paragraph, references to ten percent in the definition of “Chemical takeover proposal” are deemed to be references to fifty percent).

Chemical will be obligated to pay the termination fee to Talmer if (i) Talmer or Chemical terminates the merger agreement because the merger does not occur on or before the end date (if the Chemical shareholder approval has not been obtained by such date), (ii) any person or group of persons has made (whether or not subsequently withdrawn) a Chemical takeover proposal after the date of the merger agreement and prior to the date of any such termination, and (iii) at any time prior to the date that is 12 months after the date of such termination, Chemical or any of its subsidiaries enters into any definitive agreement providing for a Chemical takeover proposal or consummates a Chemical takeover proposal (provided that for the purposes of this paragraph, references to ten percent in the definition of “Chemical takeover proposal” are deemed to be references to fifty percent).

Chemical will be obligated to pay the termination fee and the Talmer expense reimbursement to Talmer if Chemical terminates the merger agreement prior to receipt of the Chemical shareholder approval in order to enter into a definitive merger agreement or other definitive purchase or acquisition agreement that constitutes a Chemical superior proposal.

In no event will either of Talmer or Chemical be required to pay the termination fee or the expense reimbursement on more than one occasion.

Upon the termination of the merger agreement in accordance with its terms and payment of the termination fee and/or expense reimbursement, if applicable, neither Talmer nor Chemical will have any continuing liability to the other (except with respect to press releases, confidentiality and certain miscellaneous provisions). However, each party will remain liable for damages arising from a willful or intentional breach of the merger agreement or fraud.

Governance of the Combined Company Following the Completion of the Transaction

Chemical has agreed to take all requisite action, effective as of the effective time of the merger, to cause the Chemical board of directors to consist of twelve directors, which will include: (i)  the then-current seven members of the Chemical board of directors, and (ii) five of the then-current members of the Talmer board of directors (two of whom will be Gary Torgow and David Provost). The parties will confer with regard to the other three Talmer directors to be appointed to the Chemical board of directors. The parties have agreed that the board of directors of Chemical (or the appropriate committee thereof) will cause the Talmer continuing directors to be nominated for election at the 2017 annual meeting of Chemical’s shareholders.

Effective as of the effective time of the consolidation of the parties’ respective subsidiary banks, Chemical has agreed that Chemical Bank will take all requisite action, effective as of the effective time of such consolidation, to cause the Chemical Bank board of directors to consist of fourteen directors, which will include: (i) the then-current twelve members of the Chemical Bank board of directors, and (ii) two individuals mutually agreed on by the parties. The Chemical Bank board of directors (or the appropriate committee thereof) will cause those two individuals to be nominated for election at the 2017 annual meeting of the shareholder of Chemical Bank.

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Effective as of the effective time of the merger (and, with respect to positions with Chemical Bank, effective as of the effective time of the bank consolidation), (i) David Ramaker will continue as Chief Executive Officer of Chemical and as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Chemical Bank, (ii) Gary Torgow will become and serve as Chairman of Chemical, (iii) David Provost will become and serve as an employee of Chemical and a director of Chemical, (iv) Lori Gwizdala will continue as the Chief Financial Officer of Chemical and Chemical Bank, (v) Dennis Klaeser will become and serve as an employee of Chemical and Chemical Bank, and (vi) Thomas Shafer will become and serve as Executive Vice President of Chemical Bank. Mr. Klaeser will continue to serve as the Chief Financial Officer of Talmer Bank until the effective time of the bank consolidation.

Indemnification and Insurance

Chemical has agreed that all rights to indemnification (including advancement of expenses) and exculpation from liabilities for acts or omissions occurring at or before the effective time of the merger now existing in favor of the current or former directors or officers of Talmer or its subsidiaries, as provided in Talmer’s articles of incorporation or bylaws, and any existing indemnification agreements, will survive the merger and will continue in full force and effect in accordance with their terms, and may not be amended, repealed, or otherwise modified after the effective time of the merger, arising in whole or in part out of, or pertaining to, the fact that such person is or was a director, officer or employee of TCF or any manner that would adversely affect the rights of such individuals with respectits subsidiaries and pertaining to actsmatters existing or omissions occurring at or prior to the effective time of the merger, or taken at the request of Chemical. The combined company will indemnify, defend, and hold harmless, and provide advancement of reasonable expenses to each of the current or former directors or officers of Talmer or its subsidiaries against all losses, claims, damages, costs, expenses, liabilities, or judgments, or amounts that are paid in settlement of orincluding matters occurring in connection with any claim based in whole or in part on or arising in whole or in part outthe merger agreement, and (ii) advance expenses to such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

The merger agreement requires the combined company to, for a period of the fact that such individual was a director or officer of Talmer or its subsidiaries and pertaining to acts or omissions occurring at or prior tosix years after the effective time of the merger, or taken at the request of Chemical, provided that with respect to predecessor entities of Talmer Bank, matters arising from acts or omissions occurring before the acquisition by Talmer of such predecessor entities are not covered by this paragraph.

For a period of six years following the effective time of the merger, the surviving corporation will maintain the current policies (or policies of substantially the same coverage) ofTCF’s existing directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy, or policies with a substantially comparable insurer of at least the same coverage and fiduciary liability insurance maintained by Talmeramounts, containing terms and its subsidiaries for the indemnified parties priorconditions which are no less advantageous to the effective time of the mergerinsured, with respect to matters occurringclaims against present and former officers and directors of TCF or any of its subsidiaries arising from facts or events which occurred at or prior to the effective time of the merger, including the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. However, after the effective time of the merger, the combined company willis not be required to payexpend, on an annual premiums for insurance coverages in excess of three hundred percentbasis, more than 300% of the lastcurrent annual premium paid by Talmer prior toas of the date of the merger agreement (referredby TCF for such insurance, which we refer to as the “maximum amount”)premium cap, and if such premiums for such insurance would at any time exceed the premium cap, then the combined company will maintain policies of insurance which, in respect of the coverages required to be obtained, but in such case will purchase the greatest coverage available for a cost not exceeding the maximum amount. Alternatively, at the combined company’s option,good faith determination, provide the combined company may purchasemaximum coverage available at or afteran annual premium equal to the effective timepremium cap. In lieu of the merger, at a cost not exceedingforegoing, Chemical may (and with the maximum amount, a six-year prepaid “tail” policy on terms and conditions providing substantially equivalent benefits as the current policiesprior written consent of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance maintained by Talmer andChemical, TCF may use its subsidiaries for the indemnified parties with respect to matters occurringreasonable best efforts to) obtain at or prior to the effective time of the merger one or moresix-year “tail” policies providing equivalent coverage to that described in the preceding sentence if such a policy can be obtained for an amount that, in the aggregate, does not exceed the premium cap. If Chemical or TCF purchases such a “tail policy,” the combined company must maintain such “tail policy” in full force and effect and continue to honor its obligations thereunder.

Certain Additional Covenants

The merger agreement also contains additional covenants, including, among others, covenants relating to the filing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, obtaining required consents, the listing of the shares of Chemical common stock and depositary shares related to the Chemical Series C preferred stock to be issued in the merger, access to information, compliance with confidentiality obligations, rights to control or direct operations, exemption from takeover laws, public announcements with respect to the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Amendments, Extensions and Waivers

The merger agreement, may be amended by the parties at any time before or after the receiptrestructuring efforts, advice of changes, change of method, exemption from liability under Section 16(b) of the Talmer shareholder approval orExchange Act, litigation and claims, assumption of TCF debt and conversion of TCF data.

Chemical Shareholder Meeting and TCF Shareholder Meeting and the Chemical shareholder approval by action taken or authorized by the parties’ respective boardsRecommendations of directors. After receiptTheir Respective Boards of any such approval, no amendment will be made which by law or inDirectors

In accordance with applicable law and Chemical’s and TCF’s respective organizational documents, each of Chemical and TCF will hold a meeting of its shareholders as soon as reasonably practicable for the rulespurpose of any relevant stock exchange requires further approval byobtaining the Talmer shareholders orrequisite vote of the Chemical shareholders on the Chemical merger proposal and Chemical articles amendment proposal and the requisite vote of TCF shareholders on the TCF merger proposal. The board of directors of each of Chemical and TCF has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to obtain from the shareholders of Chemical and the shareholders of TCF, as the case may be, the requisite vote required to approve the Chemical merger proposal and the amendment proposal, in the case of Chemical, and the requisite vote required to adopt the merger agreement, in the case of TCF, including by communicating to its respective shareholders its recommendation (and including such recommendation in this joint proxy statement/prospectus) that they approve the Chemical merger proposal and the Chemical articles amendment proposal, in the case of Chemical, or approve the TCF merger proposal, in the case of TCF. However, subject to the terms of the merger agreement, if the board of directors of Chemical or TCF, after receiving the advice of its outside counsel, and, with respect to financial matters, its financial advisors, determines in good faith that it would be reasonably likely to violate its fiduciary duties under applicable law to continue to recommend adoption or approval of the merger

agreement, then such board of directors may submit the merger agreement to its shareholders without such further shareholder approval. Therecommendation (although the resolutions approving the merger agreement as of the date of the merger agreement may not be amended exceptrescinded or amended), in which event the applicable board of directors may communicate the basis for its lack of a recommendation to its shareholders in this joint proxy statement/prospectus or an appropriate amendment or supplement hereto to the extent required by law; provided that neither board of directors may take any of the foregoing actions unless (i) it gives the other party at least three business days’ prior written notice of its intention to take such action and a reasonable description of the event or circumstances giving rise to its determination to take such action (including, in the event such action is taken in response to an instrumentacquisition proposal, the latest material terms and conditions of, and the identity of the third party making, any such acquisition proposal, or any amendment or modification thereof, or describe in writing signedreasonable detail such other event or circumstances) and (ii) at the end of such notice period, the applicable board of directors takes into account any amendment or modification to the merger agreement proposed by the other party and after receiving the advice of its outside counsel, and, with respect to financial matters, its financial advisor, determines in good faith that it would nevertheless be reasonably likely to violate its fiduciary duties under applicable law to continue to recommend the merger agreement. Any material amendment to any acquisition proposal will require a new notice period.

Chemical or TCF will adjourn or postpone the Chemical special meeting or the TCF special meeting, as the case may be, if, as of the time for which such meeting is originally scheduled there are insufficient shares of Chemical common stock or TCF common stock, as the case may be, represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct the business of such meeting, or if on behalfthe date of such meeting Chemical or TCF, as applicable, has not received proxies representing a sufficient number of shares necessary for approval of the Chemical merger proposal and the Chemical articles amendment proposal, or the TCF merger proposal, respectively, and subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, Chemical or TCF, as applicable, will continue to use reasonable best efforts to solicit proxies from its shareholders in order to obtain the votes necessary for the requisite approval(s) of its shareholders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the merger agreement (and subject to the obligation to adjourn or postpone such meeting set forth in the immediately preceding sentence), unless the merger agreement has been terminated in accordance with its terms, each of the Chemical special meeting and the TCF special meeting will be convened, the Chemical merger proposal and the Chemical articles amendment proposal will be submitted to the Chemical shareholders, and the TCF merger proposal will be submitted to the TCF shareholders, for the purpose of voting on the approval or adoption (as applicable) of such proposals and the other matters contemplated by the merger agreement. Chemical and TCF have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to cooperate to hold the Chemical special meeting and the TCF special meeting on the same day and at the same time as soon as reasonably practicable, and to set the same record date for each such meeting.

Agreement Not to Solicit Other Offers

Each of Chemical and Talmer.

Governing Law

The merger agreementTCF has agreed that it will not, and will cause its subsidiaries and use its reasonable best efforts to cause its and their officers, directors, agents, advisors and representatives not to, directly or indirectly, (i) initiate, solicit, knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate inquiries or proposals with respect to any acquisition proposal, (ii) engage or participate in any negotiations with any person concerning any acquisition proposal or (iii) provide any confidential or nonpublic information or data to, or have or participate in any discussions with, any person relating to any acquisition proposal, except to notify a person that has made or, to the knowledge of Chemical or TCF, as applicable, is governed by the lawsmaking any inquiries with respect to, or is considering making, an acquisition proposal of the Stateexistence of Michigan.

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No Third Party Beneficiaries

While the merger agreement is not intended to confer upon you or any other person other than Chemical and Talmer any rights or remedies, it provides limited exceptions for (i) Talmer’s and its subsidiaries’ directors and officers to continue to have indemnification and liability insurance coverage after the completion of the merger, and (ii) holders of Talmer Class A common stock after the effective time of the merger and any holder of an award granted under a Talmer stock plan to properly convert their shares of common stock and awards pursuant to the merger agreement.

Specific Performance

Chemical and Talmer agreed that irreparable damage would occurthisnon-solicitation covenant. However, in the event that any ofprior to the provisions of the merger agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific termsapproval or were otherwise breached. Each party will be entitled to seek an injunction, specific performance and other equitable relief to prevent breachesadoption of the merger agreement by Chemical’s shareholders or TCF’s shareholders, as applicable, Chemical or TCF, respectively, receives an unsolicited bona fide written acquisition proposal after the date of the merger agreement and its board of directors concludes in good faith (after receiving the advice of its outside counsel and with respect to financial matters, its financial advisors) that such acquisition proposal constitutes or would be reasonably likely to result in a superior proposal, it may, and may permit its subsidiaries and its subsidiaries’ officers, directors, agents, advisors and representatives to, furnish or cause to be furnished

nonpublic information or data and participate in negotiations or discussions to the extent that its board of directors concludes in good faith (after receiving the advice of its outside counsel, and with respect to financial matters, its financial advisor) that failure to take such actions would be reasonably likely to violate its fiduciary duties under applicable law; provided that, prior to providing any such nonpublic information, it provides such information to the other party and enters into an acceptable confidentiality agreement with such third party on terms no less favorable to it than the confidentiality agreement between Chemical and TCF, and which acceptable confidentiality agreement does not provide such person with any exclusive right to negotiate with Chemical or TCF, as applicable. Chemical and TCF will, and each will use its reasonable best efforts to enforce specificallycause its and its subsidiaries’ officers, directors, agents, advisors and representatives to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated any activities, discussions or negotiations conducted before the terms and provisionsdate of the merger agreement.

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

Theagreement with any person other than TCF or Chemical, respectively, with respect to any acquisition proposal, and each of Chemical and TCF shall not, and shall cause its respective subsidiaries and representatives not to on its behalf, enter into any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement, merger agreement or other similar agreement relating to an acquisition proposal. Each of Chemical and TCF will promptly (within 24 hours) advise the other party following isreceipt of any acquisition proposal or any inquiry which could reasonably be expected to lead to an acquisition proposal, and the substance thereof (including the material terms and conditions of and the identity of the person making such inquiry or acquisition proposal), and will keep the other party reasonably apprised (and in any event within 24 hours) of any related developments, discussions and negotiations on a summarycurrent basis, including any amendments to or revisions of the material anticipated United States federal income tax consequences generally applicableterms of such inquiry or acquisition proposal.

For purposes of the merger agreement, an “acquisition proposal” means, other than the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, any offer, proposal or inquiry relating to, or any third party indication of interest in, (i) any acquisition or purchase, direct or indirect, of 25% or more of the consolidated assets of either party and its subsidiaries or 25% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of such party or its subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute 25% or more of its consolidated assets, (ii) any tender offer (including a U.S. Holder (as defined below)self-tender offer) or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in such third party beneficially owning 25% or more of Talmer Class A common stockany class of equity or voting securities of such party or its subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute 25% or more of its consolidated assets, or (iii) a merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction involving such party or its subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute 25% or more of its consolidated assets. For purposes of the merger agreement, a “superior proposal” with respect to either party means a bona fide written acquisition proposal that such party’s board of directors concludes in good faith to be more favorable to shareholders than the exchangemerger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, (a) after receiving the advice of Talmer Class A common stockits financial advisors (who must be a nationally recognized investment banking firm), (b) after taking into account the likelihood of consummation of such transaction on the terms set forth therein and (c) after taking into account all legal (with the advice of outside counsel), financial (including the financing terms of any such proposal), regulatory and other aspects of such proposal (including any expense reimbursement provisions and conditions to closing) and any other relevant factors permitted under applicable law; provided, that for purposes of the definition of “superior proposal,” the references to “25%” in the definition of acquisition proposal will be deemed to be references to “a majority.”

Conditions to Complete the Merger

The obligations of Chemical and TCF to complete the merger are each subject to the satisfaction or waiver (if legally permissible) of the following conditions:

the approval of each of the Chemical merger proposal and the Chemical articles amendment proposal by the requisite vote of Chemical shareholders;

the approval of the TCF merger proposal by the requisite vote of TCF shareholders;

the authorization for listing on the NASDAQ of the shares of Chemical common stock and cash pursuantthe depositary shares related to the merger. This discussion assumesChemical Series C preferred stock to be issued in the merger;

the receipt of all required regulatory approvals which are necessary to consummate the merger and the bank merger and the expiration of all statutory waiting periods without the imposition of any materially burdensome regulatory condition;

the effectiveness of the registration statement on FormS-4, of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus is a part, and the absence of any stop order or proceeding initiated or threatened by the SEC for that U.S. Holders hold their Talmer Class A common stockpurpose and not withdrawn;

the absence of any order, injunction or decree by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and the absence of any statute, rule, regulation, order, injunction or decree enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any governmental entity which prohibits or makes illegal the closing of the merger;

the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the other party contained in the merger agreement as capital assetsof the date on which the merger agreement was entered into and as of the date on which the merger is completed (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date), subject to the materiality standards provided in the merger agreement (and the receipt by each party of an officer’s certificate from the other party to such effect);

the performance by the other party in all material respects of all obligations required to be performed by it under the merger agreement at or prior to the date on which the merger is completed (and the receipt by each party of an officer’s certificate from the other party to such effect); and

the receipt by such party of a written opinion of legal counsel, based on the facts, representations, assumptions and exclusions set forth or described in such opinion, to the effect that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of section 1221Section 368(a) of the Code. This summary is based on

Neither Chemical nor TCF can provide assurance as to when or if all of the Code, Treasury Regulations, judicial decisions and administrative pronouncements, each as in effect asconditions to the merger can or will be satisfied or waived or that the merger will be completed. As of the date of this joint proxy statementstatement/prospectus, neither Chemical nor TCF has reason to believe that any of these conditions will not be satisfied.

Termination; Termination Fee

The merger agreement may be terminated at any time by Chemical or TCF prior to the effective time of the merger, whether before or after approval of the Chemical merger proposal and prospectus. Allthe Chemical articles amendment proposal by the Chemical shareholders or approval of the TCF merger proposal by the TCF shareholders, under the following circumstances:

by mutual written consent of Chemical and TCF, if the board of directors of each party so determines by a majority vote of its members;

by either Chemical or TCF, if any governmental entity that must grant a required regulatory approval has denied approval of the merger or the bank merger and such denial has become final and nonappealable, or any governmental entity of competent jurisdiction has issued a final nonappealable order permanently enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the merger or the bank merger, unless the failure to obtain a required

regulatory approval is due to the failure of the party seeking to terminate the merger agreement to perform or observe the covenants and agreements of such party set forth in the merger agreement;

by either Chemical or TCF, if the merger has not been consummated on or before the termination date of January 27, 2020, unless the failure to consummate the merger by such date is due to the failure of the party seeking to terminate the merger agreement to perform or observe the covenants and agreements of such party set forth in the merger agreement; provided that if on the termination date, all other closing conditions are satisfied or are capable of being satisfied other than receipt of the required regulatory approvals, then the termination date may be extended for a period of three months at the option of either TCF or Chemical by written notice to the other on or prior to the termination date (Chemical’s and TCF’s right to terminate the merger agreement pursuant to thissub-bullet, we refer to as the “termination date termination right”);

by either Chemical or TCF (provided that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in the merger agreement) if there is a breach of any of the covenants or agreements or any of the representations or warranties (or any such representation or warranty ceases to be true) set forth in the merger agreement on the part of the other party which, either individually or in the aggregate with all other breaches by such party (or failures of such representations or warranties to be true), would constitute, if occurring or continuing on the closing date of the merger, the failure of a closing condition of the terminating party and which is not cured within 45 days following written notice to the party committing such breach, or by its nature or timing cannot be cured during such period (or such fewer days as remain prior to the termination date) (TCF’s or Chemical’s right to terminate the merger agreement pursuant to thissub-bullet, we refer to as the “material breach termination right”);

by Chemical prior to the adoption of the merger agreement by the TCF shareholders, if (i) the board of directors of TCF (a) fails to recommend in this joint proxy statement/prospectus that the shareholders of TCF adopt the merger agreement, (b) withdraws, modifies or qualifies its recommendation in a manner adverse to Chemical, or publicly discloses that it has resolved to do so, or fails to recommend against acceptance of a tender offer or exchange offer constituting an acquisition proposal that has been publicly disclosed within ten business days after the commencement of such tender or exchange offer, in any such case whether or not permitted by the terms of the merger agreement or (c) recommends or endorses an acquisition proposal or fails to issue a press release announcing its opposition to such acquisition proposal within ten business days after an acquisition proposal is publicly announced, or (ii) TCF or its board of directors breaches its obligations to call a shareholder meeting and recommend to its shareholders, in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, the adoption of the merger agreement or to refrain from soliciting alternative acquisition proposals in any material respect (Chemical’s right to terminate the merger agreement pursuant to thissub-bullet, we refer to as “Chemical’s change of recommendation termination right”).

by TCF prior to the approval of the merger agreement by the Chemical shareholders, if (i) the board of directors of Chemical (a) fails to recommend in this joint proxy statement/prospectus that the shareholders of Chemical approve the merger agreement, (b) withdraws, modifies or qualifies its recommendation in a manner adverse to TCF, or publicly discloses that it has resolved to do so, or fails to recommend against acceptance of a tender offer or exchange offer constituting an acquisition proposal that has been publicly disclosed within ten business days after the commencement of such tender or exchange offer, in any such case whether or not permitted by the terms of the merger agreement or (c) recommends or endorses an acquisition proposal or fails to issue a press release announcing its opposition to

such acquisition proposal within ten business days after an acquisition proposal is publicly announced, or (ii) Chemical or its board of directors breaches its obligations to call a shareholder meeting and recommend to its shareholders, in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, the approval of the merger agreement or to refrain from soliciting alternative acquisition proposals in any material respect (TCF’s right to terminate the merger agreement pursuant to thissub-bullet, we refer to as “TCF’s change of recommendation termination right”).

If the merger agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, it will become void and have no effect except that (i) each of Chemical and TCF will remain liable for any liabilities or damages arising out of its fraud or willful breach of any provision of the merger agreement (which, for TCF, includes the loss to holders of TCF common stock, TCF Series C preferred stock, and TCF equity awards of the economic benefits of the merger) and (ii) designated provisions of the merger agreement will survive the termination, including those relating to payment of the termination fee and the confidential treatment of certain information. For purposes of the merger agreement, “willful breach” means a material breach of, or material failure to perform any of the covenants or other agreements contained in, the merger agreement, that is a consequence of an act or failure to act by the breaching ornon-performing party with actual knowledge that such party’s act or failure to act would, or would reasonably be expected to, result in or constitute such breach of or such failure of performance under the merger agreement.

TCF will be obligated to pay Chemical a termination fee of $134.0 million, which we refer to as the termination fee:

In the event that after the date of the merger agreement and prior to the termination of the merger agreement, a bona fide acquisition proposal has been made known to senior management or the board of directors of TCF or has been made directly to its shareholders generally or any person has publicly announced (whether or not withdrawn) an acquisition proposal with respect to TCF and (i) thereafter the merger agreement is terminated by either Chemical or TCF pursuant to the termination date termination right and TCF failed to obtain the required vote of its shareholders to approve the merger agreement or (ii) thereafter the merger agreement is terminated by Chemical pursuant to its material breach termination right, and (iii) prior to the date that is twelve months after the date of such termination, TCF enters into a definitive agreement or consummates a transaction with respect to an acquisition proposal (whether or not the same acquisition proposal as that referred to above), provided that for purposes of the foregoing, are subjectall references in the definition of “acquisition proposal” to “25%” will instead refer to “50%”.

In the event that the merger agreement is terminated by Chemical pursuant to Chemical’s change of recommendation right.

Chemical will be obligated to pay TCF the termination fee:

In the event that after the date of the merger agreement and prior to the termination of the merger agreement, a bona fide acquisition proposal has been made known to senior management or the board of directors of Chemical or has been made directly to its shareholders generally or any person has publicly announced (whether or not withdrawn) an acquisition proposal with respect to Chemical and (i) thereafter the merger agreement is terminated by either Chemical or TCF pursuant to the termination date termination right and Chemical failed to obtain the required vote of its shareholders to approve the merger agreement or (ii) thereafter the merger agreement is terminated by TCF pursuant to its material breach termination right, and (iii) prior to the date that is twelve months after the date of such termination, Chemical enters into a definitive agreement or consummates a transaction with respect to an acquisition proposal (whether or not the same acquisition

proposal as that referred to above), provided that for purposes of the foregoing, all references in the definition of “acquisition proposal” to “25%” will instead refer to “50%”.

In the event that the merger agreement is terminated by TCF pursuant to TCF’s change of recommendation right.

Expenses and Fees

Except as described elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby will be paid by the party incurring such expense, except that the costs and expenses of printing and mailing this joint proxy statement/prospectus and all filing and other fees paid to the SEC in connection with the merger will be borne equally by Chemical and TCF.

Amendment, Waiver and Extension of the Merger Agreement

Subject to compliance with applicable law, the merger agreement may be amended by TCF and Chemical in writing, by action taken or authorized by their respective boards of directors, at any time possiblybefore or after approval of the matters presented in connection with retroactive effect,the merger by Chemical’s shareholders and all are subjectTCF’s shareholders, except that after approval of the merger agreement by the Chemical shareholders or the adoption of the merger agreement by the TCF shareholders, there may not be, without further approval or adoption (as applicable) of such shareholders, any amendment of the merger agreement that requires further approval under applicable law.

At any time prior to differing interpretation. No advance ruling has been soughtthe effective time of the merger, Chemical and TCF, with the authorization of their respective boards of directors, may, to the extent legally allowed, extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or obtained fromother acts of the IRS regardingother party, waive any inaccuracies in the United Statesrepresentations and warranties contained in the merger agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to the merger agreement, and waive compliance with any of the agreements or satisfaction of any conditions contained in the merger agreement, provided that after approval or adoption (as applicable) of the merger agreement by the Chemical shareholders or TCF shareholders (as applicable) there may not be, without further approval or adoption (as applicable) of such shareholders any extension or waiver of the merger agreement or any portion thereof that requires further approval under applicable law. Any agreement on the part of a party to any extension or waiver must be in writing.

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER

The following summary describes the anticipated material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to U.S. holders (as defined below) of: (1) TCF common stock who exchange shares of TCF common stock for Chemical common stock pursuant to the merger and (2) depositary shares representing a 1/1000th interest in a share of TCF Series C preferred stock (together with TCF common stock, “TCF stock” as used in this section) who exchange depositary shares representing a 1/1000th interest in a share of TCF Series C preferred stock for new depositary shares representing a 1/1000th interest in a share of Chemical Series C preferred stock pursuant to the merger. As a result, no assurance canFor U.S. federal income tax purposes, holders of depositary shares will generally be given thattreated as if they own an interest in the IRS would not assert or that a court would not sustain a position contrary to anyunderlying preferred stock. The following summary is based upon the Code, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations thereunder and published rulings and decisions, all as currently in effect as of the tax consequencesdate hereof, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Any such change could affect the accuracy of the statements and conclusions set forth below.

in this discussion. Tax considerations under state, local and foreign laws, or federal laws other than those pertaining to income tax, or U.S. federal laws applicable to alternative minimum taxes, are not addressed in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

For purposes of this summary, adiscussion, we use the term “U.S. Holder” isholder” to mean a beneficial owner of Talmer Class A commonTCF stock that is for United States federal income tax purposes:which is:

 

  • a United States

    an individual citizen or resident alien;

of the United States;

  • a corporation or(or other entity taxable as a corporation for United StatesU.S. federal income tax purposes,purposes) created or organized under the laws of the United States or any state therein or the District of Columbia;

its political subdivisions;

  • a trust if (i) itthat (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and the control of one or more United StatesU.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (ii) it was in existence on August 20, 1996 and(2) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury Regulationsregulations to be treated as a United StatesU.S. person; or

  • an estate the income of whichthat is subject to United StatesU.S. federal income taxation on its income regardless of its source.

This discussion addresses only those holders of TCF stock that hold their TCF stock as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code and does not address all the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to particular holders of TCF stock in light of their individual circumstances or to holders of TCF stock that are subject to special rules, such as:

financial institutions;

pass-through entities or investors in pass-through entities;

insurance companies;

mutual funds;

tax-exempt organizations;

dealers or brokers in securities or currencies;

persons that hold TCF stock that are subject to the alternative minimum tax;

persons that immediately before the merger owned at least 5% of any class of TCF stock;

traders in securities that elect to use a mark to market method of accounting;

persons that hold TCF stock as part of a straddle, hedge, constructive sale or conversion transaction;

regulated investment companies;

real estate investment trusts;

persons whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar;

persons who are not U.S. holders; and

holders who acquired their shares of TCF stock through the exercise of an employee stock option or otherwise as compensation.

If a partnership (including anor other entity treatedtaxed as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) holds Talmer Class A commonTCF stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will generally depend onupon the status of eachthe partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships and partners in such a partnership should consult their tax advisors about the tax consequences of the merger to them.

The actual tax consequences of the merger to you may be complex and will depend on your specific situation and on factors that are not within our control. You should consult with your own tax advisor as to the tax consequences of the merger in your particular circumstances, including the applicability and effect of the alternative minimum tax and any state, local or foreign and other tax laws and of changes in those laws.

Tax Consequences of the Merger Generally

Chemical and Talmer have structured theThe merger is intended to qualify as a reorganization“reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. The obligationsAccordingly, the material U.S. federal income tax consequences will be as follows:

For TCF shareholders who receive Chemical common stock in exchange for shares of TCF common stock pursuant to the merger:

except as discussed below with respect to cash received instead of a fractional share of Chemical and Talmer to consummatecommon stock, under “— Cash Received Instead of a Fractional Share of Chemical Common Stock,” no gain or loss will be recognized by U.S. holders of TCF common stock on the exchange of TCF common stock for Chemical common stock in connection with the merger;

the aggregate basis of the Chemical common stock received by a U.S. holder of TCF common stock in the merger are(including fractional shares of Chemical common stock deemed received and redeemed as described below) will be the same as the aggregate basis of the TCF common stock for which it is exchanged; and

the holding period of Chemical common stock received in exchange for shares of TCF common stock (including fractional shares of Chemical common stock deemed received and redeemed as described below) will include the holding period of the TCF common stock for which it is exchanged.

For TCF shareholders who receive new Chemical Series C preferred stock in exchange for shares of TCF Series C preferred stock pursuant to the merger:

no gain or loss will be recognized by U.S. holders of TCF Series C preferred stock on the exchange of TCF Series C preferred stock for new Chemical Series C preferred stock in connection with the merger;

the aggregate basis of the new Chemical Series C preferred stock received by a U.S. holder of TCF Series C preferred stock in the merger will be the same as the aggregate basis of the TCF Series C preferred stock for which it is exchanged; and

the holding period of new Chemical Series C preferred stock received in exchange for shares of TCF Series C preferred stock will include the holding period of the TCF Series C preferred stock for which it is exchanged.

If a U.S. holder of TCF stock acquired different blocks of TCF stock at different times or at different prices, such U.S. holder’s holding period and basis will be determined separately with respect to each block of TCF stock.

Completion of the merger is conditioned uponon, among other things, the receipt by TCF and Chemical of an opinionlegal opinions from Warner NorcrossSimpson Thacher & JuddBartlett LLP for its client, Chemical, and an opinion from Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, for its client, Talmer,respectively, each dated as of the closing date of the merger, to the effect that (i) the merger will for U.S. federal income tax purposes qualifythe merger will be treated as a reorganization“reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and (ii) each respective clientCode. These opinions will be a partybased on certain assumptions and on representation letters provided by TCF and Chemical to that reoroganization withinbe delivered at the meaningtime of Section 368(b)closing. Although the merger agreement allows each of Chemical and TCF to waive this condition to closing, neither Chemical nor TCF currently anticipates doing so. Neither of the Code, based upon customary representations made bytax opinions will be binding on the Internal Revenue Service. Neither Chemical and Talmer.

Assuming thatnor TCF intends to request any ruling from the transactions are consummated substantially in conformity withInternal Revenue Service as to the termsU.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger agreement,and there is no guarantee that the Internal Revenue Service will treat the merger will constituteas a reorganization“reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and therefore, the material United States federal income tax consequencesCode.

Cash Received Instead of the merger are as follows:a Fractional Share of Chemical Common Stock

  • no gain or loss will be recognized by Chemical or Talmer by reasonA U.S. holder of the merger;

  • you will not recognize gain if you exchange your Talmer Class ATCF common stock for Chemical common stock, except to the extentwho receives cash instead of any cash received as consideration for your shares of Talmer Class A common stock and in lieu ofa fractional sharesshare of Chemical common stock you would otherwisewill be entitledtreated as having received the fractional share pursuant to receive (see discussion below);

  • you will not recognize any loss if you exchange your Talmer Class Athe merger and then as having exchanged the fractional share for cash in a redemption by Chemical. As a result, such U.S. holder of TCF common stock for Chemical common stock, even if you might otherwisewill generally recognize again or loss in a saleequal to a third party, except for any loss that may result from the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares of Chemical common stock you would otherwise be entitled to receive;

112

  • your aggregate tax basis in the Chemical common stock that you receive in the merger will equal your aggregate tax basis in the Talmer Class A common stock you surrendered, decreased bydifference between the amount of cash received and increasethe basis in his or her fractional share interest as set forth above. The gain or loss recognized by the amountU.S. holders described in this paragraph will generally be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if, as of any gain recognized upon the receipteffective date of cash (excluding receiptthe merger, the U.S. holder’s holding period for the relevant shares is greater than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

    You are urged to consult with your own tax advisors about the particular tax consequences of the merger to you, including the effects of U.S. federal, state or local, or foreign and other tax laws.

    Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

    Payments of cash in lieu of a fractional sharesshare to a U.S. holder of Chemical common stock); and

  • your holding period for the ChemicalTCF common stock that you receive inpursuant to the merger will include your holding period for the shares of Talmer Class A common stock that you surrender in the merger.

Exchange of Talmer Class A Common Stock for Cash and Chemical Common Stock

Talmer shareholders will exchange all of their Talmer Class A common stock for a combination of Chemical common stock and cash in the merger. Accordingly, Talmer shareholders will recognize gain (but not loss) in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the amount of cash received in the merger; and (ii) the excess, if any, of (a) the sum of the amount of cash and the fair market value of the Chemical common stock received in the merger above (b) the Talmer shareholder’s aggregate tax basis in its Talmer Class A common stock surrendered in exchange therefor. Talmer shareholders will not recognize a loss on the receipt of cash.

The gain recognized upon receipt of a combination of stock and cash will be capital gain unless the Talmer shareholder’s receipt of cash has the effect of a distribution of a dividend, in which case the gain will be treated as ordinary income to the extent of the holder’s ratable share of Talmer’s accumulated undistributed earnings and profits, as calculated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For purposes of determining whether a Talmer shareholder’s receipt of cash has the effect of a distribution of a dividend, the Talmer shareholder will be treated as if he, she or it first exchanged all of his, her or its Talmer Class A common stock solely in exchange for Chemical common stock and then Chemical immediately redeemed a portion of that stock for the cash that the holder actually received in the merger (referred to herein as the “deemed redemption”). Receipt of cash will generally not have the effect of a dividend to the Talmer shareholder if such receipt is, with respect to the Talmer shareholder, “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” or “substantially disproportionate,” each within the meaning of Section 302(b) of the Code. In order for the deemed redemption to be “not essentially equivalent to a dividend,” the deemed redemption must result in a “meaningful reduction” in the shareholder’s deemed percentage stock ownership of Chemical following the merger. The determination generally requires a comparison of the percentage of the outstanding stock of Chemical the shareholder is considered to have owned immediately before the deemed redemption to the percentage of the outstanding stock of Chemical the shareholder owns immediately after the deemed redemption. The Internal Revenue Service has indicated in rulings in certain transactions that any reduction in the interest of a minority shareholder that owns a small number of shares in a publicly and widely held corporation and that exercises no control over corporate affairs would result in capital gain (as opposed to dividend) treatment. Rulings issued by the Internal Revenue Service may be relied upon only if the facts of a taxpayer are substantially similar to the facts stated in the ruling.

For purposes of applying the foregoing tests, a shareholder will be deemed to own the stock the shareholder actually owns and the stock the shareholder constructively owns under the attribution rules of Section 318 of the Code. Under Section 318 of the Code, a shareholder will be deemed to own the shares of stock owned by certain family members, by certain estates and trusts of which the shareholder is a beneficiary, and by certain affiliated entities, as well as shares of stock subject to an option actually or constructively owned by the shareholder or such other persons. If, after applying these tests, the deemed redemption results in a capital gain, the capital gain will be long-term if the Talmer shareholder’s holding period for its Talmer Class A common stock is more than one year as of the date of the exchange or if the Talmer shareholder’s holding period for its Talmer Class A common stock is one year or less as of the date of the exchange, the capital gain will be a short-term capital gain taxed at ordinary income rates. If, after applying these tests, the deemed redemption results in the gain recognized by a Talmer shareholder being classified as a dividend, such dividend will be treated as either ordinary income or qualified dividend income.

Any gain treated as qualified dividend income will be taxable to individual Talmer shareholders at the long-term capital gains rate, provided that the shareholder held the shares giving rise to such income for more than 60 days during the 121 day period beginning 60 days before the closing date. The determination as to whether a Talmer shareholder will recognize a capital gain or dividend income as a result of its exchange of Talmer Class A

113

common stock for a combination of Chemical common stock and cash in the merger is complex and is determined on a shareholder-by-shareholder basis. Accordingly, each Talmer shareholder is urged to consult such shareholder’s own tax advisor with respect to this determination.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

Payments of cash to a holder of Talmer Class A common stock may, under certain circumstances, be subject to information reporting and backup withholding at a rate of 28% of the cash payable to the holder, unless the holder provides proof of an applicable exemption or, in the case of backup withholding, furnishes his, her or its taxpayer identification number and otherwise complies with all applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Any amounts withheld from payments to a U.S. holder under the backup withholding rules are not additional tax and generally will be allowed as a refund or credit against the U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

Tax on Net Investment Income

Certain U.S. Holders whose income exceeds certain threshold amounts will be subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on “net investment income”. Net investment income is generally the excess of dividends and capital gains with respect to the sale, exchange, or other disposition of stock over allowable deductions. Each Talmer shareholder is urged to consult his, her or its tax advisor to determine their own particular tax consequences with respect to the merger Consideration to be received in the merger and the net investment income tax.

Tax Consequences of the Merger to Chemical and Talmer

Each of Chemical and Talmer will be a party to the merger within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code, and neither Chemical nor Talmer will recognize any gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the merger.

This summarydiscussion does not address any tax consequences arising under United States federal tax laws other than United States federal income tax laws, nor does it address the laws of any state, local, foreign or other taxing jurisdiction, nor does it address any aspect of income tax that may be applicable to non-U.S. Holders of Talmer Class A common stock. In addition, this summaryvary with, or are contingent on, individual circumstances. Moreover, it does not address all aspects of United States federal income taxation that may apply to U.S. Holders of Talmer Class A common stock in light of their particular circumstancesanynon-income tax or U.S. Holders that are subject to special rules under the Code, such as holders of Talmer Class A common stock that are partnershipsany foreign, state or other pass-through entities (and persons holding their Talmer Class A common stock through a partnership or other pass-through entity), persons who acquired shares of Talmer Class A common stock as a result of the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation or through a tax-qualified retirement plan, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions, broker-dealers, traders in securities that have elected to apply a mark to market method of accounting, insurance companies, persons having a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar, and persons holding their Talmer Class A common stock as part of a straddle, hedging, constructive sale or conversion transaction.

The preceding discussion is intended only as a summary of material United States federal incomelocal tax consequences of the merger. It is not a complete analysis or discussionTax matters are very complicated, and the tax consequences of all potential tax effects that may be importantthe merger to you. Chemical and Talmer have not requested and do not intend to request any ruling fromyou will depend upon the IRS.You are urgedfacts of your particular situation. Accordingly, we strongly urge you to consult your ownwith a tax advisor as to determine the specific tax consequences resulting from the merger, including tax return reporting requirements, the applicability and effect ofparticular U.S. federal, state, local andor foreign income or other applicable tax laws and the effect of any proposed changes in the tax laws.

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

In accordance with current accounting guidance, the merger will be accounted for using the purchase method. The result of this is that the recorded assets and liabilities of Chemical will be carried forward at their recorded amounts, the historical operating results will be unchanged for the prior periods being reported on and the assets and liabilities of Talmer will be adjustedconsequences to fair value at the date of the merger. In addition, all identified intangibles will be recorded at fair value and included as part of the net assets acquired. To the extent that the

114

purchase price consideration, which is measured at the date of the effective time of the merger and consists of the cash consideration, the shares of Chemical common stock to be issued to Talmer shareholders, the “in the money” value of the stock options and cash in lieu of any fractional shares, exceeds the fair value of the net assets (including identifiable intangibles) of Talmer at the effective time of the merger, that amount will be reported as goodwill. In accordance with current accounting guidance, goodwill will not be amortized but will be evaluated for impairment annually or more often if necessary. Identified intangibles will be amortized over their estimated lives. Further, the purchase accounting method results in the operating results of Talmer being included in the consolidated financial results of Chemical beginning from the effective timeyou of the merger.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA

COMBINED CONDENSED COMBINEDCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following pro formatables show the condensed combinedconsolidated financial information combines the historical consolidated financial position and results of operationsfor each of Chemical and Talmer, after giving effect toTCF, as well as unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial information for Chemical and TCF reflecting the merger using the purchase method of accounting and giving effect to the related pro forma adjustments described in the accompanying notes. The unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial information should be read in conjunction with Chemical’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which is incorporated in this joint proxy statement/prospectus by reference, and TCF’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which is incorporated in this joint proxy statement/prospectus by reference. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in the forepart of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” beginning on page 163.

The unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial information assumes that the merger is accounted for as a reverse acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting, pursuant to FASB Topic805-10, Business Combinations. See “Accounting Treatment” beginning on page 111 of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Following the merger, existing shareholders of TCF will control approximately 54% of the pro forma voting interests in the combined company (based on common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2018), which is the primary reason that TCF is the accounting acquirer in the merger. Under the purchaseacquisition method of accounting, the assets and liabilities of TalmerChemical, as the accounting acquiree, will be recorded by Chemical at their respective fair values as of the date that the merger is completed.

The unaudited pro forma combined condensed combined balance sheetstatement of financial condition gives effect to the merger as if the transaction had occurred on December 31, 2015.2018. The unaudited pro forma combined condensed income statement for the year ended December 31, 20152018 gives effect to the merger as if the transaction had become effective on January 1, 2015.

2018.

The unaudited pro forma combined condensed combined financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and does not indicate the financial results of the combined company had the companies actually been combined at the beginning of the period presented, nor the impact of possible business model changes. The unaudited pro forma combined condensed combined financial information, while helpful in illustrating the financial characteristics of the combined organizationcompany under one set of assumptions, does not reflect the realization of potential effects ofcost savings, revenue synergies, changes in market conditions on revenues, expense efficiencies, and asset dispositions, among other factors, nor does it include the funding cost or lost opportunity cost related to the cash consideration being paid to Talmer shareholders and, accordingly, does not attempt to predict or suggest future results. Chemical and TCF expect to incur costs associated with the merger and the integration of the businesses and operations of Chemical and TCF. However, the unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial information does not include these estimated merger and integration costs (other than estimated contractually obligatedafter-tax merger costs). See Note 5 accompanying the unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial information for additional information regarding estimated merger and integration costs.

In addition, as explained in more detail in the accompanying notes, the preliminary allocation of the pro forma purchase price reflected in the unaudited pro forma combined condensed combined financial information is subject to adjustment and may vary significantly from the actual purchase price allocation that will be recorded upon completion of the merger.

The pro forma condensed combined income statement does not include estimated merger and integration costs expected to be incurred in conjunction with the merger. See Note 4 accompanying the pro forma condensed combined financial statements for additional information regarding merger and integration costs.

CHEMICAL AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2018

 

115

Chemical Financial Corporation and Talmer Bancorp, Inc.

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet

December 31, 2015

 
Chemical
Historical
 
Talmer
Historical
 
Pro Forma
Adjustments
 Pro Forma
Chemical
and Talmer
 
 (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) 
Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents$238,789 $387,323 $ (88,468) (1)$537,644 
Investment securities 1,063,702  892,448  -  1,956,150 
Loans held-for-sale 10,327  58,223  -  68,550 
Total loans 7,271,147  4,806,700  (43,953) (2) 12,033,894 
Allowance for loan losses (73,328) (53,953) 53,953   (3) (73,328)
Net loans 7,197,819  4,752,747  10,000  11,960,566 
Premises and equipment, net 106,317  43,570  -  149,887 
Goodwill 287,393  3,524  468,459   (4) 759,376 
Other intangible assets 38,104  70,921  42,792   (5) 151,817 
Interest receivable and other assets 246,346  387,134  (1,735) (6) 631,745 
Total Assets$9,188,797 $6,595,890 $431,048 $16,215,735 
             
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity            
Deposits$7,456,767 $5,014,581 $(1,045) (7)$12,470,303 
Interest payable and other liabilities 76,466  43,039  -  119,505 
Short-term borrowings 397,199  348,998  -  746,197 
Other borrowings 242,391  464,057  52,689   (8) 759,137 
Total liabilities 8,172,823  5,870,675  51,644 14,095,142 
Shareholders’ equity:            
   Preferred stock, no par value -  -  -  - 
   Common stock, $1 par value per share 38,168  66,115  (34,876) (9) 69,407 
   Additional paid-in capital 725,280  316,571  773,462   (10) 1,815,313 
   Retained earnings 281,558  339,130  (355,783) (11) 264,905 
   Accumulated other comprehensive            
     income (loss) (29,032) 3,399  (3,399)(12) (29,032)
Total shareholders’ equity 1,015,974  725,215  379,404  2,120,593 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$9,188,797 $6,595,890 $431,048 $16,215,735 
             
Book value per share$26.62 $10.97    $30.55 
Tangible book value per share$18.78 $10.72    $18.64 

(Amounts in thousands,

except per share data)

 Chemical as
Reported
  TCF as
Reported
  Pro Forma
Adjustments
  Pro Forma
Chemical
and TCF
  Capital
Actions
  Pro Forma
Chemical
and TCF
 

Assets

      

Cash and cash equivalents

 $495,839  $587,057  $(45,415)(1)  $1,037,481  $71,025(16), (17)  $1,108,506 

Investment securities

  3,645,931   2,710,571   (5,427)(2)   6,351,075   —     6,351,075 

Loans and leasesheld-for-sale

  85,030   90,664   —     175,694   —     175,694 

Total loans and leases

  15,269,779   19,072,311   (384,967)(3)   33,957,123   —     33,957,123 

Allowance for loan and lease losses

  (109,984  (157,446  109,984(4)   (157,446  —     (157,446
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net loans and leases

  15,159,795   18,914,865   (274,983  33,799,677   —     33,799,677 

Premises and equipment, net

  123,442   427,534   (6,600)(5)   544,376   —     544,376 

Goodwill

  1,134,568   154,757   397,317(6)   1,686,642   —     1,686,642 

Other intangible assets

  28,556   20,496   139,708(7)   188,760   —     188,760 

Interest receivable and other assets

  825,180   793,668   23,396(8)   1,642,244   975(17)   1,643,219 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Assets

 $21,498,341  $23,699,612  $227,996  $45,425,949  $72,000  $45,497,949 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

      

Deposits

 $15,593,282  $18,903,686  $(33,035)(9)   $34,463,933  $—    $34,463,933 

Collateralized customer deposits

  382,687   —     —     382,687   —     382,687 

Interest payable and other liabilities

  225,110   790,194   —     1,015,304   —     1,015,304 

Short-term borrowings

  2,035,000   —     —     2,035,000   —     2,035,000 

Other borrowings

  426,002   1,449,472   (2,856)(10)   1,872,618   150,000(17)   2,022,618 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  18,662,081   21,143,352   (35,891  39,769,542   150,000   39,919,542 

Shareholders’ equity:

      

Preferred stock

  —     169,302   —  (11)   169,302   —     169,302 

Common stock

  71,460   1,736   81,553(12)   154,749   (1,783)(16)    152,966 

Additionalpaid-in capital

  2,209,761   885,089   530,606(13)    3,625,456   (76,217)(16)    3,549,239 

Retained earnings

  616,149   1,766,994   (661,564)(14)    1,721,579   —     1,721,579 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

  (61,110  (33,138  61,110(15)   (33,138  —     (33,138

Treasury stock and other

  —     (252,182  252,182(13)    —     —     —   

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries

  —     18,459   —     18,459   —     18,459 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

  2,836,260   2,556,260   263,887   5,656,407   (78,000  5,578,407 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 $21,498,341  $23,699,612  $227,996  $45,425,949  $72,000  $45,497,949 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Book value per common share

 $39.69  $14.45   $35.34   $35.24 

Tangible book value per common share

 $23.54  $13.38   $23.22   $22.98 

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined condensed consolidated financial statements.

CHEMICAL AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018

 

116

Chemical Financial Corporation and Talmer Bancorp, Inc.

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Income

Year Ended December 31, 2015

 


Chemical
Historical
 


Talmer
Historical
 Pro Forma
Impact of
Chemical
Acquisitions
(A)
 


Pro Forma
Adjustments
 

Pro Forma
Chemical &
Talmer
 
 (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) 
                
Interest income$291,789 $234,888 $22,062 $(22,533) (13)$526,206 
Interest expense 17,781  20,222  3,969  1,865   (14) 43,837 
Net interest income 274,008  214,666  18,093  (24,398) 482,369 
Provision (benefit) for loan losses 6,500  (9,203) -  -  (2,703)
Noninterest income 80,216  86,445  3,231  -  169,892 
Operating expenses 223,894  226,319  13,252  5,703   (15) 469,168 
Net income before income taxes 123,830  83,995  8,072  (30,101) 185,796 
Income tax 37,000  23,866  148  (10,535) (16) 50,479 
Net income$86,830 $60,129 $7,924 $(19,566)$135,317 
                
Net income per share               
   Basic$2.41 $0.87       $1.95 
   Diluted$2.39 $0.81       $1.91 
                
   Dividends per share$1.00 $0.04       $1.00 
                
                
Average shares outstanding:               
      Basic 36,081  68,646  2,016  (37,407) (17) 69,336 
      Diluted 36,353  73,331  2,016  (40,795) (17) 70,905 

(A)Represents the pro forma impact of Chemical’s acquisitions of Monarch Community Bancorp, Inc. on April, 1, 2015 and Lake Michigan Financial Corporation on May 31, 2015, assuming these acquisitions had been completed as of the beginning of the period presented. In accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X, transactions costs directly attributable to these acquisitions have been excluded.

(Amounts in thousands,

except per share data)

 Chemical as
Reported
  TCF as
Reported
  Pro Forma
Adjustments
  Pro Forma
Chemical
and TCF
  Capital
Actions
  Pro Forma
Chemical
and TCF
 

Interest income

 $775,996  $1,142,264  $71,976(18)  $1,990,236  $—    $1,990,236 

Interest expense

  143,663   150,257   38,532(19)   332,452   7,500(23)   339,952 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net interest income

  632,333   992,007   33,444   1,657,784   (7,500  1,650,284 

Provision for credit losses

  30,750   46,768   —     77,518   —     77,518 

Noninterest income

  148,536   470,885   —     619,421   —     619,421 

Operating expenses

  424,198   1,014,400   25,267(20)   1,463,865   98(23)   1,463,963 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income tax expenses

  325,921   401,724   8,177   735,822   (7,598)(21)   728,224 

Income tax expense

  41,901   86,096   1,717(21)   129,714   (1,596)(23)   128,118 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income after income tax expense

  284,020   315,628   6,460   606,108   (6,002  600,106 

Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

  —     11,270   —     11,270   —     11,270 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Chemical/TCF

  284,020   304,358   6,460   594,838   (6,002  588,836 

Preferred stock dividends

  —     11,588   —     11,588   —     11,588 

Impact of preferred stock redemption

  —     3,481   —     3,481   —     3,481 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income available to common shareholders

 $284,020  $289,289  $6,460  $579,769  $(6,002 $573,767 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income per common share

      

Basic

 $3.98�� $1.75   $3.75   $3.75 

Diluted

 $3.94  $1.74   $3.72   $3.73 

Dividends per share

 $1.24  $0.60   $1.24   $1.24 

Average common shares outstanding

      

Basic

  71,385   165,585   (82,296)(22)   154,674   (1,783)(24)   152,891 

Diluted

  72,025   166,562   (82,777)(22)   155,810   (1,783)(24)   154,027 

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined condensed consolidated financial statements.

117

Note 1—Basis of Presentation

The unaudited pro forma combined condensed combined financial information and explanatory notes have been prepared to illustrate the effects of the merger involving Chemical and TalmerTCF under the purchaseacquisition method of accounting with Chemical treated as the legal acquirer and TCF treated as the accounting acquirer. The unaudited pro forma combined condensed combined financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and does not necessarily indicate the financial results of the combined companies had the companies actually been combined at the beginning of the period presented, nor does it necessarily indicate the results of operations in future periods or the future financial position of the combined entities. Under the purchaseacquisition method of accounting, the assets and liabilities of Talmer,Chemical (as the accounting acquiree), as of the effective date of the merger, will be recorded by Chemical at their respective fair values, and the excess of the mergerpurchase price consideration over the fair value of Talmer’sChemical’s net assets will be allocated to goodwill.

See Note 2 to the unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial information for detailed calculations of the estimated purchase price.

The merger, which is currently expected to be completed in the second halflate third or early fourth quarter of 2016,2019, provides for TalmerTCF common shareholders to receive 0.47250.5081 shares of Chemical common stock and $1.61 in cash for each share of TalmerTCF common stock they hold immediately prior to the merger. Based on the closing trading price of shares of Chemical common stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market on December 31, 2015,April 29, 2019, the latest practicable trading day before the date the pro forma condensed combined financial statements are presented,of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the value of the merger consideration of TalmerTCF common stock was $17.80would be $22.52 per share. Based on the closing trading price of shares of Chemical common stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market on January 25, 2016,2019, the last trading day before the public announcement of the signing of the merger, agreement, the value of the merger consideration of TalmerTCF common stock was $15.64would be $21.58 per share. Based on the closing trading price of shares of Chemical common stock on the NASDAQ on March 30, 2016, the value of the merger consideration of Talmer common stock was $18.72 per share.

The pro forma allocation of the purchase price allocation reflected in the unaudited pro forma combined condensed combined financial information is subject to adjustment and may vary from the actual purchase price allocation that will be recorded at the time the merger is completed. Adjustments willmay include, but not be limited to, changes in (i) Talmer’s balance sheetChemical’s statement of financial condition and operating results through the effective time of the merger; (ii) the aggregate value of merger consideration paidthe accounting purchase price determination if the price of shares of ChemicalTCF common stock varies from the assumed $17.80$22.30 per share, which represents the closing share price of ChemicalTCF common stock on December 31, 2015;April 29, 2019; (iii) total merger-related expenses from amounts included herein; and (iv) the underlying values of assets and liabilities if market conditions differ from current assumptions.

The accounting policies of both Chemical and TalmerTCF are in the process of being reviewed in detail. Upon completion of such review, conforming adjustments or financial statement reclassification may be determined.made.

Note 2—Purchase Price Determination

The unaudited pro forma combined condensed statement of financial condition has been adjusted to reflect the preliminary calculation of the estimated purchase price to identifiable net assets acquired. Since the merger will be accounted for as a reverse acquisition, the estimated purchase price was determined in accordance with FASB ASC805-40-30-2, which explains that the purchase price in a reverse acquisition is determined based on “the number of equity interests the legal acquiree would have had to issue to give the owners of the legal acquirer the same percentage equity interest in the combined entity that results from the reverse acquisition.”

The first step in estimating the purchase price in the merger is to determine the pro forma ownership of the combined institution following the merger. The table below summarizes, for each current shareholder group, the pro forma ownership of Chemical common stock following the merger as well as the pro forma market capitalization of the combined company using shares of Chemical and TCF common stock outstanding at December 31, 2018 and Chemical’s closing price on April 29, 2019, the latest practicable trading day before the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

 

   Chemical Financial Corporation Ownership and
Market Value Table (Pro Forma)
 
   Number of
Chemical
Outstanding
Shares

(in thousands)
   Percentage
Ownership
  Market Value at
$44.33 Chemical
Share Price

(in thousands)
 

Current Chemical shareholders

   71,460    46.2 $3,167,822 

Current TCF shareholders

   83,289    53.8  3,692,201 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   154,749    100.0 $6,860,023 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Next, the hypothetical number of shares TCF would have to issue to give Chemical owners the same percentage ownership in the combined company is calculated in the table below (based on shares of TCF common stock outstanding at December 31, 2018):

   Hypothetical TCF Ownership 
   Number of TCF
Outstanding
Shares

(in thousands)
   Percentage
Ownership
 

Current Chemical shareholders

   140,653    46.2

Current TCF shareholders

   163,923    53.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   304,576    100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finally, the purchase price is calculated based on the number of hypothetical shares of TCF common stock issued to Chemical shareholders multiplied by the share price as demonstrated in the table below (amounts in thousands except per share data).

Number of hypothetical TCF shares issued to Chemical shareholders

   140,653 

TCF market price per share as of April 29, 2019

  $22.30 
  

 

 

 

Purchase price determination of hypothetical TCF shares issued to Chemical shareholders

   3,136,562 

Value of Chemical stock options hypothetically converted to options to acquire shares of TCF common stock

   9,000 
  

 

 

 

Purchase price consideration

  $3,145,562 
  

 

 

 

Note 2—3—Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation

The pro forma adjustments include the estimated purchaseacquisition accounting entries to record the merger transaction.completion of the merger. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired, net of deferred taxes, is allocated to goodwill. Estimated fair value adjustments included in the pro forma financial statements are based upon available information and certain assumptions considered reasonable, and may be revised as additional information becomes available.

Core deposit intangible assets of $55.6$168.3 million are included in the pro forma adjustments separate from goodwill and will be amortized on an accelerated method over 10ten years. Goodwill totaling $472 million$1.53 billion is included in the pro forma adjustments and is not subject to amortization. The purchase price is variable based on Chemical’sthe price per share of TCF common sharestock at the closing date of the merger, which has not yet occurred. Accordingly, a 10% increase or decrease in Chemical’sthe price per share of TCF common stock would result in a corresponding purchase price and goodwill adjustment of approximately $107$347 million.

118

TheBelow is a summary of the preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows:used to develop the unaudited pro forma combined condensed statement of financial condition:

 

Pro Forma Purchase Price      
(In thousands, except per share amounts)      
       
Equity consideration:      
   Talmer shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015 66,115    
   Exchange ratio 0.4725    
   Chemical shares issued 31,239    
   Chemical share price (as of December 31, 2015)$34.27    
   Equity portion of purchase price   $1,070,561 
       
Cash consideration:      
   Talmer shares outstanding 66,115    
   Cash consideration (per Talmer share)$1.61    
   Cash portion of purchase price    106,445 
       
Option consideration (B):      
   Cash 19,585    
   Equity 50,711    
   Stock option portion of purchase price    70,296 
       
Total consideration to be paid (transaction value)   $1,247,302 
(Amounts in thousands)  Chemical as
Reported
   Adjustments
to Reflect
Chemical/TCF
Merger
      Chemical as
Adjusted for
Acquisition
Accounting
 

Fair value of assets acquired:

       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $495,839   $—      $495,839 

Investment securities

   3,645,931    (5,427  (2)    3,640,504 

Loansheld-for-sale

   85,030    —       85,030 

Net loans

   15,159,795    (274,983  (3)(4)    14,884,812 

Premises and equipment, net

   123,442    (6,600  (5)    116,842 

Other intangible assets

   28,556    139,708   (7)    168,264 

Interest receivable and other assets

   825,180    23,396   (8)    848,576 
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

   20,363,773    (123,906    20,239,867 

Fair value of liabilities assumed:

       

Deposits

   15,593,282    (33,035  (9)    15,560,247 

Collateralized customer deposits

   382,687    —       382,687 

Interest payable and other liabilities

   225,110    —       225,110 

Short-term borrowings

   2,035,000    —       2,035,000 

Other borrowings

   426,002    (2,856  (10)    423,146 
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities assumed

   18,662,081    (35,891    18,626,190 
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

Net assets acquired

   1,701,692    (88,015    1,613,677 
       

 

 

 

Preliminary pro forma goodwill

       $1,531,885 
       

 

 

 

Talmer Net Assets at Fair Value      
Assets acquired:      
   Cash and cash equivalents   $387,323 
   Investment securities    892,448 
   Loans held-for-sale    58,223 
   Net loans      4,762,747 
   Premises and equipment, net    43,570 
   Other intangible assets    113,713 
   Interest receivable and other assets      379,614 
Total assets acquired    6,637,638 
Liabilities assumed:      
   Deposits    5,013,536 
   Interest payable and other liabilities    43,039 
   Short-term borrowings    348,998 
   Other borrowings    456,746 
Total liabilities assumed    5,862,319 
Net assets acquired    775,319 
Preliminary pro forma goodwill   $471,983 

(B)The fair value of option consideration is based on the excess of the transaction value per share as of December 31, 2015 of $17.80 over the weighted average strike price of Talmer’s stock options outstanding as of that date. Further, 25% of Talmer’s stock options are expected to be cashed out upon completion of the merger, with the remaining 75% converted into options to purchase shares of Chemical common stock in accordance with the merger agreement.

119

Note 3—4—Pro Forma Adjustments

The following pro forma adjustments have been reflected in the unaudited pro forma combined condensed combined financial information. All taxable adjustments were calculated using a 35.0%21.0% tax rate to arrive at deferred tax asset or liability adjustments. All adjustments are based on current assumptions and valuations, which are subject to change.

 

 (1)

Adjustments to cash reflect the estimated cash component of the merger consideration of $106.4 million, based on 66,114,798 shares of Talmer outstanding as of December 31, 2015, cash consideration of $19.6 million based on 25% of Talmer’s stock options being cashed out pursuant to the merger agreement, contractually obligated pre-taxafter-tax merger costs of $22.4 million and reflects $60.0 million of borrowed funds to facilitate the merger. The fair value of converted stock options was determined based on the excess of the transaction value per share as of December 31, 2015 of $17.80 over the weighted average strike price of Talmer’s stock options outstanding for the 25% of Talmer’s stock options assumed to be cashed out upon completion of the merger.$45.4 million.

 (2)

Adjustment to Talmer’sChemical’sheld-to-maturity investment securities to reflect the estimated fair value based on estimates of expected cash flows and current interest rates.

(3)

Adjustment to Chemical’s total loans, net of unrecognized costs, to reflect the estimated fair value of the loan portfolio based on estimates of expected cash flows, which includes credit loss expectations and current interest rates. The net adjustment includes the elimination of net unrecognized loan costs of $19.7 million, establishment of an estimated credit mark of $189.2 million, which is partially offset by reversal of Chemical’s existing credit mark on acquired loans of $25.0 million, and recognition of an estimated interest discount of $201.1 million.

 (4)
(3)

Elimination of Talmer’sChemical’s existing allowance for loan losses. Purchased loans in a business combination are recorded at estimated fair value on the purchase date, and the carryover of the related allowance for loan losses is prohibited.

 (5)

Adjustment to the statement of financial condition to reduce Chemical’s land and buildings to estimated fair value, with a corresponding adjustment to the income statement to reduce depreciation expense over estimated lives of25-40 years.

 (4)(6)

Adjustments to goodwill to eliminate TalmerChemical’s goodwill of $3.5 million at the merger date$1.13 billion associated with prior acquisitions and record estimated goodwill associated with the merger of $472 million.$1.53 billion.

 (7)
(5)

Adjustments to other intangible assets to eliminate Talmer’sChemical’s core deposit intangible assets of $12.8 million and record estimated core deposit intangible assets associated with the merger of $55.6 million, based on a value of 1.75% of Talmer’s non-time customer deposits. Core deposit intangible assets recorded as a result of the merger are expected to be amortized on an accelerated basis over a period of 10 years.$28.6

million associated with prior acquisitions and record estimated core deposit intangible assets associated with the merger of $168.3 million, based on a value of 1.50% of Chemical’snon-time customer deposits. Core deposit intangible assets recorded as a result of the merger are expected to be amortized on an accelerated basis over a period of ten years.

 (8)
(6)

Adjustment to net deferred tax liabilitiesassets to reflect the effects of the acquisition accounting adjustments of $21.4 million and adjustments to deferred tax assets to recognize the tax benefit of the merger consideration related to nonqualified stock options and the tax benefit of contractually obligated merger costs of $13.9 million and $5.8 million, respectively.adjustments.

 (9)
(7)

Adjustment to reflect the estimated fair value of Talmer’sChemical’s interest-bearing time deposits.deposits based on market interest rates for similar instruments.

 (10)

Adjustment of $5.7 million primarily related to reducing Chemical’s $410 million of long-term FHLB advances included in other borrowings to estimated fair value and adjustment of $2.8 million to increase Chemical’s $15.9 million of trust preferred securities included in other borrowings to estimated fair value.

 (8)(11)

No adjustment needed as each share of TCF 5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the merger date will be converted into one share of a newly created series of preferred stock of Chemical.

(12)

Adjustment to reflect the estimated fair value of Talmer’s long-term debt included in other borrowings and to reflect $60.0 million of borrowed funds to facilitate the merger.

(9)Adjustment to eliminate Talmer common stock of $66.1 million and record the issuance of 31,239,24283.3 million common shares of Chemical common stock at $1with $1.00 par value (recorded value of $31.2 million) based on 66,114,798per share in connection with the merger and eliminating 173.6 million issued common shares of Talmer Class ATCF common stock outstanding at December 31, 2015 multiplied by the merger exchange ratio of 0.4725 shares.with $0.01 par value per share.

 (13)
(10)Adjustment

Adjustments to eliminate TalmerChemical’s additional paid-inpaid in capital of $316.6 million,$2.21 billion, record the hypothetical issuance of ChemicalTCF common stock in excess of par value of $1.04$3.06 billion, and recordwhich represents the fairpurchase price consideration of $3.15 billion less $83.3 million classified as $1.00 par value of stock option consideration attributable to Talmer stock options converted to options to purchase shares of Chemical common stock, and reclassify TCF’s historical equity accounts (common stock and treasury stock) into surplus due to the elimination of $50.7 million. The fair value of converted stock options was determined based on the excess of the transaction value per share as of December 31, 2015 of $17.80 over the weighted average strike price of Talmer’s stock options outstanding as of that date, with 75% of Talmer’s stock options assumed to be converted into options to purchase shares of ChemicalTCF’s common stock in accordance with the merger agreement.

stock.

 120(14)

(11)Adjustment to eliminate historical retained earnings of TalmerChemical of $616.1 million and recognize contractually obligatedafter-tax merger costs of $16.6$45.4 million.

 (15)
(12)

Adjustment to eliminate historical accumulated other comprehensive income of Talmer.Chemical.

 (16)

Adjustment to reflect TCF’s repurchases of $78.1 million of its common stock before the closing of the merger, representing the completion of its existing authorized share repurchase plan. Approximately 3.5 million shares are assumed to be repurchased by TCF at an average price of $22.23 per share, with the adjustment reflected in the pro forma based on the merger exchange ratio of 0.5081.

 (13)(17)

Adjustment to reflect Chemical’s issuance of $150 million of subordinated debt obligations, net of estimated fees of $1.0 million, anticipated in conjunction with the closing of the merger. Fees associated with the issuance of subordinated debt are capitalized and amortized over the life of the outstanding debt of ten years.

(18)

Net adjustment to interest income to recognize estimated first year discount loan accretion of $56.6 million attributable to recording the acquiredChemical loans at fair value as of the transaction date.

Adjustment also includes estimated first year interest accretion of $15.4 million associated with recording Chemical’s investment securities at fair value. The discount loan accretion isand investment securities accretion are expected to accrete over a period of approximately 4.4 years.seven years on an accelerated basis.

 (19)
(14)

Net adjustment to interest expense to eliminate Talmer’srecord estimated net first year amortization of premiums on previously acquiredChemical’s time deposits and long-term debt of $38.7 million and record estimated net first year accretion on the net discount on Chemical’s trust preferred securities of discounts on acquired time deposits and long-term debt.$0.2 million. The discount accretionpremium amortization on deposits and the net discount accretion on long-term debt is expected to be approximately 2 yearsone year for each, and 15 years, respectively.  the discount accretion on trust preferred securities is expected to be approximately 14 years.

 (20)
(15)

Adjustment to eliminate Talmer’sChemical’s amortization of core deposit intangible asset amortization of $2.6$5.7 million and recognize estimated first year core deposit intangible asset amortization of $8.3$31.2 million. See item (5)pro forma adjustment (7) above for information regarding Chemical’s amortization of core deposit intangible assets. Chemical is still in the process of evaluating the fair value of the intangible assets. Any resulting change in the fair value would have a direct impact on amortization expense. Amortization expense of the core deposit intangible assets for the first five years following the completion of the merger is estimated as follows: Year 1—$31.2 million; Year 2—$27.9 million; Year 3—$24.6 million; Year 4—$21.3 million; and Year 5—$18.1 million.

 (21)
(16)Recognize

Adjustment to recognize the tax impact of pro forma transaction-related adjustments at 35%21%.

 (22)
(17)

Adjustment to eliminate Talmer’sTCF’s average common shares outstanding during 20152018 and recognize the issuance of 31,239,24283.3 million shares of Chemical common stock based on Talmer’s 66,114,798TCF’s 163.9 million common shares outstanding at December 31, 20152018 and the merger exchange ratio of 0.4725.0.5081. Average diluted shares outstanding also includesinclude the effect of dilutive nonparticipating restricted stock and stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015 that are assumed to be converted to options to purchase shares of Chemical common stock in accordance withduring 2018, adjusted for the merger agreement and dilutive warrantsexchange ratio of Talmer that were outstanding during 2015.0.5081.

 

(23)

Adjustment to recognized interest expense associated with Chemical’s issuance of $150 million of subordinated debt obligations at an interest rate of 5.0%. Adjustment to operating expenses to recognize amortization of $1.0 million of financing costs associated with issuance over a period of ten years.

(24)

Adjustment to reduce TCF’s common shares outstanding for repurchase of 3.5 million shares of its common stock before the closing of the merger, as discussed in pro forma adjustment (16) above, adjusted for the merger exchange ratio of 0.5081.

Note 4—5—Merger Integration Costs

Merger and integration related costs are estimated to be $63$325 million on a combinedpre-tax basis, with contractually obligatedpre-tax merger costs of $22.4$53.5 million ($16.645.4 million net of tax) due at closing. Contractually obligated merger costs are reflected in the pro forma combined condensed combined balance sheetstatement of financial condition as part of the pro forma adjustments discussed in Note 3.4. Merger and integration related costs are not included in the unaudited pro forma combined condensed combined statement of income since they will be recorded in the combined results of operationsincome as they are incurred prior to, or after completion of, the merger and are not indicative of what the historical results of the combined company would have been had the companies been actually combined during the periods presented.

Note 5—Divestiture or Closure of Talmer and/or Chemical Branches

DESCRIPTION OF CHEMICAL CAPITAL STOCK

Due to the competitive considerationsAs a result of the merger, in accordance with regulatory guidelines,TCF shareholders who receive shares of Chemical may have to divest of Talmer and/or Chemical branchescommon stock in certain market areas in order to obtain regulatory approvals to complete the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement or may choose to consolidate branches after the completion of the transaction. If required by regulatory authorities, Chemical intends to divest branches in certain areas in a manner sufficient to eliminate such regulatory authorities’ competitive concerns. Branch divestitures or closures have not yet been identified and are excluded from the pro forma analysis.

121

COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS

Chemical and Talmer are Michigan corporations subject to the Michigan Business Corporation Act (the “MBCA”). The rights of Chemical shareholders are governed by the MBCA and Chemical’s restated articles of incorporation, as amended (“Chemical Articles”), and bylaws, as amended (“Chemical Bylaws”). The rights of Talmer shareholders are governed by the MBCA and Talmer’s restated articles of incorporation, as amended (“Talmer Articles”) and bylaws, as amended and restated (“Talmer Bylaws”). After the merger, the rights of Talmer’s common shareholders whowill become Chemical commonshareholders. Your rights as Chemical shareholders will be governed by the MBCA, the Chemical ArticlesMichigan law and the Chemical Bylaws.

articles of incorporation and the Chemical bylaws. The following discussion is a summarydescription of the current rightsmaterial terms of TalmerChemical capital stock, including the Chemical common stock and Chemical shareholders. While this summary includesSeries C preferred stock and related depositary shares to be issued in connection with the material differences betweenmerger, reflects the two, this summary may not contain allanticipated state of affairs upon completion of the information that is importantmerger. We urge you to you. You should carefully read this entire joint proxy statement and prospectus, the relevantapplicable provisions of Michigan law, the MBCAChemical articles of incorporation and the otherChemical bylaws and federal law governing documents which are referencedbank holding companies carefully and in this joint proxy statementtheir entirety because they describe your rights as a holder of Chemical common stock and prospectus for a more complete understanding of the differences between being a shareholder of Talmer and a shareholder of Chemical. Chemical has filed with the SEC its governing documents referenced in this summary and will send copies of these documents to you, without charge, upon your request. See “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page 128.Series C preferred stock.

Authorized Capital Stock

Chemical. The Chemical Articlesarticles of incorporation, which we refer to as the Chemical articles, authorize Chemical to issue up to 60,000,000135,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, and 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value.value per share. If the proposed amendment to the Chemical Articlesarticles is approved by the Chemical shareholders, as of the effective time of the merger, the Chemical Articlesarticles will authorize Chemical to issue up to 100,000,000220,000,000 shares of Chemical common stock. The proposed amendment does not alter the authorized number of shares of Chemical preferred stock. As of the record date,December 31, 2018, there were [●] shares of Chemical common stock outstanding, and noshares of Chemical preferred stock outstanding.

Talmer. The Talmer Articles authorize Talmer to issue up to 200,000,00071,460,119 shares of common stock par value $1.00 per share, of which 198,000,000 shares shall be Class A voting common stockissued and 2,000,000 shares shall be Class B non-voting common stock, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share. As of the record date, there were [●] shares of Talmer Class A voting common stock outstanding and no shares of Talmer Class B non-voting common stock or preferred stock issued and outstanding.

Common Stock

Issuance of Additional Shares

Chemical. Chemical’s board of directors may authorize the issuance of additional sharesEach share of common stock upentitles the holder thereof to one vote for each share held by it of record on each matter submitted to a vote. Other than the amountselection of directors, if an action is to be taken by vote of the shareholders, it will be authorized by a majority of the votes cast by the holders of shares entitled to vote on the action, unless a greater vote is required in the Chemical Articles, without shareholder approval, subject only to the restrictions of the MBCA and the Chemical Articles.

Chemical’s board of directors may authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock up to the amounts specified in the Chemical Articles, without shareholder approval, subject only to the restrictions of the MBCA and the Chemical Articles and not for any defensivearticles or anti-takeover purpose or for the purpose of implementing any shareholders rights plan.

Talmer. Talmer’s board of directors may authorize the issuance of additional shares of common stock up to the amounts authorized in the Talmer Articles, without shareholder approval, subject only to the restrictions of the MBCA and the Talmer Articles.

Talmer’s board of directors may authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock up to the amounts authorized in the Talmer Articles, without shareholder approval, subject only to the restrictions of the MBCA and the Talmer Articles.

122

Number and Classification of Directors

Chemical. The Chemical Bylaws provide that Chemical’s board must consist of at least five directors, but may not exceed 25 directors. The exact number of directors is determined from time to time by the board of directors. Chemical’s board of directors currently has eight directors, but following Chemical’s annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 18, 2016 (and at the effective time of the merger), Chemical anticipates that its board of directors will have seven directors, due to the retirement of Terence F. Moore from the board of directors at Chemical’s annual meeting in accordance with Chemical’s mandatory age retirement policy. Chemical’s board of directors is not classified, and directors are elected annually.

Talmer. The Talmer Bylaws provide that Talmer’s board must consist of at least three directors, but may not exceed 20 directors. The exact number of directors is determined from time to time by the board of directors. Talmer’s board of directors currently has 14 directors. Talmer’s board of directors is not classified, and directors are elected annually.

Election ofMBCA. Directors

Chemical. Chemical’s directors are elected annually, to hold office for one-year terms (or until their respective successors are elected and qualified, or until their respective resignation or removal). Chemical’s directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast.cast at an election. Chemical elects all directors annually, and it does not have a classified board of directors.

Talmer. Talmer’s directors are elected annually,Subject to hold office for one-year terms (or until their respective successors are elected and qualified, or until their respective resignation or removal). Talmer’s directors are elected by a pluralityany superior rights of the votes cast.

Nominationany holders of Director Candidates by Shareholders

Chemical. The Chemical Bylaws provide that a shareholder of recordpreferred shares, each outstanding common share will be entitled to vote in an election of directorssuch dividends as may nominate a person for electionbe declared from time to time by the Chemical board by delivering, not less than 120 days prior to the annual meeting, and not more than seven days following the date of notice of a special meeting called for election of directors a noticeout of funds legally available for them. Holders of shares of Chemical common stock have no conversion, preemptive or other rights to Chemical’s Secretary that includes,subscribe for any securities of Chemical, and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions with respect to such shares. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Chemical’s affairs and after satisfaction of the preferential requirements of any preferred shares, if any, holders of common stock will be entitled to share ratably in the distribution of the remaining assets of Chemical available for distribution. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to applicable law and the rights of the holders of any shares of preferred stock and any additional classes of stock that Chemical may issue in the future.

Preferred Stock

In General

Chemical’s board of directors is authorized to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock without further shareholder approval. The board of directors are able to determine the designations and relative voting, distribution, dividend, liquidation and other rights, preferences and limitations of the preferred stock, including, among other things: (a) the designation of each proposed nominee, (i) the nominee’s name, age, business addressseries and residence; (ii) the nominee’s occupation or employment; (iii) the number of shares in the series; (b) the stated value of capitalthe shares; (c) the dividend rate on the shares in the series, the relation which dividends will bear to dividends payable on any other class or series of stock, the payment terms and conditions of Chemical that are beneficially owned bydividends and whether and

upon what conditions dividends will be cumulative; (d) the nominee; (iv) a statement that such nominee is willingredemption provisions, if any, applicable to be nominated andshares of the series; (e) the preference, if any, to serve if elected; and (v) such other information concerning such nominee aswhich any class or series would be required under SEC rules to be providedentitled in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for the election of such nominee.

Talmer. The Talmer Bylaws provide that a shareholder of record entitled to vote in an election of directors may nominate a person for election to the Talmer board, provided that notice is received by Talmer’s Secretary not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the first anniversaryevent of the preceding year’s annual meeting (however, ifliquidation or distribution of Chemical’s assets; (f) the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days prior to the anniversary date or delayed by more than 30 days after such anniversary date, then notice must be received by Talmer’s Secretary no later than the later of 60 days prior to the date of the meeting or the tenth day following the day on which notice of the annual meeting was mailed or made public), and not less than 10days following the day on which noticeprovisions of a special meeting was mailedpurchase, retirement or made public,sinking fund, if the special meeting calls for the election of directors. Such notice to Talmer’s Secretary must include,any, provided with respect to each proposed nominee, (a) the name and addressshares of the shareholder who intendsseries; (g) the rights, if any, to makeconvert or exchange the nomination and ofshares into or for other securities; (h) the person or personsvoting rights, if any (in addition to be nominated; (b) a representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of stock of Talmer entitled to vote at such meeting and of the number of shares beneficially ownedany prescribed by such shareholder (determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act), and that the shareholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice; (c) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the shareholder and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the shareholder; (d) such other information regarding each nominee proposed by such shareholder as would have been required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC had each nominee been nominated, or intended to be nominated, by the board of directors; (e) the consent of each nominee to serve as a director of Talmer if so elected; and (f) a representation as to whether or not the shareholder will solicit proxies in support of his nominee(s).

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Removal of Directors

Chemical. The Chemical Bylaws provide that each Chemical director may be removed, with or without cause, by votelaw) of the holders of a majorityshares of the series; (i) the restrictions, if any, on Chemical’s issuance of additional shares of the series, of any other series, or on any other actions with respect to the powers, preferences or rights of any other series; and (j) any other preferences, privileges, powers, and relative rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions as board of directors determines are not inconsistent with Chemical’s articles.

Series C Preferred Stock

In connection with the merger, Chemical will issue shares of Chemical Series C preferred stock (and related depositary shares), to be designated 5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, with a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share. Under the terms of the merger agreement, these shares will have equivalent rights, preferences, privileges and voting powers as those of the TCF Series C preferred stock for which they are exchanged.

Dividends on shares of the Chemical Series C preferred stock are not mandatory. Holders of the Chemical Series C preferred stock will be entitled to votereceive, if, as and when declared by Chemical’s board of directors or a duly authorized committee thereof out of legally available assets,non-cumulative cash dividends on the liquidation preference, which is $25,000 per share of Chemical Series C preferred stock (equivalent to $25 per depositary share). Dividends on each share of Chemical Series C preferred stock will accrue on the liquidation preference amount of $25,000 per share at a rate per annum equal to 5.70%. Any dividends will be payable quarterly in arrears on each March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1.

Holders of the Chemical Series C preferred stock will not have preemptive or subscription rights to acquire more capital stock of Chemical. The Chemical Series C preferred stock is not be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or series of stock or other securities of Chemical. The Chemical Series C preferred stock will have no stated maturity and will not be subject to any sinking fund or other obligation of Chemical to redeem or repurchase the Chemical Series C preferred stock. Chemical Series C preferred stock will have no voting rights, as long as dividend payments are current, nor will the related depositary shares.

Certain Provisions of Chemical’s Organizational Documents and Applicable Law

Certain provisions of Chemical’s articles and bylaws and Michigan and federal law may have an electioneffect of directors.delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of Chemical. These provisions may have the effect of discouraging a future transaction that individual shareholders may believe is in their best interests or in which shareholders may receive a substantial premium for their shares over the then current market price. As a result, if you want to participate in such a transaction, you may not have an opportunity to do so.

Limitation of Liability

Chemical’s articles provide that a director will not be liable to Chemical or Chemical’s shareholders for monetary damages for a breach of a director’s fiduciary duty, except for liability:    

 

Talmer. The Talmer Bylaws provide that each Talmer director may be removed, with or without cause, by votefor a breach of the holdersdirector’s duty of loyalty to Chemical or Chemical’s shareholders;

for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a majorityknowing violation of law;

for a violation of Section 551(1) of the shares entitled to vote at any special meeting called for that purpose.MBCA; or

 

Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Employeesfor a transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

Indemnification

Chemical. The Chemical Articles and Chemical Bylaws each indicateChemical’s articles require that Chemical will indemnify,provide indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by the MBCA, persons who serve or have served asits current and former directors, officers, employees and agents and each person who is or agents of Chemical, and persons who servehas served as a director, officer, employee, partner or have served at the request of Chemical as directors, officers, employees, partners or agentsagent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.

Talmer. The Talmer Articles and Talmer Bylaws each indicate that Talmer will indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by the MBCA, persons who serve or have served as directors or officers of Talmer, and persons who serve or have served at the request of Talmer as directors, officers, employees, partners or agents of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposedat Chemical’s request to the best interestfullest extent permitted by the MBCA.

Shareholder Proposals and Nominations of Talmer or its shareholders, and with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, if the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. For derivative actions, indemnification shall not be made for any claim, issue or matter in which the person has been found liable to Talmer unless and only to the extent that the court in which the action or suit was brought has determined on application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all circumstances of the case, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification for the reasonable expenses incurred.

Directors

Shareholder Proposals

Chemical. The Chemical Bylaws provide that aproposals and shareholder may propose a shareholder action at an annual or special meetingnominations of shareholders if it is properly presented. For a matter todirectors must be properly presentedsubmitted by a shareholder the shareholderof record who must give timely, written notice of the matter in writingproposal or nomination to the Secretary of Chemical. The notice must be receivedinclude certain information. The timing and content requirements of the required notice for shareholder proposals are detailed in Section 4.11(b) of Chemical’s bylaws. The timing and content requirements of the required notice for shareholder nominations of directors are detailed in Section 5.03(c) of Chemical’s bylaws. A failure to comply with the timing and content requirements of the required notice will result in a shareholder’s proposal or nomination for director not being considered at the principal executive offices of Chemical not less than 120 calendar days prior to the date corresponding to the date of Chemical’s proxy statement or notice of meeting released to shareholders in connection with the last preceding annualrelevant meeting of shareholders, in the case of an annual meeting, and not more than ten days after the earlier of the date of notice of the meeting or public disclosure of the date of the meeting, in the case of a special meeting. shareholders.

Authorized But Unissued Shares

The notice must include (i) a brief description of the matter the shareholder desires to present for action; (ii) the name and record address of the shareholder; (iii) the class and number of shares of Chemical’s stock that are beneficially owned by the shareholder; and (iv) any material interest of the shareholder in the matter proposed for action.

Talmer. The Talmer Bylaws provide that a shareholder may propose a shareholder action at an annual meeting of its shareholders if it is properly presented. For a matter to be properly presented by a shareholder, the notice of the proposal must be received by Talmer’s Secretary not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting (however, if the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days prior to the anniversary date or delayed by more than 30 days after such anniversary date, then notice must be received by Talmer’s Secretary no later than the later of 60 days prior to the date of the meeting or the tenth day following the day on which notice of the annual meeting was mailed or made public). Such shareholder notice shall set forth (a) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend either the articles of incorporation or bylaws of Talmer, the language of the proposed amendment, (b) the name and address of the shareholder proposing such business, (c) a representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of stock of Talmer entitled to vote at such meeting and of the number of shares beneficially owned by such shareholder (determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act), and that the shareholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such business, (d) any material interest of the shareholder in

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such business, and (e) a representation as to whether or not the shareholder will solicit proxies in support of his proposal.

Special Meetings of Shareholders

Chemical. The Chemical Bylaws require the President or Secretary of Chemical to call a special meeting of shareholders at the written request of shareholders holding a majority of theauthorized but unissued shares of Chemical common stock outstanding and preferred stock will be available for future issuance without shareholder approval. These additional shares may be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including but not limited to future public or private offerings to raise additional capital, corporate acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of Chemical common stock and preferred stock could render more difficult, or discourage, an attempt to obtain control of Chemical by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

Michigan Law

Chemical is subject to the provisions of Chapter 7A of the MBCA. Chapter 7A contains provisions that generally require that business combinations between a corporation that is subject to Chapter 7A and a beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation be approved by a very high percentage of the shareholders. The vote required is the affirmative vote of at least 90% of the votes of each class of stock entitled to vote at a meeting. The request must statebe cast and not less thantwo-thirds of the purpose or purposes for which the meeting isvotes of each class of stock entitled to be called. A special meeting of shareholders also may be called bycast other than the 10% beneficial owner who is a party to the business combination. The high vote requirements will not apply if (i) Chemical’s board of directors Chairmanapproves the transaction prior to the time the 10% beneficial owner becomes such or (ii) the transaction satisfies the specified fairness standards, various other conditions are met and the 10% beneficial owner has been such for at least five years.

Federal Law

The BHC Act requires any “bank holding company,” as defined in the BHC Act, to obtain the approval of the boardFederal Reserve Board before acquiring more than 5% of directors,Chemical’s common stock. Any “company,” as defined in the BHC Act, other than a bank holding company, is required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Board before acquiring “control” of Chemical. “Control” for purposes of the BHC Act generally means (i) the ownership or President.

Talmer. The Talmer Bylaws requirecontrol of 25% or more of a class of voting securities, (ii) the Chief Executive Officer or Secretaryability to call a special meeting of shareholders atcontrol the written requestelection of a majority of the board of directors or shareholders holding(iii) the ability otherwise to exercise a majority of the shares of Talmer capital stock outstandingcontrolling influence over management and entitled to vote at a meeting. Such request must state the purpose orpolicies. A person, other than an individual, that controls Chemical for purposes of the proposed meeting. A special meetingBHC Act is subject to regulation and supervision as a bank holding company under the BHC Act. In addition, under the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, as amended, and the Federal Reserve Board’s regulations thereunder, a person, entity, or group of persons or entities acting in concert, is prohibited from acquiring “control” of a bank holding company such as Chemical unless the Federal Reserve Board has been given prior notice and has not objected to the transaction. The acquisition of more than 10% of a class of voting stock of a bank holding company with publicly held securities, such as Chemical, generally would constitute the acquisition of control of the bank holding company under the Change in Bank Control Act.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for Chemical common stock is Computershare Investor Services, LLC.

Listing

Chemical common stock is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “CHFC.” Following the merger, the common stock of the combined company will be listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “TCF.”

COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF TCF SHAREHOLDERS AND CHEMICAL SHAREHOLDERS

General

TCF is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and the rights of TCF shareholders may also be calledare governed by the Chief Executive Officer, Chairmanlaws of the boardState of directorsDelaware, including the DGCL, the TCF’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which we refer to as the TCF charter, and TCF’s amended and restated bylaws, which we refer to as the TCF bylaws. As a result of the merger, TCF shareholders who receive shares of Chemical common stock or President.Chemical Series C preferred stock (and related depositary shares) will become Chemical shareholders. Chemical is incorporated under the laws of the State of Michigan and the rights of Chemical shareholders are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, including the MBCA, the Chemical articles and the Chemical bylaws. Thus, following the merger, the rights of TCF shareholders who become Chemical shareholders in the merger will no longer be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, the TCF charter and the TCF bylaws and instead will be governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, as well as by the Chemical articles and the Chemical bylaws.

Comparison of Rights of TCF Shareholders and Chemical Shareholders

Shareholder Action WithoutSet forth below is a Meeting

summary comparison of material differences between the rights of TCF shareholders under the TCF charter and the TCF bylaws (left column) and the rights of Chemical shareholders under Michigan law, the Chemical articles and the Chemical bylaws (right column). The Chemical Articles provide that any action required or permitted under the MBCAsummary set forth below is not intended to be taken at an annualcomplete or special meetingto provide a comprehensive discussion of each company’s governing documents. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Chemical shareholders may be taken without a prior meeting, without prior notice,articles, the Chemical bylaws, the TCF charter, the TCF bylaws and without a vote, if a written consent setting forth the action so taken is signedother documents or agreements referenced below, as well as the relevant provisions of the MBCA and the DGCL. Copies of Chemical’s and TCF’s governing documents are filed as exhibits to the reports of Chemical and TCF as incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in the holdersforepart of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum numberthis joint proxy statement/prospectus and “Incorporation of votes necessary to authorize or take the action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote were present and voted.Certain Documents by Reference” beginning on page 163.

 

Talmer. The Talmer Articles provide that any action required or permitted under the MBCA to be taken at an annual or special meeting of the Talmer shareholders may be taken without a prior meeting, without prior notice, and without a vote, if a written consent setting forth the action so taken is signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes necessary to authorize or take the action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote were present and voted. Such written consents are not effective unless within 60 days after the record date for determining shareholders entitled to express consent or dissent from a proposal without a meeting, written consents dated not more than 10 days before the record date and signed by a sufficient number of shareholders to take the action are delivered to Talmer.

Amendment of Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

Chemical. The Chemical Articles may be amended by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Chemical shares entitled to vote. The Chemical Bylaws may be amended, altered or repealed by the Chemical board of directors or by the Chemical shareholders at a meeting.

Talmer. The Talmer Articles may be amended by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Talmer shares entitled to vote. The Talmer Bylaws may be amended, altered or repealed by the Talmer board of directors or by the Talmer shareholders holding a majority of the shares of Talmer capital stock outstanding and entitled to vote at a meeting.

Business Combination Restrictions and Other Shareholder Limitations

Chemical. Neither the Chemical Articles nor the Chemical Bylaws contain any special provisions relating to the approval of business combinations.

Talmer. Neither the Talmer Articles nor the Talmer Bylaws contain any special provisions relating to the approval of business combinations.

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TCF

  

CHEMICAL

Authorized Capital StockThe TCF charter authorizes TCF to issue up to 280,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 30,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of the TCF record date, there were 164,186,454 shares of common stock outstanding and 7,000 shares of TCF Series C preferred stock outstanding.The Chemical articles authorize Chemical to issue up to 135,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, and 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value per share. If the proposed amendment to the Chemical articles is approved by the Chemical shareholders, as of the effective time of the merger, the Chemical articles will authorize Chemical to issue up to 220,000,000 shares of Chemical common stock. The proposed amendment does not

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alter the authorized number of shares of Chemical preferred stock.

As of the Chemical record date, there were 71,551,637 shares of Chemical common stock issued and outstanding, and no shares of Chemical preferred stock issued and outstanding.

Issuance of

Additional Shares

TCF’s board of directors may issue additional shares of TCF common stock up to the amounts authorized in the TCF charter, without shareholder approval, subject only to the restrictions of the DGCL and the TCF charter.Chemical’s board of directors may authorize the issuance of additional shares of common stock up to the amounts authorized in the Chemical articles, without shareholder approval, subject only to the restrictions of the MBCA and the Chemical articles.
TCF’s board of directors may authorize the issuance of additional shares of TCF preferred stock up to the amounts specified in the TCF charter, without shareholder approval, subject only to the restrictions of the DGCL and the TCF charter.Chemical’s board of directors may authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock up to the amounts specified in the Chemical articles, without shareholder approval, subject only to the restrictions of the MBCA and the Chemical articles.
Voting RightsThe holders of TCF common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters properly submitted to a vote of the shareholders, including the election of directors. Holders of TCF common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. Holders of TCF Series C preferred stock and related depositary shares do not have voting power, except as required by applicable law and under certain circumstances set forth in the Certificate of Designations for the TCF Series C preferred stock, including if dividends of the TCF Series C preferred stock are deferred for six quarters, holders of Series C preferred stock may elect two directors to the TCF board of directors until full dividends are paid for at least four consecutive dividend periods.Holders of Chemical common stock generally are entitled to one vote per share in the election of directors and on all other matters submitted to a vote at a meeting of shareholders. Holders of Chemical common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.
DividendsThe TCF charter provides that, subject to provisions of law and the preferences of any preferred stock, the holders of TCF common stock are entitled to receive dividends at such time and in such amounts as may be

Under the MBCA, a corporation may make a distribution, unless after giving effect to the distribution:

•  the corporation would not be able to pay its debts as they

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determined by TCF’s board of directors.

Under the TCF bylaws, dividends upon TCF’s capital stock may be, subject to the TCF charter, declared by TCF’s board of directors at any regular or special meeting, pursuant to law. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of capital stock, subject to the provisions of the TCF charter.

Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of TCF available for dividends such sum or sums as the directors from time to time, in their absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve fund to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of TCF, or for such other purpose as the directors think conducive to the interests of TCF, and the directors may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.

Under the DGCL, the directors of a corporation may declare and pay dividends upon the shares of its capital stock either out of its surplus or, if there is no such surplus, out of its net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year.

come due in the usual course of business; or

•  the corporation’s assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if the corporation were to be dissolved at the time of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights on dissolution of shareholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution.

The Chemical articles do not contain any restrictions on the payment of dividends or the making of distributions to holders of its common stock, provided, that if Chemical issues any preferred stock, such preferred stock may have a priority over the holders of Chemical common stock with respect to dividends.

Number and Classification of DirectorsThe TCF charter provides that the number of directors on the TCF board of directors will be not less than seven members nor more than 25 members as set by the board of directors from time to time. The TCF board of directors presently consists of 12 directors. TCF does not have a classified board.The Chemical bylaws provide that Chemical’s board must consist of at least five directors, but may not exceed 25 directors. The exact number of directors is determined by the board of directors, and there are currently 13 directors on the Chemical board. Chemical does not have a classified board.
Election of DirectorsTCF’s directors are elected annually, to hold office forone-year terms (or until their respective successors are elected and qualified, or until their respective resignation or removal). TCF’s directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast.Chemical’s directors are elected annually, to hold office forone-year terms (or until their respective successors are elected and qualified, or until their respective resignation or removal). Chemical’s directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast.

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Removal of DirectorsThe TCF charter provides that a director may be removed with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the majority of outstanding shares entitled to vote in an election of directors, subject to procedures and information requirements set forth in the TCF bylaws.The Chemical bylaws provide that each Chemical director may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote at an election of directors.
Vacancies on the Board of DirectorsThe TCF charter provides that any vacancies occurring on the board of directors may be filled by the affirmative votes of a majority of the board of directors. The TCF charter also provides that if there is an “interested stockholder” (as defined in Section 203 of the DGCL), such vacancy shall be filled by a vote of the majority of the directors (which we refer to as “TCF continuing directors”) who are not interested stockholders or an “affiliate” or “associate” (as defined in Rule12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of an interested stockholder.The Chemical bylaws provide that in case of any vacancy on the board such vacancy may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, unless filled by proper action of the shareholders. Each person so elected will be a director for a term of office continuing only until the next election of directors by the shareholders.
Action by Written ConsentThe TCF charter provides that, except for the removal of a director, any action required to be taken or which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of the shareholders may be taken by written consent without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by all shareholders entitled to vote upon the action.The Chemical articles provide that any action required or permitted under the MBCA to be taken at an annual or special meeting of the Chemical shareholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice, and without a vote, if a written consent setting forth the action so taken is signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes necessary to authorize or take the action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote were present and voted.
Nomination of Director Candidates by Shareholders

The TCF bylaws establish procedures that shareholders must follow to nominate persons for election to the TCF board of directors.

The shareholder making the nomination must deliver to TCF’s Secretary a written notice, which must be received by (x) not more than 30 days in advance of an annual meeting, nor 70 days after the anniversary of

The Chemical bylaws provide that a shareholder of record entitled to vote in an election of directors may nominate a person for election to the Chemical board by delivering, not less than 120 days prior to the annual meeting, and not more than seven days following the date of notice of a special meeting called for election of directors, a notice to Chemical’s Secretary that includes,

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the previous year’s annual meeting, not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day and not later than the 90th day in advance of the anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting; and (y) with respect to any other annual meeting of shareholders, the close of business on the tenth day following the date of the earlier of the day on which notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or the day on which public disclosure was made.

The nomination notice must set forth certain information about (i) the person to be nominated, including (a) the name, age, business address and residence address of such person; (b) the principal occupation or employment of such person; (c) the class and number of shares of the TCF equity securities which are beneficially owned by such person on the date of such shareholder notice and (d) any other information relating to such person that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Schedule 13D under the Exchange Act in connection with the acquisition of shares, and pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, in connection with the solicitation of proxies with respect to nominees for election as directors and (ii) the shareholder giving the notice, including (a) the name(s) and address(es), as they appear on TCF’s books, of such shareholder and any other shareholder who is a record or beneficial owner of any TCF common stock or preferred stock and who is known by such shareholder to be supporting such nominee(s) and (b) the class and number of shares of the TCF common stock and TCF preferred stock which are beneficially owned and owned of record by such shareholder on the date of such shareholder notice, and the number of shares of the TCF common stock and TCF preferred stock beneficially

with respect to each proposed nominee, (i) the nominee’s name, age, business address and residence; (ii) the nominee’s occupation or employment; (iii) the number of shares of capital stock of Chemical that are beneficially owned by the nominee; (iv) a statement that such nominee is willing to be nominated and to serve if elected; and (v) such other information concerning such nominee as would be required under SEC rules to be provided in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for the election of such nominee.

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owned and owned of record by any person known by such shareholder to be supporting such nominee(s) on the date of such shareholder notice.
Notice of Shareholder MeetingThe TCF bylaws provide that, except as otherwise required by applicable law, written notice of each annual and special meeting of shareholders stating the date, hour and place, if any, of the meeting and means of remote communication, if any, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given to each shareholder of record entitled to vote thereat not less than ten nor more than 50 days before the date of the meeting. Business transacted at any special meeting of shareholders shall be limited to the purposes stated in the notice.Written notice of each shareholders’ meeting shall be given to Chemical shareholders of record not less than 10 and not more than 60 days prior to the meeting date. The notice must set forth the time, place and purpose of such meeting. Any shareholder may waive notice of such meeting either before or after such meeting.
Amendment of Charter/Articles and Bylaws

The TCF charter may be amended in the manner prescribed by Delaware law in force at the time. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of TCF’s outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon is required to approve any amendment to the TCF charter.

The TCF charter provides that the TCF bylaws may be amended by (i) the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of TCF’s outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon or (ii) a resolution adopted by a majority of the TCF board of directors or TCF continuing directors, as applicable.

The Chemical articles may be amended by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Chemical common stock entitled to vote. The Chemical bylaws may be amended, altered or repealed by the Chemical board of directors or by the Chemical shareholders at a meeting.
Special Meeting of ShareholdersThe TCF charter provides that special meetings of the shareholders may be called for any purpose or purposes at any time by (i) a majority of the TCF board of directors or TCF continuing directors, as applicable, or (ii) shareholders holding 25% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, provided that (a) the shareholders have held the shares for at least one year and (b) the request is in proper form as prescribed in the TCF bylaws or as otherwise required by applicable law.The Chemical bylaws require the President or Secretary of Chemical to call a special meeting of shareholders at the written request of shareholders holding a majority of the shares of Chemical common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at a meeting. The request must state the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is to be called. A special meeting of shareholders may also be called by Chemical’s board of directors, the Chair of the board or President.

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The TCF bylaws provide that special meetings of shareholders shall be held at such date, hour and place, if any, as the Board of Directors shall fix; provided, however, that the special meeting shall not be held more than 120 days after receipt of a request for a special meeting of shareholders submitted by one or more shareholders.

The TCF bylaws require that a shareholder request for a special meeting must, among other things, specify in reasonable detail the specific purpose(s) of and the business proposed to be conducted at the special meeting, and the reasons for proposing the business and suggest a date for the special meeting, no fewer than 30 days and no more than 120 days from the date the request is delivered to the TCF Secretary. The TCF bylaws further provide that a shareholder request for a special meeting must include (i) a representation that each Requesting Shareholder, or one or more representatives of each such shareholder, intends to appear in person or by proxy at the special meeting to present the proposal(s) or business to be brought before the special meeting and (ii) documentary evidence that the shareholders requesting the meeting had stock ownership of at least 25% of the shares entitled to vote upon the subject of the meeting as of the date the special meeting request was delivered to the TCF Secretary and for at least one full year prior to the date of such delivery.

Shareholder ProposalsIn order for business regarding a proposal by shareholders to be conducted at a TCF annual meeting or TCF special meeting, notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at TCF (x) not more than 30 days in advance of an annual meeting of shareholders, nor 70 days after the anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting, not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day and not later than the 90th day in advanceNo matter may be presented for shareholder action at a Chemical annual or special meeting of shareholders unless such matter is: (i) specified in the notice of the meeting (or any supplement to the notice) given by or at the direction of the board of directors; (ii) otherwise presented at the meeting by or at the direction of the board of directors; (iii) properly presented for action at the meeting by a shareholder in

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of the anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting and (y) with respect to any other annual meeting of shareholders, the close of business on the tenth day following the date of the earlier of the day on which notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or the day on which public disclosure was made.

The shareholder notice for shareholder proposals must set forth, as to each matter the shareholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting, (i) a brief description of the proposal desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, (ii) the name and address, as they appear on the TCF books, of the shareholder proposing such business and any other shareholder who is the record or beneficial owner of any TCF common stock or TCF preferred stock known by such shareholder to be supporting such proposal, (iii) the class and number of shares of TCF common stock or TCF preferred stock which are beneficially owned and owned of record by the shareholder giving the notice on the date of such shareholder notice and by any other record or beneficial owners of TCF common stock or TCF preferred stock known by such shareholder to be supporting such proposal on the date of such shareholder notice and (iv) any financial or other interest of the shareholder in such proposal.

accordance with the notice provisions set forth in the bylaws and any other applicable requirements; or (iv) a procedural matter presented, or accepted for presentation, by the Chair in his or her sole discretion.

For a matter to be properly presented by a Chemical shareholder, the shareholder must have given timely notice of the matter in writing to Chemical’s secretary. To be timely, the notice must be delivered to or mailed to and received at the principal executive offices of Chemical not less than 120 days prior to the date corresponding to the date of Chemical’s proxy statement or notice of meeting released to shareholders in connection with the last preceding annual meeting of shareholders in the case of an annual meeting (unless the corporation did not hold an annual meeting within the last year, or if the date of the upcoming annual meeting changed by more than 30 days from the date of the last preceding meeting, then the notice must be delivered or mailed and received not more than ten days after the earlier of the date of the notice of the meeting or public disclosure (as defined in the bylaws) of the date of the meeting), and not more than ten days after the earlier of the date of the notice of the meeting or public disclosure (as defined in the bylaws) of the date of the meeting in the case of a special meeting.

The notice by the Chemical shareholder must set forth: (i) a brief description of the matter the shareholder desires to present for shareholder action; (ii) the name and record address of the shareholder proposing the matter for shareholder action; (iii) the class and number of shares of capital stock of Chemical that are beneficially owned by the shareholder; and (iv) any material interest of the shareholder in the matter proposed for shareholder action.

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Notwithstanding the above, if the shareholder desires to require Chemical to include the shareholder’s proposal in Chemical’s proxy materials, matters and proposals submitted for inclusion in the Chemical’s proxy materials shall be governed by the solicitation rules and regulations of the Exchange Act, including without limitation Rule14a-8.

Quorum and AdjournmentThe TCF bylaws provide that, the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding TCF stock entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of shareholders. If, however, there is not a quorum present or represented by proxy at any meeting of shareholders, the shareholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, have the power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present or represented by proxy.The Chemical bylaws provide that the shareholders present at a meeting in person or by proxy and representing at least a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the meeting will constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not present, the Chair of the meeting may adjourn the meeting to solicit additional proxies. In addition, shareholders may adjourn the meeting by a vote of the shares present in person or by proxy at the meeting.
Indemnification of Directors and OfficersThe TCF charter provides that TCF will, to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL, indemnify each person who is or was an officer or director of TCF and each person who serves or served as a director, officer, partner, member or trustee of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, at the request of TCF and may indemnify any and all other persons whom it shall have power to indemnify under Section 145 of the DGCL from and against any and all of the expenses, liabilities or other matters referred to in or covered by Section 145 of the DGCL. The TCF bylaws provide that TCF may indemnify each person who is or was an agent or employee of TCF or one of its subsidiaries to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL.The Chemical articles and the Chemical bylaws each indicate that Chemical will indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by the MBCA, persons who serve or have served as directors, officers, employees or agents of Chemical, and persons who serve or have served at the request of Chemical as directors, officers, employees, partners or agents of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.

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Certain Business Combination Restrictions and Other Shareholder LimitationsUnder Delaware law, a shareholder who acquires more than 15% of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation but less than 85% of such shares is an interested stockholder and may not engage in certain business combinations, including but not limited to a merger, consolidation, sale or other disposition, with the corporation for a period of three years subsequent to the date on which the shareholder became an interested stockholder unless prior to such date: (i) the board of directors of the corporation approves either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested stockholder or (ii) the business combination is approved by the board of directors and by the affirmative vote of at leasttwo-thirds of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder. This provision would not apply to a business combination involving an interested stockholder who became one inadvertently if the interested stockholder: (i) as soon as practicable divests itself of ownership of sufficient shares so that the shareholder ceases to be an interested stockholder and (ii) would not, at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to a business combination between the corporation and such shareholder, have been an interested stockholder but for the inadvertent acquisition of ownership. TCF has not “opted out” of this provision of Delaware law.

Neither the Chemical articles nor the Chemical bylaws contain any special provisions relating to the approval of business combinations.

Chemical is subject to the provisions of Chapter 7A of the MBCA. Chapter 7A contains provisions that generally require that business combinations between a corporation that is subject to Chapter 7A and a beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation be approved by a very high percentage of the shareholders. The vote required is the affirmative vote of at least 90% of the votes of each class of stock entitled to be cast and not less thantwo-thirds of the votes of each class of stock entitled to be cast other than the 10% beneficial owner who is a party to the business combination. The high vote requirements will not apply if (i) Chemical’s board of directors approves the transaction prior to the time the 10% beneficial owner becomes such or (ii) the transaction satisfies the specified fairness standards, various other conditions are met and the 10% beneficial owner has been such for at least five years.

Exclusive ForumThe TCF bylaws provide that, unless TCF consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of TCF, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of TCF toUnder the Chemical bylaws, unless Chemical consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of Chemical, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee

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the company or its current or former shareholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against TCF or any current or former director, officer or other employee of TCF arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the TCF charter or the TCF bylaws (as either may be amended from time to time), (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine or (v) any action asserting an “internal corporate claim” as that term is defined under the DGCL, shall be the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if no court of the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, to the fullest extent permitted by law. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any debt or stock or other equity interests of TCF shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the foregoing provisions.of Chemical to the company or its shareholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against Chemical or any current or former director, officer or other employee of Chemical arising pursuant to any provision of the MBCA, the articles of incorporation or the bylaws (as either may be amended from time to time) or (iv) any action asserting a claim against Chemical or any current or former director, officer or other employee of Chemical governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be the federal district court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division (or, if the federal district court does not have jurisdiction, the Circuit Courts of the State of Michigan located in Oakland County). Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any debt or capital stock or other equity interests of Chemical shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the foregoing provisions.
Appraisal RightsUnder Section 262 of the DGCL, a shareholder may dissent from, and receive payments in cash for, the fair value of his or her shares as appraised by the Delaware Court of Chancery in the event of certain mergers and consolidations. However, shareholders do not have appraisal rights if the shares of stock they hold, at the record date for determination of shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting of shareholders to act upon the merger or consolidation, or on the record date with respect to action by written consent, are either (i) listed on a national securities exchange or (ii) held of record by more than 2,000 holders. Further, no appraisal rights are available to shareholders of the surviving corporation if the merger did not require the vote of the shareholders of the surviving corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, appraisal rights are

The MBCA generally provides that a shareholder is entitled to dissent from, and obtain payment of the fair value of his or her shares in the event of, any of the following corporate actions:

•  consummation of a plan of merger to which the corporation is a party if shareholder approval is required for the merger by the MBCA or the articles of incorporation and the shareholder is entitled to vote on the merger, or the corporation is a subsidiary that is merged with its parent;

•  consummation of a plan of share exchange to which the corporation is a party as the corporation whose shares will be acquired, if the shareholder is entitled to vote on the plan;

•  consummation of a sale or exchange of all, or substantially

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available if shareholders are required by the terms of the merger agreement to accept for their shares anything other than (i) shares of stock of the surviving corporation, (ii) shares of stock of another corporation that will either be listed on a national securities exchange or held of record by more than 2,000 holders, (iii) cash instead of fractional shares or (iv) any combination of clauses (i)—(iii). Appraisal rights are also available under the DGCL in certain other circumstances, including in certain parent-subsidiary corporation mergers and in certain circumstances where the certificate of incorporation so provides.

all, of the property of the corporation other than in the usual and regular course of business, if the shareholder is entitled to vote on the sale or exchange, including a sale in dissolution but not including a sale pursuant to court order;

•  an amendment of the articles of incorporation if that amendment materially alters or abolishes certain rights of the shareholder;

•  any corporate action taken pursuant to a shareholder vote to the extent the articles of incorporation, bylaws or a resolution of the board provides that voting or nonvoting shareholders are entitled to dissent and obtain payment for their shares; and

•  the approval of a control share acquisition as defined in the MBCA.

Unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation, bylaws or a resolution of the board, a shareholder’s right to dissent is materially limited as to shares that are listed on a national securities exchange or designated as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation system by the national association of securities dealers, on the record date fixed to vote on the corporate action. Additionally, those rights are limited in the case of a merger or share exchange in which shareholders receive cash or shares that are listed on a national securities exchange or designated as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation system by the national association of securities dealers on the effective date of the merger or any combination thereof and other similar transactions.

NO APPRAISAL OR DISSENTERS’DISSENTER RIGHTS

Dissenters’ rights or appraisal rights are statutory rights that, if availableapplicable under law, enable shareholders to dissent from an extraordinary transaction, such as a merger, and to demand that the corporation pay the fair value for their shares as determined by a court in a judicial proceeding instead of receiving the consideration offered to shareholders in connection with the extraordinary transaction.

Under the MBCA, as well as the governing documents of each company, neither the holders of Chemical capitalcommon stock nor the holders of Talmer capital stock arewill not be entitled to dissenters’ or appraisal rights or dissenters’ rights in connectionthe merger with the merger.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of therespect to their shares of Chemical common stock, and under the DGCL, holders of TCF stock will not be entitled to be issued pursuant toappraisal rights in the merger will be passed upon by Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, 111 Lyon Street NW, Suite 900, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503. The material U.S. federal income tax consequences relatingwith respect to the merger will be passed upon for Chemical by Warner Norcross & Judd LLP and for Talmer by Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, 201 17th Street NW, Suite 1700, Atlanta, Georgia 30363. J. Brennan Ryan, a partner of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, holds stock options to acquire up to 350,000their shares of Talmer’s Class ATCF common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $7.00 per share.  In addition, Mr. Ryan holds shares of Talmer restricted stock for which restrictions lapse for 22,000 shares in June 2019 and 22,300 shares in March 2020, and 21,500 shares for which restrictions lapse in one-third increments in February 2017, 2018 and 2019.or TCF Series C preferred stock.

EXPERTS

Chemical

The consolidated financial statements of Chemical as of December 31, 20152018 and 20142017, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015,2018, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, appearing in Chemical’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015,2018 have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, which reports have been incorporated by reference herein, and in the registration statement by inclusion of such reports in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

Talmer

The consolidated financial statements of TalmerTCF as of December 31, 20152018 and 20142017, and for each of the three years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015,2018, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of Talmer’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20152018 have been auditedincorporated by Crowe Horwathreference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as set forthexperts in accounting and auditing.

LEGAL OPINIONS

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP will deliver, prior to the effective time of the merger, their opinions to Chemical and TCF, respectively, as to certain United States federal income tax consequences of the merger. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger” beginning on page 130.

The legality of shares of Chemical common stock offered by this joint proxy statement/prospectus will be passed upon for Chemical by Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP.

HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS

The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries such as brokers to satisfy delivery requirements for proxy statements and annual reports with respect to two or more shareholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement or annual report, appearingas applicable, addressed to those shareholders. As permitted by the Exchange Act, only one copy of this joint proxy statement/prospectus is being delivered to shareholders residing at the same address, unless such shareholders have notified the company whose shares they hold of their desire to receive multiple copies of the joint proxy statement/prospectus. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” potentially provides extra convenience for shareholders and cost savings for companies.

If you are a Chemical shareholder, Chemical will promptly deliver a separate copy of this joint proxy statement/prospectus to you if you direct your request to Chemical’s Investor Relations at Investor Relations, Chemical Financial Corporation, 333 W. Fort Street, Suite 1800, Detroit, MI 48226 or by calling (800)867-9757. If you want to receive separate copies of a Chemical proxy statement in the Talmer Annual Report on Form 10-K,future, or if you are receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one copy for your household, you should contact your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, or you may contact Chemical at the above address and telephone number.

If you are a TCF shareholder, TCF will promptly deliver a separate copy of this joint proxy statement/prospectus to you if you direct your request to TCF’s Investor Relations at Investor Relations, TCF Financial Corporation, 200 Lake Street East,EXO-01-G, Wayzata, MN 55391-1693 or by calling (952)745-2760. If you want to receive separate copies of a TCF proxy statement in the future, or if you are receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one copy for your household, you should contact your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, or you may contact TCF at the above address and telephone number.

OTHER MATTERS

As of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, neither the Chemical board of directors nor the TCF board of directors knows of any matters that will be presented for consideration at their respective meetings of shareholders, other than as amended, and incorporateddescribed in this joint proxy statementstatement/prospectus. If any other matters properly come before the Chemical special meeting or the TCF special meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and prospectus by reference, such consolidated financial statements have been so incorporated in relianceare voted upon, the enclosed proxies will be deemed to confer discretionary authority on the reportindividuals that it names as proxies to vote the shares represented by the proxies as to any of such firm given upon their authority as experts in auditing and accounting.these matters.

CHEMICAL ANNUAL MEETING SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

A Chemical shareholder seeking to present a proposal at a ChemicalChemical’s annual meeting of shareholders must submit a notice to the Corporate Secretary of Chemical in accordance with Chemical’s bylaws not less than 120 calendar days prior to the date corresponding to the date of Chemical’sour proxy statement or notice of meeting released to shareholders in connection with the last preceding annual meeting of shareholders, in the case of an annual meeting (unless Chemical did not hold an annual meeting within the last year, or if the date of the upcoming annual meeting changed by more than 30 days from the date of the last preceding meeting, then the notice must be delivered or mailed and received not more than 10 days after the earlier of the date of the notice of the meeting or public disclosure of the date of the meeting), and not more than ten10 days after the earlier of the date of the notice of the meeting or public disclosure of the date of the meeting, in the case of a special meeting. A Chemical shareholder seeking to include a proposal in Chemical’s proxy statement and form of proxy relating to a meeting of shareholders

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must submit the proposal to Chemical in accordance with SEC Rule14a-8. With respect to Chemical’s 20172019 annual meeting of shareholders, the deadline to submit a notice of a proposal and to include a proposal in Chemical’s proxy statement and form of proxy relating to the meeting was November 16, 2018. With respect to Chemical’s 2020 annual meeting of shareholders, the deadline to submit a notice of a proposal and to include a proposal in Chemical’s proxy statement and form of proxy relating to the meeting is November 4, 2016.

27, 2019.

A Chemical shareholder seeking to nominate an individual for election as a director of Chemical director must submit a notice to the Corporate Secretary of Chemical in accordance with the Chemical BylawsChemical’s not less than 120 days prior to the date of the meeting, in the case of an annual meeting, and not more than seven days following the date of notice of the meeting, in the case of a special meeting.

Talmer does not currently anticipate holding

TCF ANNUAL MEETING SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

A TCF shareholder seeking to present a proposal at TCF’s annual meeting of shareholders must submit a notice to the Corporate Secretary of TCF in accordance with TCF’s bylaws (i) with respect to an annual meeting of shareholders to be held on a day not more than 30 days in 2016. However, ifadvance, nor 70 days after the merger is not completed as anticipated, Talmer may hold a 2016anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting, not earlier than the close of shareholders. If such an annual meeting is held, it willbusiness on the 120th day and not likely fall within 30 dayslater than the 90th day in advance of the anniversary of Talmer’s 2015the previous year’s annual meeting; or (ii) with respect to any other annual meeting of shareholders, the close of business on the tenth day following the date of the earlier of the day on which was held on June 8, 2015. Accordingly, under SEC rules, if Talmer holds a 2016notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or the day on which public disclosure was made. A shareholder proposalsseeking to include a proposal in TCF’s proxy statement and form of proxy relating to a meeting of shareholders must be submittedsubmit the proposal to TCF in accordance with SEC Rule14a-8. With respect to TCF’s 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, the deadline to submit a reasonable time before Talmer beginsnotice of a proposal and to printinclude a proposal in TCF’s proxy statement and send itsform of proxy materials. Such proposals will be subjectrelating to the requirementsmeeting was November 14, 2018. With respect to TCF’s 2020 annual meeting of shareholders, the proxy rules adopted under the Exchange Act and Talmer’s Bylaws.

Under Talmer’s Bylaws, in order fordeadline to submit a shareholder to makenotice of a proposal for businessand to be brought beforeinclude a proposal in TCF’s proxy statement and form of proxy relating to the 2016 annual meeting oris November 16, 2019.

A TCF shareholder seeking to nominate an individual for election as a Talmer director atof TCF must submit a notice to the 2016Corporate Secretary of TCF in accordance with TCF’s bylaws (i) with respect to an annual meeting if suchof shareholders to be held on a meeting is held, the shareholder must submit each such notice to Talmer’s Secretaryday not less than 60 days nor more than 9030 days prior toin advance, nor 70 days after the first anniversary of the precedingprevious year’s annual meeting, (however, ifnot earlier than the close of business on the 120th day and not later than the 90th day in advance of the anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting; or (ii) with respect to any other annual meeting of shareholders, the close of business on the tenth day following the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days prior to the anniversary date or delayed by more than 30 days after such anniversary date, then notice must be received by Talmer’s Secretary no later than the laterearlier of 60 days prior to the date of the meeting or the tenth day following the day on which notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or made public).the day on which public disclosure was made.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

OTHER MATTERS PRESENTED AT THE MEETINGS

AsThe SEC allows Chemical and TCF to incorporate certain information into this joint proxy statement/prospectus by reference to other information that has been filed with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, except for any information that is superseded by information contained directly in this joint proxy statement/prospectus or by information contained in documents filed with or furnished to the SEC after the date of this joint proxy statementstatement/prospectus. The documents that are incorporated by reference contain important information about Chemical and TCF and their financial conditions and you should read this joint proxy statement/prospectus neither the Chemical board of directors nor the Talmer board of directors knows oftogether with any matters that will be presented for consideration at either the Chemical special meeting or the Talmer special meeting, respectively, other than as describeddocuments incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement and statement/prospectus. If any other matters come before either

This joint proxy statement/prospectus incorporates by reference the Chemical special meeting or the Talmer special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof and are voted upon, the proposed proxy will be deemed to confer authority to the individuals named as authorized therein to vote the shares represented by the proxy and the persons named in the enclosed proxy and acting thereunder will vote in accordance with their discretion on such matters.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Chemical and Talmer each file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other informationfollowing documents that have previously been filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act. You may readby Chemical (Central Index Key 0000019612), other than, in each case, documents or information deemed to have been furnished and copy any of this information at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call thenot filed according to SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. In addition, Chemical and Talmer each file such reports and other information with the SEC electronically, and the SEC maintains an internet website located at www.sec.gov containing this information. The reports and other information that Chemical and Talmer file with the SEC is also available at their respective websites, www.chemicalbankmi.com and www.talmerbank.com. Information included on Chemical’s and Talmer’s websites is not incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement and prospectus.rules:

 

You can obtain any reports, proxy statements or other information filed by Chemical or Talmer with the SEC, without charge, electronically at the SEC’s website above. In addition, Chemical will provide you with copies of any reports, proxy statements or other information filed by Chemical with the SEC, without charge, upon written or oral request to: Chemical Financial Corporation, 235 East Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640. Attn: Lori A. Gwizdala, telephone no. (989) 839-5350. Talmer will provide you with copies of any reports, proxy statements or other information filed by Talmer with the SEC, without charge, upon written or oral request to: Talmer Bancorp, Inc., 2301 West Big Beaver Road, Suite 525, Troy, Michigan 48084, Attention: Brad Adams, telephone no. (248) 489-2852.

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement and prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from what is contained in or incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement and prospectus. The information contained in this joint proxy statement and prospectus speaks only as of the date of this joint proxy statement and prospectus unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies. You should not assume that the information contained in this joint proxy statement and prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this joint proxy statement and prospectus, and neither the delivery of this joint proxy statement and prospectus to you nor the issuance of Chemical common stock under it shall create any implication to the contrary.

If you are in a jurisdiction where offers to exchange or sell, or solicitations of offers to exchange or purchase, the securities offered by this joint proxy statement and prospectus or the solicitation of proxies is unlawful, or if you are a person to whom it is unlawful to direct these types of activities, then the offer presented in this joint proxy statement and prospectus does not extend to you.

This document contains a description of the representations and warranties that each of Chemical and Talmer made to the other in the merger agreement. Representations and warranties made by Chemical, Talmer and other applicable parties are also set forth in contracts and other documents (including the merger agreement) that are attached or filed as exhibits to this document or are incorporated by reference into this document. These materials are included or incorporated by reference only to provide you with information regarding the terms and conditions of the agreements, and not to provide any other factual information regarding Chemical, Talmer or their businesses. Accordingly, the representations and warranties and other provisions of the merger agreement should not be read alone, but instead should be read only in conjunction with the other information provided elsewhere in this document or incorporated by reference into this document.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The following documents filed by Chemical or Talmer, as applicable, with the SEC are incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement and prospectus. You should carefully read and consider all of these documents before making an investment decision.

(a)The description of Chemical’s common stock in Chemical’s Form S-3 Registration Statement filed June 12, 2014, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating the description.

(b)Chemical’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015,2018, filed on February 26, 2016.28, 2019;

 

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(c)Chemical’s definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for its 2016the 2019 annual meeting of Chemical shareholders filed with the SEC on March 4, 2016.28, 2019;

 

(d)Chemical’s Current Reports on Form8-K filed with the SEC on January 26, 2016, February 1, 201611, 2019, January 22, 2019, January 28, 2019 and February 11, 2016April 23, 2019 (other than thosethe portions of thethose documents not deemed to be furnishedfiled); and not filed).

 

(e)The description of Talmer’sChemical’s common stock which is contained in Talmer’s Form S-1Chemical’s Registration Statement on Form8-Afiled with the SEC on January 10, 2014, including2, 1976, and any amendmentsamendment or reportsreport filed for the purpose of updating such description.

This joint proxy statement/prospectus incorporates by reference the following documents that have previously been filed with the SEC by TCF (Central Index Key 0000814184), other than, in each case, documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed according to SEC rules:

 

(f)Talmer’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015,2018, filed on February 29, 2016, as amended by26, 2019;

Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the Amendment to such Annual Report2019 annual meeting of TCF shareholders filed with the SEC on March 30, 2016.15, 2019; and

 

(g)Talmer’s Current Reports on Form8-K or Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on January 28, 2019, February 7, 2019, February 20, 2019, March 4, 2019 and April 26, 2016, February 1, 2016, February 11, 2016 and February 26, 20162019 (other than thosethe portions of thethose documents not deemed to be furnishedfiled).

In addition, Chemical and not filed).

Chemical also incorporatesTCF are incorporating by reference all documents that iteither company may file with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, after the date of this joint proxy statement and prospectus and prior to the date of the special meeting (except, with respect to each of the foregoing, for portions of such reports which are deemed to be furnished and not filed). Such documents are considered to be a part of this joint proxy statement and prospectus, effective as of the date such documents are filed.

In addition, Talmer incorporates by reference any future filings it makes with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this joint proxy statement and statement/prospectus and prior to the date of the TalmerChemical special meeting (except,and TCF special meeting, as applicable, provided, however, that Chemical and TCF are not incorporating by reference any information furnished (but not filed), except as otherwise specified herein.

Except where the context otherwise indicates, the information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus with respect to eachChemical was provided by Chemical, and the information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus with respect to TCF was provided by TCF.

Both Chemical and TCF file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other business and financial information with the SEC. You may obtain the information incorporated by reference and any other materials Chemical or TCF file with the SEC without charge by following the instructions in the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” in the forepart of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

No person has been authorized to give any information or make any representation about the merger or Chemical or TCF that differs from, or adds to, the information in this joint proxy statement/prospectus or in documents that are publicly filed with the SEC. 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 in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, and neither the mailing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus to Chemical shareholders and TCF shareholders nor the issuance of Chemical common stock or Chemical Series C preferred stock in the merger shall create any implication to the contrary.

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 20.

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

Chemical is obligated under the its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents and persons who serve or have served at the request of Chemical as directors, officers, employees, agents or partners of another corporation or other enterprise to the fullest extent permitted under the MBCA.

Sections 561 through 571 of the MBCA contain provisions governing the indemnification of directors and officers by Michigan corporations. That statute provides that a corporation has the power to indemnify a person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and whether formal or informal (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation 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 attorneys’ fees), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit or proceeding, if the person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders, and with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, if the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of an action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, does not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner that he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders, and, with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

Indemnification of expenses (including attorneys’ fees) and amounts paid in settlement is permitted in derivative actions, except that indemnification is not allowed for any claim, issue or matter in which such person has been found liable to the corporation unless and to the extent that a court decides indemnification is proper. To the extent that a director or officer has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of an action, suit or proceeding, or in defense of a claim, issue or matter in the action, suit or proceeding, the corporation shall indemnify him or her against actual and reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit or proceeding, and any action, suit or proceeding brought to enforce the mandatory indemnification provided under the MBCA. The MBCA permits partial indemnification for a portion of expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent the person is entitled to indemnification for less than the total amount.

A determination that the person to be indemnified meets the applicable standard of conduct and an evaluation of the reasonableness of the expenses incurred and amounts paid in settlement shall be made: (i) by a majority vote of a quorum of the board of directors who were not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding; (ii) if a quorum cannot be so obtained, by a majority vote of a committee of not less than two directors who are not, at the time, parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding; (iii) by independent legal counsel; (iv) by all independent directors not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding; or (v) by the shareholders (excluding shares held by directors, officers, employees or agents who are parties or are threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding). An authorization for payment of indemnification may be made by: (a) the board of directors by (i) a majority vote of all directors who are not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding, provided that there are at least two such directors, (ii) a majority vote of a committee of two or more directors who are not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding, (iii) a majority

II-1


vote of all “independent directors” who are not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding, provided that there is at least one such director, or (iv) if the corporation lacks the appropriate persons for alternatives (i) through (iii), by a majority vote of the entire board of directors; or (b) the shareholders (excluding shares held by directors, officers, employees or agents who are parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding). Under the MBCA, Chemical may indemnify a director without a determination that the director has met the applicable standard of conduct unless the director received a financial benefit to which he or she was not entitled, intentionally inflicted harm on the corporation or its shareholders, violated Section 551 of the MBCA (which prohibits certain dividends, distributions and loans to insiders of the corporation), or intentionally committed a criminal act. A director may file for a court determination of the propriety of indemnification in any of the situations set forth in the preceding sentence.

In certain circumstances, the MBCA further permits advances to cover such expenses before a final disposition of the proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking, which need not be secured and which may be accepted without reference to the financial ability of the person to make repayment, by or on behalf of the director, officer, employee or agent to repay such amounts if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she has not met the applicable standard of conduct. If a provision in the articles of incorporation or bylaws, a resolution of the board or shareholders or an agreement makes indemnification mandatory, then the advancement of expenses is also mandatory, unless the provision, resolution or agreement specifically provides otherwise.

The indemnification provisions of the MBCA are not exclusive of the rights to indemnification under a corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws or by agreement. However, the total amount of expenses advanced or indemnified from all sources combined may not exceed the amount of actual expenses incurred by the person seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses. The indemnification provided for under the MBCA continues as to a person who ceases to be a director, officer, employee or agent.

The MBCA permits Chemical to purchase insurance on behalf of its directors, officers, employees and agents against liabilities arising out of their positions with Chemical, whether or not such liabilities would be within the above indemnification provisions. Pursuant to this authority, Chemical maintains such insurance on behalf of its directors, officers, employees and agents.

ITEM 21.

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

Exhibit

Description

2.1Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January  27, 2019, by and between TCF Financial Corporation and Chemical Financial Corporation (included as Annex A to the joint proxy statement/prospectus contained in this Registration Statement and incorporated herein by reference).†
3.1Restated Articles of Incorporation of Chemical Financial Corporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Chemical Financial Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017).
3.2Bylaws of Chemical Financial Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Chemical Financial Corporation’s Current Report on Form8-K filed with the SEC on January 28, 2019).
3.3Form of Proposed Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of Chemical Financial Corporation to increase the number of authorized shares from 135 million to 220 million and to effect the name change (attached as Exhibit 2 to Annex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus contained in this Registration Statement and incorporated herein by reference).
3.4Form of Proposed Bylaws of TCF Financial Corporation (as the combined company) (attached as Exhibit 3 to Annex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus contained in this Registration Statement and incorporated herein by reference).

II-2


Exhibit

Description

3.5Form of Proposed Certificate of Designations of 5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of TCF Financial Corporation (as the combined company) (attached as Exhibit 1 to Annex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus contained in this Registration Statement and incorporated herein by reference).
4.1Restated Articles of Incorporation of Chemical Financial Corporation. Exhibit 3.1 is hereby incorporated by reference.
4.2Bylaws of Chemical Financial Corporation. Exhibit 3.2 is hereby incorporated by reference.
4.3Long-Term Debt. Chemical Financial Corporation has outstanding long-term debt which at the time of this filing does not exceed 10% of Chemical Financial Corporation’s total consolidated assets. Chemical Financial Corporation agrees to furnish copies of the agreements defining the rights of holders of such long-term debt to the SEC upon request.
4.4Deposit Agreement, dated as of September  14, 2017, by and among TCF Financial Corporation, Computershare Trust Company, N.A. and Computershare Inc., jointly as Depositary (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of TCF Financial Corporation’s Current Report on Form8-K filed with the SEC on September 14, 2017).
5.1Opinion of Nelson Mullins Riley and Scarborough LLP regarding the legality of the securities being registered.**
8.1Opinion of Nelson Mullins Riley and Scarborough LLP regarding certain U.S. federal income tax aspects of the merger.*
8.2Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP regarding certain U.S. federal income tax aspects of the merger.*
23.1Consent of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm of Chemical Financial Corporation.*
23.2Consent of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm of TCF Financial Corporation.*
23.3Consent of Nelson Mullins Riley and Scarborough LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1 hereto).**
23.4Consent of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (included in Exhibit 8.2 hereto).*
24Power of Attorney.*
99.1Consent of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.*
99.2Consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC.*
99.3Consent of Craig R. Dahl to be named as director.**
99.4Consent of Vance K. Opperman to be named as director.**
99.5Form of Proxy Card to be used by Chemical.*
99.6Form of Proxy Card to be used by TCF.*

*

Filed herewith.

**

Previously filed.

Pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of RegulationS-K, Chemical agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the Agreement and Plan of Merger to the SEC on a confidential basis upon request.

II-3


ITEM 22.

UNDERTAKINGS.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1)    To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

i.    to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

ii.    to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) that, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in the volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

iii.    to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

(2)    That, for portionsthe purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such reports which arepost-effective amendment shall be deemed to be furnisheda new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and not filed). Such documents are consideredthe offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initialbona fide offering thereof.

(3)    To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered that remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4)    That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(5)    That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’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’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in this 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 initialbona fide offering thereof.

(6)    That, prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a prospectus that is a part of this joint proxyregistration statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), such reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.

II-4


(7)    That every prospectus (i) that is filed pursuant to the preceding paragraph, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 and is used in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such amendment has become effective, and that for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment 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 initialbona fide offering thereof.

(8)    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 asdate of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

(9)    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, this registration statement when it became effective.

(10)    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 documents are filed.indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 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 of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

 

II-5


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Detroit, State of Michigan, on May 2, 2019.

129
CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
By: 

/s/ David T. Provost

David T. Provost

Chief Executive Officer and President

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 date indicated.

 

May 2, 2019By:

/s/ David T. Provost

David T. Provost

Director, Chief Executive Officer and President

(Principal Executive Officer)

May 2, 2019By:

/s/ Dennis L. Klaeser

Dennis L. Klaeser

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

May 2, 2019By:

/s/ Kathleen S. Wendt

Kathleen S. Wendt

Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

May 2, 2019By:

        *

James R. Fitterling

Director

May 2, 2019By:

        *

Ronald A. Klein

Director

May 2, 2019By:

        *

Richard M. Lievense

Director

May 2, 2019By:

        *

Barbara J. Mahone

Director

May 2, 2019By:

        *

Barbara L. McQuade

Director

ANNEX


May 2, 2019By:

        *

John E. Pelizzari

Director

May 2, 2019By:

        *

Thomas C. Shafer

Vice Chairman

May 2, 2019By:

        *

Lawrence D. Stauffer

Director

May 2, 2019By:

        *

Jeffrey L. Tate

Director

May 2, 2019By:

/s/ Gary Torgow

Gary Torgow
Chairman
May 2, 2019By:

        *

Arthur A. Weiss

Director

May 2, 2019By:

        *

Franklin C. Wheatlake

Director

*By:

/s/ David T. Provost

David T. Provost

Attorney-in-Fact


Annex A

EXECUTION COPY

 

 

 

______________________________________________________________________________

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

BY AND BETWEENby and between

TCF FINANCIAL CORPORATION

and

CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AND

TALMER BANCORP, INC.

Dated as of January 25, 2016

___________________________________________________________________________27, 2019

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

   Page 

ARTICLE I THE MERGER

   1 
        1.1. 

The Merger

   1 
        1.2. 

Closing

   2 
        1.3. 

Effective Time

   2 
        1.4. 

Effects of the Merger

   2 
        1.5. 

Conversion of TCF Capital Stock

   2 
        1.6. 

Treatment of TCF Equity Awards

   3 
        1.7. 

Chemical Common Stock

   4 
        1.8. 

Certificate of Incorporation of Surviving Corporation

   4 
        1.9. 

Bylaws of Surviving Corporation

   4 
        1.10. 

Bank Merger

   4 

ARTICLE II EXCHANGE OF SHARES

   5 
        2.1. 

Chemical to Make Merger Consideration Available

   5 
        2.2. 

Exchange of Shares

   5 

ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF TCF

   7 
        3.1. 

Corporate Organization

   7 
        3.2. 

Capitalization

   8 
        3.3. 

Authority; No Violation

   9 
        3.4. 

Consents and Approvals

   10 
        3.5. 

Reports

   10 
        3.6. 

Financial Statements

   11 
        3.7. 

Broker’s Fees

   12 
        3.8. 

Absence of Certain Changes or Events

   12 
        3.9. 

Legal Proceedings

   13 
        3.10. 

Taxes and Tax Returns

   13 
        3.11. 

Employees and Employee Benefit Plans

   14 
        3.12. 

Compliance with Applicable Law

   16 
        3.13. 

Certain Contracts

   17 
        3.14. 

Agreements with Regulatory Agencies

   17 
        3.15. 

Risk Management Instruments

   18 
        3.16. 

Environmental Matters

   18 
        3.17. 

Investment Securities

   18 
        3.18. 

Real Property

   18 
        3.19. 

Intellectual Property

   19 
        3.20. 

Related Party Transactions

   19 
        3.21. 

State Takeover Laws

   19 
        3.22. 

Reorganization

   19 
        3.23. 

Opinion of Financial Advisor

   20 
        3.24. 

TCF Information

   20 
        3.25. 

Loan Portfolio

   20 
        3.26. 

Insurance

   21 
        3.27. 

Information Security

   22 
        3.28. 

No Other Representations or Warranties

   22 

ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF UNIVERSITY

   22 
        4.1. 

Corporate Organization

   22 
        4.2. 

Capitalization

   23 
        4.3. 

Authority; No Violation

   24 
        4.4. 

Consents and Approvals

   25 
        4.5. 

Reports

   25 

 

- A-i -


        4.6. 

Financial Statements

   26 
        4.7. 

Broker’s Fees

   27 
        4.8. 

Absence of Certain Changes or Events

   27 
        4.9. 

Legal Proceedings

   27 
        4.10. 

Taxes and Tax Returns

   28 
        4.11. 

Employees and Employee Benefit Plans

   28 
        4.12. 

Compliance with Applicable Law

   30 
        4.13. 

Certain Contracts

   31 
        4.14. 

Agreements with Regulatory Agencies

   32 
        4.15. 

Risk Management Instruments

   32 
        4.16. 

Environmental Matters

   32 
        4.17. 

Investment Securities

   33 
        4.18. 

Real Property

   33 
        4.19. 

Intellectual Property

   33 
        4.20. 

Related Party Transactions

   33 
        4.21. 

State Takeover Laws

   34 
        4.22. 

Reorganization

   34 
        4.23. 

Opinion of Financial Advisor

   34 
        4.24. 

Chemical Information

   34 
        4.25. 

Loan Portfolio

   34 
        4.26. 

Insurance

   36 
        4.27. 

Information Security

   36 
        4.28. 

No Other Representations or Warranties

   36 

ARTICLE V COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

   36 
        5.1. 

Conduct of TCF Business Prior to the Effective Time

   36 
        5.2. 

TCF Forbearances

   37 
        5.3. 

Conduct of Chemical Business Prior to the Effective Time

   39 
        5.4. 

Chemical Forbearances

   39 

ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

   42 
        6.1. 

Regulatory Matters

   42 
        6.2. 

Access to Information

   43 
        6.3. 

Approvals of Chemical Shareholders and TCF Stockholders

   44 
        6.4. 

Legal Conditions to Merger

   45 
        6.5. 

Stock Exchange Listing

   45 
        6.6. 

Employee Benefit Plans

   45 
        6.7. 

Indemnification; Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance

   47 
        6.8. 

Additional Agreements

   48 
        6.9. 

Advice of Changes

   48 
        6.10. 

TCF Acquisition Proposals

   48 
        6.11. 

Chemical Acquisition Proposals

   50 
        6.12. 

Public Announcements

   51 
        6.13. 

Restructuring Efforts

   51 
        6.14. 

Takeover Statutes

   51 
        6.15. 

Exemption from Liability under Section 16(b)

   52 
        6.16. 

Litigation and Claims

   52 
        6.17. 

Assumption of TCF Debt

   52 
        6.18. 

Data Conversion

   52 
        6.19. 

Corporate Governance

   52 
        6.20. 

Dividends

   53 

ARTICLE VII CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

   53 
        7.1. 

Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation to Effect the Merger

   53 
        7.2. 

Conditions to Obligations of Chemical

   54 
        7.3. 

Conditions to Obligations of TCF

   54 

- A-ii -


ARTICLE VIII TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT

   55 
        8.1. 

Termination

   55 
        8.2. 

Effect of Termination

   56 

ARTICLE IX GENERAL PROVISIONS

   58 
        9.1. 

Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements

   58 
        9.2. 

Amendment

   58 
        9.3. 

Extension; Waiver

   58 
        9.4. 

Expenses

   58 
        9.5. 

Notices

   58 
        9.6. 

Interpretation

   59 
        9.7. 

Counterparts

   60 
        9.8. 

Entire Agreement

   60 
        9.9. 

Governing Law; Jurisdiction

   60 
        9.10. 

Waiver of Jury Trial

   60 
        9.11. 

Assignment; Third Party Beneficiaries

   61 
        9.12. 

Specific Performance

   61 
        9.13. 

Severability

   61 
        9.14. 

Delivery by Facsimile or Electronic Transmission

   61 

- A-iii -


INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS

$

   76 

25%

   63 

a majority

   63 

Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement

   62 

affiliate

   76 

Agreement

   1 

Anti-Money Laundering Laws

   21 

Assumed TCF Equity Awards

   4 

Bank Merger

   6 

Bank Merger Agreement

   6 

Bank Merger Certificates

   6 

BHC Act

   9 

Blue Sky

   13 

business day

   76 

Certificate

   3 

Certificate of Merger

   2 

certificates

   6 

Chemical

   1 

Chemical Acquisition Proposal

   64 

Chemical Articles

   5 

Chemical Articles Amendment

   31 

Chemical Bank

   6 

Chemical Benefit Plans

   36 

Chemical Bylaws

   5 

Chemical Common Stock

   3 

Chemical Common Stock Closing Price

   8 

Chemical Contract

   40 

Chemical Disclosure Schedule

   28 

Chemical Equity Award

   5 

Chemical Meeting

   56 

Chemical Owned Properties

   42 

Chemical Qualified Plans

   37 

Chemical Real Property

   42 

Chemical Regulatory Agreement

   41 

Chemical Reports

   33 

Chemical Securitization Depositor

   45 

Chemical Securitization Instruments

   45 

Chemical Securitization Transaction

   45 

Chemical Stock Plans

   5 

Chemical Subsidiary

   29 

Chemical Superior Proposal

   65 

Chosen Courts

   77 

Closing

   2 

Closing Date

   2 

Code

   1 

Confidentiality Agreement

   56 

Continuing Employees

   58 

control share

   25 

controlled corporation

   17 

Controlled Group Liability

   18 

covered fund

   10

Covered Termination

5

CRA

20

Data Conversion

67

data room

63

Delaware Secretary

2

DGCL

2

distributing corporation

17

dollars

76

Effective Time

2

Enforceability Exceptions

12

Environmental Laws

23

ERISA

18

ERISA Affiliate

18

excess parachute payment

19

Exchange Act

15

Exchange Agent

6

Exchange Fund

6

Exchange Ratio

2

executive officer

24

fair price

25

FDIC

10

Federal Reserve Board

9

forward-looking statements

9

GAAP

10

Governmental Entity

13

include

76

includes

76

including

76

insider

26

Intellectual Property

24

interested stockholder

25

Investment Company Act

27

IRS

17

Joint Proxy Statement

13

knowledge

76

Law

47

Liens

11

Loans

25

made available

76

Material Adverse Effect

9

material contract

21

Materially Burdensome Regulatory Condition

55

MBCA

2

Merger

2

Merger Consideration

2

Michigan DLRA

2

moratorium

25

Multiemployer Plan

19 

 

- A-iv -

Table of Contents


Multiple Employer Plan

   Page
19 
ARTICLE I THE MERGER

New Chemical Preferred Stock

A-1
 1.1The MergerA-1
     1.2Effective TimeA-1
     1.3Effects of the MergerA-2
     1.4Conversion of SharesA-2
     1.5Stock Options and Other Stock-Based AwardsA-3
     1.6Articles of IncorporationA-4
     1.7BylawsA-4
     1.8Tax ConsequencesA-4
     1.9Bank MergerA-4
     1.10Directors and OfficersA-4
     1.11NameA-4
     1.12Additional ActionsA-5
     1.13Right to Revise StructureA-5
2 
ARTICLE II DELIVERY OF MERGER CONSIDERATION

New Plans

A-5
 2.1Chemical to Make Shares AvailableA-5
     2.2Exchange of SharesA-5
59 
ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF TALMER

Notifying Party

A-761
     3.1

OCC

Authorization, No Conflicts, Etc.A-713
     3.2

Parties

Organization and Good StandingA-81
     3.3

Party

SubsidiariesA-81
     3.4

Permitted Encumbrances

Capital StockA-924
     3.5

person

Financial StatementsA-976
     3.6

plan (or series of related transactions)

Absence of Certain Changes or EventsA-1017
     3.7

Premium Cap

Legal ProceedingsA-1061
     3.8

Regulatory Agencies

Regulatory FilingsA-1013
     3.9

reorganization

No Indemnification ClaimsA-1025
     3.10

reportable transaction

Conduct of BusinessA-1017
     3.11

Representatives

Transaction DocumentsA-1162
     3.12

Requisite Chemical Vote

Agreements With Bank RegulatorsA-1131
     3.13

Requisite Regulatory Approvals

Tax MattersA-1155
     3.14

Requisite TCF Vote

PropertiesA-1212
     3.15

Risk Factors

Intellectual PropertyA-139
     3.16

S-4

Required Licenses, Permits, Etc.A-1313
     3.17

Sarbanes-Oxley Act

Material Contracts and Change of ControlA-1314
     3.18

SEC

Labor and Employment MattersA-1513
     3.19

Securities Act

Employee BenefitsA-1614

SRO

  A-ii13

Subsidiary

10

Superior Proposal

63

Surviving Corporation

2

tail policies

61

takeover

25

Takeover Statutes

25

Tax

17

Tax Return

17

Taxes

17

TCF

1 

     3.20Environmental MattersA-18
     3.21

TCF Acquisition Proposal

Duties as FiduciaryA-18
     3.22Investment Bankers and BrokersA-18
     3.23Fairness OpinionA-18
     3.24Talmer-Related PersonsA-19
     3.25Change in Business RelationshipsA-19
     3.26InsuranceA-19
     3.27Books and RecordsA-19
     3.28Loan GuaranteesA-19
     3.29Data Security and Customer PrivacyA-20
     3.30Allowance for Loan and Lease LossesA-20
     3.31Loans and InvestmentsA-20
     3.32Loan Origination and ServicingA-20
     3.33Securities Laws MattersA-20
     3.34Joint Ventures; Strategic AlliancesA-21
     3.35Policies and ProceduresA-21
     3.36Shareholder Rights PlanA-21
     3.37Absence of Undisclosed LiabilitiesA-21
     3.38No Other Representations and WarrantiesA-21
63 
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CHEMICAL

TCF Bank

A-216
     4.1

TCF Benefit Plans

Authorization, No Conflicts, Etc.A-2217
     4.2

TCF Bylaws

Organization and Good StandingA-2210
     4.3

TCF Capital Stock

SubsidiariesA-223
     4.4

TCF Certificate

Capital StockA-2310
     4.5

TCF Common Stock

Financial StatementsA-242
     4.6

TCF Contract

Absence of Certain Changes or EventsA-2422
     4.7

TCF Disclosure Schedule

Legal ProceedingsA-249
     4.8

TCF Equity Awards

Regulatory FilingsA-255
     4.9

TCF Equity Plan

No Indemnification ClaimsA-255
     4.10

TCF Indemnified Party

Conduct of BusinessA-2560
     4.11

TCF Insiders

Transaction DocumentsA-2566
     4.12

TCF Meeting

Agreements With Bank RegulatorsA-2556
     4.13

TCF Owned Properties

Tax MattersA-2524
     4.14

TCF Performance-Based Award

PropertiesA-265
     4.15

TCF Preferred Stock

Intellectual PropertyA-272
     4.16

TCF Qualified Plans

Required Licenses, Permits, Etc.A-2718
     4.17

TCF Real Property

Material Contracts and Change of ControlA-2724
     4.18

TCF Regulatory Agreement

Labor and Employment MattersA-2922
     4.19

TCF Reports

Employee BenefitsA-3014

TCF Securitization Depositor

  A-iii27

TCF Securitization Instruments

27

TCF Securitization Transaction

27

TCF Subsidiary

10

TCF Superior Proposal

63

Termination Date

71

Termination Fee

73

the date hereof

76

transactions contemplated by this Agreement

76

transactions contemplated hereby

76

Willful Breach

72

without limitation

76 

     4.20Environmental MattersA-32
     4.21Duties as FiduciaryA-32
     4.22Investment Bankers and BrokersA-33
     4.23Fairness OpinionA-33
     4.24Chemical-Related PersonsA-33
     4.25Change in Business RelationshipsA-33
     4.26InsuranceA-33
     4.27Books and RecordsA-34
     4.28Loan GuaranteesA-34
     4.29Data Security and Customer PrivacyA-34
     4.30Allowance for Loan and Lease LossesA-34
     4.31Loans and InvestmentsA-34
     4.32Loan Origination and ServicingA-34
     4.33Securities Laws MattersA-34
     4.34Joint Ventures; Strategic AlliancesA-35
     4.35Policies and ProceduresA-35
     4.36Shareholder Rights PlanA-35
     4.37Absence of Undisclosed LiabilitiesA-35
     4.38No Other Representations and WarrantiesA-35
ARTICLE V COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESSA-36
     5.1Conduct of Business Before the Effective TimeA-36
     5.2Talmer ForbearancesA-36
     5.3Chemical ForbearancesA-39
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTSA-42
     6.1Regulatory MattersA-42
     6.2Access to Information; ConfidentialityA-43
     6.3Preparation of the Joint Proxy Statement and Registration Statement; Shareholders’ MeetingsA-44
     6.4NASDAQ ListingA-45
     6.5Employee MattersA-46
     6.6Indemnification; Directors’ and Officers’ InsuranceA-47
     6.7Additional AgreementsA-48
     6.8Advice of ChangesA-48
     6.9No Solicitation by TalmerA-48
     6.10No Solicitation by ChemicalA-50
     6.11Corporate GovernanceA-52
     6.12Restructuring EffortsA-52
     6.13Exemption from Liability Under Section 16(b)A-52
     6.14Trust Preferred Securities; Senior Debt FacilityA-53
     6.15Data ConversionA-53
A-iv

     6.16Commercially Reasonable Efforts; CooperationA-53
     6.17Securityholder LitigationA-53
     6.18ExpensesA-53
     6.19Fairness OpinionsA-54
     6.20DividendsA-54
ARTICLE VII CONDITIONS PRECEDENTA-54
     7.1Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation To Effect the MergerA-54
     7.2Conditions to Obligations of TalmerA-54
     7.3Conditions to Obligations of ChemicalA-55
ARTICLE VIII TERMINATION AND AMENDMENTA-56
     8.1TerminationA-56
     8.2Effect of TerminationA-57
     8.3AmendmentA-59
     8.4Extension; WaiverA-59
ARTICLE IX  DEFINITIONSA-59
ARTICLE X GENERAL PROVISIONSA-69
     10.1ClosingA-69
     10.2Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and AgreementsA-69
     10.3NoticesA-69
     10.4InterpretationA-70
     10.5Entire AgreementA-70
     10.6Governing LawA-70
     10.7Exclusive JurisdictionA-70
     10.8Waiver of Jury TrialA-70
     10.9 PublicityA-70
     10.10Assignment; Third-Party BeneficiariesA-71
     10.11EnforcementA-71
     10.12SeverabilityA-71
     10.13CounterpartsA-71
     10.14ConstructionA-71
     10.15Calculation of Dates and DeadlinesA-71

 

EXHIBITS- A-v -

EXHIBIT A-1FORM OF TALMER SUPPORT AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT A-2FORM OF CHEMICAL SUPPORT AGREEMENT

A-v

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, (this “Agreement”), dated as of January 25, 2016, is entered into27, 2019 (this “Agreement”), by and between TCF Financial Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“TCF”), and Chemical Financial Corporation, a Michigan corporation (“Chemical),; each of TCF and Talmer Bancorp, Inc.,Chemical, a Michigan corporation (“Talmer”). Each of Chemical and Talmer is referred to herein as a Party” and together, ascollectively, the “Parties”).

W I T N E S S E T H:WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS,the BoardsBoard of Directors of Chemical and Talmer (the “Chemical BoardTCF has unanimously (i) determined that this Agreement and the Talmer Board,” respectively) have determined that it is“merger of equals” and other transactions contemplated hereby are in the best interests of their respective companiesTCF and their shareholders to consummate the strategic business combination transaction provided for inTCF’s stockholders, and declared that this Agreement in which Talmer will, onis advisable, and (ii) approved the termsexecution, delivery and subject to the conditions set forth inperformance by TCF of this Agreement merge with and into Chemical (the “Merger”), so that Chemical is the surviving corporation in the Merger (sometimes referred to in such capacity as the “Surviving Corporation”);

WHEREAS,the Chemical Board and the Talmer Board have each adopted this Agreement, duly authorized the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, and resolved to recommend that the shareholdersconsummation of each of Chemical and Talmer approve this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Chemical has unanimously (i) determined that this Agreement and the “merger of equals” and other transactions contemplated hereby are in the best interests of Chemical and Chemical’s shareholders, and (ii) approved the execution, delivery and performance by Chemical of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of TCF, subject to the terms of this Agreement, has resolved to recommend that TCF’s stockholders adopt this Agreement and to submit this Agreement to TCF’s stockholders for adoption;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Chemical, subject to the terms of this Agreement, has resolved to recommend that Chemical’s shareholders approve this Agreement and to submit this Agreement to Chemical’s shareholders for approval;

WHEREAS, substantially concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, each memberof Gary Torgow, David T. Provost and Craig R. Dahl has entered into an employment agreement, which will be effective as of and subject to the occurrence of the Chemical Board and each member of the Talmer Board is entering into a voting and support agreement substantially in the forms attached hereto asExhibit A-1 andExhibit A-2, respectively (each, a “Support Agreement”);Effective Time;

WHEREAS,it is intended that, following the Merger, Talmer Bank and Trust, a Michigan banking corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Talmer (“Talmer Bank”), will be merged with and into Chemical Bank, a Michigan banking corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Chemical (“Chemical Bank”), so that Chemical Bank is the surviving bank (sometimes referred to in such capacity as the “Surviving Bank”);

WHEREAS,for U.S. federal income Taxtax purposes, it is intended that the Merger shall qualify as a reorganization under“reorganization” within the provisionsmeaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and including the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Code”);, and this Agreement is intended to be and is adopted as a plan of reorganization for purposes of Sections 354 and 361 of the Code; and

WHEREAS,the Parties desire to make certain representations, warranties and agreements in connection with the Merger and also to prescribe certain conditions precedent to the Merger.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

Article I
THEMERGER

1.1     1.1.TheMerger. Subject to the terms and conditions of thisAgreement,, in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) and the Michigan Business Corporation Act (the “MBCA”), at theEffective Time,,Talmer TCF shall merge with and intoChemical. (the “Merger”), with Chemicalshall be surviving the surviving entityMerger (hereinafter sometimes referred to in such capacity as theMergerandSurviving Corporation”). The Surviving Corporation shall continue its corporate existence under the laws of the State of Michigan. As

- A-1 -


1.2.Closing. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, theEffective Time closing of the Merger (the “Closing”) will occur by electronic exchange of documents at 10:00 a.m. New York City time, on a date which shall be no later than three (3) business days after the satisfaction or waiver (subject to applicable law) of the latest to occur of the conditions set forth inArticle VII hereof (other than those conditions that by their nature can be satisfied only at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions at the Closing), unless extended by mutual agreement of the separate corporate existence ofTalmershall cease.Parties (the “Closing Date”).

1.2     1.3.Effective Time.TheMergershall become effective on the date and at the time for effectivenessas set forth in theCertificate certificates of Merger(merger with respect to the Merger (the Effective TimeCertificates of Merger”) accepted for filing byto be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Delaware Secretary”) and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (the “Certificate of MergerMichigan DLRA”). ThePartiesagree, if requested byChemical, that the term “Effective Timeshall occur on eithermean the last day ordate and time when the first dayMerger becomes effective, as set forth in the Certificates of a month, but shall not occur during a month in which a calendar quarter ends.Merger.

A-1

1.3     1.4.Effects of theMerger.At and after theEffective Time,, theMergershall have the effects set forth in thisAgreementand in the relevantapplicable provisions of theMBCA. Without limiting DGCL, the generality of the foregoing,MBCA and subject thereto, at theEffective Time, all the property, rights, privileges, powers, and franchises ofTalmershall vest in theSurviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities, and duties ofTalmershall become the debts, liabilities, and duties of theSurviving Corporation.this Agreement.

1.4     1.5.Conversion of SharesTCF Capital Stock.At theEffective Time,, by virtue of theMergerand without any furtheractionon the part ofChemical,,Talmer, TCF or the holder of any of the following securities:

(a) Each share of Common5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value $0.01 per share, ofChemical(the TCF (theChemical CommonTCF Preferred Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to theEffective Time,shall remain issued and outstanding and shall not be affected by theMerger.

(b)     All shares ofClass A Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share, of Talmer (the “Talmer Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to theEffective Timethat are owned, directly or indirectly, byTalmerorChemical(other thanTrust Account Sharesand other than shares ofTalmer Common Stockheld as a result of debts previously contracted) shall no longer be outstanding, shall automatically be cancelled, and shall cease to exist, and noChemical Common Stockor other consideration shall be delivered in exchange therefor.

(c)     Subject toSection1.4(e), each share ofTalmer Common Stock, except for shares ofTalmer Common TCF Preferred Stockowned byChemical,Talmer, TCF as treasury stock or any of their respective wholly-ownedSubsidiaries(owned by TCF or Chemical (in each case other thanTrust Account Sharesand shares ofTalmer Common Stockheld in a fiduciary or agency capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted), shall be converted into the right to receive, (i) 0.4725without interest, one share of a newly created series of preferred stock of Chemical having the powers, preferences and rights in the form set forth inExhibit 1 attached hereto (all shares of the newly created series of preferred stock, the “New Chemical Preferred Stock”).

(b) Subject toSection 2.2(f), each share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of TCF (the “Exchange RatioTCF Common Stock”) of validly issued fully paid, and nonassessableoutstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, except for shares ofChemical TCF Common Stock (the “Stock Consideration”); and (ii) $1.61in cash, without interest (the “Cash Consideration” and, together with theStock Considerationowned by TCF as treasury stock or owned by TCF or Chemical (in each case other than in a fiduciary or agency capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted), the “Merger Consideration”).

(d)     All of the shares ofTalmer Common Stockshall be converted into the right to receive, without interest, 0.5081 shares (the “Exchange Ratio” and such shares, theMerger Consideration”) of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Chemical (the “Chemical Common Stock”). The TCF Common Stock, together with the TCF Preferred Stock, is referred to herein as the “TCF Capital Stock.”

(c) All of the shares of TCF Capital Stock converted into the right to receive Chemical Common Stock or New Chemical Preferred Stock, as applicable, pursuant to thisArticleIshall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be cancelled and shall cease to exist as of theEffective Time,, and each book entry notation of record ownership and each certificate previously representing any such shares ofTalmer Common Stockshall thereafter represent only the right to receive theMerger Considerationinto which the shares ofTalmer Common Stockrepresented by such book entry notation of record ownership or such certificate have been converted pursuant to thisSection1.4, as well as any dividends to which holders ofTalmer Common Stockbecome entitled in accordance withSection2.2.

(e)     If, between the date of thisAgreementand theEffective Time, there is declared (with aneffective timeprior to theEffective Time) or effected a reorganization, reclassification, recapitalization, stock split (includinga reverse stock split), split-up, stock dividend or stock distribution (includingany dividend or distribution of securities convertible intoChemical Common StockorTalmer Common Stock), combination, exchange, or readjustment of shares with respect to, or rights issued in respect of,Chemical Common StockorTalmer Common Stock, theExchange Ratioshall be proportionately adjusted accordingly to provide to the holders ofTalmer Common Stockthe same economic effect as contemplated by thisAgreementprior to such event. Notwithstanding any other provisions of thisSection1.4(e), no adjustment shall be made in the event of the issuance of additional shares ofChemical Common StockorTalmer Common Stockpursuant to any dividend reinvestment plan or direct investment plan ofChemicalorTalmer, as applicable, pursuant to the exercise of stock options awarded under any director, employee oraffiliatestock option plans ofChemicalorTalmer, as applicable, or theirSubsidiaries, or upon the grant or sale of shares or rights to receive shares to or for the account of any director, employee, orAffiliateofChemicalorTalmer, as applicable, or any of theirSubsidiariespursuant to any stock option or other compensation or benefit plans ofChemicalorTalmer, as applicable, or in connection with the issuance of shares as consideration in a transaction whereChemicalorTalmer, as applicable, is thesurviving corporationor in connection with any offering of shares whereChemicalorTalmer, as applicable, receives consideration in exchange for the shares so offered.

A-2

1.5     Stock Options and Other Stock-Based Awards.

(a)     Unless otherwise expressly provided in thisAgreement, the provisions of thisSection1.5pertain to all plans sponsored byTalmerunder which options, restricted stock and other stock-based awards are granted, and the award agreements thereunder (collectively, the “Talmer Stock Plans”).

(b)     As of the Effective Time, each outstanding option to purchase a share or shares of Talmer Common Stock (each, a “Talmer Stock Option”), excluding any Talmer Stock Options cancelled immediately prior to the Effective Time in accordance withSection 1.5(c)Certificate) (the “Cancelled Talmer Stock Options”), shall be assumed by Chemical substantially in accordance with the terms of the Talmer Stock Plans and the option grants or other award agreements by which they are evidenced in accordance with the terms of the applicable Talmer Stock Plans, such that after the Merger and without any action on the part of the holders of such Talmer Stock Options, the Talmer Stock Options shall be converted into and become stock options with respect to Chemical Common Stock (each, a “Surviving Corporation Stock Option”). From and after the Effective Time, (i) each Talmer Stock Option may be exercised solely for shares of Chemical Common Stock; (ii) the number of shares of Chemical Common Stock subject to such Talmer Stock Option shall be equal to the product of (A) the total number of shares of Talmer Common Stock subject to such Talmer Stock Optionmultiplied by (B) the Equity Award Exchange Ratio, rounded up or down, if necessary, to the nearest whole share of Chemical Common Stock; and (iii) the per-share exercise price under each such Talmer Stock Option shall be adjusted to equal the quotient of (x) the exercise price per share of such Talmer Stock Option at which such Talmer Stock Option was exercisable immediately prior to the Effective Timedivided by (y) the Equity Award Exchange Ratio, rounded up or down to the nearest whole cent, if necessary. For purposes of this Agreement, the “Equity Award Exchange Ratio” shall mean the sum of (1) the Exchange Ratioplus (2) the quotient of (I) the Cash Considerationdivided by (II) the Chemical Closing Price.

(c)     Talmer may offer to cancel, effective immediately prior to the Effective Time, up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the Talmer Stock Options outstanding as of the date of this Agreement. In exchange for the cancellation of any such Cancelled Talmer Stock Options, each holder thereof shall be entitled to receive, for each Cancelled Talmer Stock Option, cash in an amount equal to the Option Cash-Out Consideration, less any required withholding taxes. For purposes of this Agreement, the “Option Cash-Out Consideration” shall mean, for each Cancelled Talmer Stock Option, cash in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the sum of (A) the product of (x) the Exchange Ratiomultiplied by(y) the Chemical Closing Price,plus(B) the Cash Consideration,minus (ii) the per-share exercise price under each such Cancelled Talmer Stock Option. Prior to any offer by Talmer to cancel Talmer Stock Options in accordance with thisSection 1.5(c), the Parties shall mutually agree regarding which holders of Talmer Stock Options may be given the opportunity to cancel Talmer Stock Options in exchange for the Option Cash-Out Consideration in accordance with thisSection 1.5(c) and the manner in which Talmer would make any such offer to any such holders of Talmer Stock Options.

(d)     Each restricted stock award granted under aTalmer Stock Plan(a “Talmer Stock Award”) which is unvested or contingent and outstanding immediately prior to theEffective Timeshall cease, at theEffective Time, to represent any rights with respect to shares ofTalmer Common Stockand shall be converted, without anyactionon the part of the holder thereof, into a restricted stock award ofChemical(a “Surviving Corporation Stock Award”), on the same terms and conditions as were applicable under the applicableTalmer Stock Plans(but taking into account any changes thereto,includingany acceleration of vesting thereof, provided for in the applicableTalmer Stock Plansor in the related award document by reason of theMerger). Thenumber of shares of Chemical Common Stock subject to each such Surviving Corporation Stock Awardshall be equal to the product of (i) the totalnumber of shares of Talmer Common Stock subject to the Talmer Stock Awardmultiplied by (ii) theEquity Award Exchange Ratio, rounded up or down, if necessary, to the nearest whole share ofChemical Common Stock.TalmerorChemical, as applicable, shall be entitled to deduct and withhold such amounts as may be required to be deducted and withheld under theCodeand any applicable state or localTaxlaws with respect to the lapsing of any restrictions onTalmer Stock Awardspursuant to thisSection1.5(d).

(e)     Chemical shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve a sufficient number of shares of Chemical Common Stock for delivery upon the exercise or settlement of each of the Surviving Corporation Stock Options and the Surviving Corporation Stock Awards. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time, if and to the extent necessary to cause a sufficient number of shares of Chemical Common Stock to be registered and issuable upon the exercise or settlement of the Surviving Corporation Stock Options and the

A-3

Surviving Corporation Stock Awards, Chemical shall file a post-effective amendment to the Form S-4 or one or more registration statements on Form S-8 (or any successor or other appropriate form) with respect to the shares of Chemical Common Stock subject to the Surviving Corporation Stock Options or Surviving Corporation Stock Awards and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement or registration statements (and maintain the current status of the prospectus or prospectuses contained therein) for so long as such Surviving Corporation Stock Options and Surviving Corporation Stock Awards remain outstanding.

(f)      At or prior to theEffective Time,Chemical, theChemical Board, and the compensation committee of theChemical Board, as applicable, andTalmer, theTalmer Boardand the compensation committee of theTalmer Board, as applicable, shall adopt any resolutions and take any actions (includingobtaining anyTalmeror Talmer Bank employee or other participant consents or providing any required or advisable notices to anyTalmeror Talmer Bank employee) necessary to effectuate the provisions of thisSection1.5.

1.6     Articles of Incorporation.At theEffective Time, theArticles of Incorporation of Chemical,includingany amendments thereto (the “Chemical Articles”), shall be theArticles of Incorporationof theSurviving Corporationuntil thereafter amended in accordance with applicableLaw.

1.7     Bylaws.At theEffective Time, theBylaws of Chemical,includingany amendments thereto (the “Chemical Bylaws”), shall be the Bylaws of theSurviving Corporationuntil thereafter amended in accordance with applicableLaw.

1.8     TaxConsequences.It is intended that theMergershall constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of theCode, and that thisAgreementshall constitute a “plan of reorganization” for purposes of Sections 354 and 361 of theCode (collectively, the “Intended Tax Treatment”). EachPartyshall not, and shall notpermitany of its respectiveSubsidiariesto, take anyaction or fail to take anyaction that would reasonably be expected to jeopardize the qualification of theMergeras a reorganization under Section 368(a) of theCode. EachPartyshalluse commercially reasonable efforts, and shall cause their respectiveSubsidiariestouse commercially reasonable efforts, to cause theMergerto qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of theCode,includingproviding reasonable and customary representations, covenants and certificates requested by legal counsel. Within forty-five (45) days following theEffective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall comply with the reporting requirements of Section 1.6045B-1(a)(2) of the Treasury Regulations. EachPartyshall report the Merger as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of theCodeon its United States federal incomeTax Return, unless otherwise required pursuant to a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of theCode.

1.9     Bank Merger. Following the Merger, Talmer Bank shall merge with and into Chemical Bank (the “Bank Merger”). Chemical Bank shall be the surviving entity in the Bank Merger and shall continue its corporate existence. Following the Bank Merger, the separate corporate existence of Talmer Bank shall cease. The Bank Merger shall be effected pursuant to a subsidiary plan of merger in a form to be mutually agreed upon by the Parties (the “Subsidiary Plan of Merger”). In order to obtain the Regulatory Approvals for the Bank Merger, the Parties shall cause the following to be accomplished prior to the filing of applications for such Regulatory Approvals: (a) Chemical shall cause Chemical Bank to approve the Subsidiary Plan of Merger; (b) Chemical, as the sole shareholder of Chemical Bank, shall approve the Subsidiary Plan of Merger; (c) Chemical shall cause Chemical Bank to duly execute and deliver the Subsidiary Plan of Merger to Talmer; (d) Talmer shall cause Talmer Bank to approve the Subsidiary Plan of Merger; (e) Talmer, as the sole shareholder of Talmer Bank, shall approve the Subsidiary Plan of Merger; and (f) Talmer shall cause Talmer Bank to duly execute and deliver the Subsidiary Plan of Merger to Chemical.

1.10         Directors and Officers. At the Effective Time, (a) the directors of the Surviving Corporation shall be as set forth inSection 6.11(a) until such time as their successors are duly elected and qualified; and (b) the officers of the Surviving Corporation shall be as set forth inSection 6.11(c).

1.11     Name. At the Effective Time, the name of the Surviving Corporation shall be “Chemical Financial Corporation.”

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1.12     Additional Actions. At any time after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation may determine that deeds, assignments, or assurances or any other acts are necessary or desirable to vest, perfect, or confirm, of record or otherwise, in the Surviving Corporation its rights, title, or interest in, to, or under any of the rights, properties, or assets of Chemical and Talmer acquired or to be acquired by the Surviving Corporation as a result of, or in connection with, the Merger, or to otherwise carry out the purposes of this Agreement. Chemical and Talmer grant to the Surviving Corporation an irrevocable power of attorney to execute and deliver all such deeds, assignments, and assurances and to do all acts necessary, proper, or convenient to accomplish this purpose. This irrevocable power of attorney shall only be operative following the Effective Time and at such time the officers and directors of the Surviving Corporation shall be fully authorized in the name of Chemical and Talmer to take any and all such actions contemplated by this Agreement.

1.13     Right to Revise Structure. At Chemical’s election, the Merger may be alternatively structured so that (a) Talmer is merged with and into any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Chemical or (b) any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Chemical is merged with and into Talmer;provided, however, that no such change shall (i) alter or change the amount or kind of the Merger Consideration or the treatment of the holders of Talmer Common Stock; (ii) prevent the Parties from obtaining the opinions of legal counsel referred to inSection 7.2(e) andSection 7.3(e) or otherwise cause the Merger to fail to qualify for the Intended Tax Treatment; or (iii) materially impede or delay consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In the event of such an election, the Parties agree to execute an appropriate amendment to this Agreement (to the extent such amendment only changes the method of effecting the business combination and does not substantively affect this Agreement or the rights and obligations of the Parties or their respective shareholders) in order to reflect such election.

Article II
DELIVERY OFMERGER CONSIDERATION

2.1     Chemicalto Make Shares Available.At or prior to theEffective Time, Chemical shall deposit, or shall cause to be deposited, with Computershare Investor Services, LLC or such other bank or trust company designated by Chemical and reasonably acceptable to Talmer (the “Exchange Agent”), for the benefit of the holders of certificates representing shares of Talmer Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time (“Talmer Certificates,” it being understood that any reference herein to “Talmer Certificate”Certificate shall be deemed to include reference to book-entry account statements relating to the ownership of shares of TalmerTCF Capital Stock or Chemical capital stock, as applicable) previously representing any such shares of TCF Capital Stock shall thereafter represent only the right to receive (i) in the case of TCF Common Stock, and it being further understood that provisions herein relating(A) a Certificate representing the number of whole shares of Chemical Common Stock which such shares of TCF Common Stock represented by such Certificate have been converted into the right to Talmer Certificates shall be interpreted in a manner that appropriately accounts for book-entry shares, including that,receive pursuant toSection 1.5(b), (B) cash in lieu of deliveryfractional shares which the shares of TCF Common Stock represented by such Certificate have been converted into the right to receive pursuant toSection 2.2(f), without any interest thereon, and (C) any dividends or distributions which the holder thereof has the right to receive pursuant toSection 2.2 or (ii) in the case of TCF Preferred Stock, (A) a Certificate representing shares of the applicable series of New Chemical Preferred Stock which such shares of TCF Preferred Stock represented by such Certificate have been converted into the right to pursuant toSection 1.5(a) and (B) any dividends or distributions which the holder thereof has the right to receive pursuant toSection 2.2. Certificates previously representing shares of TCF Capital Stock shall be exchanged for certificates (or, at Chemical’s option, evidence of shares in book-entry form) representing whole shares of Chemical

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Common Stock or New Chemical Preferred Stock (in each case, together with any dividends or distributions with respect thereto and, in the case of TCF Common Stock, cash in lieu of fractional shares issued in consideration therefor) upon the surrender of such Certificates in accordance withSection 2.2, without any interest thereon. If, prior to the Effective Time, the outstanding shares of Chemical Common Stock or TCF Capital Stock shall have been increased, decreased, changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or securities as a result of a Talmer Certificatereorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, or other similar change in capitalization, or there shall be any extraordinary dividend or distribution, an appropriate and a letter of transmittal as specified herein, shares held in book-entry form mayproportionate adjustment shall be transferred by means of an “agent’s message”made to the Exchange AgentRatio.

(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, at the Effective Time, all shares of TCF Common Stock or TCF Preferred Stock that are owned by TCF or Chemical (in each case other than in a fiduciary or agency capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted) shall be cancelled and shall cease to exist and no capital stock of Chemical or other consideration shall be delivered in exchange therefor.

1.6.Treatment of TCF Equity Awards.

(a) Each TCF Equity Award that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, as of the Effective Time, be adjusted so that its holder will be entitled to receive upon vesting of such award a number of shares of Chemical Common Stock (i) equal to the product of (A) the number of shares of TCF Common Stock subject to such TCF Equity Award, as applicable, immediately prior to the Effective Time multiplied by (B) the Exchange Ratio and (ii) rounded, as applicable, to the nearest whole share (with 0.50 being rounded upward), and shall otherwise remain subject to the same terms and conditions (including, without limitation, with respect to vesting conditions (taking into account any vesting upon the occurrence of the Effective Time that is applicable to TCF Equity Awards granted to thenon-employee directors of the Board of Directors of TCF) and cash dividend equivalent rights and other than to reflect that the TCF Performance-Based Awards that become Assumed TCF Equity Awards will be service-based vesting awards with the applicable vesting date to be the last day of the original performance period); provided, however, all Assumed TCF Equity Awards held by a Continuing Employee shall vest in their entirety to the extent such Continuing Employee undergoes a Covered Termination.

(b) Prior to the Effective Time, TCF and the Board of Directors of TCF (or the appropriate committee thereof administering the TCF Equity Plans) shall adopt resolutions and take such other evidenceactions as necessary to effectuate the provisions of transferthisSection 1.6, including without limitation the conversion of the TCF Performance-Based Awards into service-based vesting Assumed TCF Equity Awards.

(c) Chemical shall take such actions as are necessary for the assumption of the TCF Equity Plans and each Assumed TCF Equity Award granted thereunder, including the reservation, issuance and listing of Chemical Common Stock as is necessary to effectuate the foregoing provisions of thisSection 1.6. Within two (2) business days after the Effective Time, Chemical shall prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on an appropriate form, or a post-effective amendment to a registration statement previously filed under the Securities Act (as hereinafter defined), with respect to the shares of Chemical Common Stock subject to each Assumed TCF Equity Award and, where applicable, shall use its reasonable best efforts to have such registration statement declared effective as soon as practicable following the Effective Time and to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement covering such Assumed TCF Equity Award (and to maintain the current status of the prospectus contained therein) for so long as such Assumed TCF Equity Award remains outstanding. From and after the Effective Time, references to TCF in the TCF Equity Plans shall refer instead to Chemical, and references to TCF Common Stock shall refer to Chemical Common Stock.

(d) For purposes of the TCF Performance-Based Awards for which the applicable performance period is not completed prior to the Effective Time and for which performance is achievable at more than one level, the number of shares of TCF Common Stock underlying such TCF Equity Award shall be calculated and fixed as of immediately prior to the Effective Time assuming achievement of the applicable performance conditions at the

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greater of (i) target level performance and (ii) the actual level of achievement of such conditions based on TCF’s performance results through the latest practicable date prior to the Effective Time. For purposes of the TCF Performance-Based Awards for which performance is achievable at a single level, the performance condition shall no longer be relevant as of the Effective Time. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(i) “Assumed TCF Equity Awards” means each TCF Equity Award that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and is converted into an award in respect of Chemical Common Stock in accordance with thisSection 1.6.

(ii) “Chemical Equity Award” means each equity-based award that is granted under the Chemical Stock Plans.

(iii) “Chemical Stock Plans” means the Chemical Stock Incentive Plan of 2017, the Chemical Stock Incentive Plan of 2015, the Talmer Bancorp Equity Incentive Plan of 2015, the Chemical Stock Incentive Plan of 2012, the Amended and Restated Chemical Stock Incentive Plan of 2006, the Chemical Directors’ Deferred Stock Plan, the Chemical Directors Deferred Compensation Plan and each predecessor plan of any of the foregoing.

(iv) “Covered Termination” means a termination of a Continuing Employee’s employment with the Surviving Corporation or its Subsidiaries by the applicable employer without Cause (as defined in the TCF Financial 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan) or by such Continuing Employee with Good Reason (as defined in the TCF Financial 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan), in either case, prior to the second (2nd) anniversary of the Closing Date.

(v) “TCF Equity Awards” means each equity-based award that is granted under the TCF Equity Plans.

(vi) “TCF Equity Plans” means the TCF Financial 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan, the TCF Financial Incentive Stock Program, the Executive, Senior Officer, Winthrop and Directors Deferred Compensation Plans, the TCF Employees Deferred Stock Compensation Plan, the Amended and Restated Directors Stock Grant Program and each predecessor plan of any of the foregoing.

(vii) “TCF Performance-Based Award” means each award of a share of TCF Common Stock that is subject to performance-based vesting, repurchase or other lapse restrictions (including each performance-vesting restricted stock unit or restricted stock award in respect of shares of TCF Common Stock), in each case, that is granted under the TCF Equity Plans and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.

1.7.Chemical Common Stock. At and after the Effective Time, each share of Chemical Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain an issued and outstanding share of common stock of the Surviving Corporation and shall not be affected by the Merger.

1.8.Certificate of Incorporation of Surviving Corporation. At the Effective Time, the Restated Articles of Incorporation of Chemical (the “ChemicalArticles”), as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be amended as set forth inExhibit 2 attached hereto and, as so amended (together with the filing of the terms of the New Chemical Preferred Stock attached hereto asExhibit 1), shall be the Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended in accordance with applicable law.

1.9.Bylaws of Surviving Corporation. At the Effective Time, the Bylaws of Chemical (the “Chemical Bylaws”), as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be amended and restated in their entirety as set forth inExhibit 3 attached hereto and, as so amended and restated, shall be the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended in accordance with applicable law.

1.10.Bank Merger. Immediately following the Merger or at such later time as Chemical and TCF may mutually agree, Chemical Bank (“Chemical Bank”), a Michigan banking corporation and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Chemical, will merge (the “Bank Merger”) with and into TCF National Bank, a national banking

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association and a wholly-owned Subsidiary of TCF (“TCF Bank”). TCF Bank shall be the surviving entity in the Bank Merger and, following the Bank Merger, the separate corporate existence of Chemical Bank shall cease. The Bank Merger shall be implemented pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger, in a form to be mutually agreed upon by the Parties (the “Bank Merger Agreement”). TCF shall cause TCF Bank, and Chemical shall cause Chemical Bank, to execute such certificates of merger and articles of merger and such other agreements, documents and certificates as are necessary to make the Bank Merger effective (“Bank Merger Certificates”) immediately following the Effective Time or at such later time as Chemical and TCF may mutually agree.

ARTICLE II

EXCHANGE OF SHARES

2.1.Chemical to Make Merger Consideration Available. At or prior to the Effective Time, Chemical shall deposit, or shall cause to be deposited, with an exchange agent designated by Chemical and reasonably acceptable to TCF (the “Exchange Agent may reasonably request)”), for the benefit of the holders of Certificates, for exchange in accordance with thisArticle II, (a)certificates or, at Chemical’s option, evidence of shares in book-entrybook entry form (collectively, referred to herein as “certificates”), representing the shares of Chemical Common Stock (collectively, “Chemical Certificates”) to be issued pursuant to this Agreement and exchanged pursuant toSection 2.2(a) in exchange for outstanding sharesholders of TalmerTCF Common Stock and (b) cashthe shares of New Chemical Preferred Stock to be issued to holders of TCF Preferred Stock and, in an amount sufficient to pay (i) the Cash Consideration and (ii)case of TCF Common Stock, cash in lieu of issuing any fractional shares (such cash and certificates for shares of Chemical Certificates described in the foregoing clauses (a)Common Stock and (b),New Chemical Preferred Stock, together with any dividends or distributions with respect thereto, being hereinafter referred to as the “Exchange Fund”)., to be issued pursuant toSection 1.5 and paid pursuant toSection 2.2(b) in exchange for outstanding shares of TCF Capital Stock.

2.2     2.2.Exchange of Shares.

(a) As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, but in no event later than ten (10)five (5) business days thereafter, Chemical shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to (i) each holder of record of one or more Talmer Certificates representing shares of TalmerTCF Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time that have been converted at the Effective Time into the right to receive the Merger Consideration pursuant toArticle ISection 1.5(b), a letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Talmer Certificates shall pass, only upon proper delivery of the Talmer Certificates to the Exchange Agent) and instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the Talmer Certificates in exchange for certificates representing the number of whole shares of Chemical Common Stock, and any cash in lieu of fractional shares, and the Cash Consideration thatwhich the shares of TalmerTCF Common Stock represented by such Talmer Certificate or Talmer Certificates shall have been converted into the right to receive pursuant to this Agreement as well as any dividends or distributions to be paid pursuant toSection 2.2(b). From 2.2(c) and after(ii) each holder of record of one or more Certificates representing shares of TCF Preferred Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time that have been converted at the Effective Time into the right to receive shares of New Chemical Preferred Stock pursuant toSection 1.5(a), a letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall pass, only upon proper delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent) and instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates in exchange for certificates representing the number of shares of New Chemical Preferred Stock, which the shares of TCF Preferred Stock represented by such Certificate or Certificates shall have been converted into the right to receive pursuant to this Agreement as well as any dividends or distributions to be paid pursuant toSection 2.2(c). Upon proper surrender of a Talmer Certificate or Talmer Certificates for exchange and cancellation to the Exchange Agent, together with such properly completed letter of

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transmittal, duly executed, the holder of such Talmer Certificate or Talmer Certificates shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor, as applicable, (i) book-entry sharesa certificate representing that number of whole shares of Chemical Common Stock or that number of shares of New Chemical Preferred Stock, as applicable, to which such holder of TalmerTCF Common Stock or TCF Preferred Stock, as applicable, shall have become entitled pursuant to the provisions ofArticle I and (ii) a check representing the amount of (A) the Cash Consideration which such holder has the right to receive in respect of the Talmer Certificate or Talmer Certificates surrendered pursuant to the provisions of thisArticle II, (B) any cash in lieu of fractional shares which such holder has the right to receive in respect of the Talmer Certificate or Talmer Certificates representing shares of TCF Common Stock surrendered pursuant to the provisions of thisArticle II, and (C)(B) any

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dividends or distributions which the holder thereof has the right to receive pursuant to thisSection 2.2, and the Talmer Certificate or Talmer Certificates so surrendered shall forthwith be cancelled. No interest will be paid or accrued on any cash in lieu of fractional shares, or any dividends or distributions, payable to holders of Certificates. Until surrendered as contemplated by thisSection 2.2, each Talmer Certificate shall be deemed at any time after the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive, upon surrender, the Merger Consideration,number of whole shares of Chemical Common Stock or the number of shares of New Chemical Preferred Stock, as applicable, which the shares of TCF Common Stock or TCF Preferred Stock, as applicable, represented by such Certificate have been converted into the right to receive, and any cash in lieu of fractional shares payable pursuant toSection 2.2(e), and any cashor in respect of dividends or distributions as contemplated by thisSection 2.2.

(b) No dividends or other distributions declared with respect to Chemical Common Stock or New Chemical Preferred Stock shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Talmer Certificate until the holder thereof has surrenderedshall surrender such Talmer Certificate in accordance with thisArticle II. After the surrender of a Talmer Certificate in accordance with thisArticle II, the record holder thereof shall be entitled to receive any such unpaid dividends or other distributions, without any interest thereon, which theretofore had become payable with respect to the whole shares of Chemical Common Stock thator the shares of TalmerNew Chemical Preferred Stock which the shares of TCF Common Stock or TCF Preferred Stock represented by such Talmer Certificate havehad been converted into (i) with a record date and a payment date on or after the Effective Time and on or priorright to the date of such surrender, and (ii) at the appropriate payment date, with a record date on or after the Effective Time but prior to the date of such surrender and a payment date subsequent to the date of such surrender.receive.

(c) If any Chemical Certificatecertificate representing shares of Chemical Common Stock or New Chemical Preferred Stock is to be issued in a name other than that in which the Talmer Certificate or Talmer Certificates surrendered in exchange therefor is or are registered, it shall be a condition toof the issuance thereof that the Talmer Certificate or Talmer Certificates so surrendered shall be properly endorsed (or accompanied by an appropriate instrument of transfer) and otherwise in proper form for transfer, and that the Personperson requesting such exchange shall pay to the Exchange Agent in advance any transfer or other similar taxesTaxes required by reason of the issuance of a Chemical Certificatecertificate representing shares of Chemical Common Stock or New Chemical Preferred Stock, as applicable, in any name other than that of the registered holder of the Talmer Certificate or Talmer Certificates surrendered, or required for any other reason, or shall establish to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such taxTax has been paid or is not payable.

(d) After the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the stock transfer books of TalmerTCF of the shares of Talmer CommonTCF Capital Stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time, Talmer Certificates representing such shares are presented for transfer to the Exchange Agent, they shall be cancelled and exchanged for the Merger Consideration,certificates representing shares of Chemical Common Stock, New Chemical Preferred Stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares and dividends or distributions that the holder presenting such Talmer Certificates is entitled to, as provided in thisArticle II.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no Chemical Certificatescertificates or scrip representing fractional shares of Chemical Common Stock shall be issued upon the surrender for exchange of Talmer Certificates, no dividend or distribution with respect to Chemical Common Stock shall be payable on or with respect to any fractional share, and such fractional share interests shall not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any other rights of a shareholder of Chemical. In lieu of the issuance of any such fractional share, Chemical shall pay to each former shareholderstockholder of TalmerTCF who otherwise would be entitled to receive such fractional share an amount in cash (rounded up to the nearest cent), without any interest thereon, equal to the product of determined by multiplying (i) the average of the closing sale prices of Chemical Common Stock on Nasdaq as reported byThe Wall Street Journal for the five (5) full trading days ending on the trading day preceding the Closing Date (the “Chemical Common Stock Closing Pricemultiplied”) by (ii) the fraction of a share (rounded to the nearest thousandth when expressed in decimal form) of Chemical Common Stock which such holder would otherwise be entitled to receive pursuant toSection 1.4 1.5.

(f) Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains unclaimed by the stockholders of TCF for twelve (12) months after the Effective Time shall be paid to Chemical. Any former holdersstockholder of Talmer Common Stock who haveTCF that has not exchanged their Talmer Certificates pursuant totheretofore complied with thisArticle II shall thereafter look only to the Exchange AgentChemical for payment of the Merger Consideration,shares of Chemical Common Stock, New Chemical Preferred Stock, cash in lieu of fractional shares and any unpaid dividends and distributions on the Chemical Common Stock or New Chemical Preferred Stock, as applicable,

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deliverable in respect of each former share of TalmerTCF Common Stock or TCF Preferred Stock such shareholderformer stockholder holds as determined pursuant to this Agreement, in each case, without any interest thereon. Notwithstanding the foregoing,

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none of Chemical, Talmer,TCF, the Surviving Corporation, the Exchange Agent or any other Personperson shall be liable to any former holder of Talmer Commonshares of TCF Capital Stock for any amount delivered in good faith to a public official pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar laws.

(g) Each of Chemical and the Exchange Agent shall be entitled to deduct and withhold or cause the Exchange Agent to deduct and withhold, from the Merger Consideration, any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Chemical Common Stock, cash dividends or distributions payable pursuant to thisSection 2.2, or any other cash amountsconsideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of Talmer Common Stock such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code or any provision of state, local or foreign Tax Law.law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by Chemical or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be, and paid over to the appropriate governmental authority, the withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of Talmer Common Stockperson in respect of which the deduction and withholding was made by Chemical or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be.made.

(h) In the event any Talmer Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the Personperson claiming such Talmer Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by Chemical, the posting by such Personperson of a bond in such amount as the Exchange Agent would charge other similarly situated holders of Chemical Common Stockmay determine is reasonably necessary as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such Talmer Certificate, the Exchange Agent will issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Talmer Certificate the Merger Consideration,shares of Chemical Common Stock or New Chemical Preferred Stock, as applicable, and any cash in lieu of fractional shares and dividends or distributions deliverable in respect thereof and any dividends or distributions that the holder presenting such Talmer Certificates is entitled to, each as provided pursuant to this Agreement.

ArticleARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OFTALMER TCF

Except (a) as disclosed in the Talmer SECdisclosure schedule delivered by TCF to Chemical concurrently herewith (the “TCF Disclosure Schedule”);provided that (i) no such item is required to be set forth as an exception to a representation or warranty if its absence would not result in the related representation or warranty being deemed untrue or incorrect, (ii) the mere inclusion of an item in the TCF Disclosure Schedule as an exception to a representation or warranty shall not be deemed an admission by TCF that such item represents a material exception or fact, event or circumstance or that such item is reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect on TCF and (iii) any disclosures made with respect to a section ofArticle III shall be deemed to qualify (1) any other section ofArticle III specifically referenced or cross-referenced and (2) other sections ofArticle III to the extent it is reasonably apparent on its face (notwithstanding the absence of a specific cross reference) from a reading of the disclosure that such disclosure applies to such other sections, or (b) as disclosed in any TCF Reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by TCF after January 1, 2018 and prior to the date of this Agreement (excluding anyhereof (but disregarding risk factor disclosures set forthcontained under the heading “Risk Factors,” any disclosureor disclosures of risks includedset forth in any “forward-looking statements” disclaimer or any other statements that are similarlynon-specific or cautionary, predictive or forward-looking statement of risk that does not contain a reasonable level of detail about the risks of which the statement warns) or as disclosed in the disclosure schedules delivered by Talmer to Chemical prior to or concurrently with the execution of this Agreement (the “Talmer Disclosure Schedules”)nature), it being understood and agreed that the disclosure of any item in the Talmer SEC Reports shall be deemed a disclosure only to the extent the relevance of such disclosure to the sections or subsections of thisArticle III is reasonably apparent on the face of such disclosure, TalmerTCF hereby represents and warrants to Chemical that:as follows:

3.1     3.1.Authorization, No Conflicts, EtcCorporate Organization.

(a) Talmer has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, and, subject to receipt of the Talmer Shareholder Approval, to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly adopted, and the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been duly authorized, by the Talmer Board. The Talmer Board has (i) determined that the terms of this Agreement are fair to and in the best interests of Talmer and the Talmer Shareholders, and (ii) adopted this Agreement and authorized the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and resolved to make the Talmer Board Recommendation. Except for the Talmer Shareholder Approval, no other corporate proceedings on the part of Talmer are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the Merger (other than the submission to the Talmer Shareholders of an advisory (non-binding) vote on the compensation that may be paid or become payable to Talmer’s named executive officers that is based on or otherwise related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement). This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by, and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Chemical) constitutes valid and binding obligations of, Talmer and is enforceable against Talmer in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that (A) such enforcement may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws, now or hereafter in effect, relating to creditors’ rights generally and (B) equitable remedies of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.

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(b)     The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement by Talmer and the consummation of the Merger, do not and will not violate, conflict with, or result in a breach of: (i) any provision of the articles of incorporation or bylaws (or similar organizational documents) of Talmer or any Subsidiary of Talmer (each a “Talmer Subsidiary” and collectively, the “Talmer Subsidiaries”); or (ii) any Law or Order applicable to Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary, assuming the timely receipt of each of the approvals referred to inSection 3.1(d).

(c)     The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement by Talmer and the consummation of the Merger do not and will not violate, conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under, or require any consent, approval, waiver, extension, amendment, authorization, notice, or filing under, any cease and desist order, written agreement, memorandum of understanding, board resolutions or other Regulatory Agreement or commitment with or from a Governmental Entity to which Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary is a party or subject, or by which Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary is bound or affected.

(d)     No notice to, filing with, authorization of, exemption by, or consent or approval of, any Governmental Entity is necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by Talmer other than in connection or compliance with the provisions of the MBCA, compliance with federal and state securities laws, and the consents, authorizations, approvals, or exemptions required under the BHC Act and the Michigan Banking Code. Talmer has no Knowledge of any reason why the Regulatory Approvals referred to in thisSection 3.1(d) cannot be obtained or why the regulatory approval process would be materially impeded.

3.2     Organization and Good Standing. TalmerTCF is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Michigan. TalmerDelaware and is a bank holding company duly registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”) under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”). TCF has all requisitethe corporate power and authority to own operate, andor lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted in all material respects. TalmerTCF is a bank holding company duly registered aslicensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and assets owned or leased by it makes such with the Federal Reserve Board under the BHC Act. Talmer is not, and is not required to be, qualifiedlicensing or admitted to conduct business as a foreign corporation in any other state,qualification necessary, except where suchthe failure to be so licensed or qualified has not had, and would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer.

3.3     TCF. As used in this Agreement, the term “SubsidiariesMaterial Adverse Effect.

(a)     Talmer has provided” means, with respect to Chemical, the Surviving Corporation or TCF, as the case may be, a truematerial adverse effect on

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(i) the business, properties, assets, liabilities, results of operations or financial condition of such party and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (provided that, with respect to this clause (i), Material Adverse Effect shall not be deemed to include the impact of (A) changes, after the date hereof, in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) or applicable regulatory accounting requirements, (B) changes, after the date hereof, in laws, rules or regulations of general applicability to companies in the industries in which such party and its Subsidiaries operate, or interpretations thereof by courts or Governmental Entities, (C) changes, after the date hereof, in global, national or regional political conditions (including the outbreak of war or acts of terrorism) or in economic or market (including equity, credit and debt markets, as well as changes in interest rates) conditions affecting the financial services industry generally and not specifically relating to such party or its Subsidiaries, (D) public disclosure of the execution of this Agreement, public disclosure or consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (including any effect on a party’s relationships with its customers or employees) or actions expressly required by this Agreement in contemplation of the transactions contemplated hereby, or (E) a decline in the trading price of a party’s common stock or the failure, in and of itself, to meet earnings projections or internal financial forecasts (it being understood that the underlying cause of such decline or failure may be taken into account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred); except, with respect to subclauses (A), (B) and (C), to the extent that the effects of such change are materially disproportionately adverse to the business, properties, assets, liabilities, results of operations or financial condition of such party and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other companies in the industry in which such party and its Subsidiaries operate) or (ii) the ability of such party to timely consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. As used in this Agreement, the word “Subsidiary” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2(d) of the BHC Act. True and complete listcopies of each Talmer Subsidiarythe Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of TCF (the “TCFCertificate”) and the Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended, of TCF (the “TCF Bylaws”), as in effect as of the date of this Agreement. Other than the Talmer Subsidiaries, Talmer does notAgreement, have “control” (as defined in Section 2(a)(2) of the BHC Act, using five percent (5%) rather than twenty-five percent (25%)), either directly or indirectly, of any Person engaged in an active trade or business or that holds any significant assets. Talmer or a Talmer Subsidiary owns all of the issued and outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of each of the Talmer Subsidiaries, free and clear of any claim or Lien of any kind. There is no legally binding and enforceable subscription, option, warrant, rightpreviously been made available by TCF to acquire, or any other similar agreement pertaining to the capital stock or other equity interests of any Talmer Subsidiary.Chemical.

(b) Each Subsidiary of the Talmer SubsidiariesTCF (a “TCF Subsidiary”) (i) is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization;organization, (ii) is duly qualified to do business and, where such concept is recognized under applicable law, in good standing in all jurisdictions (whether federal, state, local or local)foreign) where its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified;qualified and (iii) has all requisite corporate power and authority to own or lease its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted, except inwith respect to each of clause (ii) and (iii) as has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer.

(c)TCF. There are no restrictions on the ability of any Subsidiary of TCF to pay dividends or distributions except, in the case of a Subsidiary that is a regulated entity, for restrictions on dividends or distributions generally applicable to all such regulated entities. The depositsdeposit accounts of TalmerTCF Bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) through the Deposit Insurance Fund to the fullest extent permitted by Law, andlaw, all premiums and assessments required to be paid in connection therewith have been paid when due. No proceedingdue, and no proceedings for the revocation or termination of such deposit insurance isare pending or tothreatened.Section 3.1(b) of the KnowledgeTCF Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of Talmer, threatened. Talmer and each Talmer Subsidiary has paid as and when due(x) all material fees, charges, assessments, and the like as required by Law to each and every Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over Talmer or each Talmer Subsidiary.

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3.4     Capital Stock.

(a)     The authorized capital stockSubsidiaries of Talmer consists of 198,000,000 shares of Talmer Common Stock, of which,TCF as of the closedate hereof (y) all persons (not including TCF Subsidiaries) in which TCF, together with any TCF Subsidiaries, owns (directly or indirectly) 5% or more of business on January 21, 2016 (the “Capitalization Date”), 66,129,873 shares were issueda class of voting securities and outstanding, 2,000,000 shares(z) any “covered fund” (as defined in 12 C.F.R. §248.10(b)) in which TCF, together with any TCF Subsidiaries, owns (directly or indirectly) any interest. The organizational documents of Class B Non-Voting Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share (the “Talmer Class B Common Stock”), of which,each TCF Subsidiary as of the Capitalization Date, no shares were issued and outstanding, and 20,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per share (the “Talmer Preferred Stock”), of which, as of the Capitalization Date, no shares were issued and outstanding. Except for the Talmer Share-Based Awards,in effect as of the date of this Agreement there is no security or class of securities outstanding that represents, is convertible into, or is exercisable forhave previously been made available by TCF to Chemical.

3.2.Capitalization.

(a) The authorized capital stock of Talmer.

(b)     Section 3.4(b)TCF consists of the Talmer Disclosure Schedules sets forth, as of the date of this Agreement, the number of280,000,000 shares of TalmerTCF Common Stock that are authorized and 30,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. As of January 23, 2019, there were (i) 163,878,437 shares of TCF Common Stock issued and outstanding, (ii) 9,635,099 shares of TCF Common Stock held in treasury, (iii) 250,566 shares of TCF Common Stock reserved for issuance under each Talmer Stock Plan,upon the settlement of outstanding restricted stock unit awards (assuming achievement of any applicable performance goals at the target level) and the number ofan additional 125,287 shares of TalmerTCF Common Stock that are subjectassuming achievement of any applicable

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performance goals at the maximum level, (iv) 2,029,144 shares of restricted TCF Common Stock issued pursuant to the TCF Benefit Plans, (v) 4,769,322 shares of TCF Common Stock reserved in the aggregate for issuance pursuant to future grants under TCF Benefit Plans, (vi) 7,000,000 shares of TCF Preferred Stock issued and outstanding, Talmerand (vii) no other shares of capital stock or other voting securities of TCF issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding. Since January 23, 2019 to the date hereof, TCF has not issued or become obligated to issue any TCF Common Stock Optionsor TCF Preferred Stock other than pursuant to the exercise of TCF Equity Awards previously granted. All of the issued and Talmeroutstanding shares of TCF Common Stock Awards (collectively, “Talmer Share-Based Awards”) issued under a Talmer Stock Plan. All Talmer Share-Based Awards have been awarded under a Talmer Stock Plan,duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof. There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness that have the right to vote on any matters on which stockholders of TCF may vote. No trust preferred or subordinated debt securities of TCF are issued or outstanding. Other than TCF Equity Awards, as of the date of this Agreement there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, puts, calls, rights, exchangeable or convertible securities or other compensatory awards outstanding pursuantcommitments or agreements obligating TCF to which Talmerissue, transfer, sell, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, any such securities. There are no voting trusts, shareholder agreements, proxies or other agreements in effect with respect to the voting or transfer of the TCF Common Stock has been issued or is issuable, or that relate to or are determined by reference to the valueother equity interests of Talmer Common Stock. All outstandingTCF. No Subsidiary of TCF owns any shares of Talmer Common Stock, andcapital stock of TCF.

(b) TCF owns, directly or indirectly, all Talmer Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Talmer Stock Plans when issued in accordance with the respective terms of the Talmer Stock Plans, are or will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and not issued in violation of any preemptive rights, purchase option, call or right of first refusal rights.

(c)     After the date of this Agreement, the number of issued and outstanding shares of Talmer Common Stock, Talmer Class B Common Stock, and Talmer Preferred Stock is not subject to change before the Effective Time, other than the issuance of shares of Talmer Common Stock upon the exercise of any Talmer Stock Options granted pursuant to a Talmer Stock Plan prior to the date of this Agreement.

(d)     Other than the issued and outstanding shares of Talmer Common Stock described incapital stock or other equity ownership interests of each of the TCF Subsidiaries, free and clear of any liens, pledges, charges, encumbrances and security interests whatsoever (“Section 3.4(a)Liens”), neither Talmer nor any Talmerand all of such shares or equity ownership interests are duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable (except, with respect to TCF Bank, as provided under 12 U.S.C. § 55) and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof. No TCF Subsidiary has or is bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or agreements of any character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary or issue ofany securities the holder or holders of which haverepresenting the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary.

(c)Section 3.2(c) of the TCF Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all TCF Equity Awards outstanding as of the date hereof specifying, on aholder-by-holder basis, (i) the name of each holder, (ii) the number of shares subject to each such TCF Equity Award, (iii) the type of award (time or performance vesting; restricted stock or restricted stock units); (iv) grant date of each such TCF Equity Award, and (v) the vesting schedule, if applicable, of each such TCF Equity Award.

3.3.Authority; No Violation.

(a) TCF has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and, subject to the stockholder and other actions described below, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger and the Bank Merger have been duly and validly approved by the Board of Directors of TCF. The Board of Directors of TCF has determined that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, are in the best interests of TCF and its stockholders, has declared it advisable and has directed that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby be submitted to TCF’s stockholders for adoption at a meeting of such stockholders and has adopted a resolution to the foregoing effect. Except for the adoption of this Agreement by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of TCF Common Stock (the “Requisite TCF Vote”), and the adoption and approval of the Bank Merger Agreement by TCF as TCF Bank’s sole shareholder, no other corporate proceedings on the part of TCF are necessary to approve this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (other than the submission to the stockholders of TCF of an advisory(non-binding)vote on the compensation that may be paid or become payable to TCF’s named executive officers that is based on or otherwise related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement). This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by TCF and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Chemical) constitutes a valid and binding obligation of TCF, enforceable against TCF in accordance with its terms (except in all cases as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium,

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reorganization or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and the availability of equitable remedies (the “Enforceability Exceptions”)). No appraisal rights are or will be available to any holder of TCF Capital Stock under the DGCL in connection with the Merger.

(b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by TCF nor the consummation by TCF of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger and the Bank Merger, nor compliance by TCF with any of the terms or provisions hereof, will (i) violate any provision of the TCF Certificate or the TCF Bylaws (or the organizational documents of any Subsidiary of TCF) or (ii) assuming that the consents and approvals referred to inSection 3.4 are duly obtained, (x) violate any statute, code, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ, decree or injunction applicable to TCF or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets or (y) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, result in the termination of or a right of termination or cancellation under, accelerate the performance required by, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the respective properties or assets of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which TCF or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, or by which they or any of their respective properties or assets may be bound, except (in the case of clause (y) above) for such violations, conflicts, breaches, defaults, terminations, cancellations, accelerations or creations which, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on TCF.

3.4.Consents and Approvals. Except for (a) the filing of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange, (b) the filing of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with the Federal Reserve Board in connection with the Merger and approval or waiver of such applications, filings and notices, (c) the filing of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) in connection with the Bank Merger and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (d) the filing of any required applications, filings or notices with any state banking authorities listed onSection 3.4 of the TCF Disclosure Schedule orSection 4.4 of the Chemical Disclosure Schedule and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (e) the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) of a joint proxy statement in definitive form relating to the meetings of TCF’s stockholders and Chemical’s shareholders to be held in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including any amendments or supplements thereto, the “Joint Proxy Statement”), and of the registration statement onForm S-4 in which the Joint Proxy Statement will be included as a prospectus, to be filed with the SEC by Chemical in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “S-4”) and declaration by the SEC of the effectiveness of theS-4, (f) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Delaware Secretary pursuant to the DGCL and the Michigan DLRA pursuant to the MBCA, and the filing of the Bank Merger Certificates, (g) such filings and approvals as are required to be made or obtained under the securities or “Blue Sky” laws of various states in connection with the issuance of the shares of Chemical Common Stock and New Chemical Preferred Stock (or depositary shares in respect thereof) pursuant to this Agreement and (h) the approval of the Mergerlisting of such Chemical Common Stock and New Chemical Preferred Stock (or depositary shares in respect thereof) on Nasdaq, no consents or approvals of or filings or registrations with any court, administrative agency or commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality or SRO (each a “Governmental Entity”) are necessary in connection with (i) the execution and delivery by TCF of this Agreement or that entitle(ii) the holder or holders to consent to, or withhold consent on,consummation by TCF of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby (including the Bank Merger). As of the date hereof, TCF has no knowledge of any reason why the necessary regulatory approvals and consents will not be received in order to permit consummation of the Merger and the Bank Merger on a timely basis.

3.5.Reports.

(a) TCF and each of its Subsidiaries have timely filed all reports, registrations and statements, together with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that they were required to file since January 1, 2015 with (i) any state regulatory authority, (ii) the SEC, (iii) the Federal Reserve Board, (iv) the FDIC, (v) the Office

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of the Comptroller of the Currency, (vi) any foreign regulatory authority and (vii) any self-regulatory organization (an “SRO”) ((i) — (vii), collectively, the “Regulatory Agencies”), including, without limitation, any report, registration or this Agreement.

(e)     No Talmer Shareholder willstatement required to be entitled to appraisal rightsfiled pursuant to the MBCA as a resultlaws, rules or regulations of the consummationUnited States, any state, any foreign entity, or any Regulatory Agency, and have paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith, except where the failure to file such report, registration or statement or to pay such fees and assessments, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on TCF. Except for normal examinations conducted by a Regulatory Agency in the ordinary course of business of TCF and its Subsidiaries, (i) no Regulatory Agency has initiated or has pending any proceeding or, to the knowledge of TCF, investigation into the business or operations of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries since January 1, 2015, (ii) there is no unresolved violation, criticism, or exception by any Regulatory Agency with respect to any report or statement relating to any examinations or inspections of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries and (iii) there has been no formal or informal inquiries by, or disagreements or disputes with, any Regulatory Agency with respect to the business, operations, policies or procedures of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries since January 1, 2015, in each case of clauses (i) through (iii), which would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on TCF.

(b) An accurate copy of each final registration statement, prospectus, report, schedule and definitive proxy statement filed with or furnished to the SEC by TCF since January 1, 2015 pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act (the “TCF Reports”) has been made publicly available. No such TCF Report, as of the Merger.

3.5     Financial Statements.

(a)     The consolidated financialdate thereof (and, in the case of registration statements and proxy statements, on the dates of Talmereffectiveness and the dates of the relevant meetings, respectively), contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, except that information filed or furnished as of and for each of the three (3) years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, as reported on by Talmer’s independent accountants, and the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Talmer as of and for each quarter in 2015 endeda later date (but before the date of this Agreement, includingAgreement) shall be deemed to modify information as of an earlier date. Since January 1, 2015, as of their respective dates, all schedules and notes relating to such statements, as previously delivered to Chemical (collectively, “Talmer Financial Statements”), fairly present,TCF Reports filed under the Securities Act and the unaudited consolidated financial statementsExchange Act complied in all material respects with the published rules and regulations of Talmer asthe SEC with respect thereto. As of and for each quarter ending after the date of this Agreement, untilno executive officer of TCF has failed in any respect to make the Effective Time, includingcertifications required of him or her under Section 302 or 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”). As of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding comments from or unresolved issues raised by the SEC with respect to any of the TCF Reports.

3.6.Financial Statements.

(a) The financial statements of TCF and its Subsidiaries included (or incorporated by reference) in the TCF Reports (including the related notes, where applicable) (i) have been prepared from, and are in accordance with, the books and records of TCF and its Subsidiaries in all schedules and notes relating to such statements, willmaterial respects, (ii) fairly present in all material respects the financial condition and theconsolidated results of operations, cash flows, changes in shareholders’stockholders’ equity and cash flowsconsolidated financial position of TalmerTCF and its Subsidiaries for the respective fiscal periods or as of the respective dates therein set forth (subject in the case of unaudited statements toyear-end audit adjustments normal in nature and foramount), (iii) complied, as of their respective dates of filing with the periods referred toSEC, in such financial statements, all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, and (iv) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied subject,during the periods involved, except, in each case, as indicated in such statements or in the casenotes thereto. The books and records of unaudited interimTCF and its Subsidiaries have been, and are being, maintained in all material respects in accordance with GAAP and any other applicable legal and accounting requirements and reflect only actual transactions. KPMG LLP has not resigned (or informed TCF that it intends to resign) or been dismissed as independent public accountants of TCF as a result of or in connection with any disagreements with TCF on a matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statements,statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure.

(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to normal, recurring year-end adjustmentshave, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on TCF, neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries has any liability (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due) required by GAAP to be included on a consolidated

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balance sheet of TCF, except for those liabilities that are reflected or reserved against on the consolidated balance sheet of TCF included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (including any notes thereto) and for liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since December 31, 2017, or in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

(c) The records, systems, controls, data and information of TCF and its Subsidiaries are recorded, stored, maintained and operated under means (including any electronic, mechanical or photographic process, whether computerized or not) that are under the exclusive ownership and direct control of TCF or its Subsidiaries or accountants (including all means of access thereto and therefrom), except for anynon-exclusive ownership andnon-direct control that, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on TCF. TCF (i) has implemented and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined inRule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act”)) to ensure that material information relating to TCF, including its Subsidiaries, is made known to the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer of TCF by others within those entities as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and to make the certifications required by the Exchange Act and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and (ii) has disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation prior to the date hereof, to TCF’s outside auditors and the audit committee of TCF’s Board of Directors (A) any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting (as defined inRule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act) which are reasonably likely to adversely affect TCF’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information, and (B) to the knowledge of TCF, any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in TCF’s internal controls over financial reporting. To the knowledge of TCF, there is no reason to believe that TCF’s outside auditors and its chief executive officer and chief financial officer will not be able to give the certifications and attestations required pursuant to the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, without qualification, when next due.

(d) Since January 1, 2015, (i) except as disclosed in the TCF Reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by TCF since January 1, 2015, neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of TCF, any director, officer, auditor, accountant or representative of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries, has received or otherwise had or obtained knowledge of any material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim, whether written or oral, regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods (including with respect to loan loss reserves, write-downs, charge-offs and accruals) of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective internal accounting controls, including any material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that TCF or any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices, and (ii) no attorney representing TCF or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or not employed by TCF or any of its Subsidiaries, has reported evidence of a material violation of securities laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by TCF or any of its officers, directors, employees or agents to the Board of Directors of TCF or any committee thereof or to the knowledge of TCF, to any director or officer of TCF.

3.7.Brokers Fees. With the exception of the engagement of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and SenaHill Securities, LLC (for whom Tod Perkins, registered representative of SenaHill Securities, LLC provided all services through Perkins Advisors, LLC), neither TCF nor any TCF Subsidiary nor any of their respective officers or directors has employed any broker, finder or financial advisor or incurred any liability for any broker’s fees, commissions or finder’s fees in connection with the Merger or related transactions contemplated by this Agreement. TCF has disclosed to Chemical as of the date hereof the aggregate fees provided for in connection with the engagement by TCF of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Perkins Advisors, LLC related to the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby.

3.8.Absence of Certain Changes or Events.

(a) Since December 31, 2017, no event or events have occurred that have had or would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on TCF.

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(b) Except as set forth onSection 3.8(b) of the TCF Disclosure Schedule, and in connection with matters related to this Agreement, since December 31, 2017 through the date of this Agreement, TCF and its Subsidiaries have carried on their respective businesses in all material respects in the ordinary course consistent with past practice.

3.9.Legal Proceedings.

(a) Neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any, and there are no pending or, to TCF’s knowledge, threatened, legal, administrative, arbitral or other proceedings, claims, actions or governmental or regulatory investigations of any nature against TCF or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their current or former directors or executive officers that (i) if adversely determined, would, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably likely to result in a material restriction on TCF or any of its Subsidiaries’ businesses or (ii) would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on TCF.

(b) There is no injunction, order, judgment, decree or regulatory restriction imposed upon TCF, any of its Subsidiaries or the assets of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries (or that, upon consummation of the Merger, would apply to Chemical or any of its affiliates) that (i) would, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably likely to result in a material restriction on TCF or any of its Subsidiaries’ businesses or (ii) would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on TCF.

3.10.Taxes and Tax Returns.

(a) Each of TCF and its Subsidiaries has duly and timely filed (taking into account all applicable extensions) all material Tax Returns in all jurisdictions in which Tax Returns are required to be filed by it, and all such Tax Returns are true, correct and complete in all material respects. Neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries is the beneficiary of any extension of time within which to file any material Tax Return (other than extensions to file Tax Returns obtained in the ordinary course). All material Taxes of TCF and its Subsidiaries (whether or not shown on any Tax Returns) that are due have been fully and timely paid. Each of TCF and its Subsidiaries has withheld and paid all material Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee, creditor, stockholder, independent contractor or other third party. Neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries has granted any extension or waiver of the limitation period applicable to any material Tax that remains in effect. Except as set forth onSection 3.10(a) of the TCF Disclosure Schedule, the federal income Tax Returns of TCF and its Subsidiaries for all years to and including 2017 have been examined by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) or are Tax Returns with respect to which the applicable period for assessment under applicable law, after giving effect to extensions or waivers, has expired. Neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice of assessment or proposed assessment in connection with any material amount of Taxes, and there are no threatened (in writing) or pending disputes, claims, audits, examinations or other proceedings regarding any material Tax of TCF and its Subsidiaries or the assets of TCF and its Subsidiaries. TCF has made available to Chemical true and complete copies of any private letter ruling requests, closing agreements or gain recognition agreements with respect to Taxes requested or executed in the last six (6) years. Neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or is bound by any Tax sharing, allocation or indemnification agreement or arrangement (other than such an agreement or arrangement exclusively between or among TCF and its Subsidiaries). Neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) has been a member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated federal income Tax Return (other than a group the common parent of which is or was TCF) or (ii) has any liability for the Taxes of any person (other than TCF or any of its Subsidiaries) under Treasury RegulationSection 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law), as a transferee or successor, by contract or otherwise. Neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries has been, within the past two (2) years or otherwise as part of a “plan (or series of related transactions)” within the meaning of Section 355(e) of the Code of which the Merger is also a part, a “distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation” (within the meaning of Section 355(a)(1)(A) of the Code) in a distribution of stock intending to qualify fortax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code. Neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries has participated in a “reportable transaction” within the meaning of Treasury Regulationsection 1.6011-4(b)(1). At no time during the past five (5) years has TCF been a United States real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code.

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(b) As used in this Agreement, the term “Tax” or “Taxes” means all federal, state, local, and foreign income, excise, gross receipts, ad valorem, profits, gains, property, capital, sales, transfer, use, license, payroll, employment, social security, severance, unemployment, withholding, duties, excise, windfall profits, intangibles, franchise, backup withholding, value added, alternative oradd-on minimum, estimated and other taxes, charges, levies or like assessments together with all penalties and additions to tax and interest thereon.

(c) As used in this Agreement, the term “Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof, supplied or required to be supplied to a Governmental Entity.

3.11.Employees and Employee Benefit Plans.

(a)Section 3.11(a) of the TCF Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all material TCF Benefit Plans. For purposes of this Agreement, “TCF Benefit Plans” means all employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”)), whether or not subject to ERISA, and all stock option, stock purchase, restricted stock, incentive, deferred compensation, retiree medical or life insurance, supplemental retirement, retention, bonus, employment, change in control, termination or severance plans, programs, agreements or arrangements that are maintained, contributed to or sponsored or maintained by, or required to be contributed to, TCF or any of its Subsidiaries for the benefit of any current or former employee, officer or director of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries, excluding, in each case, any Multiemployer Plan.

(b) TCF has heretofore made available to Chemical true and complete copies of (i) each material TCF Benefit Plan, including any amendments thereto and all related trust documents, insurance contracts or other funding vehicles, and (ii) to the extent applicable, (A) the most recent summary plan description required under ERISA with respect to such TCF Benefit Plan, (B) the most recent annual report (Form 5500) filed with the IRS, (C) the most recently received IRS determination letter relating to such TCF Benefit Plan, (D) the most recently prepared actuarial report for each TCF Benefit Plan, and (E) all material correspondence to or from any Governmental Entity received in the last three (3) years with respect to each TCF Benefit Plan.

(c) Each TCF Benefit Plan has been established, operated and administered in accordance with its terms and the requirements of all applicable laws, including ERISA and the Code, except for such noncompliance that has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer)TCF.

(d)Section 3.11(d) of the TCF Disclosure Schedule identifies each TCF Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code (the “TCF Qualified Plans”). The IRS has issued a favorable determination letter with respect to each TCF Qualified Plan and the absencerelated trust, and, to the knowledge of notes (that, if presented,TCF, there are no existing circumstances and no events have occurred that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the qualified status of any TCF Qualified Plan or the related trust.

(e) No TCF Benefit Plan is subject to Section 302 or Title IV of ERISA or Section 412, 430 or 4971 of the Code. During the immediately preceding six (6) years, no Controlled Group Liability has been incurred by TCF or its ERISA Affiliates that has not been satisfied in full, and, to the knowledge of TCF, no condition exists that presents a material risk to TCF or its ERISA Affiliates of incurring any such liability, except as, either individually or in the aggregate, would not differ materially from those reasonably be expected to result in material liability to TCF and its Subsidiaries. For purposes of this Agreement, “Controlled Group Liability” means any and all liabilities (i) under Title IV of ERISA, (ii) under Section 302 of ERISA, (iii) under Sections 412 and 4971 of the Code, or (iv) as a result of a failure to comply with the continuing coverage requirements of Section 601et. seq.of ERISA and Section 4980B of the Code. For purposes of this Agreement, “ERISA Affiliate” means, with respect to any entity, trade or business, any other entity, trade or business that is, or was at the relevant time, a member of a group described in Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001(b)(1) of ERISA that includes or

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included the first entity, trade or business, or that is, or was at the relevant time, a member of the same “controlled group” as the first entity, trade or business pursuant to Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA.

(f) None of TCF, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates has, at any time during the last six (6) years, contributed to or been obligated to contribute to any plan that is a “multiemployer plan” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA (a “Multiemployer Plan”) or a plan that has two or more contributing sponsors, at least two of whom are not under common control, within the meaning of Section 4063 of ERISA (a “Multiple Employer Plan”).

(g) Except as set forth onSection 3.11(g) of the TCF Disclosure Schedule, neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries sponsors any employee benefit plan that provides for any post-employment or post-retirement health or medical or life insurance benefits for retired or former employees or their beneficiaries or dependents, except as required by Section 4980B of the Code.

(h) All contributions required to be made to any TCF Benefit Plan by applicable law or by any plan document, and all premiums due or payable with respect to insurance policies funding any TCF Benefit Plan, for any period through the date hereof, have been timely made or paid in Talmer Financial Statements). No financial statementsfull or, to the extent not required to be made or paid on or before the date hereof, have been fully reflected on the books and records of TCF, except as, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in any liability that would be material to TCF and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

(i) There are no pending or threatened claims (other than claims for benefits in the ordinary course), lawsuits or arbitrations that have been asserted or instituted, and, to the knowledge of TCF, no set of circumstances exists that may reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim or lawsuit, against the TCF Benefit Plans, any fiduciaries thereof with respect to their duties to the TCF Benefit Plans or the assets of any entityof the trusts under any of the TCF Benefit Plans, except as, either individually or enterprise other than the Talmer Subsidiaries are required by GAAP to be included in the consolidated financial statementsaggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in any liability that would be material to TCF and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

(j) Neither the execution and delivery of Talmer.this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (either alone or in conjunction with any other event) (i) result in, cause the vesting, exercisability or delivery of, cause TCF or any of its Subsidiaries to transfer or set aside any assets to fund any benefits under any TCF Benefit Plan, (ii) increase in the amount or value of, any payment, right or other benefit to any employee or director of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iii) result in any limitation on the right of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries to amend, merge, terminate or receive a reversion of assets from any TCF Benefit Plan or related trust. No amount paid or payable (whether in cash, in property, or in the form of benefits) by TCF or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby (either solely as a result thereof or as a result of such transactions in conjunction with any other event) will be an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code.

(b)     The following reports (including(k) Neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any plan, program, agreement or arrangement that provides for thegross-up or reimbursement of Taxes imposed under Section 409A or 4999 of the Code (or any corresponding provisions of state or local law relating to Tax).

(l) There are no pending or, to the knowledge of TCF, threatened material labor grievances or material unfair labor practice claims or charges against TCF or any of its Subsidiaries, or any strikes or other material labor disputes against TCF or any of its Subsidiaries. Neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to or bound by any collective bargaining or similar agreement with any labor organization, or work rules or practices agreed to with any labor organization or employee association applicable to employees of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of TCF, there are no organizing efforts by any union or other group seeking to represent any employees of TCF and its Subsidiaries.

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3.12.Compliance with Applicable Law.

(a) TCF and each of its Subsidiaries hold, and have held at all related schedules, notes,times since January 1, 2015, all licenses, franchises, permits and exhibits) were preparedauthorizations necessary for the lawful conduct of their respective businesses and filedownership of their respective properties, rights and assets under and pursuant to each (and have paid all fees and assessments due and payable in conformity with applicable regulatory requirementsconnection therewith), except where neither the cost of failure to hold nor the cost of obtaining and were correctholding such license, franchise, permit or authorization (nor the failure to pay any fees or assessments) would, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on TCF, and, completeto the knowledge of TCF, no suspension or cancellation of any such necessary license, franchise, permit or authorization is threatened. TCF and each of its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects when filed:with and are not in material default or violation under any applicable law, statute, order, rule, regulation, policy and/or guideline of any Governmental Entity relating to TCF or any of its Subsidiaries, including without limitation all laws related to data protection or privacy, the USA PATRIOT Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B, the Fair Housing Act, the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (the “CRA”), the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, any regulations promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Interagency Policy Statement on Retail Sales of Nondeposit Investment Products, the SAFE Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Regulation X, and any other law relating to bank secrecy, discriminatory lending, financing or leasing practices, money laundering prevention, Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and all agency requirements relating to the origination, sale and servicing of mortgage and consumer loans. TCF Bank is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the CRA and has received a CRA rating of “satisfactory” or better in its most recently completed CRA examination. Except as would not reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on TCF, none of TCF, or its Subsidiaries, or to the knowledge of TCF, any director, officer, employee, agent or other person acting on behalf of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries has, directly or indirectly, (a) used any funds of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries for unlawful contributions, unlawful gifts, unlawful entertainment or other expenses relating to political activity, (b) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic governmental officials or employees or to foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns from funds of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries, (c) violated any provision that would result in the violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or any similar law, (d) established or maintained any unlawful fund of monies or other assets of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries, (e) made any fraudulent entry on the books or records of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries, or (f) made any unlawful bribe, unlawful rebate, unlawful payoff, unlawful influence payment, unlawful kickback or other unlawful payment to any person, private or public, regardless of form, whether in money, property or services, to obtain favorable treatment in securing business to obtain special concessions for TCF or any of its Subsidiaries, to pay for favorable treatment for business secured or to pay for special concessions already obtained for TCF or any of its Subsidiaries, or is currently subject to any United States sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Treasury Department. TCF and its Subsidiaries have established and maintain a system of internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurances regarding compliance in all material respects by TCF and its Subsidiaries with the foregoing.

(b) TCF and its Subsidiaries are and since January 1, 2015 have been conducting operations at all times in compliance in all material respects with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of all money-laundering laws administered or enforced by any Governmental Entity (collectively, “Anti-Money Laundering Laws”) in jurisdictions where TCF and its Subsidiaries conduct business. TCF and its Subsidiaries have established and maintain a system of internal controls designed to ensure compliance in all material respects by TCF and its Subsidiaries with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Anti-Money Laundering Laws in jurisdictions where TCF and its Subsidiaries conduct business.

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(c) TCF and each of its Subsidiaries has properly administered in all material respects all accounts for which it acts as a fiduciary, including accounts for which it serves as a trustee, agent, custodian, personal representative,

 

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guardian, conservator or investment advisor, in accordance with the terms of the governing documents and applicable law. None of TCF, any of its Subsidiaries, or any director, officer or employee of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries, has committed any material breach of trust or fiduciary duty with respect to any such fiduciary account, and all the accountings for each such fiduciary account are true and correct and accurately reflect the assets of such fiduciary account, in each case in all material respects.

3.13.Certain Contracts.

(a) Except as set forth inSection 3.13(a) of the TCF Disclosure Schedule, as of the date hereof, neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any contract, arrangement, commitment or understanding (whether written or oral) (i) The Consolidated Reportswhich is a “material contract” (as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of ConditionRegulationS-K of the SEC), (ii) which contains a provision that limits (or purports to limit) in any material respect the ability of TCF (or after the Merger, the ability of Chemical and Income (Form FFIEC 041) of each Talmer Subsidiary requiredits Subsidiaries) to file such reportsengage or compete in any business (including geographic restrictions and exclusive or preferential arrangements), (iii) with or to a labor union or guild (including any amendments)collective bargaining agreement), (iv) which (other than extensions of credit, other customary banking products offered by TCF or its Subsidiaries, or derivatives issued or entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) creates future payment obligations in excess of $500,000 annually and that by its terms does not terminate or is not terminable without penalty upon notice of 60 days or less, (v) that grants any material right of first refusal, right of first offer or similar right with respect to any material assets, rights or properties of TCF or its Subsidiaries, taken as of and for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and as of and for each of the first, second and third quarter of 2015 as fileda whole, (vi) which is a merger agreement, asset purchase agreement, stock purchase agreement, deposit assumption agreement, loss sharing agreement or other commitment to a Regulatory Agency in connection with the FDIC; and

(ii)     The Consolidated Financial Statements for Bank Holding Companies (Form FR Y-9C) and Parent Company Only Financial Statements for Large Bank Holding Companies (Form FR Y-9LP) (including any amendments) for Talmer asacquisition of and for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and as of and for each quarter endeda depository institution, or similar agreement that has indemnification, earnout or other obligations that continue in 2015 beforeeffect after the date of this Agreement that are material to TCF and its Subsidiaries, taken as filed with the Federal Reserve Board. All of such reports requireda whole, or (vii) that provides for contractual indemnification to be filed prior to the Effective Time by Talmerany director, officer or any Talmer Subsidiary will be prepared and filed in conformity with applicable regulatory requirements applied consistently throughout their respective periods (except as otherwise noted in such reports) and will be correct and complete in all material respects when filed. Allemployee. Each contract, arrangement, commitment or understanding of the reports identifiedtype described in thisSection 3.5(b) 3.13(a) are collectively(excluding any TCF Benefit Plan), whether or not set forth in the TCF Disclosure Schedule, is referred to herein as a “TCF Contract,” and neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries knows of, or to its knowledge has received notice of, any violation of the Talmer Call Reports.”

3.6     Absenceabove by any of Certain Changes or Events. Since September 30, 2015, (a) Talmer and the Talmer Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses in the ordinary course consistent with past practice and (b) no event has occurred that has had, orother parties thereto which would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer.TCF. The summary set forth inSection 3.13(a)(iv) of the TCF Disclosure Schedule does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the summary not misleading.

3.7     Legal Proceedings. There(b) In each case, except as, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on TCF, (i) each TCF Contract is valid and binding on TCF or one of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, and in full force and effect, (ii) TCF and each of its Subsidiaries has in all material respects performed all obligations required to be performed by it to date under each TCF Contract, (iii) to TCF’s knowledge each third-party counterparty to each TCF Contract has in all material respects performed all obligations required to be performed by it to date under such TCF Contract, and (iv) to TCF’s knowledge, no Action pendingevent or tocondition exists which constitutes or, after notice or lapse of time or both, will constitute, a material default on the Knowledgepart of Talmer, threatened against TalmerTCF or any of its Subsidiaries under any such TCF Contract.

3.14.Agreements with Regulatory Agencies. Neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to anycease-and-desist or other order or enforcement action issued by, or is a party to any written agreement, consent agreement or memorandum of understanding with, or is a party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking to, or is subject to any order or directive by, or has been ordered to pay any civil money penalty by, or has been since January 1, 2015, a recipient of any supervisory letter from, or since January 1, 2015, has adopted any policies, procedures or board resolutions at the Talmer Subsidiarieswritten request of any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity that (a) ascurrently restricts in any material respect the conduct of the date of this Agreement, challengesits business or seeksthat in any material manner relates to enjoin, alter, preventits capital adequacy, its ability to pay dividends, its credit or materially delay the Mergerrisk management policies, its management or (b) has had, orits business and which would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer. There is no material unsatisfied judgment, penaltyTCF (each, whether or award against Talmernot set forth in the TCF Disclosure Schedule, a “TCF

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Regulatory Agreement”), nor has TCF or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries. Neither Talmer norits Subsidiaries been advised in writing, or to TCF’s knowledge, orally, since January 1, 2015, by any of the Talmer Subsidiaries, nor any of their respective propertiesRegulatory Agency or assets, is subject to any Order or any investigation by aother Governmental Entity that has had,it is considering issuing, initiating, ordering, or requesting any such TCF Regulatory Agreement.

3.15.Risk Management Instruments. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer. No officer or directorTCF, all interest rate swaps, caps, floors, option agreements, futures and forward contracts and other similar derivative transactions and risk management arrangements, whether entered into for the account of Talmer orTCF, any of its Subsidiaries or for the Talmeraccount of a customer of TCF or one of its Subsidiaries, is a defendantwere entered into in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with applicable rules, regulations and policies of any Action commencedRegulatory Agency and with counterparties believed to be financially responsible at the time and are legal, valid and binding obligations of TCF or one of its Subsidiaries enforceable in accordance with their terms (except as may be limited by any shareholder of Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries with respect to the performance of his or her duties as an officer or a director of Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries under any applicable Law, except for any Action arising out of or relating to the MergerEnforceability Exceptions), and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

3.8     Regulatory Filings. In the last three (3) years:

(a)     Talmerare in full force and effect. TCF and each Talmer Subsidiary has filed in a timely manner all filings with Governmental Entities as required by applicable Law; and

(b)     All such filings, as of their respective filing dates, compliedits Subsidiaries have duly performed in all material respects with all Laws, forms,of their material obligations thereunder to the extent that such obligations to perform have accrued, and, guidelines applicable to TCF’s knowledge, there are no material breaches, violations or defaults or allegations or assertions of such filings.by any party thereunder.

3.9     3.16.No Indemnification ClaimsEnvironmental Matters. To the Knowledge of Talmer, there has been no event, action, or omission by or with respect to any director, officer, employee, trustee, agent, or other Person who may be entitled to receive indemnification or reimbursement of any claim, loss, or expense under any Contract or arrangement providing for indemnification or reimbursement of any such Person by Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary.

3.10     Conduct of Business. Talmer and each Talmer Subsidiary has conducted its business and used its properties in compliance with all applicable Laws, including without limitation applicable federal and state laws and regulations concerning banking, securities, truth-in-lending, truth-in-savings, mortgage origination and servicing, usury, fair credit reporting, consumer protection, occupational safety, fair lending, civil rights, employee protection, fair employment practices, fair labor standards, real estate settlement and procedures, insurance, privacy, and Environmental Laws; except for violations that have not had, andExcept as would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer.

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3.11     Transaction Documents. NoneTCF, TCF and its Subsidiaries are in compliance, and have complied since January 1, 2015, with any federal, state or local law, regulation, order, decree, permit, authorization, common law or agency requirement relating to: (a) the protection or restoration of the information suppliedenvironment, health and safety as it relates to hazardous substance exposure or natural resource damages, (b) the handling, use, presence, disposal, release or threatened release of, or exposure to, any hazardous substance, or (c) noise, odor, wetlands, indoor air, pollution, contamination or any injury to persons or property from exposure to any hazardous substance (collectively, “Environmental Laws”). There are no legal, administrative, arbitral or other proceedings, claims or actions, or to the knowledge of TCF any private environmental investigations or remediation activities or governmental investigations of any nature seeking to impose, or that could reasonably be suppliedexpected to result in the imposition, on TCF or any of its Subsidiaries of any liability or obligation arising under any Environmental Law, pending or threatened against TCF, which liability or obligation would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on TCF. To the knowledge of TCF, there is no reasonable basis for any such proceeding, claim, action or governmental investigation that would impose any liability or obligation that would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on TCF.

3.17.Investment Securities.

(a) Each of TCF and its Subsidiaries has good title in all material respects to all securities owned by Talmerit (except those sold under repurchase agreements), free and clear of any Lien, except as set forth in the financial statements included in the TCF Reports or to the extent such securities are pledged in the ordinary course of business to secure obligations of TCF or its Subsidiaries. Such securities are valued on the books of TCF in accordance with GAAP in all material respects.

(b) TCF and its Subsidiaries and their respective businesses employ investment, securities, risk management and other policies, practices and procedures that TCF believes are prudent and reasonable in the context of such businesses. Prior to the date of this Agreement, TCF has made available to Chemical the material terms of such policies, practices and procedures.

3.18.Real Property. Except as would not reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on TCF, (a) TCF or a TCF Subsidiary has good and marketable title to all the real property reflected in the latest audited balance sheet included in the TCF Reports as being owned by TCF or a TCF Subsidiary or acquired after the date thereof (except properties sold or otherwise disposed of since the date thereof in the ordinary course of business) (the “TCF Owned Properties”) free and clear of all Liens, except

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(i) statutory Liens securing payments not yet due, (ii) Liens for real property Taxes not yet due and payable, (iii) easements, rights of way, and other similar encumbrances that do not materially affect the value or use of the properties or assets subject thereto or affected thereby or otherwise materially impair business operations at such properties and (iv) such imperfections or irregularities of title or Liens as do not materially affect the value or use of the properties or assets subject thereto or affected thereby or otherwise materially impair business operations at such properties (clauses (i) through (iv), collectively, “Permitted Encumbrances”), and (b) is the lessee of all leasehold estates reflected in the latest audited financial statements included in such TCF Reports or acquired after the date thereof (except for leases that have expired by their terms since the date thereof) (collectively with the TCF Owned Properties, the “TCF Real Property”), free and clear of all Liens of any nature whatsoever, except for Permitted Encumbrances, and is in possession of the properties purported to be leased thereunder, and each such lease is valid without default thereunder by the lessee or, to TCF’s knowledge, the lessor. There are no pending or, to the knowledge of TCF, threatened condemnation proceedings against the TCF Real Property.

3.19.Intellectual Property. Except as set forth onSection 3.19 of the TCF Disclosure Schedule, TCF and each of its Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed to use (in each case, free and clear of any material Liens), all Intellectual Property necessary for the conduct of its business as currently conducted. Except as would not reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on TCF, (a) (i) the use of any Intellectual Property by TCF and its Subsidiaries does not infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate the rights of any person and is in accordance with any applicable license pursuant to which TCF or any TCF Subsidiary acquired the right to use any Intellectual Property, and (ii) no person has asserted in writing to TCF that TCF or any of its Subsidiaries has infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated the Intellectual Property rights of such person, (b) no person is challenging or, to the knowledge of TCF, infringing on or otherwise violating, any right of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to any Intellectual Property owned by TCF or its Subsidiaries, and (c) neither TCF nor any TCF Subsidiary has received any notice of any pending claim with respect to any Intellectual Property owned by TCF or any TCF Subsidiary, and TCF and its Subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable actions to avoid the abandonment, cancellation or unenforceability of all Intellectual Property owned or licensed, respectively, by TCF and its Subsidiaries. For purposes of this Agreement, “Intellectual Property” means trademarks, service marks, brand names, internet domain names, logos, symbols, certification marks, trade dress and other indications of origin, the goodwill associated with the foregoing and registrations in any jurisdiction of, and applications in any jurisdiction to register, the foregoing, including any extension, modification or renewal of any such registration or application; patents, applications for patents (including divisions, continuations, continuations in part and renewal applications), all improvements thereto, and any renewals, extensions or reissues thereof, in any jurisdiction; trade secrets; and copyrights registrations or applications for registration of copyrights in any jurisdiction, and any renewals or extensions thereof.

3.20.Related Party Transactions. There are no transactions or series of related transactions, agreements, arrangements or understandings, nor are there any currently proposed transactions or series of related transactions, between TCF or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any current or former director or “executive officer” (as defined inRule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries or any person who beneficially owns (as defined in Rules13d-3 and13d-5 of the Exchange Act) 5% or more of the outstanding TCF Common Stock (or any of such person’s immediate family members or affiliates) (other than Subsidiaries of TCF) on the other hand, which was required to be reported in any TCF Report pursuant to Item 404 of RegulationS-K but which has not been so reported on a timely basis.

3.21.State Takeover Laws. The Board of Directors of TCF has approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby as required to render inapplicable to such agreements and transactions Section 203 of the DGCL and any similar “moratorium,” “control share,” “fair price,” “takeover” or “interested stockholder” law of any other jurisdiction (any such laws, “Takeover Statutes”).

3.22.Reorganization. TCF has not taken any action and has no knowledge of the existence of any fact or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to prevent or impede the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

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3.23.Opinion of Financial Advisor. Prior to the execution of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of TCF has received the opinion (which, if initially rendered orally, has been or will be confirmed by a written opinion dated the same date) of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion, and based upon and subject to the factors, assumptions, and limitations set forth therein, the Exchange Ratio is fair from a financial point of view to the holders of TCF Common Stock. Such opinion has not been amended or rescinded as of the date of this Agreement.

3.24.TCF Information. The information relating to TCF and its Subsidiaries which is provided in writing by TCF or its representatives specifically for inclusion in the Joint Proxy Statement and theS-4,or incorporation by reference in any Transaction Documentother document filed with any other Regulatory Agency in connection herewith, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading. The portion of the Joint Proxy Statement relating to TCF and its Subsidiaries will comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

3.25.Loan Portfolio.

(a) The allowances for loan and lease losses as reflected in the TCF Reports were in the reasonable opinion of TCF’s management (i) adequate to meet all reasonably anticipated loan and lease losses, net of recoveries related to loans previously charged off as of those dates, (ii) consistent with GAAP and reasonable and sound banking practices and (iii) in conformance with recommendations and comments in reports of examination in all material respects.

(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on TCF, each loan, loan agreement, note or borrowing arrangement (including leases, credit enhancements, commitments, guarantees and interest-bearing assets) (collectively, “Loans”) of TCF and its Subsidiaries (i) is evidenced by notes, agreements or other evidences of indebtedness that are true, genuine and what they purport to be, (ii) to the extent carried on the books and records of TCF and its Subsidiaries as secured Loans, has been secured by valid charges, mortgages, pledges, security interests, restrictions, claims, liens or encumbrances, as applicable, which have been perfected, (iii) to the extent any Loan constitutes an operating lease, TCF or its applicable Subsidiary, as the case may be, has legal and beneficial ownership of the assets under such operating lease, and (iv) is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor named therein, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.

(c) Except as would not reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on TCF, each outstanding Loan of TCF and its Subsidiaries (including Loans held for resale to investors) was solicited and originated, and is and has been administered and, where applicable, serviced, and the relevant Loan files are being maintained, in all material respects in accordance with the relevant notes or other credit or security documents, the written underwriting standards of TCF and its Subsidiaries (and, in the case of Loans held for resale to investors, the underwriting standards, if any, of the applicable investors) and with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and rules.

(d) There are no outstanding Loans made by TCF or any of its Subsidiaries to any “executive officer” or other “insider” (as each such term is defined in Regulation O promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board) of TCF or its Subsidiaries, other than Loans that are subject to and that were made and continue to be in compliance with Regulation O or that are exempt therefrom.

(e) Neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries is (i) now nor has it ever been since January 1, 2015, subject to any fine, suspension, settlement or other contract or other administrative agreement or sanction by, or any reduction in any loan purchase commitment from, any Governmental Entity or Regulatory Agency relating to the origination, sale or servicing of mortgage or consumer Loans, and (ii) has knowledge of any actual or threatened claim, proceeding or investigation with respect thereto by any person.

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(f)Section 3.25(f) of the TCF Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of (i) all Loans in which TCF or any TCF Subsidiary is a creditor which, as of September 30, 2018, had an outstanding balance of $100,000 or more and under the terms of which the obligor has, as of September 30, 2018, over ninety (90) days delinquent in payment of principal or interest, (ii) all Loans of TCF and the TCF Subsidiaries that, as of September 30, 2018, were classified as “Special Mention,” “Substandard,” “Doubtful,” “Loss,” “Classified,” “Criticized,” “Credit Risk Assets,” “Concerned Loans,” “Watch List” or words of similar import by TCF or any bank examiner, together with the principal amount of and accrued and unpaid interest on each such Loan and the identity of the borrower thereunder, together with the aggregate principal amount of such Loans by category of Loan (e.g., commercial, consumer, etc.), and (iii) each Loan classified by TCF as a Troubled Debt Restructuring as defined by GAAP.

(g) Except as set forth onSection 3.25(g) of the TCF Disclosure Schedule, none of the agreements pursuant to which TCF or any of its Subsidiaries has sold Loans or pools of Loans or participations in Loans or pools of Loans contains any obligation to repurchase such Loans or interests therein solely on account of a payment default by the obligor on any such Loan (other than early termination defaults). Neither TCF nor any TCF Subsidiary (i) has been notified of any material repurchase obligation under any agreement of the type described in the preceding sentence since January 1, 2017, or (ii) has any knowledge of any facts or circumstances which would reasonably be expected to give rise to any such material repurchase obligation.

(h) TCF and each of its Subsidiaries, in each case to the extent it is a servicer of any transaction sponsored by TCF or any TCF Subsidiary under which TCF or any TCF Subsidiary has sold or pledged receivables in a securitization in which securities backed by, or other interests in, such receivables were sold and any of such securities or other interest remains outstanding (each, a “TCF Securitization Transaction”), are in compliance in all material respects with all contracts or agreements to which each of them is bound under such TCF Securitization Transaction (collectively, “TCF Securitization Instruments”). TCF and each of its Subsidiaries, in each case to the extent that it is the issuing entity in any TCF Securitization Transaction, have performed in all material respects all of their respective obligations under the TCF Securitization Instruments. TCF and each of its Subsidiaries, in each case to the extent that it is the depositor in any TCF Securitization Transaction (in such capacity, a “TCF Securitization Depositor”), have performed in all material respects all of their respective obligations under the TCF Securitization Instruments.Section 3.25(h) of the TCF Disclosure Schedule contains a list of all outstanding TCF Securitization Transactions.

(i) Since January 1, 2015, TCF and any TCF Subsidiary that has acted as a TCF Securitization Depositor has made or caused to be made all filings required to be made by it under the Exchange Act, or has otherwise corrected any errant filings or resolved any such filings with the SEC. There are no pending or, to the knowledge of TCF, threatened, lawsuits, actions, proceedings or claims in which it is alleged that any private placement memorandum or other offering document (including any amendments or supplements thereto), as of the date on which it was issued in any TCF Securitization Transaction, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (a)misleading. No securities were issued or sold by TCF or any of its Subsidiaries in the caseviolation of any Transaction Document (other than the Form S-4 and the Joint Proxy Statement), at the time it is filed or at any time it is amended or supplemented, (b) in the caseSection 5 of the Form S-4, at the time it is filed with the SEC, at any time it is amended or supplemented and at the time it becomes effective under the Securities Act and (c)in any TCF Securitization Transaction. Neither TCF nor any TCF Subsidiary, to the extent an issuing entity in any TCF Securitization Transaction, is required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”).

(j) Neither TCF nor any of its Subsidiaries has acted in the casecapacity of guarantor or credit enhancer in any TCF Securitization Transaction, nor has TCF or any of its Subsidiaries provided any type of guaranty in any TCF Securitization Transaction with respect to any payments of principal or interest in connection with any issued securities.

3.26.Insurance. Except as would not reasonably be likely, either individually or in the Joint Proxy Statement, ataggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on TCF, TCF and its Subsidiaries are insured with reputable insurers against such risks and in such amounts as the date it is first mailedmanagement of TCF reasonably has determined to the Chemical Shareholdersbe prudent and the Talmer Shareholdersconsistent with

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industry practice, and at the time of the Chemical Shareholder MeetingTCF and the Talmer Shareholder Meeting. The Joint Proxy Statement (other than those portions relating solely to the Chemical Shareholder Meeting) will, at the time the Joint Proxy Statement is filed with the SEC, at any time it is amended or supplemented, at the date it is first mailed to the Chemical Shareholders and the Talmer Shareholders and at the time of the Chemical Shareholder Meeting and the Talmer Shareholder Meeting, comply as to formits Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Acttheir insurance policies and the rules and regulations thereunder, except that no representation is made by Talmer with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference therein based on information supplied by or on behalf of Chemical for inclusion or incorporation by referenceare not in the Joint Proxy Statement.

3.12     Agreements With Bank Regulators. Neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary is a party to any Contract, cease and desist order, written agreement or memorandum of understanding with, or a party to any commitment letter, board resolution or similar undertaking to, or is subject to any Order by, or is a recipient of any extraordinary supervisory letter from, any Governmental Entity that restricts materially the conduct of Talmer’s or a Talmer Subsidiary’s business, or in any manner relates to the capital adequacy, credit or reserve policies or management of Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary (a “Regulatory Agreement”), nor has Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary been advised by any Governmental Entity that a Governmental Entity is contemplating issuing or requesting (or is considering the appropriateness of issuing or requesting) an Order or a Regulatory Agreement. Neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary is required by Section 32 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or FDIC Regulation Part 359 or the Federal Reserve Board to give prior notice to a federal banking agency of the proposed addition of an individual to its board of directors or the employment of an individual as a senior executive officer or to limit golden parachute payments or indemnification.

3.13     Tax Matters.

(a)     All material Tax Returns required by applicable Law to have been filed by Talmer and each Talmer Subsidiary since January 1, 2010 have been filed when due (taking into account any extensions), and each such Tax Return is complete and accurate and correctly reflects the liability for Taxes in all material respects. Since January 1, 2010, Talmer and each Talmer Subsidiary has withheld and paid all material Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any third party. Since January 1, 2010, all material Taxes that are due and payable by Talmer and each Talmer Subsidiary have been paid.

(b)     There is no audit or other proceeding pending against or with respect to Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary with respect to any material amount of Tax. There are no material Liens ondefault under any of the assets of Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries that arose in connection with any failure (or alleged failure) to pay any Tax, other than Liens for Taxes not yet dueterms thereof, each such policy is outstanding and payable.

(c)     Neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary has waived any statute of limitations in respect of Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to any Taxes, which waiver or extension is still open.

(d)     Except as required by Law, neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary is a party to any Tax allocation or sharing agreement.

(e)     Neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary has been included in any “consolidated,” “unitary” or “combined” Tax Return for any taxable period for which the statute of limitations has not expired (other than a group of which Talmer and one or more Talmer Subsidiaries are the only members). Neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary is a general partner in any partnership that is material to its business operations.

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(f)     Within the past three (3) years, neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary has been a “distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation” in a distribution intended to qualify for tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code.

(g)     Neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary has participated in or been a party to a transaction that, as of the date of this Agreement, constitutes a “listed transaction” for purposes of Section 6011 of the Code (or a similar provision of state Law).

(h)     Neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary has taken any action or has Knowledge of any fact that would reasonably be expected to prevent the Merger from qualifying for the Intended Tax Treatment.

(i)     There has been no disallowance of a deduction under Section 162(m) or 280G of the Code for any amount paid or payable by Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary as employee compensation, whether under any Contract, plan, program or arrangement, understanding or otherwise.

3.14     Properties.

(a)     Except with such exceptions that have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer, Talmer and each Talmer Subsidiary has good and valid title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all of their respective personal and real properties and assets as used in their respective businesses as presently conducted, and all such personal and real properties and assets, other than personal and real properties and assets in which Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries has leasehold interests, are free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens. Talmer and each Talmer Subsidiary has complied in all material respects with the terms of all leases to which it is a party. All material leases to which Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary is a party and under which it is in possession of any personal or real property are valid and binding contracts and are in full force and effect and, except for policies insuring against potential liabilities of officers, directors and employees of TCF and its Subsidiaries and the third party loss payees under general liability, auto liability, aviation and excess umbrella policies, TCF or the relevant Subsidiary thereof is the sole beneficiary of such policies, and all premiums and other payments due under any such policy have been paid, and all claims thereunder have been filed in due and timely fashion.

3.27.Information Security. Except as would not reasonably be likely, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on TCF, to the knowledge of TCF, since January 1, 2015, no third party has gained unauthorized access to any information technology networks controlled by and material to the operation of the business of TCF and its Subsidiaries.

3.28.No Other Representations or Warranties.

(a) Except for the representations and warranties made by TCF in thisArticle III, neither TalmerTCF nor any Talmer Subsidiaryother person makes any express or implied representation or warranty with respect to TCF, its Subsidiaries, or their respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, conditions (financial or otherwise) or prospects, and TCF hereby disclaims any such other representations or warranties. In particular, without limiting the foregoing disclaimer, neither TCF nor any other person makes or has receivedmade any representation or warranty to Chemical or any of its affiliates or representatives with respect to (i) any financial projection, forecast, estimate, budget or prospective information relating to TCF, any of its Subsidiaries or their respective businesses, or (ii) except for the representations and warranties made by TCF in thisArticle III, any oral or written notice alleging violation, breach,information presented to Chemical or defaultany of its affiliates or representatives in the course of their due diligence investigation of TCF, the negotiation of this Agreement or in the course of the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) TCF acknowledges and agrees that neither Chemical nor any other person on behalf of Chemical has made or is making, and TCF has not relied upon, any express or implied representation or warranty other than those contained inArticle IV.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF UNIVERSITY

Except (a) as disclosed in the disclosure schedule delivered by Chemical to TCF concurrently herewith (the “Chemical Disclosure Schedule”);provided that (i) no such lease. Talmeritem is required to be set forth as an exception to a representation or warranty if its absence would not result in the related representation or warranty being deemed untrue or incorrect, (ii) the mere inclusion of an item in the Chemical Disclosure Schedule as an exception to a representation or warranty shall not be deemed an admission by Chemical that such item represents a material exception or fact, event or circumstance or that such item is reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical, and (iii) any disclosures made with respect to a section ofArticle IV shall be deemed to qualify (1) any other section ofArticle IV specifically referenced or cross-referenced and (2) other sections ofArticle IV to the extent it is reasonably apparent on its face (notwithstanding the absence of a specific cross reference) from a reading of the disclosure that such disclosure applies to such other sections, or (b) as disclosed in any Chemical Reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by Chemical after January 1, 2018 and prior to the date hereof (but disregarding risk factor disclosures contained under the heading “Risk Factors,” or disclosures of risks set forth in any “forward-looking statements” disclaimer or any other statements that are similarlynon-specific or cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in nature), Chemical hereby represents and warrants to TCF as follows:

4.1.Corporate Organization.

(a) Chemical is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Michigan and is a bank holding company duly registered with the Federal Reserve Board under the BHC

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Act, which has duly elected to be, and qualifies as, a financial holding company. Chemical has the corporate power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted in all material respects. Chemical is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each Talmer Subsidiary isjurisdiction in possessionwhich the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and assets owned or assets purportedleased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except where the failure to be leased under all its material leases (except where Talmerso licensed or a Talmer Subsidiary is the lessor). The tangible personal and real property and assets of Talmer and all Talmer Subsidiaries are in good operating condition and repair, reasonable wear and tear excepted, and, subject to maintenance and repairqualified would not, either individually or in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, are adequate for the uses to which they are being put.

(b)     With respect to real property owned by Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary, none of Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary (i) has received written notice of any pending, and to the Knowledge of Talmer there is no threatened, condemnation proceeding against any of such real property or (ii) has received written notice from any Governmental Entity that such real property is not in compliance with any applicable Law, except as have not had, and would notaggregate, reasonably be expected to have individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer.

(c)     With respect to real property leased, subleased or licensed by Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary, none of Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary (i) has received any written notice alleging a violation, breach or default under any lease of such real property, except for matters being contested in good faith for which adequate accruals or reserves have been established on the booksChemical. True and records of Talmer or (ii) (A) has received written notice of any pending, and to the Knowledge of Talmer there is no threatened, condemnation proceeding with respect to any of such real property or (B) has received written notice from any Governmental Entity that such real property is not in compliance with any applicable Law, except as have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer.

(d)     No lease or license pursuant to which Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary, as lessor, lessee, licensor or licensee, has possession of, or leases or licenses to others, any real or personal property, excluding any personal property lease with payments of less than $500,000 per year, contains any provision, including any prohibition against assignment by Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary, by operation of Law or otherwise, that would require any third party consent or approval for, or that would materially interfere with, the possession, use or rights with respect to the property by the Surviving Corporation or its Subsidiaries for the same purposes and upon the same rental and other terms following consummationcomplete copies of the Merger.

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3.15     Intellectual Property. TalmerChemical Articles and the Talmer Subsidiaries exclusively own, or have a valid license or other valid right to use, all material Intellectual PropertyChemical Bylaws, as used in their business as presently conducted; it being understood that the foregoing shall not be construed to expand or diminish the scope of the non-infringement representations and warranties that follow in thisSection 3.15. No Actions, suits or other proceedings are pending or, to the Knowledge of Talmer, threatened that Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries is infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the rights of any Person with regard to any Intellectual Property. To the Knowledge of Talmer, no Person is materially infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the rights of Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries with respect to any material Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries (collectively the “Talmer-Owned Intellectual Property”). Except as have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer, to the Knowledge of Talmer: (a) no circumstances exist which could reasonably be expected to give rise to any (i) Action that challenges the rights of Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries with respect to the validity or enforceability of the Talmer-Owned Intellectual Property or (ii) claim of infringement, misappropriation, or violation of the Intellectual Property rights of any Person, and (b) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not give rise to any claim by any Person to a right to own, purchase, transfer, use, alter, impair, extinguish or restrict any Talmer-Owned Intellectual Property or Intellectual Property licensed to Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary.

3.16     Required Licenses, Permits, Etc. Talmer and each Talmer Subsidiary hold all material Permits and other rights from all appropriate Governmental Entities necessary for the conduct of its business as presently conducted. All such material Permits and rights are in full force and effect. Each Talmer Subsidiary, as applicable, is an approved seller-servicer for each mortgage investor with whom it conducts business, and holds all material Permits, authorizations, and approvals necessary to carry on a mortgage banking business.

3.17     Material Contracts and Change of Control.

(a)     For the purposes of this Agreement, the term “Talmer Material Contract” means any of the following Contracts to which Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries is a party or bound as of the date of this Agreement:

(i)     Each Contract that (A) has been or (B) would be required to be, but has not been, filed by Talmer as a material contract pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K on Form 10-K under the Exchange Act as if such Form 10-K were filed as of the date of this Agreement;

(ii)     Each Contract, other than any Contracts contemplated by this Agreement, that limits (or purports to limit) in any material respect the ability of Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries to engage or compete in any business (including geographic restrictions and exclusive or preferential arrangements);

(iii)     Each Contract that creates a material partnership or joint venture to which Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries is a party;

(iv)     Each Contract between or among Talmer and any Talmer Subsidiary;

(v)     Each Contract with a correspondent banker;

(vi)     Each Contract relating to the borrowing of money by Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary or guarantee by Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary of such obligation (other than Contracts evidencing deposit liabilities, purchases of federal funds, fully-secured repurchase agreements, FHLB advances of depository institution Talmer Subsidiaries, trade payables and Contracts relating to borrowings or guarantees made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) in excess of $2,000,000;

(vii)     Each Contract that relates to the acquisition or disposition of any material business (whether by merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise) or material asset, other than this

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Agreement, pursuant to which Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries has any material continuing obligations, contingent or otherwise;

(viii)     Each Contract that grants any right of first refusal or right of first offer or similar right or that limits or purports to limit the ability of Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries to own, operate, sell, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of any material amount of assets or businesses;

(ix)     Each voting agreement or registration rights agreement with respect to the capital stock of Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries;

(x)     Each Contract granting Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary the right to use, restricting Talmer’s or any Talmer Subsidiary’s right to use, or granting any other Person the right to use Intellectual Property that is material to the conduct of Talmer’s or any Talmer Subsidiary’s business (including any license, franchise agreement, co-existence agreement, concurrent-use agreement, settlement agreement or other similar type Contract);

(xi)     Each Contract that limits the payment of dividends by Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary;

(xii)     Each Contract involving a standstill or similar obligation of Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries relating to the purchase of securities of Talmer or any other Person;

(xiii)     Except transactions made in accordance with Regulation O and agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice for compensation or indemnity, any Contract between Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary, on the one hand, and, on the other hand (A) any officer or director of Talmer or a Talmer Subsidiary, or (B) to the Knowledge of Talmer, any (1) record or beneficial owner of five percent (5%) or more of the voting securities of Talmer, (2) Affiliate or family member of any such officer, director, or record or beneficial owner, or (3) other Affiliate of Talmer, except those Contracts of a type available to employees of Talmer generally;

(xiv)     Each Contract for any one capital expenditure or a series of capital expenditures, the aggregate amount of which is in excess of $1,000,000;

(xv)     Each Contract or commitment to make a loan not yet fully disbursed or funded to any Person, wherein the undisbursed or unfunded amount exceeds $10,000,000;

(xvi)     Each Contract or commitment for a loan participation agreement with any other Person in excess of $10,000,000;

(xvii)     Each employment Contract with an employee of Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary or any other compensatory Contract or plan in which any executive officer of Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary participates (other than any compensatory Contract or plan which pursuant to its terms is available to employees, officers or directors generally and which in operation provides for the same method of allocation of benefits between management and non-management participants); and

(xviii)     Each Contract that is material to the financial condition, results of operations or business of Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary.

(b)     Prior to the date of this Agreement, Talmer has provided or made available to Chemical a true and complete copy of each Talmer Material Contract in effect as of the date of this Agreement. Except for matters thatAgreement, have not had,previously been made available by Chemical to TCF.

(b) Each Subsidiary of Chemical (a “Chemical Subsidiary”) (i) is duly organized and would not reasonably be expectedvalidly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, (ii) is duly qualified to have, individuallydo business and, where such concept is recognized under applicable law, in good standing in all jurisdictions (whether federal, state, local or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer, (i) all Talmer Material Contracts are in full force and effect asforeign) where its ownership or leasing of the date of this Agreement, (ii) neither Talmer nor any of the Talmer Subsidiaries is in violation or breach of or default under (or with notice or lapse of time, or both, would be in violation or breach of or default under) the terms of any Talmer Material Contract, (iii) to the Knowledge of Talmer, no other party to any Talmer Material Contract is in breach of

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or in default under any Talmer Material Contract, and (iv) neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary has received written notice of breach or termination (or proposed breach or termination) of any Talmer Material Contract.

(c)     There is no Talmer Material Contract under which (i) a consent or approval is required, (ii) a prohibited assignment by operation of Law could occur, (iii) a waiver or loss of any right could occur, or (iv) an acceleration of any obligation could occur, in each case as a result of the execution and delivery of this Agreementproperty or the consummationconduct of the transactions contemplated herein, where any such occurrence would reasonablyits business requires it to be expectedso qualified and (iii) has all requisite corporate power and authority to (A) materially interfere with the ordinary course ofown or lease its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted, by Talmer, any Talmer Subsidiary or the Surviving Corporation or (B) have a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer.

(d)     (i) All data processing Contracts of Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries are cancelable by Talmer or a Talmer Subsidiary on or immediately after the Effective Time without cost, penalty or further obligation, except for costs, penalties or further obligations that, in the aggregate with respect to any Contract, do not exceed $1,000,000;each of clause (ii) and (ii) neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary is party to any Contract that would require any payment to another party upon termination in excess of $1,000,000.

3.18     Labor and Employment Matters.

(a)      (i) Talmer and all of the Talmer Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable Laws relating to labor and employment practices, including those relating to wages, employee benefits, hours and overtime, workplace safety and health, immigration, individual and collective termination, non-discrimination and data privacy, workers’ compensation, the identification of particular employees or job classifications as “exempt” or “non-exempt” for purposes of such obligations, and any and all other matters involving compensation or benefits afforded to or not afforded to employees, contractors or consultants except for such noncompliance(iii) as has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer; (ii)Chemical. There are no restrictions on the ability of any Subsidiary of Chemical to pay dividends or distributions except, in the case of a Subsidiary that is a regulated entity, for restrictions on dividends or distributions generally applicable to all such regulated entities. The deposit accounts of Chemical Bank are insured by the FDIC through the Deposit Insurance Fund to the fullest extent permitted by law, all premiums and assessments required to be paid in connection therewith have been paid when due, and no proceedings for the termination of such insurance are pending or threatened.Section 4.1(b) of the Chemical Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of (x) all Subsidiaries of Chemical as of the date hereof, (y) all persons (not including Chemical Subsidiaries) in which Chemical, together with any Chemical Subsidiaries, owns (directly or indirectly) 5% or more of a class of voting securities and (z) any “covered fund” (as defined in 12 C.F.R. §248.10(b)) in which Chemical, together with any Chemical Subsidiaries, owns (directly or indirectly) any interest. The organizational documents of each Chemical Subsidiary as in effect as of the date of this Agreement have previously been made available by Chemical to TCF.

4.2.Capitalization.

(a) The authorized capital stock of Chemical consists of 135,000,000 shares of Chemical Common Stock and 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value per share. As of January 23, 2019, there iswere (i) 71,473,871 shares of Chemical Common Stock issued and outstanding, which number includes 40,852 shares of Chemical Common Stock granted in respect of outstanding Chemical restricted stock awards, (ii) no unfair labor practice chargeshares of Chemical preferred stock issued and outstanding, (iii) no shares of Chemical Common Stock held in treasury, (iv) 725,056shares of Chemical Common Stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding options granted by Chemical to purchase shares of Chemical Common Stock, (v) 339,623 shares of Chemical Common Stock reserved for issuance upon the settlement of outstanding time-vesting restricted stock unit awards in respect of shares of Chemical Common Stock granted by Chemical under the Chemical Stock Plans, (vi) 236,242 shares of Chemical Common Stock reserved for issuance upon the settlement of outstanding performance-vesting restricted stock unit awards in respect of shares of Chemical Common Stock granted by Chemical under the Chemical Stock Plans (assuming achievement of any applicable performance goals at the target level) and an additional 118,121 shares of Chemical Common Stock assuming achievement of any applicable performance goals at the maximum level, (vii) 1,301,285 shares of Chemical Common Stock reserved for issuance pursuant to future grants under the Chemical Stock Plans and (viii) no other shares of capital stock or complaint pending before the NLRBother voting securities of Chemical issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding. Since January 23, 2019 to the Knowledgedate hereof, Chemical has not issued or become obligated to issue any Chemical Common Stock or Chemical Preferred Stock other than pursuant to the exercise of Talmer, threatened against TalmerChemical Equity Awards previously granted. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Chemical Common Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof. There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness that have the right to vote on any matters on which stockholders of

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Chemical may vote. Except as set forth inSection 4.2(a) of the Chemical Disclosure Schedule, no trust preferred or subordinated debt securities of Chemical are issued or outstanding. Other than as described in clauses (i) and (iv) through (viii) of thisSection 4.2(a), there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, puts, calls, rights, exchangeable or convertible securities or other commitments or agreements obligating Chemical to issue, transfer, sell, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, any such securities. There are no voting trusts, shareholder agreements, proxies or other agreements in effect with respect to the voting or transfer of the Chemical Common Stock or other equity interests of Chemical. No Subsidiary of Chemical owns any shares of capital stock of Chemical.

(b) Chemical owns, directly or indirectly, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity ownership interests of each of the Chemical Subsidiaries, free and clear of any Liens, and all of such shares or equity ownership interests are duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof. No Chemical Subsidiary has or is bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or agreements of any character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary or any securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of capital stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary.

(c)Section 4.2(c)of the Talmer Subsidiaries; (iii)Chemical Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all Chemical Equity Awards outstanding as of the date hereof specifying, on aholder-by-holder basis, (i) the name of this Agreement and duringeach holder, (ii) the past three (3) years, there has been no labor strike, slowdown, work stoppage or lockout pending or,number of shares subject to each such Chemical Equity Award, (iii) the Knowledge of Talmer, threatened against or affecting Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries; (iv) there is no representation claim or petition pending before the NLRB or any similar foreign agency relating to the employees of Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary; (v) as of thegrant date of this Agreement, Talmer has not received written noticeeach such Chemical Equity Award, (iv) the exercise price, if applicable, of charges with respect to or relating to Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary pending beforeeach such Chemical Equity Award, (v) the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other Governmental Entity responsible for the preventionexpiration date of unlawful employment practices, nor is there any claim pending before any court or administrative agency regarding any unlawful employment practices relating to Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary;each such Chemical Equity Award and (vi) neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary has received any written notice from any Governmental Entity responsible for the enforcement of labor or employment laws of an intention to conduct an investigation of Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary and, to the Knowledge of Talmer, no such investigation is in progress.

(b)     Neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary is party to, bound by, or negotiating any Collective Bargaining Agreement or any other Contract with any labor organization, union, works council, employee representative or association.

(c)     All salaried employees, hourly employees, and temporary employees of Talmer and its Subsidiaries are employed on an at-will basis by Talmer and/or its Subsidiaries and may be terminated at any time with or without cause and without any severance or other liabilities to Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary, or have signed an agreement or acknowledged in writing that their employment is at will. There has been no written representation by Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary made to any employee that commits Talmer, any Talmer Subsidiary, or the Surviving Corporation to retain them as employees for any period of time subsequent to the Closing.

(d)     Since January 1, 2013, neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary has effectuated a “plant closing” or a “mass lay off” (in each case, as defined in the WARN Act), in either case affecting any site of employment or facility of Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary, except in compliance with the WARN Act.

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(e)     There is no audit, investigation, charge or proceeding with respect to a material violation of any occupational health and safety standards that is pending or unremedied, or, to the Knowledge of Talmer, threatened against Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary. Talmer and all of the Talmer Subsidiaries are in compliance with allvesting schedule, if applicable, occupational health and safety Laws, except for such failures to comply as have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer.

(f)     Neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary is a party or subject to any Contract which restricts Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary from relocating, closing or terminating any of its operations or facilities or any portion of its operations or facilities.

(g)     The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not create Liabilities for any act by Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary on or prior to the Closing under any Collective Bargaining Agreement, Contract or Talmer Benefit Plan.

(h)     Talmer has implemented commercially reasonable procedures to ensure that all employees who are performing services for Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary in the United States are legally permitted to work in the United States and will be legally permitted to work in the United States for the Surviving Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(i)     The policies, programs, and practices of Talmer and all Talmer Subsidiaries relating to equal opportunity and affirmative action, wages, employee classifications (including independent contractor versus employee and exempt versus non-exempt), hours of work, employee disabilities, employment termination, employment discrimination, employee safety, labor relations, and other terms and conditions of employment are in compliance in all material respects with applicable Law governing or relating to employment and employer practices and facilities.

3.19     Employee Benefits.

(a)     Talmer has delivered or made available to Chemical true and complete copies of all material Talmer Benefit Plans. Each Talmer Benefit Plan is in compliance with all applicable requirements of ERISA, the Code and all other applicable Laws and has been administered in accordance with its terms and such Laws, except for such noncompliance that has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer.

(b)     Each Talmer Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified within the meaning of Section 401 of the Code is so qualified and has at all times since its adoption been so qualified, and, to the Knowledge of Talmer, no condition exists and no event has occurred that could reasonably be expected to result in the loss or revocation of such qualification in any material respect.

(c)     All contributions, payments or premiums required to be made with respect to any Talmer Benefit Plan by Talmer on or before the date of this Agreement have been timely made, and all benefits accrued under any unfunded Talmer Benefit Plan have been paid, accrued or otherwise adequately reserved in accordance with GAAP, and each of Talmer and the Talmer Subsidiaries have performed all material obligations required to be performed under all Talmer Benefit Plans with respect to which Talmer or any ERISA Affiliate of Talmer has an obligation to contribute.

(d)     Neither Talmer nor any ERISA Affiliate of Talmer (or, to Talmer’s Knowledge, their respective predecessors) participates in nor since December 31, 1973, has ever participated in any Multiemployer Plan, and neither Talmer nor any ERISA Affiliate of Talmer (or, to Talmer’s Knowledge, their respective predecessors) maintains or contributes to, or is party to, and, at no time maintained, contributed to, or was a party to, any plan, program, agreement or policy that (i) is a “defined benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 414(j) of the Code or Section 3(35) of ERISA, (ii) is a “multiple employer plan” as defined in ERISA or the Code (whether or not subject thereto), (iii) is described in Section 401(a)(1) of ERISA (whether or not subject thereto), (iv) is a multiple employer welfare arrangement within the meaning of Section 3(40)(A) of ERISA, (v) is a voluntary employees beneficiary association within the meaning of Code Section 501(c)(9), or (vi) is primarily for the benefit

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of employees who reside outside of the United States. No Liability under Title IV of ERISA has been or is expected to be incurred by Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary with respect to any applicable Talmer Benefit Plan. Except as may arise in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, there has been no “reportable event,” within the meaning of ERISA Section 4043, for which the 30-day reporting requirement has not been waived in relation to any applicable Talmer Benefit Plan. In relation to each applicable Talmer Benefit Plan, (A) all contributions required to be made under one or both of Section 412 and 430 of the Code have been timely made, (B) there has been no application for any waiver of the minimum funding premium standards imposed by Section 412 of the Code, and such minimum funding standards have been met to date, and (C) there is no “amount of unfunded benefit liabilities” as defined in Section 4001(a)(18) of ERISA.

(e)     Except as required by Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA or Section 4980B of the Code or any state Laws requiring continuation of benefits coverage following termination of employment, neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary provides health or welfare benefits for any retired or former employee following such employee’s retirement or other termination of service.

(f)     The execution, delivery of, and performance by Talmer of its obligations under the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (either alone or upon the occurrence of any additional or subsequent event) will not (i) result in any payment (whether of severance pay or otherwise), acceleration, forgiveness of indebtedness, vesting, distribution, increase in benefits or obligation to fund benefits with respect to any current, former or retired employees, officers, consultants, independent contractors, agents or directors of Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries; (ii) result in the triggering or imposition of any restrictions or limitations on the right of Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries to amend or terminate any Talmer Benefit Plan; or (iii) result in any “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code that would result in a deduction disallowance under Code Section 280G(a) on the part of Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary.

(g)     Talmer and the Talmer Subsidiaries may, subject to the limitations imposed by applicable Law and the terms of the applicable Talmer Benefit Plan, without the consent of any employee, beneficiary, or other Person, prospectively terminate, modify, or amend any such Talmer Benefit Plan effective as of any date on or after the date of this Agreement.

(h)     With respect to each Talmer Benefit Plan that is a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” (as defined under Section 409A(d)(1) of the Code), (i) such plan has been operated and administered in compliance with Section 409A of the Code or (ii) any payments under such plan have been earned and vested on or prior to December 31, 2004, and such plans have not been materially modified other than modifications to comply with Code Section 409A and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Neither Talmer nor any of the Talmer Subsidiaries have entered into any agreement or arrangement to, and do not otherwise have any obligation to, indemnify or hold harmless any Person for any Liability that results from the failure to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

(i)     There is no pending or, to the Knowledge of Talmer, threatened Action with respect to any Talmer Benefit Plans, other than ordinary and usual claims for benefits by participants and beneficiaries.

(j)     Since January 1, 2015, neither Talmer nor any of the Talmer Subsidiaries have agreed or otherwise committed to, whether in writing or otherwise, adopt any new plan, program, agreement or policy that would constitute a Talmer Benefit Plan or result in participation in a Multiemployer Plan or increase or improve the compensation, benefits, or terms and conditions of employment or service of any director, officer, employee, or consultant, except (i) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice with respect to individual employees who are not officers (and not with respect to a substantial class of employees) or (ii) as required by applicable Law or any applicable Talmer Benefit Plan.

(k)     Each of the Talmer Benefit Plans which is an “employee welfare benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA is in compliance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and its companion bill, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, to the extent applicable, except for such noncompliance that has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer. Additionally, Talmer and Talmer Subsidiaries operate such Talmer Benefit Plans to avoid assessable payments under Code Sections 4980H(a) and (b). Neither Talmer nor any of the Talmer

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Subsidiaries have any liability in the nature of a retroactive rate adjustment, loss sharing arrangement or other material Liability arising wholly or partially out of events occurring on or before the Closing.

(l)     No stock options, stock appreciation rights or other grants of stock-based awards by Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiaries were backdated, spring-loaded, or granted at less than fair market value.

3.20     Environmental Matters.

(a)     Except for any matters that have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer: (i) Talmer and each of the Talmer Subsidiaries is and has been in compliance with and has no Liability under applicable Environmental Laws; (ii) Talmer and each of the Talmer Subsidiaries possesses, has possessed and is and has been in compliance with all required Environmental Permits; (iii) there are no Environmental Claims pending or, to the Knowledge of Talmer, threatened against Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries, and, to the Knowledge of Talmer, there are no facts or circumstances which could reasonably be expected to form the basis for any Environmental Claim against Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries; (iv) no Releases of Hazardous Materials have occurred and no Person has been exposed to any Hazardous Materials at, from, in, to, on, or under any Talmer Site and no Hazardous Materials are present in, on, about or migrating to or from any Talmer Site in quantities or concentrations or under circumstances that could give rise to an Environmental Claim against Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries; (v) neither Talmer nor any of the Talmer Subsidiaries has entered into or is subject to, any judgment, decree, order or other similar requirement of or agreement with any Governmental Entity under any Environmental Laws; (vi) neither Talmer nor any of the Talmer Subsidiaries has assumed responsibility for or agreed to indemnify or hold harmless any Person for any Liability, arising under or relating to Environmental Laws; and (vii) neither Talmer nor any of the Talmer Subsidiaries, any predecessors of Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries, nor any entity previously owned by Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries, has transported or arranged for the treatment, storage, handling, disposal, or transportation of any Hazardous Material to any off-Site location which has or could result in an Environmental Claim against Talmer or any of the Talmer Subsidiaries.

(b)     To the Knowledge of Talmer, each underground storage tank presently or previously located on any Talmer Site has been operated, maintained and removed or closed in place, as applicable, in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws, and has not been the source of any Release of a Hazardous Material to the environment that has not been fully remediated as required by applicable Environmental Laws.

3.21     Duties as Fiduciary. To the Knowledge of Talmer, Talmer and each Talmer Subsidiary has performed all of its respective duties in any capacity as trustee, executor, administrator, registrar, guardian, custodian, escrow agent, receiver, or other fiduciary in a fashion that complies in all material respects with all applicable Laws, Contracts, wills, instruments and common law standards. Neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary has received any notice of any Action, claim, allegation or complaint from any Person that Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary failed to perform these duties in a manner that complies in all material respects with all applicable Laws, Contracts, wills, instruments and common law standards, except for notices involving matters that have been resolved and any cost of such resolution is reflected in the Talmer Financial Statements.

3.22     Investment Bankers and Brokers. Talmer has employed Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. (the “Talmer Investment Banker”) in connection with the Merger. Talmer, the Talmer Subsidiaries, and their respective Representatives have not employed, engaged, or consulted with any broker, finder, or investment banker other than the Talmer Investment Banker in connection with this Agreement or the Merger. Other than the fees and expenses payable by Talmer to the Talmer Investment Banker in connection with the Merger, as described inSection 3.22 of the Talmer Disclosure Schedules, there is no investment banking fee, financial advisory fee, brokerage fee, finder’s fee, commission, or compensation of a similar type payable by Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary to any Person with respect to the Agreement or the consummation of the Merger. Talmer has provided to Chemical true and complete copies of each agreement, arrangement, and understanding between Talmer and the Talmer Investment Banker prior to the date of this Agreement.such Chemical Equity Award.

3.23     4.3.Fairness OpinionAuthority; No Violation. The Talmer Board has received the opinion (which, if initially rendered orally, has been or will be confirmed by a written opinion, dated the same date) of the Talmer Investment Banker, to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion and based on and subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations

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contained therein, the Merger Consideration is fair to the holders of Talmer Common Stock from a financial point of view. Such opinion has not been rescinded as of the date of this Agreement.

3.24     Talmer-Related Persons.

(a)     No Talmer-Related Person has any loan, credit or other Contract outstanding with Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary that does not conform to applicable rules and regulations of the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other Governmental Entity with jurisdiction over Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary.

(b)     Other than in a capacity as a shareholder, director, or executive officer of Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary, no Talmer-Related Person owns or controls any assets or properties that are used in the business of Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary.

(c)     Other than ordinary and customary banking relationships, no Talmer-Related Person has any contractual relationship with Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary.

(d)     No Talmer-Related Person has any outstanding loan or loan commitment from, or on whose behalf an irrevocable letter of credit has been issued by, Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary in a principal amount of $2,000,000 or more.

3.25     Change in Business Relationships. As of the date of this Agreement, no director or executive officer of Talmer has Knowledge, whether on account of the Merger or otherwise, that any customer, agent, representative, supplier of Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary, or other Person with whom Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary has a contractual relationship, intends to discontinue, diminish, or change its relationship with Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary, the effect of which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer.

3.26     Insurance. Talmer and the Talmer Subsidiaries maintain in full force and effect insurance on their respective assets, properties, premises, operations, and personnel in such amounts and against such risks and losses as are customary and adequate for comparable entities engaged in the same business and industry. There is no unsatisfied claim of $400,000 or more under such insurance as to which the insurance carrier has denied liability. Since January 1, 2014, no insurance company has canceled or refused to renew a policy of insurance covering Talmer’s or any Talmer Subsidiary’s assets, properties, premises, operations, directors or personnel. Talmer and the Talmer Subsidiaries have given adequate and timely notice to each insurance carrier, and have complied with all policy provisions, with respect to any material known claim for which a defense or indemnification or both may be available to Talmer or the Talmer Subsidiaries.

3.27     Books and Records. The books of account, minute books, stock record books, and other records of Talmer are complete and correct in all material respects, represent bona fide transactions, and have been maintained in accordance with sound business practices, including the maintenance of an adequate internal control system. The corporate minute books of Talmer and the Talmer Subsidiaries contain accurate and complete records of all meetings of, and corporate action taken by, their shareholders, boards, and committees in all material respects. Since January 1, 2013, the minutes of each meeting (or corporate action without a meeting) of any such shareholders, boards, or committees have been duly prepared and are contained in such minute books. All such minute books and related exhibits or attachments for all meetings since January 1, 2013, have been made available for Chemical’s review prior to the date of this Agreement without material omission or redaction (other than with respect to the minutes relating to (a) the Merger or recent and similarly proposed transactions or (b) matters which Talmer is prohibited from disclosing pursuant to applicable Law).

3.28     Loan Guarantees. Except as have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer, all guarantees of indebtedness owed to Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary, including without limitation those of the Federal Housing Administration, the Small Business Administration, and any other Governmental Entity, are valid and enforceable, except as limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization, or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and the availability of equitable remedies.

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3.29     Data Security and Customer Privacy. Talmer and each Talmer Subsidiary is in compliance in all material respects with (a) all applicable Laws and applicable requirements of Governmental Entities regarding the security of each of their customers’ data and the systems operated by Talmer and each Talmer Subsidiary, and (b) their respective privacy policies, including as relates to the use of individually identifiable personal information relating to identifiable or identified natural persons.

3.30     Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses. The allowance for loan and lease losses as reflected in Talmer’s consolidated financial statements and the Talmer Call Reports as of December 31, 2014 and as of each quarter ended after December 31, 2014 was, in the reasonable opinion of Talmer’s management, (a) adequate to meet all reasonably anticipated loan and lease losses, net of recoveries related to loans previously charged off as of those dates, (b) consistent with GAAP and reasonable and sound banking practices, and (c) in conformance with recommendations and comments in reports of examination in all material respects.

3.31     Loans and Investments. All investments and, except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer, all loans of Talmer and each Talmer Subsidiary are: (a) evidenced by notes, agreements or other evidences of indebtedness that are true, genuine and what they purport to be; (b) legal and enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as may be limited by any bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, or other laws affecting the rights of creditors generally or by the exercise of judicial discretion; (c) authorized under all applicable Laws; and (d) to the extent secured, secured by valid Liens which have been perfected.

3.32     Loan Origination and Servicing. In originating, underwriting, servicing, selling, transferring, and discharging loans, mortgages, land contracts, and other contractual obligations, either for its own account or for the account of others, Talmer and each Talmer Subsidiary has complied with all applicable terms and conditions of such obligations and with all applicable Laws, Contracts, rules, and procedures, except for incidents of noncompliance that have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer.

3.33     Securities Laws Matters.

(a)     Since the date of becoming a reporting company with the SEC, Talmer has filed or furnished all forms, documents and reports required to be filed or furnished with the SEC under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (collectively with any amendments thereto, but excluding the Joint Proxy Statement and the Form S-4, the “Talmer SEC Reports”). Each of the Talmer SEC Reports, in each case as of its filing or furnishing date, or, if amended, as finally amended prior to the date of this Agreement (with respect to those Talmer SEC Reports filed or furnished prior to the date of this Agreement), has complied as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and none of the Talmer SEC Reports, when filed or furnished or, if amended, as finally amended prior to the date of this Agreement, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. None of the Talmer Subsidiaries are or ever have been required to file periodic reports with the SEC. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no material outstanding or unresolved comments received from the SEC with respect to any of the Talmer SEC Reports.

(b)     Talmer has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as required by Rule 13a-15(a) under the Exchange Act, and Talmer has established and maintains internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) as required by Rule 13a-15(a) under the Exchange Act. Talmer has disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation prior to the date of this Agreement, to Talmer’s auditors and the audit committee of the Talmer Board (i) any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of its internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) which are reasonably likely to adversely affect Talmer’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information and (ii) any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in Talmer’s internal controls over financial reporting. Since January 1, 2012, neither Talmer nor any of the Talmer Subsidiaries has Knowledge of any written complaint, allegation, assertion or claim regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary or their respective internal accounting controls, including any written complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary has engaged in

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questionable accounting or auditing practices, which, if true, would constitute a significant deficiency or a material weakness. Since the date of becoming a reporting company with the SEC, subject to any applicable grace periods, Talmer has been and is in compliance with (A) the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 and (B) the applicable listing and corporate governance rules and regulations of NASDAQ, except in each case as has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer.

3.34     Joint Ventures; Strategic Alliances. Neither Talmer nor any Talmer Subsidiary is, directly or indirectly, a party to or bound by any material joint venture, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, or strategic alliance agreement or arrangement with or through any unaffiliated Person providing for their joint or cooperative development, marketing, referrals, or sales of banking, securities, insurance, or other financial products or services, or their joint investment in and management of any active business enterprise.

3.35     Policies and Procedures. Talmer and each Talmer Subsidiary have complied in all material respects with the policies and procedures as formally adopted and disclosed to Chemical as applicable to the periods when those policies and procedures were in effect.

3.36     Shareholder Rights Plan. Talmer does not have in effect any shareholder rights plan, “poison pill,” or similar plan or arrangement.

3.37     Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. There exist no Liabilities of Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary of the type required to be disclosed in the liabilities column of a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, other than (a) Liabilities that are adequately reflected, reserved for or disclosed in the Talmer Financial Statements, (b) Liabilities under executory contracts to which Talmer or a Talmer Subsidiary is a party or otherwise incurred in the ordinary course of business of Talmer or a Talmer Subsidiary, or (c) Liabilities that have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer.

3.38     No Other Representations and Warranties. Except for the express representations and warranties made by Talmer and the Talmer Subsidiaries in this Article III, neither Talmer nor any other Person makes or has made any representation or warranty with respect to Talmer or the Talmer Subsidiaries or their respective business, operations, assets, Liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects, notwithstanding the delivery or disclosure to Chemical or any of its Affiliates or Representatives of any documentation, projections, forecasts, estimates, budgets, prospect information or other information with respect to any one or more of the foregoing. Talmer has not relied on any representations or warranties relating to Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary in determining to enter into this Agreement, except for those expressly made by Chemical inArticle IV.

Article IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OFCHEMICAL

Except as disclosed in the Chemical SEC Reports filed with or furnished to the SEC prior to the date of this Agreement (excluding any risk factor disclosures set forth under the heading “Risk Factors,” any disclosure of risks included in any “forward-looking statements” disclaimer or any other forward-looking statement of risk that does not contain a reasonable level of detail about the risks of which the statement warns) or as disclosed in the disclosure schedules delivered by Chemical to Talmer prior to or concurrently with the execution of this Agreement (the “Chemical Disclosure Schedules”), it being understood and agreed that the disclosure of any item in the Chemical SEC Reports shall be deemed a disclosure only to the extent the relevance of such disclosure to the sections or subsections of thisArticle IV is reasonably apparent on the face of such disclosure, Chemical represents and warrants to Talmer that:

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4.1     Authorization, No Conflicts, Etc.

(a) Chemical has the requisitefull corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and, subject to receipt of the Chemical Shareholder Approval,shareholder and other actions described below, to consummate the transactions contemplated byhereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly adopted, and the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this AgreementBank Merger have been duly authorized,and validly approved by the Board of Directors of Chemical. The Board of Directors of Chemical Board. The Chemical Board has (i) determined that the terms of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, are fair to and in the best interests of Chemical and the Chemical Shareholders,its shareholders, has declared it advisable and (ii) adoptedhas directed that (i) this Agreement and authorized the transactions contemplated byhereby, and (ii) the amendment and restatement of the Chemical Articles (the “Chemical Articles Amendment”), each be submitted to Chemical’s shareholders for approval at a meeting of such shareholders and has adopted resolutions to the foregoing effect. Except for (i) the approval of this Agreement by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Chemical Common Stock entitled to vote thereon and resolved to make(ii) the approval of the Chemical Board RecommendationArticles Amendment by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Chemical Common Stock entitled to vote on the proposed amendment (collectively, the “Requisite Chemical Shareholders. Except forVote”), and the adoption and approval of the Bank Merger Agreement by Chemical Shareholder Approval,as Chemical Bank’s sole shareholder, no other corporate proceedings on the part of Chemical are necessary to authorizeapprove this Agreement or to consummate the Mergertransactions contemplated hereby (other than the submission to the shareholders of Chemical Shareholders of an advisory(non-binding) vote on the compensation that may be paid or become payable to Chemical’s named executive officers that is based on or otherwise related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement). This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Chemical and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Talmer)TCF) constitutes a valid and binding obligationsobligation of Chemical, and is enforceable against Chemical in accordance with its terms except(except in all cases as such enforceability may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions). The shares of Chemical Common Stock and New Chemical Preferred Stock to be issued in the Merger have been duly authorized and, when issued (subject to the extent that (A) such enforcement may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws, now or hereafter in effect, relating to creditors’ rights generally and (B) equitable remedies of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to equitable defenses and to the discretionapproval of the court before whichChemical Articles Amendment by the holders of Chemical Common Stock and the filing thereof with the Michigan DLRA), will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and no current or past shareholder of Chemical will have any proceeding therefor may be brought.preemptive right or similar rights in respect thereof.

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(b) TheNeither the execution delivery, and performancedelivery of this Agreement by Chemical, nor the issuanceconsummation by Chemical of shares of Chemical Common Stock constitutingthe transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger Consideration, and the consummationBank Merger, nor compliance by Chemical with any of the Merger, do not andterms or provisions hereof, will not(i) violate conflict with, or result in a breach of: (i) any provision of the articlesChemical Articles or the Chemical Bylaws (or the organizational documents of incorporation or bylaws (or similar organizational documents) of Chemical or any Subsidiary of Chemical (each a “Chemical Subsidiary” and collectively, the “Chemical Subsidiaries”);Chemical), or (ii) assuming that the consents and approvals referred to inSection 4.4 are duly obtained, (x) violate any Lawstatute, code, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ, decree or Orderinjunction applicable to Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary, assuming the timely receipt of eachits Subsidiaries or any of the approvals referred to inSection 4.1(d).

(c)     The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement by Chemical, the issuance of shares of Chemical Common Stock constituting the Merger Consideration, and the consummation of the Merger do not and will nottheir respective properties or assets or (y) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a default under, or require any consent, approval, waiver, extension, amendment, authorization,(or an event which, with notice or filinglapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, result in the termination of or a right of termination or cancellation under, accelerate the performance required by, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the respective properties or assets of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries under, any cease and desist order, writtenof the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement memorandum of understanding, board resolutions or other Regulatory Agreementinstrument or commitment with or from a Governmental Entityobligation to which Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiaryof its Subsidiaries is a party, or subject, or by which Chemicalthey or any of their respective properties or assets may be bound, except (in the case of clause (y) above) for such violations, conflicts, breaches, defaults, terminations, cancellations, accelerations or creations, which, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

4.4.Consents and Approvals. Except for (a) the filing of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange, (b) the filing of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with the Federal Reserve Board in connection with the Merger and approval or waiver of such applications, filings and notices, (c) the filing of applications, filings and notices, as applicable, with the OCC in connection with the Bank Merger and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (d) the filing of any required applications, filings or notices with any state banking authorities listed onSection 3.4 of the TCF Disclosure Schedule orSection 4.4 of the Chemical Subsidiary is bound or affected.

(d)     No notice to,Disclosure Schedule and approval of such applications, filings and notices, (e) the filing with authorizationthe SEC of exemptionthe Joint Proxy Statement and theS-4 in which the Joint Proxy Statement will be included as a prospectus, and declaration by the SEC of the effectiveness of theS-4, (f) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Delaware Secretary pursuant to the DGCL and the Michigan DLRA pursuant to the MBCA, and the filing of the Bank Merger Certificates, (g) such filings and approvals as are required to be made or consentobtained under the securities or “Blue Sky” laws of various states in connection with the issuance of the shares of Chemical Common Stock and New Chemical Preferred Stock (or depositary shares in respect thereof) pursuant to this Agreement and (h) the approval of the listing of such Chemical Common Stock and New Chemical Preferred Stock (or depositary shares in respect thereof) on Nasdaq, no consents or approvals of or filings or registrations with any Governmental Entity isare necessary forin connection with (i) the execution and delivery by Chemical of this Agreement or (ii) the consummation by Chemical of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement by Chemical other than in connection or compliance withhereby (including the provisionsBank Merger). As of the MBCA, compliance with federal and state securities laws, and the consents, authorizations, approvals, or exemptions required under the BHC Act and the Michigan Banking Code.date hereof, Chemical has no Knowledgeknowledge of any reason why the necessary regulatory approvals and consents will not be received in order to permit consummation of the Merger and the Bank Merger on a timely basis.

4.5.Reports.

(a) Chemical and each of its Subsidiaries have timely filed all reports, registrations and statements, together with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that they were required to file since January 1, 2015 with any Regulatory Approvals referredAgency, including, without limitation, any report, registration or statement required to be filed pursuant to the laws, rules or regulations of the United States, any state, any foreign entity, or any Regulatory Agency, and have paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith, except where the failure to file such report, registration or statement or to pay such fees and assessments, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical. Except for normal examinations conducted by a Regulatory Agency in the ordinary course of business of Chemical and its Subsidiaries, (i) no Regulatory Agency has initiated or has pending any proceeding or, to the knowledge of Chemical, investigation into the business or operations of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries since January 1, 2015, (ii) there is no unresolved violation, criticism, or exception by any Regulatory Agency with respect to any report or statement relating to any examinations or inspections of Chemical or any of its

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Subsidiaries, and (iii) there has been no formal or informal inquiries by, or disagreements or disputes with, any Regulatory Agency with respect to the business, operations, policies or procedures of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries since January 1, 2015, in each case of clauses (i) through (iii), which would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

(b) An accurate copy of each final registration statement, prospectus, report, schedule and definitive proxy statement filed with or furnished to the SEC by Chemical since January 1, 2015 pursuant to the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (the “Chemical Reports”) has been made publicly available. No such Chemical Report as of the date thereof (and, in the case of registration statements and proxy statements, on the dates of effectiveness and the dates of the relevant meetings, respectively), contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, except that information filed or furnished as of a later date (but before the date of this Agreement) shall be deemed to modify information as of an earlier date. Since January 1, 2015, as of their respective dates, all Chemical Reports filed under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act complied in all material respects with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto. As of the date of this Agreement, no executive officer of Chemical has failed in any respect to make the certifications required of him or her under Section 4.1(d)302 or 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding comments from or unresolved issues raised by the SEC with respect to any of the Chemical Reports.

4.6.Financial Statements cannot.

(a) The financial statements of Chemical and its Subsidiaries included (or incorporated by reference) in the Chemical Reports (including the related notes, where applicable) (i) have been prepared from, and are in accordance with, the books and records of Chemical and its Subsidiaries in all material respects, (ii) fairly present in all material respects the consolidated results of operations, cash flows, changes in shareholders’ equity and consolidated financial position of Chemical and its Subsidiaries for the respective fiscal periods or as of the respective dates therein set forth (subject in the case of unaudited statements toyear-end audit adjustments normal in nature and amount), (iii) complied, as of their respective dates of filing with the SEC, in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, and (iv) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied during the periods involved, except, in each case, as indicated in such statements or in the notes thereto. The books and records of Chemical and its Subsidiaries have been, and are being, maintained in all material respects in accordance with GAAP and any other applicable legal and accounting requirements and reflect only actual transactions. KPMG LLP has not resigned (or informed Chemical that it intends to resign) or been dismissed as independent public accountants of Chemical as a result of or in connection with any disagreements with Chemical on a matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure.

(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical, neither Chemical nor any of its Subsidiaries has any liability (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due) required by GAAP to be included on a consolidated balance sheet of Chemical, except for those liabilities that are reflected or reserved against on the consolidated balance sheet of Chemical included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (including any notes thereto) and for liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since December 31, 2017, or in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

(c) The records, systems, controls, data and information of Chemical and its Subsidiaries are recorded, stored, maintained and operated under means (including any electronic, mechanical or photographic process, whether computerized or not) that are under the exclusive ownership and direct control of Chemical or its Subsidiaries or accountants (including all means of access thereto and therefrom), except for anynon-exclusive ownership andnon-direct control that, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected

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to have a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical. Chemical (i) has implemented and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined inRule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act) to ensure that material information relating to Chemical, including its Subsidiaries, is made known to the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer of Chemical by others within those entities as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and to make the certifications required by the Exchange Act and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and (ii) has disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation prior to the date hereof, to Chemical’s outside auditors and the audit committee of Chemical’s Board of Directors (A) any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting (as defined inRule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) which are reasonably likely to adversely affect Chemical’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information, and (B) to the knowledge of Chemical, any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in Chemical’s internal controls over financial reporting. To the knowledge of Chemical, there is no reason to believe that Chemical’s outside auditors and its chief executive officer and chief financial officer will not be able to give the certifications and attestations required pursuant to the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, without qualification, when next due.

(d) Since January 1, 2015, (i) except as disclosed in the Chemical Reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by Chemical since January 1, 2015, neither Chemical nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of Chemical, any director, officer, auditor, accountant or representative of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries, has received or otherwise had or obtained knowledge of any material complaint, allegation, assertion or whyclaim, whether written or oral, regarding the regulatory approval process would be materially impeded.accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods (including with respect to loan loss reserves, write-downs, charge-offs and accruals) of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective internal accounting controls, including any material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices, and (ii) no attorney representing Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or not employed by Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries, has reported evidence of a material violation of securities laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by Chemical or any of its officers, directors, employees or agents to the Board of Directors of Chemical or any committee thereof or to the knowledge of Chemical, to any director or officer of Chemical.

4.2     4.7.Organization and Good StandingBrokers Fees. With the exception of the engagement of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary nor any of their respective officers or directors has employed any broker, finder or financial advisor or incurred any liability for any broker’s fees, commissions or finder’s fees in connection with the Merger or related transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Chemical has disclosed to TCF as of the date hereof the aggregate fees provided for in connection with the engagement by Chemical of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. related to the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby.

4.8.Absence of Certain Changes or Events.

(a) Since December 31, 2017, no event or events have occurred that have had or would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

(b) Except as set forth onSection 4.8(b) of the Chemical Disclosure Schedule and in connection with matters related to this Agreement, since December 31, 2017 through the date of this Agreement, Chemical and its Subsidiaries have carried on their respective businesses in all material respects in the ordinary course consistent with past practice.

4.9.Legal Proceedings.

(a) Neither Chemical nor any of its Subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly existing,party to any, and there are no pending or, to Chemical’s knowledge, threatened, legal, administrative, arbitral or other proceedings, claims, actions or governmental or regulatory investigations of any nature against Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their current or

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former directors or executive officers that (i) if adversely determined, would, individually or in good standing under the lawsaggregate, be reasonably likely to result in a material restriction on Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries’ businesses or (ii) would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

(b) There is no injunction, order, judgment, decree or regulatory restriction imposed upon Chemical, any of its Subsidiaries or the assets of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries (or that, upon consummation of the StateMerger, would apply to Chemical or any of Michigan.its affiliates) that (i) would, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably likely to result in a material restriction on Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries’ businesses or (ii) would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

4.10.Taxes and Tax Returns.

(a) Each of Chemical and its Subsidiaries has duly and timely filed (taking into account all requisite corporate powerapplicable extensions) all material Tax Returns in all jurisdictions in which Tax Returns are required to be filed by it, and authority to own, operate,all such Tax Returns are true, correct and lease its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conductedcomplete in all material respects. Neither Chemical nor any of its Subsidiaries is the beneficiary of any extension of time within which to file any material Tax Return (other than extensions to file Tax Returns obtained in the ordinary course). All material Taxes of Chemical and its Subsidiaries (whether or not shown on any Tax Returns) that are due have been fully and timely paid. Each of Chemical and its Subsidiaries has withheld and paid all material Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee, creditor, shareholder, independent contractor or other third party. Neither Chemical nor any of its Subsidiaries has granted any extension or waiver of the limitation period applicable to any material Tax that remains in effect. Except as set forth onSection 4.10(a) of the Chemical Disclosure Schedule, the federal income Tax Returns of Chemical and its Subsidiaries for all years to and including 2017 have been examined by the IRS or are Tax Returns with respect to which the applicable period for assessment under applicable law, after giving effect to extensions or waivers, has expired. Neither Chemical nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice of assessment or proposed assessment in connection with any material amount of Taxes, and there are no threatened (in writing) or pending disputes, claims, audits, examinations or other proceedings regarding any material Tax of Chemical and its Subsidiaries or the assets of Chemical and its Subsidiaries. Chemical has made available to TCF true and complete copies of any private letter ruling requests, closing agreements or gain recognition agreements with respect to Taxes requested or executed in the last six (6) years. Neither Chemical nor any of its Subsidiaries is a financialparty to or is bound by any Tax sharing, allocation or indemnification agreement or arrangement (other than such an agreement or arrangement exclusively between or among Chemical and its Subsidiaries). Neither Chemical nor any of its Subsidiaries (a) has been a member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated federal income Tax Return (other than a group the common parent of which is or was Chemical) or (b) has any liability for the Taxes of any person (other than Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries) under Treasury RegulationSection 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law), as a transferee or successor, by contract or otherwise. Neither Chemical nor any of its Subsidiaries has been, within the past two (2) years or otherwise as part of a “plan (or series of related transactions)” within the meaning of Section 355(e) of the Code of which the Merger is also a part, a “distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation” (within the meaning of Section 355(a)(1)(A) of the Code) in a distribution of stock intending to qualify fortax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code. Neither Chemical nor any of its Subsidiaries has participated in a “reportable transaction” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation section1.6011-4(b)(1). At no time during the past five (5) years has Chemical been a United States real property holding company duly registered as such withcorporation within the Federal Reserve Board undermeaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the BHC Act.Code.

4.11.Employees and Employee Benefit Plans.

(a)Section 4.11(a) of the Chemical isDisclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all material Chemical Benefit Plans. For purposes of this Agreement, “Chemical Benefit Plans” means all employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), whether or not subject to ERISA, and is notall stock option, stock purchase, restricted stock, incentive, deferred compensation, retiree medical or life insurance, supplemental

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retirement, retention, bonus, employment, change in control, termination or severance plans, programs, agreements or arrangements that are maintained, contributed to or sponsored or maintained by, or required to be qualifiedcontributed to, Chemical or admittedany of its Subsidiaries for the benefit of any current or former employee, officer or director of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries, excluding, in each case, any Multiemployer Plan.

(b) Chemical has heretofore made available to conduct business as a foreign corporationTCF true and complete copies of (i) each material Chemical Benefit Plan, including any amendments thereto and all related trust documents, insurance contracts or other funding vehicles, and (ii) to the extent applicable, (A) the most recent summary plan description required under ERISA with respect to such Chemical Benefit Plan, (B) the most recent annual report (Form 5500) filed with the IRS, (C) the most recently received IRS determination letter relating to such Chemical Benefit Plan, (D) the most recently prepared actuarial report for each Chemical Benefit Plan, and (E) all material correspondence to or from any Governmental Entity received in any other state,the last three (3) years with respect to each Chemical Benefit Plan.

(c) Each Chemical Benefit Plan has been established, operated and administered in accordance with its terms and the requirements of all applicable laws, including ERISA and the Code, except wherefor such failure to be so qualifiednoncompliance that has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

4.3     Subsidiaries.

(a)     Chemical has provided to Talmer a true and complete list of each Chemical Subsidiary as of the date of this Agreement. Other than the Chemical Subsidiaries, Chemical does not have “control” (as defined in Section 2(a)(2) of the BHC Act, using five percent (5%) rather than twenty-five percent (25%)), either directly or indirectly, of any Person engaged in an active trade or business or that holds any significant assets. Chemical or a

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Chemical Subsidiary owns all of the issued and outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of each of the Chemical Subsidiaries, free and clear of any claim or Lien of any kind. There is no legally binding and enforceable subscription, option, warrant, right to acquire, or any other similar agreement pertaining to the capital stock or other equity interests of any Chemical Subsidiary.

(b)     Each of the Chemical Subsidiaries (i) is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization; (ii) is duly qualified to do business and in good standing in all jurisdictions (whether federal, state, or local) where its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified; and (iii) has all requisite corporate power and authority to own or lease its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted, except in each of (ii) and (iii) as has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

(c)     The deposits of Chemical Bank are insured by the FDIC to the fullest extent permitted by Law, and all premiums and assessments to be paid in connection therewith have been paid when due. No proceeding for the revocation or termination of such deposit insurance is pending or, to the Knowledge of Chemical, threatened. Chemical and each Chemical Subsidiary has paid as and when due all material fees, charges, assessments, and the like as required by Law to each and every Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over Chemical or each Chemical Subsidiary.

4.4     Capital Stock.

(a)     The authorized capital stock of Chemical consists of 60,000,000 shares of Chemical Common Stock, of which, as of the Capitalization Date, 38,167,861 shares were issued and outstanding; and 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock (the “Chemical Preferred Stock”), of which, as of the Capitalization Date, noshares were issued and outstanding. Except for the Chemical Share-Based Awards, as of the date of this Agreement, there is no security or class of securities outstanding that represents, is convertible into, or is exercisable for capital stock of Chemical.

(b)     (d)Section 4.4(b)4.11(d) of the Chemical Disclosure Schedules setsSchedule identifies each Chemical Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code (the “Chemical Qualified Plans”). The IRS has issued a favorable determination letter with respect to each Chemical Qualified Plan and the related trust, and, to the knowledge of Chemical, there are no existing circumstances and no events have occurred that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the qualified status of any Chemical Qualified Plan or the related trust.

(e) No Chemical Benefit Plan is subject to Section 302 or Title IV of ERISA or Section 412, 430 or 4971 of the Code. During the immediately preceding six (6) years, no Controlled Group Liability has been incurred by Chemical or its ERISA Affiliates that has not been satisfied in full, and, to the knowledge of Chemical, no condition exists that presents a material risk to Chemical or its ERISA Affiliates of incurring any such liability, except as, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected result in material liability to Chemical and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

(f) All contributions required to be made to any Chemical Benefit Plan by applicable law or by any plan document, and all premiums due or payable with respect to insurance policies funding any Chemical Benefit Plan, for any period through the date hereof, have been timely made or paid in full or, to the extent not required to be made or paid on or before the date hereof, have been fully reflected on the books and records of Chemical, except as, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in any liability that would be material to Chemical and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

(g) Except as set forth onSection 4.11(g) of the Chemical Disclosure Schedule, neither Chemical nor any of its Subsidiaries sponsors any employee benefit plan that provides for any post-employment or post-retirement health or medical or life insurance benefits for retired or former employees or their beneficiaries or dependents, except as required by Section 4980B of the Code.

(h) None of Chemical, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates has, at any time during the last six (6) years, contributed to or been obligated to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan.

(i) There are no pending or threatened claims (other than claims for benefits in the ordinary course), lawsuits or arbitrations that have been asserted or instituted, and, to the knowledge of Chemical, no set of circumstances exists that may reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim or lawsuit, against the Chemical Benefit Plans, any fiduciaries thereof with respect to their duties to the Chemical Benefit Plans or the assets of any of the trusts under any of the Chemical Benefit Plans, except as, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in any liability that would be material to Chemical and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

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(j) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (either alone or in conjunction with any other event) (i) result in, cause the vesting, exercisability or delivery of, cause Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries to transfer or set aside any assets to fund any benefits under any Chemical Benefit Plan, (ii) increase in the amount or value of, any payment, right or other benefit to any employee or director of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iii) result in any limitation on the right of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries to amend, merge, terminate or receive a reversion of assets from any Chemical Benefit Plan or related trust. No amount paid or payable (whether in cash, in property, or in the form of benefits) by Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby (either solely as a result thereof or as a result of such transactions in conjunction with any other event) will be an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code.

(k) Neither Chemical nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any plan, program, agreement or arrangement that provides for thegross-up or reimbursement of Taxes imposed under Section 409A or 4999 of the Code (or any corresponding provisions of state or local law relating to Tax).

(l) There are no pending or, to the knowledge of Chemical, threatened material labor grievances or material unfair labor practice claims or charges against Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries, or any strikes or other material labor disputes against Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries. Neither Chemical nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to or bound by any collective bargaining or similar agreement with any labor organization, or work rules or practices agreed to with any labor organization or employee association applicable to employees of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of Chemical, there are no organizing efforts by any union or other group seeking to represent any employees of Chemical and its Subsidiaries.

4.12.Compliance with Applicable Law.

(a) Chemical and each of its Subsidiaries hold, and have held at all times since January 1, 2015, all licenses, franchises, permits and authorizations necessary for the lawful conduct of their respective businesses and ownership of their respective properties, rights and assets under and pursuant to each (and have paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith), except where neither the cost of failure to hold nor the cost of obtaining and holding such license, franchise, permit or authorization (nor the failure to pay any fees or assessments) would, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical, and, to the knowledge of Chemical, no suspension or cancellation of any such necessary license, franchise, permit or authorization is threatened. Chemical and each of its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with and are not in material default or violation under any, applicable law, statute, order, rule, regulation, policy and/or guideline of any Governmental Entity relating to Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries, including without limitation all laws related to data protection or privacy, the USA PATRIOT Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B, the Fair Housing Act, the CRA, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, any regulations promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Interagency Policy Statement on Retail Sales of Nondeposit Investment Products, the SAFE Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Regulation X, and any other law relating to bank secrecy, discriminatory lending, financing or leasing practices, money laundering prevention, Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and all agency requirements relating to the origination, sale and servicing of mortgage and consumer loans. Chemical Bank is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the CRA and has received a CRA rating of “satisfactory” or better in its most recently completed CRA examination. Except as would not reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical, none of Chemical, or its Subsidiaries, or to the knowledge of Chemical, any director, officer, employee, agent or other person acting on behalf of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries has, directly or indirectly, (a) used any funds of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries for unlawful contributions, unlawful gifts, unlawful entertainment or other expenses relating to political activity, (b) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic governmental officials or employees or to foreign or

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domestic political parties or campaigns from funds of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries, (c) violated any provision that would result in the violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or any similar law, (d) established or maintained any unlawful fund of monies or other assets of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries, (e) made any fraudulent entry on the books or records of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries, or (f) made any unlawful bribe, unlawful rebate, unlawful payoff, unlawful influence payment, unlawful kickback or other unlawful payment to any person, private or public, regardless of form, whether in money, property or services, to obtain favorable treatment in securing business to obtain special concessions for Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries, to pay for favorable treatment for business secured or to pay for special concessions already obtained for Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries, or is currently subject to any United States sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Treasury Department. Chemical and its Subsidiaries have established and maintain a system of internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurances regarding compliance in all material respects by Chemical and its Subsidiaries with the foregoing.

(b) Chemical and its Subsidiaries are and since January 1, 2015 have been conducting operations at all times in compliance in all material respects with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of Anti-Money Laundering Laws in jurisdictions where Chemical and its Subsidiaries conduct business. Chemical and its Subsidiaries have established and maintain a system of internal controls designed to ensure compliance in all material respects by Chemical and its Subsidiaries with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Anti-Money Laundering Laws in jurisdictions where Chemical and its Subsidiaries conduct business.

(c) Chemical and each of its Subsidiaries has properly administered in all material respects all accounts for which it acts as a fiduciary, including accounts for which it serves as a trustee, agent, custodian, personal representative, guardian, conservator or investment advisor, in accordance with the terms of the governing documents and applicable law. None of Chemical, any of its Subsidiaries, or any director, officer or employee of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries, has committed any material breach of trust or fiduciary duty with respect to any such fiduciary account, and all the accountings for each such fiduciary account are true and correct and accurately reflect the assets of such fiduciary account, in each case in all material respects.

4.13.Certain Contracts.

(a) Except as set forth inSection 4.13 of the Chemical Disclosure Schedule, as of the date hereof, neither Chemical nor any of this Agreement,its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any contract, arrangement, commitment or understanding (whether written or oral) (i) which is a “material contract” (as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of RegulationS-K of the number of sharesSEC), (ii) which contains a provision that limits (or purports to limit) in any material respect the ability of Chemical Common Stock that are authorized(or after the Merger, the ability of Chemical and reserved for issuance under each plan sponsoredits Subsidiaries) to engage or compete in any business (including geographic restrictions and exclusive or preferential arrangements), (iii) with or to a labor union or guild (including any collective bargaining agreement), (iv) which (other than extensions of credit, other customary banking products offered by Chemical under which options and other stock-based awards are granted, and the award agreements thereunder (collectively, the “Chemical Stock Plans”), and the number of shares of Chemical Common Stock that are subject to outstanding Chemical Stock Options and Chemical Stock Awards (collectively, “Chemical Share-Based Awards”) issued under a Chemical Stock Plan. All Chemical Share-Based Awards have been awarded under a Chemical Stock Plan, and, as of the date of this Agreement, there are no other compensatory awards outstanding pursuant to which Chemical Common Stock has beenor its Subsidiaries, or derivatives issued or entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) creates future payment obligations in excess of $500,000 annually and that by its terms does not terminate or is issuable,not terminable without penalty upon notice of 60 days or less, (v) that relate to or are determined by reference to the value of Chemical Common Stock. All outstanding shares of Chemical Common Stock, and all Chemical Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Chemical Stock Plans when issued in accordance with the respective terms of the Chemical Stock Plans, are or will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and not issued in violation ofgrants any preemptive rights, purchase option, call ormaterial right of first refusal, rights.

(c)     After the dateright of this Agreement, the number of issued and outstanding sharesfirst offer or similar right with respect to any material assets, rights or properties of Chemical Common Stock and Chemical Preferred Stockor its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (vi) which is not subject to change before the Effective Time,a merger agreement, asset purchase agreement, stock purchase agreement, deposit assumption agreement, loss sharing agreement or other than the issuance of shares of Chemical Common Stock upon the exercise of any Chemical Stock Options granted pursuantcommitment to a Chemical Stock Plan prior toRegulatory Agency in connection with the dateacquisition of this Agreement.

(d)     Other than the issued and outstanding shares of Chemical Common Stock describeda depository institution, or similar agreement that has indemnification, earnout or other obligations that continue inSection 4.4(a), neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary has outstanding any security or issue of securities the holder or holders of which have the right to vote on the approval of the Merger, this Agreement, or the issuance of Chemical Common Stock that constitutes the Merger Consideration, or that entitle the holder or holders to consent to, or withhold consent on, the Merger, this Agreement or the issuance of Chemical Common Stock that constitutes the Merger Consideration.

(e)     No Chemical Shareholder will be entitled to appraisal rights pursuant to the MBCA as a result of the consummation of the Merger.

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4.5     Financial Statements.

(a)     The consolidated financial statements of Chemical as of and for each of the three (3) years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, as reported on by Chemical’s independent accountants, and the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Chemical as of and for each quarter in 2015 ended before the date of this Agreement, including all schedules and notes relating to such statements, as previously delivered to Talmer (collectively, “Chemical Financial Statements”), fairly present, and the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Chemical as of and for each quarter ending effect after the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time, including all schedulesthat are material to Chemical and notes relatingits Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (vii) that provides for contractual indemnification to such statements, will fairly present the financial condition and the results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows of Chemical asany director, officer or employee. Each contract, arrangement, commitment or understanding of the respective dates of and fortype described in thisSection 4.13(a) (excluding any Chemical Benefit Plan), whether or not set forth in the periodsChemical Disclosure Schedule, is referred to in such financial statements, all in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, subject, inherein as a “Chemical Contract,” and neither Chemical nor any of its Subsidiaries knows of, or to its knowledge has received notice of, any violation of the caseabove by any of unaudited interim financial statements, to normal, recurring year-end adjustments (the effect ofthe other parties thereto which has not had, and

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would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical) andChemical.

(b) In each case, except as, either individually or in the absence of notes (that, if presented,aggregate, would not differ materially from those includedreasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical, (i) each Chemical Contract is valid and binding on Chemical or one of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, and in full force and effect, (ii) Chemical Financial Statements). No financial statementsand each of any entity or enterprise other than the Chemicalits Subsidiaries are required by GAAP to be included in the consolidated financial statements of Chemical.

(b)     The following reports (including all related schedules, notes, and exhibits) were prepared and filed in conformity with applicable regulatory requirements and were correct and completehas in all material respects when filed:

(i)     The Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income (Form FFIEC 041) of each Chemical Subsidiary required to file such reports (including any amendments) as of and for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and as of and for each of the first, second and third quarter of 2015 as filed with the FDIC; and

(ii)     The Consolidated Financial Statements for Bank Holding Companies (Form FR Y-9C) and Parent Company Only Financial Statements for Large Bank Holding Companies (Form FR Y-9LP) (including any amendments) for Chemical as of and for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, and as of and for each quarter ended in 2015 before the date of this Agreement as filed with the Federal Reserve Board. All of such reportsperformed all obligations required to be filed priorperformed by it to the Effective Time bydate under each Chemical or anyContract, (iii) to Chemical’s knowledge each third-party counterparty to each Chemical Subsidiary will be prepared and filed in conformity with applicable regulatory requirements applied consistently throughout their respective periods (except as otherwise noted in such reports) and will be correct and completeContract has in all material respects when filed. All of the reports identified in thisSection 4.5(b) are collectively referredperformed all obligations required to as the “be performed by it to date under such Chemical Call Reports.”

4.6     Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since September 30, 2015, (a) ChemicalContract, and the Chemical Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses in the ordinary course consistent with past practice and (b)(iv) to Chemical’s knowledge, no event or condition exists which constitutes or, after notice or lapse of time or both, will constitute, a material default on the part of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries under any such Chemical Contract.

4.14.Agreements with Regulatory Agencies. Neither Chemical nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to anycease-and-desist or other order or enforcement action issued by, or is a party to any written agreement, consent agreement or memorandum of understanding with, or is a party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking to, or is subject to any order or directive by, or has occurredbeen ordered to pay any civil money penalty by, or has been since January 1, 2015, a recipient of any supervisory letter from, or since January 1, 2015, has adopted any policies, procedures or board resolutions at the written request of any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity that has had,currently restricts in any material respect the conduct of its business or that in any material manner relates to its capital adequacy, its ability to pay dividends, its credit or risk management policies, its management or its business and which would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

4.7     Legal Proceedings. There is no Action pendingChemical (each, whether or tonot set forth in the Knowledge of Chemical threatened againstDisclosure Schedule, a “Chemical Regulatory Agreement”), nor has Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries been advised in writing, or to Chemical’s knowledge, orally, since January 1, 2015, by any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity that it is considering issuing, initiating, ordering or requesting any such Chemical Regulatory Agreement.

4.15.Risk Management Instruments. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical, all interest rate swaps, caps, floors, option agreements, futures and forward contracts and other similar derivative transactions and risk management arrangements, whether entered into for the account of Chemical, any of its Subsidiaries or for the account of a customer of Chemical or one of its Subsidiaries, were entered into in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with applicable rules, regulations and policies of any Regulatory Agency and with counterparties believed to be financially responsible at the time and are legal, valid and binding obligations of Chemical or one of its Subsidiaries enforceable in accordance with their terms (except as may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions), and are in full force and effect. Chemical and each of its Subsidiaries have duly performed in all material respects all of their material obligations thereunder to the extent that (a)such obligations to perform have accrued, and, to Chemical’s knowledge, there are no material breaches, violations or defaults or allegations or assertions of such by any party thereunder.

4.16.Environmental Matters. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical, Chemical and its Subsidiaries are in compliance, and have complied since January 1, 2015, with any federal, state or local law, regulation, order, decree, permit, authorization, common law or agency requirement relating to Environmental Laws. There are no legal, administrative, arbitral or other proceedings, claims or actions, or to Chemical’s knowledge any private environmental investigations or remediation activities or governmental investigations of any nature seeking to impose, or that could reasonably be expected to result in the dateimposition, on Chemical or any of this Agreement, challengesits Subsidiaries of any liability or seeks to enjoin, alter, preventobligation arising under any Environmental Law, pending or materially delay the Mergerthreatened against Chemical, which liability or (b) has had, orobligation would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical. ThereTo the knowledge of Chemical, there is no material unsatisfied judgment, penaltyreasonable basis for any such proceeding, claim, action or award against Chemicalgovernmental investigation that would impose any liability or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries. Neither Chemical nor any of the Chemical Subsidiaries, nor any of their respective properties or assets, is subject to any Order or any investigation by a Governmental Entityobligation that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical. No officer

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4.17.Investment Securities.

(a) Each of Chemical and its Subsidiaries has good title in all material respects to all securities owned by it (except those sold under repurchase agreements), free and clear of any Lien, except as set forth in the financial statements included in the Chemical Reports or directorto the extent such securities are pledged in the ordinary course of business to secure obligations of Chemical or its Subsidiaries. Such securities are valued on the books of Chemical in accordance with GAAP in all material respects.

(b) Chemical and its Subsidiaries and their respective businesses employ investment, securities, risk management and other policies, practices and procedures that Chemical believes are prudent and reasonable in the context of such businesses. Prior to the date of this Agreement, Chemical has made available to TCF the material terms of such policies, practices and procedures.

4.18.Real Property. Except as would not reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical, (a) Chemical or a Chemical Subsidiary has good and marketable title to all the real property reflected in the latest audited balance sheet included in the Chemical Reports as being owned by Chemical or a Chemical Subsidiary or acquired after the date thereof (except properties sold or otherwise disposed of since the date thereof in the ordinary course of business) (the “Chemical Owned Properties”), free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Encumbrances, and (b) is the lessee of all leasehold estates reflected in the latest audited financial statements included in such Chemical Reports or acquired after the date thereof (except for leases that have expired by their terms since the date thereof) (collectively with the Chemical Owned Properties, the “Chemical Real Property”), free and clear of all Liens of any nature whatsoever, except for Permitted Encumbrances, and is in possession of the properties purported to be leased thereunder, and each such lease is valid without default thereunder by the lessee or, to Chemical’s knowledge, the lessor. There are no pending or, to the knowledge of Chemical, threatened condemnation proceedings against the Chemical Real Property.

4.19.Intellectual Property. Except as set forth onSection 4.19 of the Chemical Disclosure Schedule, Chemical and each of its Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed to use (in each case, free and clear of any material Liens), all Intellectual Property necessary for the conduct of its business as currently conducted. Except as would not reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical, (a) (i) the use of any Intellectual Property by Chemical and its Subsidiaries does not infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate the rights of any person and is in accordance with any applicable license pursuant to which Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary acquired the right to use any Intellectual Property, and (ii) no person has asserted in writing to Chemical that Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries has infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated the Intellectual Property rights of such person, (b) no person is challenging or, to the knowledge of Chemical, infringing on or otherwise violating, any right of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to any Intellectual Property owned by Chemical or its Subsidiaries, and (c) neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary has received any notice of any pending claim with respect to any Intellectual Property owned by Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary, and Chemical and its Subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable actions to avoid the abandonment, cancellation or unenforceability of all Intellectual Property owned or licensed, respectively, by Chemical and its Subsidiaries.

4.20.Related Party Transactions. There are no transactions or series of related transactions, agreements, arrangements or understandings, nor are there any currently proposed transactions or series of related transactions, between Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries, is a defendanton the one hand, and any current or former director or “executive officer” (as defined in any Action commenced by any shareholderRule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries or any person who beneficially owns (as defined in Rules13d-3 and13d-5 of the Exchange Act) 5% or more of the outstanding Chemical Common Stock (or any of such person’s immediate family members or affiliates) (other than Subsidiaries with respectof Chemical) on the other hand, which was required to the performancebe reported in any Chemical Report pursuant to Item 404 of his or her duties as an officer orRegulationS-K which has not been so reported on a directortimely basis.

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4.21.State Takeover Laws. The Board of Directors of Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries under any applicable Law, except for any Action arising out of or relating to the Mergerhas approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby as required to render inapplicable to such agreements and transactions any Takeover Statutes.

4.22.Reorganization. Chemical has not taken any action and has no knowledge of the existence of any fact or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to prevent or impede the Merger from qualifying as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

4.23.Opinion of Financial Advisor. Prior to the execution of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of Chemical has received an opinion (which, if initially rendered orally, has been or will be confirmed by a written opinion, dated the same date) of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion, and based upon and subject to the factors, assumptions, and limitations set forth therein, the Exchange Ratio is fair from a financial point of view to Chemical. Such opinion has not been amended or rescinded as of the date of this Agreement.

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4.8     4.24.Regulatory FilingsChemical Information. In the last three (3) years:

(a)The information relating to Chemical and eachits Subsidiaries to be contained in the Joint Proxy Statement and theS-4, and the information relating to Chemical Subsidiary hasand its Subsidiaries that is provided by Chemical or its representatives specifically for inclusion in any other document filed with any other Regulatory Agency in connection herewith, will not contain any untrue statement of a timely manner all filings with Governmental Entities as required by applicable Law; and

(b)     Allmaterial fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading. The Joint Proxy Statement (except for such filings, asportions thereof that relate only to TCF or any of their respective filing dates, compliedits Subsidiaries) will comply in all material respects with all Laws, forms,the provisions of the Exchange Act and guidelines applicablethe rules and regulations thereunder. TheS-4 (except for such portions thereof that relate only to such filings.

4.9     No Indemnification Claims. To the Knowledge of Chemical, there has been no event, action, or omission by or with respect to any director, officer, employee, trustee, agent, or other Person who may be entitled to receive indemnification or reimbursement of any claim, loss, or expense under any Contract or arrangement providing for indemnification or reimbursement of any such Person by ChemicalTCF or any Chemical Subsidiary.

4.10     Conduct of Business. Chemicalits Subsidiaries) will comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act and each Chemical Subsidiary has conducted its business and used its properties in compliance with all applicable Laws, including without limitation applicable federal and state lawsthe rules and regulations concerningthereunder.

4.25.Loan Portfolio.

(a) The allowances for loan and lease losses as reflected in the Chemical Reports were in the reasonable opinion of Chemical’s management (i) adequate to meet all reasonably anticipated loan and lease losses, net of recoveries related to loans previously charged off as of those dates, (ii) consistent with GAAP and reasonable and sound banking securities, truth-in-lending, truth-in-savings, mortgage originationpractices and servicing, usury, fair credit reporting, consumer protection, occupational safety, fair lending, civil rights, employee protection, fair employment practices, fair labor standards, real estate settlement(iii) in conformance with recommendations and procedures, insurance, privacy, and Environmental Laws; except for violations that have not had, andcomments in reports of examination in all material respects.

(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

4.11     Transaction Documents. NoneChemical, each Loan of Chemical and its Subsidiaries (i) is evidenced by notes, agreements or other evidences of indebtedness that are true, genuine and what they purport to be, (ii) to the extent carried on the books and records of Chemical and its Subsidiaries as secured Loans, has been secured by valid charges, mortgages, pledges, security interests, restrictions, claims, liens or encumbrances, as applicable, which have been perfected, (iii) to the extent any Loan constitutes an operating lease, Chemical or its applicable Subsidiary, as the case may be, has legal and beneficial ownership of the information suppliedassets under such operating lease, and (iv) is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor named therein, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.

(c) Except as would not reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical, each outstanding Loan of Chemical and its Subsidiaries (including Loans held for resale to investors) was solicited and originated, and is and has been administered and, where applicable, serviced, and the relevant Loan files are being maintained, in all material respects in accordance with the relevant notes or other credit or security documents, the written underwriting standards of Chemical and its Subsidiaries (and, in the case of Loans held for resale to investors, the underwriting standards, if any, of the applicable investors) and with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and rules.

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(d) There are no outstanding Loans made by Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries to any “executive officer” or other “insider” (as each such term is defined in Regulation O promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board) of Chemical or its Subsidiaries, other than Loans that are subject to and that were made and continue to be in compliance with Regulation O or that are exempt therefrom.

(e) Neither Chemical nor any of its Subsidiaries is (i) now nor has it ever been since January 1, 2015, subject to any fine, suspension, settlement or other contract or other administrative agreement or sanction by, or any reduction in any loan purchase commitment from, any Governmental Entity or Regulatory Agency relating to the origination, sale or servicing of mortgage or consumer Loans, and (ii) has knowledge of any actual or threatened claim, proceeding or investigation with respect thereto by any person.

(f)Section 4.25(f) of Chemical Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of (i) all Loans in which Chemical or any TCF Subsidiary is a creditor which, as of September 30, 2018, had an outstanding balance of $100,000 or more and under the terms of which the obligor has, as of September 30, 2018, over ninety (90) days delinquent in payment of principal or interest, (ii) all Loans of Chemical and Chemical Subsidiaries that, as of September 30, 2018, were classified as “Special Mention,” “Substandard,” “Doubtful,” “Loss,” “Classified,” “Criticized,” “Credit Risk Assets,” “Concerned Loans,” “Watch List” or words of similar import by Chemical or any bank examiner, together with the principal amount of and accrued and unpaid interest on each such Loan and the identity of the borrower thereunder, together with the aggregate principal amount of such Loans by category of Loan (e.g., commercial, consumer, etc.), and (iii) each Loan classified by Chemical as a Troubled Debt Restructuring as defined by GAAP.

(g) Except as set forth onSection 4.25(g) of the Chemical Disclosure Schedule, none of the agreements pursuant to which Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries has sold Loans or pools of Loans or participations in Loans or pools of Loans contains any obligation to repurchase such Loans or interests therein solely on account of a payment default by the obligor on any such Loan (other than early termination defaults). Neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary (i) has been notified of any material repurchase obligation under any agreement of the type described in the preceding sentence since January 1, 2017, or (ii) has any knowledge of any facts or circumstances which would reasonably be expected to give rise to any such material repurchase obligation.

(h) Chemical and each of its Subsidiaries, in each case to the extent it is a servicer of any transaction sponsored by Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary under which Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary has sold or pledged receivables in a securitization in which securities backed by, or other interests in, such receivables were sold and any of such securities or other interest remains outstanding (each, a “Chemical SecuritizationTransaction”), are in compliance in all material respects with all contracts or agreements to which each of them is bound under such Chemical Securitization Transaction (collectively, “Chemical Securitization Instruments”). Chemical and each of its Subsidiaries, in each case to the extent that it is the issuing entity in any Chemical Securitization Transaction, have performed in all material respects all of their respective obligations under the Chemical Securitization Instruments. Chemical and each of its Subsidiaries, in each case to the extent that it is the depositor in any Chemical Securitization Transaction (in such capacity, a “Chemical Securitization Depositor”), have performed in all material respects all of their respective obligations under the Chemical Securitization Instruments.Section 4.25(h) of the Chemical Disclosure Schedule contains a list of all outstanding Chemical Securitization Transactions.

(i) Since January 1, 2015, Chemical and any Chemical Subsidiary that has acted as a Chemical Securitization Depositor has made or caused to be made all filings required to be made by it under the Exchange Act, or has otherwise corrected any errant filings or resolved any such filings with the SEC. There are no pending or, to be supplied bythe knowledge of Chemical, for inclusionthreatened, lawsuits, actions, proceedings or incorporation by referenceclaims in which it is alleged that any private placement memorandum or other offering document (including any amendments or supplements thereto), as of the date on which it was issued in any Chemical Securitization Transaction, Document will containcontained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitomitted to state aany material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (a)misleading. No securities were issued or sold

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by Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries in the caseviolation of any Transaction Document (other than the Form S-4 and the Joint Proxy Statement), at the time it is filed or at any time it is amended or supplemented, (b) in the caseSection 5 of the Form S-4, at the time it is filed with the SEC, at any time it is amended or supplemented and at the time it becomes effective under the Securities Act and (c) in the case of the Joint Proxy Statement, at the date it is first mailed to theany Chemical Shareholders and the Talmer Shareholders and at the time of the Chemical Shareholder Meeting and the Talmer Shareholder Meeting. The Joint Proxy Statement (other than those portions relating solely to the Talmer Shareholder Meeting) will, at the time the Joint Proxy Statement is filed with the SEC, at any time it is amended or supplemented, at the date it is first mailed to the Chemical Shareholders and the Talmer Shareholders and at the time of the Chemical Shareholder Meeting and the Talmer Shareholder Meeting, comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, except that no representation is made by Chemical with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference therein based on information supplied by or on behalf of Talmer for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Joint Proxy Statement.

4.12     Agreements With Bank Regulators.Securitization Transaction. Neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary, is a party to any Regulatory Agreement, nor has Chemical northe extent an issuing entity in any Chemical Subsidiary been advised by any Governmental Entity that a Governmental EntitySecuritization Transaction, is contemplating issuing or requesting (or is consideringrequired to register as an investment company under the appropriateness of issuing or requesting) an Order or a Regulatory Agreement.Investment Company Act.

(j) Neither Chemical nor any of its Subsidiaries has acted in the capacity of guarantor or credit enhancer in any Chemical Subsidiary is required by Section 32 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or FDIC Regulation Part 359 or the Federal Reserve Board to give prior notice to a federal banking agency of the proposed addition of an individual to its board of directors or the employment of an individual as a senior executive officer or to limit golden parachute payments or indemnification.

4.13     Tax Matters.

(a)     All material Tax Returns required by applicable Law to have been filed by Chemical and each Chemical Subsidiary since January 1, 2010 have been filed when due (taking into account any extensions), and each such Tax Return is complete and accurate and correctly reflects the liability for Taxes in all material respects. Since January 1, 2010, Chemical and each Chemical SubsidiarySecuritization Transaction, nor has withheld and paid all material Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any third party. Since January 1, 2010, all material Taxes that are due and payable by Chemical and each Chemical Subsidiary have been paid.

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(b)     There is no audit or other proceeding pending against or with respect to Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries provided any type of guaranty in any Chemical SubsidiarySecuritization Transaction with respect to any material amountpayments of Tax. There are no material Liens on any of the assets of Chemicalprincipal or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries that aroseinterest in connection with any failure (or alleged failure) to pay any Tax, other than Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable.issued securities.

(c)     Neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary has waived any statute of limitations in respect of Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to any Taxes, which waiver or extension is still open.

(d)4.26.Insurance. Except as required by Law, neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary is a party to any Tax allocation or sharing agreement.

(e)     Neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary has been included in any “consolidated,” “unitary” or “combined” Tax Return for any taxable period for which the statute of limitations has not expired (other than a group of which Chemical and one or more Chemical Subsidiaries are the only members). Neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary is a general partner in any partnership that is material to its business operations.

(f)     Within the past three (3) years, neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary has been a “distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation” in a distribution intended to qualify for tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code.

(g)     Neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary has participated in or been a party to a transaction that, as of the date of this Agreement, constitutes a “listed transaction” for purposes of Section 6011 of the Code (or a similar provision of state Law).

(h)     Neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary has taken any action or has Knowledge of any fact that would reasonably be expected to prevent the Merger from qualifying for the Intended Tax Treatment.

(i)     There has been no disallowance of a deduction under Section 162(m) or 280G of the Code for any amount paid or payable by Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary as employee compensation, whether under any Contract, plan, program or arrangement, understanding or otherwise.

4.14     Properties.

(a)     Except with such exceptions that have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have,likely, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical, Chemical and eachits Subsidiaries are insured with reputable insurers against such risks and in such amounts as the management of Chemical Subsidiaryreasonably has gooddetermined to be prudent and valid title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all of their respective personalconsistent with industry practice, and real properties and assets as used in their respective businesses as presently conducted, and all such personal and real properties and assets, other than personal and real properties and assets in which Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries has leasehold interests, are free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens. Chemical and each Chemical Subsidiary has compliedits Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with their insurance policies and are not in default under any of the terms of all leases to which itthereof, each such policy is a party. All material leases to which Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary is a partyoutstanding and under which it is in possession of any personal or real property are valid and binding contracts and are in full force and effect and, neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary has received any written notice alleging violation, breach, or defaultexcept for policies insuring against potential liabilities of such lease. Chemicalofficers, directors and each Chemical Subsidiary is in possession of the properties or assets purported to be leased under all its material leases (except where Chemical or a Chemical Subsidiary is the lessor). The tangible personal and real property and assetsemployees of Chemical and all Chemicalits Subsidiaries are in good operating condition and repair, reasonable wearthe third party loss payees under general liability, auto liability, aviation and tear excepted, and, subject to maintenance and repair in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, are adequate for the uses to which they are being put.

(b)     With respect to real property owned byexcess umbrella policies, Chemical or any Chemicalthe relevant Subsidiary none of Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary (i) has received written notice of any pending, and tothereof is the Knowledge of Chemical there is no threatened, condemnation proceeding against anysole beneficiary of such real property or (ii) has received written notice frompolicies, and all premiums and other payments due under any Governmental Entity that such real property is notpolicy have been paid, and all claims thereunder have been filed in compliance with any applicable Law, exceptdue and timely fashion.

4.27.Information Security. Except as have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have,likely, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

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(c)     With respect to real property leased, subleased or licensed by Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary, none of Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary (i) has received any written notice alleging a violation, breach or default under any lease of such real property, except for matters being contested in good faith for which adequate accruals or reserves have been established on the books and records of Chemical or (ii) (A) has received written notice of any pending, and to the Knowledge of Chemical there is no threatened, condemnation proceeding with respect to any of such real property or (B) has received written notice from any Governmental Entity that such real property is not in compliance with any applicable Law, except as have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

(d)     No lease or license pursuant to which Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary, as lessor, lessee, licensor or licensee, has possession of, or leases or licenses to others, any real or personal property, excluding any personal property lease with payments of less than $500,000 per year, contains any provision, including any prohibition against assignment by Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary, by operation of Law or otherwise, that would require any third party consent or approval for, or that would materially interfere with, the possession, use or rights with respect to the property by the Surviving Corporation or its Subsidiaries for the same purposes and upon the same rental and other terms following consummation of the Merger.

4.15     Intellectual Property. Chemical and the Chemical Subsidiaries exclusively own, or have a valid license or other valid right to use, all material Intellectual Property as used in their business as presently conducted; it being understood that the foregoing shall not be construed to expand or diminish the scope of the non-infringement representations and warranties that follow in thisSection 4.15. No Actions, suits or other proceedings are pending or, to the Knowledge of Chemical, threatened that Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries is infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the rights of any Person with regard to any Intellectual Property. To the Knowledge of Chemical, no Person is materially infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the rights of Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries with respect to any material Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries (collectively the “Chemical-Owned Intellectual Property”). Except as have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical, to the Knowledgeknowledge of Chemical: (a)Chemical, since January 1, 2015, no circumstances exist which could reasonably be expected to give risethird party has gained unauthorized access to any (i) Action that challenges the rights of Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries with respect to the validity or enforceability of the Chemical-Owned Intellectual Property or (ii) claim of infringement, misappropriation, or violation of the Intellectual Property rights of any Person,information technology networks controlled by and (b) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not give rise to any claim by any Person to a right to own, purchase, transfer, use, alter, impair, extinguish or restrict any Chemical-Owned Intellectual Property or Intellectual Property licensed to Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary.

4.16     Required Licenses, Permits, Etc. Chemical and each Chemical Subsidiary hold all material Permits and other rights from all appropriate Governmental Entities necessary for the conduct of its business as presently conducted. All such material Permits and rights are in full force and effect. Each Chemical Subsidiary, as applicable, is an approved seller-servicer for each mortgage investor with whom it conducts business, and holds all material Permits, authorizations, and approvals necessary to carry on a mortgage banking business.

4.17     Material Contracts and Change of Control.

(a)     For the purposes of this Agreement, the term “Chemical Material Contract” means any of the following Contracts to which Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries is a party or bound as of the date of this Agreement:

(i)     Each Contract that (A) has been or (B) would be required to be, but has not been, filed by Chemical as a material contract pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K on Form 10-K under the Exchange Act as if such Form 10-K were filed as of the date of this Agreement;

(ii)     Each Contract, other than any Contracts contemplated by this Agreement, that limits (or purports to limit) in any material respect the ability of Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries to engage or compete in any business (including geographic restrictions and exclusive or preferential arrangements);

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(iii)     Each Contract that creates a material partnership or joint venture to which Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries is a party;

(iv)     Each Contract between or among Chemical and any Chemical Subsidiary;

(v)     Each Contract with a correspondent banker;

(vi)     Each Contract relating to the borrowing of money by Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary or guarantee by Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary of such obligation (other than Contracts evidencing deposit liabilities, purchases of federal funds, fully-secured repurchase agreements, FHLB advances of depository institution Chemical Subsidiaries, trade payables and Contracts relating to borrowings or guarantees made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) in excess of $2,000,000;

(vii)     Each Contract that relates to the acquisition or disposition of any material business (whether by merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise) or material asset, other than this Agreement, pursuant to which Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries has any material continuing obligations, contingent or otherwise;

(viii)     Each Contract that grants any right of first refusal or right of first offer or similar right or that limits or purports to limit the ability of Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries to own, operate, sell, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of any material amount of assets or businesses;

(ix)     Each voting agreement or registration rights agreement with respect to the capital stock of Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries;

(x)     Each Contract granting Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary the right to use, restricting Chemical’s or any Chemical Subsidiary’s right to use, or granting any other Person the right to use Intellectual Property that is material to the conduct of Chemical’s or any Chemical Subsidiary’s business (including any license, franchise agreement, co-existence agreement, concurrent-use agreement, settlement agreement or other similar type Contract);

(xi)     Each Contract that limits the payment of dividends by Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary;

(xii)     Each Contract involving a standstill or similar obligation of Chemical or anyoperation of the Chemical Subsidiaries relating to the purchase of securities of Chemical or any other Person;

(xiii)     Except transactions made in accordance with Regulation O and agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice for compensation or indemnity, any Contract between Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary, on the one hand, and, on the other hand (A) any officer or director of Chemical or a Chemical Subsidiary, or (B) to the Knowledge of Chemical, any (1) record or beneficial owner of five percent (5%) or more of the voting securities of Chemical, (2) Affiliate or family member of any such officer, director, or record or beneficial owner, or (3) other Affiliate of Chemical, except those Contracts of a type available to employees of Chemical generally;

(xiv)     Each Contract for any one capital expenditure or a series of capital expenditures, the aggregate amount of which is in excess of $1,000,000;

(xv)     Each Contract or commitment to make a loan not yet fully disbursed or funded to any Person, wherein the undisbursed or unfunded amount exceeds $10,000,000;

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(xvi)     Each Contract or commitment for a loan participation agreement with any other Person in excess of $10,000,000;

(xvii)     Each employment Contract with an employee of Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary or any other compensatory Contract or plan in which any executive officer of Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary participates (other than any compensatory Contract or plan which pursuant to its terms is available to employees, officers or directors generally and which in operation provides for the same method of allocation of benefits between management and non-management participants); and

(xviii)     Each Contract that is material to the financial condition, results of operations or business of Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary.

(b)     Prior to the date of this Agreement, Chemical has provided or made available to Talmer a true and complete copy of each Chemical Material Contract in effect as of the date of this Agreement. Except for matters that have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical, (i) all Chemical Material Contracts are in full force and effect as of the date of this Agreement, (ii) neither Chemical nor any of the Chemical Subsidiaries is in violation or breach of or default under (or with notice or lapse of time, or both, would be in violation or breach of or default under) the terms of any Chemical Material Contract, (iii) to the Knowledge of Chemical, no other party to any Chemical Material Contract is in breach of or in default under any Chemical Material Contract, and (iv) neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary has received written notice of breach or termination (or proposed breach or termination) of any Chemical Material Contract.

(c)     There is no Chemical Material Contract under which (i) a consent or approval is required, (ii) a prohibited assignment by operation of Law could occur, (iii) a waiver or loss of any right could occur, or (iv) an acceleration of any obligation could occur, in each case as a result of the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein, where any such occurrence would reasonably be expected to (A) materially interfere with the ordinary course of business conducted by Chemical, any Chemical Subsidiary or the Surviving Corporation or (B) have a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

(d)     (i) All data processing Contracts of Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries are cancelable by Chemical or a Chemical Subsidiary on or immediately after the Effective Time without cost, penalty or further obligation, except for costs, penalties or further obligations that, in the aggregate with respect to any Contract, do not exceed $1,000,000; and (ii) neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary is party to any Contract that would require any payment to another party upon termination in excess of $1,000,000.

4.18     Labor and Employment Matters.

(a)     (i) Chemical and all of the Chemical Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable Laws relating to labor and employment practices, including those relating to wages, employee benefits, hours and overtime, workplace safety and health, immigration, individual and collective termination, non-discrimination and data privacy, workers’ compensation, the identification of particular employees or job classifications as “exempt” or “non-exempt” for purposes of such obligations, and any and all other matters involving compensation or benefits afforded to or not afforded to employees, contractors or consultants except for such noncompliance as has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical; (ii) as of the date of this Agreement, there is no unfair labor practice charge or complaint pending before the NLRB or, to the Knowledge of Chemical, threatened against Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries; (iii) as of the date of this Agreement and during the past three (3) years, there has been no labor strike, slowdown, work stoppage or lockout pending or, to the Knowledge of Chemical, threatened against or affecting Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries; (iv) there is no representation claim or petition pending before the NLRB or any similar foreign agency relating to the employees of Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary; (v) as of the date of this Agreement, Chemical has not received written notice of charges with respect to or relating to Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary pending before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other Governmental Entity responsible for the prevention of unlawful employment practices, nor is there any claim pending before any court or administrative agency regarding any unlawful employment practices relating to Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary; and (vi) neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary has received any written notice from any

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Governmental Entity responsible for the enforcement of labor or employment laws of an intention to conduct an investigation of Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary and, to the Knowledge of Chemical, no such investigation is in progress.

(b)     Neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary is party to, bound by, or negotiating any Collective Bargaining Agreement or any other Contract with any labor organization, union, works council, employee representative or association.

(c)    All salaried employees, hourly employees, and temporary employees of Chemical and its Subsidiaries are employed on an at-will basis by Chemical and/Subsidiaries.

4.28.No Other Representations or its Subsidiaries and may be terminated at any time with or without cause and without any severance or other liabilities to Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary, or have signed an agreement or acknowledged in writing that their employment is at will. There has been no written representation by Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary made to any employee that commits Chemical, any Chemical Subsidiary, or the Surviving Corporation to retain them as employees for any period of time subsequent to the Closing.

(d)     Since January 1, 2013, neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary has effectuated a “plant closing” or a “mass lay off” (in each case, as defined in the WARN Act), in either case affecting any site of employment or facility of Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary, except in compliance with the WARN Act.

(e)     There is no audit, investigation, charge or proceeding with respect to a material violation of any occupational health and safety standards that is pending or unremedied, or, to the Knowledge of Chemical, threatened against Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary. Chemical and all of the Chemical Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable occupational health and safety Laws, except for such failures to comply as have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

(f)     Neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary is a party or subject to any Contract which restricts Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary from relocating, closing or terminating any of its operations or facilities or any portion of its operations or facilities.

(g)     The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not create Liabilities for any act by Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary on or prior to the Closing under any Collective Bargaining Agreement, Contract or Chemical Benefit Plan.

(h)     Chemical has implemented commercially reasonable procedures to ensure that all employees who are performing services for Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary in the United States are legally permitted to work in the United States and will be legally permitted to work in the United States for the Surviving Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(i)     The policies, programs, and practices of Chemical and all Chemical Subsidiaries relating to equal opportunity and affirmative action, wages, employee classifications (including independent contractor versus employee and exempt versus non-exempt), hours of work, employee disabilities, employment termination, employment discrimination, employee safety, labor relations, and other terms and conditions of employment are in compliance in all material respects with applicable Law governing or relating to employment and employer practices and facilities.

4.19     Employee BenefitsWarranties.

(a)     Chemical has delivered or made available to Talmer true and complete copies of all material Chemical Benefit Plans. Each Chemical Benefit Plan is in compliance with all applicable requirements of ERISA, the Code and all other applicable Laws and has been administered in accordance with its terms and such Laws, except for such noncompliance that has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

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(b)     Each Chemical Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified within the meaning of Section 401 of the Code is so qualified and has at all times since its adoption been so qualified, and, to the Knowledge of Chemical, no condition exists and no event has occurred that could reasonably be expected to result in the loss or revocation of such qualification in any material respect.

(c)     All contributions, payments or premiums required to be made with respect to any Chemical Benefit Plan by Chemical on or before the date of this Agreement have been timely made, and all benefits accrued under any unfunded Chemical Benefit Plan have been paid, accrued or otherwise adequately reserved in accordance with GAAP, and each of Chemical and the Chemical Subsidiaries have performed all material obligations required to be performed under all Chemical Benefit Plans with respect to which Chemical or any ERISA Affiliate of Chemical has an obligation to contribute.

(d)     Neither Chemical nor any ERISA Affiliate of Chemical (or, to Chemical’s Knowledge, their respective predecessors) participates in nor since December 31, 1973, has ever participated in any Multiemployer Plan, and neither Chemical nor any ERISA Affiliate of Chemical (or, to Chemical’s Knowledge, their respective predecessors) maintains or contributes to, or is party to, and, at no time maintained, contributed to, or was a party to, any plan, program, agreement or policy that (i) is a “defined benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 414(j) of the Code or Section 3(35) of ERISA, (ii) is a “multiple employer plan” as defined in ERISA or the Code (whether or not subject thereto), (iii) is described in Section 401(a)(1) of ERISA (whether or not subject thereto), (iv) is a multiple employer welfare arrangement within the meaning of Section 3(40)(A) of ERISA, (v) is a voluntary employees beneficiary association within the meaning of Code Section 501(c)(9), or (vi) is primarily for the benefit of employees who reside outside of the United States. No Liability under Title IV of ERISA has been or is expected to be incurred by Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary with respect to any applicable Chemical Benefit Plan. Except as may arise in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, there has been no “reportable event,” within the meaning of ERISA Section 4043, for which the 30-day reporting requirement has not been waived in relation to any applicable Chemical Benefit Plan. In relation to each applicable Chemical Benefit Plan, (A) all contributions required to be made under one or both of Section 412 and 430 of the Code have been timely made, (B) there has been no application for any waiver of the minimum funding premium standards imposed by Section 412 of the Code, and such minimum funding standards have been met to date, and (C) there is no “amount of unfunded benefit liabilities” as defined in Section 4001(a)(18) of ERISA.

(e)     Except as required by Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA or Section 4980B of the Code or any state Laws requiring continuation of benefits coverage following termination of employment, neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary provides health or welfare benefits for any retired or former employee following such employee’s retirement or other termination of service.

(f)     The execution, delivery of, and performance by Chemical of its obligations under the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (either alone or upon the occurrence of any additional or subsequent event) will not (i) result in any payment (whether of severance pay or otherwise), acceleration, forgiveness of indebtedness, vesting, distribution, increase in benefits or obligation to fund benefits with respect to any current, former or retired employees, officers, consultants, independent contractors, agents or directors of Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries; (ii) result in the triggering or imposition of any restrictions or limitations on the right of Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries to amend or terminate any Chemical Benefit Plan; or (iii) result in any “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code that would result in a deduction disallowance under Code Section 280G(a) on the part of Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary.

(g)     Chemical and the Chemical Subsidiaries may, subject to the limitations imposed by applicable Law and the terms of the applicable Chemical Benefit Plan, without the consent of any employee, beneficiary, or other Person, prospectively terminate, modify, or amend any such Chemical Benefit Plan effective as of any date on or after the date of this Agreement.

(h)     With respect to each Chemical Benefit Plan that is a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” (as defined under Section 409A(d)(1) of the Code), (i) such plan has been operated and administered in compliance with Section 409A of the Code or (ii) any payments under such plan have been earned and vested on or prior to December 31, 2004, and such plans have not been materially modified other than modifications to comply with Code Section 409A and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Neither Chemical nor any of the Chemical

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Subsidiaries have entered into any agreement or arrangement to, and do not otherwise have any obligation to, indemnify or hold harmless any Person for any Liability that results from the failure to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

(i)     There is no pending or, to the Knowledge of Chemical, threatened Action with respect to any Chemical Benefit Plans, other than ordinary and usual claims for benefits by participants and beneficiaries.

(j)     Since January 1, 2015, neither Chemical nor any of the Chemical Subsidiaries have agreed or otherwise committed to, whether in writing or otherwise, adopt any new plan, program, agreement or policy that would constitute a Chemical Benefit Plan or result in participation in a Multiemployer Plan or increase or improve the compensation, benefits, or terms and conditions of employment or service of any director, officer, employee, or consultant, except (i) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice with respect to individual employees who are not officers (and not with respect to a substantial class of employees) or (ii) as required by applicable Law or any applicable Chemical Benefit Plan.

(k)     Each of the Chemical Benefit Plans which is an “employee welfare benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA is in compliance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and its companion bill, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, to the extent applicable, except for such noncompliance that has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical. Additionally, Chemical and the Chemical Subsidiaries operate such Chemical Benefit Plans to avoid assessable payments under Code Sections 4980H(a) and (b). Neither Chemical nor any of the Chemical Subsidiaries have any liability in the nature of a retroactive rate adjustment, loss sharing arrangement or other material Liability arising wholly or partially out of events occurring on or before the Closing.

(l)     No stock options, stock appreciation rights or other grants of stock-based awards by Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiaries were backdated, spring-loaded, or granted at less than fair market value.

4.20     Environmental Matters.

(a) Except for any matters that have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical: (i) Chemical and each of the Chemical Subsidiaries is and has been in compliance with and has no Liability under applicable Environmental Laws; (ii) Chemical and each of the Chemical Subsidiaries possesses, has possessed and is and has been in compliance with all required Environmental Permits; (iii) there are no Environmental Claims pending or, to the Knowledge of Chemical, threatened against Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries, and, to the Knowledge of Chemical, there are no facts or circumstances which could reasonably be expected to form the basis for any Environmental Claim against Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries; (iv) no Releases of Hazardous Materials have occurred and no Person has been exposed to any Hazardous Materials at, from, in, to, on, or under any Chemical Site and no Hazardous Materials are present in, on, about or migrating to or from any Chemical Site in quantities or concentrations or under circumstances that could give rise to an Environmental Claim against Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries; (v) neither Chemical nor any of the Chemical Subsidiaries has entered into or is subject to, any judgment, decree, order or other similar requirement of or agreement with any Governmental Entity under any Environmental Laws; (vi) neither Chemical nor any of the Chemical Subsidiaries has assumed responsibility for or agreed to indemnify or hold harmless any Person for any Liability, arising under or relating to Environmental Laws; and (vii) neither Chemical nor any of the Chemical Subsidiaries, any predecessors of Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries, nor any entity previously owned by Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries, has transported or arranged for the treatment, storage, handling, disposal, or transportation of any Hazardous Material to any off-Site location which has or could result in an Environmental Claim against Chemical or any of the Chemical Subsidiaries.

(b)     To the Knowledge of Chemical, each underground storage tank presently or previously located on any Chemical Site has been operated, maintained and removed or closed in place, as applicable, in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws, and has not been the source of any Release of a Hazardous Material to the environment that has not been fully remediated as required by applicable Environmental Laws.

4.21     Duties as Fiduciary. To the Knowledge of Chemical, Chemical and each Chemical Subsidiary has performed all of its respective duties in any capacity as trustee, executor, administrator, registrar, guardian,

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custodian, escrow agent, receiver, or other fiduciary in a fashion that complies in all material respects with all applicable Laws, Contracts, wills, instruments and common law standards. Neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary has received any notice of any Action, claim, allegation or complaint from any Person that Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary failed to perform these duties in a manner that complies in all material respects with all applicable Laws, Contracts, wills, instruments and common law standards, except for notices involving matters that have been resolved and any cost of such resolution is reflected in the Chemical Financial Statements.

4.22     Investment Bankers and Brokers. Chemical has employed Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. (the “Chemical Investment Banker”) in connection with the Merger. Chemical, the Chemical Subsidiaries, and their respective Representatives have not employed, engaged, or consulted with any broker, finder, or investment banker other than the Chemical Investment Banker in connection with this Agreement or the Merger. Other than the fees and expenses payable by Chemical to the Chemical Investment Banker in connection with the Merger, as described inSection 4.22 of the Chemical Disclosure Schedules, there is no investment banking fee, financial advisory fee, brokerage fee, finder’s fee, commission, or compensation of a similar type payable by Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary to any Person with respect to the Agreement or the consummation of the Merger. Chemical has provided to Talmer true and complete copies of each agreement, arrangement, and understanding between Chemical and the Chemical Investment Banker prior to the date of this Agreement.

4.23     Fairness Opinion. The Chemical Board has received the opinion (which, if initially rendered orally, has been or will be confirmed by a written opinion, dated the same date) of the Chemical Investment Banker, to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion and based on and subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations contained therein, the Merger Consideration is fair to Chemical from a financial point of view. Such opinion has not rescinded as of the date of this Agreement.

4.24     Chemical-Related Persons.

(a)     No Chemical-Related Person has any loan, credit or other Contract outstanding with Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary that does not conform to applicable rules and regulations of the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other Governmental Entity with jurisdiction over Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary.

(b)     Other than in a capacity as a shareholder, director, or executive officer of Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary, no Chemical-Related Person owns or controls any assets or properties that are used in the business of Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary.

(c)     Other than ordinary and customary banking relationships, no Chemical-Related Person has any contractual relationship with Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary.

(d)     No Chemical-Related Person has any outstanding loan or loan commitment from, or on whose behalf an irrevocable letter of credit has been issued by, Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary in a principal amount of $2,000,000 or more.

4.25     Change in Business Relationships. As of the date of this Agreement, no director or executive officer of Chemical has Knowledge, whether on account of the Merger or otherwise, that any customer, agent, representative, supplier of Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary, or other Person with whom Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary has a contractual relationship, intends to discontinue, diminish, or change its relationship with Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary, the effect of which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

4.26     Insurance. Chemical and the Chemical Subsidiaries maintain in full force and effect insurance on their respective assets, properties, premises, operations, and personnel in such amounts and against such risks and losses as are customary and adequate for comparable entities engaged in the same business and industry. There is no unsatisfied claim of $400,000 or more under such insurance as to which the insurance carrier has denied liability. Since January 1, 2014, no insurance company has canceled or refused to renew a policy of insurance covering Chemical’s or any Chemical Subsidiary’s assets, properties, premises, operations, directors or personnel. Chemical and the Chemical Subsidiaries have given adequate and timely notice to each insurance carrier, and have complied

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with all policy provisions, with respect to any material known claim for which a defense or indemnification or both may be available to Chemical or the Chemical Subsidiaries.

4.27     Books and Records. The books of account, minute books, stock record books, and other records of Chemical are complete and correct in all material respects, represent bona fide transactions, and have been maintained in accordance with sound business practices, including the maintenance of an adequate internal control system. The corporate minute books of Chemical and the Chemical Subsidiaries contain accurate and complete records of all meetings of, and corporate action taken by, their shareholders, boards, and committees in all material respects. Since January 1, 2013, the minutes of each meeting (or corporate action without a meeting) of any such shareholders, boards, or committees have been duly prepared and are contained in such minute books. All such minute books and related exhibits or attachments for all meetings since January 1, 2013, have been made available for Talmer’s review prior to the date of this Agreement without material omission or redaction (other than with respect to the minutes relating to (a) the Merger or recent and similarly proposed transactions or (b) matters which Chemical is prohibited from disclosing pursuant to applicable Law).

4.28     Loan Guarantees. Except as have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical, all guarantees of indebtedness owed to Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary, including without limitation those of the Federal Housing Administration, the Small Business Administration, and any other Governmental Entity, are valid and enforceable, except as limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization, or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and the availability of equitable remedies.

4.29     Data Security and Customer Privacy. Chemical and each Chemical Subsidiary is in compliance in all material respects with (a) all applicable Laws and applicable requirements of Governmental Entities regarding the security of each of their customers’ data and the systems operated by Chemical and each Chemical Subsidiary, and (b) their respective privacy policies, including as relates to the use of individually identifiable personal information relating to identifiable or identified natural persons.

4.30     Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses. The allowance for loan and lease losses as reflected in Chemical’s consolidated financial statements and the Chemical Call Reports as of December 31, 2014 and as of each quarter ended after December 31, 2014 was, in the reasonable opinion of Chemical’s management, (a) adequate to meet all reasonably anticipated loan and lease losses, net of recoveries related to loans previously charged off as of those dates, (b) consistent with GAAP and reasonable and sound banking practices, and (c) in conformance with recommendations and comments in reports of examination in all material respects.

4.31     Loans and Investments. All investments and, except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical, all loans of Chemical and each Chemical Subsidiary are: (a) evidenced by notes, agreements or other evidences of indebtedness that are true, genuine and what they purport to be; (b) legal and enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as may be limited by any bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, or other laws affecting the rights of creditors generally or by the exercise of judicial discretion; (c) authorized under all applicable Laws; and (d) to the extent secured, secured by valid Liens which have been perfected.

4.32     Loan Origination and Servicing. In originating, underwriting, servicing, selling, transferring, and discharging loans, mortgages, land contracts, and other contractual obligations, either for its own account or for the account of others, Chemical and each Chemical Subsidiary has complied with all applicable terms and conditions of such obligations and with all applicable Laws, Contracts, rules, and procedures, except for incidents of noncompliance that have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

4.33     Securities Laws Matters.

(a)     Since January 1, 2012, Chemical has filed or furnished all forms, documents and reports required to be filed or furnished with the SEC under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (collectively with any amendments thereto, but excluding the Joint Proxy Statement and the Form S-4, the “Chemical SEC Reports”). Each of the Chemical SEC Reports, in each case as of its filing or furnishing date, or, if amended, as finally amended prior to the date of this Agreement (with respect to those Chemical SEC Reports filed or furnished prior to

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the date of this Agreement), has complied as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and none of the Chemical SEC Reports, when filed or furnished or, if amended, as finally amended prior to the date of this Agreement, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. None of the Chemical Subsidiaries are or ever have been required to file periodic reports with the SEC. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no material outstanding or unresolved comments received from the SEC with respect to any of the Chemical SEC Reports.

(b)     Chemical has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as required by Rule 13a-15(a) under the Exchange Act, and Chemical has established and maintains internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) as required by Rule 13a-15(a) under the Exchange Act. Chemical has disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation prior to the date of this Agreement, to Chemical’s auditors and the audit committee of the Chemical Board (i) any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of its internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) which are reasonably likely to adversely affect Chemical’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information and (ii) any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in Chemical’s internal controls over financial reporting. Since January 1, 2012, neither Chemical nor any of the Chemical Subsidiaries has Knowledge of any written complaint, allegation, assertion or claim regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary or their respective internal accounting controls, including any written complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices, which, if true, would constitute a significant deficiency or a material weakness. Since January 1, 2012, subject to any applicable grace periods, Chemical has been and is in compliance with (A) the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 and (B) the applicable listing and corporate governance rules and regulations of NASDAQ, except in each case as has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

4.34     Joint Ventures; Strategic Alliances. Neither Chemical nor any Chemical Subsidiary is, directly or indirectly, a party to or bound by any material joint venture, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, or strategic alliance agreement or arrangement with or through any unaffiliated Person providing for their joint or cooperative development, marketing, referrals, or sales of banking, securities, insurance, or other financial products or services, or their joint investment in and management of any active business enterprise.

4.35     Policies and Procedures. Chemical and each Chemical Subsidiary have complied in all material respects with the policies and procedures as formally adopted and disclosed to Talmer as applicable to the periods when those policies and procedures were in effect.

4.36     Shareholder Rights Plan. Chemical does not have in effect any shareholder rights plan, “poison pill,” or similar plan or arrangement. Chemical is not an “interested shareholder” of Talmer as defined in Section 778 of the MBCA.

4.37     Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. There exist no Liabilities of Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary of the type required to be disclosed in the liabilities column of a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, other than (a) Liabilities that are adequately reflected, reserved for or disclosed in the Chemical Financial Statements, (b) Liabilities under executory contracts to which Chemical or a Chemical Subsidiary is a party or otherwise incurred in the ordinary course of business of Chemical or a Chemical Subsidiary, or (c) Liabilities that have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

4.38     No Other Representations and Warranties. Except for the express representations and warranties made by Chemical and the Chemical Subsidiaries in thisArticle IV, neither Chemical nor any other Personperson makes any express or implied representation or warranty with respect to Chemical, its Subsidiaries, or their respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, conditions (financial or otherwise) or prospects, and Chemical hereby disclaims any such other representations or warranties. In particular, without limiting the foregoing disclaimer, neither Chemical nor any other person makes or has made any representation or warranty to TCF or any of its affiliates or representatives with respect to (i) any financial projection, forecast, estimate, budget or prospective information relating to Chemical, or the Chemicalany of its Subsidiaries or their respective business, operations, assets, Liabilities, condition (financialbusinesses, or otherwise)(ii) except for the representations and warranties made by Chemical in thisArticle IV, any oral or prospects, notwithstanding the delivery or disclosurewritten information presented to TalmerTCF or any of its Affiliatesaffiliates or Representativesrepresentatives in the course of any documentation, projections, forecasts,

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estimates, budgets, prospect informationtheir due diligence investigation of Chemical, the negotiation of this Agreement or other information with respect to any one or morein the course of the foregoing.transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) Chemical acknowledges and agrees that neither TCF nor any other person on behalf of TCF has made or is making, and Chemical has not relied onupon, any representationsexpress or warranties relating to Talmerimplied representation or any Talmer Subsidiary in determining to enter into this Agreement, except forwarranty other than those expressly made by Talmercontained inArticle III.

ArticleARTICLE V

COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

5.1     5.1.Conduct of TCF Business BeforePrior to theEffective Time.Except as expressly contemplated by or permitted by this Agreement or required by applicable Law or with the prior written consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, during During the period from the date of this Agreement until the earlier ofto the Effective Time and the date ofor earlier termination of this Agreement, except as expressly contemplated or permitted by this Agreement (including as expressly set forth inSection 5.1 orSection 5.2 of the TCF Disclosure Schedule), required by law or as consented to in accordance withArticle VIIIwriting by Chemical (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), each PartyTCF shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries as applicable, to:

to, (a) conduct its business

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businesses in the ordinary course consistent with past practicein all material respects;respects and

(b) use commercially reasonable effortsto (i) maintain and preserve intact its business organization, employees and advantageous business relationships, and (ii) retain(b) take no action that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect or materially delay the servicesability to obtain any necessary approvals of any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity required for the transactions contemplated hereby or to perform its key officerscovenants and key employees.agreements under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby on a timely basis.

5.2     5.2.TalmerTCF ForbearancesForbearances.During the period from the date of thisAgreementuntil to the earlier of theEffective Timeand the date of or earlier termination of thisAgreement, except as set forth in accordance withArticleVIIISection, except 5.2 of the TCF Disclosure Schedule or as expressly contemplated or permitted by thisAgreement, or as set forth on the correspondingly labeled section of theTalmer Disclosure Schedulesor required by applicableany code, law (including common law), ordinance, regulation, reporting or licensing requirement, rule, statute or order enacted, issued, adopted, promulgated, entered into or applied by a Governmental Entity, including those promulgated by any Regulatory Agency (“Law”),Talmer TCF shall not, and shall notpermitany of itsSubsidiariesto, without the prior written consent ofChemical(which (such consent shall not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed):

(a) other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice,, incur any indebtedness for borrowed money (other than indebtedness of TCF or any of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries to TCF or any of its Subsidiaries), assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for the obligations of or make any loan or advance or capital contribution to, or investment in, any otherPerson(it individual, corporation or other entity (it being understood and agreed that incurrence ofindebtedness in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practiceshallincludethe creation of deposit liabilities, issuances of letters of credit, purchases of federal funds, borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank, sales of certificates of deposit,deposits, and entry into repurchase agreements)agreements, in each case on terms and in amounts consistent with past practice);

(b)

(i) adjust, split, combine or reclassify any of its capital stock;

(c)     (ii) make, declare or pay any dividend, or make any other distribution on, or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, any shares of its capital stock or any securities or obligations convertible (whether currently convertible or convertible only after the passage of time or the occurrence of certain events) into or exchangeable for any shares of its capital stock (except (i)(A) regular quarterly cash dividends paid by TCF on the TCF Common Stock at a rate not in excess of $0.15 per share with record and payment dates in accordance with past practice, (B) quarterly cash dividends paid by TCF on the TCF Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms thereof, (C) dividends paid by any of the Talmerits SubsidiariestoTalmer it or to any of its wholly-ownedSubsidiaries, (ii) regular quarterly dividends onTalmer Common Stock as set forth inSection 5.2(c) of the Talmer Disclosure Schedules, (iii) dividends in respect of the outstanding trust preferred securities ofTalmeras of the date of thisAgreement, and (iv) or (D) the acceptance of shares ofTalmer TCF Common Stockin as payment offor the exercise price or withholdingtaxes Taxes incurred by any employee or director in connection with the vesting, exercise or settlement of equity-based awards in respect ofTalmer Common Stockgranted underTalmer Stock Plans,TCF Equity Awards, in each case, in accordance with past practice and the terms of the applicableTalmer Stock Plansand related plan or award agreements)agreement);

(d)     grant any stock options, restricted shares, or other equity-based award with respect to shares ofTalmer Common Stockunder theTalmer Stock Plans, or otherwise, or grant anyPersonany right to acquire any shares ofTalmer Capital Stock;

(e)     issue any additional shares ofTalmer Capital Stockor other securities except pursuant to the settlement of equity-based awards previously granted under theTalmer Stock Plans;provided, however,Talmer may in its reasonable discretion engage in a bona fide capital raising transaction under thisSection5.2(e)without the prior written consent ofChemical;

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(f)     amend any existing employment, consulting, severance, termination or change incontrolagreements or enter into any new employment, consulting, severance, termination or change incontrolagreements;

(g)     except as required by applicableLawor in accordance with the terms of anyTalmer Benefit Planas in effect on the date of thisAgreement, and except for normal increasesmade in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (i) increase the wages, salaries, incentive compensation, incentive compensation opportunities of, or benefits provided to, any current, former, or retired employee or director ofTalmeror any of itsSubsidiariesorERISA Affiliates; (ii) establish, adopt, or become apartyto any new employee benefit or compensation plan, program, commitment, oragreement, or amend, modify, change, or terminate, or accelerate any rights under, anyTalmer Benefit Plan; (iii) grant any stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock-basedperformance shares, restricted stock units, restricted shares or stock-relatedother equity-based awards performanceor interests, or grant any individual, corporation or other entity any right to acquire any shares of its capital stock; or

(iv) issue, sell or otherwise permit to become outstanding any additional shares of capital stock or phantomsecurities convertible or restrictedexchangeable into, or exercisable for, any shares of its capital stock unit awards; (iv) takeor anyaction options, warrants, or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of capital stock, except pursuant to the settlement of TCF Equity Awards in accordance with their terms;

(c) sell, transfer, mortgage, encumber or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets or any business which in any case is in excess of $500,000 based on a GAAP value to any individual, corporation or other entity other than a wholly-owned Subsidiary, or cancel, release or assign any indebtedness of any such person or any claims against any such person, in each case other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past

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practice,, or pursuant to fundcontracts or agreements in any way secure the payment of compensation or benefits under anyTalmer Benefit Plan; (v) amend, alter, or modify any warrant or other equity-based right to purchase any shares ofTalmer Capital Stockor other equity interests inTalmeror any securities exchangeable for or convertible intoTalmer Capital Stockoutstanding onforce at the date hereof,of this Agreement and set forth onSection 5.2(c) of the TCF Disclosure Schedule;

(d) except as otherwise permitted in thisAgreement; (vi) enter into anyCollective Bargaining Agreement; (vii) enter into, amend, modify, alter, terminate, or change any third-partyvendor or serviceagreementrelated to anyTalmer Benefit Plan; or (viii)grant any severance or termination pay unless provided under anyTalmer Benefit Plan or unless such grant isfor transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(h)     sell, transfer, mortgage, encumber, or otherwise dispose of any material amount of its properties or assets to anyPersonother than a TalmerSubsidiary, or cancel,release, or assign any material amount of indebtedness to any suchPersonor any claims held by any suchPerson, in each caseother than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice,or pursuant to contracts in force at the date of thisAgreement;provided, however, thatTalmershall be permitted to divest of immaterial amounts of deposit liabilities, banking offices, and/or loans as required byGovernmental Entitiesto consummate theMergerand which do not constitute, individually or in the aggregate, aMaterially Burdensome Regulatory Condition;provided, further, that, ifTalmeror any of itsSubsidiariesshall request the prior approval ofChemicalin accordance with thisSection5.2to make, sell, transfer, or dispose of any “Other Real Estate Owned” ofTalmer outside of the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice,andChemicalshall not have disapproved such request in writing within five (5)Business Daysupon receipt of such request fromTalmeror any of itsSubsidiaries, as applicable, then such request shall be deemed to be approved byChemicalin writing, andTalmeror itsSubsidiary, as applicable, may effect the sale, transfer, or disposalreferenced in such request on the terms described therein;provided,further, that the foregoing shall not apply to dealings with financial assets or investment securities nor prohibitTalmerand itsSubsidiariesfrom transferring, licensing, selling, leasing or disposing of obsolete or unused equipment, fixtures or assets, in eachcase in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(i)     make any application for the opening, relocation, or closing of any branch office, loan production office or other material office or facility, or open, relocate or close any branch office, loan production office or other material office or facility;

(j)     acquire, bymerger, consolidation, acquisition of stock or assets, or otherwise, any business or division of a business or enter into any new line of business or change in any material respect its lending, investment, underwriting, risk and assetliabilitymanagement, and other banking, operating, and servicing policies, except as required by applicableLaw, regulation, recommendation of or policies imposed by anyGovernmental Entity;

(k)     make any material investment either by purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital, property transfers, or purchase of any property or assets of any otherPerson outside individual, corporation or other entity other than any of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries;

(e) terminate, materially amend, or waive any material provision of, any TCF Contract or make any change in any instrument or agreement governing the terms of any of its securities, or material lease or contract, other than normal renewals of contracts and leases without material adverse changes of terms with respect to TCF, or enter into any contract that would constitute a TCF Contract if it were in effect on the date of this Agreement;

(f) except as required under applicable law or the terms of any TCF Benefit Plan, (i) enter into, adopt or terminate any TCF Benefit Plan, (ii) amend any TCF Benefit Plan other than amendments in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(l)      that do not materially increase the cost to TCF of maintaining such TCF Benefit Plan, (iii) increase the compensation or benefits payable to any current or former employee, officer, individual independent contractor or director, except for increases in annual base salary or wage rates (and corresponding increases in incentive opportunities) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, which salary or wage increases (disregarding corresponding increases in incentive opportunities) do not exceed, in the aggregate for 2019, 5% of the aggregate expense of all employee annual base salaries and wage rates for 2018, (iv) enter into or amend any collective bargaining agreement or similar agreement, (v) take anyaction, to accelerate any payment or benefit payable or to any current or former employee, officer, individual independent contractor or director, (vi) fund any rabbi trust or similar arrangement, (vii) hire or promote any employee or individual independent contractor whose title is senior vice president or higher, or (viii) terminate the employment or service of any employee or individual independent contractor whose title is senior vice president or higher, other than for cause;

(g) settle any material claim, suit, action or proceeding, except in the ordinary course of business in an amount and for consideration not in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate and that would not impose any material restriction on the business of Chemical and its Subsidiaries after the consummation of the Merger;

(h) take any action or knowingly fail to take anyaction, which where such actionor failure to act iscould reasonably likelybe expected to prevent or impede theMergerfrom qualifying foras a “reorganization” within theIntended Tax Treatment; meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code;

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(m)     (i) amend theTalmer ArticlesorTalmer Bylaws, TCF Certificate or otherwise take anyactionto exempt anyPerson(other thanChemicalTCF Bylaws or itsSubsidiaries) or anyactiontaken by anyPersonfrom anyTakeover Statuteor similarly restrictive provisionscomparable governing documents of its organizational documentsSubsidiaries;

(j) merge or terminate, amend,consolidate itself or waive any provisions of any confidentiality or standstill agreements in placeits Subsidiaries with any third parties;other person, or restructure, reorganize or completely or partially liquidate or dissolve it or any of its Subsidiaries;

(n)     other than after prior consultation withChemical,(k) materially restructure or materially change or restructure its investment securities or derivatives portfolio or its gap position,interest rate exposure, through purchases, sales or otherwise, or the manner in which the portfolio is classified or reported;reported or purchase any security rated below investment grade;

(o)     other than commencement or settlement of foreclosure or debt collectionactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, commence or settle anyclaim,action, or proceeding where the amount in dispute is in excess of $500,000or subjectsTalmeror any of itsSubsidiariesto any material restrictions on its current or future business operations (includingthe future business and operations of the Surviving Corporation or theSurviving Bank);

(p)     (l) take anyactionor fail to take anyactionthat is intended or may reasonably be expected to result in any of the conditions to theMergerset forth inArticleVIISection 7.1 or7.2not being satisfied;satisfied, except as may be required by applicable law;

(q)     (m) implement or adopt any material change in itstaxaccounting or financial accounting principles, practices or methods, change anytaxaccounting period, or surrender in writing any right toclaimaTaxrefund, offset or other reduction inTax liabilityor consent to any extension or waiver of the limitation period applicable to anyTax claimor assessment relating toTalmeror itsSubsidiariesand involving in excess of $1,000,000, in each case other than as may be required by applicableLaw,GAAP, or regulatory guidelines;GAAP;

(r)     file or amend

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(n) (i) enter into anyTax Return other than in the ordinary course new line of businessmake any significant or change in any methodmaterial respect its lending, investment, underwriting, risk and asset liability management and other banking and operating, securitization and servicing policies (including any change in the maximum ratio or similar limits as a percentage ofTax its capital applicable with respect to its loan portfolio or accounting (other thanany segment thereof), except as may be required by applicableLaw,GAAP law, regulation or regulatory guidelines), make or changepolicies imposed by anyTaxelection, or settle or compromise any disputedTax liabilityin excess of $1,000,000;

(s)     extend the term of any Talmer Material Contract (except for the extension of any such term for one year or less due to the automatic renewal of such term in accordance with the terms of the Talmer Material Contract), andexcept fortransactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, terminate or waive any material provision of anyTalmer Material Contract;

(t)     enter into or amend any Contract or other transaction with any Talmer-Related Person, except as contemplated or permitted by this Agreement;

(u)     take any action to enter into, or commit to enter into, any Contract for trust, consulting, professional, or other services to Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary that is not terminable by Talmer or such Talmer Subsidiary without penalty upon thirty (30) days’ or less notice, except for contracts for services under which the aggregate required payments do not exceed $500,000, and except for legal, accounting, and other ordinary expenses (not including expenses of financial advisors) related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby;

(v)     take any action to enter into, or commit to enter into, any joint venture, strategic alliance, or material relationship with any Person to jointly develop, market, or offer any product or service;

(w)     fail to promptly notify Chemical of the threat (to the Knowledge of Talmer) or the commencement of any material Action against, relating to, or affecting (i) Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary, (ii) Talmer’s or any Talmer Subsidiary’s directors, officers or employees in their capacities as such, (iii) Talmer’s or any Talmer Subsidiary’s assets, liabilities, businesses or operations, or (iv) the Merger or this Agreement;

(x)     except for (i) capital expenditures of amounts set forth in Talmer’s capital expenditure plan included inSection 5.2(x) of the Talmer Disclosure Schedules, Governmental Entity or (ii) capital expenditures required by Law or Governmental Entities or incurred in connection with the repair or replacement of facilities destroyed or damaged due to casualty or accident (whether or not covered by insurance), make any capital expenditureloans or permit any Talmer Subsidiary to make any capital expenditure;

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(y)     makeextensions of credit or renew any charitable contributions, gifts, commitments, or pledges of cash or other assetsrenewals thereof, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and (A) in the case of any new borrower or group of related borrowers, with an aggregate outstanding commitment to any such single borrower or group of related borrowers not in excess of Talmer’s 2016$20,000,000 or (B) in the case of any existing borrower or group of related borrowers, with an aggregate outstanding commitment to any such single borrower or group of related borrowers not in excess of $50,000,000 (it being understood that, in the case of this clause (ii), borrowers who receive loans or extensions of credit or renewals thereof under an inventory finance program, manufacturers program or similar program shall not be deemed to be a “group of related borrowers”);provided, that Chemical shall be required to respond to any request for a consent to make such loan or extension of credit or renewals thereof in writing within three (3) business days after the loan package is delivered to Chemical;

(o) make any material changes in its policies and practices with respect to (i) underwriting, pricing, originating, acquiring, selling, servicing, or buying or selling rights to service, Loans or (ii) its hedging practices and policies, in each case except as may be required by such policies and practices or by any applicable laws, regulations, guidelines or policies imposed by any Governmental Entity;

(p) other than as contemplated by the capital expenditure budget set forth inSection 5.2(p) of the TCF Disclosure Schedule, make, or commit to make, any capital expenditures in excess of $100,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate;

(q) make application for such charitable contributions, gifts, commitmentsthe opening, relocating or pledges;closing of any, or open, relocate or close any, branch office, loan production office or other significant office or operations facility of it or its Subsidiaries;

(z)(r) make, change or revoke any material Tax election, change an annual Tax accounting period, adopt or change any material Tax accounting method, file any amended material Tax Return, enter into any closing agreement with respect to Taxes, or settle any material Tax claim, audit, assessment or dispute or surrender any material right to claim a refund of Taxes; or

(s) agree to take, make any commitment to take, or adopt any resolutions of its board of directors or similar governing body in support of, any of the actions prohibited by thisSection 5.2.

5.3.Conduct of Chemical Business Prior to the Effective Time. During the period from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time or earlier termination of this Agreement, except as expressly contemplated or permitted by this Agreement (including as expressly set forth inSection 5.3 orSection 5.4 of the Chemical Disclosure Schedule), required by law or as consented to in writing by Chemical (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), Chemical shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (a) conduct its businesses in the ordinary course in all material respects and use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain and preserve intact its business organization, employees and advantageous business relationships, and (b) take no action that would materially impedereasonably be expected to adversely affect or materially delay the completion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the ability of the Parties to obtain any necessary approvals of any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity required for the transactions contemplated hereby;hereby or to perform its covenants and agreements under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby on a timely basis.

(aa)     enter into any Contract that (i) is outside the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and (ii) would constitute a Talmer Material Contract;

(bb)     except for transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, enter into any Derivative Transaction; or

(cc)     agree or commit to do any of the foregoing.

5.3     5.4.Chemical ForbearancesForbearances.During the period from the date of thisAgreementuntil to the earlier of theEffective Timeand the date of or earlier termination of thisAgreement, except as set forth in accordance withArticleVIIISection, except 5.4 of the Chemical Disclosure Schedule or as expressly contemplated or permitted by thisAgreement, or as set forth on the correspondingly labeled section of theChemical Disclosure Schedulesor required by applicableLaw,,Chemicalshall not, and shall

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notpermitany of itsSubsidiariesto, without the prior written consent ofTalmer(which TCF (such consent shall not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed):

(a) other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice,, incur any indebtedness for borrowed money (other than indebtedness of Chemical or any of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries to Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries), assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for the obligations of or make any loan or advance or capital contribution to, or investment in, any otherPerson(it individual, corporation or other entity (it being understood and agreed that incurrence ofindebtedness in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practiceshallincludethe creation of deposit liabilities, issuances of letters of credit, purchases of federal funds, borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank, sales of certificates of deposit,deposits, and entry into repurchase agreements)agreements, in each case on terms and in amounts consistent with past practice);

(b)

(i) adjust, split, combine or reclassify any of its capital stock;

(c)     (ii) make, declare or pay any dividend, or make any other distribution on, or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, any shares of its capital stock or any securities or obligations convertible (whether currently convertible or convertible only after the passage of time or the occurrence of certain events) into or exchangeable for any shares of its capital stock (except (i)(A) regular quarterly cash dividends paid by Chemical on the Chemical Common Stock at a rate not in excess of $0.34 per share with record and payment dates in accordance with past practice, (B) dividends paid by any of the Chemicalits SubsidiariestoChemical it or to any of its wholly-ownedSubsidiaries,, (ii) regular quarterly dividends onChemical Common Stock as set forth inSection 5.3(c) of the Chemical Disclosure Schedules, (iii) the payoff of, or (C) dividends in respect of the outstanding trust preferred securities ofChemicalas of the date of this Agreement and(iv)in accordance with the terms of such securities or (D) the acceptance of shares ofChemical Common Stockin as payment offor the exercise price or withholdingtaxes Taxes incurred by any employee or director in connection with the vesting, exercise or settlement of equity-based awards in respect ofChemical Common Stockgranted underChemicalStock Plans,Equity Awards, in each case, in accordance with past practice and the terms of the applicableChemical Stock Plansand related plan or award agreements)agreement);

(d)     grant any stock options, restricted shares, or other equity-based award with respect to shares ofChemical Common Stockunder theChemical Stock Plans, or otherwise, or grant anyPersonany right to acquire any shares ofChemical Capital Stock;

(e)     issue any additional shares ofChemical Capital Stockor other securities except pursuant to the settlement of equity-based awards previously granted under theChemical Stock Plans;provided, however,Chemicalmay in its reasonable discretion engage in a bona fide capital raising transaction under thisSection5.3(e)without the prior written consent ofTalmer,

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(f)     amend any existing employment, consulting, severance, termination or change incontrolagreements or enter into any new employment, consulting, severance, termination or change incontrolagreements;

(g)     except as required by applicableLawor in accordance with the terms of anyChemical Benefit Planas in effect on the date of thisAgreement, and except for normal increasesmade in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (i) increase the wages, salaries, incentive compensation, incentive compensation opportunities of, or benefits provided to, any current, former, or retired employee or director ofChemicalor any of itsSubsidiariesorERISA Affiliates; (ii) establish, adopt, or become apartyto any new employee benefit or compensation plan, program, commitment, oragreement, or amend, modify, change, or terminate, or accelerate any rights under, anyChemical Benefit Plan; (iii) grant any stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock-basedperformance shares, restricted stock units, restricted shares or stock-relatedother equity-based awards performanceor interests, or grant any individual, corporation or other entity any right to acquire any shares of its capital stock; or

(iv) issue, sell or otherwise permit to become outstanding any additional shares of capital stock or phantomsecurities convertible or restrictedexchangeable into, or exercisable for, any shares of its capital stock unit awards; (iv) takeor anyaction options, warrants, or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of capital stock, except pursuant to the settlement of Chemical Equity Awards in accordance with their terms;

(c) sell, transfer, mortgage, encumber or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets or any business which in any case is in excess of $500,000 based on a GAAP value to any individual, corporation or other entity other than a wholly-owned Subsidiary, or cancel, release or assign any indebtedness of any such person or any claims against any such person, in each case other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice,, or pursuant to fundcontracts or agreements in any way secure the payment of compensation or benefits under anyChemical Benefit Plan; (v) amend, alter, or modify any warrant or other equity-based right to purchase anyChemical Capital Stockor other equity interests inChemicalor any securities exchangeable for or convertible intoChemical Capital Stockoutstanding onforce at the date hereof,of this Agreement and set forth onSection 5.4(c) of the Chemical Disclosure Schedule;

(d) except as otherwise permitted in thisAgreement; (vi) enter into anyCollective Bargaining Agreement; (vii) enter into, amend, modify, alter, terminate, or change any third-partyvendor or serviceagreementrelated to anyChemical Benefit Plan; or (viii)grant any severance or termination pay unless provided under anyChemical Benefit Plan or unless such grant isfor transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice,;

(h)     sell, transfer, mortgage, encumber, or otherwise dispose of any material amount of its properties or assets to anyPersonother than a ChemicalSubsidiary, or cancel,release, or assign any material amount of indebtedness to any suchPersonor any claims held by any suchPerson, in each caseother than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practiceor pursuant to contracts in force at the date of thisAgreement;provided, however, thatChemicalshall be permitted to divest of immaterial amounts of deposit liabilities, banking offices, and/or loans as required byGovernmental Entitiesto consummate theMergerand which do not constitute, individually or in the aggregate, aMaterially Burdensome Regulatory Condition;provided, further, that, ifChemicalor any of itsSubsidiariesshall request the prior approval ofTalmerin accordance with thisSection5.3to make, sell, transfer, or dispose of any “Other Real Estate Owned” ofChemical outside of the ordinary course of business consistentwith past practice,andTalmershall not have disapproved such request in writing within five (5)Business Daysupon receipt of such request fromChemicalor any of itsSubsidiaries, as applicable, then such request shall be deemed to be approved byTalmerin writing, andChemicalor itsSubsidiary, as applicable, may effect the sale, transfer, or disposalreferenced in such request on the terms described therein;provided,further, that the foregoing shall not apply to dealings with financial assets or investment securities nor prohibitChemicaland itsSubsidiariesfrom transferring, licensing, selling, leasing or disposing of obsolete or unused equipment, fixtures or assets, in eachcase in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(i)     make any application for the opening, relocation, or closing of any branch office, loan production office or other material office or facility, or open, relocate or close any branch office, loan production office or other material office or facility;

(j)     acquire, bymerger, consolidation, acquisition of stock or assets, or otherwise, any business or division of a business or enter into any new line of business or change in any material respect its lending, investment, underwriting, risk and assetliabilitymanagement, and other banking, operating, and servicing policies, except as required by applicableLaw, regulation, recommendation of or policies imposed by anyGovernmental Entity;

(k)     make any material investment either by purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital, property transfers, or purchase of any property or assets of any otherPerson outside individual, corporation or other entity other than any of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries;

(e) terminate, materially amend, or waive any material provision of, any Chemical Contract or make any change in any instrument or agreement governing the terms of any of its securities, or material lease or contract, other than normal renewals of contracts and leases without material adverse changes of terms with respect to Chemical, or enter into any contract that would constitute a Chemical Contract if it were in effect on the date of this Agreement;

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(f) except as required under applicable law or the terms of any Chemical Benefit Plan, (i) enter into, adopt or terminate any Chemical Benefit Plan, (ii) amend any Chemical Benefit Plan other than amendments in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(l)      that do not materially increase the cost to Chemical of maintaining such Chemical Benefit Plan, (iii) increase the compensation or benefits payable to any current or former employee, officer, individual independent contractor or director, except for increases in annual base salary or wage rates (and corresponding increases in incentive opportunities) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, which salary or wage increases (disregarding corresponding increases in incentive opportunities) do not exceed, in the aggregate for 2019, 5% of the aggregate expense of all employee annual base salaries and wage rates for 2018, (iv) enter into or amend any collective bargaining agreement or similar agreement, (v) take anyaction, to accelerate any payment or benefit payable or to any current or former employee, officer, individual independent contractor or director, (vi) fund any rabbi trust or similar arrangement, (vii) hire or promote any employee or individual independent contractor whose title is senior vice president or higher, or (viii) terminate the employment or service of any employee or individual independent contractor whose title is senior vice president or higher, other than for cause;

(g) settle any material claim, suit, action or proceeding, except in the ordinary course of business in an amount and for consideration not in excess of $500,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate and that would not impose any material restriction on the business of Chemical and its Subsidiaries after the consummation of the Merger;

(h) take any action or knowingly fail to take anyaction, which where such actionor failure to act iscould reasonably likelybe expected to prevent or impede theMergerfrom qualifying foras a “reorganization” within theIntended Tax Treatment; meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code;

(m)     except for(i) amend the Chemical Articles Amendment,amend theChemical ArticlesorChemical Bylaws, or otherwise take anyactionto exempt anyPerson(other thanTalmeror itsSubsidiaries) or anyaction

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taken by anyPersonfrom anyTakeover Statuteor similarly restrictive provisionscomparable governing documents of its organizational documentsSubsidiaries;

(j) merge or terminate, amend,consolidate itself or waive any provisions of any confidentiality or standstill agreements in placeits Subsidiaries with any third parties;other person, or restructure, reorganize or completely or partially liquidate or dissolve it or any of its Subsidiaries;

(n)     other than after prior consultation withTalmer,(k) materially restructure or materially change or restructure its investment securities or derivatives portfolio or its gap position,interest rate exposure, through purchases, sales or otherwise, or the manner in which the portfolio is classified or reported;reported or purchase any security rated below investment grade;

(o)     other than commencement or settlement of foreclosure or debt collectionactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, commence or settle anyclaim,action, or proceeding where the amount in dispute is in excess of $500,000or subjectsChemicalor any of itsSubsidiariesto any material restrictions on its current or future business operations (includingthe future business and operations of the Surviving Corporation or theSurviving Bank);

(p)     (l) take anyactionor fail to take anyactionthat is intended or may reasonably be expected to result in any of the conditions to theMergerset forth inArticleVIISection 7.1 or7.3not being satisfied;satisfied, except as may be required by applicable law;

(q)     (m) implement or adopt any material change in itstaxaccounting or financial accounting principles, practices or methods, change anytaxaccounting period, or surrender in writing any right toclaimaTaxrefund, offset or other reduction inTax liabilityor consent to any extension or waiver of the limitation period applicable to anyTax claimor assessment relating toChemicalor itsSubsidiariesand involving in excess of $1,000,000, in each case other than as may be required by applicableLaw,GAAP, or regulatory guidelines;GAAP;

(r)     file or amend(n) (i) enter into anyTax Return other than in the ordinary course new line of businessmake any significant or change in any methodmaterial respect its lending, investment, underwriting, risk and asset liability management and other banking and operating, securitization and servicing policies (including any change in the maximum ratio or similar limits as a percentage ofTax its capital applicable with respect to its loan portfolio or accounting (other thanany segment thereof), except as may be required by applicableLaw,GAAP law, regulation or regulatory guidelines), make or changepolicies imposed by anyTaxelection, or settle or compromise any disputedTax liabilityin excess of $1,000,000;

(s)     extend the term of any Chemical Material Contract (except for the extension of any such term for one year or less due to the automatic renewal of such term in accordance with the terms of the Chemical Material Contract), andexcept fortransactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice terminate or waive any material provision of anyChemical Material Contract;

(t)     enter into or amend any Contract or other transaction with any Chemical-Related Person, except as contemplated or permitted by this Agreement;

(u)      take any action to enter into, or commit to enter into, any Contract for trust, consulting, professional, or other services to Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary that is not terminable by Chemical or Chemical Subsidiary without penalty upon thirty (30) days’ or less notice, except for contracts for services under which the aggregate required payments do not exceed $500,000, and except for legal, accounting, and other ordinary expenses (not including expenses of financial advisors) related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby;

(v)     take any action to enter into, or commit to enter into, any joint venture, strategic alliance, or material relationship with any Person to jointly develop, market, or offer any product or service;

(w)     fail to promptly notify Talmer ofthe threat (to the Knowledge of Chemical) the commencement of any material Action against, relating to, or affecting (i) Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary, (ii) Chemical’s or any Chemical Subsidiary’s directors, officers or employees in their capacities as such, (iii) Chemical’s or any Chemical Subsidiary’s assets, liabilities, businesses or operations, or (iv) the Merger or this Agreement;

(x)     except for (i) capital expenditures of amounts set forth in Chemical’s capital expenditure plan included inSection 5.3(x) of the Chemical Disclosure Schedules, Governmental Entity or (ii) capital expenditures required by Law or Governmental Entities or incurred in connection with the repair or replacement of facilities destroyed or damaged

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due to casualty or accident (whether or not covered by insurance), make any capital expenditureloans or permit any Chemical Subsidiary to make any capital expenditure;

(y)     makeextensions of credit or renew any charitable contributions, gifts, commitments, or pledges of cash or other assetsrenewals thereof, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and (A) in the case of any new borrower or group of related borrowers, with an aggregate outstanding commitment to any such single borrower or group of related borrowers not in excess of Chemical’s 2016$20,000,000 or (B) in the case of any existing borrower or group of related borrowers, with an aggregate outstanding commitment to any such single borrower or group of related borrowers not in excess of $50,000,000 (it being understood that, in the case of this clause (ii), borrowers who receive loans or extensions of credit or renewals thereof under an inventory finance program, manufacturers program or similar program shall not be deemed to be a “group of related borrowers”);provided, that TCF shall be required to

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respond to any request for a consent to make such loan or extension of credit or renewals thereof in writing within three (3) business days after the loan package is delivered to TCF;

(o) make any material changes in its policies and practices with respect to (i) underwriting, pricing, originating, acquiring, selling, servicing, or buying or selling rights to service, Loans or (ii) its hedging practices and policies, in each case except as may be required by such policies and practices or by any applicable laws, regulations, guidelines or policies imposed by any Governmental Entity;

(p) other than as contemplated by the capital expenditure budget set forth inSection 5.4(p) of the Chemical Disclosure Schedule, make, or commit to make, any capital expenditures in excess of $100,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate;

(q) make application for the opening, relocating or closing of any, or open, relocate or close any, branch office, loan production office or other significant office or operations facility of it or its Subsidiaries;

(r) make, change or revoke any material Tax election, change an annual Tax accounting period, adopt or change any material Tax accounting method, file any amended material Tax Return, enter into any closing agreement with respect to Taxes, or settle any material Tax claim, audit, assessment or dispute or surrender any material right to claim a refund of Taxes; or

(s) agree to take, make any commitment to take, or adopt any resolutions of its board of directors or similar governing body in support of, any of the actions prohibited by thisSection 5.4.

ARTICLE VI

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

6.1.Regulatory Matters.

(a) Chemical and TCF shall promptly prepare and file with the SEC the Joint Proxy Statement and Chemical shall promptly prepare and file with the SEC theS-4, in which the Joint Proxy Statement will be included as a prospectus. Each of Chemical and TCF shall use its reasonable best efforts to have theS-4 declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such charitable contributions, gifts, commitments or pledges;

filing and to keep the(z)     S-4take anyactionthat would materially impede or materially delay the completion of effective for so long as necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by thisAgreement, and Chemical and TCF shall thereafter as promptly as practicable mail or deliver the ability of thePartiesJoint Proxy Statement to their respective shareholders and stockholders (as applicable). Chemical shall also use its reasonable best efforts to obtain anyall necessary state securities law or “Blue Sky” permits and approvals of any Regulatory Agency orGovernmental Entityrequired forto carry out the transactions contemplated hereby;by this Agreement, and TCF shall furnish all information concerning TCF and the holders of TCF Common Stock and TCF Preferred Stock as may be reasonably requested in connection with any such action.

(aa)     enter into anyContractthat (i) isoutside the ordinary course of business consistent with past practiceand (ii) would constitute aChemical Material Contract;

(bb)     except for transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice,enter into anyDerivative Transaction; or

(cc)     agree or commit to do any of the foregoing.

Article VI
ADDITIONALAGREEMENTS

6.1     Regulatory Matters.

(a)     (b) ThePartiesshall cooperate with each other and use their respective commercially reasonable best efforts to promptly prepare and file, or cause to be prepared and filed, all necessary documentation, to effect all applications, notices, petitions and filings, to obtain as promptly as practicable all permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties and Regulatory Agencies and Governmental Entitiesthat which are necessary or advisableto consummate the transactions contemplated bythisAgreement(including (including theMergerand theBank Merger)Merger), and to comply with the terms and conditions of all such permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all such third parties orRegulatory Agencies and Governmental Entities(collectively,Entities. Without limiting the Regulatory Approvals”).Asgenerality of the foregoing, as soon as practicable and in no event later than sixty (60) days after the date of this Agreement, (but in no event more than 75 days after the date hereof), Chemical and TCF shall, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to, each prepare and file any applications, notices and filings required to be filed with the Federal Reserve Board and each other Governmental Entity having jurisdiction all applications and documents requiredany bank regulatory agency in order to obtain the Requisite Regulatory Approvals (excluding the Regulatory Approvals applicable solely to the Bank Merger),Approvals. Chemical and TCF shall each use, and shall each cause their applicable Subsidiaries to use, its commercially reasonable best efforts to obtain each necessary approval of or consent to consummate the Merger.such Requisite Regulatory Approval as promptly as reasonably practicable. Chemical shall provide Talmer with reasonable opportunities to review and comment upon such documents before filing and to make such amendments and file such supplements thereto as Talmer may reasonably request. Chemical shall provide Talmer with copies of all material correspondence received from such Governmental Entities and all material responsive correspondence sent thereto.ChemicalandTalmerTCF shall have the right to

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review in advance, and, to the extent practicable, each will consult the other on, in each case subject to applicable laws relating to the confidentialityexchange of information, all otherthe information relating to TCF or Chemical,orTalmer, as the case may be, and any of their respectiveSubsidiaries,, that which appears in any filing made with, or written materials submitted to, any thirdpartyor anyGovernmental Entityin connection with the transactions contemplated by thisAgreement. Agreement. In exercising the foregoing right, each of thePartiesshall act reasonably and as promptly as practicable. EachPartyshall consult with the other in advance of any meeting or conference with anyGovernmental Entityin connection with the transactions contemplated by thisAgreementand, to the extent permitted by such Governmental Entity, give the otherPartyand its counsel the opportunity to attend and participate in such meetings and conferences. ThePartiesshall agree that they will consult with each other with respect to the obtaining of all permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties andGovernmental Entitiesnecessary or advisableto consummate the transactions contemplated bythisAgreement, and eachPartywill keep the other apprised of the status of matters relating to completion of the transactions contemplated hereby. Each Party shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, consult with the other in advance of any meeting or conference with any Governmental Entity that such Party anticipates to be substantive in connection with the transactions contemplated by thisAgreement. and, to the extent permitted by such Governmental Entity and applicable Law, give the other Party and/or its counsel the opportunity to attend and participate in such meetings and conferences; and provided that each Party shall promptly advise the other Party with respect to substantive matters that are addressed in any meeting or conference with any Governmental Entity which the other party does not attend or participate in, to the extent permitted by such Governmental Entity and applicable Law.

(c) In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, each of Chemical and TCF shall use its reasonable best efforts to avoid the entry of, or to have vacated, lifted, reversed or overturned any decree, judgment, injunction or other order, whether temporary, preliminary or permanent, that would restrain, prevent or delay the Closing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained hereinin this Agreement shall be deemed to requireChemical,Talmer, or anyTCF (or permit either Party, without the prior written consent of their respectiveSubsidiariesthe other Party) to take anyaction,, or commit to take anyaction,, or agree to any condition or restriction, in connection with obtaining the foregoing permits, consents, approvals, and authorizations of third parties orGovernmental Entities, that would reasonably be expected to have aMaterial Adverse Effect material adverse effect on Chemical and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, after giving effect to the Surviving CorporationMerger (measured on a scale relative to TCF and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole) (a “Materially Burdensome Regulatory Condition”);provided,that aMaterially Burdensome Regulatory Conditionshall not be deemed toinclude(i) the applicability of any regulatory condition or

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requirement affecting theSurviving Corporationas a result of its expected asset size following theMerger; or (ii) except as would have a Material Adverse Effect on the Surviving Corporation, any requirement by aGovernmental Entity that, as a condition to the Parties consummating the Merger,eitherPartyor the Surviving Corporation divest of any amount of deposit liabilities, banking offices and/or loans.

(b)     Each of(d) ChemicalandTalmer TCF shall, upon request, furnish to theeach other with all information concerning itself and itsthemselves, their Subsidiaries,, directors, officers and shareholders and stockholders (as applicable) and such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable in connection with the applications necessary to obtain theRegulatory Approvals, theJoint Proxy Statement,, theForm S-4, or any other statement, filing, notice or application made by or on behalf ofChemical,,Talmer, TCF or any of their respectiveSubsidiariesto anyGovernmental Entityin connection with theMerger, the Bank Merger and the other transactions contemplated by thisAgreement. Agreement.

(c)     Each of(e) To the extent permitted by applicable law, ChemicalandTalmer TCF shall promptly advise theeach other upon receiving any communication from anyGovernmental Entity, the whose consent or approval of which is required for consummation of the transactions contemplated by thisAgreement, that causes suchPartyto believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that any Requisite Regulatory Approvalwill not be obtained or that the receipt of any such approval maywill be materially delayed or subject to aMaterially Burdensome Regulatory Condition.

(d)      Nothing containeddelayed. As used in this Agreement, the “Requisite Regulatory Approvalsshall give Chemicalmean all regulatory authorizations, consents, orders or Talmer, directly or indirectly,approvals from (i) the right to control or direct the operations of the other Party prior to the Effective Time. Prior to the Effective Time, subject toArticle V, as applicable, Chemical and Talmer each shall exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over their respective business operations.

(e)     From the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time, each Party shall promptly notify the other Party in writing of any pending or, to the Knowledge of either Party (as the case may be), threatened Action or Order by any Governmental Entity or any other Person (a) challenging or seeking material damagesFederal Reserve Board in connection with the Merger, or(ii) the OCC in connection with the Bank Merger and (iii) any other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (b) seekingapprovals set forth inSections3.4 and4.4 that are necessary to restrain or prohibit the consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. If any Action or Order is instituted (or threatened to be instituted) challenging any ofconsummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as violative of any Law, each Party shall,including the Merger and shall cause their respective Representatives to, cooperate and use their commercially reasonable efforts to contest and resist,the Bank Merger, except insofar as the Parties may otherwise agree,for any such Actionauthorizations, consents, orders or Order, including any Actionapprovals the failure of which to be obtained would not reasonably be expected to have, either individually or Order that seeksin the aggregate, a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction that would prohibit, prevent or restrict consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

6.2     6.2.Access to Information; ConfidentialityInformation.

(a) Upon reasonable notice and subject to applicable laws, relating toeach of Chemical and TCF, for the confidentialitypurposes of information, eachPartyverifying the representations and warranties of the other and preparing for the Merger and the other matters contemplated by this Agreement, shall, and shall cause each of itstheir respective Subsidiariesto, afford to the officers, employees, accountants, counsel, advisors agents, and other Representativesrepresentatives of the otherParty,reasonable access, during

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normal business hours throughoutduring the period beforeprior to theEffective Time,, to all its properties, books, contracts, commitments, personnel, information technology systems, and records, and each shall cooperate with the other Party in preparing to execute after the Effective Time conversion or consolidation of systems and business operations generally, and, during such period, suchPartyeach of Chemical and TCF shall, and shall cause its respective Subsidiariesto, make available to the otherParty(i) a copy of each report, schedule, registration statement and other document filed or received by it during such period pursuant to the requirements of federal securities laws or federal or state banking or insurance laws (other than reports or documents that suchPartyChemical or TCF, as the case may be, is not permitted to disclose under applicableLaw) law), and (ii) all other information concerning its business, properties and personnel as the othersuch Partymay reasonably request. NeitherParty, Chemical nor TCF nor any of itstheir respective Subsidiaries, shall be required to provide access to or to disclose information where such access or disclosure would violate or prejudice the rights of Chemical’s or TCF’s, as the case may be, customers, jeopardize the attorney-client privilege of suchPartythe institution in possession or itsSubsidiariescontrol of such information (after giving due consideration to the existence of any common interest, joint defense or similar agreement between the Parties) or contravene anyLaw, law, rule, regulation,order,, judgment, decree, fiduciary duty or bindingagreemententered into beforeprior to the date of thisAgreement. Agreement. ThePartiesshall will make appropriate substitute disclosure arrangements under circumstances in which the restrictions of the preceding sentence apply.

(b) EachParty of Chemical and TCF shall and shall cause its respective agents and Representativeshold all information furnished by or on behalf of the other Party or any of such Party’s Subsidiaries or representatives pursuant to maintainSection 6.2(a) in confidence all information received fromto the otherParty(other than disclosure to thatParty’s agentsextent required by, and Representativesin connectionaccordance with, the evaluation and consummation of theMerger) in connection with thisAgreementor theMergerpursuant to the provisions of the confidentiality agreement, dated May 24, 2018, between Chemical and TCF (the “Confidentiality Agreementand use such information

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solely to evaluate theMerger;provided that,the disclosure of such information shall be permitted if (i) the receiving Party in good faith believes that the use of such information is necessary or appropriate in making any filing or obtaining any consent required for the Merger (in which case the receiving Party shall advise the other Party before making the disclosure) or (ii) the receiving Party in good faith believes that the furnishing or use of such information is required by or necessary or appropriate in connection with any applicable laws or any listing or trading requirement concerning its publicly traded securities (in which case the receiving Party shall advise the other Party before making the disclosure)”).

(c) No investigation by aPartyeither of the Parties or its agents or Representativestheir respective representatives shall affect or be deemed to modify or waive the representations and warranties of the otherPartyset forth herein. Nothing contained in thisAgreement.

6.3     Preparation shall give either Party, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the operations of the Joint Proxy Statement and Registration Statement; Shareholders’ Meetings.

(a)     As promptly as practicable followingother Party prior to the date of thisAgreement,ChemicalandTalmershalluse commercially reasonable effortsto: (i) jointly prepare and cause to be filed with theSECajoint proxy statementto be sent to the Chemical Shareholdersand theTalmer Shareholdersrelating to theChemical Shareholder Meetingand theTalmer Shareholder Meeting(together with any amendments or supplements thereto, the “Joint Proxy Statement”) and (ii) jointly prepare, andChemicalshall cause to be filed with theSEC (not later than 75 days following the date of this Agreement),a registration statement onForm S-4(together with any amendments or supplements thereto, the “Form S-4”), in which theJoint Proxy Statementwill be included, andChemicalandTalmershall use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to have theForm S-4declared effective under theSecurities Actas promptly as practicable after such filing anduse all commercially reasonable effortsto keep theForm S-4effective as long as reasonably necessary to consummate theMerger.Effective Time. Prior to the filing of theJoint Proxy Statementor theForm S-4,Effective Time, each ofChemicalandTalmerParty shall consultexercise, consistent with the otherPartywith respect to such filingsterms and shall afford the otherPartyconditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over its and its Representativesreasonable opportunity to comment thereon. EachSubsidiaries’ respective operations.

6.3.Approvals ofChemicalandTalmershall furnish all information concerning itself Shareholders and itsAffiliatesto the other and provide such other assistance as may be reasonably requested in connection with the preparation, filing, and distribution of theJoint Proxy Statementand theForm S-4, and theJoint Proxy Statementand theForm S-4shallincludeall information reasonably requested by eachPartyto be included.

(b)     Each ofTalmerandChemicalshall promptly provide to the other copies of all correspondence between it or itsRepresentatives, on the one hand, and theSEC, on the other hand, related to theJoint Proxy Statementor theForm S-4TCF Stockholders. Each ofTalmerandChemicalshall promptly notify the other upon the receipt of any comments from theSECor any request from theSECfor amendments or supplements to theJoint Proxy Statementor theForm S-4and TCF shall provide the other with copies of all suchSECcomments or requests. Each ofTalmerandChemicalshalluse its commercially reasonable effortsto respond as promptly as practicable to and resolve any comments from theSECwith respect to theJoint Proxy Statementor theForm S-4. Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to filing theForm S-4(or any amendment or supplement thereto) or mailing theJoint Proxy Statement(or any amendment or supplement thereto) or responding to any comments of theSECwith respect thereto, each ofTalmerandChemical(i) shall provide the other an opportunity to review and comment on such document or response (includingthe proposed final version of such document or response), (ii) shallincludein such document or response all comments reasonably proposed by the other and (iii) shall not file or mail such document or respond to theSECprior to receiving the approval of the other, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Each ofTalmerandChemicalshall advise the other, promptly after receipt of notice thereof, of the time of effectiveness of theForm S-4, the issuance of any stoporderrelating thereto or the suspension of the registration or qualification of theStock Considerationfor offering or sale in any jurisdiction, and each ofTalmerandChemicalshalluse its commercially reasonable effortsto have any such stoporderor suspension lifted, reversed or otherwise terminated. Each of the Parties agrees to correct any information provided by it for use in theJoint Proxy Statementor theForm S-4that shall have become false or misleading in any material respect.

(c)     Talmer shall, as soon as practicable following the effective date of the Form S-4, duly call, give proper notice of, convene and hold a meeting of the Talmer Shareholdersits shareholders or stockholders (as applicable) (the “Talmer ShareholderChemical Meeting) and the “TCF Meeting,” respectively) as soon as reasonably practicable after theS-4 is declared effective for the purpose of (i) obtaining the Requisite Chemical Vote and the Requisite TCF Vote, respectively, required in connection with this Agreement and the Merger and, if so desired and mutually agreed, upon other matters of the type customarily brought before an annual or special meeting of shareholders or stockholders (as applicable) to adopt or approve a merger agreement. The Board of Directors of each of Chemical and TCF shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain from its respective shareholders or stockholders (as applicable) the Requisite Chemical Vote, in the case of Chemical, and the Requisite TCF Vote, in the case of TCF, including by communicating to its respective shareholders or stockholders (as applicable) its recommendation (and including such recommendation in the Joint Proxy Statement) that they approve or adopt (as applicable) this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. However, subject toSections 8.1 and8.2, if the Board of Directors of TCF or Chemical, after receiving the advice of its outside counsel, and, with respect to financial matters, its financial advisors, determines in good faith that it would be reasonably likely to violate its fiduciary duties under applicable law to continue to recommend adoption or approval of this Agreement, bythen in submitting this Agreement, such Board of Directors may (but shall not be required to) submit this Agreement to its shareholders or stockholders (as applicable) without recommendation (although the holdersresolutions approving this Agreement as of the date hereof may not be rescinded or amended), in which event the Board of Directors may communicate the basis for its lack of a majority of the outstanding shares of Talmer Common Stock entitledrecommendation to vote thereon; (ii) obtaining the approval by a majority of the votes cast thereon of the Chemical Articles Amendment, if required (such approvals in clauses (i) and (ii),

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collectively, the “Talmer Shareholder Approval”); and (iii) submitting a proposal to the Talmer Shareholders to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation that may be paidits shareholders or become payable to Talmer’s named executive officers that is based on or otherwise related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Talmer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (A) cause the Joint Proxy Statement to be mailed to the Talmer Shareholders and to hold the Talmer Shareholder Meeting as promptly as practicable after the Form S-4 is declared effective under the Securities Act and (B) except if the Talmer Board shall have made a Talmer Adverse Recommendation Change as permitted bySection 6.9, solicit the Talmer Shareholder Approval. Talmer shall, through the Talmer Board, recommend to the Talmer Shareholders that they vote for the Talmer Shareholder Approval and shall include such recommendation (the “Talmer Board Recommendation”)stockholders (as applicable) in the Joint Proxy Statement exceptor an appropriate amendment or supplement thereto to the extent required by law;providedthat neither Board of Directors may take any actions under this sentence unless (i) it gives the Talmerother Party at least three (3) business days’ prior written notice of its intention to take such action and a reasonable description of the event or circumstances giving rise to its determination to take such action (including, in the event such action is

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taken in response to a Chemical Acquisition Proposal or TCF Acquisition Proposal, as applicable, the latest material terms and conditions of, and the identity of the third party making, any such Chemical Acquisition Proposal or TCF Acquisition Proposal, or any amendment or modification thereof, or describe in reasonable detail such other event or circumstances) and (ii) at the end of such notice period, the applicable Board shall have madeof Directors takes into account any amendment or modification to this Agreement proposed by the other Party and after receiving the advice of its outside counsel, and, with respect to financial matters, its financial advisor, determines in good faith that it would nevertheless be reasonably likely to violate its fiduciary duties under applicable law to continue to recommend this Agreement. Any material amendment to any Chemical Acquisition Proposal or TCF Acquisition Proposal, as applicable, will be deemed to be a Talmer Adverse Recommendation Changenew Chemical Acquisition Proposal or TCF Acquisition Proposal for purposes of thisSection 6.3 and will require a new notice period as permitted byreferred to in thisSection 6.9 6.3.

(d)     Talmermay Chemical or TCF shall adjourn or postpone theTalmer Shareholder Chemical Meeting(i) to or the extent necessary to ensure that any necessary supplement or amendment toTCF Meeting, as theJoint Proxy Statementis provided to theTalmer Shareholdersin advance of a vote on theTalmer Shareholder Approvalor (ii) case may be, if, as of the time for which theTalmer Shareholder Meetingsuch meeting is originally scheduled (as set forth in theJoint Proxy Statement), there are insufficientTalmer Shareholdersrepresented (either inpersonor by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct the business of suchTalmer Shareholder Meetingor there are insufficient votes to obtain theTalmer Shareholder Approval, (A) at the request ofChemical,Talmershall adjourn or postpone theTalmer Shareholder Meetingto a date no more than ten (10)Business Dayslater than the date of the initialTalmer Shareholder Meeting;provided, thatChemicalmay not request thatTalmermake such an adjournment or postponement more than once, and (B)Talmermay adjourn or postpone theTalmer Shareholder Meeting.

(e)     Chemical shall, as soon as practicable following the effective date of the Form S-4, duly call, give proper notice of, convene, and hold a special meeting of the Chemical Shareholders (the “Chemical Shareholder Meeting”) for the purpose of (i) obtaining the approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Chemical Common Stock entitled to vote thereon of (A) this Agreement, and (B) the amendment of the Chemical Articles to increase the number of authorized shares of Chemicalor TCF Common Stock, to 100,000,000 (the “Chemical Articles Amendment”); (ii) obtainingas the approval by a majority of the votes cast thereon of the issuance of the Stock Consideration (such approvals in clauses (i) and (ii), collectively, the “Chemical Shareholder Approval”); and (iii) submitting a proposal to the Chemical Shareholders to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation thatcase may be, paid or become payable to Chemical’s named executive officers that is based on or otherwise related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Chemical shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (A) cause the Joint Proxy Statement to be mailed to the Chemical Shareholders and to hold the Chemical Shareholder Meeting as promptly as practicable after the Form S-4 is declared effective under the Securities Act and (B) except if the Chemical Board shall have made a Chemical Adverse Recommendation Change as permitted bySection 6.10, solicit the Chemical Shareholder Approval. Chemical shall, through the Chemical Board, recommend to the Chemical Shareholders that they vote for the Chemical Shareholder Approval and shall include such recommendation (the “Chemical Board Recommendation”) in the Joint Proxy Statement, except to the extent that the Chemical Board shall have made a Chemical Adverse Recommendation Change as permitted bySection 6.10.

(f)     Chemical may adjourn or postpone the Chemical Shareholder Meeting (i) to the extent necessary to ensure that any necessary supplement or amendment to the Joint Proxy Statement is provided to the Chemical Shareholders in advance of a vote on the Chemical Shareholder Approval or (ii) if, as of the time for which the Chemical Shareholder Meeting is originally scheduled (as set forth in the Joint Proxy Statement), there are insufficient Chemical Shareholders represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct the business of such meeting, or if on the date of such meeting Chemical Shareholder Meeting or there are insufficient votesTCF, as applicable, has not received proxies representing a sufficient number of shares necessary to obtain the Requisite Chemical Shareholder Approval, (A) atVote or the requestRequisite TCF Vote, and subject to the terms and conditions of Talmer,this Agreement, Chemical or TCF, as applicable, shall continue to use reasonable best efforts to solicit proxies from its shareholders or stockholders (as applicable) in order to obtain the Requisite Chemical Vote or Requisite TCF Vote. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, and subject to the obligation to adjourn or postpone such meeting as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence, unless this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with its terms, each of the Chemical Shareholder Meeting and TCF Meeting shall be convened and this Agreement shall be submitted to a date no more than ten (10) Business Days later thanthe shareholders of Chemical at the Chemical Meeting and the stockholders of TCF at the TCF Meeting for the purpose of voting on the approval or adoption (as applicable) of such proposals and the other matters contemplated hereby, and nothing contained herein shall be deemed to relieve either Chemical or TCF of such obligation. Chemical and TCF shall use their reasonable best efforts to cooperate to hold the TCF Meeting and the Chemical Meeting on the same day and at the same time as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement, and to set the initialsame record date for each such meeting.

6.4.Legal Conditions to Merger. Subject in all respects toSection 6.1 of this Agreement, each of Chemical Shareholder Meeting;providedand TCF shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, use their reasonable best efforts (a) to take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary, proper or advisable to comply promptly with all legal and regulatory requirements that may be imposed on such Party or its Subsidiaries with respect to the Merger and the Bank Merger and, subject to the conditions set forth inArticle VII, to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (b) to obtain (and to cooperate with the other Party to obtain) any material consent, authorization, order or approval of, or any exemption by, any Governmental Entity and any other third party that Talmer may not request thatis required to be obtained by TCF or Chemical make such an adjournment or postponement more than onceany of their respective Subsidiaries in connection with the Merger, the Bank Merger and (B) Chemical may adjourn or postpone the Chemical Shareholder Meeting.other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

6.4     6.5.NASDAQStock Exchange ListingListing.Chemical shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the shares of Chemical Common Stock and the shares of New Chemical Preferred Stock (or depositary shares in respect thereof) to be issued in the Merger to be approved for listing on NASDAQNasdaq, subject to official notice of issuance, prior to the Effective Time.

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6.5     6.6.Employee MattersBenefit Plans.

(a) All individuals employed by,Chemical shall, or on an authorized leaveshall cause its Subsidiaries (including the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries) to, provide each employee of absence from,TalmerTCF or Chemical or any ofTalmer their respective Subsidiaries who continues employment with Chemical or its Subsidiaries (including the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries) immediately beforefollowing theEffective Time(collectively, (collectively, the “CoveredContinuing Employees”) shall automatically become employeesfor the applicable period specified below (or such shorter period of time as such Continuing Employee is employed following the Effective Time), with the following compensation and benefits: (i) during theSurviving Corporationone-yearand itsSubsidiariesas of period following theEffective Time,.

(b)      TheSurviving Corporationshall provide theCovered Employeesrates of (A) a base salary or hourly wagesbase wage rate, as applicable, that is no less favorable than the base salary or

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base wage rate, as applicable, provided by Chemical, TCF or any such Subsidiary, as applicable, to such Continuing Employee immediately prior to the Effective Time, and (B) annual or short-term cash incentive compensation target opportunities that, in each case, are no less favorable than the annual or short-term cash incentive compensation target opportunities provided to such Continuing Employee immediately prior to the Effective Time;provided,however, that with respect to Continuing Employees who are eligible to participate in the Surviving Corporation’s corporate annual incentive plan, the incentive compensation target opportunities for the first full fiscal year commencing following the Effective Time shall be based on the target opportunities and terms and conditions, including performance goals, developed by the Surviving Corporation with respect to such performance period, applied on a consistent basis with respect to similarly situated Continuing Employees who were employed by Chemical and TCF, respectively, as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, (ii) (A) during the period from the Effective Time through the end of the fiscal year in which the Effective Time occurs, other compensation (excluding long-term incentive opportunities) and employee benefits that are substantially similar in the aggregate to the rates of base salary or hourly wagesother compensation and employee benefits provided to suchCovered Employeesas in effect Continuing Employee immediately beforeprior to theEffective Time,. Except as provided and (B) following the end of the period set forth in the foregoing clause (A) (but not later than first anniversary of the Effective Time), other compensation (including long-term incentive opportunities for those Continuing Employees determined to be eligible for participation by the Surviving Corporationshall provide eachCovered Employeewith the sameCorporation) and employee benefits then providedthat are substantially similar in the aggregate to the other compensation and employee benefits under the plans and programs developed by the Surviving Corporation, which, to the extent permitted by applicable law, among other things, shall (x) treat similarly situated employees atChemicalon a substantially equivalent basis, taking into account all relevant factors, including duties, geographic location, tenure, qualifications and consistentabilities and (y) not discriminate between the Continuing Employees who were covered by Chemical Benefit Plans, on the one hand, and those covered by TCF Benefit Plans on the other, as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, and (iii) during theone-year period following the Effective Time, severance benefits that are no less favorable than those provided under the applicable TCF Benefit Plan or Chemical Benefit Plan in which such Continuing Employee was eligible to receive severance benefits under immediately prior to the Effective Time.

(b) With respect to any employee benefit plans of Chemical or its Subsidiaries (including the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries) in which any Continuing Employees are eligible to participate on or after the Effective Time, including any such plans that were originally Chemical Benefits Plans or TCF Benefit Plans (the “New Plans”), Chemical shall or shall cause its Subsidiaries (including the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries) to: (i) use reasonable best efforts to waive allpre-existing conditions, exclusions and waiting periods with thisSectionrespect to participation and coverage requirements applicable to such employees and their eligible dependents under any New Plans, except to the extent such6.5pre-existing; conditions, exclusions or waiting periods would apply under the analogous applicable TCF Benefit Plan or Chemical Benefit Plan, (ii) use reasonable best efforts to provide each such employee and their eligible dependents with credit for any eligible expenses incurred by such employee or dependent prior to the Effective Time under a TCF Benefit Plan or Chemical Benefit Plan (to the same extent that such credit was given under the analogous applicable TCF Benefit Plan or Chemical Benefit Plan prior to the Effective Time) in satisfying any applicable deductible,co-payment orout-of-pocket requirements under any New Plans, and (iii) recognize all service of such employees with Chemical, TCF and their respective Subsidiaries for all purposes in any New Plan to the same extent that such service was taken into account under the analogous applicable TCF Benefit Plan or Chemical Benefit Plan prior to the Effective Time; provided however, that notwithstanding the foregoing nothing contained hereinservice recognition shall (i) be treated as an amendmentnot apply (A) to the extent it would result in duplication of benefits for the same period of services, (B) for benefit accrual purposes under any particularemployee benefit plan that is a defined benefit pension or post-retirement welfare plan or (C) for any purpose under a benefit plan that is frozen and/or applies to a grandfathered group of participants.

(c) Nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon any employee, officer, director or consultant of TCF, Chemical Benefit PlanorTalmer Benefit Plan, (ii) give any thirdpartyof their respective Subsidiaries or affiliates any right to enforcecontinue in the provisionsemploy or service of the Surviving Corporation, TCF, Chemical or any Subsidiary or affiliate thereof, or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Surviving Corporation, TCF, Chemical or any Subsidiary or affiliate thereof to discharge or terminate the services of any employee, officer, director or consultant of TCF, Chemical or any of

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their respective Subsidiaries or affiliates at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause. Nothing in thisSection6.5, (iii) Agreement shall be deemed to (i) establish, amend, or modify any TCF Benefit Plan, Chemical Benefit Plan, New Plan or any other benefit or employment plan, program, agreement or arrangement, or (ii) alter or limit the rightability of the Surviving Corporation or any of itsSubsidiaries or affiliates to amend, modify or terminate any particular TCF Benefit Plan, Chemical Benefit Plan, New Plan or any other benefit or employment plan, program, agreement or arrangement after the employmentEffective Time. Without limiting the generality ofSection 9.11, nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any person, including, without limitation, any current or former employee, officer, director or consultant of TCF, Chemical or any of their respective Subsidiaries or affiliates, any right, benefit or remedy of anyCovered Employeeat any time nature whatsoever under or requireby reason of this Agreement.

(d) The Parties and following the Effective Time the Surviving Corporation acknowledge that a “change in control” (or similar phrase) within the meaning of each Chemical Benefit Plan and TCF Benefit Plan will occur at the Effective Time;provided that, for purposes of any such plans that provide for deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, the foregoing shall not accelerate the time of payment to the Effective Time if payment due to the occurrence of the Effective Time is not otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable plan and would result in an impermissible payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. Effective as of the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation hereby expressly assumes the TCF Benefit Plans and Chemical Benefit Plans and agrees to perform the obligations of TCF and Chemical or any of itstheir respective Subsidiaries,to provide any such employee benefits, rates of base salary or hourly wage or annual bonus opportunities for any period following any such termination, or (iv) obligateChemicalor any of itsSubsidiariesto (A) maintain any particularChemical Benefit PlanorTalmer Benefit Plan, as applicable, or (B) retain the employment of any particularCovered Employee.

(c)      TheSurviving Corporationshall pay severance payments to all employees of one or more ofTalmer and any Talmer Subsidiarieswhose jobs are eliminated as a result of theMergerand whose employment is terminated by theSurviving Corporationother than for cause within nine (9) months after theEffective Time, in accordance withTalmer’s practices as described onSection 6.5(c)of theTalmer Disclosure Schedules.

(d)     The Surviving Corporation shall provide credit for years of service at Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary (and their respective predecessors if currently honored by Talmer) for all purposes, including, without limitation, for purposes of eligibility to participate, vesting credit, entitlement to benefits, and levels of benefits of any Chemical Benefit Plan (including, but not limited to, any 401(k) plan and vacation leave policy but excluding the Chemical Financial Corporation Employees' Pension Plan and any other plan that has been frozen) or any other employee benefit plan of the Surviving Corporation commencing after the Effective Time, and for purposes of determining seniority in connection with employment with the Surviving Corporation and its Affiliates.

(e)     Talmer will cooperate with Chemical in its efforts to cause certain employees of Talmer identified by Chemical to enter into retention or stay bonus agreements (in a form mutually agreed to by Chemical and the employee) prior to the Effective Time.

(f)     The Surviving Corporation shall honor and discharge all of Talmer’s obligations and assume all of its defenses under existing severance, change of control or employment agreements to which Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary is a party and which are listed onSection 6.5(f) of the Talmer Disclosure Schedulesthereunder in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof.

(g)     On6.7.Indemnification; Directors and Officers Insurance.

(a) From and after the date of this Agreement, Talmer shall not make or cause to be made any discretionary employer contributions to participants, and shall prohibit any new participant elections to defer compensation, under Talmer’s deferred compensation plans. Any preexisting deferral elections that are irrevocable as ofEffective Time, the date of this Agreement shall remain in effect for compensation paid through the end of the periods covered by such deferral elections. Talmer’s deferred compensation plans shall remain in full force and effect and payments of any benefits to participants shall be made in accordance with the terms of Talmer’s deferred compensation plans.

(h)     The Surviving Corporation shall maintain all accruals existing asindemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each present and former director, officer or employee of the Effective Time under Talmer’s and its Subsidiaries’ non-equity incentive and/or bonus plans consistent with Talmer’s and its Subsidiaries’ 2016 budget approved by its board of directors.  Benefits accrued thereunder as of the Effective Time shall be paid by the Surviving Corporation to employees of TalmerTCF and its Subsidiaries (in each case, when acting in accordancesuch capacity) (each, a “TCF Indemnified Party”) against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, losses, damages or liabilities incurred in connection with Talmer’s and its Subsidiaries’ historic payment practices for such benefits, with approval of such payments to be made in consultation with the Chairman of the Surviving Corporation.

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(i)     The Talmer Board shall, prior to the Effective Time, adopt resolutions terminating its 401(k) Plan effective as of immediately prior to the Effective Time.  The accounts of all participants and beneficiaries in the Talmer 401(k) Plan shall become fully vested upon termination of the Talmer 401(k) Plan.  As soon as practicable following the Effective Time, all account balances in the Talmer 401(k) Plan shall be either distributed to participants and beneficiaries or rolled over to an eligible tax-qualified retirement plan or individual retirement account as a participant or beneficiary may direct.  Chemical agrees to permit participants in the Talmer 401(k) Plan who become employees of Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries to roll over their 401(k) account balances in the Talmer 401(k) Plan to the Chemical 401(k) Plan.

6.6     Indemnification; Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance.

(a)     In the event of any threatened or actual claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or administrative (a “Claim”), including any such Claim in which any individual who is now,investigative, whether arising before or has been at any time before the date of this Agreement, or who becomes beforeafter the Effective Time, a director or officer of Talmer or any of its Subsidiaries (each, an “Indemnified Party”), is, or is threatened to be, made a party based in whole or in part on, or arising in whole or in part out of, or pertaining to, this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, whether asserted or arising before or after the Effective Time, the Parties shall cooperate and use their commercially reasonable efforts to defend against and respond thereto. All rights to indemnification (including advancement of expenses) and exculpation from liabilities for acts or omissions occurring at or before the Effective Time now existing in favor of any Indemnified Party as provided in the Talmer Articles and/or the Talmer Bylaws, and any existing indemnification agreements, shall survive the Merger and shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with their terms, and shall not be amended, repealed, or otherwise modified after the Effective Time in any manner that would adversely affect the rights thereunder of such individuals for acts or omissions occurring at or before the Effective Time or taken at the request of Chemical pursuant toSection 6.7, it being understood that nothing in this sentence shall require any amendment to the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.

(b)     From and after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless, and provide advancement of reasonable expenses to, each Indemnified Party against all losses, claims, damages, costs, expenses, liabilities, or judgments, or amounts that are paid in settlement of or in connection with any Claim based in whole or in part on or arising in whole or in part out of the fact that such Personperson is or was a director, officer or officeremployee of TalmerTCF or any Talmer Subsidiary (orof its Subsidiaries or is or was serving at the request of TalmerTCF or any of its Subsidiaries as a director officer, employee, or trusteeofficer of another Person)person and pertaining to any mattermatters, acts or omissions existing or occurring or any acts or omissions occurring, at or beforeprior to the Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed before, or at or after, the Effective Time (includingincluding matters, acts or omissions occurring in connection with the approval of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby) or taken atby this Agreement; and Chemical and the request of Chemical pursuant toSection 6.7;provided,that, and without limitationSurviving Corporation shall also advance expenses as incurred by such TCF Indemnified Party to the covenants set forthfullest extent permitted by applicable law;provided that the TCF Indemnified Party to whom expenses are advanced provides an undertaking to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined that such TCF Indemnified Party is not entitled to indemnification. The Surviving Corporation shall reasonably cooperate with the TCF Indemnified Party, and the TCF Indemnified Party shall reasonably cooperate with the Surviving Corporation inSection 6.6(a), with respect to the defense of any predecessor entitiessuch claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation.

(b) For a period of Talmer Bank, only matters arising from acts or omissions occurringsix (6) years after the acquisition by Talmer of such entities shall be covered by thisSection 6.6(b).

(c)      TheEffective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall maintain in effect for not less than six (6) years from the Effective Time the current policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance maintained by TalmerTCF (provided that Chemical may substitute therefor policies with a substantially comparable insurer of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions which are no less advantageous to the Talmerinsured) with respect to claims against the present and former officers and directors of TCF or any of its Subsidiaries for the Indemnified Parties prior toarising from facts or events which occurred at or before the Effective Time (including the transactions contemplated by this Agreement);provided that the Surviving Corporation shall not be obligated to expend, on an annual basis, an amount in excess of 300% of the current annual premium paid as of the date hereof by TCF for such insurance (the “Premium Cap”), and if such premiums for such insurance would at any time exceed the Premium Cap, then the Surviving Corporation shall cause to be maintained policies of insurance which, in the Surviving Corporation’s good faith determination, provide the maximum coverage available at an annual premium equal to the Premium Cap. In lieu

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of the foregoing, Chemical may (and with respect to matters occurringthe prior written consent of Chemical, TCF may use its reasonable best efforts to) obtain at or prior to the Effective Time includingone or moresix-year “tail policies” providing equivalent coverage to that described in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Alternatively,preceding sentence if and to the Surviving Corporation may substitute therefor policies of substantiallyextent that the same coverage containing terms and conditions that, taken as a whole, are no less advantageous to the Indemnified Parties. After the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall not be required to pay premiums for insurance coverages in excess of 300% of the last annual premium (such 300% threshold, the “Maximum Amount”) paid by Talmer prior to the date of this Agreement in respect of the coverages required tomay be obtained pursuant to thisSection 6.6(c), butfor an amount that, in the aggregate, does not exceed the Premium Cap. If Chemical or TCF purchases such case shall purchase the greatest coverage available for a cost not exceeding the Maximum Amount. Alternatively, the Surviving Corporation may purchase at or after the Effective Time, at a cost not exceeding the Maximum Amount, a six-year prepaid “tail”tail policy, on terms and conditions providing substantially equivalent benefits as the current policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance maintained by Talmer and the Talmer Subsidiaries for the Indemnified Parties with respect to matters occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, including the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. If such

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“tail” prepaid policy has been obtained, the Surviving Corporation shall maintain itsuch tail policy in full force and effect forand continue to honor its full term and honor all obligations thereunder.

(c) The obligations of the Surviving Corporation, Chemical and TCF under thisSection 6.7 shall not be terminated or modified after the Effective Time in a manner so as to adversely affect any TCF Indemnified Party or any other person entitled to the benefit of thisSection 6.7 without the prior written consent of the affected TCF Indemnified Party or affected person.

(d) The provisions of thisSection 6.6 6.7 shall survive the Effective Time and are intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each TCF Indemnified Party and his or her heirs and representatives. If the Surviving Corporation or any of its successors or assigns will consolidate with or merge into any other entity and not be the continuing or surviving entity of such consolidation or merger, transfer all or substantially all of its assets or deposits to any other entity or engage in any similar transaction, then in each case to the extent the obligations set forth in thisSection 6.7 are not otherwise transferred and assumed by such successors and assigns by operation of law or otherwise, the Surviving Corporation will cause proper provision to be made so that the successors and assigns of the Surviving Corporation will expressly assume the obligations set forth in thisSection 6.7.

6.7     6.8.AdditionalAgreements.In case at any time after the Effective Time any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement (including any merger between a Chemical Subsidiary and a Talmer Subsidiary) or to vest the Surviving Corporation with full title to all properties, assets, rights, approvals, immunities and franchises of either Partyany of the Parties to the Merger, the proper officers and directors of each Party to this Agreement and their respective Subsidiaries shall take all such necessary action as may be reasonably requested by Chemical.the Surviving Corporation.

6.8     6.9.Advice of Changes.Each of Chemical and TalmerTCF (in such capacity, the “Notifying Party”) shall each promptly advise the other Party of any change or event (a) having(i) that has had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on itthe Notifying Party or (b) that it(ii) which the Notifying Party believes would or would be reasonably likely to cause or constitute a material breach of any of itsthe Notifying Party’s representations, warranties or covenants contained herein that reasonably could be expected to give rise, either individually or in this Agreement;provided, howeverthe aggregate, to the failure of a condition set forth in, if Chemical is the Notifying Party,Section 7.1 or7.3, or if TCF is the Notifying Party,Section 7.1 or7.2;providedthat no such notification shall affectany failure to give notice in accordance with the representations, warranties, covenants, or agreements of the Parties (or remediesforegoing with respect thereto) or the conditions to the obligationsany breach shall not be deemed to constitute a violation of the Parties under this Agreement;provided, further, that a failure to comply with thisSection 6.8 shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement 6.9 or the failure of any condition set forth inArticle VIISection 7.2 or7.3 to be satisfied, or otherwise constitute a breach of this Agreement by the Party failing to give such notice, in each case unless the underlying Material Adverse Effect or material breach would independently result in thea failure of a conditionthe conditions set forth inArticle VII Section 7.2 or7.3 to be satisfied.

6.9     6.10.No Solicitation byTalmerTCF Acquisition Proposals.

(a) Except as specifically permitted by thisSection6.9,TalmershallTCF agrees that it will not, and shallwill cause each of itsSubsidiaries and use its reasonable best efforts to cause its and their officers, directors, agents, advisors and representatives (collectively, “Representatives”) not to, and shall not authorize or knowinglypermitany of itsRepresentativesto, during the period from the date of thisAgreementuntil the earlier of theEffective Timeand the termination of thisAgreementin accordance withSection8.1, directly or indirectly, (i) initiate, solicit, or initiate,knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate inquiries or knowingly encourage (includingby wayproposals with respect to any TCF Acquisition Proposal, (ii) engage or participate in any negotiations with any person concerning any TCF Acquisition Proposal, or (iii) provide any confidential or nonpublic information or data to, or have or participate in any discussions with, any person relating to any TCF Acquisition Proposal, except to notify a person that has made or, to the knowledge of furnishing non-public information),TCF, is making any inquiries regarding,with respect to, or is considering making, a TCF Acquisition Proposal of the makingexistence of the provisions of thisSection 6.10(a);provided that, prior to obtaining the Requisite TCF Vote, in the event TCF receives an unsolicited bona fide written TCF Acquisition Proposal after the date of this Agreement and its Board of Directors concludes in good faith (after

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receiving the advice of its outside counsel and with respect to financial matters, its financial advisors) that such TCF Acquisition Proposal constitutes or would be reasonably likely to result in a Superior Proposal, it may, and may permit its Subsidiaries and its and its Subsidiaries’ Representatives to, furnish or cause to be furnished nonpublic information or data and participate in such negotiations or discussions to the extent that its Board of Directors concludes in good faith (after receiving the advice of its outside counsel, and with respect to financial matters, its financial advisor) that failure to take such actions would be reasonably likely to violate its fiduciary duties under applicable law;provided,further, that, prior to providing any nonpublic information permitted to be provided pursuant to the foregoing proviso, TCF shall have provided such information to Chemical and entered into a confidentiality agreement with such third party on terms no less favorable to it than the Confidentiality Agreement (an “Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement”), which confidentiality agreement shall not provide such third party with any exclusive right to negotiate with TCF. TCF will, and will use its reasonable best efforts to cause its Representatives to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated any activities, discussions or negotiations conducted before the date of this Agreement with any person other than Chemical with respect to any TCF Acquisition Proposal. TCF will promptly (within twenty-four (24) hours) advise Chemical following receipt of any proposalTCF Acquisition Proposal or offer that constitutes or wouldany inquiry which could reasonably be expected to lead to aTalmer Takeover TCF Acquisition Proposal,, or (ii) engage or enter into, continue, or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any otherPersonmaterial non-public information in connection with, anyTalmer Takeover Proposal, or otherwise cooperate with or assist or participate in, or knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate, any such inquiries, proposals, discussions, or negotiations or any effort or attempt to make aTalmer Takeover Proposal.Talmershall, and shall cause each of theTalmer Subsidiaries and each of itsand theTalmer SubsidiariesRepresentativesto, (A) immediately upon execution of thisAgreement, cease any solicitation, encouragement, discussions, or negotiations with anyPersonthat may be ongoing with respect to aTalmer Takeover Proposalas of the date of thisAgreement, and (B) immediately upon execution of thisAgreement, terminate all physical and electronic data room access previously granted to any suchPersonor itsRepresentatives.

(b)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if at any time prior to obtaining theTalmer Shareholder Approval,Talmeror any of itsRepresentativesreceives a bona fide writtenTalmer TakeoverProposal from anyPersonorgroup of Persons, whichTalmer TakeoverProposal did not result from any breach of thisSection6.9, thenTalmerand its Representatives may, (i) contact suchPersonorgroup of Personsand theirRepresentativesto request that suchPersonorgroup of Personsprovide clarification of any term or condition of suchTalmer Takeover Proposalthat theTalmer Boarddetermines in good faith to be ambiguous or unclear, and (ii) if theTalmer Boarddetermines in good faith, after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, that suchTalmer Takeover Proposalconstitutes or is reasonably likely to result in aTalmer Superior Proposal,(A) furnish, pursuant to anAcceptable Talmer Confidentiality Agreement, information (includingnon-public information) with respect toTalmerand itsSubsidiariesto thePersonorgroup of Personswho has made suchTalmer Takeover Proposaland their respectiveRepresentatives;provided that,Talmershall (subject to the terms of theConfidentiality Agreement) promptly make available toChemical(through an electronic data room or otherwise), and provide express written notification via electronic mail notification toChemicalin accordance with the applicable provisions ofSection 10.3 of, the availability of any written material non-public information that is provided to any suchPersonorgroup of Personsor their respectiveRepresentatives, if such information was not

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previously provided or made available toChemicalor itsRepresentatives, and(B) engage in or otherwise participate in discussions or negotiations with thePersonorgroup of Personsmaking suchTalmer Takeover Proposaland their respectiveRepresentatives;provided,furtherthatTalmershall promptly provide toChemical(1) a copy of anyTalmer Takeover Proposalmade in writing by any suchPersonor group ofPersonstoTalmer, any of itsSubsidiaries, or any of their respectiveRepresentatives, together with the identity of thePersonorgroup of Personsmaking theTalmer Takeover Proposal, and (2) a written summary of the material terms of any suchTalmer Takeover Proposalnot made in writing.

(c)     Talmershall keepChemicalpromptly informed of any material developments, discussions, or negotiations regarding anyTalmer Takeover Proposal,includingany such proposal first made to or discussed withTalmerprior to the date of thisAgreement and remade after the date of this Agreement(includingforwarding toChemicalany written materials provided toTalmeror itsRepresentativesin connection with any suchTalmer Takeover Proposal) on a reasonably prompt basis. Any such disclosure shall be subject to the terms of theConfidentiality Agreement.Talmeragrees that it and itsSubsidiarieswill not to enter into any confidentiality or otheragreementwith anyPersonsubsequent to the date of thisAgreementwhich would prohibitTalmerfrom providing any information toChemicalin accordance with thisSection6.9.

(d)     Except as permitted bySection6.9(e), theTalmer Boardshall not(i)(A) fail to recommend to theTalmer Shareholdersthat theTalmer Shareholder Approvalbe given or fail toincludetheTalmer Board Recommendationin theJoint Proxy Statement, (B) change, qualify, withhold, withdraw, or modify, or publicly propose to change, qualify, withhold, withdraw, or modify, in a manner adverse toChemical, theTalmer Board Recommendation, (C) take any formalactionor make any recommendation or public statement in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer other than a recommendation of rejection of such offer or a temporary “stop, look, and listen” communication by theTalmer Boardpursuant to Rule 14d-9(f) of theExchange Act, or (D) adopt, approve, or recommend, or publicly propose to approve or recommend to theTalmer Shareholders, aTalmer Takeover Proposal(each of the actions described in this clause(i) being referred to as a “Talmer Adverse Recommendation Change”); or (ii) cause orpermit Talmeror any of theTalmer Subsidiariesto enter into any letter of intent,agreement, oragreementin principle with respect to anyTalmer Takeover Proposal(other than anAcceptable Talmer Confidentiality Agreement) (each, a “Talmer Acquisition Agreement”).

(e)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, prior to the time theTalmer Shareholder Approvalis obtained, theTalmer Boardmay, in connection with a bona fide writtenTalmer Takeover Proposal, whichTalmer Takeover Proposalwas made after the date of thisAgreement(or that was made prior to the date of thisAgreementand remade after the date of thisAgreement) and that did not result from any breach of thisSection6.9, make aTalmer Adverse Recommendation Changeor terminate thisAgreementpursuant toSection8.1(i)to enter into a definitivemerger agreementor other definitive purchase or acquisitionagreementwith respect to suchTalmer Takeover Proposal, if and only if, prior to taking suchaction,Talmerhas complied with its obligations under thisSection6.9and theTalmer Boardhas determined in good faith, after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, that suchTalmer Takeover Proposalconstitutes aTalmer Superior Proposal;provided,however, that prior to taking any suchaction (i) Talmerhas givenChemicalat least three (3)Business Daysprior written notice of its intention to take suchaction(which notice shall specify substance thereof (including the material terms and conditions of any suchTalmer Superior Proposal,includingand the identity of thePerson person making such inquiry orgroup TCF Acquisition Proposal), and will keep Chemical reasonably apprised (and in any event within twenty-four (24) hours) of Personsmakingany related developments, discussions and negotiations on a current basis, including any amendments to or revisions of the material terms of suchTalmer inquiry or TCF Acquisition Proposal. TCF shall (A) withdraw and terminate access that was granted to any person (other than the Parties to this Agreement and their respective affiliates and Representatives) to any “data room” (virtual or physical) that was established in connection with a TCF Acquisition Proposal prior to the date of this Agreement and (B) use its reasonable best efforts to enforce any existing confidentiality or standstill agreements to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is a party in accordance with the terms thereof. During the term of this Agreement, TCF shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and its and their Representatives not to on its behalf, enter into any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement, merger agreement or other similar agreement relating to a TCF Acquisition Proposal (other than an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement). As used in this Agreement, “TCF Acquisition Proposal” shall mean other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, any offer, proposal or inquiry relating to, or any third party indication of interest in, (i) any acquisition or purchase, direct or indirect, of 25% or more of the consolidated assets of TCF and its Subsidiaries or 25% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of TCF or of its Subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute 25% or more of the consolidated assets of TCF, (ii) any tender offer (including a self-tender offer) or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in such third party beneficially owning 25% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of TCF or of its Subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute 25% or more of the consolidated assets of TCF, or (iii) a merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction involving TCF or its Subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute 25% or more of the consolidated assets of TCF. TCF shall use its reasonable best efforts, subject to applicable law, to, within ten (10) business days after the date hereof, request and confirm the return or destruction of any confidential information provided to any person (other than Chemical and its affiliates) pursuant to any such confidentiality, standstill or similar agreement. As used in this Agreement, “TCF Superior Proposal) and has contemporaneously provided” shall mean a copy toChemicalbona fide written TCF Acquisition Proposal that the Board of all written materials (includingall transaction agreements and related documents) with or from thepartymaking suchTalmer Superior Proposal, (ii) Talmerhas negotiated, and has caused itsRepresentativesto negotiate,Directors of TCF concludes in good faith withChemicalduringto be more favorable to its stockholders than the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, (i) after receiving the advice of its financial advisors (who shall be a nationally recognized investment banking firm), (ii) after taking into account the likelihood of consummation of such notice period, to the extentChemicalwishes to negotiate, to enableChemicalto revisetransaction on the terms set forth therein and (iii) after taking into account all legal (with the advice of thisAgreementoutside counsel) financial (including the financing terms of any such proposal), regulatory and other aspects of such proposal (including any expense reimbursement provisions and conditions to closing) and any other relevant factors permitted under applicable law;provided, that it would cause suchTalmerfor purposes of the definition of “TCF Superior Proposal,” the reference to no longer constitute aTalmer Superior“25%” in the definition of TCF Acquisition Proposal, and (iii) following the end of such notice period, theTalmer Boardshall have considered in good faith any changes to thisAgreementproposed in writing byChemical, and shall have determined that theTalmer Superior Proposalwould continue to constitute aTalmer Superior Proposalif such revisions were to be given effect. In the event of any material revisions to aTalmer Takeover Proposalthat could have an impact, influence, or other effect on theTalmer Board’s decision or discussion with respect to whether such proposal is aTalmer Superior Proposal,Talmershall deliver a new written notice to Chemicalpursuant to the foregoing clause (i)and again comply with the requirements of thisSection6.9(e)with respect to such new written notice;provided,however, that references herein to the three (3)Business Dayperiod shall be deemed to be references to a two (2)Business Dayperiod“a majority.”

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(b) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent TCF or its Board of Directors from complying with respect thereto.Rules14d-9

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and(f)     14e-2Provided thatTalmerand under theTalmer Boardcomply with their respective obligations underSection6.9(e), nothing in thisSection6.9shall prohibit theTalmer Boardfrom(i) taking and disclosing to theTalmer Shareholdersa position contemplated by Rule 14e-2(a), Rule 14d-9, Exchange Act or Item 1012(a) of RegulationM-A promulgated under theExchange Act,(ii)  with respect to a TCF Acquisition Proposal or from making any “stop, look, and listen” communicationslegally required disclosure toTalmer Shareholders TCF’s stockholders;provided that such Rules will in no way eliminate or modify the effect that any action pursuant to Section 14d-9(f) promulgatedsuch Rules would otherwise have under theExchange Act (orthis Agreement.

6.11.Chemical Acquisition Proposals.

(a) Chemical agrees that it will not, and will cause its Subsidiaries and use its reasonable best efforts to cause its and their Representatives not to, directly or indirectly, (i) initiate, solicit, knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate inquiries or proposals with respect to any similar communicationsChemical Acquisition Proposal, (ii) engage or participate in any negotiations with any person concerning any Chemical Acquisition Proposal, or (iii) provide any confidential or nonpublic information or data to, or have or participate in any discussions with, any person relating to any Chemical Acquisition Proposal, except to notify a person that has made or, to the Talmer Shareholders), or (iii)knowledge of Chemical, is making any disclosureinquiries with respect to, or is considering making, a Chemical Acquisition Proposal of the Talmer Shareholders ifexistence of the Talmerprovisions of thisSection 6.11(a);provided that, prior to obtaining the Requisite Chemical Vote, in the event Chemical receives an unsolicited bona fide written Chemical Acquisition Proposal after the date of this Agreement and its Board determinesof Directors concludes in good faith after consultation with(after receiving the advice of its outside legal counsel and with respect to financial matters, its financial advisors) that such Chemical Acquisition Proposal constitutes or would be reasonably likely to result in a Superior Proposal, it may, and may permit its Subsidiaries and its and its Subsidiaries’ Representatives to, furnish or cause to be furnished nonpublic information or data and participate in such negotiations or discussions to the extent that its Board of Directors concludes in good faith (after receiving the advice of its outside counsel, and with respect to financial matters, its financial advisor) that failure to take such actionactions would be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with the Talmer Boards’violate its fiduciary duties under applicable Law;law;provided however,further, that, the taking ofprior to providing anyaction nonpublic information permitted to be provided pursuant to the foregoing proviso, Chemical shall have provided such information to TCF and entered into an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement with such third party, which confidentiality agreement shall not provide such third party with any ofexclusive right to negotiate with Chemical. Chemical will, and will use its reasonable best efforts to cause its Representatives to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated any activities, discussions or negotiations conducted before the preceding clauses(i), (ii), or(iii) shall in no way limit or modify the effectdate of thisAgreement with any person other than TCF with respect to any suchactiontaken.

6.10     No Solicitation byChemical.

(a)     Except as specifically permitted by thisSection6.10, Acquisition Proposal. Chemicalshall not, and shall cause each of itsSubsidiariesnot to, and shall not authorize or knowinglypermitany of itsRepresentativesto, during the period from the date of thisAgreementuntil the earlier of theEffective Timeand the termination of thisAgreementin accordance withSection8.1, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit or initiate, or knowingly facilitate or knowingly encourage (includingby way of furnishing non-public information), any inquiries regarding, or the making will promptly (within twenty-four (24) hours) advise TCF following receipt of any proposalChemical Acquisition Proposal or offer that constitutes or wouldany inquiry which could reasonably be expected to lead to aChemical TakeoverAcquisition Proposal,, or (ii) engage or enter into, continue, or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any otherPersonmaterial non-public information in connection with, anyChemical Takeover Proposal, or otherwise cooperate with or assist or participate in, or knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate, any such inquiries, proposals, discussions, or negotiations or any effort or attempt to make aChemical Takeover Proposal.Chemicalshall, and shall cause each of theChemical Subsidiariesand each of its and theChemical SubsidiariesRepresentativesto (A) immediately upon execution of thisAgreement, cease any solicitation, encouragement, discussions, or negotiations with anyPersonthat may be ongoing with respect to aChemical Takeover Proposalas of the date of thisAgreement, and (B) immediately upon execution of thisAgreement, terminate all physical and electronic data room access previously granted to any suchPersonor itsRepresentatives.

(b)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if at any time prior to obtaining theChemical Shareholder Approval,Chemicalor any of itsRepresentativesreceives a bona fide writtenChemical TakeoverProposal from anyPersonorgroup of Persons, whichChemical TakeoverProposal did not result from any breach of thisSection6.10, thenChemicaland its Representatives may, (i) contact suchPersonorgroup of Personsand theirRepresentativesto request that suchPersonorgroup of Personsprovide clarification of any term or condition of suchChemical Takeover Proposalthat theChemical Boarddetermines in good faith to be ambiguous or unclear and (ii) if theChemical Boarddetermines in good faith, after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, that suchChemical Takeover Proposalconstitutes or is reasonably likely to result in aChemical Superior Proposal,(A) furnish, pursuant to anAcceptable Chemical Confidentiality Agreement, information (includingnon-public information) with respect toChemicaland itsSubsidiariesto thePersonorgroup of Personswho has made suchChemical Takeover Proposaland their respectiveRepresentatives;provided, thatChemicalshall (subject to the terms of theConfidentiality Agreement) promptly make available toTalmer(through an electronic data room or otherwise), and provide express written notification via electronic mail notification toTalmerin accordance with the applicable provisions ofSection 10.3 of the availability of, any written material non-public information that is provided to any suchPersonorgroup of Personsor their respectiveRepresentatives, if such information was not previously provided or made available toTalmeror itsRepresentatives, and(B) engage in or otherwise participate in discussions or negotiations with thePersonorgroup of Personsmaking suchChemical Takeover Proposaland their respectiveRepresentatives;provided,furtherthatChemicalshall promptly provide toTalmer(1) a copy of anyChemical Takeover Proposalmade in writing by any suchPersonor group ofPersonstoChemical, any of itsSubsidiaries, or any of their respectiveRepresentatives, together with the identity of thePersonorgroup of Personsmaking theChemical Takeover Proposal, and (2) a written summary of the material terms of any suchChemical Takeover Proposalnot made in writing.

(c)     Chemicalshall keepTalmerpromptly informed of any material developments, discussions, or negotiations regarding anyChemical Takeover Proposal, including any such proposal first made to or discussed with Chemical prior tothe date of thisAgreement and remade after the date of this Agreement(includingforwarding toTalmerany written materials provided toChemicalor itsRepresentativesin connection with any such

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Chemical Takeover Proposal) on a reasonably prompt basis. Any such disclosure shall be subject to the terms of theConfidentiality Agreement.Chemicalagrees that it and itsSubsidiarieswill not enter into any confidentiality or otheragreementwith anyPersonsubsequent to the date of thisAgreementwhich would prohibitChemicalfrom providing any information toTalmerin accordance with thisSection6.10.

(d)     Except as permitted bySection6.10(e), theChemical Boardshall not(i)(A) fail to recommend to theChemical Shareholdersthat theChemical Shareholder Approvalbe given or fail toincludetheChemical Board Recommendationin theJoint Proxy Statement; (B) change, qualify, withhold, withdraw, or modify, or publicly propose to change, qualify, withhold, withdraw, or modify, in a manner adverse toTalmer, theChemical Board Recommendation; (C) take any formalactionor make any recommendation or public statement in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer other than a recommendation of rejection of such offer or a temporary “stop, look, and listen” communication by theChemical Boardpursuant to Rule 14d-9(f) of theExchange Act; or (D) adopt, approve, or recommend, or publicly propose to approve or recommend to theChemical Shareholders, aChemical Takeover Proposal(each of the actions described in this clause(i) being referred to as a “Chemical Adverse Recommendation Change”) or (ii) cause orpermit Chemicalor any of theChemical Subsidiariesto enter into any letter of intent,agreement, oragreementin principle with respect to anyChemical Takeover Proposal(other than anAcceptable Chemical Confidentiality Agreement) (each, a “Chemical Acquisition Agreement”).

(e)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, prior to the time theChemical Shareholder Approvalis obtained, theChemical Boardmay, in connection with a bona fide writtenChemical Takeover Proposal, whichChemical Takeover Proposalwas made after the date of thisAgreement(or that was made prior to the date of thisAgreementand remade after the date of thisAgreement) and that did not result from any breach of thisSection6.10, make aChemical Adverse Recommendation Changeor terminate thisAgreementpursuant toSection8.1(j)to enter into a definitivemerger agreementor other definitive purchase or acquisitionagreementwith respect to suchChemical Takeover Proposal, if and only if, prior to taking suchaction,Chemicalhas complied with its obligations under thisSection6.10and theChemical Boardhas determined in good faith, after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, that suchChemical Takeover Proposalconstitutes aChemical Superior Proposal;provided,however, that prior to taking any suchaction (i) Chemicalhas givenTalmerat least three (3)Business Daysprior written notice of its intention to take suchaction(which notice shall specify substance thereof (including the material terms and conditions of any suchChemical Superior Proposal,includingand the identity of thePerson person making such inquiry orgroup Chemical Acquisition Proposal), and will keep TCF reasonably apprised (and in any event within twenty-four (24) hours) of Personsmakingany related developments, discussions and negotiations on a current basis, including any amendments to or revisions of the material terms of such inquiry or Chemical Acquisition Proposal. Chemical shall (A) withdraw and terminate access that was granted to any person (other than the Parties to this Agreement and their respective affiliates and Representatives) to any “data room” (virtual or physical) that was established in connection with a Chemical Acquisition Proposal prior to the date of this Agreement and (B) use its reasonable best efforts to enforce any existing confidentiality or standstill agreements to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is a party in accordance with the terms thereof. During the term of this Agreement, Chemical shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and its and their Representatives not to on its behalf, enter into any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement, merger agreement or other similar agreement with respect to a Chemical Acquisition Proposal (other than an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement). As used in this Agreement, “Chemical Acquisition Proposal” shall mean, other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, any offer, proposal or inquiry relating to, or any third party indication of interest in, (i) any acquisition or purchase, direct or indirect, of 25% or more of the consolidated assets of Chemical and its Subsidiaries or 25% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of Chemical or of its Subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute 25% or more of the consolidated assets of Chemical, (ii) any tender offer (including a self-tender offer) or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in such third party beneficially owning 25% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of Chemical or of its

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Subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute 25% or more of the consolidated assets of Chemical, or (iii) a merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction involving Chemical or its Subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute 25% or more of the consolidated assets of Chemical. Chemical shall use its reasonable best efforts, subject to applicable law, to, within ten (10) business days after the date hereof, request and confirm the return or destruction of any confidential information provided to any person (other than TCF and its affiliates) pursuant to any such confidentiality, standstill or similar agreement. As used in this Agreement, “Chemical Superior Proposal) and has contemporaneously provided” shall mean a copy toTalmerbona fide written Chemical Acquisition Proposal that the Board of all written materials (includingall transaction agreements and related documents) with or from thepartymaking suchDirectors of Chemical Superior Proposal; (ii) Chemicalhas negotiated, and has caused itsRepresentativesto negotiate,concludes in good faith withTalmerduringto be more favorable to its shareholders than the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, (i) after receiving the advice of its financial advisors (who shall be a nationally recognized investment banking firm), (ii) after taking into account the likelihood of consummation of such notice period, to the extentTalmerwishes to negotiate, to enableTalmerto revisetransaction on the terms of thisAgreementsuch that it would cause suchChemical Superior Proposalto no longer constitute aChemical Superior Proposal;set forth therein and (iii) followingafter taking into account all legal (with the endadvice of outside counsel) financial (including the financing terms of any such proposal), regulatory and other aspects of such notice period, theChemical Boardshall have considered in good faithproposal (including any changesexpense reimbursement provisions and conditions to thisAgreementproposed in writing byTalmer,closing) and shall have determined that theChemical Superior Proposalwould continue to constitute aChemical Superior Proposalif such revisions were to be given effect. In the event of any material revisions to aChemical Takeover Proposalthat could have an impact, influence, or other effect on theChemical Board’s decision or discussion with respect to whether such proposal is aChemical Superior Proposal,Chemicalshall deliver a new written notice toTalmerpursuant to the foregoing clause (i)and again comply with the requirements of thisrelevant factors permitted under applicable law;Section6.10(eprovided)with respect to such new written notice;provided,however, that references hereinfor purposes of the definition of “Superior Proposal,” the reference to “25%” in the three (3)Business Dayperioddefinition of Chemical Acquisition Proposal shall be deemed to be references to a two (2)Business Dayperiod“a majority.”

(b) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent Chemical or its Board of Directors from complying with respect thereto.Rules14d-9

and(f)     14e-2Provided thatChemicaland under theChemical Boardcomply with their respective obligations underSection6.10(e), nothing in thisSection6.10shall prohibit theChemical Boardfrom(i) taking and disclosing to theChemical Shareholdersa position contemplated by Rule 14e-2(a), Rule 14d-9, Exchange Act or Item 1012(a) of RegulationM-A promulgated under theExchange Act,(ii)  with respect to a Chemical Acquisition Proposal or from making any “stop, look, and listen” communications toChemical Shareholderspursuant to Section 14d-9(f) promulgated under theExchange Act (or any similar communications to the Chemical Shareholders), or (iii) making anylegally required disclosure to the Chemical Shareholders if the Chemical Board determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel,Chemical’s shareholders;provided that failure to take such action would be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with the Chemical Boards’ fiduciary duties under applicable Law;provided, however, that the taking of anyactionpursuant to any of the preceding clauses(i), (ii) or (iii)shallRules will in no way limiteliminate or modify the effect ofthat any action pursuant to such Rules would otherwise have under thisAgreement Agreement.

6.12.Public Announcements. TCF and Chemical shall each use their reasonable best efforts to develop a joint communications plan to ensure that all press releases and other public statements with respect to any suchactiontaken.

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6.11     Corporate Governance.

(a)            Effective as of theEffective Time,Chemicalshall take all actions necessary to cause the size of theBoard of Directorsof the Surviving Corporation to be twelve (12) directors. The then-current seven (7) members of theChemical Board(the “Chemical Continuing Directors”) shall continue in office and shall serve on theBoard of Directorsof the Surviving Corporationuntil such time as their successors are duly elected and qualified. As of theEffective Time, theChemical Continuing Directorsshall immediately appoint five (5) of the then-current members of theTalmer Board(two of whomtransactions contemplated hereby shall be Gary Torgowconsistent with such joint communications plan, and David Provost) (the “Talmer Continuing Directors”)except in respect of any announcement required by applicable law, or by obligations pursuant to serve on the Boardany listing agreement with or rules of Directors of the Surviving Corporationuntil such time as their successors are duly elected and qualified. TheBoard of Directorsof the Surviving Corporation (or the appropriate committee thereof) shall cause the Talmer Continuing Directorsany securities exchange, to be nominated for election at the 2017 annual meeting of shareholders of theSurviving Corporation. ThePartiesshall conferconsult with regardeach other before issuing any press release or, to the individuals constituting the Talmer Continuing Directors.

(b)           Effective as of theeffective timeof theBank Merger,ChemicalBank shall take all actions necessary to cause the size of theBoard of Directorsof the Surviving Bank to be fourteen (14)directors. The then-current twelve (12)members of theChemicalBank Board of Directors (the “Chemical Bank Continuing Directors”) shall continue in office and shall serve on theBoard of Directorsof the Surviving Bankuntil such time as their successors are duly elected and qualified. As of theeffective timeof theBank Merger, theChemical Bank Continuing Directorsshall immediately appointtwo individuals mutually agreed upon by the Partiesto serve on theBoard of Directorsof the Surviving Bankuntil such time as their successors are duly elected and qualified. TheBoard of Directorsof the Surviving Bank (or the appropriate committee thereof) shall cause those two individuals to be nominated for election at the 2017 annual meeting of the shareholder of theSurviving Bank.

(c)            Effective as of theEffective Time (and,extent practical, otherwise making any public statement with respect to positions withthis Agreement or the Surviving Bank, effective as of the effective time of the Bank Merger), (i) David Ramaker shall continue as Chief Executive Officer of theSurviving Corporationand Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of the Surviving Bank; (ii) Gary Torgow shall become and serve as Chairman of the Surviving Corporation; (iii) David Provost shall become and serve as a consultant to theSurviving Corporationand a member of the Board of Directors of the Surviving Corporation; (iv)Lori Gwizdalashall continue as the Chief Financial Officer of the Surviving Corporation and the Surviving Bank; (v) Dennis Klaeser shall become and serve as a consultant to the Surviving Corporation and the Surviving Bank; and (vi) Thomas Shafer shall become and serve as Executive Vice President of the Surviving Bank. Dennis Klaeser shall continue to serve as the Chief Financial Officer ofTalmer Bankuntil theeffective timeof theBank Merger.transactions contemplated hereby.

(d)     On the date hereof, each of Gary Torgow, David Provost, and Dennis Klaeser shall enter into a mutually acceptable services agreement with the Surviving Corporation and Talmer Bank, which shall become effective at the Effective Time. In addition, prior to the Effective Time, Thomas Shafer shall enter into a mutually acceptable employment agreement with the Surviving Bank, which shall become effective at the effective time of the Bank Merger.

6.12     6.13.Restructuring Efforts.If either TalmerTCF or Chemical shall have failed to obtain the requisite vote or votes of the Talmer ShareholdersRequisite TCF Vote or the Requisite Chemical Shareholders, respectively, forVote at the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement at a duly held shareholders’ meetingconvened TCF Meeting or atChemical Meeting, as applicable, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, then, unless this Agreement shall have been terminated pursuant to its terms, each of the Parties shall in good faith use its commercially reasonable best efforts to negotiate a restructuring of the transaction provided for hereincontemplated by this Agreement (it being understood that neither Party shall have any obligation to alter or change any material terms, including the Exchange Ratio, the amount or kind of the Merger Considerationconsideration to be issued to holders of the capital stock of TCF as provided for in this Agreement, or any term that would adversely affect the tax treatment of the transactions contemplated hereby, in a manner adverse to such Party or its shareholders) andshareholders or stockholders (as applicable)) and/or resubmit this Agreement and/or the transactions contemplated hereby (or as restructured pursuant to resubmit the transactionthisSection 6.13) to its respective shareholders or stockholders (as applicable) for approval withor adoption (as applicable).

6.14.Takeover Statutes. None of TCF, Chemical or their respective Boards of Directors shall take any action that would cause any Takeover Statute to become applicable to this Agreement, the timing of such resubmission to be determined at the requestMerger, or any of the other Party.

6.13     Exemption fromLiabilityUnder Section 16(b).Prior to the Effective Time, Talmertransactions contemplated hereby, and Chemical each shall take all suchnecessary steps as may be required to cause (a) any dispositions of Talmer Common Stock (including derivative securities with respect to Talmer Common Stock, options and other stock-based awards) resulting fromexempt (or ensure the continued exemption of) the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby from any applicable Takeover Statute now or hereafter in effect. If any Takeover Statute may become, or may purport to be, applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby, each Party and the members of their respective Boards of Directors will grant such approvals and take such actions as are necessary so that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated hereby and thereby and otherwise act to eliminate or minimize the effects of any Takeover Statute on any of the transactions

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contemplated by each individual who will bethis Agreement, including, if necessary, challenging the validity or applicability of any such Takeover Statute.

6.15.Exemption from Liability underSection 16(b). TCF and Chemical agree that, in order to most effectively compensate and retain those officers and directors of TCF subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act (the “TCF Insiders”), both prior to and after the Effective Time, it is desirable that TCF Insiders not be subject to a risk of liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law in connection with respectthe conversion of shares of TCF Common Stock, TCF Preferred Stock and TCF Equity Awards in the Merger, and for that compensatory and retentive purpose agree to Talmer immediatelythe provisions of thisSection 6.15. The Board of Directors of Chemical and of TCF, or a committee ofnon-employee directors thereof (as such term is defined for purposes ofRule 16b-3(d) under the Exchange Act), shall prior to the Effective Time take all such steps as may be required to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 promulgated undercause (in the Exchange Actcase of TCF) any dispositions of TCF Common Stock, TCF Preferred Stock or TCF Equity Awards by TCF Insiders, and (b)(in the case of Chemical) any acquisitions or

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dispositions of Chemical Common Stock (including derivative securities with respect toor New Chemical CommonPreferred Stock options and other stock-based awards) resulting fromby any TCF Insiders who, immediately following the Merger, andwill be officers or directors of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, by each individual who may become or is reasonably expected to becomeSurviving Corporation subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, in each case pursuant to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, to be exempt from liability pursuant toRule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

6.16.Litigation and Claims. Each of Chemical and TCF shall, to the extent permitted under applicable law and regulation, promptly notify the other Party in writing of any action, arbitration, audit, hearing, investigation, litigation, suit, subpoena or summons issued, commenced, brought, conducted or heard by or before, or otherwise involving, any Governmental Entity or arbitrator pending or, to the knowledge of Chemical or TCF, as applicable, threatened against Chemical, TCF or any of their respective Subsidiaries that (a) questions or would reasonably be expected to question the validity of this Agreement or the other agreements contemplated hereby or thereby or any actions taken or to be taken by Chemical, TCF, or their respective Subsidiaries with respect hereto or thereto, or (b) seeks to Chemical immediately followingenjoin or otherwise restrain the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. Prior to the Effective Time, each Party shall give the other Party the opportunity to participate at its own expense in the defense or settlement of any shareholder litigation against such Party and/or its directors or affiliates relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and no such settlement shall be agreed without the other Party’s prior written consent (such consent not to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.unreasonably withheld).

6.14     6.17.Trust Preferred Securities; SeniorAssumption of TCF Debt Facility. At Chemical agrees to execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, by or on behalf of Chemical, at or prior to the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall assume (a) the obligations of Talmer to make all payments of the principalone or more supplemental indentures, guarantees, and interest on all of the debt securities issued to First Place Capital Trust, First Place Capital Trust II, First Place Capital Trust III, and First of Huron Capital Trust I (collectively, the “Capital Trusts”), and (b) the performance and observance of all covenants and conditions to be performed or observed by Talmer under indentures held by orother instruments required for the benefitdue assumption of the Capital Trusts. In connection therewith, the Surviving Corporation shall executeTCF’s obligations in respect of its outstanding debt, guarantees, securities, and deliver such supplemental indentures as are required to make such assumptions effective, all in a form reasonably acceptableother agreements to the Surviving Corporation. The parties heretoextent required by the terms of such debt, guarantees, securities, and other agreements.

6.18.Data Conversion. From and after the date hereof, the Parties shall provide such opinions of counsel and officer’s certificates to the trustees of the Capital Trusts for such assumptions in a form reasonably acceptable to the Parties. The Parties also agree to use their commercially reasonable efforts to cooperatefacilitate the integration of TCF with U.S. Bank National Association in an attemptthe business of Chemical following consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and shall meet on a regular basis to obtain its consentdiscuss and plan for Chemical to retain Talmer’s current senior unsecured revolving credit facility with U.S. Bank National Association following the Merger.

6.15     conversion of the data processing and related electronic information technology systems (the “Data Conversion. The Parties intend to convert their respective information and data onto a common information technology system (the “Data Conversion”). The Parties agree to use all commercially reasonable efforts to promptly commence preparations for implementation of the Data Conversion, with the goal of effecting the Data Conversion after the Effective Time and at such later time as mutually agreed upon by the Parties. The Parties agree to cooperate in preparing for the Data Conversion, including by providing reasonable access to data, information systems, and personnel having expertise with their and their respective Subsidiaries’ information and data systems;provided,however, that neither Party shall be required to terminate any third-party service provider arrangements prior to the Effective Time. In

6.19.Corporate Governance.

(a) Prior to the eventEffective Time, Chemical shall take all actions necessary to adopt theby-laws set forth inExhibit 3 effective as of and from and after the Effective Time and to effect the requirements referenced therein.

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The provisions of Article IX of suchby-laws shall also be considered an agreement of the Parties in this Agreementmutatis mutandis.

(b) On or prior to the Effective Time, (i) Chemical’s Board of Directors shall cause the number of directors that either Party takes,will comprise the full Board of Directors of the Surviving Corporation at the requestEffective Time to be 16, consisting of (A) the chief executive officer of TCF, the lead director of TCF and six other Party, any action relative to third parties to facilitatecurrent independent directors of TCF designated by TCF, and (B) the Data Conversion that results inchief executive officer, the imposition of any termination fees or other charges or expenses, the Party that requested such action shall indemnify the other Party for all such fees, charges and expenses, and the costs of reversing the Data Conversion process, if the Merger is not consummated for any reason, other than the breach of this Agreement by the party otherwise entitled to indemnification under thisSection 6.15 or the termination by Talmer underSection 8.1(i) (in the case of Talmer being otherwise entitled to indemnification under thisSection 6.15) or by Chemical underSection 8.1(j) (in the case of Chemical being otherwise entitled to indemnification under thisSection 6.15).

6.16     Commercially Reasonable Efforts; Cooperation. Eachchairman of Chemical and Talmer agreessix other current independent directors of Chemical designated by Chemical and (ii) in addition to exercise good faiththe directors then serving on the board of directors of TCF Bank, TCF (as the sole shareholder of TCF Bank) shall cause the persons indicated inExhibit 4 to become and use its commercially reasonable effortsserve as directors of TCF Bank at the Effective Time.

(c) On or prior to satisfy the various covenants and conditionsEffective Time, the Chemical Board of Directors shall take such actions as are necessary to Closingcause the persons indicated in this Agreement, and to take or causeExhibit 5 to be taken all actions,elected or appointed to the offices of the Surviving Corporation specified in such Exhibit as of the Effective Time.

(d) From and do or causeafter the Effective Time, the name of the Surviving Corporation shall be “TCF Financial Corporation.”

(e) The headquarters of the Surviving Corporation will be located in Detroit, Michigan, and following the Effective Time the main office of TCF Bank will be located in a location to be done all things, necessary, proper, or advisable on its part under this Agreement and applicable Law to consummate and make effective the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreementdetermined as soon as reasonably practicable, including preparing and filing as promptly as practicable all documentation to effect all necessary notices, reports, and other filings, and to obtain as promptly as reasonably practicable all consents, registrations, approvals, permits, and authorizations necessary or advisable to be obtained from any Governmental Entity or other third partyset forth in order to consummate the Merger or anySection 6.19(e) of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.TCF Disclosure Schedule.

6.17     6.20.Securityholder LitigationDividends. Each Party shall keep the other Party reasonably informed with respect to the defense or settlement of any securityholder Action against it or its directors or officers relating to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each Party shall give the other Party the opportunity to consult with it regarding the defense or settlement of any such securityholder Action and shall not settle any such Action without the other Party’s prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

6.18     Expenses. Whether or not the Merger is consummated, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses, except that Talmer and Chemical shall each pay and bear one-half of (a) each regulatory filing, notification, registration or similar fee required to be paid by any

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party in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, applicable banking Laws and other applicable Laws and (b) any fees and expenses (excluding each Party’s internal costs and fees and expenses of attorneys, accountants and financial and other advisors) incurred in respect of printing, filing and mailing of the Registration Statement and Proxy Statement.

6.19     Fairness Opinions. Talmer will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide Chemical with a copy of the written fairness opinion referred to inSection 3.23 solely for informational purposes within ten (10) Business Days ofAfter the date of this Agreement. Chemical will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide Talmer with a copyAgreement, each of the written fairness opinion referred to inSection 4.23solely for informational purposes within ten (10) Business Days of the date of this Agreement.

6.20     Dividends. TalmerTCF and Chemical shall coordinate with eachthe other regarding the declaration setting of any dividends in respect of the TCF Common Stock and the Chemical Common Stock and the record dates and payment dates relating thereto, it being the intention of the Parties that holders of TCF Common Stock shall not receive two dividends, or fail to receive one dividend, in any quarter with respect to their shares of TalmerTCF Common Stock and Chemical Common Stock for the purpose of minimizing the risk that holders of shares of Talmer Common Stock (a) in respect of any calendar quarter, receive dividends on both shares of Talmer Common Stock and shares of Chemical Common Stock received as Merger Consideration, or (b)any such holder receives in respect of any calendar quarter, fail to receive a dividend on shares of Talmer Common Stock or shares of Chemical Common Stock received as Merger Consideration.exchange therefor in the Merger.

ArticleARTICLE VII

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

7.1     7.1.Conditions to EachParty’ss Obligation Toto Effect theMerger.The respective obligations of the Parties to effect the Merger shall be subject to the satisfaction at or beforeprior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:

(a)ShareholderShareholder/Stockholder Approvals. The Requisite Chemical Shareholder ApprovalVote and theTalmer Shareholder Approval Requisite TCF Vote shall have been obtained by the requisite affirmative votes ofChemical ShareholdersandTalmer Shareholdersentitled to vote thereon.obtained.

(b)TheNASDAQStock Exchange Listing. The shares ofChemical Common Stock and New Chemical Preferred Stock (or depositary shares in respect thereof) that shall be issuable pursuant to be issued to the holders ofTalmer Common Stockupon consummation of theMergerthis Agreement shall have been authorized for listing onNASDAQ(or Nasdaq, subject to official notice of issuance.

(c)Regulatory Approvals. All Requisite Regulatory Approvals shall have been obtained and shall remain in full force and effect and all statutory waiting periods in respect thereof shall have expired, and no such other national securities exchange mutually agreed upon byRequisite Regulatory Approval shall have resulted in theParties). imposition of any Materially Burdensome Regulatory Condition.

(d)(c)     Form S-4. TheForm S-4shall have become effective under theSecurities Act, and no stopordersuspending the effectiveness of theForm S-4shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by theSEC. and not withdrawn.

(d)     (e)NoInjunctionsor Restraints; Illegality. Noorder,,injunctionor decree issued by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition (an “Injunction”) preventing the consummation of theMergeror any

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of the other transactions contemplated by thisAgreementshall be in effect. No statute, rule, regulation,order,, injunction or decree shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by anyGovernmental Entitythat which prohibits or makes illegal the consummation of theMerger. Merger.

(e)     Regulatory Approvals. AllRegulatory Approvals (excluding the Regulatory Approvals applicable solely to the Bank Merger)shall have been obtained and shall remain in full force and effect, all statutory notice and waiting periods in respect thereof shall have expired, and no suchRegulatory Approvalshall have resulted in the imposition of anyMaterially Burdensome Regulatory Condition.     

7.2     7.2.Conditions to Obligations ofTalmerChemical.The obligation of TalmerChemical to effect the Merger is also subject to the satisfaction, (oror waiver by Talmer),Chemical, at or beforeprior to the Effective Time, of the following conditions:

(a)Representations and Warranties. (i) The representations and warranties ofChemical TCF set forth in thisAgreement (other thanSections 4.1(a),4.23.2(a),4.4, and4.63.8(a) (in each case after giving effect to the lead in toArticle III)shall be true and correct (without giving effect(other than, in the case ofSection 3.2(a), such failures to any limitationbe true and correct as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” contained therein)arede minimis) in each case as of the date of thisAgreementand (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date) as of theEffective Time Closing Date as though made on and as of theEffective Time(except that Closing Date, and the representations and

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warranties that by their terms speak specificallyof TCF set forth inSections3.1(a),3.1(b) (other than the representations and warranties set forth in the last sentence ofSection 3.1(b)),3.2(b) and3.3(a) (in each case, after giving effect to the lead in toArticle III) shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of thisAgreement and (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date. All other representations and warranties of TCF set forth in this Agreement (read without giving effect to any qualification as to materiality or another dateMaterial Adverse Effect on TCF set forth in such representations or warranties but, in each case, after giving effect to the lead in toArticle III) shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date), except where as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date;provided that for purposes of this sentence, such representations and warranties shall be deemed to be true and correct unless the failure or failures of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct,does not have, either individually or in the aggregate, and without giving effect to any qualification as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect set forth in such representations or warranties, has had or would not reasonably be expected to have individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on TCF. Chemical; and (ii) shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of TCF by the representations and warranties ofChemicalset forth inSections 4.1(a),4.2,4.4, and4.6 shall be true and correct as of the date of this AgreementChief Executive Officer and the Effective Time as though made on and asChief Financial Officer of TCF to the Effective Time(except that representations and warranties that by their terms speak specifically as of the date of thisAgreementor another date shall be true and correct as of such date) in all material respects.foregoing effect.

(b)Performance of Obligations ofChemical TCF.Chemical TCF shall have performed in all material respects the obligations required to be performed by it under thisAgreementat or beforeprior to theEffective Time. Closing Date, and Chemical shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of TCF by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of TCF to such effect.

(c)Officer’s CertificateFederal Tax Opinion. Chemical shall have deliveredreceived a written opinion of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, or other counsel reasonably satisfactory to Talmer a certificate,Chemical, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Chemical, dated as of the Closing Date, and signed on behalf of Chemical by its Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer certifying to the effect that the conditions set forth inSections 7.2(a) and7.2(b) have been satisfied.

(d)     No Material Adverse Effect. Since September 30, 2015, there shall not have been any change, state of facts, event, development or effect that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Chemical.

(e)     Federal Tax Opinion. Talmer shall have received the opinion of its counsel, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, in form and substance customary in transactions of the type contemplated hereby, dated as of the Closing Date, substantially to the effect that, on the basis of facts, representations and assumptions set forth or referred to in such opinion, that are consistent with the state of facts existing at the Effective Time, (i) the Merger will be treatedshall qualify as a reorganization“reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and (ii) Talmer and Chemical will each be a party to that reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code. In rendering such opinion, counsel may require and rely upon customary representations contained in certificates of officers of Chemical and Talmer.TCF, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to such counsel.

7.3     7.3.Conditions to ObligationsofChemical TCF.The obligation of ChemicalTCF to effect the Merger is also subject to the satisfaction, (oror waiver by Chemical)TCF, at or beforeprior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:

(a)Representations and Warranties. (i) The representations and warranties ofTalmer Chemical set forth in thisAgreement (other thanSections 3.1(a),3.24.2(a),3.4, and3.64.8(a) (in each case, after giving effect to the lead in toArticle IV)shall be true and correct (without giving effect(other than, in the case ofSection 4.2(a), such failures to any limitationbe true and correct as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” contained therein)arede minimis) in each case as of the date of thisAgreementand (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date) as of theEffective Time Closing Date as though made on and as of theEffective Time(except that Closing Date, and the representations and warranties that by their terms speak specificallyof Chemical set forth inSections4.1(a),4.1(b) (other than the representations and warranties set forth in the last sentence ofSection 4.1(b)),4.2(b) and4.3(a) (in each case, after giving effect to the lead in toArticle IV) shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of thisAgreement and (except to the

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extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date. All other representations and warranties of Chemical set forth in this Agreement (read without giving effect to any qualification as to materiality or another dateMaterial Adverse Effect on Chemical set forth in such representations or warranties but, in each case, after giving effect to the lead in toArticle IV) shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date), except where as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date,provided that for purposes of this sentence, such representations and warranties shall be deemed to be true and correct unless the failure or failures of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct,does not have, either individually or in the aggregate, and without giving effect to any qualification as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect set forth in such representations or warranties, has had or would not reasonably be expected to have individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer; and (ii)Chemical. TCF shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of Chemical by the representations and warranties ofTalmerset forth inSections 3.1(a),3.2,3.4, and3.6 shall be true and correct as of the date of this AgreementChief Executive Officer and the Effective Time as though made on and asChief Financial Officer of Chemical to the Effective Time(except that representations and warranties that by their terms speak specifically as of the date of thisAgreementor another date shall be true and correct as of such date) in all material respects.foregoing effect.

(b)Performance of Obligations ofTalmer Chemical..Talmer Chemical shall have performed in all material respects the obligations required to be performed by it under thisAgreementat or beforeprior to theEffective Time.

(c)      Officer’s Certificate. Talmer Closing Date, and TCF shall have deliveredreceived a certificate signed on behalf of Chemical by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Chemical to Chemicalsuch effect.

(c)Federal Tax Opinion. TCF shall have received a certificate,written opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, or other counsel reasonably satisfactory to TCF, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to TCF, dated as of the Closing Date, and signed on behalf of Talmer by its Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer certifying to the effect that the conditions set forth inSections 7.3(a) and7.3(b) have been satisfied.

(d)     No Material Adverse Effect. Since September 30, 2015, there shall not have been any change, state of facts, event, development or effect that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmer.

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(e)     Federal Tax Opinion. Chemical shall have received the opinion of its counsel, Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, in form and substance customary in transactions of the type contemplated hereby, dated as of the Closing Date, substantially to the effect that, on the basis of facts, representations and assumptions set forth or referred to in such opinion, that are consistent with the state of facts existing at the Effective Time, (i) the Merger will be treatedshall qualify as a reorganization“reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and (ii) Talmer and Chemical will each be a party to that reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code. In rendering such opinion, counsel may require and rely upon customary representations contained in certificates of officers of Chemical and Talmer.TCF, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to such counsel.

ArticleARTICLE VIII

TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT

8.1     8.1.Termination.Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, this This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or subject to the termsafter approval or adoption of this Agreement after receiptby the shareholders of Chemical or the stockholders of TCF (as applicable):

(a) by mutual consent of Chemical and TCF in a written instrument, if the Board of Directors of each so determines by a vote of a majority of the members of its entire Board of Directors;

(b) by either Chemical Shareholderor TCF if any Governmental Entity that must grant a Requisite Regulatory Approval has denied approval of the Merger or the Talmer Shareholder Approval, as follows:

(a)     by mutual written consent ofChemicalBank Merger andTalmer;

(b)     by eitherChemical such denial has become final and nonappealable orTalmer, if anyGovernmental Entityhas of competent jurisdiction shall have issued ana final nonappealable orderor taken any otheractionpermanently enjoining restraining, or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of theMerger, and suchorderor otheractionis final and nonappealable. The rightthe Bank Merger, unless the failure to obtain a Requisite Regulatory Approval shall be due to the failure of the Party seeking to terminate thisAgreementpursuant to thisSection 8.1(b)perform or observe the covenants and agreements of such Party set forth herein;

(c) by either Chemical or TCF if the Merger shall not have been consummated on or before the first anniversary of the date of this Agreement (the “Termination Date”), unless the failure of the Closing to occur by such date shall be availabledue to the failure of the Partyseeking to terminate if the failure of suchPartythis Agreement to perform any of its obligations under thisAgreementrequired to be performed at or prior toobserve theEffective Timehas been a substantial cause of, or a substantial factor that resulted in, the issuance covenants and agreements of such anorderor the taking of such anaction;

(c)     by eitherChemicalorTalmer,if theMergerdoes not occur on or beforeDecember 31, 2016(the “End Date”);Party set forth herein;providedhowever, that (i) theEnd Datemay be extended by mutual written consent of theParties,and (ii) if on theEnd Termination Date,, any of the conditions toClosingcondition set forth inSectionsSection7.1(c)or7.1(e) shall not have been satisfied but all other conditions toClosingset forth inArticleVIIshall behave been satisfied or capable of being satisfied, then theEnd Termination Dateshall may be extended for a period of three months at the option of either TCF or Chemical by written notice to February 28, 2017 if eitherPartynotifies the otherPartyin writing on or prior to theEnd Dateof its election to extend theEnd Date; Termination Date;

(d) by either Chemical or TCF (provided, further, that the right to extendterminating Party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein) if there shall have been a breach of any

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of theEnd Dateand the right to terminate thisAgreementpursuant to thisSection8.1(c)shall not be available to thePartyseeking to extend covenants or terminate if the failure of suchPartyto performagreements or any of its obligations under thisAgreementrequiredthe representations or warranties (or any such representation or warranty shall cease to be performed at or prior totrue) set forth in this Agreement on theEffective Timehas been a substantial cause part of or a substantial factor that resultedTCF, in the failurecase of theEffective Timeto occur ona termination by Chemical, or before theEnd Date;

(d)     by eitherChemical,orTalmer,if(i)theChemical Shareholder Meeting(includingany adjournments thereof) shall have concluded and been finally adjourned and theChemical Shareholder Approvalshall not have been obtained or(ii)theTalmer Shareholder Meeting(includingany adjournments) shall have concluded and been finally adjourned and theTalmer Shareholder Approvalshall not have been obtained. The right to terminate thisAgreementpursuant to thisSection 8.1(d)shall not be available to thePartyseeking to terminate if the failure of suchPartyto perform any of its obligations under thisAgreementrequired to be performed at or prior to theChemical Shareholder Meetingor theTalmer Shareholder Meeting, as applicable, has been a substantial cause of, or a substantial factor that resulted in theChemical Shareholder Approvalor theTalmer Shareholder Approval, as applicable, not having been obtained;

(e)     byTalmer, ifChemicalshall have breached or failed to perform any case of its representations, warranties, covenants, or other agreements contained in thisAgreement,a termination by TCF, which breach or failure to perform (i)be true, either individually or in the aggregate with all other breaches by such Party (or failures of such representations or warranties to be true), would result in aconstitute, if occurring or continuing on the Closing Date, the failure of a condition set forth inSection7.1 7.2, in the case of a termination by Chemical, orSection7.27.3, in the case of a termination by TCF, and (ii)(A)which is not cured within forty-five (45) days following written notice to TCF, in the case of a termination by Chemical, or Chemical, in the case of a termination by TCF, or by its nature or timing cannot be cured during such period (or such fewer days as remain prior to the Termination Date);

(e) by TCF prior to such time as theEnd Dateor(B)  Requisite Chemical Vote is obtained, if capable(i) the Board of being cured byDirectors of Chemical shall have (A) failed to recommend in theEnd Date, shall not have Joint Proxy Statement that the shareholders of Chemical approve this Agreement, or withdrawn, modified or qualified such recommendation in a manner adverse to TCF, or publicly disclosed that it has resolved to do so, or failed to recommend against acceptance of a tender offer or exchange offer constituting a Chemical Acquisition Proposal that has been curedpublicly disclosed within thirty (30) Business Daysfollowing receipt of written notice (which notice shall specify in reasonable detailten (10) business days after the naturecommencement of such breachtender or failure andTalmer’s intentionexchange offer, in any such case whether or not permitted by the terms hereof or (B) recommended or endorsed a Chemical Acquisition Proposal or failed to terminateissue a press release announcing its opposition to such Chemical Acquisition Proposal within ten (10) business days after a Chemical Acquisition Proposal is publicly announced or (ii) Chemical or its Board of Directors has breached its obligations underSection 6.3 or6.10 in any material respect; or

(f) by Chemical prior to such time as the Requisite TCF Vote is obtained, if (i) the Board of Directors of TCF shall have (A) failed to recommend in the Joint Proxy Statement that the stockholders of TCF adopt thisAgreement,if or withdrawn, modified or qualified such breachrecommendation in a manner adverse to Chemical, or failure is not cured) fromTalmerpublicly disclosed that it has resolved to do so, or failed to recommend against acceptance of a tender offer or exchange offer constituting a TCF Acquisition Proposal that has been publicly disclosed within ten (10) business days after the commencement of such breachtender or failure;exchange offer, in any such case whether or not permitted by the terms hereof or (B) recommended or endorsed a TCF Acquisition Proposal or failed to issue a press release announcing its opposition to such TCF Acquisition Proposal within ten (10) business days after a TCF Acquisition Proposal is publicly announced, or (ii) TCF or its Board of Directors has breached its obligations underSection 6.3 or6.10 in any material respect.

8.2.Effect of Termination.

(a) In the event of termination of this Agreement by either Chemical or TCF as provided inSection 8.1, thatTalmerthis Agreement shall notforthwith become void and have a right to terminate thisAgreementpursuant to thisSection 8.1(e)if it is then in breachno effect, and none of Chemical, TCF, any of their respective Subsidiaries or any of the officers or directors of any representation, warranty, covenant,of them shall have any liability of any nature whatsoever hereunder, or otheragreementin connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, except that

(i)Sections 6.2(b) and thisSection 8.2 andArticle IX (other thanSection 9.12) shall survive any termination of this Agreement, and

(ii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in thisAgreement, neither Chemical nor TCF shall be relieved or released from any liabilities or damages arising out of fraud or its Willful Breach of any provision of this Agreement occurring prior to termination (which, in the case of TCF, shall include the loss to the holders of TCF Capital Stock and TCF Equity Awards of the economic benefits of the Merger, it being understood that would resultTCF shall be entitled to pursue damages for such losses and to enforce the right to recover such losses on behalf of its stockholders and the holders of TCF Equity Awards in its sole and absolute discretion, and any amounts received by TCF in connection therewith may be retained by TCF). “Willful Breach” shall mean a failurematerial breach of, a condition set forth inSection 7.1orSection7.3;

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(f)     byChemical, ifTalmershall have breached or failedmaterial failure to perform any of its representations, warranties,the covenants or other agreements contained in, thisAgreement,, which breach that is a consequence of an act or failure to perform (i)act by the breaching ornon-performing Party with actual knowledge that such Party’s act or failure to act would, or would reasonably be expected to, result in aor constitute such breach of or such failure of a condition set forth inSection 7.1orSection7.3and (ii)(A) cannot be cured by theEnd Date, or(B) if capable of being cured by theEnd Date, shall not have been cured within thirty (30) Business Daysfollowing receipt of written notice (which notice shall specify in reasonable detail the nature of such breach or failure andChemical’s intention to terminateperformance under thisAgreementif such breach or failure is not cured) fromChemicalof such breach or failure;provided, thatChemicalshall not have a right to terminate thisAgreementpursuant to thisSection 8.1(f)if it is then in breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, or otheragreementcontained in thisAgreementthat would result in a failure of a condition set forth inSection 7.1orSection7.2; Agreement.

(g)     byTalmerprior to the receipt of theChemical Shareholder Approvalif (i) theChemical Boardshall have effected aChemical Adverse Recommendation Change; (ii) theChemical Boardshall have failed to reject aChemical Takeover Proposaland reaffirm theChemical Board Recommendationwithin ten (10)Business Daysfollowing the public announcement of suchChemical Takeover Proposaland in any event at least two (2)Business Daysprior to theChemical Shareholder Meeting; (iii) Chemicalenters into a Chemical Acquisition Agreement; (iv) Chemicalshall have materially breachedSection6.10; (v) subject toChemical’s rights to adjourn or postpone theChemical Shareholder Meeting as permitted bySection 6.3(f),Chemicalshall have failed to call, give proper notice of, convene and hold theChemical Shareholder Meeting materially in accordance withSection 6.3(e); or (vi) Chemicalor theChemical Boardshall have publicly announced its intention to do any of the foregoing;

(h)     byChemicalprior to the receipt of theTalmer Shareholder Approvalif (i) theTalmer Boardshall have effected aTalmer Adverse Recommendation Change; (ii) theTalmer Boardshall have failed to reject aTalmer Takeover Proposaland reaffirm theTalmer Board Recommendationwithin ten (10)Business Daysfollowing the public announcement of suchTalmer Takeover Proposaland in any event at least two (2)Business Daysprior to theTalmer Shareholder Meeting; (iii) Talmerenters into a Talmer Acquisition Agreement; (iv) Talmershall have materially breachedSection6.9; (v) subject toTalmer’s rights to adjourn or postpone theTalmer Shareholder Meeting as permitted bySection 6.3(d),Talmershall have failed to call, give proper notice of, convene, and hold theTalmer Shareholder Meeting materially in accordance withSection 6.3(c); or (vi) Talmeror theTalmer Boardshall have publicly announced its intention to do any of the foregoing;- A-56 -

(i)     byTalmerprior to receipt of theTalmer Shareholder Approval, inorderto enter into a definitivemerger agreementor other definitive purchase or acquisitionagreementthat constitutes aTalmer Superior Proposal;provided,however, that (i) Talmerhas complied withSection 6.9 in all material respects and (ii) Talmerpays (or causes to be paid) theTermination FeeandTalmer Expense Reimbursementprior to or simultaneously with such termination; or


(j)     byChemicalprior to receipt of theChemical Shareholder Approval, inorderto enter into a definitivemerger agreementor other definitive purchase or acquisitionagreementthat constitutes aChemical Superior Proposal;provided,however, that (i) Chemicalhas complied withSection 6.10 in all material respects and (ii) Chemicalpays (or causes to be paid) theTermination FeeandChemical Expense Reimbursementprior to or simultaneously with such termination.

8.2     Effect of Termination.

(b) (a) In the event that:

(i)     this Agreement is terminated by Talmer pursuant to Section 8.1(g), Chemical shall pay, or cause to be paid, to Talmer cash in an amount equal to $34,000,000 (the “Termination Fee”);

(ii)     this Agreement is terminated by Chemical pursuant to Section 8.1(h), Talmer shall pay, or cause to be paid, to Chemical the Termination Fee;

(iii)     this Agreement is terminated by Talmer pursuant toSection 8.1(e), or by Talmer or Chemical pursuant toSection 8.1(d)(i), Chemical shall pay, or cause to be paid, to Talmer cash in an amount equal to the Talmer Expense Reimbursement, and if (A) any Person or group of Persons shall have

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made (whether or not subsequently withdrawn) a Chemical Takeover Proposal after the date of this Agreement and prior to (1) the date that this Agreement is terminated in the case of a termination pursuant toSection 8.1(e) or (2) the Chemical Shareholder Meeting in the case of a termination pursuant toSection 8.1(d)(i), and (B) at any time prior to the date that is 12 months after the date of any such termination, Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries enters into any definitive agreement providing for a Chemical Takeover Proposal or consummates a Chemical Takeover Proposal(provided that, for purposes of thisSection 8.2(a)(iii), the references to “ten percent (10%)” in the definition of “Chemical Takeover Proposal” shall be deemed to be references to “fifty percent (50%)”), then Chemical shall pay, or cause to be paid, to Talmer cash in an amount equal to the Termination Feeminus the Talmer Expense Reimbursement (to the extent such Talmer Expense Reimbursement has been previously paid to Talmer);

(iv)     this Agreement is terminated by Chemical pursuant toSection 8.1(f), or by Talmer or Chemical pursuant toSection 8.1(d)(ii), Talmer shall pay, or cause to be paid, to Chemical cash in an amount equal to the Chemical Expense Reimbursement, and if (A) any Person or group of Persons shall have made (whether or not subsequently withdrawn) a Talmer Takeover Proposal after the date of this Agreement and prior to (1) the date that this Agreement is terminated in the case of a termination pursuant toSection 8.1(f) or (2) the Talmer Shareholder Meeting in the case of a termination pursuant toSection 8.1(d)(ii), and (B) at any time prior to the date that is 12 months after the date of any such termination, Talmer or any of its Subsidiaries enters into any definitive agreement providing for a Talmer Takeover Proposal or consummates a Talmer Takeover Proposal (providedthat, forpurposes of thisSection 8.2(a)(iv), the references to “ten percent (10%)” in the definition of “Talmer Takeover Proposal” shall be deemed to be references to “fifty percent (50%)”), then Talmer shall pay, or cause to be paid, to Chemical cash in an amount equal to the Termination Feeminusthe Chemical Expense Reimbursement (to the extent such Chemical Expense Reimbursement has been previously paid to Chemical);

(v)     (A) this Agreement is terminated by Talmer or Chemical pursuant toSection 8.1(c) (if the Chemical Shareholder Approval has not theretofore been obtained), (B) any Person or group of Persons shall have made (whether or not subsequently withdrawn) a Chemical Takeover Proposal after the date of this Agreement and prior to the datetermination of this Agreement, a bona fide TCF Acquisition Proposal shall have been made known to senior management or the board of directors of TCF or has been made directly to its stockholders generally or any such termination,person shall have publicly announced (whether or not conditional) a TCF Acquisition Proposal (whether or not withdrawn) and (A) thereafter this Agreement is terminated by either Chemical or TCF pursuant toSection 8.1(c) without the Requisite TCF Vote having been obtained or (B) thereafter this Agreement is terminated by Chemical pursuant toSection 8.1(d) and (C) at any time prior to the date that is 12twelve (12) months after the date of any such termination, Chemical or any of its SubsidiariesTCF enters into anya definitive agreement providing for a Chemical Takeover Proposal or consummates a transaction with respect to a TCF Acquisition Proposal (whether or not the same TCF Acquisition Proposal as that referred to above), then TCF shall, on the earlier of the date it enters into such definitive agreement and the date of consummation of such transaction, pay Chemical, Takeover Proposal (by wire transfer of same day funds, a fee equal to $134,000,000 (the “Termination Fee”);provided that for purposes of thisSection 8.2(a)(v) 8.2(b), theall references to “ten percent (10%)” in the definition of “Chemical Takeover Proposal”TCF Acquisition Proposal to “25%” shall be deemedinstead refer to be references to “fifty percent (50%)“50%), then Chemical shall pay, or cause to be paid, to Talmer cash in an amount equal to.

(i) In the Termination Fee;

(vi)     (A)event that this Agreement is terminated by Chemical or Talmer pursuant toSection 8.1(c) (if 8.1(f), then TCF shall pay Chemical, by wire transfer of same day funds, the Talmer Shareholder Approval has not theretofore been obtained), (B) any Person or groupTermination Fee on the date of Persons shall have made (whether or not subsequently withdrawn) a Talmer Takeover Proposaltermination.

(c) (b) In the event that after the date of this Agreement and prior to the datetermination of this Agreement, a bona fide Chemical Acquisition Proposal shall have been made known to senior management or the board of directors of Chemical or has been made directly to its shareholders generally or any such termination,person shall have publicly announced (whether or not conditional) a Chemical Acquisition Proposal (whether or not withdrawn) and (A) thereafter this Agreement is terminated by either Chemical or TCF pursuant toSection 8.1(c) without the Requisite Chemical Vote having been obtained or (B) thereafter this Agreement is terminated by TCF pursuant toSection 8.1(d) and (C) at any time prior to the date that is 12twelve (12) months after the date of any such termination, Talmer or any of its SubsidiariesChemical enters into anya definitive agreement providing for a Talmer Takeover Proposal or consummates a Talmer Takeovertransaction with respect to a Chemical Acquisition Proposal ((whether or not the same Chemical Acquisition Proposal as that referred to above), then Chemical shall, on the earlier of the date it enters into such definitive agreement and the date of consummation of such transaction, pay TCF, by wire transfer of same day funds, the Termination Fee;provided that for purposes of thisSection 8.2(a)(vi) 8.2(c), theall references to “ten percent (10%)” in the definition of “Talmer Takeover Proposal”Chemical Acquisition Proposal to “25%” shall be deemedinstead refer to be references to “fifty percent (50%)“50%), then Talmer shall pay, or cause to be paid, to Chemical cash in an amount equal to.

(i) In the Termination Fee;

(vii)event that this Agreement is terminated by TalmerTCF pursuant toSection 8.1(i) 8.1(e), then TalmerChemical shall pay TCF, by wire transfer of same day funds, the Termination Fee on the date of termination.

(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, but without limiting the right of either Party to recover liabilities or cause todamages arising out of the other Party’s fraud or Willful Breach of any provision of this Agreement, in the event that this Agreement is terminated as provided inSection 8.1 under circumstances where the Termination Fee is payable and paid in full, the maximum aggregate amount of monetary fees, liabilities or damages payable by a single Party under thisSection 8.2 shall be paid, to Chemical, prior to or contemporaneously with such termination, cash in an amount equal to the Termination Fee, (and any purported termination pursuant toSection 8.1(i)and neither TCF nor Chemical shall be void and of no force or effect unless and until Talmer shall have made such payment); or

(viii)     this Agreement is terminated by Chemical pursuantrequired toSection 8.1(j), then Chemical shall pay or cause to be paid, to Talmer, prior to or contemporaneously with such termination, cash in an amount equal to the Termination Fee (and any purported termination pursuant toSection 8.1(j) shall be void and of no force or effect unless Chemical shall have made such payment).on more than one occasion.

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(b)     (e) Each of thePartiesacknowledgesChemical and agreesTCF acknowledges that the agreements contained in thisSection8.2are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by thisAgreement,, and that, without these agreements, the otherPartywould not enter into thisAgreement. Accordingly, (i) Agreement; accordingly, ifTalmer Chemical or TCF fails promptly to pay amountsthe amount due pursuant to thisSection8.2, and, inorderto obtain such payment,Chemical the other Party commences a suit thatwhich results in a judgment against theTalmernon-paying Party for theTermination Fee, suchnon-payingor theTalmer Expense Reimbursement, thenTalmer Party shall payChemicalits the costs and expenses (includingof the other Party (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) in connection with such suit, together withsuit. In addition, if Chemical or TCF, as the case may be, fails to pay the amounts payable pursuant to thisSection 8.2, then such Party shall pay interest on such overdue amounts (for the amountperiod commencing as of theTermination Fee date that such overdue amount was originally required to be paid and theChemical Expense Reimbursement, as applicable, fromending on the date that such overdue amount is actually paid in full) at a rate per annum equal to the prime rate (as announced by JPMorgan Chase & Co. or any successor thereto) in effect on the date on which such payment was required to be made untilfor the period commencing as of the date of payment at the prime rate published in theWall Street Journalon the datethat such paymentoverdue amount was originally required to be madepaid. The amounts payable by Chemical and (ii) ifTCF, as applicable, pursuant toSection 8.2(b) orSection 8.2(c), as applicable, constitute liquidated damages and not a penalty, and, except in the case of fraud or Willful Breach of this Agreement, shall be the sole

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monetary remedy of TCF and Chemical,fails to pay amounts due as applicable, in the event of a termination of this Agreement specified in such section under circumstances where the Termination Fee is payable and is paid in full.

ARTICLE IX

GENERAL PROVISIONS

9.1.Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements. None of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement (other than the Confidentiality Agreement, which shall survive in accordance with its terms) shall survive the Effective Time, except forSection8.2 6.7and inorderto obtain such payment,Talmercommences a suit that resultsfor those other covenants and agreements contained herein and therein which by their terms apply in a judgment againstChemicalfor theTermination Feeor theTalmer Expense Reimbursement, thenChemicalshall payTalmerits costs and expenses (includingreasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) in connection with such suit, together with interest on the amount of theTermination Feeor theTalmer Expense Reimbursement, as applicable, from the date such payment was required to be made until the date of payment at the prime rate published in theWall Street Journal on the date such payment was required to be made.

(c)     On any termination of thisAgreementpursuant toSection 8.1, thisAgreementshall terminate and forthwith become void and have no further force or effect (except for the provisions ofSection6.2(b),Section6.18,Section8.2, andArticleX), and, subject to the payment of any amounts owing pursuant to thisSection 8.2, there shall be no otherliabilityon the part ofChemicalorTalmerto the other. Notwithstanding anything in thisAgreementto the contrary, noPartyhereto will be relieved or released from anyliabilityor damages arising from a willful or intentional breach of any provision of thisAgreementor fraud, and the aggrievedPartywill be entitled to all rights and remedies available atlawwhole or in equity.part after the Effective Time.

(d)     AnyTermination FeeorChemical Expense Reimbursement, as applicable, that is owed byTalmerpursuant toSection8.2(a)will be paid in the aggregate toChemicalby or at the direction ofTalmerin immediately available funds upon the occurrence of the event giving rise to the obligation to make such payment. AnyTermination FeeorTalmer Expense Reimbursement, as applicable, that is owed byChemicalpursuant toSection8.2(a)will be paid in the aggregate toTalmerby or at the direction ofChemicalin immediately available funds upon the occurrence of the event giving rise to the obligation to make such payment. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) in no event shallChemicalbe required to pay theTermination Feeor theTalmer Expense Reimbursementon more than one occasion; and (ii) in no event shallTalmerbe required to pay theTermination Feeor theChemical Expense Reimbursementon more than one occasion.

8.3     9.2.Amendment.This Subject to compliance with applicable law, this Agreementmay be amended by theParties,, byactiontaken or authorized in the caseby their respective Boards ofTalmer, by theTalmer Boardand, in the case ofChemical, by theChemical Board, Directors, at any time before or after the receiptapproval of theTalmer Shareholder Approvalor matters presented in connection with Merger by the shareholders of Chemical Shareholder Approval;and the stockholders of TCF;provided however, that after receiptadoption or approval, as applicable, of this Agreement by the stockholders of TCF or by the shareholders of Chemical, as applicable, there may not be, without further approval or adoption (as applicable) of such stockholders or shareholders (as applicable), any such shareholder approval, no amendment shall be made which byLawor in accordance with the rules of any relevant stock exchangethis Agreement that requires further adoption or approval by theTalmer Shareholdersor theChemical Shareholders, asunder applicable without such further approval.law. ThisAgreementmay not be amended, modified or supplemented in any manner, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, except by an instrument in writing specifically designated as an amendment hereto, signed on behalf ofTalmerandChemical. each of the parties hereto.

8.4     9.3.Extension; Waiver.At any time beforeprior to the Effective Time, the Parties, by action taken or authorized by their respective Boards of Directors, may, to the extent legally allowed, (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other Party, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained herein or in this Agreement, orany document delivered pursuant hereto, and (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements or satisfaction of any conditions contained inherein;provided that after the adoption or approval, as applicable, of this Agreement.Agreement by the stockholders of TCF or by the shareholders of Chemical, as applicable, there may not be, without further approval or adoption (as applicable) of such shareholders or stockholders (as applicable), any extension or waiver of this Agreement or any portion thereof that requires further adoption or approval under applicable law. Any agreement on the part of a Party to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in a written instrument signed on behalf of such Party, but such extension or waiver or failure to insist on strict compliance with an obligation,covenant, agreement or condition shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other failure.

Article IX

DEFINITIONS

As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings. Unless context9.4.Expenses. Except as otherwise requires, references to Articles and Sections shall refer to Articles and Sections of this Agreement.

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Acceptable Chemical Confidentiality Agreement” shall mean anyconfidentiality agreementor standstillagreementthat contains provisions with respect to confidentiality matters that are no less favorable toTalmerthan those contained in theConfidentiality Agreement and that complies withSection 6.10(c) hereof.

Acceptable Talmer Confidentiality Agreement” shall mean anyconfidentiality agreementor standstillagreementthat contains provisions with respect to confidentiality matters that are no less favorable toTalmerthan those contained in theConfidentiality Agreement and that complies withSection 6.9(c) hereof.

Action” shall mean (a) any litigation, claim, action, suit, hearing, proceeding or arbitration, (b) any material investigation by a Governmental Entity or (c) any demand or notice of violation by a Governmental Entity (in the case of clauses (a), (b) and (c), whether civil, criminal, administrative, labor or investigative).

Affiliate” shall mean (unless otherwise specified), with respect to anyPerson, any otherPersonthat directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under commoncontrolwith, such specifiedPerson, and “control,” with respect to the relationship between or among two or morePersons, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the affairs or management of aPerson, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee or executor, byContract, or by any other means.

Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in thePreamble.

Bank Merger” shall have the meaning set forthprovided inSection 1.9.

Benefit Plan” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 10.10(b).

BHC Act” shall mean the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended.

Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or day on which banking institutions in the State of Michigan are authorized or obligated pursuant to legal requirements or executiveorderto be closed.

Cancelled Talmer Stock Options” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.5(b) 8.2.

Capital Trusts” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.14.

Capitalization Date” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 3.4.

Cash Consideration” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.4(c).

Certificate of Merger” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.2.

Chemical” shall have the meaning set forth in thePreamble.

Chemical Acquisition Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.10(d).

Chemical Adverse Recommendation Change” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.10(d).

Chemical Articles” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.6.

Chemical Articles Amendment” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.3(e).

Chemical Bank” shall have the meaning set forth in theRecitals.

Chemical Bank Continuing Directors” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.11(b).

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Chemical Benefit Plans” shall mean (a) any “employee benefit plan” within the meaning ofSection 3(3) of ERISA, (b) anyChemical Stock Plan, and (c) any deferred compensation, retirement, defined contribution, defined benefit, pension, profit sharing, employee welfare, fringe benefit, flexible spending account, stock purchase, stock option, stock ownership, phantom stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, severance, separation, employment, change incontrol, vacation pay, leave of absence, layoff, salary continuation, sick leave, excess benefit, bonus or other incentive compensation, day or dependent care, legal services, cafeteria, health, life, accident, disability, workers’ compensation or other insurance, or other employeebenefit plan, orContract, program, or practice, whether written or oral, for the benefit ofChemical’s current or former officers, employees, independent contractors, or directors, in each case either (i) existing at theClosing Dateand sponsored, maintained, or contributed to byChemicalor anyChemical Subsidiary, or (ii) existing at theClosing Dateor prior thereto, in respect of whichChemicalor anyChemical Subsidiaryhas anyLiability.

Chemical Board” shall have the meaning set forth in theRecitals.

Chemical Board Recommendation” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.3(e).

Chemical Bylaws” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.7.

Chemical Call Reports” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 4.5(b)(ii).

Chemical Capital Stock” shall mean theChemical Common Stockand theChemical Preferred Stock.

Chemical Certificates” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 2.1.

Chemical Closing Price” shall mean the volume weighted average trading price onNASDAQofChemical Common Stock for the fifteen (15) full trading days ending on the second trading day immediately preceding theClosing Date.

Chemical Common Stock” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.4(a).

Chemical Continuing Directors” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.11(a).

Chemical Disclosure Schedules” shall have the meaning set forth inArticle IV.

Chemical Expense Reimbursement” shall meanthe out-of-pocket feesall costs and expenses (includingfees and expenses of financial advisors, outside legal counsel, accountants, experts, consultants, and otherRepresentatives) actually incurred by or on behalf ofChemicalin connection with the authorization, preparation, negotiation, execution, or performance of thisAgreementand the transactions contemplated by thisAgreementand the due diligence and evaluation byChemicalof the transactions contemplated by thisAgreement, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $3,000,000.

Chemical Financial Statements”shall have the meaning set forth inSection 4.5(a).

Chemical Investment Banker” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 4.22.

Chemical Material Contract” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 4.17(a).

Chemical-Owned Intellectual Property” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 4.15.

Chemical Preferred Stock” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 4.4(a).

Chemical-Related Person” shall mean any shareholder owning five percent (5%) or more of the issued and outstanding Chemical Common Stock, any director or executive officer of Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary, their spouses and children, any Affiliate of or member of the same household as such persons, and any Person of which such persons, alone or together, have control.

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Chemical SEC Reports” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 4.33(a).

Chemical Share-Based Awards” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 4.4(b).

Chemical Shareholder Approval” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.3(e).

Chemical Shareholder Meeting” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.3(e).

Chemical Shareholders” shall mean the shareholders ofChemical.

Chemical Site” shall mean a Site with respect to Chemical or any Chemical Subsidiary.

Chemical Stock Option” means any grant of an option to purchase a share or shares of Chemical Common Stock under any Chemical Stock Plan.

Chemical Stock Plan” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 4.4(b).

Chemical Subsidiary” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 4.1(b).

Chemical Superior Proposal” shall mean any bona fide writtenChemical Takeover Proposalthat theChemical Boardhas determined in its good faith judgment, after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, is reasonably likely to be consummated in accordance with its terms and that is reasonably likely to result in the consummation of a transaction more favorable to theChemical Shareholdersthan theMerger, taking into account such factors as theChemical Boardin good faith deems relevant,includinglegal, financial, regulatory and other aspects of the proposal, and any changes to the terms of thisAgreementproposed byTalmerin response to such proposal or otherwise. For purposes of the definition of “Chemical Superior Proposal,” the references to “ten percent (10%)” in the definition ofChemical Takeover Proposalshallbe deemed to be references to “fifty percent (50%).”

Chemical Takeover Proposal” shall mean any inquiry, proposal, or offer from anyPerson(other thanTalmerand itsSubsidiaries) or “group”, within the meaning of Section 13(d) of theExchange Act, ofPersonsrelating to, in a single transaction or series of related transactions (other than any single transaction or series of related transactions to which Talmer has consented to in writing), any (i) acquisition of assets ofChemicaland itsSubsidiariesequal to more thanten percent (10%)ofChemical’s consolidated assets or to which more thanten percent (10%)ofChemical’s net income on a consolidated basis are attributable; (ii) acquisition of more thanten percent (10%)of the outstandingChemical Common Stockor the capital stock of any ChemicalSubsidiary; (iii) tender offer or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in anyPersonorgroup of Personsbeneficially owning more thanten percent (10%)of the outstandingChemical Common Stock; (iv) merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, or similar transaction involvingChemicalor any of itsSubsidiaries; or (v) any combination of the foregoing types of transactions if the sum of the percentage of consolidated assets, consolidated net income, andChemical Common Stockinvolved is more thanten percent (10%), in each case, other than theMerger.

Claim” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.6(a).

Closing”shall have the meaning set forth inSection 10.1.

Closing Date” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 10.1.

Code” shall have the meaning set forth in theRecitals.

Collective Bargaining Agreement” means any Contract that has been entered into with any labor organization, union, works council, employee representative or association.

Confidentiality Agreement” shall mean that certain Confidentiality Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2015, by and between Chemical and Talmer.

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Contract” shall mean anyagreement, contract, commitment, arrangement, memorandum of understanding, side letter, understanding, contractual obligation or other instrument of a contractual nature, whether written or oral.

Covered Employees” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.5(a).

Data Conversion” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.15.

Derivative Transaction” shall mean any swap transaction, option, warrant, forward purchase or sale transaction, futures transaction, cap transaction, floor transaction, or collar transaction relating to one or more currencies, commodities, bonds, equity securities, loans, interest rates, prices, values, or other financial or nonfinancial assets, credit-related events, or conditions or any indices, or any other similar transaction or combination of any of these transactions,includingcollateralized mortgage obligations or other similar instruments or any debt or equity instruments evidencing or embedding any such types of transactions, and any related credit support, collateral, or other similar arrangements related to such transactions.

Effective Time” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.2.

End Date” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 8.1(c).

Environmental Claim” shall mean any and all administrative or judicial actions, suits, orders, claims, liens, notices, notices of violations, investigations, complaints, requests for information, proceedings, or other communication (written or oral), whether criminal or civil, pursuant to or relating to any applicableEnvironmental Law.

Environmental Law” shall mean any and allLaws,Environmental Permits, or binding agreements with anyGovernmental Entity, relating to the protection of health and the environment, or governing the handling, use, generation, treatment, storage, transportation, disposal, manufacture, distribution, formulation, packaging, labeling, orReleaseof or exposure toHazardous Materials.

Environmental Permit” shall mean anyPermitrequired or issued by anyGovernmental Entityunder or in connection with anyEnvironmental Law,includingwithout limitation, any and all orders, consent orders or binding agreements issued by or entered into with aGovernmental Entityunder any applicableEnvironmental Law.

Equity Award Exchange Ratio” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.5(b).

ERISA” shall mean theEmployee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended andincludingthe regulations promulgated thereunder.

ERISA Affiliate” shall mean any entity that is a member of (i) a controlled group of corporations (as defined in Section 414(b) of theCode), (ii) a group of trades or businesses under commoncontrol(as defined in Section 414(c) of theCode), (iii) an affiliated service group (as defined under Section 414(m) of theCodeor the regulations under Section 414(o) of theCode), or (iv) a “controlled group” within the meaning ofSection 4001 of ERISA, any of whichincludes Talmeror any of itsSubsidiariesorChemicalor any of itsSubsidiaries, as applicable.

Exchange Act” shall mean theSecurities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Exchange Agent” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 2.1.

Exchange Fund” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 2.1.

Exchange Ratio” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.4(c).

FDIC” shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

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Federal Reserve Board” shall mean the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or its delegees.

Form S-4” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.3(a).

GAAP” shall mean United States generally accepted accounting principles.

Governmental Entity” shall mean any entity or body exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to United States federal, state or local government or other non-United States international, multinational or other government,includingany department, commission, board, agency, instrumentality, political subdivision, bureau, official or other regulatory, administrative or judicial authority thereof and any self-regulatory organization.

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act” shall mean theGramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999.

Hazardous Material” shall mean petroleum, petroleum hydrocarbons or petroleum products, petroleum by-products, radioactive materials, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, gasoline, diesel fuel, pesticides, radon, urea formaldehyde, mold, lead or lead-containing materials, or polychlorinated biphenyls; and any other chemicals, materials, substances or wastes in any amount or concentration that are regulated under or for which liability can be imposed under any Environmental Law.

Indemnified Party” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.6(a).

Injunction” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 7.1(d).

Intended Tax Treatment” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.8.

Joint Proxy Statement” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.3(a).

Knowledge” shall mean the actual knowledge (without investigation) of suchPerson’s senior executive officers.

Law” shall mean any statute, law, ordinance, rule, code, executive order, common law, injunction, judgment, decree, Order or regulation of any Governmental Entity.

Liability” shall mean all indebtedness, obligations and other liabilities and contingencies of a Person, whether absolute, accrued, contingent, fixed or otherwise, or whether due or to become due.

Lien” shall mean, with respect to any property or asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, security interest, hypothecation or other encumbrance affecting such property or asset.

Material Adverse Effect” shall mean with respect toTalmer,Chemical, or the Surviving Corporation, as the case may be, any fact, event, change, condition, development, circumstance, or effect that, individually or in the aggregate,(i)is or would be reasonably likely to be material and adverse to the business, assets, liabilities, properties, results of operations, or financial condition of suchPartyand itsSubsidiariestaken as a whole (provided, however, that, with respect to this clause(i), aMaterial Adverse Effectshall not be deemed toincludeany adverse fact, event, change, condition, development, circumstance or effect to the extent arising from (A) changes, after the date hereof, inGAAPor regulatory accounting requirements applicable to banks and their holding companies, generally, in each case except to the extent suchPartyis affected in a disproportionate manner as compared to other community banks and their holding companies in the midwestern United States, (B) changes, after the date hereof, inLawsof general applicability to banks and their holding companies, generally, or interpretations thereof byGovernmental Entities, in each case except to the extent suchPartyis affected in a disproportionate manner as compared to other community banks and their holding companies in the midwestern United States, (C) changes, after the date hereof, in global or national political conditions (includingthe outbreak of war or acts of terrorism) or in general economic or market conditions affecting banks and their holding companies, generally, in each case

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except to the extent suchPartyis affected in a disproportionate manner as compared to other community banks and their holding companies in the midwestern United States, (D) the taking of anyactionrequired or expressly permitted by, or the failure to take anyactionprohibited by, thisAgreement, (E) the announcement or pendency of thisAgreementor the transactions contemplated hereby, (F) the occurrence of any natural or man-made disaster, or (G) acts or omissions of (1) Talmerprior to theEffective Timetaken at the written request ofChemicalor with the prior written consent ofChemicalor (2) Chemicalprior to theEffective Timetaken at the written request ofTalmeror with the prior written consent ofTalmer);or (ii) prohibits or materially impairs or would be reasonably likely to materially impair the ability of suchPartyto timely consummate theMergerand the related transactions contemplated by thisAgreement.

Materially Burdensome Regulatory Condition” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.1(a).

Maximum Amount” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.6(c).

MBCA” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.1.

Merger” shall have the meaning set forth in theRecitals.

Merger Consideration” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.4(c).

Michigan Banking Code” means the Michigan Banking Code of 1999, as amended.

Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA.

NASDAQ” shall mean the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

NLRB” shall mean the National Labor Relations Board.

Option Cancellation Agreements” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.5(c).

Option Cash-Out Consideration” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.5(c).

Order” shall mean any award,injunction, judgment, decree, order, ruling or verdict or other similar decision issued, promulgated or entered by or with anyGovernmental Entityof competent jurisdiction.

Party(ies)” shall have the meaning set forth in thePreamble.

Permit” shall mean any grant, exemption, declaration, registration, filing, order, authorization, approval, consent, exception, accreditation, certificate, license, permit or franchise of, from or required by any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction or pursuant to any Law.

Permitted Liens” shall mean with respect to anyPerson, (a)LiensforTaxesthat are not yet due and payable or that may hereafter be paid without material penalty or that are being contested in good faith for which adequate accruals or reserves have been established on the books and records of suchPerson, (b) statutoryLiensof landlords and workers’, carriers’ and mechanics’ or other likeLiens incurred in the ordinary course of businessfor amounts that are not yet due and payable or that are being contested in good faith for which adequate accruals or reserves have been established on the books and records of suchPerson, (c)Liensand encroachments that do not materially interfere with the present use of the properties or assets they affect, (d)Liensthat will be released prior to or as of theClosing, (e)Liensthat are disclosed on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of suchPersonor notes thereto included in theTalmer SEC ReportsorChemical SEC Reports, as applicable, or securing liabilities reflected on such balance sheet, (f)Liensthat wereincurred in the ordinary course of businesssince the date of the most recent consolidated balance sheet of suchPerson, (g)Liensset forth inSection 9 of theTalmer Disclosure SchedulesorSection 9 of theChemical Disclosure Schedules, and (h) with respect to real property, whether owned or leased,any Lien that has not had, and would not reasonably beexpected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Talmeror aMaterial Adverse EffectonChemical, as applicable.

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Person” shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership, limitedliabilitycompany, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization, or other entity (includingits permitted successors and assigns).

Regulatory Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 3.12.

Regulatory Approvals” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.1(a).

Release” shall mean any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, migrating, leaching, dumping or disposing of a Hazardous Material.

Representatives” means, with respect to any Person, the officers, directors, managers, members, employees, consultants, accountants, brokers, financial advisors, legal counsel, agents, advisors and other representatives of that Person or of the Subsidiaries of that Person.

SEC” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities Act” shall mean theSecurities Act of 1933.

Site” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any real properties (in each case, including all soil, subsoil, surface waters and groundwater thereat) currently or previously owned, leased or operated by: (a) such Person or any of its Subsidiaries; (b) any predecessors of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries; or (c) any entities previously owned by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries.

Stock Consideration” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.4(c).

Subsidiary” shall mean, when used with respect to eitherParty, any bank, corporation, partnership, limitedliabilitycompany, or other entity or organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, that is consolidated with suchPartyfor financial reporting purposes underGAAP.

Subsidiary Plan of Merger” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.9.

Support Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in theRecitals.

Surviving Bank” shall have the meaning set forth in theRecitals.

Surviving Corporation” shall have the meaning set forth in theRecitals.

Surviving Corporation Stock Award” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.5(d).

Surviving Corporation Stock Option” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.5(b).

Takeover Statute” shall mean any “moratorium,” “controlshare acquisition,” “fair price,” “shareholder protection,” “takeover,” or “interested shareholder”Lawapplicable to eitherTalmerorChemical.

Talmer” shall have the meaning set forth in thePreamble.

Talmer Acquisition Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.9(d).

Talmer Adverse Recommendation Change” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.9(d).

Talmer Articles” shall mean theArticles of Incorporation of Talmer.

Talmer Bank” shall have the meaning set forth in theRecitals.

Talmer Benefit Plan” shall mean (a) any “employee benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, (b) any Talmer Stock Plan, and (c) any deferred compensation, retirement, defined contribution, defined

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benefit, pension, profit sharing, employee welfare, fringe benefit, flexible spending account, stock purchase, stock option, stock ownership, phantom stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, severance, separation, employment, change in control, vacation pay, leave of absence, layoff, salary continuation, sick leave, excess benefit, bonus or other incentive compensation, day or dependent care, legal services, cafeteria, health, life, accident, disability, workers’ compensation or other insurance, or other employee benefit plan, or Contract, program, or practice, whether written or oral, for the benefit of Talmer’s current or former officers, employees, independent contractors, or directors, in each case either (i) existing at the Closing Date and sponsored, maintained, or contributed to by Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary, or (ii) existing at the Closing Date or prior thereto, in respect of which Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary has any Liability.

Talmer Board” shall have the meaning set forth in theRecitals.

Talmer Board Recommendation” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.3(c).

Talmer Bylaws” shall mean theBylaws of Talmer.

Talmer Call Reports” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 3.5(b).

Talmer Capital Stock” shall mean theTalmer Common Stock, the Talmer Class B Common Stock,and theTalmer Preferred Stock.

Talmer Certificates” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 2.1.

Talmer Class B Common Stock” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 3.4(a).

Talmer Common Stock” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.4(b).

Talmer Continuing Directors” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.11(a).

Talmer Disclosure Schedules” shall have the meaning set forth inArticle III.

Talmer Expense Reimbursement” shall meanthe out-of-pocket fees and expenses (includingfees and expenses of financial advisors, outside legal counsel, accountants, experts, consultants, and otherrepresentatives) actually incurred by or on behalf ofTalmerin connection with the authorization, preparation, negotiation, execution, or performance of thisAgreementand the transactions contemplated by thisAgreementand the due diligence and evaluation byTalmerof the transactions contemplated by thisAgreement, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $3,000,000.

Talmer Financial Statements” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 3.5(a).

Talmer Investment Banker” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 3.22.

Talmer Material Contract” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 3.17(a).

Talmer-Owned Intellectual Property” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 3.15.

Talmer Preferred Stock” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 3.4(a).

Talmer-Related Person” shall mean any shareholder owning five percent (5%) or more of the issued and outstanding Talmer Common Stock, any director or executive officer of Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary, his or her spouses and children, any Affiliate of or member of the same household as such persons, and any Person of which such persons, alone or together, have control.

Talmer SEC Reports” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 3.33(a).

Talmer Share-Based Awards” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 3.4(b).

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Talmer Shareholder Approval” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.3(c).

Talmer Shareholder Meeting” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6.3(c).

Talmer Shareholders” shall mean the shareholders ofTalmer.

Talmer Site” shall mean a Site with respect to Talmer or any Talmer Subsidiary.

Talmer Stock Award” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.5(d).

Talmer Stock Options” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.5(b).

Talmer Stock Plans” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1.5(a).

Talmer Subsidiary” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 3.1(b).

Talmer Superior Proposal” shall mean any bona fide writtenTalmer Takeover Proposalthat theTalmer Boardhas determined in its good faith judgment, after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, is reasonably likely to be consummated in accordance with its terms and that is reasonably likely to result in the consummation of a transaction more favorable to theTalmer Shareholdersthan theMerger, taking into account such factors as theTalmer Boardin good faith deems relevant,includinglegal, financial, regulatory and other aspects of the proposal, and any changes to the terms of thisAgreementproposed byChemicalin response to such proposal or otherwise. For purposes of the definition of “Talmer Superior Proposal,” the references to “ten percent (10%)” in the definition ofTalmer Takeover Proposalshallbe deemed to be references to “fifty percent (50%).”

Talmer Takeover Proposal” shall mean any inquiry, proposal, or offer from anyPerson(other thanChemicaland itsSubsidiaries) or “group”, within the meaning of Section 13(d) of theExchange Act, ofPersonsrelating to, in a single transaction or series of related transactions (other than any single transaction or series of related transactions to which Chemical has consented to in writing), any (i) acquisition of assets ofTalmerand itsSubsidiariesequal to more thanten percent (10%)ofTalmer’s consolidated assets or to which more thanten percent (10%)ofTalmer’s net income on a consolidated basis are attributable; (ii) acquisition of more thanten percent (10%)of the outstandingTalmer Common Stockor the capital stock of any TalmerSubsidiary; (iii) tender offer or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in anyPersonorgroup of Personsbeneficially owning more thanten percent (10%)of the outstandingTalmer Common Stock; (iv) merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, or similar transaction involvingTalmeror any of itsSubsidiaries; or (v) any combination of the foregoing types of transactions if the sum of the percentage of consolidated assets, consolidated net income, andTalmer Common Stockinvolved is more thanten percent (10%), in each case, other than theMerger.

TaxorTaxesshall mean any and all federal, state, local, or foreign net or gross income, gross receipts, net proceeds, sales, use, ad valorem, value added, franchise, withholding, payroll, employment, excise, property, abandoned property, escheat, deed, stamp, alternative or add-on minimum, environmental, profits, windfall profits, transaction, license, lease, service, service use, occupation, severance, energy, transfer, real property transfer, recording, documentary, stamp, registration, unemployment, social security, workers’ compensation, capital, premium, and other governmental taxes, assessments, customs, duties or levies, whether disputed or not, together with any interest, penalties, additions to tax, or additional amounts with respect thereto.

Tax Return” shall mean a report, return, or other information (including any amendments) required to be supplied to a Governmental Entity with respect to Taxes, including, where permitted or required, combined or consolidated returns for any group of entities that includes Talmer or any of its Subsidiaries or that includes Chemical or any of its Subsidiaries, as applicable.

Termination Fee” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 8.2(a)(i).

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Transaction Documents” means (a) theJoint Proxy Statement, (b) theForm S-4, and (c) any other documents to be filed with theSEC, theFederal Reserve Boardor any otherGovernmental Entityin connection with theMerger.

Trust Account Shares” shall mean any shares ofTalmer Common Stockheld in trust accounts (includinggrantor or rabbi trust accounts), managed accounts, and the like, or otherwise held in a fiduciary or agency capacity, that are beneficially owned by third parties.

ARTICLE X
GENERAL PROVISIONS

10.1     Closing.On the terms and subject to conditions set forth in this Agreement, the closing of the Merger (the “Closing”) shall take place at 10:00 a.m., or at another time designated by the Parties, on a date and at a place to be specified by the Parties, which date shall be no later than five (5) Business Days after the satisfaction or waiver (subject to applicable Law) of the latest to occur of the conditions set forth inArticle VII (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied or waived at the Closing), unless extended by mutual agreement of the Parties (the “Closing Date”).

10.2     Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements.None of the representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements set forth in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Effective Time, except for those other covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement that by their terms apply or are to be performed in whole or in part after the Effective Time and thisArticle X.

10.3     Notices.All notices and other communications in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the Party incurring such expense;provided that the costs and expenses of printing and mailing the Joint Proxy Statement and all filing and other fees paid to the SEC in connection with the Merger shall be borne equally by Chemical and TCF.

9.5.Notices. All notices, requests, instructions or other communications or documents to be given or made hereunder by one Party to the other Party shall be in writing and shall be deemed given effective immediately if delivered personally,(a) served by personal delivery upon the Party for whom it is intended, (b) sent via facsimile (with confirmation), mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), delivered by an expressinternationally recognized overnight courier (with confirmation),service upon the Party for whom it is intended or delivered(c) sent by email, (with confirmation)provided that the transmission of the email is promptly confirmed:

(a) if to the Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified by like notice):Chemical, to:

Chemical Financial Corporation

2301 W Big Beaver Road, Suite 525

Troy, MI 48084

 (a)Attention:if to Chemical, to:

David Provost, President and Chief Executive Officer

Email:

David.Provost@chemicalbank.com

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With a copy to:

Chemical Financial Corporation

235 E. Main Street

Midland, MI 48640

Attention:

William C. Collins, EVP, General Counsel/Secretary

Email:

William.Collins@chemicalbank.com

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

Poinsett Plaza, Suite 900

104 South Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601

Attention:

John M. Jennings, Esq.

     

Aileen L. Nagy, Esq.

Email:

john.jennings@nelsonmullins.com

     Chemical Financial Corporation
235 E. Main Street
P.O. Box 569
Midland, MI 48640
Attention: David B. Ramaker
E-mail: david.ramaker@chemicalbankmi.com

allie.nagy@nelsonmullins.com

and

(b) if to TCF, to:

TCF Financial Corporation

200 Lake Street East, Mail CodeEX0-03-A

Wayzata, MN 55391-1693

Attention:

Joseph T. Green, General Counsel

Email:

jgreen@tcfbank.com

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10017

Attention:

Lee Meyerson, Esq.

     

Sebastian Tiller, Esq.

Email:

lmeyerson@stblaw.com

     with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Chemical Financial Corporation
235 E. Main Street
P.O. Box 569
Midland, MI 48640
Attention: William C. Collins, General Counsel
Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
900 Fifth Third Center
111 Lyon Street, N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Attention: Jeffrey A. Ott, Esq.
Email: jott@wnj.com
and
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stiller@stblaw.com

(b)if to Talmer, to:
Talmer Bancorp, Inc.
2301 W. Big Beaver Rd.
Troy, MI 48084
Attention: David Provost
Email: dprovost@talmerbank.com
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
201 17th Street NW
Suite 1700
Atlanta, GA 30363
Attention: J. Brennan Ryan, Esq.
Email: brennan.ryan@nelsonmullins.com

10.4     9.6.Interpretation. The Parties have participated jointly in negotiating and drafting this Agreement. In the event that an ambiguity or a question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring either Party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement. When a reference is made in this Agreement to articles, sections, exhibits,Articles, Sections, Exhibits or schedules,Schedules, such reference shall be to an articleArticle or sectionSection of or exhibitExhibit or scheduleSchedule to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words “include,” “includes,includes” or “including”including are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” References to “the date hereof” shall mean the date of this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the “knowledge” of TCF means the actual knowledge after due inquiry of any of the officers of TCF listed onSection 9.6 of the TCF Disclosure Schedule, and the “knowledge” of Chemical means the actual knowledge after due inquiry of any of the officers of Chemical listed onSection 9.6 of the Chemical Disclosure Schedule. As used herein, (i) “business day” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banks in New York, New York are authorized by law or executive order to be closed, (ii) “person” means any individual, corporation (includingnot-for-profit), general or limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, estate, trust, association, organization, Governmental Entity or other entity of any kind or nature, (iii) an “affiliate” of a specified person is any person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified person, (iv) “made available” means any document or other information that was provided by one Party or its representatives to the

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other Party and its representatives prior to the date hereof, included in the virtual data room of a Party prior to the date hereof or filed by a Party with the SEC and publicly available on EDGAR prior to the date hereof and (v) the “transactions contemplated hereby” and “transactions contemplated by this Agreement” shall include the Merger and the Bank Merger. The TCF Disclosure Schedule and the Chemical Disclosure Schedule, as well as all other schedules and all exhibits hereto, shall be deemed part of this Agreement and included in any reference to this Agreement. All references to “dollars” or “$” in this Agreement are to United States dollars. This Agreement shall not be interpreted or construed to require any Personperson to take any action, or fail to take any action, if to do so would violate any applicable Law.law. References to any statute or regulation refer to such statute or regulation as amended, modified, supplemented or replaced from time to time (and, in the case of statutes, include any rules and regulations promulgated under the statute) and references to any section of any statute or regulation include any successor to such section.

10.5     9.7.Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts (including by facsimile or other electronic means) all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties, it being understood that all Parties need not sign the same counterpart.

9.8.EntireAgreement.This Agreement (including the schedulesdocuments and exhibits hereto, and the other documents and instruments referred to in this Agreement)herein), together with the Confidentiality Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the Parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, other than the Confidentiality Agreement.hereof.

10.6     9.9.Governing LawLaw; Jurisdiction.This

(a) Except to the extent mandatory provisions of federal law apply or the provisions of the MBCA are applicable to the Merger or to the fiduciary duties of Chemical’s Board of Directors, this Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the internal Lawslaws of the State of Michigan applicable to contracts made and performed within such state,Delaware, without regard to any applicable conflictconflicts of laws principles.law.

10.7     Exclusive Jurisdiction.(b) Each of the Parties to this Agreement irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Circuit Courts of the State of Michigan orParty agrees that it will bring any federal courts of the United States of America sitting in the State of Michigan, and any appellate courts from any thereof, in any Actionaction or proceeding in respect of any claim arising out of or relatingrelated to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated byhereby exclusively in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery determines that it lacks subject matter jurisdiction, any federal court sitting in the State of Delaware and, if both the Court of Chancery and the federal courts sitting in the State of Delaware determine that they lack subject matter jurisdiction, any state court located in the State of Delaware) (and any courts from which appeals may be taken) (the “Chosen Courts”), and, solely in connection with claims arising under this Agreement or for recognitionthe transactions that are the subject of this Agreement, (i) irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts, (ii) waives any objection to laying venue in any such action or enforcement ofproceeding in the Chosen Courts, (iii) waives any judgment,objection that the Chosen Courts are an inconvenient forum or do not have jurisdiction over any Party and (iv) agrees that all claimsservice of process upon such Party in respect of any such Actionaction or proceeding shallwill be heard and determinedeffective if notice is given in such Michigan court or, to the extent permitted by Law, in such federal court.accordance withSection 9.5.

10.8     9.10.Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the Parties waives to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law any right it may have to a trial by jury with respect to any Action or proceeding directly or indirectly arising out of, under, or in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW AT THE TIME OF INSTITUTION OF THE APPLICABLE LITIGATION, ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT: (A) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (B) EACH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (C) EACH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND

10.9     Publicity.Neither Party shall, and neither Party shall permit any of its Subsidiaries or agents to, issue or cause the publication of any press release or other public announcement with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement without the prior consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) of the other Party;provided, however, that either Party may, without the prior consent of the other Party (but after prior consultation with the other Party to the extent practicable under the circumstances) issue or cause the publication of any press release or other public announcement to the extent required by Law or by the rules and regulations of NASDAQ after consultation with outside legal counsel.

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10.10     


(D) EACH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THISSECTION 9.10.

9.11.Assignment; Third-Third PartyBeneficiaries.

(a) Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned by eitherany of the Parties hereto (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other Party. Any purported assignment in contravention hereof shall be null and void. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shallwill be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by each of the Parties and their respective successors and assigns. Other than (i)Except as otherwise specifically provided inSection 6.6 6.7, which is intended to benefit each TCF Indemnified Party and (ii)Articles Ihis or her heir andII (which, after the Effective Time, shall be for the benefit of holders of Talmer Common Stock and any holder of an award granted under a Talmer Stock Plan), representatives, this Agreement (including the documents and instruments referred to in this Agreement)herein) is not intended to, and does not, confer upon any Personperson other than the Parties any rights or remedies underhereunder, including the right to rely upon the representations and warranties set forth herein. The representations and warranties in this Agreement.

(b)     No provisionAgreement are the product of negotiations between the Parties and are for the sole benefit of the Parties. Any inaccuracies in such representations and warranties are subject to waiver by the Parties in accordance herewith without notice or liability to any other person. In some instances, the representations and warranties in thisAgreementmodifies may represent an allocation between the Parties of risks associated with particular matters regardless of the knowledge of any of the Parties. Consequently, persons other than the Parties may not rely upon the representations and warranties in this Agreement as characterizations of actual facts or amendscircumstances as of the date of this Agreement or createsas of any employee benefit plan, program, or document (each, a “Benefit Plan”) unless thisAgreementexplicitly states that the provision “amends” or “creates” thatBenefit Plan, and no thirdpartyshall be entitled to enforce any provision of thisAgreementon the grounds that it is an amendment to, or a creation of, aBenefit Plan, unless that provision explicitly states that such enforcement rights are being conferred. This provision shall not prevent thePartiesto this Agreementfrom enforcing any provision of thisAgreementother date.

9.12.Specific Performance. If aPersonnot entitled to enforce thisAgreementbrings a lawsuit or otheractionto enforce any provision in thisAgreementas an amendment to, or creation of aBenefit Plan, and that provision is construed to be such an amendment or creation despite not being explicitly designated as one in thisAgreement, that provision shall lapse retroactively, thereby precluding it from having any effect.

10.11     Enforcement.The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event thatif any of the provisionsprovision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with theirits specific terms or were otherwise breached. Accordingly, each of the Parties shall be entitled to seek specific performance of the terms hereof, including an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement andor to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions of this Agreement, this beinghereof (including the Parties’ obligation to consummate the Merger), in addition to any other remedy to which such Party isthey are entitled at law or in equity. Each of the Parties hereby further waives (a) any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and (b) any requirement under any Lawlaw to post security or a bond as a prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief.

10.12     9.13.Severability. IfWhenever possible, each provision or portion of any term, provision covenant, or restriction contained in this Agreement is held by a final and unappealable Order of a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, then the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants, and restrictions contained in this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, and shall in no way be affected, impaired, or invalidated unless the effect would be to cause this Agreement to not achieve its essential purposes.

10.13     Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument. Executed counterparts of this Agreement shall be deemedinterpreted in such manner as to have been fully deliveredbe effective and shall become legally bindingvalid under applicable law, but if and when executed signature pages are received by facsimileany provision or electronic mail transmission from a Party. If so delivered by facsimile or electronic mail transmission, the Parties agree, if requested by the other Party, to promptly send original, manually executed copies by nationwide overnight delivery service.

10.14     Construction. The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and draftingportion of any provision of this Agreement and,is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in the event an ambiguityany respect under any applicable law or question of intentrule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties, and no presumptionunenforceability shall not affect any other provision or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorshipportion of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

10.15     Calculation of Datesprovision in such jurisdiction, and Deadlines. Unless otherwise specified, any period of time to be determined under this Agreement shall be deemed to commence at 12:01 a.m. onreformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction such that the first full day after the specified starting date, event,invalid, illegal or occurrence. Any deadline, due date, expiration date,unenforceable provision or period-endportion thereof shall be interpreted to be calculated underonly so broad as is enforceable.

9.14.Delivery by Facsimile or Electronic Transmission. This Agreement and any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement, and any amendments or waivers hereto or thereto, to the extent signed and delivered by means of a facsimile machine or by email delivery of a “.pdf” format data file, shall be deemed to end at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the specified period. The time of daytreated in all manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and shall be determined with referenceconsidered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person. No Party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument shall raise the use of a facsimile machine or email delivery of a “.pdf” format data file to deliver a signature to this Agreement or any amendment hereto or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through the use of a facsimile machine or email delivery of a “.pdf” format data file as a defense to the then-current local time in Michigan.formation of a contract and each Party forever waives any such defense.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

A-71

- A-61 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, ChemicalTCF and TalmerChemical have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.

 

TCF Financial Corporation
By: CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION

/s/ Craig R. Dahl

Name: Craig R. Dahl
Title: Chief Executive Officer, Chairman

Chemical Financial Corporation
By: 
By:  

/s/ David B. RamakerProvost

Name:David B. RamakerProvost
Title:Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
and President

TALMER BANCORP, INC.
By:  /s/ David Provost
Name:David Provost
Title:Chief Executive Officer and President

[Signature Page to Merger Agreement

EXHIBIT A-1


FORM OF TALMER SUPPORT AGREEMENT]

 

SUPPORT AGREEMENT- A-62 -


Exhibit 1

FORM

OF

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS

OF

5.70% SERIES CThis Support Agreement is entered into between Chemical FinancialNON-CUMULATIVE PERPETUAL PREFERRED STOCK

OF

TCF FINANCIAL CORPORATION

Section 1.Designation. The designation of the series of preferred stock shall be 5.70% Series CNon-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (hereinafter referred to as the “Series C Preferred Stock”). Each share of Series C Preferred Stock shall be identical in all respects to every other share of Series C Preferred Stock. Series C Preferred Stock will rank equally with Parity Stock, if any, and will rank senior to Junior Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation.

Section 2.Number of Shares. The number of authorized shares of Series C Preferred Stock shall be 8,050. Such number may from time to time be increased (but not in excess of the total number of authorized shares of preferred stock) or decreased (but not below the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock then outstanding) by further resolution duly adopted by the board of directors of the Corporation or any duly authorized committee of the board of directors of the Corporation and by the undersigned directorfiling of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”). The undersigned director hereby agrees in hisa certificate pursuant to the provisions of the Michigan Business Corporation Act stating that such increase or her individual capacityreduction, as a shareholder to vote his or her shares of Company Common Stock that are registered in his or her personal name (and agrees to use his or her reasonable efforts to cause allthe case may be, has been so authorized. All additional shares of Series C Preferred Stock shall be deemed to form a single series with the Series C Preferred Stock, provided that any such additional shares of Series C Preferred Stock are not treated as “disqualified preferred stock” within the meaning of Section 1059(f)(2) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and such additional shares of Series C Preferred Stock are otherwise treated as fungible with the Series C Preferred Stock authorized under thisSection 2 for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Corporation shall have the authority to issue fractional shares of Series C Preferred Stock.

Section 3.Definitions. As used herein with respect to Series C Preferred Stock:

(a) “Appropriate Federal Banking Agency” means the “appropriate Federal banking agency” with respect to the Corporation as defined in Section 3(q) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. Section 1813(q)), or any successor provision.

(b) “Business Day” means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday on which banking institutions are not authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close in New York, New York.

(c) “Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Corporation.

(d) “Continuing Director” means (a) if an “interested shareholder” (as defined in Section 778 of the Michigan Business Corporation Act, as the same shall be in effect from time to time) exists, any member of the board of directors of the Corporation who is not an interested shareholder or an “affiliate” or an “associate” (as such terms are defined in Rule12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as the same shall be in effect from time to time) of an interested shareholder and who was a member of the board of directors immediately prior to the time that an interested shareholder became an interested shareholder, and any successor to a Continuing Director who is not an interested shareholder or an affiliate or associate of an interested shareholder and is recommended to succeed a Continuing Director by a majority of the Continuing Directors who are then members of the board of directors; and (b) if an interested shareholder does not exist, any member of the board of directors.

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(e) “Corporation” means TCF Financial Corporation, a Michigan corporation.

(f) “Depositary Company” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6(d) hereof.

(g) “Dividend Payment Date” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 4(a) hereof.

(h) “Dividend Period” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 4(a) hereof.

(i) “DTC” means The Depository Trust Company, together with its successors and assigns.

(j) “Junior Stock” means the Common Stock owned jointlyand any other class or series of stock of the Corporation hereafter authorized over which Series C Preferred Stock has preference or priority in the payment of dividends or in the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

(k) “Parity Stock” means any other class or series of stock of the Corporation that ranks on a parity with Series C Preferred Stock in the payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

(l) “Preferred Director” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 7(c)(i) hereof.

(m) “Redemption Price” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 6(a) hereof.

(n) “Regulatory Capital Treatment Event” means the good faith determination by himthe Corporation that, as a result of (i) any amendment to, clarification of, or herchange (including any announced prospective change) in, the laws or regulations of the United States or any political subdivision of or in the United States that is enacted or becomes effective on or after September 7, 2017, (ii) any proposed change in those laws or regulations that is announced or becomes effective on or after September 7, 2017, or (iii) any official administrative decision or judicial decision, or administrative action, or other official pronouncement interpreting or applying those laws or regulations that is announced on or after September 7, 2017, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Corporation will not be entitled to treat the full liquidation value of all shares of Series C Preferred Stock then outstanding as “tier 1 capital” (or its equivalent) for purposes of the capital adequacy guidelines of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or, as and if applicable, the capital adequacy guidelines or regulations of any successor Appropriate Federal Banking Agency), as then in effect and applicable, for as long as any share of Series C Preferred Stock is outstanding.

(o) “Series C Preferred Stock” shall have the meaning set forth inSection 1 hereof.

(p) “Closing Date” means [●].

Section 4. Dividends.

(a)Rate. Holders of Series C Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, if, as and when declared by the board of directors of the Corporation or any duly authorized committee of the board of directors of the Corporation, but only out of assets legally available therefor,non-cumulative cash dividends on the liquidation preference of $25,000 per share of Series C Preferred Stock, and no more, payable quarterly in arrears on each March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1; provided, however, if any such day is not a Business Day, then payment of any dividend otherwise payable on that date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (without any interest or other payment in respect of such delay) (each such day on which dividends are payable a “Dividend Payment Date”), commencing with the first such Dividend Payment Date to occur after the Closing Date. The period from and including the date of issuance of the Series C Preferred Stock or any Dividend Payment Date to but excluding the next Dividend Payment Date is a “Dividend Period.” Dividends on each share of Series C Preferred Stock will accrue on the liquidation preference amount of $25,000 per share at a

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rateper annum equal to 5.70%. The record date for payment of dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock shall be the 15th day of the calendar month immediately preceding the month during which the Dividend Payment Date falls. The amount of dividends payable shall be computed on the basis of a360-day year consisting of twelve30-day months. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock shall not be declared, paid or set aside for payment to the extent such act would cause the Corporation to fail to comply with laws and regulations applicable thereto, including applicable capital adequacy guidelines.

(b)Non-Cumulative Dividends. Dividends on shares of Series C Preferred Stock shall benon-cumulative. To the extent that any dividends payable on the shares of Series C Preferred Stock on any Dividend Payment Date are not declared and paid, in full or otherwise, on such Dividend Payment Date, then such unpaid dividends shall not cumulate and shall cease to accrue and be payable and the Corporation shall have no obligation to pay, and the holders of Series C Preferred Stock shall have no right to receive, dividends accrued for such Dividend Period after the Dividend Payment Date for such Dividend Period or interest with respect to such dividends, whether or not dividends are declared for any subsequent Dividend Period with respect to Series C Preferred Stock, any Parity Stock, any Junior Stock or any other class or series of authorized preferred stock of the Corporation.

(c)Priority of Dividends. So long as any share of Series C Preferred Stock remains outstanding, unless full dividends on all outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock for the then-current Dividend Period have been declared and paid in full or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof has been set aside, (i) no dividend shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment and no distribution shall be declared or made or set aside for payment on any Junior Stock, other than a dividend payable solely in Junior Stock, (ii) no shares of Junior Stock shall be repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by the Corporation, directly or indirectly (other than as a result of a reclassification of Junior Stock for or into other Junior Stock, or the exchange or conversion of one share of Junior Stock for or into another share of Junior Stock, and other than through the use of the proceeds of a substantially contemporaneous sale of other shares of Junior Stock), nor shall any monies be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such securities by the Corporation and (iii) no shares of Parity Stock shall be repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by the Corporation otherwise than pursuant to pro rata offers to purchase all, or a pro rata portion, of the Series C Preferred Stock and such Parity Stock except by conversion into or exchange for Junior Stock, during such dividend period. When dividends are not paid in full upon the shares of Series C Preferred Stock and any Parity Stock, all dividends declared upon shares of Series C Preferred Stock and any Parity Stock shall be declared on a proportional basis so that the amount of dividends declared per share will bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends for thethen-current Dividend Period per share on Series C Preferred Stock, and accrued dividends, including any accumulation, on any Parity Stock, bear to each other. No interest will be payable in respect of any dividend payment on shares of Series C Preferred Stock that may be in arrears. If the board of directors of the Corporation or any duly authorized committee of the board of directors of the Corporation determines not to pay any dividend or a full dividend on a Dividend Payment Date, the Corporation will provide, or cause to be provided, written notice to the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock prior to such date. Subject to the foregoing, and not otherwise, dividends (payable in cash, stock or otherwise) as may be determined by the board of directors of the Corporation or any duly authorized committee of the board of directors of the Corporation may be declared and paid on any Junior Stock from time to time out of any assets legally available therefor, and the shares of Series C Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to participate in any such dividend.

Section 5.Liquidation Rights.

(a)Liquidation. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, holders of Series C Preferred Stock shall be entitled, out of assets legally available therefor, before any distribution or payment out of the assets of the Corporation may be made to or set aside for the holders of any Junior Stock and subject to the rights of any holders of any class or series of securities ranking senior to or on parity with Series C Preferred Stock upon liquidation and the rights of the Corporation’s

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depositors and other creditors, to receive in full a liquidating distribution in the amount of the liquidation preference of $25,000 per share, plus any authorized, declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends, to the date of liquidation. Holders of Series C Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any further payments in the event of any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation other than what is expressly provided for in thisSection 5.

(b)Partial Payment. If the assets of the Corporation are not sufficient to pay in full the liquidation preference plus any authorized, declared and unpaid dividends to all holders of Series C Preferred Stock and all holders of any Parity Stock, the amounts paid to the holders of Series C Preferred Stock and to the holders of all Parity Stock shall be paid pro rata in accordance with the respective amounts that would be payable on such shares if all amounts payable thereon were paid in full.

(c)Residual Distributions. If the liquidation preference plus any authorized, declared and unpaid dividends has been paid in full to all holders of Series C Preferred Stock, the holders of shares of Series C Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the Corporation.

(d)Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets Not Liquidation. For purposes of thisSection 5, the sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other consideration) of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Corporation shall not be deemed a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, nor shall the merger, consolidation or any other business combination transaction of the Corporation into or with any other corporation or person or over which hethe merger, consolidation or she has shared voting controlany other business combination transaction of any other corporation or person into or with the Corporation be deemed to be voted) in favora voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Agreementaffairs of the Corporation.

Section 6.Redemption.

(a)Optional Redemption. The Corporation, at the option of its board of directors or any duly authorized committee of the board of directors of the Corporation, may redeem in whole or in part the shares of Series C Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, at any time on December 1, 2022 or any Dividend Payment Date thereafter, upon notice given as provided inSection 6(b) below. The redemption price for shares of Series C Preferred Stock shall be $25,000 per share, plus any declared and Planunpaid dividends for prior Dividend Periods, without accumulation of Merger by and between Chemical Financial Corporation and Company, dated January 25, 2016undeclared dividends (the “AgreementRedemption Price”). In addition,Notwithstanding the undersigned director hereby agrees, that untilforegoing, within 90 days following the earlieroccurrence of a Regulatory Capital Treatment Event, the Corporation may, at its option, subject to the approval of the recordAppropriate Federal Banking Agency, provide notice of its intent to redeem as provided inSection 6(b) below, and subsequently redeem, all (but not less than all) of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, at the Redemption Price applicable on such date of the Talmer Shareholder Meeting (as defined in the Agreement) or the terminationredemption.

(b)Notice of this Support Agreement, that he or she will not make any transfersRedemption. Notice of every redemption of shares of Series C Preferred Stock shall be either (i) mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the holders of record of such shares to be redeemed at their respective last addresses appearing on the stock register of the Corporation or (ii) transmitted by such other method approved by the Depositary Trust Company, in its reasonable discretion, to the holders of record of such shares to be redeemed. Such mailing or transmittal shall be at least 30 days and not more than 60 days before the date fixed for redemption. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Series C Preferred Stock is held in book-entry form through DTC, the Corporation may give such notice in any manner permitted by DTC. Any notice mailed or transmitted as provided in thisSection 6(b) shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the holder receives such notice, but failure duly to give such notice by mail or other transmission, or any defect in such notice or in the mailing or transmittal thereof, to any holder of shares of Series C Preferred Stock designated for redemption shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other shares of Series C Preferred Stock. Each notice shall state (i) the redemption date; (ii) the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock to be redeemed and, if fewer than all the shares held by such holder are to be redeemed, the number of such shares to be redeemed from such holder; (iii) the Redemption Price; (iv) the place or places

- A-66 -


where the certificates for such shares are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price; and (v) that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on the redemption date.

(c)Partial Redemption. In case of any redemption of only part of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, the shares of Series C Preferred Stock to be redeemed shall be selected either pro rata from the holders of record of Series C Preferred Stock in proportion to the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock held by such holders or in such other manner consistent with the rules and policies of the NASDAQ as the board of directors of the Corporation or any duly authorized committee of the board of directors of the Corporation may determine to be fair and equitable. Subject to the provisions of thisSection 6, the board of directors of the Corporation or any duly authorized committee of the board of directors shall have full power and authority to prescribe the terms and conditions upon which shares of Series C Preferred Stock shall be redeemed from time to time.

(d)Effectiveness of Redemption. If notice of redemption has been duly given and if on or before the redemption date specified in the notice all funds necessary for the redemption have been set aside by the Corporation, separate and apart from its other assets, in trust for the pro rata benefit of the holders of the shares called for redemption, so as to be and continue to be available therefor, or deposited by the Corporation with a bank or trust company selected by the board of directors of the Corporation or any duly authorized committee of the board of directors (the “Depositary Company”) in trust for the pro rata benefit of the holders of the shares called for redemption, then, notwithstanding that any certificate for any share so called for redemption has not been surrendered for cancellation, on and after the redemption date all shares so called for redemption shall cease to be outstanding, all dividends with respect to such shares shall cease to accrue after such redemption date, and all rights with respect to such shares shall forthwith on such redemption date cease and terminate, except only the right of the holders thereof to receive the amount payable on such redemption from such bank or trust company at any time after the redemption date from the funds so deposited, without interest. The Corporation shall be entitled to receive, from time to time, from the Depositary Company any interest accrued on such funds, and the holders of any shares called for redemption shall have no claim to any such interest. Any funds so deposited and unclaimed at the end of three years from the redemption date shall, to the extent permitted by law, be released or repaid to the Corporation, and in the event of such repayment to the Corporation, the holders of record of the shares so called for redemption shall be deemed to be unsecured creditors of the Corporation for an amount equivalent to the amount deposited as stated above for the redemption of such shares and so repaid to the Corporation, but shall in no event be entitled to any interest.

Section 7.Voting Rights. The holders of Series C Preferred Stock will have no voting rights and will not be entitled to elect any directors, except as expressly provided by law and except that:

(a)Supermajority Voting Rights-Amendments.Unless the vote or consent of the holders of a greater number of shares shall then be required by law, the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 6623% of all of the shares of the Series C Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, voting separately as a class, shall be required to authorize any amendment of the Articles of Incorporation or of any certificate amendatory thereof or supplemental thereto (including any certificate of designations or any similar document relating to any series of preferred stock) which will materially and adversely affect the powers, preferences, privileges or rights of the Series C Preferred Stock, taken as a whole; provided, however, that the following will not be deemed to adversely affect the powers, preferences, privileges or rights of the Series C Preferred Stock: (i) any increase in the amount of the authorized or issued Series C Preferred Stock, (ii) any increase in the amount of authorized preferred stock of the Corporation, or (iii) the creation and issuance, or an increase in the authorized or issued amount, of other series of preferred stock ranking equally with and/or junior to the Series C Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends (whether such dividends are cumulative ornon-cumulative) and/or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

(b)Supermajority Voting Rights-Priority. Unless the vote or consent of the holders of a greater number of shares shall then be required by law, the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 662/3% of all of the

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shares of the Series C Preferred Stock and all other Parity Stock, at the time outstanding, voting as a single class without regard to series, shall be required to issue, authorize or increase the authorized amount of, or to issue or authorize any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase, any additional class or series of stock ranking prior to the shares of the Series C Preferred Stock and all other Parity Stock as to dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

(c)Special Voting Right.

(i)Voting Right. If and whenever dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock or any other class or series of preferred stock that ranks on parity with the Series C Preferred Stock as to payment of dividends, and upon which voting rights equivalent to those granted by thisSection 7(c) have been conferred and are exercisable, have not been paid in an aggregate amount equal, as to any class or series, to at least six quarterly Dividend Periods (whether consecutive or not), the number of directors constituting the board of directors of the Corporation shall be increased by two, and the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock (together with holders of any other class of the Corporation’s authorized preferred stock having equivalent voting rights, whether or not the holders of such preferred stock would be entitled to vote for the election of directors if such default in dividends did not exist), shall have the right, voting separately as a single class without regard to series, to the exclusion of the holders of Common Stock, to elect two directors of the Corporation to fill such newly created directorships (and to fill any vacancies in the terms of such directorships), provided that the board of directors of the Corporation shall at no time include more than two such directors. Each such director elected by the holders of shares of Series C Preferred Stock and any other class or series of preferred stock that ranks on parity with the purposeSeries C Preferred Stock as to payment of avoiding hisdividends is a “Preferred Director.”

(ii)Election. The election of the Preferred Directors will take place at any annual meeting of shareholders or her agreementsany special meeting of the holders of Series C Preferred Stock and any other class or series of the Corporation’s stock that ranks on parity with Series C Preferred Stock as to payment of dividends and for which dividends have not been paid, called as provided herein. At any time after the special voting power has vested pursuant toSection 7(c)(i) above, a majority of the Continuing Directors may, and within 20 days after the written request of any holder of Series C Preferred Stock (addressed to the Continuing Directors at the Corporation’s principal office) must (unless such request is received less than 90 days before the date fixed for the next annual or special meeting of the shareholders, in which event such election shall be held at such next annual or special meeting of shareholders), call a special meeting of the holders of Series C Preferred Stock, and any other class or series of preferred stock that ranks on parity with Series C Preferred Stock as to payment of dividends and for which dividends have not been paid, for the election of the two directors to be elected by them as provided inSection 7(c)(iii) below. The Preferred Directors shall each be entitled to one vote per director on any matter.

(iii)Notice for Special Meeting. Notice for a special meeting will be given in a similar manner to that provided in the Corporation’s bylaws for a special meeting of the shareholders. The Preferred Directors elected at any such special meeting will hold office until the next annual meeting of the Corporation’s shareholders unless they have been previously terminated or removed pursuant toSection 7(c)(iv). In case any vacancy in the office of a Preferred Director occurs (other than prior to the initial election of the Preferred Directors), the vacancy may be filled by the written consent of the Preferred Director remaining in office, or if none remains in office, by a vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock (together with holders of any other class of the Corporation’s authorized preferred stock having equivalent voting rights, whether or not the holders of such preferred stock would be entitled to vote for the election of directors if such default in dividends did not exist) to serve until the next annual meeting of the shareholders.

(iv)Termination; Removal. Whenever full dividends have been paid regularly on the Series C Preferred Stock and any other class or series of preferred stock that ranks on parity with Series C Preferred Stock as to payment of dividends, if any, for at least four consecutive Dividend Periods, then the right of the holders of Series C Preferred Stock to elect such additional two directors will cease (subject to the same

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provisions for the vesting of the special voting rights in the case of any similarnon-payment of dividends in respect of future Dividend Periods) and the term of office of each Preferred Director so elected will immediately terminate and the number of directors constituting the Corporation’s board of directors will be automatically reduced accordingly. Any Preferred Director may be removed at any time without cause by the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock (together with holders of any other class of the Corporation’s authorized preferred stock having equivalent voting rights, whether or not the holders of such preferred stock would be entitled to vote for the election of directors if such default in dividends did not exist) when they have the voting rights described in thisSection 7(c).

(d)Changes after Provision for Redemption. No vote or consent of the holders of Series C Preferred Stock shall be required pursuant to Section 7(a), (b) or (c) above if, at or prior to the time when any such vote or consent would otherwise be required pursuant to such section, all outstanding Series C Preferred Stock shall have been redeemed, or notice of redemption has been given and sufficient funds shall have been irrevocably deposited in trust to effect such redemption.

Section 8.Conversion. The holders of Series C Preferred Stock shall not have any rights to convert such Series C Preferred Stock into shares of any other class of capital stock of the Corporation.

Section 9.Rank. Notwithstanding anything set forth in the preceding sentence and agrees to cause any permitted transfereeArticles of such shares to abide by the termsIncorporation or this Certificate of this Support Agreement. The undersigned is entering into this Support Agreement solely in his or her capacity as an individual shareholder and, notwithstanding anythingDesignations to the contrary, the board of directors of the Corporation or any duly authorized committee of the board of directors of the Corporation, without the vote of the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock, may authorize and issue additional shares of Junior Stock, Parity Stock or, subject to the voting rights granted inSection 7, any class of securities ranking senior to the Series C Preferred Stock as to dividends and the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation.

Section 10.Repurchase. Subject to the limitations imposed herein, the Corporation may purchase and sell Series C Preferred Stock from time to time to such extent, in this Support Agreement, nothing in this Support Agreementsuch manner, and upon such terms as the board of directors of the Corporation or any duly authorized committee of the board of directors of the Corporation may determine; provided, however, that the Corporation shall not use any of its funds for any such purchase when there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Corporation is, intended or by such purchase would be, rendered insolvent.

Section 11.Unissued or Reacquired Shares. Shares of Series C Preferred Stock not issued or which have been issued, redeemed or otherwise purchased or acquired by the Corporation shall be construedrestored to require the undersigned, (i) in his or her capacitystatus of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock without designation as to series.

Section 12.No Sinking Fund. Shares of Series C Preferred Stock are not subject to the operation of a director of Company or (ii) in his or her capacity as a trustee, personal representative or other fiduciary capacity, to act or fail to act in accordance with his or her duties in such director or fiduciary capacity. Furthermore, the undersigned does not make any agreement or understanding herein in his or her capacity as a director of Company. Notwithstanding any contrary provision herein, this Support Agreement shall be effective from the date hereof and shall terminate and be of no further force and effect upon the earliest of (a) the obtainment of the Talmer Shareholder Approval (as defined in the Agreement); (b) the termination of the Agreement in accordance with its terms; or (c) a Talmer Adverse Recommendation Change (as defined in the Agreement). This Support Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.sinking fund.

Dated this ___ day of January, 2016.

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Exhibit 2

FORM

OF

AMENDMENT

TO

RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION1.
By:David B. Ramaker
Its:Chairman, Chief Executive Officer

Article I of Chemical Financial Corporation’s Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, is deleted in its entirety and President

replaced with the following:

DIRECTOR

By:

ARTICLE I

[Exhibit A-1]

EXHIBIT A-2

FORM OF CHEMICAL SUPPORT AGREEMENT

SUPPORT AGREEMENT

This Support Agreement is entered into between Talmer Bancorp, Inc. and the undersigned director of Chemical Financial Corporation (the “Company”). The undersigned director hereby agrees in his or her individual capacity as a shareholder to vote his or her shares of Company Common Stock that are registered in his or her personal name (and agrees to use his or her reasonable efforts to cause all additional shares of Company Common Stock owned jointly by him or her with any other person or over which he or she has shared voting control to be voted) in favor of the Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Talmer Bancorp, Inc. and Company, dated January 25, 2016 (the “Agreement”). In addition, the undersigned director hereby agrees, that until the earlier of the record date of the Chemical Shareholder Meeting (as defined in the Agreement) or the termination of this Support Agreement, that he or she will not make any transfers of shares of Company Common Stock with the purpose of avoiding his or her agreements set forth in the preceding sentence and agrees to cause any permitted transferee of such shares to abide by the terms of this Support Agreement. The undersignedCorporation is entering into this Support Agreement solely in his or her capacity as an individual shareholder and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Support Agreement, nothing in this Support Agreement is intended or shall be construed to require the undersigned, (i) in his or her capacity as a director of Company or (ii) in his or her capacity as a trustee, personal representative or other fiduciary capacity, to act or fail to act in accordance with his or her duties in such director or fiduciary capacity. Furthermore, the undersigned does not make any agreement or understanding herein in his or her capacity as a director of Company. Notwithstanding any contrary provision herein, this Support Agreement shall be effective from the date hereof and shall terminate and be of no further force and effect upon the earliest of (a) the obtainment of the Chemical Shareholder Approval (as defined in the Agreement); (b) the termination of the Agreement in accordance with its terms; or (c) a Chemical Adverse Recommendation Change (as defined in the Agreement). This Support Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

Dated this ___ day of January, 2016.“TCF Financial Corporation.”

 

TALMER BANCORP, INC.2.
By:David Provost
Its:Chief Executive Officer

Article III of Chemical Financial Corporation’s Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, is deleted in its entirety and President

replaced with the following:

DIRECTOR

By:

[Exhibit A-2]

ANNEX B

Article III of Chemical Financial Corporation’s Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

ARTICLE III

The total authorized capital stock of the Corporation is 102,000,000222,000,000 shares of stock divided into two classes, as follows:

A. 100,000,000220,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share; and

B. 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value.

The following provisions apply to the authorized capital stock of the corporation:

1.Provisions Applicable to Common Stock.

a.      (a)No Preference. None of the shares of common stock are entitled to any preferences, and each share of common stock is equal to every other share of common stock in every respect.

b.      (b)Dividends. After payment or declaration of full dividends on all shares having a priority over the common stock as to dividends, and after making all required sinking or retirement fund payments, if any, on all classes of preferred stock and on any other stock of the corporation ranking with priority as to dividends or assets over the common stock, dividends on the shares of common stock may be declared and paid, but only when and as determined by the board of directors.

c.      (c)Rights on Liquidation. On any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the corporation, after payment or setting aside of the full preferential amounts to which holders of all shares having priority over the common stock are entitled, the holders of the common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata all the remaining assets of the corporation available for distribution to shareholders. The board of directors may distribute in kind to the holders of common stock the remaining assets of the corporation or may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the remaining assets to any person and may sell all or any part of the consideration so received and distribute any balance thereof in kind to holders of common stock. The merger or

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consolidation of the corporation into or with any other corporation, or the merger or consolidation of any other corporation into it, or any purchase or redemption of shares of stock of the corporation of any class, will not be deemed to be a dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the corporation for the purposes of this paragraph.

d.      (d)Voting. At all meetings of shareholders of the corporation, the holders of the common stock are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held by them respectively.

2.Provisions Applicable To Preferred Stock.

a.      (a)Provisions to be Fixed by the Board of Directors. The board of directors is expressly authorized at any time, and from time to time, to provide for the issuance of shares of preferred stock in one or more series, each having the designations and relative voting, distribution, dividend, liquidation, and other rights, preferences, and limitations, consistent with the Michigan Business Corporation Act, as amended, as are stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of shares of preferred stock adopted by the board of directors, and as are not stated in these Restated Articles of Incorporation, or any amendments thereto, including (without limiting the generality of the foregoing) the following:

(1) The distinctive designation and number of shares comprising the series, which number may (except where other-wiseotherwise provided by the board of directors in creating the series) be increased or decreased (but

B-1

not below the number of shares then issued and outstanding) from time to time by action of the board of directors.

(2) The stated value of the shares of the series.

(3) The dividend rate or rates on the shares of the series and the relation which dividends will bear to the dividends payable on any other class of capital stock or on any other series of preferred stock, the terms and conditions upon which and the periods in respect of which dividends will be pay-able,payable, whether and upon what conditions dividends will be cumulative and, if cumulative, the date or dates from which dividends will accumulate.

(4) Whether the shares of the series are redeemable and, if redeemable, whether redeemable for cash, property or rights, including securities of any other corporation, and whether redeemable at the option of the holder or the corporation or upon the happening of a specified event, the limitations and restrictions with respect to the redemption, the time or times when, the price or prices or rate or rates at which, the adjustments with which and the manner in which such shares are redeemable, including the manner of selecting shares of the series for redemption if less than all shares are to be redeemed.

(5) The rights to which the holders of shares of the series are entitled, and the preferences, if any, over any other series (or of any other series over the series), upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, distribution or winding up of the corporation, which rights may vary depending on whether the liquidation, dissolution, distribution or winding up is voluntary or involuntary, and, if voluntary, may vary at different dates.

(6) Whether the shares of the series are subject to the operation of a purchase, retirement or sinking fund and, if so, whether and upon what conditions the fund will be cumulative or noncumulative, the extent to which and the manner in which the fund will be applied to the purchase or redemption of the shares of the series for retirement or to other corporation purposes and the terms and provisions relative to the operation thereof.

(7) Whether the shares of the series are convertible into or exchangeable for shares of any other class or of any other series of any class of capital stock of the corporation or any other corporation, and, if so convertible or exchangeable, the price or prices or the rate or rates of conversion or exchange and the method, if any, of adjusting the same, and any other terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange.

(8) The voting powers, if any, of the shares of the series, and whether and under what conditions the shares of the series (alone or together with the shares of one or more of other series having similar

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provisions) are entitled to vote separately as a single class, for the election of one or more additional directors of the corporation or upon other matters.

(9) Whether the issuance of any additional shares of the series, or of any shares of any other series, is subject to restrictions as to issuance, or as to the powers, preferences or rights of any other series.

(10) Any other preferences, privileges and powers and relative participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the series, as the board of directors determines and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of these Restated Articles of Incorporation.

b.    (b)Provisions Applicable to All Preferred Stock.

(1) Subject to the designations, relative rights, preferences, and limitations applicable to separate series, each share shall be equal to every other share of the same class.

(2) Shares of preferred stock redeemed, converted, exchanged, purchased, retired or surrendered to the corporation, or which have been issued and reacquired in any manner, may, upon compliance with any

B-2

applicable provisions of the Michigan Business Corporation Act, as amended, be given the status of authorized and unissued shares of preferred stock and may be reissued by the board of directors as part of the series of which they were originally a part or may be reclassified into and reissued as part of a new series or as a part of any other series, all subject to the protective conditions or restrictions of any outstanding series of preferred stock.

(3) Any of the voting, distribution, liquidation, or other rights, preferences, or limitations of a series may be made dependent upon facts or circumstances ascertainable outside of the Restated Articles of Incorporation or the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of shares of preferred stock adopted by the board of directors, if the manner in which the facts or events operate on the rights, preferences, or limitations is set forth in the Restated Articles of Incorporation or board resolution or resolutions.

(c)Series C Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock. Pursuant to the authority conferred by thisArticle III, the board of directors has designated Series CNon-Cumulative Preferred Stock, consisting of such number of shares, with such voting rights and with such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof as are stated and expressed in Exhibit 1 hereto, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Exhibit 3

FORM

OF

BYLAWS

OF

TCF FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(as amended through [], 2019)

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

1.01 PRINCIPAL OFFICE. The principal office of the corporation shall be at such place within the State of Michigan as the Board of Directors shall determine from time to time.

1.02 OTHER OFFICES. The corporation may also have offices at such other places as the Board of Directors from time to time determines or the business of the corporation requires.

ARTICLE II

SEAL

2.01 SEAL. The corporation shall have a seal in such form as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile to be impressed, affixed, reproduced or otherwise.

ARTICLE III

CAPITAL STOCK

3.01 ISSUANCE OF SHARES. The shares of capital stock of the corporation shall be issued in such amounts, at such times, for such consideration and on such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem advisable, subject to the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation of the corporation and the further provisions of these Bylaws, and subject also to any requirements or restrictions imposed by the laws of the State of Michigan.

3.02 CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES. The shares of the corporation may be represented by certificates signed by the Chair of the Board, President or a Vice President and by the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the corporation, and may be sealed with the seal of the corporation or a facsimile thereof. The signatures of the officers may be facsimiles if the certificate is countersigned by a transfer agent or registered by a registrar other than the corporation itself or its employee. In case an officer who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate ceases to be such officer before the certificate is issued, it may be issued by the corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer at the date of issuance. A certificate representing shares shall state upon its face that the corporation is formed under the laws of the State of Michigan; the name of the person to whom it is issued; the number and class of shares, and the designation of the series, if any, which the certificate represents; the par value of each share represented by the certificate, or a statement that the shares are without par value; and such other provisions as may be required by the laws of the State of Michigan. The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of some or all of the shares of any class or series of stock of the corporation without certificates.

 

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3.03 TRANSFER OF SHARES. The shares of the capital stock of the corporation are transferable only on the books of the corporation and, if such shares are certificated, upon surrender of the certificate therefor, properly endorsed for transfer, and the presentation of such evidences of ownership and validity of the assignment as the corporation may require.

ANNEX C3.04 REGISTERED SHAREHOLDERS. The corporation shall be entitled to treat the person in whose name any share of stock is registered as the owner thereof for purposes of dividends and other distributions in the course of business, or in the course of recapitalization, consolidation, merger, reorganization, sale of assets, liquidation or otherwise and for the purpose of votes, approvals and consents by shareholders, and for the purpose of notices to shareholders, and for all other purposes whatever, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such shares on the part of any other person, whether or not the corporation shall have notice thereof, save as expressly required by the laws of the State of Michigan.

3.05 LOST OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES. Upon the presentation to the corporation of a proper affidavit attesting the loss, destruction or mutilation of any certificate or certificates for shares of stock of the corporation, the Board of Directors shall direct the issuance of a new certificate or certificates to replace the certificates so alleged to be lost, destroyed or mutilated. The Board of Directors may require as a condition precedent to the issuance of new certificates any or all of the following: (a) presentation of additional evidence or proof of the loss, destruction or mutilation claimed; (b) advertisement of loss in such manner as the Board of Directors may direct or approve; (c) a bond or agreement of indemnity, in such form and amount and with such sureties, or without sureties, as the Board of Directors may direct or approve; (d) the order or approval of a court or judge.

ARTICLE IV

SHAREHOLDERS AND MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

4.01 PLACE OF MEETINGS. All meetings of shareholders shall be held at the principal office of the corporation or at such other place as shall be determined by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of meeting.

4.02 ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the shareholders of the corporation shall be held on the third Monday of the fourth calendar month after the end of the corporation’s fiscal year at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, or on such other date and time as shall be determined by the Board of Directors prior to the end of the second calendar quarter. Directors shall be elected at each annual meeting and such other business transacted as may come before the meeting.

4.03 SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of shareholders may be called by the Board of Directors, the Chair of the Board (if such office is filled) or the President and shall be called by the President or Secretary at the written request of shareholders holding a majority of the shares of stock of the corporation outstanding and entitled to vote. The request shall state the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is to be called.

4.04 NOTICE OF MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bylaws (including Article VI, Section 6.01), written notice of each meeting of shareholders, stating the time, place, if any, and purposes thereof, shall be given to each shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date fixed for the meeting, either personally, by mail, or, if authorized by the Board of Directors, by a form of electronic transmission to which the shareholder has consented. For the purposes of these Bylaws, “electronic transmission” means any form of communication that does not directly involve the physical transmission of paper, that creates a record that may be retained and retrieved by the recipient, and that may be reproduced in paper form by the recipient through an automated process. Notice of a meeting need not be given to any shareholder who signs a waiver of notice before or after the meeting. Attendance of a shareholder at a meeting shall constitute both: (a) a waiver of notice or defective notice except

 

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when the shareholder attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to holding the meeting or transacting any business because the meeting has not been lawfully called or convened, and (b) a waiver of objection to consideration of a particular matter at the meeting that is not within the purpose or purposes described in the meeting notice, except when the shareholder objects to considering the matter when it is presented.

4.05 RECORD DATES. The Board of Directors, the Chair of the Board (if such office is filled) or the President may fix in advance a date as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at a meeting of shareholders or an adjournment thereof, or to express consent or to dissent from a proposal without a meeting, or for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend or allotment of a right, or for the purpose of any other action. The date fixed shall not be more than 60 nor less than 10 days before the date of the meeting, nor more than 60 days before any other action. In such case only such shareholder as shall be shareholders of record on the date so fixed shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting or adjournment therefor, or to express consent or to dissent from such proposal, or to receive payment of such dividend or to receive such allotment of rights, or to participate in any other action, as the case may be, notwithstanding any transfer of any stock on the books of the corporation, or otherwise, after any such record date. Nothing in this Bylaw shall affect the rights of a shareholder and his or her transferee or transferor as between themselves.

4.06 LIST OF SANDLER O’NEILL & PARTNERS, L.P.]SHAREHOLDERS. The Secretary of the corporation or the agent of the corporation having charge of the stock transfer records for shares of the corporation shall make and certify a complete list of the shareholders entitled to vote at a shareholders’ meeting or any adjournment thereof. The list shall be arranged alphabetically within each class and series, with the address of, and the number of shares held by, each shareholder; be produced at the time and place of the meeting; be subject to inspection by any shareholder during the whole time of the meeting; and be prima facie evidence as to who are the shareholders entitled to examine the list or vote at the meeting.

4.07 QUORUM. Unless a greater or lesser quorum is required in the Articles of Incorporation or by the laws of the State of Michigan, the shareholders present at a meeting in person or by proxy who, as of the record date for such meeting, were holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the corporation entitled to vote at the meeting shall constitute a quorum at the meeting. Whether or not a quorum is present, a meeting of shareholders may be adjourned by a vote of the shares present in person or by proxy. When the holders of a class or series of shares are entitled to vote separately on an item of business, this Bylaw applies in determining the presence of a quorum of such class or series for transaction of such item of business.

4.08 PROXIES. A shareholder entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders or to express consent or dissent without a meeting may authorize one or more other persons to act for him or her by proxy. The following methods constitute a valid means by which a shareholder may grant authority to another person to act as proxy: (a) the execution of a writing authorizing another person or persons to act for the shareholder as proxy. Execution may be accomplished by the shareholder or by an authorized officer, director, employee, or agent signing the writing or causing his or her signature to be affixed to the writing by any reasonable means including, but not limited to, facsimile signature; and (b) transmitting or authorizing the transmission by electronic transmission to the person who will hold the proxy or to a proxy solicitation firm, proxy support service organization, or similar agent fully authorized by the person who will hold the proxy to receive that transmission. Any electronic transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the electronic transmission was authorized by the shareholder. If an electronic transmission is determined to be valid, the inspectors, or, if there are no inspectors, the persons making the determination shall specify the information upon which they relied.

4.09 INSPECTORS OF ELECTION. The Board of Directors, in advance of a shareholders’ meeting, may appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. If inspectors are not so appointed, the person presiding at the shareholders’ meeting may, and on request of a shareholder entitled to vote

 

January 25, 2016- A-75 -


thereat shall, appoint one or more inspectors. In case a person appointed fails to appear or act, the vacancy may be filled by appointment made by the Board of Directors in advance of the meeting or at the meeting by the person presiding thereat. If appointed, the inspectors shall determine the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each, the shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum and the validity and effect of proxies, and shall receive votes, ballots or consents, hear and determine challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, count and tabulate votes, ballots or consents, determine the result, and do such acts as are proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all shareholders. On request of the person presiding at the meeting or a shareholder entitled to vote thereat, the inspectors shall make and execute a written report to the person presiding at the meeting of any of the facts found by them and matters determined by them. The report shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated and of the vote as certified by the inspectors.

4.10 VOTING. Each outstanding share is entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote, unless otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation. Votes shall be cast in writing, signed by the shareholder or his or her proxy. When an action, other than the election of directors, is to be taken by a vote of the shareholders, it shall be authorized by a majority of the votes cast by the holders of shares entitled to vote thereon, unless a greater plurality is required by the Articles of Incorporation or by the laws of the State of Michigan. Except as otherwise provided by the Articles of Incorporation, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at any election.

4.11 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS. Except as otherwise provided by statute, the corporation’s Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws:

(a) No matter may be presented for shareholder action at an annual or special meeting of shareholders unless such matter is: (i) specified in the notice of the meeting (or any supplement to the notice) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors; (ii) otherwise presented at the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors; (iii) properly presented for action at the meeting by a shareholder in accordance with the notice provisions set forth in this Section 4.11 and any other applicable requirements; or (iv) a procedural matter presented, or accepted for presentation, by the Chair in his or her sole discretion

(b) For a matter to be properly presented by a shareholder, the shareholder must have given timely notice of the matter in writing to the Secretary of the corporation. To be timely, the notice must be delivered to or mailed to and received at the principal executive offices of the corporation not less than 120 calendar days prior to the date corresponding to the date of the corporation’s proxy statement or notice of meeting released to shareholders in connection with the last preceding annual meeting of shareholders in the case of an annual meeting (unless the corporation did not hold an annual meeting within the last year, or if the date of the upcoming annual meeting changed by more than thirty days from the date of the last preceding meeting, then the notice must be delivered or mailed and received not more than ten days after the earlier of the date of the notice of the meeting or public disclosure of the date of the meeting), and not more than ten days after the earlier of the date of the notice of the meeting or public disclosure of the date of the meeting in the case of a special meeting. The notice by the shareholder must set forth: (i) a brief description of the matter the shareholder desires to present for shareholder action; (ii) the name and record address of the shareholder proposing the matter for shareholder action; (iii) the class and number of shares of capital stock of the corporation that are beneficially owned by the shareholder; and (iv) any material interest of the shareholder in the matter proposed for shareholder action. For purposes of this Section 4.11(b), “public disclosure” means disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or other comparable national financial news service or in a document publicly filed by the corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(c) Except to the extent that a shareholder proposal submitted pursuant to this Section 4.11 is not made available at the time of mailing, the notice of the purposes of the meeting shall include the name and address of and the number of shares of the voting security held by the proponent of each shareholder proposal

 

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(d) Notwithstanding the above, if the shareholder desires to require the corporation to include the shareholder’s proposal in the corporation’s proxy materials, matters and proposals submitted for inclusion in the corporation’s proxy materials shall be governed by the solicitation rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including without limitation Rule14a-8.

4.12 CONDUCT, ADJOURNMENT, AND POSTPONEMENT OF MEETINGS.

(a) Shareholders’ meetings shall be presided over by the Chair of the Board or, in his absence, by the Chief Executive Officer of the corporation or, in the absence of both of them, another director or officer designated by the Board of Directors. Such person is referred to in this Section 4.12 as the presiding officer or as the chairman of the meeting.

(b) The presiding officer shall determine all questions of order or procedure (and the presiding officer’s rulings shall be final) and may, in his or her discretion, adjourn or postpone a meeting of shareholders regardless of whether a quorum is present.

(c) Any previously scheduled shareholders’ meeting may be postponed by resolution of the Board of Directors, or by any officer or director designated by the Board of Directors, upon public notice given prior to the time previously scheduled for such shareholders’ meetings.

(d) For the avoidance of doubt, any reference to a shareholders’ meeting in these Bylaws shall include any adjournment or postponement thereof.

ARTICLE V

DIRECTORS

5.01 NUMBER. The business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by a Board of not less than five (5) nor more than twenty-five (25) directors as shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors. The directors need not be residents of Michigan or shareholders of the corporation.

5.02 ELECTION, RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL. Directors shall be elected at each annual meeting of the shareholders, each to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified, or until his or her resignation or removal. A director may resign by written notice to the corporation. The resignation is effective upon its receipt by the corporation or a subsequent time as set forth in the notice of resignation. A director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed, with or without cause, by vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote at an election of directors.

5.03 NOMINATIONS OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES.

(a) Nominations of candidates for election to the Board of Directors of the corporation at any annual meeting of shareholders or at any special meeting of shareholders called for election of directors (an “Election Meeting”) may be made by the Board of Directors or by a shareholder of record of shares of a class entitled to vote at such Election Meeting.

(b) Nominations made by the Board of Directors shall be made at a meeting of the Board of Directors, or by written consent of directors in lieu of a meeting, not less than ten days prior to the date of an Election Meeting; provided, that approval by the Board of Directors of the corporation’s proxy statement with respect to an Election Meeting in which nominees for director are named shall constitute the nominations of the Board of Directors.

(c) A shareholder of record of shares of a class entitled to vote at an Election Meeting may make a nomination at an Election Meeting if, and only if, such shareholder shall have first delivered, not less than 120 days prior to the date of the Election Meeting in the case of an annual meeting, and not more than seven days following the date of notice of the Election Meeting in the case of a special meeting, a notice to the Secretary of

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the corporation setting forth with respect to each proposed nominee: (i) the name, age, business address and residence address of such nominee; (ii) the principal occupation or employment of such nominee; (iii) the number of shares of capital stock of the corporation which are beneficially owned by such nominee; (iv) a statements that such nominee is willing to be nominated and to serve if elected; and (v) such other information concerning such nominee as would be required under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission to be provided in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for the election of such nominee.

(d) If the chair of the Election Meeting determines that a nomination was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedures, such nomination shall be void and all votes cast in favor of election of a person so nominated shall be disregarded.

5.04 VACANCIES. Vacancies in the Board of Directors occurring by reason of death, resignation, removal, increase in the number of directors or otherwise shall be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors, unless filled by proper action of the shareholders of the corporation. Each person so elected shall be a director for a term of office continuing only until the next election of directors by the shareholders.

5.05 ANNUAL MEETING. The Board of Directors shall meet each year following the annual meeting of the shareholders, for the purpose of election of officers and consideration of such business that may properly be brought before the meeting.

5.06 REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETINGS. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at such times and places as the majority of the directors may from time to time determine at a prior meeting or as shall be directed or approved by the vote or written consent of all the directors. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the Chair of the Board (if such office is filled) or the President and shall be called by the President or Secretary upon the written request of any two directors.

5.07 NOTICES. No notice shall be required for annual or regular meetings of the Board or for adjourned meetings, whether regular or special. Three days’ written notice shall be given for special meetings of the Board, and such notice shall state the time, place and purpose or purposes of the meeting.

5.08 QUORUM. A majority of the Board of Directors then in office, or of the members of a committee thereof, constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. The vote of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the acts of the Board or of the committee, except as a larger vote may be required by the laws of the State of Michigan. A member of the Board or of a committee designated by the Board may participate in a meeting by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Participation in a meeting in this manner constitutes presence in person at the meeting.

5.09 EXECUTIVE AND OTHER COMMITTEES. The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board, appoint three or more members of the Board as an executive committee to exercise all powers and authorities of the Board in management of the business and affairs of the corporation, provided, however, that such committee shall not have power or authority to:

(a) amend the Articles of Incorporation;

(b) adopt an agreement of merger or consolidation;

(c) recommend to shareholders the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the corporation’s property and assets;

(d) recommend to shareholders a dissolution of the corporation or revocation of a dissolution;

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(e) amend these Bylaws;

(f) fill vacancies in the Board;

(g) fix the compensation of the directors for serving on the Board or on a committee; or

(h) unless expressly authorized by the Board, declare a dividend or authorize the issuance of stock.

The Board of Directors from time to time may, by like resolution, appoint such other committees of one or more directors to have such authority as shall be specified by the Board in the resolution making such appointments. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee who may replace an absent or disqualified member at any meeting thereof.

5.10 DISSENTS. A director who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors, or a committee thereof of which he or she is a member, at which action on a corporate matter is taken is presumed to have concurred in that action unless his or her dissent is entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless he or she files his or her written dissent to the action with the person acting as secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall forward such dissent by registered mail to the Secretary of the corporation promptly after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent does not apply to a director who voted in favor of such action. A director who is absent from a meeting of the Board, or a committee thereof of which he or she is a member, at which any such action is taken is presumed to have concurred in the action unless he or she files his or her written dissent with the Secretary of the corporation within a reasonable time after he or she has knowledge of the action.

5.11 COMPENSATION. The Board of Directors, by affirmative vote of a majority of directors in office and irrespective of any personal interest of any of them, may establish reasonable compensation of directors for services to the corporation as directors or officers.

ARTICLE VI

NOTICES, WAIVERS OF NOTICE AND MANNER OF ACTING

6.01 NOTICES. All notices of meetings required to be given to shareholders, directors or any committee of directors may be given by mail or by electronic transmission to any shareholder, director or committee member at his or her last address as it appears on the books of the corporation. Such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be mailed or otherwise dispatched.

6.02 WAIVER OF NOTICE. Notice of the time, place and purpose of any meeting of shareholders, directors or committee of directors may be waived in writing or by electronic transmission, either before or after the meeting, or in such other manner as may be permitted by the laws of the State of Michigan. Attendance of a person at any meeting of shareholders, in person or by proxy, or at any meeting of directors or of a committee of directors, constitutes a waiver of notice of the meeting except when the person attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

6.03 ACTION WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted at any meeting of shareholders or directors or committee of directors may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if all of the shareholders or directors or committee members entitled to vote thereon consent thereto in writing.

ARTICLE VII

OFFICERS

7.01 NUMBER. The Board of Directors shall elect or appoint a Chair of the Board, a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and may elect a Vice Chair of the Board and one or more other

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officers as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. The Chief Executive Officer shall also have authority to appoint or remove any officer with a title below Executive Vice President as from time to time the Chief Executive Officer determines. The Chair of the Board, the President and the Chief Executive Officer, if such person is not also the President, shall be members of the Board of Directors. Any two or more offices, except those of President and Vice President and those of Chief Executive Officer and Vice President, may be held by the same person, but no officer shall execute, acknowledge or verify an instrument in more than one capacity.

7.02 TERM OF OFFICE, RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL. The Chair of the Board and each officer shall hold office for the term for which he or she is elected or appointed and until his or her successor is elected or appointed and qualified, or until his or her resignation or removal. The Chair of the Board and any officer may resign by written notice to the corporation. The resignation is effective upon its receipt by the corporation or at a subsequent time specified in the notice of resignation. An officer may be removed with or without cause. The removal of an officer shall be without prejudice to his or her contract rights, if any. The election or appointment of an officer does not of itself create contract rights.

7.03 VACANCIES. The Board of Directors may fill any vacancies in the Chair of the Board position or any office occurring for whatever reason.

7.04 AUTHORITY. The Chair of the Board and all officers, employees and agents of the corporation shall have such authority and perform such duties in the conduct and management of the business and affairs of the corporation as may be designated by the Board of Directors and these Bylaws.

ARTICLE VIII

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

8.01 CHAIR OF THE BOARD. The Chair of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the shareholders and of the Board of Directors at which he or she is present. He or she shall have such other duties and powers as may be imposed upon or given to him or her by the Board of Directors.

8.02 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The Chief Executive Officer shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board are carried into effect, and he or she shall have the general and active powers of supervision and management usually vested in the chief executive officer of a corporation, including the authority to vote all securities of other corporations and business organizations which are held by the corporation. In the absence or disability of the Chair of the Board, he or she also shall perform the duties and execute the powers of the Chair of the Board as set forth in these Bylaws.

8.03 PRESIDENT. The President shall have such duties as may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Directors. The President may also be the Chief Executive Officer. In the absence or disability of the Chief Executive Officer, the President shall perform the duties and execute the powers of the Chief Executive Officer as set forth in these Bylaws.

8.04 VICE PRESIDENTS. The Vice Presidents, in order of their seniority based upon executive title, shall, in the absence or disability of the President, perform his or her duties and exercise his or her powers and shall perform such other duties as the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the President may from time to time prescribe.

8.05 SECRETARY. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and of shareholders and shall record all votes and minutes of all proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose. He or she shall give or cause to be given notice of all meetings of the shareholders and of the Board of Directors. He or she shall keep in safe custody the seal of the corporation, if any, and, when authorized by the Board, affix the same to any

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instrument requiring it, and when so affixed it shall be attested by his or her signature, or by the signature of the Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary. The Secretary may delegate any of his or her duties, powers and authorities to one or more Assistant Secretaries, unless such delegation is disapproved by the Board.

8.06 TREASURER. The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities; shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books of the corporation; and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. He or she shall render to the Chief Executive Officer, the President and directors, whenever they may require it, an account of his or her transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the corporation. The Treasurer may delegate any of his or her duties, powers and authorities to one or more Assistant Treasurers unless such delegation be disapproved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may designate the individual who serves as Treasurer to also serve as Chief Financial Officer of the corporation.

8.07 ASSISTANT SECRETARIES AND TREASURERS. The Assistant Secretaries, in the order of their seniority based upon executive title, shall perform the duties and exercise the powers and authorities of the Secretary in case of his or her absence or disability. The Assistant Treasurers, in the order of their seniority based upon executive title, shall perform the duties and exercise the powers and authorities of the Treasurer in case of his or her absence or disability. The Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers shall also perform such duties as may be delegated to them by the Secretary and Treasurer, respectively, and also such duties as the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or the Board of Directors may prescribe.

8.08 OTHER OFFICERS. The Board of Directors may, from time to time, appoint such other officers of the corporation as the Board of Directors may consider appropriate. Such officers shall perform such duties and exercise such authority as the Board of Directors may prescribe.

8.09 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. The Chief Executive Officer, President, Secretary and Treasurer, together with such other officers specifically designated by the Board of Directors, shall be known as the executive officers and shall have all of the usual powers and shall perform all of the usual duties incident to their respective offices.

ARTICLE IX

CERTAIN GOVERNANCE MATTERS

9.01 INTERPRETATION; DEFINITIONS.

(a) The provisions of this Article IX shall apply notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in these Bylaws. In the event of any inconsistency between any provision of this Article IX and any other provision of these Bylaws, such provision of this Article IX shall control.

(b) The following definitions shall apply to this Article IX and otherwise as applicable in these Bylaws:

(i) “Designated Exchange” means the primary stock exchange on which the corporation’s common stock is listed.

(ii) “Effective Time” shall have the meaning set forth in the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 27, 2019, by and between TCF and Chemical, as it may have been amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

(iii) “Entire Board of Directors” means the total number of directors which the corporation would have if there were no vacancies.

(iv) “Legacy TCF” means TCF Financial Corporation, a Delaware corporation, which has merged with and into the corporation effective as of the Effective Time.

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(v) “Legacy TCF Directors” shall mean the directors as of the Effective Time who were directors of Legacy TCF as of immediately prior to the Effective Time and who were designated to be directors by the Board of Directors of Legacy TCF prior to the Effective Time and any additional directors nominated by the Legacy TCF Directors Nominating Committee pursuant to Section 9.03(e) of this Article IX.

(vi) “Legacy TCF Directors Nominating Committee” shall mean a committee of the Board of Directors comprised of all of the Legacy TCF Directors who satisfy the independence requirements (and any other requirements) for nominating committee membership under the rules of the Designated Exchange.

(vii) “Legacy Chemical” means Chemical, a Michigan corporation, as in existence immediately prior to the Effective Time.

(viii) “Legacy Chemical Directors” shall mean the directors as of the Effective Time who were directors of Legacy Chemical as of immediately prior to the Effective Time and who were designated to be directors by the Board of Directors of Legacy Chemical prior to the Effective Time and any additional directors nominated by the Legacy Chemical Directors Nominating Committee pursuant to Section 9.03(d) of this Article IX.

(ix) “Legacy Chemical Directors Nominating Committee” shall mean a committee of the Board of Directors comprised of all of the Legacy Chemical Directors who satisfy the independence requirements (and any other requirements) for nominating committee membership under the rules of the Designated Exchange.

(x) “Specified Period” shall mean the period beginning at the Effective Time and ending on thethirty-six (36) month anniversary of the Effective Time.

9.02 CHAIR; VICE CHAIR; CEO AND PRESIDENT; LEAD DIRECTOR.

(a) Effective as of the Effective Time, Mr. Gary Torgow shall continue to serve as Chair of the corporation and the Board of Directors, Mr. David T. Provost shall become and serve as Vice Chair of the corporation and the Board of Directors, Mr. Craig R. Dahl shall become and serve as Chief Executive Officer and President of the corporation, and Mr. Vance K. Opperman shall become and serve as Lead Director of the Board of Directors. The Lead Director shall qualify as an independent director under the rules of the Designated Exchange, shall chair any meeting of the independent directors in executive session, and shall, among other things, have the power and authority to (i) preside at meetings of the Board of Directors at which the Chair is not present, including presiding at executive sessions, (ii) work with the Chair and management to determine the information and materials provided to members of the Board of Directors, (iii) consult with the Chair on such other matters as are pertinent to the Board of Directors and the corporation, (iv) call meetings of the independent directors, (v) communicate and consult directly with regulators upon request, (vi) serve as a liaison between the Chair and the other independent directors and (vii) perform such other duties, powers and authorities as the Board of Directors, upon the affirmative vote of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the Entire Board of Directors, may give to the Lead Director from time to time.

(b) During the Specified Period, (i) any removal of any of the individuals serving in the capacities set forth in subsection (a) above, (ii) any amendment or modification to any employment or similar agreement with any of them to the extent such amendment or modification would adversely affect such individual, (iii) any termination of their employment by the corporation, (iv) any grant or delegation of duties, powers and authorities to the Lead Director pursuant to clause (vii) of subsection (a) above, or (v) any modification to any of their respective duties, authority or reporting relationships as set forth in Article VIII of these Bylaws shall, in each case, require the affirmative vote of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the Entire Board of Directors.

(c) During the Specified Period, upon the death, resignation, removal, disqualification or other cessation of service by any of the individuals serving in the capacities set forth in subsection (a) above (other than the Lead Director) (or any of such individuals’ successors selected and appointed pursuant to this subsection (c)), an individual approved by the affirmative vote of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the Entire Board of Directors shall be appointed to serve in such capacity.

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(d) During the Specified Period, upon the death, resignation, removal, disqualification or other cessation of service by the Lead Director (or any of his or her successors selected and appointed pursuant to this subsection (d)), an individual selected by the Legacy TCF Directors Nominating Committee shall be appointed to serve as Lead Director.

(e) The corporation shall cause TCF National Bank, effective as of the Effective Time, to appoint Mr. David T. Provost as Chairman of the board of directors of TCF National Bank and Mr. Craig R. Dahl as Chief Executive Officer of TCF National Bank. During the Specified Period, the corporation shall cause TCF National Bank not to (i) remove any of the individuals serving in the capacities set forth in the immediately preceding sentence, (ii) amend or modify any employment or similar agreement with any of them to the extent such amendment or modification would adversely affect such individual, or (iii) terminate their employment, in each case, except with the affirmative vote of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the Entire Board of Directors. During the Specified Period, upon the death, resignation, removal, disqualification or other cessation of service by any of the individuals serving in the capacities set forth in the first sentence of this subsection (e) (or any of such individuals’ successors selected and appointed pursuant to this subsection (e)), the corporation shall cause TCF National Bank not to appoint any individual to serve in such capacity, except with the affirmative vote of at least seventy-five (75%) of the Entire Board of Directors. During the Specified Period, the corporation may not exercise its authority, in its capacity as sole shareholder of TCF National Bank, to (and the corporation shall cause TCF National Bank not) to modify, amend or repeal any of the provisions of the bylaws of TCF National Bank relating to the duties, authority or reporting relationships of the Chairman of the board of directors of TCF National Bank or the Chief Executive Officer of TCF National Bank, in each case, without the affirmative vote of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the Entire Board of Directors.

9.03 COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. During the Specified Period:

(a) the Entire Board of Directors shall be comprised of sixteen (16) Directors, of which eight (8) shall be Legacy Chemical Directors (two of whom shall be Mr. Gary Torgow and Mr. David T. Provost, and six other Legacy Chemical Directors who qualify as independent directors under the rules of the Designated Exchange) and eight (8) shall be Legacy TCF Directors (two of whom shall be Mr. Craig R. Dahl and Mr. Vance K. Opperman, and six other Legacy TCF Directors who qualify as independent directors under the rules of the Designated Exchange);

(b) all vacancies resulting from the cessation of service by any Legacy Chemical Director for any reason shall be filled by the Board of Directors with a nominee selected by the Legacy Chemical Directors Nominating Committee;

(c) all vacancies resulting from the cessation of service by any Legacy TCF Director for any reason shall be filled by the Board of Directors with a nominee selected by the Legacy TCF Directors Nominating Committee;

(d) the Legacy Chemical Directors Nominating Committee shall have the exclusive authority to nominate, on behalf of the Board of Directors, directors for election at each annual meeting, or at any special meeting at which Directors are to be elected, to fill each seat previously held by a Legacy Chemical Director; and

(e) the Legacy TCF Directors Nominating Committee shall have the exclusive authority to nominate, on behalf of the Board of Directors, directors for election at each annual meeting, or at any special meeting at which directors are to be elected, to fill each seat previously held by a Legacy TCF Director.

9.04 COMPOSITION OF COMMITTEES.

(a) During the Specified Period, each committee of the Board of Directors shall (a) have at least four (4) members and, (b) be composed of fifty percent (50%) Legacy Chemical Directors and fifty percent (50%) Legacy TCF Directors (subject to compliance with any independence requirements, and any other requirements, for membership on the applicable committee under the rules of the Designated Exchange).

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(b) The Board of Directors shall constitute a Legacy TCF Directors Nominating Committee, which shall be comprised of all of the Legacy TCF Directors who satisfy the independence requirements (and any other requirements) for nominating committee membership under the rules of the Designated Exchange. At the end of the Specified Period, the Legacy TCF Directors Nominating Committee shall be automatically disbanded.

(c) The Board of Directors shall constitute a Legacy Chemical Directors Nominating Committee, which shall be comprised of all of the Legacy Chemical Directors who satisfy the independence requirements (and any other requirements) for nominating committee membership under the rules of the Designated Exchange. At the end of the Specified Period, the Legacy Chemical Directors Nominating Committee shall be automatically disbanded.

9.05 CORPORATE NAME; HEADQUARTERS. During the Specified Period, (a) the name of the corporation shall be TCF Financial Corporation, (b) the shares of common stock of the corporation shall be traded on the Designated Exchange under the ticker symbol “TCBF,” and (c) the headquarters and principal office of the corporation shall be located in Detroit, Michigan. During the Specified Period, the corporation shall cause TCF National Bank to have its main office in [●].

9.06 AMENDMENTS. During the Specified Period, the provisions of this Article IX, and any other provision of these Bylaws that sets forth the authority and responsibility of the Chair, Vice Chair, the Lead Director, the Chief Executive Officer or President, may be modified, amended or repealed, and any Bylaw provision or other resolution inconsistent with this Article IX may be adopted, by the Board only by (and any such modification, amendment, repeal or inconsistent Bylaw provisions and other resolutions may be proposed or recommended by the Board for adoption by the shareholders of the corporation only by) an affirmative vote of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the Entire Board of Directors.

ARTICLE X

SPECIAL CORPORATE ACTS

10.01 ORDERS FOR PAYMENT OF MONEY. All checks, drafts, notes, bonds, bills of exchange and orders for payment of money of the corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.

10.02 CONTRACTS AND CONVEYANCES. The Board of Directors of the corporation may in any instance designate the officer and/or agent who shall have authority to execute any contract, conveyance, mortgage or other instrument on behalf of the corporation, or may ratify or confirm any execution. When the execution of any instrument has been authorized without specification of the executing officers or agents, any executive officer of the corporation may execute the same in the name and on behalf of this corporation and may affix the corporate seal thereto.

ARTICLE XI

BOOKS AND RECORDS

11.01 MAINTENANCE OF BOOKS AND RECORDS. The proper officers and agents of the corporation shall keep and maintain such books, records and accounts of the corporation’s business and affairs, minutes of the proceedings of its shareholders, Board and committees, if any, and such stock ledgers and lists of shareholders, as the Board of Directors shall deem advisable, and as shall be required by the laws of the State of Michigan and other states or jurisdictions empowered to impose such requirements. Books, records and minutes may be kept within or without the State of Michigan in a place which the Board shall determine.

11.02 RELIANCE ON BOOKS AND RECORDS. In discharging his or her duties, a director or an officer of the corporation, when acting in good faith, may rely upon the opinion of counsel for the corporation, upon the

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report of an independent appraiser selected with reasonable care by the Board, or upon financial statements of the corporation represented to him or her to be correct by the President or the officer of the corporation having charge of its books of account, or stated in a written report by an independent public or certified public accountant or firm of such accountants fairly to reflect the financial condition of the corporation.

ARTICLE XII

INDEMNIFICATION

12.01 INDEMNIFICATION. The corporation shall provide indemnification to persons who serve or have served as directors, officers, employees or agents of the corporation, and to persons who serve or have served at the request of the corporation as directors, officers, employees, partners or agents of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, whether for profit or not, to the fullest extent permitted by the Michigan Business Corporation Act, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended.

ARTICLE XIII

EXCLUSIVE FORUM

13.01 EXCLUSIVE FORUM. Unless the corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the corporation, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the corporation to the corporation or the corporation’s current or former shareholders (including beneficial owners of the corporation’s capital stock), (c) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Michigan Business Corporation Act or the corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws (as either may be amended from time to time), or (d) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each case, shall be the federal district court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division (or, if the federal district court does not have jurisdiction, the Circuit Courts of the State of Michigan located in Oakland County). If any action the subject matter of which is within the scope of the immediately preceding sentence is filed in a court other than a court located within the State of Michigan (a “Foreign Action”) directly or derivatively by any debtholder or shareholder or other equityholder, such debtholder or shareholder or other equityholder shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be deemed to have consented to (i) the personal jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located within the State of Michigan in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce the immediately preceding sentence and (ii) having service of process made upon such debtholder or shareholder or other equityholder in any such action by service upon such debtholder’s or shareholder’s or other equityholder’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such debtholder or shareholder or equityholder. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any debt or capital stock or other equity interests of the corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Section 13.01.

ARTICLE XIV

AMENDMENTS; INTERPRETATION AND SEVERABILITY

14.01 AMENDMENTS. The Bylaws of the corporation may be amended, altered or repealed, in whole or in part, by the shareholders or by the Board of Directors at any meeting duly held in accordance with these Bylaws, provided that notice of the meeting includes notice of the proposed amendment, alternative or repeal.

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14.02 INTERPRETATION AND SEVERABILITY. Whenever possible, each provision contained in these Bylaws shall be interpreted in such manner as to be valid and effective under applicable law. Each of the Sections of these Bylaws, and each of the clauses set forth therein, shall be deemed separate and independent, and should any part (including any words or phrases) of any such Section or clause be declared invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall in no way render invalid or unenforceable any other part thereof or any separate Section or clause of these Bylaws that is not declared invalid or unenforceable and, to the extent possible, effect shall be given to the intent manifested by the Section or clause or part thereof that is declared invalid or unenforceable.

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Exhibit 4

Directors of TCF Bank

David T. Provost

Thomas Shafer

Dennis L. Klaeser

Brennan Ryan

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Exhibit 5

Officers

Gary Torgow, Chairman

Craig R. Dahl, Chief Executive Officer and President

Dennis L. Klaeser, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Brian W. Maass, Executive Vice President, Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

David T. Provost, Vice Chairman

and such other officers as the TCF CEO shall designate at or before the Effective Time

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LOGO

January 27, 2019

The Board of Directors

Chemical Financial Corporation

235 East Main333 W. Fort Street

Midland,Suite 1800

Detroit, MI 48640

Gentlemen:

Chemical Financial Corporation (“Chemical”) and Talmer Bancorp, Inc. (“Talmer”) are proposing to enter into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which Talmer will merge with and into Chemical with Chemical being the surviving corporation (the “Merger”). Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, upon the effective time of the Merger, each share of Talmer Class A common stock, $1.00 par value per share (“Talmer Common Stock”), except for certain shares of Talmer Common Stock as specified in the Agreement, shall be converted into the right to receive, (a) $1.61 in cash, without interest (the “Cash Consideration”), and (b) 0.4725 shares of Chemical common stock, $1.00 par value per share (the “Stock Consideration” and together with the Cash Consideration, the “Merger Consideration”). Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Agreement. The terms and conditions of the Merger are more fully set forth in the Agreement. You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration to Chemical.

Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. (“Sandler O’Neill”, “we” or “our”), as part of its investment banking business, is regularly engaged in the valuation of financial institutions and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions and other corporate transactions. In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed and considered, among other things: (i) a draft of the Agreement, dated January 25, 2016; (ii) certain publicly available financial statements and other historical financial information of Chemical that we deemed relevant; (iii) certain publicly available financial statements and other historical financial information of Talmer that we deemed relevant; (iv) publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Chemical for the years ending December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 as well as an estimated earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of Chemical; (v) publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Talmer for the years ending December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 as well as an estimated earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of Talmer; (vi) the pro forma financial impact of the Merger on Chemical based on assumptions relating to transaction expenses, purchase accounting adjustments, regulatory costs and cost savings, as provided by the senior management of Chemical; (vii) the publicly reported historical price and trading activity for Chemical and Talmer common stock, including a comparison of certain stock market information for Chemical and Talmer common stock and certain stock indices as well as similar publicly available information for certain other similar companies the securities of which are publicly traded; (viii) a comparison of certain financial information for Chemical and Talmer with similar institutions for which publicly available information is available; (ix) the financial terms of certain recent business combinations in the commercial banking industry on a national basis, to the extent publicly available; (x) the current market environment generally and the banking environment in particular; and (xi) such other information, financial studies, analyses and investigations and financial, economic and market criteria as we considered relevant. We also discussed with certain members of the senior management of Chemical the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of Chemical and held similar discussions with certain members of the senior management of Talmer regarding the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of Talmer.

In performing our review, we have relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information that was available to and reviewed by us from public sources, that was provided to us by Chemical or Talmer, or their respective representatives, or that was otherwise reviewed by us and we have assumed such accuracy and completeness for purposes of rendering this opinion without any independent verification or investigation. We have relied, at the direction of Chemical, without independent verification or investigation, on the

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assessments of the management of Chemical as to its existing and future relationships with key employees and partners, clients, products and services and we have assumed, with your consent, that there will be no developments with respect to any such matters that would affect our analyses or opinion. We have further relied on the assurances of the respective managements of Chemical and Talmer that they are not aware of any facts or circumstances that would make any of such information inaccurate or misleading. We have not been asked to and have not undertaken an independent verification of any of such information and we do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness thereof. We did not make an independent evaluation or perform an appraisal of the specific assets, the collateral securing assets or the liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Chemical or Talmer, or any of their respective subsidiaries, nor have we been furnished with any such evaluations or appraisals. We render no opinion or evaluation on the collectability of any assets or the future performance of any loans of Chemical or Talmer. We did not make an independent evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses of Chemical or Talmer, or the combined entity after the Merger, and we have not reviewed any individual credit files relating to Chemical or Talmer. We have assumed, with your consent, that the respective allowances for loan losses for both Chemical and Talmer are adequate to cover such losses and will be adequate on a pro forma basis for the combined entity.

In preparing its analyses, Sandler O’Neill used publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Chemical for the years ending December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 as well as an estimated earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of Chemical, as well as publicly available consensus mean analyst earnings per share estimates for Talmer for the years ending December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 as well as an estimated earnings per share growth rate for the years thereafter, as provided by the senior management of Talmer. Sandler O’Neill also received and used in its pro forma analyses certain assumptions relating to transaction expenses, purchase accounting adjustments, regulatory costs and cost savings, as provided by the senior management of Chemical. With respect to the foregoing information, the senior managements of Chemical and Talmer confirmed to us that such information reflected (or, in the case of the publicly available mean analyst earnings per share estimates referred to above, were consistent with) the best currently available estimates and judgments of the senior managements of Chemical and Talmer, respectively, and we assumed that the financial results reflected in such information would be achieved. We express no opinion as to such estimates or judgments, or the assumptions on which they are based. We have also assumed that there has been no material change in Chemical’s or Talmer’s assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects since the date of the most recent financial statements made available to us. We have assumed in all respects material to our analysis that Chemical and Talmer will remain as going concerns for all periods relevant to our analyses.

We have also assumed, with your consent, that (i) each of the parties to the Agreement will comply in all material respects with all material terms and conditions of the Agreement and all related agreements, that all of the representations and warranties contained in such agreements are true and correct in all material respects, that each of the parties to such agreements will perform in all material respects all of the covenants and other obligations required to be performed by such party under such agreements and that the conditions precedent in such agreements are not and will not be waived, (ii) in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory or third party approvals, consents and releases with respect to the Merger, no delay, limitation, restriction or condition will be imposed that would have an adverse effect on Chemical, Talmer or the Merger or any related transaction, (iii) the Merger and any related transactions will be consummated in accordance with the terms of the Agreement without any waiver, modification or amendment of any material term, condition or agreement thereof and in compliance with all applicable laws and other requirements, and (iv) the Merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes. Finally, with your consent, we have relied upon the advice that Chemical has received from its legal, accounting and tax advisors as to all legal, accounting and tax matters relating to the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Agreement.

Our opinion is necessarily based on financial, economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof. Events occurring after the date hereof could materially affect this opinion. We have not undertaken to update, revise, reaffirm or withdraw this opinion or otherwise comment upon events occurring after the date hereof. We express no opinion as to the trading values of Chemical Common Stock or Talmer Common Stock after the date of this opinion or what the value of Chemical Common Stock will be once it is actually received by the holders of Talmer Common Stock.

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We have acted as Chemical’s financial advisor in connection with the Merger and will receive a fee for our services, a substantial portion of which is contingent upon consummation of the Merger. We will also receive a fee for rendering this opinion, which opinion fee will be credited in full towards any fee becoming payable to Sandler O’Neill on the day of closing of the Merger. Chemical has also agreed to indemnify us against certain claims and liabilities arising out of our engagement and to reimburse us for certain of our out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with our engagement. In the two years preceding the date of this opinion, we have provided certain other investment banking services to Chemical and received fees for such services. In addition, as we have previously advised you, in the two years preceding the date of this opinion, we have provided certain investment banking services to Talmer and received fees for such services. In the ordinary course of our business as a broker-dealer, we may purchase securities from and sell securities to Chemical, Talmer and their respective affiliates. We may also actively trade the equity and debt securities of Chemical and Talmer or their respective affiliates for our own account and for the accounts of our customers.

Our opinion is directed to the Board of Directors of Chemical in connection with its consideration of the Agreement and Merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of Chemical as to how any such shareholder should vote at any meeting of shareholders called to consider and vote upon the Merger. Our opinion is directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Merger Consideration to Chemical and does not address the underlying business decision of Chemical to engage in the Merger, the form or structure of the Merger and/or other transactions contemplated in the Agreement, the relative merits of the Merger as compared to any other alternative transactions or business strategies that might exist for Chemical or the effect of any other transaction in which Chemical might engage. We also do not express any opinion as to the fairness of the amount or nature of the compensation to be received in the Merger by any Chemical or Talmer officer, director or employee, or class of such persons, if any, relative to the amount of compensation to be received by any other shareholder. This opinion has been approved by Sandler O’Neill’s fairness opinion committee. This opinion shall not be reproduced without Sandler O’Neill’s prior written consent, provided however Sandler O’Neill will provide its consent for the opinion to be included in regulatory filings to be completed in connection with the Merger.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Merger Consideration is fair to Chemical from a financial point of view.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.

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ANNEX D

 

January 25, 2016

The Board of Directors

Talmer Bancorp, Inc.

2301 West Big Beaver Road

Suite 525

Troy, MI 48084

48226

Members of the Board:

You have requested the opinion of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. (“KBW” or “we”) as investment bankers as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the common shareholders of Talmer Bancorp,Chemical Financial Corporation, Inc. (“TLMR”Chemical”) of the Merger ConsiderationExchange Ratio (as defined below) to be received by such shareholders in the proposed merger (the “Merger”) of TLMRTCF Financial Corporation (“TCF”), with and into Chemical Financial Corporation (“CHFC”with Chemical as the surviving corporation (such transaction, the “Merger”), pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agreement”) to be entered into by and between TLMRChemical and CHFC.TCF. Pursuant to the Agreement and subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set forth therein, at the Effective Time (as defined in the Agreement), by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of TLMR, CHFC, the holders of shares of Class A common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of TLMR (“TLMR Common Stock”)Chemical, TCF or the holdersholder of sharesany of the securities of TCF, each share of common stock, par value $1.00$0.01 per share, of CHFCTCF (“CHFCTCF Common Stock”), each share of TLMR Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (except for shares of TLMRTCF Common Stock owned directlyby TCF as treasury stock or indirectly,owned by TLMRTCF or CHFC (inChemical, in each case other than those held in a fiduciary or agency capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted), shall be converted into the right to receive: (i) 0.4725receive, without interest, 0.5081 of a share of CHFCcommon stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Chemical (“Chemical Common Stock”). The ratio of 0.5081 of a share of Chemical Common Stock (the “Stock Consideration”) and (ii) $1.61 in cash (the “Cash Consideration”). The Cash Consideration and thefor one share of TCF Common Stock Consideration, taken together, areis referred to herein as the “Merger Consideration.“Exchange Ratio.” The terms and conditions of the Merger are more fully set forth in the Agreement.

The Agreement further provides that, immediately following the Merger Talmeror at such later time as Chemical and TCF may mutually agree, Chemical Bank, and Trust, a wholly ownedwholly-owned subsidiary of TLMR (“Talmer Bank”), shallChemical, will merge with and into ChemicalTCF National Bank, a wholly ownedwholly-owned subsidiary of CHFCTCF (“ChemicalTCF Bank”), with ChemicalTCF Bank as the surviving entity, pursuant to a subsidiaryseparate agreement and plan of merger (such transaction, the “Bank Merger”).

In addition, representatives of Chemical have advised us that, prior to the closing of the Merger, Chemical is expected to consummate a subordinated debt transaction for anticipated gross cash proceeds to Chemical of approximately $150 million (the “Chemical Debt Placement”). At the direction of Chemical, we have given effect to the occurrence of the Chemical Debt Placement for purposes of certain of our analyses.

KBW has acted as financial advisor to TLMRChemical and not as an advisor to or agent of any other person. As part of our investment banking business, we are continually engaged in the valuation of bank and bank holding company securities in connection with acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for various other purposes. As specialists in the securities of banking companies, we have experience in, and knowledge of, the valuation of banking enterprises. InWe and our affiliates, in the ordinary course of our and their broker-dealer business andbusinesses (and further to certain existing sales and trading relationships with TLMRbetween Chemical and CHFC,each of KBW and its affiliatesa KBW broker-dealer affiliate), may from time to time purchase securities from, and sell securities to, TLMRChemical and CHFC. As aTCF. In addition, as market makermakers in securities, KBWwe and itsour affiliates may from time to time have a long or short position in, and buy or sell, debt or equity securities of TLMRChemical or CHFCTCF for our and their own accounts and for the accounts of our and their respective customers and clients. We have acted exclusively for the board of directors of TLMRChemical (the “Board”) in rendering this opinion and will receive a fee from TLMRChemical for our services. A portion of our fee is payable upon the rendering of this opinion and a significant portion is contingent upon the successful completion of the Merger. In addition, TLMRChemical has agreed to indemnify us for certain liabilities arising out of our engagement.


The Board of Directors – Chemical Financial Corporation

January 27, 2019

Page 2 of 5

 

In addition toOther than in connection with this present engagement, in the past two years, both KBW and a broker-dealer acquired by an affiliate of KBW in June 2015 havehas not provided investment banking andor financial advisory services to TLMR and received compensation for such services. Both KBW and such broker-dealer served as underwriters in connection with the initial public offering of TLMR in February 2014. KBW also served as financial advisor to TLMR in

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connection with its acquisition of four banking subsidiaries of Capitol Bancorp Ltd. in January 2014 and as an underwriter in connection with a follow-on public offering of TLMR in August 2015.Chemical. In the past two years, KBW has not provided investment banking andor financial advisory services to CHFC and received compensation for such services. KBW served as financial advisor to CHFC in connection with its acquisitions of Northwestern Bancorp in October 2014, Monarch Community Bancorp, Inc. in April 2015 and Lake Michigan Financial Corporation in May 2015, and as an underwriter in connection with a follow-on public offering of CHFC in September 2014.TCF. We may in the future provide investment banking and financial advisory services to TLMRChemical or CHFCTCF and receive compensation for such services.

In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed, analyzed and relied upon material bearing upon the Merger and upon the financial and operating condition of TLMRChemical and CHFC,TCF and bearing upon the Merger, including among other things, the following: (i) a draft of the Agreement dated January 25, 201626, 2019 (the most recent draft made available to us); (ii) the audited financial statements and the Annual Reports on Form10-Kfor the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, and the Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2014,2017 of TLMR;Chemical; (iii) the unaudited quarterly financial statements and Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2015,2018, June 30, 20152018 and September 30, 20152018 of TLMR;Chemical; (iv) certain draft and unaudited quarterly and fiscalyear-end financial results for the period ended December 31, 20152018 of TLMRChemical (provided to us by representatives of TLMR)Chemical); (v) the audited financial statements and the Annual Reports onForm 10-K for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 20142017 of CHFC;TCF; (vi) the unaudited quarterly financial statements and Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2015,2018, June 30, 20152018 and September 30, 20152018 of CHFC;TCF; (vii) certain draft and unaudited quarterly and fiscalyear-end financial results for the period ended December 31, 20152018 of CHFCTCF (provided to us by representatives of CHFC)TCF); (viii) certain regulatory filings of TLMR, Talmer Bank, CHFCChemical and Chemical Bank,TCF and their respective subsidiaries, including, (as applicable)as applicable, the quarterly reports on FormFRY-9C and Form FRY-9LP and the quarterly call reports that were filed with respect to each quarter during the three year period ended December 31, 2014 and2017 as well as the three quarters ended March 31, 2015,2018, June 30, 20152018 and September 30, 2015;2018; (ix) certain other interim reports and other communications of TLMRChemical and CHFCTCF to their respective shareholders;stockholders; and (x) other financial information concerning the respective businesses and operations of TLMRChemical and CHFCTCF that was furnished to us by TLMRChemical and CHFCTCF or whichthat we were otherwise directed to use for purposes of our analyses.analysis. Our consideration of financial information and other factors that we deemed appropriate under the circumstances or relevant to our analyses included, among others, the following: (i) the historical and current financial position and results of operations of TLMRChemical and CHFC;TCF; (ii) the assets and liabilities of TLMRChemical and CHFC;TCF; (iii) the nature and terms of certain other merger transactions and business combinations in the banking industry; (iv) a comparison of certain financial and stock market information for TLMRof Chemical and CHFCTCF with similar information for certain other companies, the securities of which are publicly traded; (v) financial and operating forecasts and projections of TLMR that were prepared by, and provided to us and discussed with us by, TLMR management and that were used and relied upon by us at the direction of such management and with the consent of the Board; (vi) publicly availablepublicly-available consensus “street estimates” of CHFC for 2016 and 2017,TCF, as well as assumed long termTCF long-term growth rates that were provided to us by CHFCTCF management, all of which information was discussed with us by suchChemical management and TCF management and used and relied upon by us based on such discussions, at the direction of TLMRChemical management and with the consent of the Board; (vi) financial and operating forecasts and projections of Chemical that were prepared by Chemical management, provided to and discussed with us by such management, and used and relied upon by us at the direction of such management and with the consent of the Board; and (vii) estimates regarding certain pro forma financial effects of the Merger on CHFCChemical (including without limitation the potential cost savings and related expenses expected to result or be derived from the Merger) that were prepared (in consultation with CHFC management) by andChemical management, provided to and discussed with us by thesuch management, of TLMR, and used and relied upon by us at the direction of TLMRsuch management and with the consent of the Board. At the request of the Board, we have also reviewed and used for certain of our analyses financial and operating forecasts and projections of TCF with respect to 2019 that were prepared by TCF management and provided to and discussed with us by such management and publicly-available consensus “street estimates” of Chemical. We have also performed such other studies and analyses as we considered appropriate and have taken into account our assessment of general economic, market and financial conditions and our experience in other transactions, as well as our experience in securities valuation and knowledge of the banking industry generally. We have also participated in discussions that were held discussions with senior managementby the managements of TLMRChemical and CHFCTCF regarding the past and current business operations, regulatory relations, financial condition and future prospects of their respective companies and such other matters as we have deemed relevant to our inquiry.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.


The Board of Directors – Chemical Financial Corporation

January 27, 2019

Page 3 of 5

 

In conducting our review and arriving at our opinion, we have relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information that was provided to us or that was publicly available and we have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of any such information or assumed any responsibility or liability for such verification, accuracy or completeness. We have relied upon the management of TLMR as to the reasonableness and achievability of the financial and operating forecasts and projections of TLMR and the estimates regarding certain pro forma financial effects of the Merger on CHFC referred to above (and the assumptions and bases for such forecasts, projections and estimates, including without limitation, the cost savings

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and related expenses expected to result or be derived from the Merger) and we have assumed, with the consent of TLMR, that such forecasts, projections and estimates were reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of such management and that such forecasts, projections and estimates will be realized in the amounts and in the time periods currently estimated by such management. We have further relied, with the consent of TLMR, upon CHFC managementChemical as to the reasonableness and achievability of the publicly available consensus “street estimates” of CHFC andTCF, the assumed TCF long-term growth rates, providedthe financial and operating forecasts and projections of Chemical, and the estimates regarding certain pro forma financial effects of the Merger on Chemical (including, without limitation, the potential cost savings and related expenses expected to and discussed with us by such managementresult or be derived from the Merger), all as referred to above (and the assumptions and bases therefor), and we have assumed withthat all of the consent of TLMR, that suchforegoing information was reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting, orand represents (or in the case of the publicly available consensus “street estimates” of CHFC referred to above wereTCF that such estimates are consistent with,with) the best currently available estimates and judgments of CHFCChemical management and that the forecasts, projections and estimates reflected in all such information will be realized in the amounts and in the time periods currently estimated.

In addition, in the case of financial and operating forecasts and projections of TCF with respect to 2019 provided by TCF management and used by us for certain of our analyses, we have assumed that such forecasts and projections of TCF were reasonably prepared and represent the best currently available estimates and judgments of TCF management.

It is understood that the forecasts, projections,portion of the foregoing financial information of Chemical and estimates of TLMR and CHFCTCF that was provided to and discussed with us werewas not prepared with the expectation of public disclosure and that all of such forecasts, projections, and estimates, together withthe foregoing financial information (including the publicly available consensus “street estimates” of CHFCTCF and Chemical referred to above that we were directed to use,above) is based on numerous variables and assumptions that are inherently uncertain including,(including, without limitation, factors related to general economic and competitive conditionsconditions) and, that, accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from those set forth in such information. We have assumed, based on discussions with the respective managements of TLMRChemical and CHFCTCF and with the consent of the Board, that all such information provides a reasonable basis upon which we could form our opinion and we express no view as to any such information or the assumptions or bases therefor. We have relied on all such information without independent verification or analysis and do not in any respect assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness thereof.

We also have assumed that there werehave been no material changes in the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects of either TLMRChemical or CHFCTCF since the date of the last financial statements of each such entity that were made available to us.us and that we were directed to use. We are not experts in the independent verification of the adequacy of allowances for loan and lease losses and we have assumed, without independent verification and with your consent, that the aggregate allowances for loan and lease losses for TLMReach of Chemical and CHFCTCF are adequate to cover such losses. In rendering our opinion, we have not made or obtained any evaluations or appraisals or physical inspection of the property, assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of TLMRChemical or CHFC,TCF, the collateral securing any of such assets or liabilities, or the collectability of any such assets, nor have we examined any individual loan or credit files, nor did we evaluate the solvency, financial capability or fair value of TLMRChemical or CHFCTCF under any state or federal laws, including those relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or other matters. Estimates of values of companies and assets do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which companies or assets may actually be sold. Because such estimates are inherently subject to uncertainty, we assume no responsibility or liability for their accuracy.

We have assumed, in all respects material to our analyses, the following: (i) that the Merger and any related transactions (including the Bank Merger) will be completed substantially in accordance with the terms set forth in the Agreement (the final terms of which we have assumed will not differ in any respect material to our analyses from the draft version reviewed by us and referred to above), with no adjustments to the Exchange Ratio and with no other consideration or payments in

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.


The Board of Directors – Chemical Financial Corporation

January 27, 2019

Page 4 of 5

respect of TCF Common Stock; (ii) that any related transactions (including the Bank Merger Consideration; (ii)and the Chemical Debt Placement) will be completed substantially in accordance with the terms set forth in the Agreement or as otherwise described to us by representatives of Chemical; (iii) that the representations and warranties of each party in the Agreement and in all related documents and instruments referred to in the Agreement are true and correct; (iii)(iv) that each party to the Agreement and allor any of the related documents will perform all of the covenants and agreements required to be performed by such party under such documents; (iv)(v) that there are no factors that would delay or subject to any adverse conditions, any necessary regulatory or governmental approval for the Merger or any related transaction or cause any necessary regulatory or governmental approval for the Merger or any related transaction to be subject to any adverse conditions, and that all conditions to the completion of the Merger and any related transactiontransactions will be satisfied without any waivers or modifications to the Agreement;Agreement or any of the related documents; and (v)(vi) that in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory, contractual, or other consents or approvals for the Merger and any related transaction,transactions, no restrictions, including any divestiture requirements, termination or other payments or amendments or modifications, will be imposed that will have a material adverse effect on the future results of operations or financial condition of TLMR, CHFC,Chemical, TCF or the combinedpro forma entity, or the contemplated benefits of the Merger, including without limitation the cost savings and related expenses expected to result or be derived from the Merger. We have assumed in all respects material to our analyses, that the Merger will be consummated in a manner that complies with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and all other applicable federal and state statutes, rules and regulations. We have further been advised by

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representatives of TLMRChemical that TLMRChemical has relied upon advice from its advisors (other than KBW) or other appropriate sources as to all legal, financial reporting, tax, accounting and regulatory matters with respect to TLMR, CHFC,Chemical, TCF, the Merger and any related transaction (including the Bank Merger)Merger and the Chemical Debt Placement), and the Agreement. KBW has not provided advice with respect to any such matters.

This opinion addresses only the fairness, from a financial point of view, as of the date hereof, to the holders of TLMR Common Stock of the Merger Consideration to be received by such holdersExchange Ratio in the Merger.Merger to Chemical. We express no view or opinion as to any other terms or aspects of the Merger or any term or aspect of any related transaction (including the Bank Merger)Merger and the Chemical Debt Placement), including without limitation, the form or structure of the Merger (including the form of Merger Consideration or the allocation thereof between cash and stock) or any such related transaction, the treatment of outstanding preferred stock and other securities of TCF in the Merger, any consequences of the Merger or any related transaction to TLMR,Chemical, its shareholders,stockholders, creditors or otherwise, or any terms, aspects, merits or implications of any employment, retention, consulting, termination, voting, support, shareholderstockholder or other agreements, arrangements or understandings contemplated or entered into in connection with the Merger, any such related transaction, or otherwise. Our opinion is necessarily based upon conditions as they exist and can be evaluated on the date hereof and the information made available to us through the date hereof. It is understood that subsequent developments may affect the conclusion reached in this opinion and that KBW does not have an obligation to update, revise or reaffirm this opinion. Our opinion does not address, and we express no view or opinion with respect to, (i) the underlying business decision of TLMRChemical to engage in the Merger or enter into the Agreement;Agreement, (ii) the relative merits of the Merger as compared to any strategic alternatives that are, have been or may be available to or contemplated by TLMRChemical or the Board;Board, (iii) any business, operational or other plans with respect to TCF or the pro forma entity that may be currently contemplated by Chemical or the Board or that may be implemented subsequent to the closing of the Merger, (iv) the fairness of the amount or nature of any compensation to any of TLMR’sChemical’s officers, directors or employees, or any class of such persons, relative to theany compensation to the holders of TLMRChemical Common Stock; (iv)Stock or relative to the Exchange Ratio, (v) the effect of the Merger or any related transaction (including the Bank Merger and the Chemical Debt Placement) on, or the fairness of the consideration to be received by, holders of any class of securities of TLMR (other than the holders of TLMR Common Stock solely with respect to the Merger Consideration, as described herein and not relative to the consideration to be received by holders of any other class of securities) or holders of any class of securities of CHFCChemical, TCF or any other party to any transaction contemplated by the Agreement; (v) whether CHFC has sufficient cash, available lines of credit or other sources of funds to enable it to pay the aggregate amount of the Cash Consideration to the holders of TLMR Common Stock at the closing of the Merger;Agreement, (vi) the actual value of CHFCChemical Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Merger;Merger, (vii) the prices, trading range or volume at which TLMRChemical Common Stock or CHFCTCF Common Stock will trade following the public announcement of the Merger or the prices, trading range or volume at which CHFCChemical Common Stock will trade following the consummation of the Merger;Merger, (viii) any advice or opinions provided by any other advisor to any of the parties to the Merger or any other transaction

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.


The Board of Directors – Chemical Financial Corporation

January 27, 2019

Page 5 of 5

contemplated by the Agreement;Agreement, or (ix) any legal, regulatory, accounting, tax or similar matters relating to TLMR, CHFC,Chemical, TCF, any of their respective shareholders,stockholders, or relating to or arising out of or as a consequence of the Merger or any other related transaction (including the Bank Merger)Merger and the Chemical Debt Placement), including whether or not the Merger wouldwill qualify as atax-free reorganization for United States federal income tax purposes.

This opinion is for the information of, and is directed to, the Board (in its capacity as such) in connection with its consideration of the financial terms of the Merger. This opinion does not constitute a recommendation to the Board as to how it should vote on the Merger or to any holder of TLMRChemical Common Stock or any shareholderstockholder of any other entity as to how to vote in connection with the Merger or any other matter, nor does it constitute a recommendation regardingas to whether or not any such shareholderstockholder should enter into a voting, shareholders’stockholders’, affiliates’ or affiliates’other agreement with respect to the Merger or exercise any dissenters’ or appraisal rights that may be available to such shareholder.

Merger.

This opinion has been reviewed and approved by our Fairness Opinion Committee in conformity with our policies and procedures established under the requirements of Rule 5150 of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of TLMR Common StockExchange Ratio in the Merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders.Chemical.

 

Very truly yours,

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Chemical is obligated under the its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents and persons who serve or have served at the request of Chemical as directors, officers, employees, agents or partners of another corporation or other enterprise to the fullest extent permitted under the MBCA.

Sections 561 through 571 of the MBCA contain provisions governing the indemnification of directors and officers by Michigan corporations. That statute provides that a corporation has the power to indemnify a person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and whether formal or informal (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation 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 attorneys’ fees), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit or proceeding, if the person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders, and with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, if the person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of an action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, does not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner that he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders, and, with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

Indemnification of expenses (including attorneys’ fees) and amounts paid in settlement is permitted in derivative actions, except that indemnification is not allowed for any claim, issue or matter in which such person has been found liable to the corporation unless and to the extent that a court decides indemnification is proper. To the extent that a director or officer has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of an action, suit or proceeding, or in defense of a claim, issue or matter in the action, suit or proceeding, the corporation shall indemnify him or her against actual and reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit or proceeding, and any action, suit or proceeding brought to enforce the mandatory indemnification provided under the MBCA. The MBCA permits partial indemnification for a portion of expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent the person is entitled to indemnification for less than the total amount.

A determination that the person to be indemnified meets the applicable standard of conduct and an evaluation of the reasonableness of the expenses incurred and amounts paid in settlement shall be made: (i) by a majority vote of a quorum of the board of directors who were not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding; (ii) if a quorum cannot be so obtained, by a majority vote of a committee of not less than two directors who are not, at the time, parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding; (iii) by independent legal counsel; (iv) by all independent directors not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding; or (v) by the shareholders (excluding shares held by directors, officers, employees or agents who are parties or are threatened to be made parties to the action, suit, or proceeding). An authorization for payment of indemnification may be made by: (a) the board of directors by (i) a majority vote of all directors who are not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding, provided that there are at least two such directors, (ii) a majority vote of a committee of two or more directors who are not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding, (iii) a majority vote all “independent directors” who are not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding, provided that there is at least one such director, or (iv) if the corporation lacks the appropriate persons for alternatives (i) through (iii), by a majority vote of the entire board of directors; or (b) the shareholders (excluding shares held by directors, officers, employees or agents who are parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit, or proceeding). Under the MBCA, Chemical may indemnify a director without a determination that the director has met the applicable standard of conduct unless the director received a financial benefit to which he or she was not entitled, intentionally inflicted harm on the

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corporation or its shareholders, violated Section 551 of the MBCA (which prohibits certain dividends, distributions and loans to insiders of the corporation), or intentionally committed a criminal act. A director may file for a court determination of the propriety of indemnification in any of the situations set forth in the preceding sentence.

In certain circumstances, the MBCA further permits advances to cover such expenses before a final disposition of the proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking, which need not be secured and which may be accepted without reference to the financial ability of the person to make repayment, by or on behalf of the director, officer, employee or agent to repay such amounts if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she has not met the applicable standard of conduct. If a provision in the articles of incorporation or bylaws, a resolution of the board or shareholders, or an agreement makes indemnification mandatory, then the advancement of expenses is also mandatory, unless the provision, resolution or agreement specifically provides otherwise.

The indemnification provisions of the MBCA are not exclusive of the rights to indemnification under a corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws or by agreement. However, the total amount of expenses advanced or indemnified from all sources combined may not exceed the amount of actual expenses incurred by the person seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses. The indemnification provided for under the MBCA continues as to a person who ceases to be a director, officer, employee or agent.

The MBCA permits Chemical to purchase insurance on behalf of its directors, officers, employees and agents against liabilities arising out of their positions with Chemical, whether or not such liabilities would be within the above indemnification provisions. Pursuant to this authority, Chemical maintains such insurance on behalf of its directors, officers, employees and agents.

Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statements

The exhibits listed below in the “Exhibit Index” are part of this Registration Statement and are numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

Item 22. Undertakings

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’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’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 initialbona fide offering thereof.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.

The undersigned registrant undertakes that every prospectus: (i) that is filed pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is used in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each such post-effective amendment 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 initialbona fide offering thereof.

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 Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a

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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 Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

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.

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.

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SIGNATURES

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 Midland, State of Michigan, on March 31, 2016.

CHEMICAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By:/s/ David B. Ramaker

David B. Ramaker

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President

(Principal Executive Officer)LOGO

By:/s/ Lori A. Gwizdala

Lori A. Gwizdala

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

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 date indicated.

March 31, 2016By/s/ David B. Ramaker

David B. Ramaker

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President

(Principal Executive Officer)

March 31, 2016By/s/ Lori A. Gwizdala

Lori A. Gwizdala

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

March 31, 2016By*/s/ Franklin C. Wheatlake

Franklin C. Wheatlake

Lead Director

March 31, 2016By*/s/ Gary E. Anderson

Gary E. Anderson

Director

March 31, 2016By

James R. Fitterling

Director

March 31, 2016By*/s/ Terence F. Moore

Terence F. Moore

Director

March 31, 2016By*/s/ Larry D. Stauffer

Larry D. Stauffer

Director

March 31, 2016By*/s/ John E. Pelizzari

John E. Pelizzari

Director

March 31, 2016By*/s/ Richard M. Lievense

Richard M. Lievense

Director

*   By/s/ Lori A. Gwizdala

Lori A. Gwizdala

Attorney-In-Fact

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit

Description

  2.1Agreement and Plan of Merger between Chemical Financial Corporation and Talmer Bancorp, Inc.  Previously filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 25, 2016.  Here incorporated by reference.
  3.1Restated Articles of Incorporation of Chemical Financial Corporation. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on May 5, 2011. Here incorporated by reference.
  3.2Bylaws of Chemical Financial Corporation. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2014. Here incorporated by reference.
  4.1Restated Articles of Incorporation of Chemical Financial Corporation. Exhibit 3.1 is here incorporated by reference.
  4.2Bylaws of Chemical Financial Corporation. Exhibit 3.2 is here incorporated by reference.
  4.3Long-Term Debt. The registrant has outstanding long-term debt which at the time of this report does not exceed 10% of the registrant’s total consolidated assets. The registrant agrees to furnish copies of the agreements defining the rights of holders of such long-term debt to the SEC upon request.
  5.1Opinion of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP regarding the validity of the securities being registered.
  8.1Opinion of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP regarding tax matters.
  8.2Opinion of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP regarding tax matters.
10.1Chemical Financial Corporation Stock Incentive Plan of 2006.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, filed with the SEC on August 3, 2011. Here incorporated by reference.
10.2Chemical Financial Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on February 24, 2012. Here incorporated by reference.
10.3Chemical Financial Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on April 30, 2013. Here incorporated by reference.
10.4Chemical Financial Corporation Supplemental Retirement Income Plan.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed with the SEC on February 19, 2010. Here incorporated by reference.
10.5Chemical Financial Corporation Stock Incentive Plan of 2012.* Previously filed as Appendix A to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the registrant’s 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2012. Here incorporated by reference.
10.6Chemical Financial Corporation Directors’ Deferred Stock Plan.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2014. Here incorporated by reference.

Exhibit

Description

10.7Chemical Financial Corporation Stock Incentive Plan of 2015.* Previously filed as Appendix C to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the registrant’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2015. Here incorporated by reference.
10.8Services Agreement, dated January 25, 2016, among Chemical Financial Corporation, Talmer Bank and Trust and Gary Torgow.
10.9Services Agreement, dated January 25, 2016, among Chemical Financial Corporation, Talmer Bank and Trust and David Provost.
10.10Services Agreement, dated January 25, 2016, among Chemical Financial Corporation, Talmer Bank and Trust and Dennis Klaeser.
21.1Subsidiaries of Chemical Financial Corporation. Previously filed as Exhibit 21 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2016.  Here incorporated by reference.
23.1Consent of Warner Norcross & Judd, LLP (included in Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1 and here incorporated by reference).
23.2Consent of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP (included in Exhibit 8.2 and here incorporated by reference).
23.3Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP.
23.4Consent of KPMG LLP.
24Powers of Attorney.
99.1Consent of Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.
99.2Consent of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
99.3Form of Proxy for Chemical Financial Corporation.
99.4Form of Proxy for Talmer Bancorp, Inc.
99.5Form of Support Agreement, dated January 25, 2016, among Chemical Financial Corporation and Directors of Talmer Bancorp, Inc.
99.6Form of Support Agreement, dated January 25, 2016, among Talmer Bancorp, Inc. and Directors of Chemical Financial Corporation.

 

*     These documentsKeefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.


[J.P. Morgan letterhead]

January 27, 2019

The Board of Directors

TCF Financial Corporation

200 East Lake Street

Wayzata, Minnesota 55391

Members of the Board of Directors:

You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the holders of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Company Common Stock”), of TCF Financial Corporation (the “Company”) of the Exchange Ratio (as defined below) in the proposed merger (the “Transaction”) of the Company with Chemical Financial Corporation (the “Merger Partner”). Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 27, 2019 (the “Agreement”), by and between the Company and the Merger Partner, the Company will merge with and into the Merger Partner, and each outstanding share of Company Common Stock, except for shares of Company Common Stock owned by the Company as treasury stock or owned by the Company or the Merger Partner (in each case other than in a fiduciary or agency capacity or as a result of debts previously contracted), will be converted into the right to receive 0.5081 shares (the “Exchange Ratio”) of the Merger Partner’s common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the “Merger Partner Common Stock”).

In connection with preparing our opinion, we have (i) reviewed a draft dated January 25, 2019 of the Agreement; (ii) reviewed certain publicly available business and financial information concerning the Company and the Merger Partner and the industries in which they operate; (iii) compared the financial and operating performance of the Company and the Merger Partner with publicly available information concerning certain other companies we deemed relevant and reviewed the current and historical market prices of the Company Common Stock and the Merger Partner Common Stock and certain publicly traded securities of such other companies; (iv) reviewed certain internal financial analyses and forecasts prepared by the managements of the Company and the Merger Partner relating to their respective businesses, as well as the estimated amount and timing of the cost savings and related expenses and synergies expected to result from the Transaction (the “Synergies”); and (v) performed such other financial studies and analyses and considered such other information as we deemed appropriate for the purposes of this opinion.

In addition, we have held discussions with certain members of the management of the Company and the Merger Partner with respect to certain aspects of the Transaction, and the past and current business operations of the Company and the Merger Partner, the financial condition and future prospects and operations of the Company and the Merger Partner, the effects of the Transaction on the financial condition and future prospects of the Company and the Merger Partner, and certain other matters we believed necessary or appropriate to our inquiry.

In giving our opinion, we have relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all information that was publicly available or was furnished to or discussed with us by the Company and the Merger Partner or otherwise reviewed by or for us. We have not independently verified any such information or its accuracy or completeness and, pursuant to our engagement letter with the Company, we did not assume any obligation to undertake any such independent verification. We have not conducted or been provided with any valuation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities, nor have we evaluated the solvency of the Company or the Merger Partner under any state or federal laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar matters. In relying on financial analyses and forecasts provided to us or derived therefrom, including the Synergies, we have assumed that they have been reasonably prepared based on assumptions reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments by management as to the expected future results of operations and financial condition of the Company and the Merger Partner to which such analyses or forecasts relate. We express no view as to such analyses or forecasts (including the Synergies) or the assumptions on which they were based. We have also assumed that the Transaction and the other transactions contemplated by the Agreement will qualify as atax-free reorganization


for United States federal income tax purposes, and will be consummated as described in the Agreement, and that the definitive Agreement will not differ in any material respects from the draft thereof furnished to us. We have also assumed that the representations and warranties made by the Company and the Merger Partner in the Agreement and the related agreements are management contractsand will be true and correct in all respects material to our analysis. We are not legal, regulatory or tax experts and have relied on the assessments made by advisors to the Company with respect to such issues. We have further assumed that all material governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the Transaction will be obtained without any adverse effect on the Company or the Merger Partner or on the contemplated benefits of the Transaction.

Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof. It should be understood that subsequent developments may affect this opinion and that we do not have any obligation to update, revise, or reaffirm this opinion. Our opinion is limited to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the holders of the Company Common Stock of the Exchange Ratio in the proposed Transaction and we express no opinion as to the fairness of any consideration to be paid in connection with the Transaction to the holders of any other class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of the Company or as to the underlying decision by the Company to engage in the Transaction. Furthermore, we express no opinion with respect to the amount or nature of any compensation plansto any officers, directors, or arrangements.employees of any party to the Transaction, or any class of such persons relative to the Exchange Ratio applicable to the holders of the Company Common Stock in the Transaction or with respect to the fairness of any such compensation.We are expressing no opinion herein as to the price at which the Company Common Stock or the Merger Partner Common Stock will trade at any future time.

We note that we were not authorized to and did not solicit any expressions of interest from any other parties with respect to the sale of all or any part of the Company or any other alternative transaction.

We have acted as financial advisor to the Company with respect to the proposed Transaction and will receive a fee from the Company for our services, a substantial portion of which will become payable only if the proposed Transaction is consummated. In addition, the Company has agreed to indemnify us for certain liabilities arising out of our engagement. Please be advised that during the two years preceding the date of this letter, neither we nor our affiliates have had any other material financial advisory or other material commercial or investment banking relationships with the Company or the Merger Partner. In addition, we and our affiliates hold, on a proprietary basis, less than 1% of the outstanding common stock of each of the Company and the Merger Partner. In the ordinary course of our businesses, we and our affiliates may actively trade the debt and equity securities or financial instruments (including derivatives, bank loans or other obligations) of the Company or the Merger Partner for our own account or for the accounts of customers and, accordingly, we may at any time hold long or short positions in such securities or other financial instruments.

On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion as of the date hereof that the Exchange Ratio in the proposed Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of the Company Common Stock.

The issuance of this opinion has been approved by a fairness opinion committee of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. This letter is provided to the Board of Directors of the Company (in its capacity as such) in connection with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the Transaction. This opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of the Company as to how such shareholder should vote with respect to the Transaction or any other matter. This opinion may not be disclosed, referred to, or communicated (in whole or in part) to any third party for any purpose whatsoever except with our prior written approval. This opinion may be reproduced in full in any proxy or information statement mailed to shareholders of the Company but may not otherwise be disclosed publicly in any manner without our prior written approval.

Very truly yours,

/s/ J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

 

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