Item 1.

Business

General

United Bancshares, Inc. (the “Corporation”), an Ohio corporation, is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and is subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”).  The Corporation was incorporated and organized in 1985.  The executive offices of the Corporation are located at 100 S. High Street, Columbus Grove, Ohio 45830.  As of December 31, 2008, the Corporation employed approximately 150 employees.  On March 7, 2003, following the receipt of approval from the appropriate regulatory authorities, the Corporation collapsed the charters of Citizens Bank of Delphos and the Bank of Leipsic and merged them into the charter of The Union Bank Company (the “Bank”).  Following the merger of the Corporation’s other two bank subsidiaries into The Union Bank Company; the Corporation is now a one-bank holding company, as that term is defined by the Federal Reserve Board.

United Bancshares, Inc. has traded its common stock on the Nasdaq Markets Exchange under the symbol “UBOH” since March 2001.  

The Corporation is registered as a Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) reporting company.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain matters disclosed herein may be deemed to be forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including regulatory policy changes, interest rate fluctuations, loan demand, loan delinquencies and losses, general economic conditions, and other risks.  Forward-looking statements are often characterized by the use of qualifying words and their derivatives such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “plans,” “projects,” and other words and statements concerning opinions or judgments of the Corporation and its management about future events.  Actual strategies and results in future time periods may differ materially from those currently expected.  Such forward-looking statements represent management’s judgment as of the current date.  The Corporation disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update such forward-looking statements.

General Description of Bank Subsidiary

The Bank is engaged in the business of commercial banking.  The Bank is an Ohio state-chartered bank, which serves the Ohio counties of Allen, Putnam, Sandusky, Van Wert and Wood, with office locations in Bowling Green, Columbus Grove, Delphos, Gibsonburg, Kalida, Leipsic, Lima, Ottawa, and Pemberville.

The Bank offers a full range of commercial banking services, including checking accounts, savings and money market accounts; time certificates of deposit; automatic teller machines; commercial, consumer, agricultural, residential mortgage and home equity loans; safe deposit box rentals; and other personalized banking services.

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Competition

The Corporation competes for deposits with other savings associations, commercial banks and credit unions and issuers of commercial paper and other securities, such as shares in money market mutual funds. Primary factors in competing for deposits include customer service, interest rates and convenience of office location. In making loans, the Corporation competes with other commercial banks, savings associations, consumer finance companies, credit unions, leasing companies, mortgage companies and other lenders. Competition is affected by, among other things, the general availability of lendable funds, general and local economic conditions, current interest rate levels and other factors that are not readily predictable. The number of financial institutions competing with the Corporation is likely to increase as a result of changes in statutes and regulations eliminating various restrictions on interstate and inter-industry branching and acquisitions. Such increased competition may have an adverse effect upon the Corporation.

Effect of Environmental Regulation

Compliance with federal, state and local provisions regulating the discharge of material into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, have not had a material effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position of the Corporation and its subsidiary.  The Corporation believes that the nature of the operations of its subsidiary has little, if any, environmental impact.  The Corporation, therefore, anticipates no material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities for its current fiscal year or for the foreseeable future.  The Corporation’s subsidiary may be required to make capital expenditures for environmental control facilities related to properties, which they may acquire through foreclosure proceedings in the future; however, the amount of such capital expenditures, if any, is not currently determinable.

Supervision and Regulation

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - On July 30, 2002, President Bush signed into law the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “SOA”). The stated goals of the SOA are to increase corporate responsibility, to provide for enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties within publicly traded companies and to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures pursuant to the securities laws.

The SOA is the most far-reaching U.S. securities legislation enacted in some time. The SOA generally applies to all companies, both U.S. and non-U.S., that file or are required to file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The SOA includes very specific additional disclosure requirements and new corporate governance rules, requires the SEC and securities exchanges to adopt extensive additional disclosure, corporate governance and other related rules and mandates further studies of certain issues by the SEC and the Comptroller General. The SOA represents significant federal involvement in matters traditionally left to state regulatory systems, including the regulation of the accounting profession, and to state corporate law, such as the relationship between a board of directors and management and between a board of directors and its committees.

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The SOA addresses, among other matters:

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audit committees for all reporting companies;

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certification of financial statements by the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer;

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the forfeiture of bonuses or other incentive-based compensation and profits from the sale of an issuer’s securities by directors and senior officers in the twelve month period following initial publication of any financial statements that later require restatement;

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a prohibition on certain insider trading during pension plan black out periods;

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disclosure of off-balance sheet transactions;

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a prohibition on personal loans to directors and officers;

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expedited filing requirements for Forms 4;

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disclosure of a code of ethics and filing a Form 8-K for a change or waiver of such code;

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“real time” filing of periodic reports;

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the formation of a public company accounting oversight board;

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auditor independence; and

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various increased criminal penalties for violations of securities laws.  

Other Statutes and Regulations

The following is a summary of certain other statutes and regulations affecting the Corporation and its subsidiary. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to such statutes and regulations.

The Corporation is a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, which restricts the activities of the Corporation and the acquisition by the Corporation of voting shares or assets of any bank, savings association or other company.  The Corporation is also subject to the reporting requirements of, and examination and regulation by, the Federal Reserve Board.  Subsidiary banks of a bank holding company are subject to certain restrictions imposed by the Federal Reserve Act on transactions with affiliates, including any loans or extensions of credit to the bank holding company or any of its subsidiaries, investments in the stock or other securities thereof and the taking of such stock or securities as collateral for loans or extensions of credit to any borrower; the issuance of guarantees, acceptances or letters of credit on behalf of the bank holding company and its subsidiary; purchases or sales of securities or other assets; and the payment of money or furnishing of services to the bank holding company and other subsidiaries.  Bank holding companies are prohibited from acquiring direct or indirect control of more than 5% of any class of voting stock or substantially all of the assets of any bank holding company without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board.  A bank holding company and its subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in certain tying arrangements in connection with extensions of credit and/or the provision of other property or services to a customer by the bank holding company or its subsidiaries.

As an Ohio state-chartered bank, the Bank is supervised and regulated by the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).  The deposits of the Bank are insured by the FDIC and the Bank is subject to the applicable provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.  A subsidiary of a bank holding company can be liable to reimburse the FDIC if the FDIC incurs or anticipates a loss because of a default of another FDIC-insured subsidiary of the bank holding company or in connection with FDIC assistance provided to such subsidiary in danger of default.  In addition, the holding company of any insured financial institution that submits a capital plan under the federal banking agencies’ regulations on prompt corrective action guarantees a portion of the institution’s capital shortfall, as discussed below.

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Various requirements and restrictions under the laws of the United States and the State of Ohio affect the operations of the Bank, including requirements to maintain reserves against deposits, restrictions on the nature and amount of loans which may be made and the interest that may be charged thereon, restrictions relating to investments and other activities, limitations on credit exposure to correspondent banks, limitations on activities based on capital and surplus, limitations on payment of dividends, and limitations on branching.

The Federal Reserve Board has adopted risk-based capital guidelines for bank holding companies.  The risk-based capital guidelines include both a definition and a framework for calculating risk weighted assets by assigning assets and off-balance sheet items to broad risk categories.  The minimum ratio of total capital to risk weighted assets (including certain off-balance sheet items, such as standby letters of credit) is 8%.  At least 4% is to be comprised of common Shareholders’ equity (including retained earnings but excluding treasury stock), noncumulative perpetual preferred stock, a limited amount of cumulative perpetual preferred stock, and minority interest in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less goodwill and certain other intangible assets (“Tier 1 capital”).  The remainder (“Tier 2 capital”) may consist, among other things, of mandatory convertible debt securities, a limited amount of subordinated debt, other preferred stock and a limited amount of allowance for loan losses.  The Federal Reserve Board also imposes a minimum leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital to total assets) of 3% for bank holding companies and state member banks that meet certain specified conditions, including having the highest regulatory rating.  The minimum leverage ratio is 1%-2% higher for other bank holding companies and state member banks based on their particular circumstances and risk profiles and for those banks experiencing or anticipating significant growth.  State non-member bank subsidiaries, such as the Bank are subject to similar capital requirements adopted by the FDIC.  

The Corporation and its subsidiary currently satisfy all capital requirements.  Failure to meet applicable capital guidelines could subject a banking institution to a variety of enforcement remedies available to federal and state regulatory authorities, including the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC.  The junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures issued in 2003, as described in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Corporation’s Annual Report, currently qualify as Tier I capital for regulatory purposes. However, it is possible that regulations could change so that such securities do not qualify.

The federal banking regulators have established regulations governing prompt corrective action to resolve capital deficient banks.  Under these regulations, institutions, which become undercapitalized, become subject to mandatory regulatory scrutiny and limitations that increase as capital decreases.  Such institutions are also required to file capital plans with their primary federal regulator, and their holding companies must guarantee the capital shortfall up to 5% of the assets of the capital deficient institution at the time it becomes undercapitalized.

The ability of a bank holding company to obtain funds for the payment of dividends and for other cash requirements is largely dependent on the amount of dividends that may be declared by its subsidiary bank and other subsidiaries.  However, the Federal Reserve Board expects the Corporation to serve as a source of strength to its subsidiary bank, which may require it to retain capital for further investment in the subsidiary, rather than for dividends for shareholders of the Corporation.  The Bank may not pay dividends to the Corporation if, after paying such dividends, it would fail to meet the required minimum levels under the risk-based capital guidelines and the minimum leverage ratio requirements.  The Bank must have the approval of its regulatory authorities if a dividend in any year would cause the total dividends for that year to exceed the sum of the current year’s net income and the retained net income for the preceding two years, less required transfers to surplus. Payment of dividends by a bank subsidiary may be restricted at any time at the discretion of the regulatory authorities, if they deem such dividends to

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constitute an unsafe and/or unsound banking practice.  These provisions could have the effect of limiting the Corporation’s ability to pay dividends on its outstanding common shares.

Deposit Insurance Assessments and Recent Legislation

The Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 and the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Conforming Amendments Act of 2005 (collectively, the “Deposit Insurance Reform Acts”) were both signed into law during February, 2006.  The provisions of the Deposit Insurance Reform Acts included, among other things, merging the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund into a new fund called the Deposit Insurance Fund, which merger was effective March 31, 2006; increasing insurance coverage for retirement accounts from $100,000 to $250,000, effective April 1, 2006; adjusting deposit insurance levels of $100,000 for non-retirement accounts and $250,000 for retirement accounts every five years based on an inflation index, with the first adjustment to be effective on January 1, 2011; eliminating a 1.25% hard target Designated Reserve Ratio, as defined, and giving the FDIC discretion to set the Designated Reserve Ratio within a range of 1.15% to 1.50% for any given year; eliminating certain restrictions on premium rates the FDIC charges covered institutions and establishing a risk-based premium system; and providing for a one-time credit for institutions that paid premiums to the Bank Insurance Fund or the Savings Association Insurance Fund prior to December 31, 1996.

On October 3, 2008, the FDIC temporarily increased the deposit insurance standard coverage limit from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor.  The standard coverage limit will return to $100,000 for all deposit categories except IRAs and certain retirement accounts on January 1, 2010.  Unlimited deposit insurance coverage is also available through December 31, 2009, for non-interest bearing transaction accounts.  Under the Final Rule, the definition of noninterest-bearing transaction accounts includes Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (and functionally equivalent accounts) and low-interest NOW accounts (defined as NOW accounts with interest rates no higher than 0.50 percent).

Current economic conditions have increased bank failures and expectations for further failures, in which case the FDIC insures payment of deposits up to insured limits from the Deposit Insurance Fund.   In late 2008, the FDIC announced an increase in insurance premium rates of seven basis points for the first quarter of 2009.  On February 27, 2009, the FDIC announced its adoption of an interim final rule imposing a one-time special assessment of up to 20 basis points and a final rule adjusting the risk-based calculation used to determine the premiums due from each financial institution.  On March 5, 2009, the FDIC announced its plan to reduce the special assessment to 10 basis points.  Management expects that the special assessment and the changes in the premium calculation will significantly increase the Corporation’s FDIC insurance expense in 2009 and possibly thereafter.

Monetary Policy and Economic Conditions

The commercial banking business is affected not only by general economic conditions, but also by the policies of various governmental regulatory authorities, including the Federal Reserve Board.  The Federal Reserve Board regulates money and credit conditions and interest rates in order to influence general economic conditions primarily through open market operations in U.S. Government securities, changes in the discount rate on bank borrowings and changes in reserve requirements against bank deposits.  These policies and regulations significantly affect the overall growth and distribution of bank loans, investments and deposits, and the interest rates charged on loans as well as the interest rates paid on deposits and accounts.

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The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve Board have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to have significant effects in the future.  In view of the changing conditions in the economy and the money market and the activities of monetary and fiscal authorities, no definitive predictions can be made as to future changes in interest rates, credit availability or deposit level.

Statistical Financial Information Regarding the Corporation

The following schedules and table analyze certain elements of the consolidated balance sheets and statements of income of the Corporation and its subsidiary, as required under Securities Act Industry Guide 3 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and should be read in conjunction with the narrative analysis presented in ITEM 7, MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION and the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Corporation, both of which are included in the 2008 Annual Report attached hereto as Exhibit 13.

Available Information

The Corporation files various reports with the SEC, including Forms 10-Q, 10-K, 11-K and 8-K as required. The public may read and copy any filed materials with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549.  The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  The SEC maintains an Internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information that the Corporation electronically files with the SEC.  

Various information on the Corporation may also be obtained from the Corporation’s maintained website at http://www.theubank.com.

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I.

(1)

Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value.  The average balance includes quarterly average balances of the market value adjustments and daily average balances for the amortized cost of securities.

(2)

Loan balances include principal balances of non-accrual loans and loans held for sale.

(3)

Shareholders’ equity includes average net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on securities available-for-sale, net of tax.

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I.

DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY; INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL (CONTINUED)

B.

The following tables set forth, for the years indicated, the condensed average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the interest earned or paid on such amounts, and the average interest rates earned or paid thereon.

(1)

Securities, available-for-sale are carried at fair value.  The average balance includes quarterly average balances of the market value adjustments and daily average balances for the amortized cost of securities.

(2)

Computed on tax equivalent basis for non-taxable securities (34% statutory rate).

(3)

Loan balances include principal balance of non-accrual loans and loans held for sale.

(4)

Interest income on loans includes fees on loans of $1,091,254.

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I.

(1)

Securities, available-for-sale are carried at fair value.  The average balance includes quarterly average balances of the market value adjustments and daily average balances for the amortized cost of securities.

(2)

Computed on tax equivalent basis for non-taxable securities (34% statutory rate).

(3)

Loan balances include principal balance of non-accrual loans and loans held for sale.

(4)

Interest income on loans includes fees on loans of $1,014,527.

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I.

(1)

Securities, available-for-sale are carried at fair value.  The average balance includes quarterly average balances of the market value adjustments and daily average balances for the amortized cost of securities.

(2)

Computed on tax equivalent basis for non-taxable securities (34% statutory rate).

(3)

Loan balances include principal balance of non-accrual loans and loans held for sale.

(4)

Interest income on loans includes fees on loans of $1,114,879.

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I.

DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY; INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL (CONTINUED)

C.

The following tables set forth the effect of volume and rate changes on interest income and expenses for the periods indicated.  For purposes of these tables, changes in interest due to volume and rate were determined as follows:

Volume variance - change in volume multiplied by the previous year’s rate.

Rate variance - change in rate multiplied by the previous year’s volume.

Rate/volume variance - change in volume multiplied by the change in rate.

This variance was allocated to volume variances and rate variances in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amount of the change in each.

Interest on non-taxable securities has been adjusted to a fully tax equivalent basis using a statutory tax rate of 34% in all years presented.

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I.

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II.

The above excludes Federal Home Loan Bank stock amounting to $4,893,800 in 2008, and $4,703,100 in 2007 and 2006.

B.

The maturity distribution and weighted average yield of securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2008 are as follows:

(1)

Maturity based upon estimated weighted-average life.

(2)

Table excludes Federal Home Loan Bank stock and $500,000 of securities having no maturity date.

The weighted average interest rates are based on coupon rates for securities purchased at par value and on effective interest rates considering amortization or accretion if the securities were purchased at a premium or discount.

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C.

There were three securities which exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2008.  All three securities were variable rate mortgage-backed securities with the following market values as of December 31, 2008: $7,265,780, $7,661,534, and $9,525,608.  The first two securities were issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the remaining security was issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.

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Real estate mortgage amounts include real estate construction loans of $20.9 million in 2008, $18.0 million in 2007, $11.9 million in 2006, $13.9 million in 2005, and $14.6 million in 2004.  There are no lease financing receivables in any year.  

CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK – The Corporation’s depository institution subsidiary grants commercial, real estate, installment, and credit card loans to customers primarily located in Northwestern and West Central Ohio.  Commercial loans include loans collateralized by business assets and agricultural loans collateralized by crops and farm equipment.  As of December 31, 2008, commercial and agricultural loans make up 64.16% of the loan portfolio; the loans are expected to be repaid from cash flow from operations of the businesses.  As of December 31, 2008, real estate mortgage loans make up 31.14% of the loan portfolio and are collateralized by first mortgages on residential real estate.  As of December 31, 2008, consumer loans to individuals make up 4.70% of the loan portfolio and are primarily collateralized by consumer assets.

B.

Maturities and Sensitivities of Loans to Changes in Interest Rates – The following table shows the amounts of commercial and agricultural loans outstanding as of December 31, 2008 which, based on remaining scheduled repayments of principal, are due in the periods indicated.  Also, the amounts have been classified according to sensitivity to changes in interest rates for commercial and agricultural loans due after one year.  (Variable-rate loans are those loans with floating or adjustable interest rates.)

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C.

Risk Elements – Non-accrual, Past Due, Restructured and Impaired Loans – The following table summarizes non-accrual, past due, restructured and impaired loans at December 31:

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III.

LOAN PORTFOLIO (CONTINUED)

The following is reported for the year ended December 31, 2008:

1.

Discussion of the non-accrual policy

The accrual of interest income is discontinued when the collection of a loan or interest, in whole or in part, is doubtful.  When the accrual of interest is discontinued, all interest income accrued but uncollected is reversed.  While loans which are past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments are considered for non-accrual status, management may elect to continue the accrual of interest when the estimated net realizable value of collateral, in management’s judgment, is sufficient to cover the principal balance and accrued interest.  These policies apply to both commercial and real estate loans.

2.

Potential problem loans

As of December 31, 2008, in addition to the $5,461,000 of loans reported under Item III. C, there are approximately $16,147,000 of other outstanding loans where known information causes management to have doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms and which may result in disclosure of such loans pursuant to Item III. C, at some future date.  Consideration was given to loans classified for regulatory purposes as substandard or special mention that have not been disclosed in Item III. C above. -

3.

Foreign outstandings

None.

4.

Loan concentrations

At December 31, 2008, loans outstanding relating to agricultural operations or collateralized by agricultural real estate aggregated $74,652,000.  At December 31, 2008, there were three loans for $247,000 in agricultural commercial loans, which were accounted for on a non-accrual basis; and there were no accruing agricultural commercial loans which were contractually past due ninety days or more as to interest or principal payments.

C.

Other interest-bearing assets

As of December 31, 2008, there were no other interest-bearing assets that are required to be disclosed.

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IV.

SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE

A.

The following schedule presents an analysis of the allowance for loan losses, average loan data and related ratios for the years ended December 31:

(1)

Including loans held for sale.

The allowance for loan losses balance and the provision for loan losses are judgmentally determined by management based upon periodic reviews of the loan portfolio.  In addition, management considered the level of charge-offs on loans as well as the fluctuations of charge-offs and recoveries on loans including the factors, which caused these changes.  Estimating the risk of loans and the amount of loss is necessarily subjective.  Accordingly, the allowance is maintained by management at a level considered adequate to cover losses that are currently anticipated based on past loss experience, general economic conditions, information about specific borrower situations including their financial position and collateral value and other factors and estimates which are subject to change over time.  

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IV.

While management’s periodic analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses may allocate portions of the allowance for specific problem loan situations, the entire allowance is available for any loan charge-offs that occur.

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V.

C.&E.

There were no foreign deposits in any periods presented.

D.

Maturities of time certificates of deposit and other time deposits of $100,000 or more outstanding at December 31, 2008 are summarized as follows:

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VI.

(1)

Average shareholders’ equity includes average unrealized gains or losses on securities available-for-sale.

(2)

Dividends declared divided by net income.

VII.

SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

None.

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Item 1A.

RISK FACTORS

An investment in the Corporation’s common stock is subject to risks inherent to the Corporation’s business. The material risks and uncertainties that management believes affect the Corporation are described below. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this report. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing the Corporation. Additional risks and uncertainties that management is not aware of or focused on or that management currently deems immaterial may also impair the Corporation’s business operations.  This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors.

If any of the following risks actually occur, the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of the Corporation’s common stock could decline significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to the Corporation’s Business

  The Corporation is Subject to Interest Rate Risk

The Corporation’s earnings and cash flows are largely dependent upon its net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on interest-earning assets such as loans and securities and interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities such as deposits and borrowed funds. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond the Corporation’s control, including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, could influence not only the interest the Corporation receives on loans and securities and the amount of interest it pays on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also affect (i) the Corporation’s ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, (ii) the fair value of the Corporation’s financial assets and liabilities, and (iii) the average duration of the Corporation’s mortgage-backed securities portfolio. If the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings increase at a faster rate than the interest rates received on loans and other investments, the Corporation’s net interest income, and therefore earnings, could be adversely affected. Earnings could also be adversely affected if the interest rates received on loans and other investments fall more quickly than the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings.

Although management believes it has implemented effective asset and liability management strategies, to reduce the potential effects of changes in interest rates on the Corporation’s results of operations, any substantial, unexpected, prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

The Corporation Is Subject To Lending Risk

There are inherent risks associated with the Corporation’s lending activities. These risks include, among other things, the impact of changes in interest rates and changes in the economic conditions in the markets where the Corporation operates as well as those across the State of Ohio and the United States. Increases in interest rates and/or weakening economic conditions could adversely impact the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans or the value of the collateral securing these loans. The Corporation

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is also subject to various laws and regulations that affect its lending activities. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject the Corporation to regulatory enforcement action that could result in the assessment of significant civil monetary penalties against the Corporation.

Although the Corporation does not have an inordinately large number of non-performing loans, an increase in non-performing loans could result in a net loss of earnings from these loans, an increase in the provision for possible loans losses and an increase in loan charge-offs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

   The Corporation’s Allowance for Loan Losses May Be Insufficient

The Corporation maintains an allowance for loan losses, which is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, that represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is necessary to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio. The level of the allowance reflects management’s continuing evaluation of industry concentrations; specific credit risks; loan loss experience; current loan portfolio quality; present economic, political and regulatory conditions and unidentified losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires the Corporation to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. Changes in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of the Corporation’s control, may require a potentially significant increase in the allowance for loan losses. In addition, bank regulatory agencies periodically review the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the provision for loan losses or the recognition of further loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of management. In addition, if charge-offs in future periods exceed the allowance for loan losses, the Corporation will need additional provisions to increase the allowance for loan losses. Any increases in the allowance for loan losses will result in a decrease in net income and, possibly, capital, and may have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

The Corporation Is Subject To Environmental Liability Risk Associated With Lending Activities

A significant portion of the Corporation’s loan portfolio is secured by real property. During the ordinary course of business, the Corporation may foreclose on and take title to properties securing certain loans. In doing so, there is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, the Corporation may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws may require the Corporation to incur substantial expenses and may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit the Corporation’s ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase the Corporation’s exposure to environmental liability. Although the Corporation may perform an environmental review before initiating any foreclosure action on real property, these reviews may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

 The Corporation’s Profitability Depends Significantly on Economic Conditions in the State of Ohio

The Corporation’s success depends primarily on the general economic conditions of the State of Ohio and the specific local markets in which the Corporation operates. Unlike larger national or other regional banks that are more geographically diversified, the Corporation provides banking and financial services to customers primarily in the Ohio counties of Allen, Putnam, Sandusky, Van Wert, and Wood. The local economic conditions in these areas have a significant impact on the demand for the

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Corporation’s products and services as well as the ability of the Corporation’s customers to repay loans, the value of the collateral securing loans and the stability of the Corporation’s deposit funding sources. A significant decline in general economic conditions, caused by inflation, recession, acts of terrorism, outbreak of hostilities or other international or domestic occurrences, unemployment, changes in securities markets or other factors could impact those local economic conditions and, in turn, have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

   The Corporation Operates in a Highly Competitive Industry and Market Area

The Corporation faces substantial competition in all areas of its operations from a variety of different competitors, many of whom are larger and may have more financial resources. Such competitors primarily include national, regional, and community banks within the various markets the Corporation operates. The Corporation also faces competition from many other types of financial institutions, including, without limitation, savings and loans, credit unions, finance companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies, factoring companies and other financial intermediaries. The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation. Banks, securities firms and insurance companies can merge under the umbrella of a financial holding company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting) and merchant banking. Also, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. Many of the Corporation’s competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. Additionally, due to their size, many competitors may be able to achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may offer a broader range of products and services as well as better pricing for those products and services than the Corporation can.

The Corporation’s ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including, among other things:

·

The ability to develop, maintain and build upon long-term customer relationships based on top quality service, high ethical standards and safe, sound assets.

·

The ability to expand the Corporation’s market position.

·

The scope, relevance and pricing of products and services offered to meet customer needs and demands.

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The rate at which the Corporation introduces new products and services relative to its competitors.

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Customer satisfaction with the Corporation’s level of service.

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Industry and general economic trends.

Failure to perform in any of these areas could significantly weaken the Corporation’s competitive position, which could adversely affect the Corporation’s growth and profitability, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

   The Corporation Is Subject To Extensive Government Regulation And Supervision

The Corporation, primarily through its wholly owned subsidiary, The Union Bank Company, is subject to extensive federal and state regulation and supervision. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors’ funds, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, not shareholders. These regulations affect the Corporation’s lending practices, capital structure,

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investment practices, dividend policy and growth, among other things. Congress and federal regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. Changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations or policies, could affect the Corporation in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes could subject the Corporation to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products the Corporation may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties and/or reputational damage, which could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, financial condition and results of operations. While the Corporation has policies and procedures designed to prevent any such violations, there can be no assurance that such violations will not occur.

   The Corporation’s Controls and Procedures May Fail or Be Circumvented

Management regularly reviews and updates the Corporation’s internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of the Corporation’s controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

  The Corporation Relies On Dividends from Its Subsidiaries for Most of Its Revenue

The Corporation is a separate and distinct legal entity from its subsidiary. It receives substantially all of its revenue from dividends from its subsidiary. These dividends are the principal source of funds to pay dividends on the Corporation’s common stock, interest and principal on the Corporation’s debt, and other operating expenses. Various federal and/or state laws and regulations limit the amount of dividends that the Bank may pay to the Corporation. Also, the Corporation’s right to participate in a distribution of assets upon a subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization is subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors. In the event the Bank is unable to pay dividends to the Corporation, the Corporation may not be able to service debt, pay obligations or pay dividends on the Corporation’s common stock. The inability to receive dividends from the Bank could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

   The Corporation May Not Be Able To Attract And Retain Skilled People

The Corporation’s success depends, in large part, on its ability to attract and retain key people. Competition for the best people in most activities engaged in by the Corporation can be intense and the Corporation may not be able to hire people or to retain them. The unexpected loss of services of one or more of the Corporation’s key personnel could have a material adverse impact on the Corporation’s business because of their skills, knowledge of the Corporation’s market, years of industry experience and the difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacement personnel.

   The Corporation’s Information Systems May Experience an Interruption or Breach in Security

The Corporation relies heavily on communications and information systems to conduct its business. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in the Corporation’s customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan and other systems. While the Corporation has policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure, interruption or security breach of its information systems, there can be no assurance that

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any such failures, interruptions or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. The occurrence of any failures, interruptions or security breaches of the Corporation’s information systems could damage the Corporation’s reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject the Corporation to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose the Corporation to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

   The Corporation Continually Encounters Technological Change

The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. The Corporation’s future success depends, in part, upon its ability to address the needs of its customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in the Corporation’s operations. Many of the Corporation’s competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. The Corporation may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to its customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse impact on the Corporation’s business and, in turn, the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

   The Corporation Is Subject To Claims and Litigation Pertaining to Fiduciary Responsibility

From time to time, customers make claims and take legal action pertaining to the Corporation’s performance of its fiduciary responsibilities. Whether customer claims and legal action related to the Corporation’s performance of its fiduciary responsibilities are founded or unfounded, if such claims and legal action are not resolved in a manner favorable to the Corporation they may result in significant financial liability and/or adversely affect the market perception of the Corporation and its products and services as well as impact customer demand for those products and services. Any financial liability or reputation damage could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

   Severe Weather, Natural Disasters, Acts of War Or Terrorism And Other External Events Could Significantly Impact The Corporations Business

Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other adverse external events could have a significant impact on the Corporation’s ability to conduct business. Such events could affect the stability of the Corporation’s deposit base, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in loss of revenue and/or cause the Corporation to incur additional expenses. Although management has established disaster recovery policies and procedures, the occurrence of any such event could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Associated with the Corporation’s Common Stock

   The Corporation’s Stock Price Can Be Volatile

Stock price volatility may make it more difficult for you to resell your common stock when you want and at prices you find attractive. The Corporation’s stock price can fluctuate significantly in response to a variety of factors including, among other things:

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·

Actual or anticipated variations in quarterly results of operations.

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Recommendations by securities analysts.

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Operating and stock price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to the Corporation.

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News reports relating to trends, concerns and other issues in the financial services industry.

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Perceptions in the marketplace regarding the Corporation and/or its competitors.

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New technology uses, or services offered, by competitors.

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Significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by or involving the Corporation or its competitors.

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Failure to integrate acquisitions or realize anticipated benefits from acquisitions.

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Changes in government regulations.

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Geopolitical conditions such as acts or threats of terrorism or military conflicts.

General market fluctuations, industry factors and general economic and political conditions and events, such as economic slowdowns or recessions, interest rate changes or credit loss trends, could also cause the Corporation’s stock price to decrease regardless of operating results.

   An Investment in the Corporation’s Common Stock is NOT an Insured Deposit

The Corporation’s common stock is not a bank deposit and, therefore, is not insured against loss by the FDIC, any other deposit insurance fund or by any other public or private entity. Investment in the Corporation’s common stock is inherently risky for the reasons described in this “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this report and is subject to the same market forces that affect the price of common stock in any company. As a result, if you acquire the Corporation’s common stock, you may lose some or all of your investment.

   The Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation and Regulations as well as Certain Banking Laws may have an Anti-Takeover Effect

Provisions, of the Corporation’s articles of incorporation and regulations and federal banking laws, including regulatory approval requirements, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire the Corporation, even if doing so would be perceived to be beneficial to the Corporation’s shareholders.

 The combination of these provisions effectively inhibits a non-negotiated merger or other business combination, which, in turn, could adversely affect the market price of the Corporation’s common stock.

Risks Associated with the Corporation’s Industry

   The Earnings of Financial Services Companies are significantly affected by General Business and Economic Conditions

The Corporation’s operations and profitability are impacted by general business and economic conditions in the United States and abroad. These conditions include short-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, money supply, political issues, legislative and regulatory changes, fluctuations in both debt and equity capital markets, broad trends in industry and finance, and the strength of the U.S.

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economy and the local economies in which the Corporation operates, all of which are beyond the Corporation’s control. Deterioration in economic conditions could result in an increase in loan delinquencies and non-performing assets, decreases in loan collateral values and a decrease in demand for the Corporation’s products and services, among other things, any of which could have a material adverse impact on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

   Financial Services Companies Depend on the Accuracy and Completeness of Information about Customers and Counterparties

In deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions, the Corporation may rely on information furnished by or on behalf of customers and counterparties, including financial statements, credit reports and other financial information. The Corporation may also rely on representations of those customers, counterparties or other third parties, such as independent auditors, as to the accuracy and completeness of that information. Reliance on inaccurate or misleading financial statements, credit reports or other financial information could have a material adverse impact on the Corporation’s business and, in turn, the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

   Consumers May Decide Not To Use Banks to Complete their Financial Transactions

Technology and other changes are allowing parties to complete financial transactions that historically have involved banks through alternative methods. For example, consumers can now maintain funds that would have historically been held as bank deposits in brokerage accounts or mutual funds. Consumers can also complete transactions such as paying bills and/or transferring funds directly without the assistance of banks. The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries, known as “disintermediation,” could result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from those deposits. The loss of these revenue streams and the lower cost deposits as a source of funds could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

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