UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 1.01 Entry Into A Material Definitive Agreement
On April 23, 2025, Citizens & Northern Corporation (“C&N”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Susquehanna Community Financial, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation (“SQCF”). Pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, SQCF will merge with and into C&N, with C&N surviving (the “Merger”), and Susquehanna Community Bank, the wholly owned subsidiary of SQCF, will merge with and into Citizens & Northern Bank (“C&N Bank”), the wholly-owned subsidiary of C&N, with C&N Bank surviving (the “Bank Merger”).
At the effective time of the Merger, each share of SQCF’s common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger will be converted into the right to receive 0.80 shares of C&N common stock. Holders of SQCF common stock prior to the consummation of the Merger will own approximately 13% of C&N’s common stock outstanding immediately following the consummation of the Merger. To the extent applicable, fractional shares of C&N’s common stock will be issued in connection with the Merger. SQCF has no outstanding stock options.
The Merger Agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of each of C&N and SQCF. Subject to receiving the requisite approval of the Merger Agreement by SQCF’s shareholders, the receipt of the Requisite Regulatory Approval (as defined in the Merger Agreement), and the fulfillment of other customary closing conditions, the parties anticipate that the Merger will close in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The Merger Agreement contains customary representations and warranties from each of C&N and SQCF with respect to its and its subsidiaries’ businesses. In addition, the Merger Agreement includes customary covenants, including, among others, (i) covenants by each party relating to the conduct of its business during the interim period between the execution of the Merger Agreement and the effective time of the Merger, (ii) covenants by SQCF relating to SQCF’s obligation to call a meeting of its shareholders to approve the Merger Agreement, (iii) a covenant by SQCF, subject to certain exceptions, to recommend that its shareholders approve the Merger Agreement and (iv) covenants by SQCF not to, subject to certain exceptions, (a) initiate, solicit, induce or encourage or take any action to facilitate (including by providing non-public information) any inquiries or proposals with respect to any acquisition proposals or (b) engage in discussions with third parties relating to any acquisition proposal.
The Merger Agreement may be terminated under certain conditions, including, among others, if the closing of the Merger has not been completed by April 23, 2026. In addition, SQCF may terminate the Merger Agreement under certain circumstances, including the good faith determination by its board of directors that it has received an unsolicited bona fide “superior proposal,” which remains a superior proposal after any proposed modification of the Merger Agreement, if any, by C&N. In addition, C&N may terminate the Agreement if SQCF receives a superior proposal for a transaction and SQCF does one of the following: enters into an agreement for the superior transaction, withdraws its recommendation or fails to recommend the Merger Agreement or delivers a final notice that it plans to accept the superior proposal. If the Merger Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, SQCF must pay a termination fee of four percent (4%) of the transaction value to C&N.
In addition, SQCF may terminate the Merger Agreement if the price of C&N’s common stock both (1) declines by more than 20% from its price on April 22, 2025 (which was $19.48), as compared to the average over a ten-day trading period ending shortly before closing and (2) declines by more than 20% than any decline in the KBW NASDAQ Regional Bank Index, using the same time periods, unless C&N adjusts the merger consideration to make up the difference, in which case SQCF will still be required to complete the Merger.
In connection with the Merger Agreement, the directors and executive officers (in their capacity as shareholders) of SQCF have entered into Voting Agreements pursuant to which they have agreed to vote shares of SQCF common stock owned beneficially or of record by such shareholder, representing approximately 6% of the total outstanding shares of SQCF as of the date hereof, in favor of the Merger Agreement and related matters. The foregoing description of the Voting Agreements does not purport to be complete and is qualified entirely by reference to the full text of the Voting Agreements.
The forms of these agreements are attached to the Merger Agreement and are incorporated by reference.
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, on or promptly after the effective time of the Merger, and subject only to any applicable regulatory approvals and C&N’s customary background screening and evaluation procedures for potential
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directors, C&N will appoint one current member of SQCF’s Board of Directors to C&N’s Board of Directors, and the Board of C&N Bank will appoint one current member of SQCF’s Board of Directors to C&N Bank’s Board of Directors. The individual appointed to the C&N and C&N Bank Boards of Directors will be mutually acceptable to SQCF and C&N.
The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 2.1 and the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The Merger Agreement is not intended to provide any factual information about C&N, SQCF or their respective subsidiaries and affiliates to investors. The representations, warranties and covenants contained in the Merger Agreement were made only for purposes of that agreement and as of specific dates, were solely for the benefit of the parties to the Merger Agreement, are subject to limitations agreed upon by the parties as stated in the Merger Agreement, including being qualified by confidential disclosure schedules made for the purposes of allocating contractual risk between the parties to the Merger Agreement instead of establishing these matters as facts, and are, in some cases, subject to standards of materiality applicable to the contracting parties that differ from those applicable to investors under applicable securities law standards of materiality. 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 C&N or SQCF. Therefore, the disclosure included in this Current Report on Form 8-K regarding the Merger Agreement and the Merger should be read together with the other information concerning C&N and SQCF that is publicly filed in reports and statements with the SEC.
Cautionary Notes on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements which, to the extent that they are not recitations of historical fact may constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements may include financial and other projections as well as statements regarding Citizens & Northern Corporation (the “Corporation”) that may include future plans, objectives, performance, revenues, growth, profits, operating expenses or the Corporation’s underlying assumptions. The words “may”, “would”, “should”, “will”, “likely”, “possibly”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “pro forma”, “estimate”, “target”, “potentially”, “probably”, “outlook”, “predict”, “contemplate”, “continue”, “strategic”, “objective”, “plan”, “forecast”, “project” and “believe” or other similar words, phrases or concepts may identify forward-looking statements. Persons reading this press release are cautioned that such statements are only predictions, and that the Corporation’s actual future results or performance may be materially different.
Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors, many of which are beyond the Corporation’s control, could cause our actual results, events or developments, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed, implied or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. In addition to factors previously disclosed in the reports filed by C&N with the SEC and those identified elsewhere in this document, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward looking statements: that the execution of the transaction may take longer than anticipated or be more costly to complete and that the anticipated benefits, including any anticipated cost savings or strategic gains, may be significantly harder to achieve or take longer than anticipated or may not be achieved; that the banking agency approvals we require for the transaction will not be obtained in a timely manner or at all or will be conditioned in a manner that would impair our ability to implement our business plans; integration efforts between the Corporation and Susquehanna may divert the attention of the management teams of the Corporation and Susquehanna and cause a loss in the momentum of their ongoing businesses; success of the Corporation in Susquehanna’s geographic market area will require the Corporation to attract and retain key personnel in the market and to differentiate the Corporation from its competitors in the market. All forward-looking statements and information made herein are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions as of April 23, 2025 and speak only as of that date. The Corporation does not undertake to update forward-looking statements.
For a complete discussion of the assumptions, risks and uncertainties related to our business generally, you are encouraged to review our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as well as any changes in risk factors that we may identify in our quarterly or other reports subsequently filed with SEC.
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Additional Information about the Proposed Transaction
C&N intends to file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 relating to the proposed merger, which will include a prospectus for the offer and sale of C&N common stock as well as the proxy statement of SQCF for the solicitation of proxies from its shareholders for use at the meeting at which the merger will be considered. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. SHAREHOLDERS OF SQCF ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE MERGER WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. You may obtain a free copy of the registration statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus (when it becomes available) and other relevant documents filed by C&N with the SEC, without charge, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and the filings with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference in the proxy statement/prospectus can also be obtained, free of charge, by directing a request to Citizens & Northern Corporation, 90-92 Main Street Wellsboro, Pennsylvania 16901, attention: Glenn James (215) 680-0552, or Susquehanna Community Financial, Inc., 940 High Street, West Milton, Pennsylvania 17886, attention: Karla Landis, Corporate Secretary, (570)-568-2622.
SQCF, C&N and their respective directors and executive officers may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed to be “participants” in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders of SQCF in connection with the proposed merger. Information concerning the interests of the persons who may be considered “participants” in the solicitation will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Transaction. Information concerning C&N’s directors and executive officers, including their ownership of C&N common stock, is set forth in its proxy statement previously filed with the SEC on March 14, 2025. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed with the SEC when they become available. You may obtain free copies of these documents from C&N or SQCF using the sources indicated above.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote of approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Source: Citizens & Northern Corporation and Susquehanna Community Financial, Inc
Item 7.01 Regulation FD
Pursuant to Regulation FD, information is being attached as an Exhibit to this Current Report with respect to a presentation made available by C&N on April 23, 2025. This presentation provides an overview of C&N’s strategy with respect to its merger with SQCF. In addition, C&N issued a press release announcing that it had entered into the Merger Agreement with SQCF which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
The investor presentation filed herewith includes certain non-GAAP financial measures. C&N uses these adjusted performance measures in managing the business, including communications with its Board of Directors and employees, and believes that they provide users of this financial information with meaningful comparisons of operating performance between current results and results in prior periods. C&N believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are appropriate to enhance understanding of its past performance as well as prospects for its future performance. A reconciliation of these adjustments to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is included as the last two pages of the investor presentation, which was filed with this Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.2. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the most comparable GAAP measures. Non-GAAP financial measures utilized may not be comparable to non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.
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Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d)Exhibits
Exhibit No. | Description |
2.1* | |
99.1 | |
99.2 | |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded in the cover page formatted in Inline XBRL) |
* | Schedules and certain exhibits omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. C&N agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the SEC upon request. |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Appendix IDefinitions
Appendix IIKnowledge Groups
Exhibit ABank Merger Agreement
Exhibit BForm of Voting Agreement
Schedule 3.4(a) –Capitalization
Schedule 3.9 –Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities
Schedule 3.11 –Dividends, Distributions and Stock Purchases
Schedule 3.12–Taxes
Schedule 3.13 –Title to and Condition of Assets
Schedule 3.14(a) –Contracts
Schedule 3.15 –Litigation and Governmental Directives
Schedule 3.16 –Risk Management Instruments
Schedule 3.17 –Environmental Matters
Schedule 3.18(b) –Security Breach
Schedule 3.21 –Insurance
Schedule 3.22 –Financial Institution Bonds
Schedule 3.23(b) –Labor Relations and Employment Agreements
Schedule 3.24(a) –Employee Benefit Plans
Schedule 3.24(f) –Multiple Employer Plan
Schedule 3.24(g)–Post-Employment or Post-Termination Benefits
Schedule 3.24(k)–Excess Parachute Payments
Schedule 3.24(l)--Benefit Plan Gross Ups
Schedule 3.25(a) –Loan Portfolio
Schedule 3.25(g) _Real Estate Owned
Schedule 3.27–Related Party Transactions
Schedule 3.29 –Brokers
Schedule 4.3(i) –C&N Subsidiaries
Schedule 4.3(ii) –C&N Bank Subsidiaries
Schedule 4.4(a) –Capitalization
Schedule 4.4(c)–C&N Plans
Schedule 4.9–Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities
Schedule 4.11 –Dividends, Distributions and Stock Purchases
Schedule 4.12-Taxes
Schedule 4.13 –Litigation and Governmental Directives
Schedule 4.15-No Brokers
Schedule 4.16-Risk Management Instruments
Schedule 4.17(b) -Personal Information and Data Security
Schedule 5.1 –Conduct of Business
Schedule 5.1(k)–Material Contracts
Schedule 5.1(p)–Employee Compensation
Schedule 5.1(v)–Capital Expenditures
Schedule 5.11(a)–Transaction Expenses of Susquehanna
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
This Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agreement”), entered into as of 23 April 2025, by and between Citizens & Northern Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation having its administrative headquarters at 90-92 Main Street, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania (“C&N”), and Susquehanna Community Financial, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation having its administrative headquarters at 940 High Street, West Milton, Pennsylvania (“Susquehanna”).
BACKGROUND:
C&N is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”), and is the parent holding company of Citizens & Northern Bank, a Pennsylvania-chartered bank (“C&N Bank”).
Susquehanna is a financial holding company registered under the BHC Act and is the parent holding company of Susquehanna Community Bank, a Pennsylvania-chartered bank (“Susquehanna Bank”).
The Boards of Directors of C&N and Susquehanna have determined that it is in the best interests of C&N and Susquehanna, respectively, for Susquehanna to merge with and into C&N with C&N surviving (the “Merger”), and for Susquehanna Bank to merge with and into C&N Bank, with C&N Bank surviving (the “Bank Merger”). In connection with the Bank Merger, C&N Bank and Susquehanna Bank will enter into a Bank Merger Agreement, the form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Bank Merger Agreement”).
In connection with the Merger, all of the outstanding shares of the common stock of Susquehanna, $1.00 par value per share (the “Susquehanna Common Stock”), will be converted into shares of the common stock of C&N, par value $1.00 per share (the “C&N Common Stock”), on the terms described in this Agreement.
In connection with the execution of this Agreement, Susquehanna has obtained voting agreements in the form of Exhibit B, attached hereto, from the directors and officers listed on Exhibit B, pursuant to which each such person has agreed to vote all shares of Susquehanna Common Stock beneficially owned by him or her in favor of this Agreement, the Merger and, to the extent required, all transactions incident thereto and to refrain from soliciting interest in an alternative transaction (collectively, the “Voting Agreements”).
WITNESSETH:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and intending to be legally bound, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
Appendix I sets forth definitions of capitalized terms used in this Agreement which are not otherwise defined within the text of this Agreement.
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“Conversion Ratio” means 0.80, which is the number of shares of C&N Common Stock payable in the Merger per Susquehanna Share.
“C&N Stock Consideration” means the aggregate number of shares of C&N Common Stock into which the Susquehanna Shares are to be converted into C&N Common Stock.
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Except as disclosed in the disclosure schedule (with such disclosures referenced as Schedules below) delivered by Susquehanna to C&N concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement (the “Susquehanna Disclosure Schedule”) (it being understood 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 Susquehanna Disclosure Schedule as an exception to a representation or warranty shall not be deemed an admission by Susquehanna that such item represents a material exception or fact, event or circumstance or that such item would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (iii) any disclosures made with respect to a section of this ARTICLE III shall be deemed to qualify (A) any other section of this ARTICLE III specifically referenced or cross-referenced, and (B) other sections of this ARTICLE 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), Susquehanna hereby represents and warrants to C&N as follows:
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filing of any required applications, filings or notices, as applicable, with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and the approval of such applications, filings and notices; (iii) the filing with the SEC of a proxy statement and prospectus in definitive form relating to the meeting of Susquehanna’s shareholders to be held in connection with this Agreement, the offering of C&N Common Stock in the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby (including any amendments or supplements thereto, the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”), and of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 in which the Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be included, to be filed with the SEC by C&N in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Registration Statement”) and declaration of effectiveness of the Registration Statement, (iv) the filing of Articles of Merger with the Filing Office and (v) 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 C&N Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement, no consents or approvals of or filings or registrations with any court or administrative agency or commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality or SRO (each a “Governmental Entity”) are necessary in connection with (A) the execution and delivery by Susquehanna of this Agreement or (B) the consummation by Susquehanna of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby (including the Bank Merger). As of the date hereof, Susquehanna is not aware of any reason why the necessary regulatory approvals and consents will not be received in order to permit consummation of the Merger and Bank Merger on a timely basis.
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or operations of Susquehanna or any of the Susquehanna Subsidiaries since the Look Back Date, except where such proceedings or investigation would not reasonably be likely to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Susquehanna. To the Knowledge of Susquehanna, 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 Susquehanna or any of the Susquehanna Subsidiaries, which would reasonably be likely to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Susquehanna.
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Susquehanna Subsidiary has declared, set aside, made or paid any dividend or other distribution in respect of the Susquehanna Common Stock or the Susquehanna Subsidiaries Common Equity, or purchased, issued or sold any shares of Susquehanna Common Stock or the Susquehanna Subsidiaries Common Equity.
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Susquehanna Subsidiaries has participated in a “listed transaction” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(2). At no time during the past six (6) years has Susquehanna been a United States real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code. Neither Susquehanna nor any of the Susquehanna Subsidiaries will be required to include any material item of income in, or to exclude any material item of deduction from, taxable income in any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Effective Date as a result of any (i) change in method of accounting, (ii) closing agreement, (iii) intercompany transaction or excess loss account described in Treasury Regulations under Section 1502 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law), (iv) installment sale or open transaction disposition made on or prior to the Effective Date, or (v) prepaid amount received on or prior to the Effective Date, in the case of (i), (iii), (iv) and (v), outside of the Ordinary Course of Business.
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Susquehanna 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 Susquehanna or one of the Susquehanna Subsidiaries enforceable in accordance with their terms (except as may be limited by the Bankruptcy and Equity Exceptions). Except as set forth in Schedule 3.16, none of such instruments would reasonably be expected to experience adverse changes in value as a result of changes in interest or exchange rate changes that would exceed offsetting values of the underlying instruments. Susquehanna and each of the Susquehanna Subsidiaries have duly performed in all material respects all of their obligations thereunder to the extent that such obligations to perform have accrued, and, to Susquehanna’s Knowledge, there are no material breaches, violations or defaults or bona fide allegations or assertions of such by any party thereunder.
Except as may be set forth in Schedule 3.17, with respect to Susquehanna and each Susquehanna Subsidiary:
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Common Stock (or any of such person’s immediate family members or Affiliates) (other than Susquehanna Subsidiaries) on the other hand, of the type that would be required to be reported in any SEC Report to which Susquehanna would be subject (if Susquehanna would be subject thereto) pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act (a “Related Party Transaction”).
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Except as disclosed in the disclosure schedule (with such disclosures referenced as Schedules below) delivered by C&N to Susquehanna concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement (the “C&N Disclosure Schedule”) (it being understood 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 C&N Disclosure Schedule as an exception to a representation or warranty shall not be deemed an admission by C&N that such item represents a material exception or fact, event or circumstance or that such item would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (iii) any disclosures made with respect to a section of this ARTICLE IV shall be deemed to qualify (A) any other section of this ARTICLE IV specifically
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referenced or cross-referenced, and (B) other sections of this ARTICLE 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), C&N hereby represents and warrants to Susquehanna as follows:
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this Agreement or (B) the consummation by C&N of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby (including the Bank Merger). As of the date hereof, C&N is not aware of any reason why the necessary regulatory approvals and consents will not be received to permit consummation of the Merger and Bank Merger on a timely basis.
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closing agreement, (iii) intercompany transaction or excess loss account described in Treasury Regulations under Section 1502 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law), (iv) installment sale or open transaction disposition made on or prior to the Effective Date, or (v) prepaid amount received on or prior to the Effective Date, in the case of (i), (iii), (iv) and (v), outside of the Ordinary Course of Business.
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requirements relating to the origination, sale and servicing of mortgage and consumer loans. C&N Bank has a Community Reinvestment Act rating of “satisfactory” or better.
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From the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time, Susquehanna covenants and agrees to comply, and shall cause the Susquehanna Subsidiaries to comply, with the following covenants:
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Susquehanna shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) cause the employees and officers of Susquehanna and the Susquehanna Subsidiaries to work cooperatively, in good faith, with C&N to plan for the conversion of the data processing and related electronic informational systems of Susquehanna and each of the Susquehanna Subsidiaries to those used by C&N as soon as practicable following the Effective Date, (ii) cooperate with C&N in making Susquehanna’s and the Susquehanna Subsidiaries’ employees reasonably available for training by C&N at Susquehanna’s and the Susquehanna Subsidiaries’ facilities a reasonable period of time prior to the Effective Time, to the extent that such training is deemed reasonably necessary by C&N to ensure that Susquehanna’s and the Susquehanna Subsidiaries’ facilities will be properly operated in accordance with C&N’s policies after the Merger, (iii) permit representatives of C&N Bank to be onsite at Susquehanna Bank during normal business hours and (iv) allow its employees to provide assistance with the preparation and filing of all documentation that is necessary or desirable to obtain all permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of third parties and Governmental Entities to close and/or consolidate any C&N Bank or Susquehanna Bank branches or facilities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, neither Susquehanna nor Susquehanna Bank shall be required to (i) terminate any third-party service provider arrangements prior to the Closing or (ii) take any action that may unreasonably and materially interfere with the business of Susquehanna or Susquehanna Bank or impede or delay the consummation of the Closing; and provided further, that in the event that Susquehanna or Susquehanna Bank takes, at the request of C&N, any action relative to third parties to facilitate the data processing conversion that results in the imposition of any fees or charges, C&N shall indemnify Susquehanna for any such fees and charges, and the costs of reversing the conversion process in the event of a termination of this Agreement by Susquehanna under Section 12.1(b).
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For purposes of this Agreement, “Acquisition Proposal” shall mean any inquiry, offer or proposal (other than an inquiry, offer or proposal from C&N), whether or not in writing, contemplating, relating to, constituting or that could reasonably be expected to lead to, an Acquisition Transaction. For purposes of this Agreement, “Acquisition
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Transaction” shall mean (A) any transaction or series of transactions involving any merger, consolidation, recapitalization, share exchange, liquidation, dissolution or similar transaction involving Susquehanna or any Susquehanna Subsidiary; (B) any transaction pursuant to which any third party or group acquires or would acquire (whether through sale, lease or other disposition), directly or indirectly, any assets of Susquehanna or any Susquehanna Subsidiary representing, in the aggregate, twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the assets of Susquehanna and each Susquehanna Subsidiary on a consolidated basis; (C) any issuance, sale or other disposition of (including by way of merger, consolidation, share exchange or any similar transaction) securities (or options, rights or warrants to purchase or securities convertible into, such securities) representing twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the votes attached to the outstanding securities of Susquehanna or any Susquehanna Subsidiary; (D) any tender offer or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in any third party or group beneficially owning twenty-five percent (25%) or more of any class of equity securities of Susquehanna or any Susquehanna Subsidiary; or (E) any transaction which is similar in form, substance or purpose to any of the foregoing transactions, or any combination of the foregoing.
For purposes of this Agreement, “Superior Proposal” shall mean any bona fide written proposal (on its most recently amended or modified terms, if amended or modified) made by a third party to enter into a Susquehanna Acquisition Transaction on terms that the Susquehanna Board of Directors determines in its good faith judgment, after consultation with and having considered the advice of outside legal counsel and its financial advisor, (i) would, if consummated, result in the acquisition of all, but not less
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than all, of the issued and outstanding shares of Susquehanna Common Stock or all, or substantially all, of the assets of Susquehanna and any Susquehanna Subsidiary on a consolidated basis and (ii) would result in a transaction that (A) provides for the payment, in the aggregate, of consideration to the holders of the shares of Susquehanna Shares that is more favorable from a financial point of view than the Merger Consideration, (B) is, in light of the other terms of such proposal, including the nature of the consideration being offered, any required regulatory approvals, any required financing and any risks associated with the timing of the proposed transaction, more favorable to Susquehanna’s shareholders than the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and (C) is reasonably likely to be completed on the terms proposed, in each case taking into account all legal, financial, regulatory and other aspects of the proposal.
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audit team for the purpose of ongoing assessment of internal controls and shall cause its outside auditors to provide any documentation regarding Susquehanna’s internal control to C&N and cause its auditors to be available for discussions with C&N’s representatives regarding Susquehanna’s systems of internal controls. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Susquehanna shall not be required to provide access to or to disclose information where such access or disclosure would waive any attorney-client privilege.
From the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time, or until such later date as may be expressly stipulated in any Section of this ARTICLE VI, C&N covenants and agrees to comply, and shall cause the C&N Subsidiaries to comply, with the following covenants:
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confidential), contracts, documents and records of C&N and the C&N Subsidiaries as Susquehanna may reasonably request; provided, however, that neither C&N nor any of the C&N Subsidiaries shall be required to take any action that would provide access to or to disclose information where such access or disclosure would not be protected by the Nondisclosure and Confidentiality Agreement or would result in the waiver by it of the privilege protecting communications between it and any of its counsel or that is otherwise prohibited by law or contractual agreement. Susquehanna shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize any interference with C&N’s regular business operations during any such access to the property, books and records of C&N or any C&N Subsidiary.
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conditions prior to or as of the Closing, except to the extent that any such condition shall have been waived by C&N in accordance with the provisions of Section 12.4 herein:
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This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Date, whether before or after approval of the Merger by the shareholders of Susquehanna:
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If Susquehanna elects to exercise its termination right pursuant to this Section 12.1(h), it shall give prompt (but in any case on or before the end of business on the last day in the Notice Period) written notice to C&N; provided that such notice of election to terminate may be withdrawn at any time within the aforementioned three-day period. For a period of five (5) Business Days after receipt of such notice, C&N shall have the option of increasing the Conversion Ratio in a manner such, and to the extent required, that the condition set forth in either clause (A) or (B) above shall be deemed not to exist.
If C&N makes this election, within such period, it shall give prompt written notice to Susquehanna of such election and the revised Conversion Ratio, whereupon no termination shall have occurred pursuant to this Section 12.1(h) and this Agreement shall remain in effect in accordance with its terms (except as the Conversion Ratio shall have been so modified), and any references in this Agreement to “Conversion Ratio” shall thereafter be deemed to refer to the Conversion Ratio after giving effect to any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 12.1(h).
For purposes of this Section 12.1(h), the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
“Closing Price” means the average closing price of C&N Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ Capital Market, calculated to two (2) decimal places, for the ten (10) trading days immediately preceding the date which is five (5) business days before the Effective Time.
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“Determination Date” shall mean the fifth (5th) trading day immediately prior to the Effective Time, or if such calendar day is not a trading day on the NASDAQ Capital Market, the trading day immediately preceding such calendar day.
“Index Price” on a given date means the closing price of the KBW NASDAQ Regional Banking Index.
“Starting Date” means the trading day on the NASDAQ Stock Market immediately preceding the day on which the Parties publicly announce the signing of this Agreement.
“Starting Price” means $19.48.
If C&N declares or effects a stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization, split-up, combination, exchange of shares or similar transaction between the Starting Date and the Determination Date, the prices for the common stock of C&N shall be appropriately adjusted for the purposes of applying this Section 12.1(h).
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however, that any amendment to the Merger Consideration to be received by the shareholders of Susquehanna in exchange for their shares of Susquehanna Common Stock shall not take effect until such amendment has been approved, adopted or ratified by the shareholders of Susquehanna in accordance with applicable provisions of the Applicable Corporate Law.
J. Bradley Scovill, president & CEO
Citizens & Northern Corporation
10 Nichols Street
Wellsboro, PA 16901
BradleyS@cnbankpa.com
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
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Kimberley J. Decker, Esq.
Barley Snyder
126 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
kdecker@barley.com
Mr. David Runk
Susquehanna Community Financial, Inc.
940 High Street
West Milton Pennsylvania
Dsrunk@scb.bank
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Kenneth J. Rollins, Esq.
Pillar + Aught
4201 E. Park Circle
Harrisburg, PA 17111
krollins@pillaraught.com
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[Signature Page to Follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers all as of the day and year first above written.
CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION
By: /s/ J. Bradley Scovill
Attest: /s/ Elizabeth Pivirotto
SUSQUEHANNA COMMUNITY FINANCIAL, INC.
By: /s/ David S. Runk
Attest: /s/ Karla S Landin
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APPENDIX I
Definitions of the following capitalized terms used in this Agreement are set forth below or in the indicated sections:
“Acquisition Proposal” has the meaning given to it in Section 5.8(a)
“Acquisition Transaction” has the meaning given to it in Section 5.8(a)
“Additional Financial Statements” means any internal monthly and quarterly financial reports, all quarterly or annual reports to shareholders and all regulatory reports to regulatory authorities normally prepared by the Party in question or by its banking Subsidiary subject to any restrictions on dissemination thereof imposed by applicable Bank Regulators.
“Affiliate” of any particular Person means any other Person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such particular Person, where “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management and policies of a Person whether through the ownership of voting securities, contract or otherwise.
“Agreement” has the meaning given to it in the Introduction.
“Applicable Corporate Law” shall mean the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended.
“Bank Merger” has the meaning given to it in the Background.
“Bank Merger Agreement” has the meaning given to it in the Background.
“Bank Merger Effective Time” has the meaning given to it in Section 1.1(b).
“Bank Regulators” means Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC, the OCC and the Pennsylvania Department.
“Bankruptcy and Equity Exceptions” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.2(b)
“Benefit Plan” means all employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), whether or not subject to ERISA, and all equity, bonus or incentive, deferred compensation, retiree medical or life insurance, supplemental retirement, severance, termination, change in control, retention, employment, welfare, insurance, medical, fringe or other benefit plans, programs, agreements, contracts, policies, arrangements or remuneration of any kind with respect to which the referenced Party or any Subsidiary or any trade or business of the referenced Party or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or not incorporated, all of which together with the referenced Party would be deemed a “single employer” within the meaning of Section 4001 of ERISA (an
“ERISA Affiliate”), is a party or has any current or future obligation or that are maintained, contributed to or sponsored by the referenced Party or any of its Subsidiaries or the referenced Party’s ERISA Affiliate for the benefit of any current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor of the referenced Party or any of its Subsidiaries or any referenced Party ERISA Affiliate, excluding, in each case, any “multiemployer plan” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA (a “Multiemployer Plan”).
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“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or day on which banking institutions in Pennsylvania are authorized or obligated pursuant to legal requirements or executive order to be closed.
“Canceled Shares” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.1(a)(iv).
“Chosen Courts” has the meaning given to it in Section 13.6(b).
“Claim” has the meaning given to it in Section 11.2(b).
“Closing” has the meaning given to it in Section 9.1
“Closing Price” has the meaning given to it in Section 12.1(h).
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Conversion Ratio” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.1(b), subject to modification by Section 12.1(h).
“Current Year” means the current fiscal year of a Party.
“C&N” has the meaning given to it in the heading of this Agreement.
“C&N Balance Sheet” has the meaning given to it in Section 4.9.
“C&N Closing Documents” has the meaning given to it in Section 8.3(f).
“C&N Common Stock” has the meaning given to it in the Background.
“C&N Disclosure Schedule” has the meaning given to it in Article IV.
“C&N Incentive Equity” means equity-based awards under a C&N Stock Plan.
“C&N Plans” has the meaning given to it in Section 11.1(b)
“C&N Ratio” has the meaning given to it in Section 12.1(h).
“C&N SEC Reports” has the meaning given to it in Section 4.6
“C&N Stock Consideration” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.1(b).
“C&N Stock Plan” has the meaning given to it in Section 4.4(c)
“C&N Subsidiaries” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 4.3.
“C&N Subsidiaries Common Equity” has the meaning given to it in Section 4.4(d)
“Determination Date” has the meaning given to it in Section 12.1(h)
“Effective Date” has the meaning given to it in Section 9.2 .
“Effective Time” has the meaning given to it in Section 9.2.
“Employment Agreements” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.23.
“Employment Obligation” means any employment contract, change of control agreement or policy, severance agreement or policy, deferred compensation agreement, consulting agreement or similar obligation, in each case including any amendments thereto.
“Environmental Laws” means 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 environment, health and safety as it relates to hazardous substance exposure or natural
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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.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Exchange Agent” shall mean Equiniti Trust Company.
“FDI Act” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.1(b)
“FDIC” means the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
“Federal Reserve Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
“Filing Office” shall mean the Pennsylvania Department of State.
“Final Notice of Superior Proposal” has the meaning given to it in Section 5.8(e)
“FINRA” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
“C&N Bank” has the meaning given to it in the Background.
“GAAP” means United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
“Governmental Entity” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.5.
“Indemnified Liabilities” has the meaning given to it in Section 11.2(b)
“Indemnified Parties” has the meaning given to it in Section 11.2(b)
“Index Price” has the meaning given to it in Section 12.1(h)
“Index Ratio” has the meaning given to it in Section 12.1(h)
“Injunction” has the meaning given to it in Section 8.1(d)
“Insiders” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.6.
“Intellectual Property” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.19.
“IRS” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.12.
“Knowledge” means, with respect to C&N, the actual knowledge of the individuals set forth on Appendix II. With respect to Susquehanna, “Knowledge” means the actual knowledge of the individuals set forth on Appendix II.
“Letter of Transmittal” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.1(e)
“Liens” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.4(c).
“Loans” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.25(a)
“Look Back Date” means December 31, 2024.
“Market” shall mean the NASDAQ Stock Market.
“Material Adverse Effect” means, with respect to Susquehanna, C&N or the Surviving Corporation, as the case may be, an event or circumstance that (i) has a material adverse impact on the business, properties, assets, liabilities, results of operations, financial condition or prospects of such Party and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, provided however that “Material
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Adverse Effect” shall not be deemed to include the impact of the following: (A) changes, after the date hereof, in U.S. 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 (including Pandemic Measures); (C) changes, events, or developments, after the date hereof, in global, national or regional political conditions (including the outbreak or escalation of war or hostilities, any occurrence or threat of acts of terrorism or any armed hostilities associated therewith and any national or international calamity, disaster, or emergency or any escalation thereof) or in economic or market conditions affecting the financial services industry generally and not specifically relating to such Party or its Subsidiaries, or other changes, events or developments, after the date hereof, that affect bank or savings associations or their holding companies generally (including any such changes arising out of a Pandemic or any Pandemic Measures), changes, after the date hereof, resulting from hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, floods or other natural disasters or from any epidemic, pandemic, outbreak of any disease or other public health event (including the Pandemic); (D) the failure, in and of itself, of such Party to meet earnings projections or internal financial forecasts or any decrease in the market price of a Party’s common stock, but not including the underlying causes thereof, (E) disclosure or consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or actions expressly required by this Agreement in contemplation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (F) any legal action asserted or other actions initiated by any holder of shares of Susquehanna Common Stock or the holder of shares of C&N Common Stock arising out of or related to this Agreement, (G) actions or omissions taken pursuant to the written consent or request of C&N, in the case of Susquehanna, or Susquehanna, in the case of C&N, or (H) the announcement of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and compliance with this Agreement on the assets, business, financial condition or results of operations of the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries, including reasonable expenses incurred by the Parties hereto in consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; except, with respect to subclauses (A), (B), (C) or (D), to the extent that the effects of such change are materially disproportionately adverse to the business, properties, assets, liabilities, results of operations, financial condition or prospects of such Party and its Subsidiaries as compared to other companies in the industry in which such Party and its Subsidiaries operate; or (ii) does or would reasonably be expected to materially impair the ability of either Susquehanna, on the one hand, or C&N on the other hand, to perform its obligations under this Agreement or otherwise materially threaten or materially impede the timely consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
“Material Contract” means any of the following agreements of Susquehanna or any Susquehanna Subsidiary:
(1) any contract for outstanding debt securities, notes, credit agreements, credit facilities or other agreements, documents or instruments evidencing indebtedness in excess of $75,000 or by which Susquehanna or any Susquehanna Subsidiary is bound;
(2) any contract containing covenants that limit in any respect the ability of Susquehanna or any Susquehanna Subsidiary to compete in any line of business or with any person or which involve any material restriction of the geographical area in which, or method by which or with whom, Susquehanna or any Susquehanna Subsidiary may carry on its business (other than as may be required by law or applicable regulatory authorities), and any contract that could require
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the disposition of any material assets or line of business of Susquehanna or any Susquehanna Subsidiary;
(3) any joint venture, partnership, strategic alliance, or other similar contract (including any franchising agreement, but in any event excluding introducing broker agreements), and any contract relating to the acquisition or disposition of any business or assets (whether by merger, sale of stock or assets, or otherwise), which acquisition or disposition is not yet complete or where such contract contains continuing obligations or contains continuing indemnity obligations of Susquehanna or any Susquehanna Subsidiary;
(4) any real property lease and any other lease with annual rental payments aggregating $75,000 or more;
(5) other than with respect to loans, any contract providing for, or reasonably likely to result in, the receipt or expenditure of more than $200,000 on an annual basis, including the payment or receipt of royalties or other amounts calculated based upon revenues or income;
(6) any contract or arrangement under which Susquehanna or any Susquehanna Subsidiary is licensed or otherwise permitted by a third party to use any Intellectual Property that is material to its business (except for any “shrink wrap” or “click through” license agreements or other agreements for software that is generally available to the public and has not been customized for Susquehanna or any Susquehanna Subsidiary or under which a third party is licensed or otherwise permitted to use any Intellectual Property owned by Susquehanna or any Susquehanna Subsidiary);
(7) any contract that by its terms limits the payment of dividends or other distributions by Susquehanna or any Susquehanna Subsidiary;
(8) any standstill or similar agreement pursuant to which any Party has agreed not to acquire assets or securities of another Person;
(9) any contract that would reasonably be expected to prevent, delay, or impede Susquehanna’s or any Susquehanna Subsidiary’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
(10) any contract providing for indemnification by Susquehanna or any Susquehanna Subsidiary of any person, except for immaterial contracts entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business;
(11) any contract that contains a put, call, or similar right pursuant to which Susquehanna or any Susquehanna Subsidiary could be required to purchase or sell, as applicable, any equity interests or assets that have a fair market value or purchase price of more than $200,000;
(12) any contract relating to (a) interest rate swaps or other derivative products or (b) wholesale funding, including federal funds, foreign deposits and brokered deposits; and
(13) any other contract or agreement which is a “material contract” within the meaning of Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K; and
(14) any contract of Susquehanna or a Susquehanna Subsidiary that was, or was required to be, filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K (or would have been required if Susquehanna or a Susquehanna Subsidiary was subject to compliance with the Exchange Act of 1934).
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“Materials of Environmental Concern” shall mean pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic substances, petroleum and petroleum products, and any other hazardous or toxic materials regulated under Environmental Laws.
“Merger” has the meaning given to it in the Background.
“Merger Consideration” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.1(a)(i).
“Multiple Employer Plan” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.24(f).
“NASDAQ” shall mean the National Market System of the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System.
“Nondisclosure and Confidentiality Agreement” means that certain Nondisclosure and Confidentiality Agreement between the Parties, dated December 12, 2024.
“Notice of Superior Proposal” has the meaning given to it in Section 5.8(e)
“Notice Period” has the meaning given to it in Section 12.1(h)
“OCC” means the Office of the Comptroller of Currency.
“Ordinary Course of Business” means the ordinary course of operations of a Person, consistent with its customary business practices.
“Pandemic” means any outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics relating to SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19, or any evolutions or mutations thereof, or any other viruses (including influenza), and the governmental and other responses thereto.
“Pandemic Measures” means any quarantine, “shelter in place,” “stay at home,” workforce reduction, social distancing, shut down, closure, sequester or other laws, directives, policies, guidelines or recommendations promulgated by any Governmental Entity, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, in each case, in connection with or in response to the Pandemic.
“Participation Facility” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.17(d).
“Parties” and “Party” means C&N and/or Susquehanna, as applicable in the context.
“PBGC” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.24(e).
“Pennsylvania Department” means the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities.
“Pension Plan” means each Benefit Plan that is an “employee pension benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA.
“Person” means an individual, partnership, limited partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, trust, joint venture, unincorporated organization, labor union, Governmental Entity or other entity.
“Personal Information” means the type of information regulated by Privacy Laws and collected, used, disclosed or retained by a Party in its business including information regarding the customers, suppliers, employees and agents of such business, such as an individual’s name, address, age, gender, identification number, income, family status, citizenship, employment, assets, liabilities, source of funds, payment records, credit information, personal references and health records.
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“Prior Year” means the prior fiscal year of a Party.
“Privacy Laws” means all applicable federal, state, municipal or other legal requirements governing the collection, use, disclosure and retention of Personal Information.
“Susquehanna” has the meaning given to it in the Introduction.
“Susquehanna Balance Sheet” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.9.
“Susquehanna Bank” has the meaning given to it in the Background.
“Susquehanna Benefit Plans” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.24(a).
“Susquehanna Closing Documents” has the meaning given to it in Section 8.2(e).
“Susquehanna Common Stock” has the meaning given to it in the Background.
“Susquehanna Disclosure Schedule” has the meaning given to it in ARTICLE III.
“Susquehanna ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business, whether or not incorporated, that together with Susquehanna or any Susquehanna Subsidiary would be deemed a “single employer” within the meaning of Section 4001(b) of ERISA.
“Susquehanna PEO Plans” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.24(a).
“Susquehanna Qualified Plans” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.24(d).
“Susquehanna Recommendation” has the meaning given to it in Section 5.2.
“Susquehanna Representatives” has the meaning given to it in Section 5.8(a)
“Susquehanna Share” and “Susquehanna Shares” have the meaning given to them in Section2.1(a)(i).
“Susquehanna Shareholders’ Meeting” means the meeting of Susquehanna for purposes of obtaining the approval of its shareholders as required by this Agreement, and any adjournment or postponement thereof.
“Susquehanna Subsidiaries” shall have the meaning given to it in Section 3.4(c).
“Susquehanna Subsidiaries Common Equity” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.4(c)
“Proxy Statement/Prospectus” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.5.
“Registration Statement” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.15.
“Regulatory Agency” and “Regulatory Agencies” have the meaning given to them in Section 3.15.
“Regulatory Agreement” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.15.
“Related Party Transaction” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.27.
“Requisite Shareholder Vote” has the meaning give to it in Section 3.2(a).
“SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Securities Act” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.2(c).
“Security Breach” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.18(b).
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“SRO” means (i) any “self-regulatory organization” as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Exchange Act and (ii) any other United States or foreign securities exchange, futures exchange, commodities exchange or contract market.
“Starting Date” has the meaning given to it in Section 12.1(h)
“Starting Price” has the meaning given to it in Section 12.1(h).
“Statement of Merger” has the meaning given to it in Section 9.2.
“Subsequent Determination” has the meaning given to it in Section 5.8(e)
“Subsidiary” means a corporation, partnership, joint venture or other entity in which C&N or Susquehanna, as the case may be, has, directly or indirectly, an equity interest representing 50% or more of any class of the capital stock thereof or other equity interests therein.
“Superior Proposal” has the meaning given to it in Section 5.8(b)
“Surviving Corporation” has the meaning given to it in Section 1.1(a)
“Takeover Statutes” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.34.
“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 or add-on minimum, estimated and other taxes, charges, fees, levies or like assessments together with all penalties and additions to tax and interest thereon.
“Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, estimate, 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.
“Termination Date” means April 23, 2026.
“Termination Fee” has the meaning given to it in Section 12.1(b).
“Transitional Period” has the meaning given to it in Section 11.1(a).
“Unclaimed Shares” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.2
“Unexchanged Shareholder” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.2.
“Voting Agreements” has the meaning given to it in the Background.
“Willful Breach” has a meaning set forth in Section 12.2(b)(ii).
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APPENDIX II
C&N
Knowledge Groups
C&N: J. Bradley Scovill, Mark A. Hughes
Susquehanna: Christian C. Trate, David S. Runk, Rodney Smith
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EXHIBIT A
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF BANK MERGER
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF BANK MERGER (this “Bank Merger Agreement”), dated as of April 23, 2025 is entered into by and between Citizens & Northern Bank (“C&N Bank”), a Pennsylvania bank with its main office located at 90-92 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901, and Susquehanna Community Bank (“Susquehanna Bank”), a Pennsylvania bank with its main office located at 940 High Street, West Milton, PA 17886.
BACKGROUND
AGREEMENT
In consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, C&N Bank and Susquehanna Bank, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree to the following terms:
ARTICLE I
MERGER; NAME; BUSINESS; APPROVALS
| a. | Board of Directors’ Approval. The Plan of Merger has been approved by: (I) all of the members of the Board of Directors of C&N Bank at a meeting held on April 23, 2025; and (II) all of the members of the Board of Directors of Susquehanna at a meeting held on April 23, 2025. |
| b. | Shareholder Approvals. The Plan of Merger was approved and adopted by: (I) all of the members of the Board of Directors of C&N, as the sole shareholder of C&N Bank, on April 23, 2025; and (II) all of the members of the Board of Directors of Susquehanna, as the sole shareholder of Susquehanna Bank, on April 23, 2025. |
ARTICLE II
CHARTER AND BYLAWS
At the Effective Time, the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of C&N Bank in effect immediately before the Effective Time shall be the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Resulting Bank. No amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Resulting Bank shall be made in connection with the Bank Merger.
ARTICLE III
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
ARTICLE IV
CONVERSION OF SHARES
ARTICLE V
EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE BANK MERGER
The Bank Merger shall become effective at the time (the “Effective Time”) at which the merger of Susquehanna with and into C&N pursuant to the Holding Company Merger Agreement shall become effective, which time shall be (1) after both (i) the date on which the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the Federal Reserve Bank shall have approved the Bank Merger, or waived any applicable approval requirement in writing, and (ii) the date of receipt of any other approvals required to consummate the Bank Merger; and (2) as set forth in the Articles of Merger filed to effectuate the Bank Merger.
ARTICLE VI
EFFECT OF THE BANK MERGER
At and after the Effective Time, the Bank Merger shall have the effects set forth in the applicable provisions of the Pennsylvania Banking Code of 1965, as amended, and the Bank Merger Act, 12 U.S.C. 1828(c). At the Effective Time, the Resulting Bank shall assume all liabilities of Susquehanna Bank.
ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
The obligations of C&N Bank and Susquehanna Bank to effect the Bank Merger shall be subject to the receipt of all required regulatory approvals and the consummation of the merger of Susquehanna with and into C&N, as set forth in the Holding Company Merger Agreement.
ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION
This Bank Merger Agreement shall automatically terminate upon any termination of the Holding Company Merger Agreement.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
[Signature page immediately follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement and Plan of Bank Merger to be executed by their duly authorized officers and their corporate seals to be hereunto affixed as of the date first written above.
Susquehanna Community Bank
By:/s/ David S. Runk
Citizens & Northern Bank
By:/s/ J. Bradley Scovill
SCHEDULE 3.1
DIRECTORS OF RESULTING BANK
Terry L. Lehman
J. Bradley Scovill
Susan E. Hartley
Leo F. Lambert
Frank M. Pellegrino
Aaron K. Singer
Bobbi J. Kilmer
Stephen M. Dorwart
Robert G. Loughery
Helen S. Santiago
Katherine W. Shattuck
Christian C. Trate
EXHIBIT B
VOTING AGREEMENT
April 23, 2025
Board of Directors
Citizens & Northern Corporation
90-92 Main Street
Wellsboro, PA 16901
Re: Shareholder Voting Agreement
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned shareholder (“Shareholder”) of Susquehanna Community Financial, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation (“Susquehanna”), in order to induce Citizens & Northern Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation (“C&N”), to enter into the Agreement and Plan of Merger, of even date herewith, executed by and between Susquehanna and C&N (the “Agreement”), hereby represents, warrants and agrees as follows:
1. Shareholder hereby represents and warrants that Shareholder owns of record, or beneficially, good and valid title to all of the shares of the capital stock of Susquehanna shown on Schedule 1, attached hereto, free and clear of any and all mortgages, liens, encumbrances, charges, claims, restrictions, pledges, security interests, voting trusts or agreements, or impositions, except as otherwise disclosed on Schedule 1, and such shares represent all of the shares of capital stock of Susquehanna beneficially owned by Shareholder, as determined in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Rule 13d-3. For purposes hereof, the capital stock of Susquehanna set forth on Schedule 1 shall be referred to herein as the “Shares”. It is understood and agreed that the term Shares shall not include any securities beneficially owned by Shareholder as a trustee or fiduciary, and that this Agreement is not in any way intended to affect the exercise by the Shareholder of Shareholder’s fiduciary responsibility with respect to any such securities.
2. Shareholder will vote, or cause to be voted, all of the Shares over which the Shareholder has sole voting power, in person or by proxy, (a) for approval of the Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby at any meeting of the Susquehanna shareholders duly held for such purpose and (b) against any action that is intended, or could reasonably be expected, to impede, interfere with, delay, postpone, or adversely affect the transactions contemplated by the Agreement, unless and until the Agreement is terminated as set forth therein (the “Expiration Date”). Shareholder will use his or her reasonable efforts to cause any Shares over which Shareholder shares voting power to be voted in the same manner. Shareholder will use his or her best efforts to vote or cause to be voted all other Shares, in person or by proxy, in accordance with Section 2(a) and 2(b), above.
3. Shareholder will not, nor will Shareholder permit any entity under Shareholder’s control to, deposit any of the Shares over which the Shareholder holds or shares voting power in a voting trust
or subject any of the Shares to any arrangement with respect to the voting of the Shares in any manner inconsistent with this Agreement.
4. Shareholder will not sell, transfer, pledge, give, hypothecate, assign or otherwise alienate or transfer, by proxy or otherwise, any Shares over which the Shareholder shares or holds the power of disposition or any of Shareholder’s voting rights with respect to the Shares, except to a person who is or becomes a party to a voting agreement with C&N in the form of this Agreement.
5. Irreparable damage would occur in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and, therefore, C&N shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or equity to which it may be entitled.
6. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Shareholder does not, and the performance by Shareholder of its obligations hereunder will not, constitute a violation of, conflict with, result in a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would result in a default) under, or result in the creation of any lien on any of such Shares under: (i) any contract, commitment or agreement, to which Shareholder is a party or by which Shareholder is bound; or (ii) any judgment, order or ruling applicable to Shareholder.
7. Shareholder has full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, to vote the Shares over which the Shareholder holds sole voting power as required herein and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized, and no other actions on the part of Shareholder are required in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Shareholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Shareholder, enforceable against Shareholder in accordance with its terms.
8. Shareholder understands that the shares of C&N Common Stock into which his or her Shares may be converted will be issued in a transaction subject to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and registered on a Registration Statement on Form S-4. Shareholder further understands that, should he or she become an affiliate of C&N, within the meaning of SEC Rule 144, Shareholder may become subject to certain restrictions with respect to the sale, transfer or other disposition of any C&N Common Stock received in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Agreement (the “Merger”).
Accordingly, the Shareholder acknowledges, agrees and undertakes that, if he or she becomes an affiliate of C&N, he or she will not, directly or indirectly, make any sale, transfer or other disposition of any of the C&N Common Stock owned beneficially by him or her as a result of the Merger unless: (i) such sale, transfer or other disposition is made pursuant to an effective registration or a valid exemption from registration under the 1933 Act; (ii) such sale, transfer or other disposition is made pursuant to the resale provisions contained in Rule 144; or (iii) in the opinion of counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to C&N or under a “no-action” letter obtained by Shareholder from the staff of the SEC, such sale, transfer or other disposition will not violate the registration requirements of, or is otherwise exempt from registration under,
the 1933 Act. Shareholder agrees that a restrictive legend reflecting the foregoing may be imprinted on the face of the stock certificate(s) representing the C&N Common Stock to be issued to him or her in connection with the Merger. Shareholder further understands and agrees that the transfer agent for C&N will be instructed not to effect, or to record on the books of C&N, any transfer of shares of C&N Common Stock owned beneficially by Shareholder unless such person has satisfied the requirements of this Agreement.
9. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and shall be binding upon the heirs, successors and assigns (as applicable) of the parties hereto.
10. Except as otherwise set forth herein, this Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
11. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Agreement.
12. It is understood and hereby agreed that this Agreement relates solely to the capacity of Shareholder as a shareholder or beneficial owner of the Shares and is not in any way intended to affect the exercise of Shareholder’s responsibilities and fiduciary duties as a director or officer of Susquehanna or any of its subsidiaries.
13. This Agreement shall terminate and shall have no further force or effect as of the earlier of (A) the Expiration Date or (B) the Susquehanna Shareholder’s Meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof).
[Signature Page Follows]
Very truly yours,
By: ________________________________
Printed Name: [•]
Schedule 1
NameClass of SharesNumber of Shares
Encumbrances:
EXHIBIT 99.1
Filed by Citizens & Northern Corporation
Pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act
of 1933 and deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Subject Company: Susquehanna Community Financial, Inc.
Commission File No.: 000-16084
Citizens & Northern Corporation Announces Acquisition of Susquehanna Community Financial, Inc. |
April 23, 2025 Contact: Charity Frantz (570) 724-0225 charityf@cnbankpa.com |
WELLSBORO, PA. AND WEST MILTON, PA. -- Citizens & Northern Corporation (“C&N”) (NASDAQ: CZNC), headquartered in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, and Susquehanna Community Financial, Inc. (“SQCF”) (OTCPK: SQCF), headquartered in West Milton, Pennsylvania, announced today that both companies’ boards of directors have unanimously approved an agreement and plan of merger (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which SQCF will merge with and into C&N. C&N is the bank holding company for Citizens & Northern Bank (“C&N Bank”), which operates 28 banking offices and one loan production office in Pennsylvania and New York. As of March 31, 2025, C&N had consolidated assets of $2.6 billion. SQCF is the financial holding company for Susquehanna Community Bank (“Susquehanna”), which operates 7 banking offices in Central Pennsylvania. SQCF had assets of $598 million as of March 31, 2025. In connection with the merger of the holding companies, SQCF’s bank subsidiary, Susquehanna, will be merged into C&N Bank. The combined company will have approximately $3.2 billion in assets and will be the premier Pennsylvania community bank in the northern tier, central and southeast Pennsylvania. This strategic combination represents a substantial extension of legacy C&N markets, creating additional scale in central Pennsylvania, while enhancing C&N Bank’s capacity to provide exceptional service and solutions to its clients across the Commonwealth. In addition, C&N will further diversify its loan portfolio and funding base, increasing its resiliency and efficiency. The combined entity will successfully align its core values to ensure best-in-class service to the Pennsylvania community. |
About SQCF Susquehanna Community Financial, Inc. is the bank holding company for Susquehanna Community Bank, headquartered in West Milton, Pennsylvania, and operates 7 banking offices located in Pennsylvania. SQCF trades on OTCPK under the symbol “SQCF.” For more information about SQCF, visit scb.bank. Cautionary Notes on Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements which, to the extent that they are not recitations of historical fact may constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements may include financial and other projections as well as statements regarding Citizens & Northern Corporation (the “Corporation”) that may include future plans, objectives, performance, revenues, growth, profits, operating expenses or the Corporation’s underlying assumptions. The words “may”, “would”, “should”, “will”, “likely”, “possibly”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “pro forma”, “estimate”, “target”, “potentially”, “probably”, “outlook”, “predict”, “contemplate”, “continue”, “strategic”, “objective”, “plan”, “forecast”, “project” and “believe” or other similar words, phrases or concepts may identify forward-looking statements. Persons reading this press release are cautioned that such statements are only predictions, and that the Corporation’s actual future results or performance may be materially different. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors, many of which are beyond the Corporation’s control, could cause our actual results, events or developments, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed, implied or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. In addition to factors previously disclosed in the reports filed by C&N with the SEC and those identified elsewhere in this document, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward looking statements: that the execution of the transaction may take longer than anticipated or be more costly to complete and that the anticipated benefits, including any anticipated cost savings or strategic gains, may be significantly harder to achieve or take longer than anticipated or may not be achieved; that the banking agency approvals we require for the transaction will not be obtained in a timely manner or at all or will be conditioned in a manner that would impair our ability to implement our business plans; integration efforts between the Corporation and Susquehanna may divert the attention of the management teams of the Corporation and Susquehanna and cause a loss in the momentum of their ongoing businesses; success of the Corporation in Susquehanna’s geographic market area will require the Corporation to attract and retain key personnel in the market and to differentiate the Corporation from its competitors in the market. All forward-looking statements and information made herein are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions as of April 23, 2025 and speak only as of that date. The Corporation does not undertake to update forward-looking statements. For a complete discussion of the assumptions, risks and uncertainties related to our business generally, you are encouraged to review our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as well as any changes in risk factors that we may identify in our quarterly or other reports subsequently filed with SEC. Additional Information about the Proposed Transaction C&N intends to file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 relating to the proposed merger, which will include a prospectus for the offer and sale of C&N common stock as well as the proxy statement of SQCF for the solicitation of proxies from its shareholders for use at the meeting at which the merger will be considered. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. SHAREHOLDERS OF SQCF ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE MERGER WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. You may obtain a free copy of the registration statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus (when it becomes available) and other relevant documents filed by C&N with the SEC, without charge, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and the filings with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference in the proxy statement/prospectus can also be obtained, free of charge, by directing a request to Citizens & Northern Corporation, 90-92 Main Street Wellsboro, Pennsylvania 16901, attention: Glenn James (215) 680-0552, or Susquehanna Community |
Financial, Inc., 940 High Street, West Milton, Pennsylvania 17886, attention: Karla Landis, Corporate Secretary, (570)-568-2622. SQCF, C&N and their respective directors and executive officers may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed to be “participants” in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders of SQCF in connection with the proposed merger. Information concerning the interests of the persons who may be considered “participants” in the solicitation will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Transaction. Information concerning C&N’s directors and executive officers, including their ownership of C&N common stock, is set forth in its proxy statement previously filed with the SEC on March 14, 2025. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed with the SEC when they become available. You may obtain free copies of these documents from C&N or SQCF using the sources indicated above. No Offer or Solicitation This communication is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote of approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Source: Citizens & Northern Corporation and Susquehanna Community Financial, Inc. |
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+ Strategic Acquisition Expanding Our Presence in Central Pennsylvania April 23, 2025 EXHIBIT 99.2 Filed by Citizens & Northern Corporation Pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933 and deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Subject Company: Susquehanna Community Financial, Inc. Commission File No.: 000-16084 |
Forward Looking Statements: This presentation contains statements which, to the extent that they are not recitations of historical fact may constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements may include financial and other projections as well as statements regarding Citizens & Northern Corporation (the “Corporation”) that may include future plans, objectives, performance, revenues, growth, profits, operating expenses or the Corporation’s underlying assumptions. The words “may”, “would”, “should”, “will”, “likely”, “possibly”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “pro forma”, “estimate”, “target”, “potentially”, “probably”, “outlook”, “predict”, “contemplate”, “continue”, “strategic”, “objective”, “plan”, “forecast”, “project” and “believe” or other similar words, phrases or concepts may identify forward-looking statements. Persons reading or present at this presentation are cautioned that such statements are only predictions, and that the Corporation’s actual future results or performance may be materially different. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors, many of which are beyond the Corporation’s control, could cause our actual results, events or developments, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed, implied or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. In addition to factors previously disclosed in the reports filed by C&N with the SEC and those identified elsewhere in this document, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward looking statements: that the execution of the transaction may take longer than anticipated or be more costly to complete and that the anticipated benefits, including any anticipated cost savings or strategic gains, may be significantly harder to achieve or take longer than anticipated or may not be achieved; that the banking agency approvals we require for the transaction will not be obtained in a timely manner or at all or will be conditioned in a manner that would impair our ability to implement our business plans; integration efforts between the Corporation and Susquehanna may divert the attention of the management teams of the Corporation and Susquehanna and cause a loss in the momentum of their ongoing businesses; success of the Corporation in Susquehanna’s geographic market area will require the Corporation to attract and retain key personnel in the market and to differentiate the Corporation from its competitors in the market. All forward-looking statements and information made herein are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions as of April 23, 2025 and speak only as of that date. The Corporation does not undertake to update forward-looking statements. For a complete discussion of the assumptions, risks and uncertainties related to our business generally, you are encouraged to review our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as well as any changes in risk factors that we may identify in our quarterly or other reports subsequently filed with SEC. Non-GAAP Financial Measures: In this presentation, we may use certain non-GAAP (U.S generally accepted accounting principles) financials measures. Reconciliations of the differences between each non-GAAP financial measure with the most comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S GAAP are included on the slides entitled “CZNC Non-GAAP Reconciliations” and “SQCF Non-GAAP Reconciliations” at the end of this presentation. Additional Information about the Proposed Transaction C&N intends to file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 relating to the proposed merger, which will include a prospectus for the offer and sale of C&N common stock as well as the proxy statement of SQCF for the solicitation of proxies from its shareholders for use at the meeting at which the merger will be considered. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. SHAREHOLDERS OF SQCF ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE MERGER WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. You may obtain a free copy of the registration statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus (when it becomes available) and other relevant documents filed by C&N with the SEC, without charge, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and the filings with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference in the proxy statement/prospectus can also be obtained, free of charge, by directing a request to Citizens & Northern Corporation, 90-92 Main Street Wellsboro, Pennsylvania 16901, attention: Glenn James (215) 680-0552, or Susquehanna Community Financial, Inc., 940 High Street, West Milton, Pennsylvania 17886, attention: Karla Landis, Corporate Secretary, (570)-568-2622. SQCF, C&N and their respective directors and executive officers may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed to be “participants” in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders of SQCF in connection with the proposed merger. Information concerning the interests of the persons who may be considered “participants” in the solicitation will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Transaction. Information concerning C&N’s directors and executive officers, including their ownership of C&N common stock, is set forth in its proxy statement previously filed with the SEC on March 14, 2025. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed with the SEC when they become available. You may obtain free copies of these documents from C&N or SQCF using the sources indicated above. No Offer or Solicitation This communication is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote of approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. 2 Disclaimer |
3 Transaction Highlights • Significantly enhances a premier Pennsylvania community bank with $3.2B in pro forma total assets • Key extension of legacy C&N markets provides scale in Central Pennsylvania • Financially compelling with ~17% EPS accretion and single-digit tangible book value dilution • Well capitalized with a pro forma Leverage Ratio of ~9% and Total Capital Ratio of ~13% • Low execution risk driven by C&N’s integration track record, expertise, and contiguous geography • Combined balance sheet has a proven history of sound credit quality • Shared operational philosophy driven by commitment to clients, community, employees and shareholders • Highly complementary branch network with limited customer overlap • Delivers benefits to all stakeholders of the combined entity |
4 Transaction Overview Deal Structure 100% stock consideration Fixed exchange ratio of 0.80 shares of CZNC stock for each SQCF share Implied deal price per share of $15.58 or aggregate transaction value of $44 million¹ Valuation Multiples Price / TBVPS: 126% Price / 2026E EPS: 13.5x Price / 2026E EPS + Cost Savings²: 6.3x Market Premium: 34.5% Timing and Approval Subject to SQCF shareholder and required regulatory approvals, and customary closing conditions Targeted closing in Q4 2025 Leadership and Board of Directors Chris Trate, Chairman of the Board of SQCF, will be invited to join the Board of Directors of C&N Dave Runk, Chief Executive Officer of SQCF, will be appointed to the Executive Leadership Team as an Executive Vice President and Strategic Advisor Jeff Hollenbach, President and Chief Operating Officer of SQCF, will be appointed an Executive Vice President and a Region President Pro Forma Ownership ~87% CZNC / ~13% SQCF 1) Pricing data based on CZNC’s closing price of $19.48 as of April 22, 2025 2) Reflects fully phased-in after tax cost savings on SQCF projected noninterest expense base |
5 Overview of Susquehanna Community Financial, Inc. Franchise Overview Geographic Footprint Q1 2025 Financial Highlights Balance Sheet ($M) MRQ Profitability (%) Assets $598,404 ROAA 0.53% Gross Loans HFI 401,650 ROATCE¹ 9.1% Deposits 511,887 Net Interest Margin¹ 2.83% Loans HFI / Deposits (%) 78.5% Efficiency Ratio¹ 78.4% Capital Ratios (%) Credit Quality (%) TCE / TA¹ 5.86% Reserves / Gross Loans 0.85% Leverage Ratio 8.61% NCOs / Average Loans 0.04% Total RBC Ratio 11.28% NPLs / Loans 0.29% SQCF is headquartered in West Milton, PA, and is the holding company for Susquehanna Community Bank, founded in 1920 7 community offices throughout Central Pennsylvania in the Lewisburg, Williamsport, Selinsgrove, and Sunbury markets SQCF is a leading community bank in the Lewisburg MSA, ranked 2nd by deposit market share Changed name in 2018 from West Milton State Bank to celebrate expansion along the Susquehanna River Dedicated and experienced management team with deeply-rooted community relationships Significant Market Share in the Lewisburg MSA SQCF (7) Milton Lewisburg Northumberland / Sunbury Mifflinburg Williamsport Overall Total Branches Deposits In Market Market Share Rank Institution (#) ($000s) (%) 1 Mifflinburg Bancorp Inc. 3 357,816 32.86 2 Susquehanna Community Finl Inc 3 335,569 30.82 3 M&T Bank Corp. 3 122,493 11.25 4 F.N.B. Corp. 2 94,771 8.70 5 Fulton Financial Corp. 1 78,891 7.25 6 First Commonwealth Financial Corp. 1 65,750 6.04 7 Northwest Bancshares Inc. 1 29,498 2.71 8 Woodforest Financial Group Inc. 1 4,103 0.38 Market Total 17 1,088,891 PA Pittsburgh Harrisburg Allentown Scranton 1) See Appendix for certain calculations related to GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations Note: FDIC deposit data as of June 30, 2024; Deposit market share shown pro forma for pending acquisitions Source: S&P Capital IQ Pro, FDIC, Company documents Selinsgrove |
6 Pro Forma Company Snapshot Top 10 Pro Forma Deposit Market Share Pro Forma Geographic Footprint Pro Forma Financial Highlights² CZNC (28) SQCF (7) Williamsport Lewisburg Northumberland Mifflinburg Doylestown Chesterbrook York Lancaster Newtown Hornell Emporium Coudersport Elmira Knoxville Wellsboro Tioga Athens Towanda Dushore LaPorte Liberty Troy HQ HQ 1) Defined as Pennsylvania headquartered banks with total assets <$10B; FDIC deposit data as of June 30, 2024; Deposit market share shown pro forma for pending acquisitions 2) Pro forma financial highlights reflect projected information at an assumed transaction closing date in the fourth quarter of 2025 Source: S&P Capital IQ Pro, FDIC $3.2B Total Assets $2.6B Total Deposits $2.3B Gross Loans $247M Tangible Common Equity 7.8% TCE / TA 11.5% Tier 1 Ratio 8.9% Leverage Ratio 13.5% Total RBC Ratio Pennsylania Community Banks¹ Total Deposits In Market Overall Branches Market Share Rank Institution (#) ($M) (%) 1 S&T Bancorp Inc. 70 7,447 7.24 2 Univest Financial Corp. 48 6,527 6.35 3 CNB Financial Corp. 51 4,759 4.63 4 Mid Penn Bancorp Inc. 55 4,669 4.54 5 Peoples Financial Services Corp. 36 4,391 4.27 6 Orrstown Financial Services Inc. 42 3,854 3.75 7 Firstrust Savings Bank 16 3,663 3.56 8 Citizens & Northern Corp. 34 2,483 2.42 9 Penn Community Mutual Holdings Inc. 22 2,246 2.18 10 NexTier Inc. 30 2,241 2.18 Market Total 1,304 102,819 CZNC LPO (1) |
7 Diversified Loan Portfolio and Deposit Funding Base 1-4 Family 28.6% Multifamily 9.7% C&D 7.0% Consumer1 C&I 5.4% .3% OO CRE 17.6% Non-OO CRE 16.8% Farm 11.7% Other 2.1% 1-4 Family 31.9% Multifamily 5.4% C&D C&I 6.8% Consumer0.9% 8.8% OO CRE 14.6% Non-OO CRE 25.1% Farm 0.5% Other 6.0% Noninterest-Bearing 19.9% Interest-Bearing Non-Time 56.5% Retail Time 15.9% Jumbo Time 7.7% Noninterest-Bearing 6.7% Interest-Bearing Non-Time 69.4% Retail Time 19.2% Jumbo Time 4.6% Noninterest-Bearing 23.1% Interest-Bearing Non-Time 53.4% Retail Time 15.1% Jumbo Time 8.4% 1-4 Family 31.3% Multifamily 6.2% C&D 6.8% Consumer1 C&I 8.2% .0% OO CRE 15.1% Non-OO CRE 23.7% Other 5.3% Loan Composition 1Q’25 Yield: 6.03% 1Q’25 Cost: 1.86% $512M Total $2.1B Total $2.6B Total 39.7% Deposit Composition 1Q’25 Cost: 2.00% 1Q’25 Cost: 1.89% 1Q’25 Yield: 6.01% 1Q’25 Yield: 6.03% $402M Total $1.9B Total $2.3B Total Pro Forma¹ 1) Compositions shown exclusive of purchase accounting adjustments; Pro forma CRE / Total RBC shown inclusive of purchase accounting adjustments Note: Loan and deposit compositions reflect financials as of March 31, 2025 Source: Company documents 34.4% 38.8% CRE / Total RBC: 245% CRE / Total RBC: 247% CRE / Total RBC: ~276%¹ |
8 Thorough Due Diligence Process Business Overview & Strategy Accounting & Tax Lending & Credit Quality Legal, Regulatory, & Audit Balance Sheet Management Risk Management & Compliance Securities Portfolio & Interest Rate Risk IT, Systems, Data Processing, & Cyber Security Vendor Management & Key Contracts Deposits & Funding HR, Benefit Plans, Agreements, & Key Talent Cultural Alignment & Leadership Due Diligence Focus Areas Diligence Highlights Comprehensive review of market position, business model and growth prospects Solid financial performance, built on strong leadership and risk management Aligned credit cultures and customer centric approaches Comprehensive Loan Review Key lending personnel devoted hundreds of hours to reviewing a significant portion of the SQCF lending portfolio Review focused on loan terms, structure, and borrowers’ continued ability to service their debt Additional focus on underwriting standards and firmwide credit culture All large relationships, Pass Watch, Special Mention, and Substandard loans were reviewed, along with other select loan categories |
9 Pro Forma Financial Impact Earnings Impact TBV Impact Pro Forma Capital ~17% 2026E EPS Accretion ~17% 2027E EPS Accretion ~(7.9)% Dilution at Close ~2.75 years Earnback¹ ~7.8% TCE/TA ~8.9% Leverage Ratio ~11.5% Tier 1 Ratio ~13.5% TRBC Ratio 1) Tangible book value earnback calculated using the crossover method ~1.2% 2026E ROAA ~16% 2026E ROATCE ~61% 2026E Efficiency |
$1.7 $2.2 $2.3 $2.5 $2.5 $2.6 $3.2¹ $0.4 $0.6 $0.6 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025Q1 Disciplined Acquiror and Experienced Integrator 1) Pro forma for the acquisition of SQCF Source: S&P Capital IQ Pro, Company documents Historical Asset Growth ($B) Evolution of Geographic Footprint Williamsport Lewisburg Northumberland Mifflinburg Hornell Emporium Coudersport Elmira Knoxville Wellsboro Tioga Athens Towanda Dushore LaPorte Liberty Troy CZNC (25) SQCF (7) Covenant (1) Monument (2) Doylestown Chesterbrook Newtown York Lancaster 10 CZNC LPO (1) |
Appendix 11 |
12 Key Transaction Assumptions One-Time Costs $6.6 million pre-tax one-time merger expenses, 100% realized at/prior to close Targeted Cost Savings Cost savings estimated at 30% of SQCF’s projected noninterest expense Phased-in 75% in 2025 and 100% thereafter Other Assumptions Core deposit intangible of 3.0% of SQCF’s core deposits, amortized sum-of-the-years digits over 10 years Fixed asset write-up of $2.3M, amortized straight-line over 20.0 years Loan Credit Mark Estimate Gross Credit Mark: ~$6.2 million pre-tax (equal to ~1.5% of projected loans at closing) Non-PCD: ~$3.2 million pre-tax, accreted into earnings straight-line over 4.8 years PCD: ~$3.0 million pre-tax Interest Rate Marks $21.8 million write-down of AOCI related to AFS securities, accreted straight line over 7.4 years $14.6 million write-down of SQCF’s gross loans, or 3.6%, accreted straight-line over 4.8 years $0.2 million write-down of time deposits, accreted straight-line over 0.3 years Standalone Earnings Consensus earnings estimates for C&N SQCF FY 2025 earnings of $3.1 million, grown 5% annually thereafter |
13 Citizens & Northern Q1 Snapshot For Fiscal Periods Ended 2024Q1 2024Q2 2024Q3 2024Q4 2025Q1 Balance Sheet ($M) Total Assets $2,522 $2,593 $2,671 $2,611 $2,609 Gross Loans HFI 1,872 1,893 1,893 1,896 1,898 Deposits 1,996 2,059 2,136 2,094 2,102 Gross Loans HFI / Deposits 93.8% 91.9% 88.6% 90.5% 90.3% Tangible Common Equity 207 208 223 221 227 Capital Ratios TCE / TA¹ 8.38% 8.21% 8.51% 8.63% 8.90% Tier 1 Leverage 9.88% 9.85% 9.71% 9.80% 10.18% Total Capital 15.54% 15.49% 15.72% 15.95% 16.00% CRE Concentration 261% 257% 251% 246% 245% Asset Quality NPLs / Loans 0.97% 0.98% 1.24% 1.21% 1.27% NPAs / Assets 0.74% 0.72% 0.88% 0.88% 0.93% Reserves / Loans 1.07% 1.08% 1.08% 1.06% 1.06% NCOs / Average Loans 0.03% 0.04% 0.26% 0.00% 0.02% Earnings & Profitability ($M) Net Income $5.3 $6.1 $6.4 $8.2 $6.3 ROAA 0.84% 0.96% 0.97% 1.24% 0.98% ROATCE¹ 10.3% 12.0% 11.9% 14.8% 11.3% Net Interest Margin¹ 3.29% 3.31% 3.29% 3.30% 3.38% Efficiency Ratio¹ 70.6% 70.0% 66.4% 65.3% 70.0% CZNC Q1 2025 Profitability 3.38% Net Interest Margin 0.98% Return on Avg. Assets 11.3% Return on Avg. Tangible Equity Historical Balance Sheet Growth 9.9% 5-Year Asset CAGR 10.2% 5-Year Loan CAGR 11.0% 5-Year Deposit CAGR 1) See Appendix for certain calculations related to GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations Source: S&P Capital IQ Pro, Company documents |
14 CZNC Non-GAAP Reconciliations Source: Company documents 2024Q1 2024Q2 2024Q3 2024Q4 2025Q1 Tangible Common Equity/Assets Total Assets - U.S. GAAP $2,521,537 $2,593,122 $2,670,822 $2,610,653 $2,609,228 Less: Intangible Assets, Primarily Goodwill (54,877) (54,779) (54,682) (54,585) (54,479) Tangible Assets $2,466,660 $2,538,343 $2,616,140 $2,556,068 $2,554,749 Total Stockholders' Equity - U.S. GAAP $261,656 $263,221 $277,305 $275,284 $281,831 Less: Intangible Assets, Primarily Goodwill (54,877) (54,779) (54,682) (54,585) (54,479) Tangible Common Equity $206,779 $208,442 $222,623 $220,699 $227,352 Tangible Common Equity/Tangible Assets 8.38% 8.21% 8.51% 8.63% 8.90% Return on Average Tangible Common Equity Average Equity $261,146 $258,420 $268,387 $275,450 $278,143 Less: Average Intangible Assets (54,925) (54,827) (54,730) (54,632) (54,530) Average Tangible Equity $206,221 $203,593 $213,657 $220,818 $223,613 Net Income $5,306 $6,113 $6,365 $8,174 $6,293 Return on Average Tangible Common Equity 10.3% 12.0% 11.9% 14.8% 11.3% Net Interest Margin and Efficiency Ratio Net Interest Income - U.S. GAAP $19,041 $19,445 $20,156 $20,473 $19,975 Add: Fully Taxable Equivalent Adjustments: Tax-Exempt Securities 69 67 66 69 75 Tax-Exempt Loans 126 135 139 148 136 Net Interest Income - Fully Taxable- Equivalent Basis $19,236 $19,647 $20,361 $20,690 $20,186 Average Total Earning Assets $2,354,603 $2,385,593 $2,461,191 $2,491,384 $2,419,806 Net Interest Margin 3.29% 3.31% 3.29% 3.30% 3.38% Net Interest Income - Fully Taxable- Equivalent Basis $19,236 $19,647 $20,361 $20,690 $20,186 Noninterest Income 6,675 7,854 7,133 7,547 7,008 Total (1) 25,911 27,501 27,494 28,237 27,194 Noninterest Expense (2) 18,304 19,255 18,269 18,430 19,043 Efficiency Ratio = (2)/(1) 70.6% 70.0% 66.4% 65.3% 70.0% |
15 SQCF Non-GAAP Reconciliations Source: Company documents 2025Q1 Tangible Common Equity/Assets Total Assets - U.S. GAAP $598,404 Less: Intangible Assets 0 Tangible Assets $598,404 Total Stockholders' Equity - U.S. GAAP $35,075 Less: Intangible Assets 0 Tangible Common Equity $35,075 Tangible Common Equity/Tangible Assets 5.86% Return on Average Tangible Common Equity Average Equity $34,972 Less: Average Intangible Assets 0 Average Tangible Equity $34,972 Net Income $797 Return on Average Tangible Common Equity 9.1% Net Interest Margin and Efficiency Ratio Net Interest Income - U.S. GAAP $3,952 Add: Fully Taxable Equivalent Adjustments: Tax-Exempt Securities 97 Tax-Exempt Loans 8 Net Interest Income - Fully Taxable- Equivalent Basis $4,057 Average Total Earning Assets $581,664 Net Interest Margin 2.83% Net Interest Income - Fully Taxable- Equivalent Basis $4,057 Noninterest Income 720 Total (1) 4,777 Noninterest Expense (2) 3,745 Efficiency Ratio = (2)/(1) 78.4% |