Here is the MiBiz Growth Report for Nov. 12, 2018.

Seven credit unions in Michigan plans to open a new trust bank late in the first quarter of 2019 after receiving approval from state regulators.

MiBiz, in conjunction with the Association for Corporate Growth of Western Michigan, highlighted the winners and finalists of the 2018 M&A Deals and Dealmakers of the Year Awards on Oct. 28 at the Gerald  R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids. 

An already strong M&A market could get even more competitive in 2019, driven by a good U.S. economy and plenty of available capital.

The spring acquisition of TCSB Bancorp Inc. in Traverse City, combined with strong loan growth, drove earnings higher for Independent Bank Corp. in the third quarter.

Stryker Corp.’s sales grew nearly 8 percent during the third quarter to $3.24 billion. The quarterly result compares to sales of $3 billion in the same period last year.

Marijuana for recreational use by adults could become a $1.4 billion industry in Michigan in the years ahead.

ChoiceOne Financial Services Inc., the parent company of ChoiceOne Bank, recorded higher earnings for the third quarter.

A West Michigan manufacturer of wood-based products has acquired Pak-Rite Ltd., a Milwaukee,Wis.-based packaging design and manufacturing firm.

Mercantile Bank Corp. grew third quarter earnings by more than 20 percent compared to a year ago.

MiBiz, in conjunction with the Association for Corporate Growth Western Michigan, is pleased to present the sixth-annual M&A Deals and Dealmakers of the Year Awards.

A recapitalization in late 2010 put Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing Inc. on the path to triple-digit annual growth.

Acquiring Sparta-based Old Orchard Brands LLC in April allowed a Canadian beverage company to add a modern plant in Michigan to better access the Midwestern market.

Aaron Zeigler fell in love with the car business as a teenager.

The recent scale and scope of M&A activity around the region has made for a “pretty cool year” for deal advisers like Rajesh Kothari. 

Here is the MiBiz Growth Report for Oct. 15, 2018.

Venture capital investors made fewer deals in Michigan during the third quarter than the same period a year earlier, although the amount invested more than tripled.

The Michigan Venture Capital Association presented Jody Vanderwel, the former president of Grand Angels, with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Blackford Capital’s latest deal brought a new investment partner to the table: Gun Lake Investments, the economic development arm of the Gun Lake Tribe.

In the 12-month period from June 2017 to June 2018, Commerce Bank’s outstanding commercial loan balances in West Michigan grew by 100 percent.

ST. JOSEPH — United Federal Credit Union’s opening of two offices this summer in South Bend and Mishawaka follow the organization’s plan to build a broader presence in the northern Indiana market.

GRAND RAPIDS — The pending acquisition of 13 offices from an Ann Arbor mortgage company would extend Northpointe Bancshares Inc.’s reach into new markets.

GRAND RAPIDS — Investment firm Grand Angels plans to launch its third venture capital fund, MiBiz has learned.

GRAND RAPIDS — An M&A firm catering to small businesses took on a new name as it began to pick up clients and reach out nationally.

A new $20 million venture capital fund aims not only to generate returns for investors but also address a wide gender gap in the investing industry.

A pair of initiatives across Southwest Michigan have a similar goal: supporting entrepreneurs starting small businesses in their respective cities and urban cores. 

Chairman, President and CEO, Fifth Third Bancorp Inc.