Superior National Bank and Trust Acquires Main Street Bank

Charter Capital Partners and Olejniczak Advisors today announced the successful closing of the acquisition of North Star Financial Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary Main Street Bank by Keweenaw Financial Corp., the parent company of Superior National Bank and Trust. The definitive agreement was announced on September 18, 2019, and the transaction closed on February 4, 2020.  North Star Financial Holdings, Inc. shareholders received $42 million in cash for consideration.

Charter principals served as exclusive M&A advisors to Superior National Bank and Trust, with support from financial services industry strategic consultant Olejniczak Advisors.

By combining their resources, Upper Peninsula-based Superior National Bank and Southeast Michigan-based Main Street Bank are able to provide customers with an enhanced banking experience, greater mortgage options, augmented financial services, and a larger lending capacity. The combined organization boasts more than $800 million in assets, encompassing 11 bank branches and four loan origination offices. Superior National Bank's board of directors will guide and govern the combined organization from the bank's current headquarters in Hancock, Michigan.

"This acquisition brings two strong banking teams together, enabling us to better serve customers in an expanded geography with a larger suite of banking products," said Dave Vlahos, President and Chief Executive Officer of Superior National Bank. "The long-term impact is smart, measured growth for the organization, structured by a foundational focus on exceeding customer expectations."

"We are excited about the new opportunities we can offer to our customers, our staff, and the local communities we serve," added Main Street Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Kopelman. "Our goal, as always, is to deliver premier levels of service as we strive to provide our customers with the ultimate relationship-based banking experience."

"We are thrilled to have guided Superior National Bank through a successful closing while ensuring that both organizations were able to achieve their goals," said John Kerschen, President and Managing Partner, Charter Capital Partners. "This a great outcome for all parties involved, including Superior National Bank, Main Street Bank, and all of their customers throughout Michigan."

Superior National Bank and Trust was also advised by John Hecht Consulting and the law firm of Warner Norcross and Judd LLP. ProBank Austin issued a fairness opinion as part of the transaction. Main Street Bank was advised by McQueen Financial Advisors and the law firms of Kus Ryan & Associates PLLC and Seyburn Kahn, PC.

About Charter Capital Partners
In operation since 1989, Charter Capital Partners is a premier investment banking firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Charter offers a comprehensive range of investment banking and private capital investing advisory services, including buy-side and sell-side M&A, succession planning, business valuation and capital raise. Charter Private Capital Management is a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA), professionally managing numerous private investment entities. chartercapitalpartners.com.

About Olejniczak Advisors
Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan-based Olejniczak Advisors was founded in 2011 by CPA and seasoned financial services industry advisor Edmond Olejniczak. Olejniczak Advisors provides comprehensive solutions tailored to the needs of financial services companies in all parts of their lifecycle.  Olejniczak Advisors addresses strategic, valuation, operational and regulatory matters to assist clients with growth, soundness and success in the financial services industry. olejadvisors.com

About Superior National Bank 
Keweenaw Financial Corp. and its subsidiary Superior National Bank and Trust were established in 1890 and are providers of personal and commercial banking services. The company offers both personal and business checking and savings accounts, market accounts, certificates of deposit, trust and financial services, safe deposit boxes, residential, consumer and commercial loans, conventional and government lending and debt financing services. Superior National is headquartered in Hancock, Michigan with nine retail branches across the Western Upper Peninsula. www.snb-t.com.

About Main Street Bank
North Star Financial and its subsidiary Main Street Bank are providers of personal and commercial banking services. The company offers both personal and business checking and savings accounts, market accounts, certificates of deposit, safe deposit boxes, business commercial loans, residential mortgages, conventional and government lending, and debt financing services. Main Street was founded in 2005 with headquarters in Bingham Farms and operates six locations, including two retail branches, three mortgage loan offices, and one commercial loan office serving southeast Michigan. msbmi.com.