Michigan's Independent ends M&A drought with in-state deal

Key insight: Seller HCB Bancorp is flush with liquidity, offering Independent Bank Corp. plenty of capital to fuel commercial loan growth.Supporting data: HCB reported a sub-70% loan-to-deposit ratio at year-end 2025.Expert quote: "Ideally, a lot of this liquidity will flow into our commercial pipeline for funding." — Independent Chief Financial Officer Gavin MohrIndependent Bank Corp. in Grand Rapids, Mich., has struck a deal to acquire an in-state competitor, agreeing to pay $70.2 million for the $590 mil ...