DEF 14A 1 tm242523d2_def14a.htm DEF 14A

 

  

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.        )

 

Filed by the Registrant  x

 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ¨

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

¨Preliminary Proxy Statement
  
¨Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
  
xDefinitive Proxy Statement
  
¨Definitive Additional Materials
  
¨Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

 

Mercer Bancorp, Inc.

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

xNo fee required.
  
¨Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
  
¨Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a6(i)(1) and 0-11.

  

 

 

 

 

Mercer Bancorp, Inc. 

1100 Irmscher Blvd 

Celina, Ohio 45822 

(419) 586-5158

 

January 17, 2024

 

Dear Fellow Stockholder:

 

We cordially invite you to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Mercer Bancorp, Inc. The Annual Meeting will be held at the office of Mercer Savings Bank located at 1100 Irmscher Blvd, Celina, Ohio on February 20, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., local time.

 

The enclosed Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement describe the formal business to be transacted. During the Annual Meeting we will also report on the operations of Mercer Bancorp, Inc. Also enclosed for your review is our Annual Report for the year ended September 30, 2023, which contains information concerning our activities and operating performance. Our directors and officers will be present to respond to any questions that stockholders may have.

 

The business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting consists of the election of one director and the ratification of the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, P.C. as independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending September 30, 2024. The Board of Directors has determined that the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting are in the best interest of Mercer Bancorp, Inc. and its stockholders, and the Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” each matter to be considered.

 

It is important that your shares be represented at the Annual Meeting, whether or not you plan to attend personally. Please complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it as soon as possible in the postage-paid envelope provided so that your shares will be represented at the Annual Meeting. Alternatively, you may vote through the Internet. Information and applicable deadlines for voting through the Internet are set forth in the enclosed proxy card instructions. You may revoke your proxy at any time prior to its exercise, and you may attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person, even if you have previously returned your proxy card or voted via the Internet. However, if you are a stockholder whose shares are not registered in your own name, you will need additional documentation from your record holder in order to vote personally at the Annual Meeting.

 

  Sincerely,
 

 

 

  Barry Parmiter
  President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

Mercer Bancorp, Inc. 

1100 Irmscher Blvd 

Celina, Ohio 45822 

(419) 586-5158

 

NOTICE OF 

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS 

To Be Held On February 20, 2024

 

Notice is hereby given that the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Mercer Bancorp, Inc. will be held at the office of Mercer Savings Bank located at 1100 Irmscher Blvd, Celina, Ohio on February 20, 2024 at 1:30 p.m., local time.

 

A Proxy Card and Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting are enclosed. The Annual Meeting is for the purpose of considering and acting upon:

 

1.the election of one director;

 

2.the ratification of the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, P.C. as independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending September 30, 2024; and

 

such other matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting, or any adjournments thereof. The Board of Directors is not aware of any other business to come before the Annual Meeting.

 

Any action may be taken on the foregoing proposals at the Annual Meeting on the date specified above, or on the date or dates to which the Annual Meeting may be adjourned. Stockholders of record at the close of business on December 28, 2023 are the stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, and any adjournments thereof.

 

EACH STOCKHOLDER, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, IS REQUESTED TO SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD WITHOUT DELAY IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE OR VOTE THROUGH THE INTERNET AS DIRECTED ON YOUR PROXY CARD. ANY PROXY GIVEN BY THE STOCKHOLDER MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS VOTED. A PROXY MAY BE REVOKED BY FILING WITH THE CORPORATE SECRETARY OF MERCER BANCORP, INC. A WRITTEN REVOCATION OR A DULY EXECUTED PROXY CARD BEARING A LATER DATE. ANY STOCKHOLDER PRESENT AT THE ANNUAL MEETING MAY REVOKE HIS OR HER PROXY AND VOTE PERSONALLY ON EACH MATTER BROUGHT BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING. HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE A STOCKHOLDER WHOSE SHARES ARE NOT REGISTERED IN YOUR OWN NAME, YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE ADDITIONAL STEPS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ANNUAL MEETING AS DESCRIBED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT. ATTENDANCE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING WILL NOT IN ITSELF CONSTITUTE REVOCATION OF YOUR PROXY.

 

  By Order of the Board of Directors
 

 

 

  Jose W. Faller
  Corporate Secretary

 

Celina, Ohio

January 17, 2024

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS: THE PROXY STATEMENT, INCLUDING THE NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS, AND MERCER BANCORP, INC.’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 ARE EACH AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT: https://annualgeneralmeetings.com/msbb2024.

 

 

 

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

Mercer Bancorp, Inc. 

1100 Irmscher Blvd 

Celina, Ohio 45822 

(419) 586-5158

 

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

February 20, 2024

 

This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors of Mercer Bancorp, Inc. (“Mercer Bancorp”) to be used at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be held at 1100 Irmscher Blvd, Celina, Ohio on February 20, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., local time, and all adjournments of the Annual Meeting. The accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and this Proxy Statement are first being mailed to stockholders on or about January 17, 2024.

 

REVOCATION OF PROXIES

 

Stockholders who execute proxies in the form solicited hereby retain the right to revoke them in the manner described below. Unless revoked, the shares represented by such proxies will be voted at the Annual Meeting and all adjournments thereof. Proxies solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of Mercer Bancorp will be voted in accordance with the directions given thereon. Please vote through the Internet or sign and return your proxy card in the postage paid envelope provided. Where no instructions are indicated on the proxy card, signed proxies will be voted “FOR” the election of the nominee for director named herein and “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending September 30, 2024.

 

Proxies may be revoked by sending written notice of revocation to the Corporate Secretary of Mercer Bancorp at the address shown above, by filing a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or by attending and voting at the Annual Meeting. The presence at the Annual Meeting of any stockholder who had given a proxy shall not revoke such proxy unless the stockholder votes at the Annual Meeting or delivers a written revocation to our Corporate Secretary prior to the voting of such proxy.

 

If you have any questions about giving your proxy or require assistance, please call Jose W. Faller, Corporate Secretary, at (419) 586-5158.

 

If you are a stockholder whose shares are not registered under your own name, you will need appropriate documentation from your record holder to vote in person at the Annual Meeting.

 

SOLICITATION OF PROXIES; EXPENSES

 

We will pay the cost of this proxy solicitation. Our directors, executive officers and other employees may solicit proxies by mail, personally, by telephone, by press release, by facsimile transmission or by other electronic means. No additional compensation will be paid to our directors, executive officers or employees for such services. We will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy materials to the beneficial owners of our common stock.

 

VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS

 

Except as otherwise noted below, holders of record of Mercer Bancorp’s shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, as of the close of business on December 28, 2023 are entitled to one vote for each share then held. As of December 28, 2023, there were 1,022,970 outstanding shares of common stock. Our Articles of Incorporation provide that record holders of our common stock who beneficially own, either directly or indirectly, more than 10% of our outstanding shares are not entitled to any vote with respect to the shares held in excess of the 10% limit.

 

1 

 

 

Principal Holders

 

Persons and groups who beneficially own in excess of 5% of the shares of common stock are required to file certain reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding such ownership. The following table sets forth, as of December 28, 2023, the shares of common stock beneficially owned by our directors and executive officers, individually and as a group, and by each person who was known to us as the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock. The mailing address for each of our directors and executive officers is 1100 Irmscher Blvd, Celina, Ohio 45822.

 

   Shares of      
   Common Stock    Percent of 
   Beneficially    Shares of 
   Owned as of the    Common Stock 
Persons Owning Greater than 5%  Record Date (1)   Outstanding (2) 
Mercer Savings Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan   81,838     8.0%
1100 Irmscher Blvd           
Celina, Ohio 45822           
            
Directors           
Michael J. Boley   15,000     1.5%
Jose W. Faller   8,500     * 
Kristin M. Fee   4,317(3)    * 
David L. Keiser   15,019(4)    1.5%
Barry Parmiter   17,500(5)    1.7%
            
Executive Officers who are not Directors           
Timothy L. Bigham   800(6)    * 
Trever A. Bransteter   2,000     * 
Ryan Moorman   500     * 
Rick L. Ross   1,500     * 
            
All directors and officers as a group (9 persons)   65,136     6.4%

 

 

*Less than 1%.

(1)In accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner, for purposes of this table, of any shares of Mercer Bancorp common stock if he or she has or shares voting or investment power with respect to such common stock or has a right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days from December 28, 2023. As used herein, “voting power” is the power to vote or direct the voting of shares and “investment power” is the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares. Except as otherwise noted, ownership is direct and the named individuals and group exercise sole voting and investment power over the shares of Mercer Bancorp common stock.

(2)Based on a total of 1,022,970 shares of common stock outstanding as of December 28, 2023.

(3)Includes 4,317 shares of common stock held in a Director Retirement Agreement Trust for the benefit of Ms. Fee.

(4)Includes 5,319 shares of common stock held in a Director Retirement Agreement Trust for the benefit of Mr. Keiser.

(5)Includes 17,500 shares of common stock held in an IRA for the benefit of Mr. Parmiter.

(6)Includes 800 shares of common stock held in an IRA for the benefit of Mr. Bigham.

 

Attending the Meeting

 

All stockholders are invited to attend the Annual Meeting. If you hold your shares in “street name,” you will need proof of ownership from the owner of record to be admitted to the meeting. Examples of proof of ownership are a recent brokerage account statement or a letter from your bank or broker.

 

2 

 

 

Quorum

 

The presence at the Annual Meeting or by proxy of holders of a majority of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of determining that a quorum is present. In the event there are not sufficient votes for a quorum, or to approve or ratify any matter being presented at the time of the Annual Meeting, the Annual Meeting may be adjourned in order to permit the further solicitation of proxies.

 

Votes Required

 

As to the election of directors, a stockholder may: (i) vote FOR ALL nominees proposed by the Board; (ii) vote to WITHHOLD for ALL nominees; or (iii) vote to WITHHOLD for one or more of the nominees being proposed. Directors are elected by a plurality of votes cast, without regard to either broker non-votes or proxies as to which the authority to vote for the nominees being proposed is withheld. Plurality means that individuals who receive the highest number of votes cast are elected, up to the maximum number of directors to be elected at the Annual Meeting.

 

As to the ratification of the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending September 30, 2024, a stockholder may: (i) vote FOR the ratification; (ii) vote AGAINST the ratification; or (iii) ABSTAIN from voting on such ratification. The ratification of this matter shall be determined by a majority of the votes represented at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter, without regard to proxies marked ABSTAIN or broker non-votes.

 

Effect of Not Casting Your Vote

 

If you hold your shares in “street name,” you are considered the beneficial owner of your shares and your broker, bank or other holder of record is sending these proxy materials to you. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other holder of record how to vote by completing a voting instruction form provided by your broker, bank or other holder of record that accompanies your proxy materials. If you hold your shares in street name, it is critical that you cast your vote if you want it to count in the election of directors. Current regulations restrict the ability of your bank, broker or other holder of record to vote your shares in the election of directors and certain other matters on a discretionary basis. Therefore, if you hold your shares in street name and you do not instruct your bank, broker or other holder of record on how to vote in the election of directors, no votes will be cast on your behalf. These are referred to as “broker non-votes.” Your bank, broker or other holder of record, however, does continue to have discretion to vote any shares for which you do not provide instructions on how to vote on the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm. If you are a stockholder of record and you do not cast your vote, no votes will be cast on your behalf on any of the items of business at the Annual Meeting.

 

Participants in the Mercer Savings Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan

 

If you participate in the Mercer Savings Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”), you will receive a Vote Authorization Form for the ESOP that reflects all of the shares you may direct the trustee to vote on your behalf under the ESOP. Under the terms of the ESOP, the ESOP trustee votes all shares held by the ESOP, but each ESOP participant may direct the trustee how to vote the proportionate interest of shares of our common stock allocated to his or her account. The ESOP trustee, subject to the exercise of its fiduciary responsibilities, will vote all unallocated shares of our common stock held by the ESOP and allocated shares for which no voting instructions are received in the same proportion as shares for which it has received timely voting instructions, subject to a determination that such vote is in the best interest of ESOP participants. The deadline for returning your ESOP Vote Authorization Form is Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 11:59 p.m., Eastern time.

 

PROPOSAL I—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

Our Board of Directors is currently comprised of five members. Our Bylaws provide that directors are divided into three classes as nearly equal in number as possible, with one class of directors elected annually. Our directors are generally elected to serve for a three-year period and until their respective successors have been elected and qualified. The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors has nominated Jose W. Faller for election at the Annual Meeting to serve for a three-year period and until his respective successor has been elected and qualified. The nominee is currently a director of Mercer Bancorp and Mercer Savings Bank. The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the election of the nominee.

 

3 

 

 

The following sets forth certain information regarding the nominee and the other current members of our Board of Directors, and executive officers who are not directors, including the terms of office of board members. It is intended that the proxies solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors (other than proxies in which the vote is withheld as to any nominee) will be voted at the Annual Meeting for the election of the proposed nominee. If the nominee is unable to serve, the shares represented by all such proxies will be voted for the election of such substitute as the Board of Directors may determine. At this time, the Board of Directors knows of no reason why any of the nominee might be unable to serve, if elected. There are no arrangements or understandings between any nominee or continuing director and any other person pursuant to which such nominee or continuing director was selected.

  

   Position(s) Held With     Director  Current Term 
Name  Mercer Bancorp  Age(1)  Since(2)  Expires 
   NOMINEE          
Jose W. Faller  Director  46  2018  2024 
   CONTINUING DIRECTORS          
Michael J. Boley  Director  57  2022  2025 
Kristin M. Fee  Vice Chair  49  2013  2025 
David L. Keiser  Chairman  67  2014  2026 
Barry Parmiter  Director, President and Chief Executive Officer  53  2022  2026 
   EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS          
Trever A. Bransteter  Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending  42  N/A  N/A 
Timothy L. Bigham  Senior Vice President of Operations  58  N/A  N/A 
Ryan Moorman  Senior Vice President of Indirect Lending  48  N/A  N/A 
Rick L. Ross  Treasurer  58  N/A  N/A 

 

 

(1)As of December 28, 2023.

(2)Includes service as a director of Mercer Savings Bank.

 

The Business Background of Our Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business experience for the past five years of each of our nominees, continuing directors and executive officers is set forth below. With respect to nominees and continuing directors, the biographies also contain information regarding the person’s experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that caused the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Board of Directors to determine that the person should serve as a director. Each director is also a director of Mercer Savings Bank. Unless otherwise indicated, directors and executive officers have held their positions as directors and executive officers of Mercer Bancorp or Mercer Savings Bank for the past five years.

 

Nominee and Continuing Directors

 

Michael J. Boley is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Wabash Mutual Telephone Company, a customer-owned broadband communications company headquartered in Celina, Ohio, and its subsidiary, Wabash Communications, Inc., which offers a wireless broadband network in Mercer County and surrounding areas. Mr. Boley joined Wabash Mutual Telephone Company as Accountant in 1987, was appointed General Manager in 1997, and was ultimately promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer in 2007. Mr. Boley also serves as a trustee of the Ohio Rural Broadband Association and is a member of the board of directors of Com Net Inc. and Independents Fiber Network. Mr. Boley’s extensive business and community network and insight into the local economic environment are valuable assets to the board of directors.

 

Jose W. Faller is the Director of Human Resources and Technology at Cooper Farms, a farm and food company based in northwest Ohio. Mr. Faller joined Cooper Farms in 2002. Previously, he worked as a network administrator for the U.S. Army. Mr. Faller also served as a member of the Fort Recovery Local Schools Board of Education from 2012 to 2019. Mr. Faller is a graduate of the University of Dayton with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and holds an MBA from Wright State University. Mr. Faller brings valuable management experience and unique information technology expertise to the board of directors.

 

4 

 

 

Kristin M. Fee is the Vice Chair of the board of directors of Mercer Savings Bank. Ms. Fee has been the owner of Tribute Funeral Homes since 2007, with locations in Greenville, New Madison and Fort Recovery, Ohio. She has also served as Executive Director of EUM Church in Greenville, Ohio since 2010. Ms. Fee is a graduate of the University of Dayton and the World Harvest Bible College. Ms. Fee’s experience in marketing, operations and human resources and community connections are a valuable asset to the board of directors.

  

David L. Keiser serves as Chairman of the board of directors of Mercer Savings Bank, a position he has held since 2021. He is an owner and the President of Littman Thomas Insurance Agency, Inc., which serves Darke County, Ohio and surrounding areas, which he joined as owner and partner in 1989. He previously served as a member of the board of directors of several non-profit organizations, including Boys & Girls Club, Darke County Chamber Ambassador, Darke County United Way and Darke County Economic Development. Mr. Keiser’s extensive business and community network and insight into the local economic environment are valuable assets to the board of directors.

 

Barry Parmiter has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercer Savings Bank since February 2022. Previously, he served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Savings, Caldwell, Ohio, from 1998 to February 2022. Mr. Parmiter is a graduate of Ohio University with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on accounting and holds an MBA from The University of Findlay. Mr. Parmiter provides the board with a perspective on the day-to-day operations of Mercer Savings Bank and assists the board in assessing the trends and developments in the financial institutions industry on a local and national basis. Additionally, Mr. Parmiter has business relationships and community ties that support our business generation.

 

Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors

 

Trever A. Bransteter became the Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending of Mercer Savings Bank in March 2023. He joined Mercer Savings Bank as a loan officer in 2014. Mr. Bransteter attended The Ohio State University, majoring in Business and Marketing.

 

Timothy L. Bigham became the Senior Vice President of Operations of Mercer Savings Bank in January 2021. Previously, he served as Mercer Savings Bank’s Vice President of Operations from 2014 through 2020 and as Assistant Vice President from June 1994 through 2013. Prior to joining Mercer Savings Bank, Mr. Bigham was a Branch Manager at American Budget Company. Mr. Bigham attended Edison State Community College and The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business program for financial executives. He is currently a member of the board of trustees of the Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce, where he has served since 2014. He formerly served as a president, trustee or board member of numerous local community organizations, including the St. Mary’s Area Chamber of Commerce, Auglaize County Historical Society, and the Auglaize/Mercer Family YMCA.

 

Ryan Moorman became the Senior Vice President of Indirect Lending of Mercer Savings Bank in July 2022. He has over five years’ experience in indirect automobile lending, having led the development of an automobile dealership network at Community Savings, where he served as a dealer representative from October 2017 until February 2022. Mr. Moorman attended The Ohio State University.

 

Rick L. Ross is the Treasurer of Mercer Savings Bank and Mercer Bancorp. He has served as Treasurer of Mercer Savings Bank since 2014. Mr. Ross is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree and a focus on accounting, and received his CPA license in 1996.

 

Board Independence

 

The Board of Directors of Mercer Bancorp has determined that each of our directors, with the exception of President and Chief Executive Officer Barry Parmiter, is “independent” as defined in the listing standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market. Mr. Parmiter is not independent because he is one of our executive officers. In evaluating the independence of our independent directors, the Board considered transactions and other relationships between Mercer Bancorp or Mercer Savings Bank and our independent directors that are not required to be reported in this proxy statement under “—Transactions With Certain Related Persons,” including communications services provided to Mercer Savings Bank by Wabash Mutual Telephone, where Mr. Boley serves as president.

 

5 

 

 

Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight

  

The Board of Directors currently separates the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Our Board of Directors is chaired by David L. Keiser, who is an independent director. This ensures a greater role for the independent directors in the oversight of Mercer Bancorp and Mercer Savings Bank and active participation of the independent directors in setting agendas and establishing priorities and procedures for the work of the Board. We believe that our leadership structure, in which the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are separate, together with experienced and engaged independent directors and independent key committees, will be effective and is the optimal structure for Mercer Bancorp and its stockholders at this time.

 

To further assure effective independent oversight, the Board of Directors has adopted a number of governance practices, including:

 

·a majority independent Board of Directors;

 

·periodic meetings of the independent directors; and

 

·an annual performance evaluation of the President and Chief Executive Officer by the Compensation Committee.

 

The Board of Directors recognizes that, depending on the circumstances, other leadership models might be appropriate. Accordingly, the Board of Directors periodically reviews its leadership structure.

 

The Board of Directors is actively involved in oversight of risks that could affect Mercer Bancorp. This oversight is conducted primarily through committees of the Board of Directors, but the full Board of Directors has retained responsibility for general oversight of risks. The Board of Directors also satisfies this responsibility through reports by the committee chair of all board committees regarding the committees’ considerations and actions, through review of minutes of committee meetings and through regular reports directly from officers responsible for oversight of particular risks within Mercer Bancorp. Risks relating to the direct operations of Mercer Savings Bank are further overseen by the Board of Directors of Mercer Savings Bank, all of whom are the same individuals who serve on the Board of Directors of Mercer Bancorp. The Board of Directors of Mercer Savings Bank also has additional committees that conduct risk oversight. All committees are responsible for the establishment of policies that guide management and staff in the day-to-day operation of Mercer Bancorp and Mercer Savings Bank such as lending, risk management, asset/liability management, investment management and others.

 

References to our Website Address

 

References to our website address throughout this proxy statement and the accompanying materials are for informational purposes only, or to fulfill specific disclosure requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules. These references are not intended to, and do not, incorporate the contents of our website by reference into this proxy statement or the accompanying materials.

 

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

 

Our common stock is registered with the SEC pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Our executive officers and directors and beneficial owners of greater than 10% of our common stock (“10% beneficial owners”) are required to file reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the Securities and Exchange Commission disclosing beneficial ownership and changes in beneficial ownership of the common stock. Securities and Exchange Commission rules require disclosure in our Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K of the failure of an executive officer, director or 10% beneficial owner of our common stock to file a Form 3, 4, or 5 on a timely basis. Based on our review of ownership reports required to be filed during the year ended September 30, 2023, we believe that no executive officer, director or 10% beneficial owner of our shares of common stock failed to file an ownership report on a timely basis.

 

6 

 

 

Code of Ethics for Senior Officers

  

Mercer Bancorp has adopted a Code of Ethics that is applicable to our officers, directors and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The Code of Ethics is available at the Corporate Information page on our website at mercersavings.com/investor-relations/. Amendments to, and waivers from, the Code of Ethics will also be disclosed on our website.

 

Anti-Hedging Policy

 

Mercer Bancorp’s anti-hedging and anti-pledging provisions are covered in its Insider Trading Policy. Under the policy, directors and executive officers are prohibited from engaging in short sales of Mercer Bancorp stock, and unless specifically approved by the Board of Directors, from engaging in transactions in publicly-traded options, such as puts, calls and other derivative securities based on Mercer Bancorp stock including any hedging, monetization or similar transactions designed to decrease the risks associated with holding Mercer Bancorp stock. The Board of Directors has not approved and does not intend to approve such a program. In addition, directors and executive officers are generally prohibited from pledging Mercer Bancorp stock as collateral for any loan or holding Mercer Bancorp stock in a margin account. The Board of Directors may approve an exception to this policy for a pledge of Mercer Bancorp stock as collateral for a loan from a third party (not including margin debt) where the borrower clearly demonstrates the financial capacity to repay the loan without resort to the pledged securities. The Board of Directors has not approved any such exception to its policy.

 

Attendance at Annual Meetings of Stockholders

 

Mercer Bancorp does not have a written policy regarding director attendance at Annual Meetings of Stockholders, although directors are expected to attend these meetings absent unavoidable scheduling conflicts. Mercer Bancorp did not hold an Annual Meeting in 2023. All of our directors are expected to attend our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

Communications with the Board of Directors

 

Any stockholder who wishes to contact our Board of Directors or an individual director may do so by writing to: Mercer Bancorp, Inc., 1100 Irmscher Blvd, Celina, Ohio 45822, Attention: Board of Directors. The letter should indicate that the sender is a stockholder and, if shares are not held of record, should include appropriate evidence of stock ownership. Communications are reviewed by the Corporate Secretary and are then distributed to the Board of Directors or the individual director, as appropriate, depending on the facts and circumstances outlined in the communications received. The Corporate Secretary may attempt to handle an inquiry directly (for example, where it is a request for information about Mercer Bancorp or it is a stock-related matter). The Corporate Secretary has the authority not to forward a communication if it is primarily commercial in nature, relates to an improper or irrelevant topic, or is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal or otherwise inappropriate. At each Board of Directors meeting, the Corporate Secretary shall present a summary of all communications received since the last meeting that were not forwarded and make those communications available to the directors on request.

 

Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors

 

The business of Mercer Bancorp is conducted at regular and special meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees. In addition, the “independent” members of the Board of Directors (as defined in the listing standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market) meet in executive sessions. The standing committees of the Board of Directors of Mercer Bancorp are the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee.

 

The Board of Directors of Mercer Bancorp and Mercer Savings Bank held 12 regular meetings and seven special meetings during the year ended September 30, 2023. No member of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate of: (i) the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors (held during the period for which he/she has been a director); and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees on which he/she served (during the periods that he/she served).

 

Audit Committee. The Audit Committee consists of Directors Keiser, Fee and Faller. During 2023, the Audit Committee included Director Richard A. Mosier, who retired on January 16, 2024. Mr. Faller joined the committee upon Mr. Mosier’s retirement. The Audit Committee meets with our independent registered public accounting firm to review quarterly and annual filings, the results of the annual audit and other related matters. The Audit Committee met four times during the year ended September 30, 2023. Each member of the Audit Committee is “independent” as defined in the listing standards of NASDAQ and Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10A(m)-3. The Audit Committee does not currently have an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules. The Board of Directors believes that the current composition of the Audit Committee is sufficient because each Audit Committee member has the ability to analyze and evaluate Mercer Bancorp’s financial statements as well as an understanding of and ability to fulfill the Audit Committee’s functions. In addition, Directors Keiser and Fee have experience in overseeing and assessing the financial statements of their own businesses.

 

7 

 

  

The Audit Committee meets periodically with the independent registered public accounting firm and management to review accounting, auditing, internal control structure and financial reporting matters. The committee also receives and reviews the reports and findings and other information presented to them by Mercer Bancorp’s officers regarding financial reporting policies and practices. The Audit Committee also reviews the performance of Mercer Bancorp’s independent registered public accounting firm, the internal audit function and oversees policies associated with financial risk assessment and risk management. The Audit Committee selects the independent registered public accounting firm and meets with them to discuss the results of the annual audit and any related matters. Our Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee, which is available on our website at mercersavings.com/investor-relations/.

 

Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee is comprised of Directors Keiser, Fee and Boley. The Compensation Committee of Mercer Bancorp was established in connection with the completion of Mercer Savings Bank’s mutual-to-stock conversion and did not meet during the year ended September 30, 2023.

 

With regard to compensation matters, the Compensation Committee’s primary purposes are to discharge the Board’s responsibilities relating to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, to oversee Mercer Bancorp’s compensation equity and incentive plans, policies and programs, and to oversee Mercer Bancorp’s management development and succession plans for executive officers. Mercer Bancorp’s Chief Executive Officer will not be present during any committee deliberations or voting with respect to his compensation. The Compensation Committee may form and delegate authority and duties to subcommittees as it deems appropriate.

 

The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter which is available on our website at mercersavings.com/investor-relations/. This charter sets forth the responsibilities of the Compensation Committee and reflects the Compensation Committee’s commitment to create a compensation structure that encourages the achievement of long-range objectives and builds long-term value for our stockholders.

 

The Compensation Committee considers a number of factors in their decisions regarding executive compensation, including, but not limited to, the level of responsibility and performance of the individual executive officers, the overall performance of Mercer Bancorp and a peer group analysis of compensation paid at institutions of comparable size and complexity. The Compensation Committee did not engage a compensation advisor in 2023. The Compensation Committee also considers the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer with respect to the compensation of executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer.

 

Nominating and Governance Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee is comprised of Directors Keiser, Fee and Boley. During 2023, the committee included Director Mosier, who retired on January 16, 2024. Mr. Boley joined the committee upon Mr. Mosier’s retirement. The Nominating and Governance Committee was established in connection with the completion of Mercer Savings Bank’s mutual-to-stock conversion and did not meet during the year ended September 30, 2023.

 

The committee seeks Board members who represent a mix of backgrounds that will reflect the diversity of our stockholders, employees, and customers, and experiences that will enhance the quality of the Board of Directors’ deliberations and decisions. As the holding company for a community bank, the Board of Directors also seeks directors who can continue to strengthen Mercer Savings Bank’s position in its community and can assist Mercer Savings Bank with business development through business and other community contacts. A candidate must meet the eligibility requirements set forth in our Bylaws, which include an age limitation provision, a residency requirement and a requirement that the candidate not have been subject to certain criminal or regulatory actions. The Nominating and Governance Committee operates under a written charter which is available on our website at mercersavings.com/investor-relations/.

 

8 

 

 

 

The committee considers the following criteria in evaluating and selecting candidates for nomination:

 

Contribution to Board – Mercer Bancorp endeavors to maintain a Board of Directors that possesses a wide range of abilities. Thus, the committee will assess the extent to which the candidate would contribute to the range of talent, skill and expertise appropriate for the Board of Directors.

 

Experience – Mercer Bancorp is the holding company for an insured depository institution. Because of the complex and heavily regulated nature of Mercer Bancorp’s business, the committee will consider a candidate’s relevant financial, regulatory and business experience and skills, including the candidate’s knowledge of the banking and financial services industries, familiarity with the operations of public companies and ability to read and understand fundamental financial statements, as well as real estate and legal experience.

 

Familiarity with and Participation in Local Community – Mercer Bancorp is a community-orientated organization that serves the needs of local consumers and businesses. In connection with the local character of Mercer Bancorp’s business, the committee will consider a candidate’s familiarity with Mercer Bancorp’s market area (or a portion thereof), including without limitation the candidate’s contacts with and knowledge of local businesses operating in Mercer Bancorp’s market area, knowledge of the local real estate markets and real estate professionals, experience with local governments and agencies and political activities, and participation in local business, civic, charitable or religious organizations.

 

Integrity – Due to the nature of the financial services provided by Mercer Bancorp and its subsidiaries, Mercer Bancorp is in a special position of trust with respect to its customers. Accordingly, the integrity of the Board of Directors is of utmost importance to developing and maintaining customer relationships. In connection with upholding that trust, the committee will consider a candidate’s personal and professional integrity, honesty and reputation, including, without limitation, whether a candidate or any entity controlled by the candidate is or has in the past been subject to any regulatory orders, involved in any regulatory or legal action, or been accused or convicted of a violation of law, even if such issue would not result in disqualification for service under Mercer Bancorp’s Bylaws.

 

Stockholder Interests and Dedication – A basic responsibility of directors is the exercise of their business judgment to act in what they reasonably believe to be in the best long-term interests of Mercer Bancorp and its stockholders. In connection with such obligation, the committee will consider a candidate’s ability to represent the best long-term interests of Mercer Bancorp and its stockholders, including past service with Mercer Bancorp or Mercer Savings Bank and contributions to their operations, the candidate’s experience or involvement with other local financial services companies, the potential for conflicts of interests with the candidate’s other pursuits, and the candidate’s ability to devote sufficient time and energy to diligently perform his or her duties, including the candidate’s ability to personally attend board and committee meetings.

 

Independence – The committee will consider the absence or presence of material relationships between a candidate and Mercer Bancorp (including those set forth in applicable listing standards) that might impact objectivity and independence of thought and judgment. In addition, the committee will consider the candidate’s ability to serve on any Board committees that are subject to additional regulatory requirements (e.g. Securities and Exchange Commission regulations and applicable listing standards). If Mercer Bancorp should adopt independence standards other than those set forth in the Nasdaq Stock Market listing standards, the committee will consider the candidate’s potential independence under such other standards.

 

Diversity – Mercer Bancorp understands the importance and value of diversity in gender, age, background and ethnicity on the Board of Directors and will consider these attributes when considering highly qualified individuals to include in the pool from which candidates are chosen.

 

Equity Holdings – The committee believes that having a proprietary interest in Mercer Bancorp serves as an incentive to contribute to the success of Mercer Bancorp and to help increase shareholder value. Thus, the committee will consider a candidate’s equity holdings in Mercer Bancorp.

 

9 

 

 

Additional Factors – The committee will also consider any other factors it deems relevant to a candidate’s nomination that are consistent with our policies and strategic plan and the Board of Directors’ goal of promoting the long-term success of Mercer Bancorp and providing value to its stockholders. The committee also may consider the current composition and size of the Board of Directors, the balance of management and independent directors, and the need for audit committee expertise.

  

The committee identifies nominees by first evaluating the current members of the Board of Directors willing to continue in service, including the current members’ board and committee meeting attendance and performance, length of board service, experience and contributions, and independence. Current members of the Board of Directors with skills and experience that are relevant to Mercer Bancorp’s business and who are willing to continue in service are considered for re-nomination, balancing the value of continuity of service by existing members of the Board of Directors with that of obtaining a new perspective. If there is a vacancy on the Board of Directors because any member of the Board of Directors does not wish to continue in service or if the committee decides not to re-nominate a member for re-election, the Board of Directors would determine the desired skills and experience of a new nominee (including a review of the skills set forth above), may solicit suggestions for director candidates from all board members and may engage in other search activities.

 

During the year ended September 30, 2023 we did not pay a fee to any third party to identify or evaluate or assist in identifying or evaluating potential nominees for director.

 

The Board of Directors may consider qualified candidates for director suggested by our stockholders. Stockholders can suggest qualified candidates for director by writing to our Corporate Secretary at 1100 Irmscher Blvd, Celina, Ohio 45822. The Board of Directors has adopted a procedure by which stockholders may recommend nominees to the Board of Directors. Stockholders who wish to recommend a nominee must write to Mercer Bancorp’s Corporate Secretary and such communication must include:

 

A statement that the writer is a stockholder and is proposing a candidate for consideration by the Board of Directors;

 

The name and address of the stockholder as they appear on Mercer Bancorp’s books, and of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made;

 

The class or series and number of shares of Mercer Bancorp’s capital stock that are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner;

 

A description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and each proposed nominee and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by such stockholder;

 

A representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the nominee named in the stockholder’s notice;

 

The name, age, personal and business address of the candidate, the principal occupation or employment of the candidate and the number of shares of common stock of Mercer Bancorp that are owned by the candidate;

 

The candidate’s written consent to serve as a director;

 

A statement of the candidate’s business and educational experience and all other information relating to such person that would indicate such person’s qualification to serve on Mercer Bancorp’s Board of Directors; and

 

Such other information regarding the candidate or the stockholder as would be required to be included in Mercer Bancorp’s proxy statement pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation 14A.

 

10 

 

 

To be timely, the submission of a candidate for director by a stockholder must be received by the Corporate Secretary at least 60 days prior to the anniversary date of the proxy statement relating to the preceding year’s Annual Meeting of stockholders.

 

Submissions that are received and that satisfy the above requirements are forwarded to the Board of Directors for further review and consideration, using the same criteria to evaluate the candidate as it uses for evaluating other candidates that it considers.

 

There is a difference between the recommendations of nominees by stockholders pursuant to this policy and a formal nomination (whether by proxy solicitation or at a meeting) by a stockholder. Stockholders have certain rights under applicable law with respect to nominations, and any such nominations must comply with applicable law and provisions of the Bylaws of Mercer Bancorp. See “Stockholder Proposals and Nominations.”

 

Audit Committee Report

 

The Audit Committee has issued a report that states as follows:

 

We have reviewed and discussed with management our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2023;

 

We have discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission; and

 

We have received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and have discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm their independence.

 

Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2023 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

This report shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this proxy statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that Mercer Bancorp specifically incorporates this information by reference and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.

 

This report has been provided by the Audit Committee:

 

Richard A. Mosier 

David L. Keiser

Kristin M. Fee

 

TRANSACTIONS WITH CERTAIN RELATED PERSONS

 

Federal law generally prohibits publicly traded companies from making loans and extensions of credit to their executive officers and directors, but it contains a specific exemption from such prohibition for loans made by federally insured financial institutions, such as Mercer Savings Bank, to their executive officers and directors in compliance with federal banking regulations. Federal regulations permit executive officers and directors to receive the same terms that are widely available to other employees as long as the director or executive officer is not given preferential treatment compared to the other participating employees.

 

11 

 

 

Mercer Savings Bank makes loans to its employees and directors through an employee loan program pursuant to which loans are made at a reduced rate. Mortgage loans on a personal residence are available at 1.00% above Mercer Savings Bank’s cost of funds, adjusted annually, with the privilege limited to one outstanding loan per individual; consumer loans are available at 2.00% below the interest rate then offered to the public, but can never be less than 1.00% above Mercer Savings Bank’s cost of funds at the time the loan is granted, with the privilege limited to two outstanding loans per individual; and home equity lines of credit are available at the U.S. Prime Rate as published in The Wall Street Journal, adjusted as any changes to the U.S. Prime Rate occur, with the privilege limited to one outstanding loan per individual. The chart below lists our directors and executive officers who participated in the employee loan program during the years ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, and certain information with respect to their loans.

 

Name  Type of Loan 

Largest
Aggregate
Balance
10/1/22 to
9/30/23

  

Principal

Balance

9/30/23

  

Principal Paid

10/1/22 to
9/30/23

  

Interest Paid

10/1/22 to
9/30/23

  

Interest

Rate

 
Timothy L. Bigham  Home mortgage  $88,955   $85,768   $3,187   $1,133    1.510%
Timothy L. Bigham  Automobile loan  $22,324   $17,536   $4,788   $882    4.375%
Jose W. Faller  Home mortgage  $161,165   $154,812   $6,353   $2,047    1.426%
Jose W. Faller  Home equity line of credit  $   $   $   $    8.500%
Jon Fee (1)  Home mortgage  $346,757   $337,890   $8,866   $4,008    1.150%
Kristen M. Fee  Automobile loan  $36,532   $27,763   $8,770   $458    1.409%
David L. Keiser  Home equity line of credit  $   $   $   $    8.500%
David L. Keiser  Home mortgage  $52,070   $43,053   $9,017   $583    1.544%
Rick L. Ross  Home mortgage  $165,537   $159,080   $6,457   $1,937    2.150%

 

Name  Type of Loan 

Largest
Aggregate
Balance
10/1/21 to
9/30/22

  

Principal

Balance

9/30/22

  

Principal Paid

10/1/21 to
9/30/22

  

Interest Paid

10/1/21 to
9/30/22

  

Interest

Rate

 
Timothy L. Bigham  Home mortgage  $52,630   $   $52,630   $491    1.337%
Timothy L. Bigham  Home mortgage  $90,000   $88,955   $1,045   $385    1.189%
Timothy L. Bigham  Automobile loan  $25,000   $22,324   $2,676   $609    4.375%
Jose W. Faller  Home mortgage  $167,448   $161,165   $6,283   $2,117    1.201%
Jose W. Faller  Home equity line of credit  $   $   $   $    6.250%
Jon Fee (1)  Home mortgage  $112,018   $   $112,018   $997    1.298%
Jon Fee  Home mortgage  $350,000   $346,757   $3,243   $1,637    1.189%
Kristen M. Fee  Automobile loan  $45,180   $36,532   $8,647   $581    1.409%
Kristen M. Fee  Automobile loan  $28,129   $   $28,129   $168    1.409%
David L. Keiser  Home equity line of credit  $   $   $   $    6.250%
David L. Keiser  Home mortgage  $60,937   $52,070   $8,866   $734    1.189%
Rick L. Ross  Home mortgage  $171,825   $165,537   $6,288   $2,112    1.221%

 

(1) Mr. Fee is Director Fee’s husband.

 

All of our loans to directors and executive officers were made in the ordinary course of business and, except for the discounted rates described above, were made on substantially the same terms, including collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans with persons not related to Mercer Savings Bank, and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features. These loans were performing according to their original terms at September 30, 2023, and were made in compliance with federal banking regulations.

 

Pursuant to our Policy and Procedures for Approval of Related Person Transactions, the Audit Committee periodically reviews, no less frequently than twice a year, a summary of transactions in excess of $120,000 with our directors, executive officers, and their family members, for the purpose of determining whether the transactions are within our policies and should be ratified and approved. Additionally, pursuant to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, all of our executive officers and directors must disclose any personal or financial interest in any matter that comes before Mercer Bancorp.

 

12 

 

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Summary Compensation Table. The following information is furnished for our principal executive officer and the next two most highly compensated executive officers whose total compensation exceeded $100,000 for the year ended September 30, 2023. These individuals are sometimes referred to in this proxy statement as the “named executive officers.”

 

Name and Principal Position  Year   Salary   Bonus (1)   Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
   All Other
Compensation
(2)
   Total 
Barry Parmiter   2023   $189,750   $19,300       $2,100   $211,150 
President and Chief Executive Officer  2022    99,375                99,375 
                              
Trever A. Bransteter   2023   $82,513       $69,943   $6,098   $158,554 
Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending                             
                              
Timothy L. Bigham   2023   $84,878   $13,500       $3,935   $102,313 
Senior Vice President of Operations                             

 

(1) Represents discretionary bonuses for 2023.

(2) For 2023, All Other Compensation consists of the following:

 

Name  401(k) Profit-Sharing
Contribution
   Total 
Mr. Parmiter  $2,100   $2,100 
Mr. Bransteter  $6,098   $6,098 
Mr. Bigham  $3,935   $3,935 

 

Employment Agreements. Mercer Savings Bank has entered into employment agreements with Barry Parmiter, our President and Chief Executive Officer and Timothy L. Bigham, our Senior Vice President of Operations. Our continued success depends to a significant degree on the skills and competence of Messrs. Parmiter and Bigham and the employment agreements are intended to ensure that we maintain a stable management base.

 

The employment agreement has a term of three years. Commencing as of each January 1, the board of directors may renew the agreement for an additional year so that the remaining term will again become three years. The base salary for Mr. Parmiter for 2023 was $195,000. In addition to base salary, the agreement provides for, among other things, participation in bonus programs and other benefit plans and arrangements applicable to executive and other employees. We may terminate Mr. Parmiter’s employment for cause at any time, in which event he would have no right to receive compensation or other benefits under the employment agreement for any period after his termination of employment.

 

Certain events resulting in Mr. Parmiter’s termination or resignation entitle him to payments of severance benefits following the termination of his employment. In the event of Mr. Parmiter’s involuntary termination for reasons other than for cause or in the event he resigns during the term of the agreement following (a) the failure to appoint him to the executive position set forth in the agreement or the failure to re-nominate him as a member of the board of directors, (b) a material change in his function, duties or responsibilities resulting in a reduction of the responsibility, scope, or importance of his position, (c) a relocation of his office by more than 30 miles, (d) a material reduction in the benefits or perquisites paid to him unless the reduction is part of a reduction that is generally applicable to employees of Mercer Savings Bank, (e) a liquidation or dissolution of Mercer Savings Bank or (f) a material breach of the employment agreement by Mercer Savings Bank, then Mr. Parmiter would become entitled to a lump sum cash severance payment equal to the base salary and bonuses he would have earned for the remaining unexpired term of the employment agreement. In addition, Mr. Parmiter would become entitled, at no expense to him, to the continuation of life insurance and non-taxable medical and dental coverage for the remaining unexpired term of the employment agreement, or if the coverage is not permitted by applicable law or if providing the benefits would subject Mercer Savings Bank to penalties, he would receive a cash lump sum payment equal to the value of the benefits.

 

In the event of a change in control of Mercer Savings Bank or Mercer Bancorp followed by Mr. Parmiter’s involuntary termination other than for cause or upon his resignation for one of the reasons set forth above, he would become entitled to a lump sum cash severance payment equal to three times his “base amount,” as that term is defined for purposes of Internal Revenue Code Section 280G (i.e., the average annual taxable income paid to him for the five taxable years preceding the taxable year in which the change in control occurs). In addition, Mr. Parmiter would become entitled, at no expense to him, to the continuation of life insurance and non-taxable medical and dental coverage for twenty-four (24) months following his termination of employment, or if the coverage is not permitted by applicable law or if providing the benefits would subject Mercer Savings Bank to penalties, he would receive a cash lump sum payment equal to the value of the benefits.

 

13 

 

 

Under the employment agreement, if Mr. Parmiter becomes disabled as set forth in the employment agreement, he will receive benefits under any short-term or long-term disability plans maintained by Mercer Savings Bank.

 

Under the employment agreement, if Mr. Parmiter retires following his attainment of age 65, he will receive benefits under any applicable retirement or other plans maintained by Mercer Savings Bank.

 

In the event of Mr. Parmiter’s death, his estate or beneficiaries will be paid his base salary through the end of the month in which his death occurs and his dependents will be entitled to continued non-taxable medical, dental and other insurance for one year following his death.

 

Upon termination of Mr. Parmiter’s employment (other than following a change in control), he will be subject to certain restrictions on his ability to compete or to solicit business or employees of Mercer Savings Bank for a period of one year following his termination of employment.

 

Mercer Savings Bank has also entered into an employment agreement with Timothy L. Bigham.

 

The employment agreement has a term of one year and renews each January 1 unless Mr. Bigham or Mercer Savings Bank provides notice of non-renewal to the other. The base salary for Mr. Bigham for 2023 was $78,546. In addition to base salary, the agreement provides for, among other things, participation in bonus programs and other benefit plans and arrangements applicable to executive and other employees. We may terminate Mr. Bigham’s employment for cause at any time, in which event he would have no right to receive compensation or other benefits under the employment agreement for any period after his termination of employment.

 

Certain events resulting in Mr. Bigham’s termination or resignation entitle him to payments of severance benefits following the termination of his employment. In the event of Mr. Bigham’s involuntary termination for reasons other than for cause or in the event he resigns during the term of the agreement following (a) a material diminution of his base compensation, (b) a material change in his authority, duties or responsibilities, (c) a material relocation of his office, (d) a material diminution in the budget over which he retains authority or (e) a material breach of the employment agreement by Mercer Savings Bank, then Mr. Bigham would become entitled to a lump sum cash severance payment equal to the 50% of the annual salary he would have earned for the remaining unexpired term of the employment agreement. In addition, if Mr. Bigham elects coverage under COBRA, he would become entitled, at no expense to him, to the continuation of health, life and disability insurance until the earlier of he and his spouse attaining age 65 or until he become a full-time employee with another employer.

 

In the event of Mr. Bigham’s involuntary termination for reasons other than for cause within six months prior to or one year following a change in control or in the event he resigns for one of the reasons set forth above within one year following a change in control, he would become entitled to a lump sum cash severance payment equal to 50% of his base salary and highest annual bonus for the five year preceding his termination of employment. In addition, Mr. Bigham would become entitled, at no expense to him, to reimbursement of 50% of the premiums due for coverage under COBRA should he elect such coverage, as well as 50% of the premiums for life and disability insurance for 18 months.

 

Under the employment agreement, if Mr. Bigham becomes disabled as set forth in the employment agreement, he will receive benefits under any short-term or long-term disability plans maintained by Mercer Savings Bank.

 

In the event of Mr. Bigham’s death, his estate or beneficiaries will be paid his base salary through the end of the month in which his death occurs.

 

Upon termination of Mr. Bigham’s employment, he will be subject to certain restrictions on his ability to compete or to solicit business or employees of Mercer Savings Bank for a period of one year following his termination of employment.

 

401(k) Plan. Mercer Savings Bank maintains the Mercer Savings Bank Profit Sharing & 401(k) Savings Plan & Trust, a tax-qualified defined contribution plan for eligible employees (the “401(k) Plan”). The named executive officers are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan on the same terms as other eligible employees.

 

14 

 

 

Under the 401(k) Plan, a participant may elect to defer, on a pre-tax basis, the maximum amount of compensation permitted by the Internal Revenue Code. For 2023, the salary deferral contribution limit was $22,500, provided, however, that a participant over age 50 may contribute an additional $7,500 to the 401(k) Plan for a total of $30,000. In addition to salary deferral contributions, Mercer Savings Bank currently makes matching contributions on the first 6% of the participant’s compensation under the plan. It may also make other discretionary contributions to the 401(k) Plan.

  

A participant is always 100% vested in his or her salary deferral contributions. A participant will vest in matching and other employer contributions at the rate of 100% after three years of service.

 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Mercer Savings Bank adopted the ESOP effective January 1, 2023 for eligible employees. The named executive officers are eligible to participate in the ESOP on the same terms as other eligible employees.

 

The ESOP trustee purchased, on behalf of the employee stock ownership plan, 81,838 shares of Mercer Bancorp common stock. The ESOP funded the stock purchase with a loan from Mercer Bancorp equal to the aggregate purchase price of the common stock. The loan will be repaid principally through Mercer Savings Bank’s contribution to the plan and dividends payable on common stock held by the ESOP, if any, over the anticipated 15-year term of the loan. The trustee holds the shares purchased by the ESOP in an unallocated suspense account, and shares are released from the suspense account on a pro-rata basis as the loan is repaid. The trustee allocates the shares released among ESOP participants on the basis of each participant’s proportional share of compensation relative to the total aggregate compensation paid to all participants. Participants will vest in their benefit after completing three years of service, with no vesting prior to completing three years of service.

 

Director Compensation

 

The following table sets forth for the year ended September 30, 2023 certain information as to the total remuneration we paid to our non-employee directors.

 

Name  Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
   All Other
Compensation
   Total 
Michael J. Boley  $18,200       $18,200 
Jose W. Faller   18,200        18,200 
Kristin M. Fee   15,800        15,800 
David L. Keiser   20,300        20,300 
Richard A. Mosier (1)    15,800        15,800 

 

________________

(1)Mr. Mosier retired from the Board of Directors effective January 16, 2024.

 

Director Fees. Directors of Mercer Savings Bank receive a monthly fee of $1,600 for directors not participating in a Director Retirement Agreement or $1,400 for directors who participate in a Director Retirement Agreement. The Chairman, or the Vice Chair in the absence of the Chairman, receives an additional fee of $400 per month. Employees who serve on the board of directors do not receive director fees. No additional fees are paid for attending meetings of the Board of Directors or of its committees.

 

Each individual who serves as a director of Mercer Savings Bank also serves as a director of Mercer Bancorp. Currently, each director will receive director fees only in their capacity as a director of Mercer Savings Bank.

 

Director Retirement Agreements. Mercer Savings Bank has entered into Director Retirement Agreements with Mr. Mosier, who retired from the Board on January 16, 2024, and Mr. Keiser and Ms. Fee. Under the Director Retirement Agreement with Mr. Mosier, Mr. Mosier is entitled to a normal retirement benefit based on a schedule attached to the agreements. The annual normal retirement benefit for Mr. Mosier equals $18,736. In connection with its mutual-to-stock conversion, Mercer Savings Bank amended the Director Retirement Agreements with Mr. Keiser and Ms. Fee to convert the agreements to a defined contribution form of benefit with the initial account balance equal to the accrual balance of the directors’ then current benefit. Each year, Mercer Savings Bank will contribute an additional amount to the agreements on behalf of Mr. Keiser and Ms. Fee with the intent that the account balance will equal what was the anticipated accrual balance prior to the amendment (i.e., so that the directors will receive the same benefit equivalent after the amendment to the agreements prior to any adjustment for earnings on the account balances). The amendments were intended to allow Mr. Keiser and Ms. Fee to invest their account balance in the stock of Mercer Bancorp by making a one-time election to use the account balance to subscribe for shares in the offering.

 

15 

 

 

The normal retirement age for Messrs. Mosier and Keiser is 70 and 72, respectively, and the normal retirement age for Ms. Fee is 71. The directors vest in their benefits under the Director Retirement Agreements at the rate of 33% after six years of service, 66% after ten years of service and 100% after 18 years of service. The normal retirement benefit is paid monthly for ten years. Directors become 100% vested in their normal retirement benefit upon becoming disabled and receive the benefit in the same form as the normal retirement benefit but commencing on the first day of the month following their disability.

 

If the director separates from service prior to their normal retirement age, they become entitled to a lump sum payment equal to the amount set forth on a schedule to the agreements within 60 days following their separation from service. If the director separates from service within 24 months of a change in control, the director will fully vest in the normal retirement benefit and receive the benefit in a lump sum within 60 days following their separation from service. If a director dies while in service, the director’s beneficiary will receive 100% of the normal retirement benefit, paid monthly for ten years. If the director dies while in pay-status under the agreements, the director’s beneficiary will receive the same benefits the director would have received had the director survived.

 

PROPOSAL II—RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Audit Committee of Mercer Bancorp has approved the engagement of S.R. Snodgrass, P.C. (“Snodgrass”) to be our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending September 30, 2024, subject to the ratification of the engagement by our stockholders. At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will consider and vote on the ratification of the Audit Committee’s engagement of Snodgrass for the year ending September 30, 2024. A representative of Snodgrass is expected to attend the Annual Meeting and may respond to appropriate questions and make a statement if they desire to do so.

 

Even if the engagement of Snodgrass is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such change would be in the best interests of Mercer Bancorp and its stockholders.

 

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, P.C. to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending September 30, 2024.

 

On April 19, 2022, Mercer Savings Bank dismissed its previous independent auditors, Crowe LLP, and engaged Dixon, Davis, Bagent & Company (“Dixon Davis”) as its independent auditor. This change in auditors was approved by Mercer Savings Bank’s Board of Directors. Dixon Davis was engaged to audit the financial statements of Mercer Savings Bank for the year ended September 30, 2022 according to auditing standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

 

Before the engagement of Dixon Davis, Mercer Savings Bank did not consult with Dixon Davis regarding the application of accounting principles to a specific completed or proposed transaction or regarding the type of audit opinion that might be rendered by Dixon Davis on Mercer Savings Bank’s financial statements, and Dixon Davis did not provide any written or oral advice that was an important factor considered by Mercer Savings Bank in reaching a decision as to any such accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue, and Mercer Savings Bank did not consult with Dixon Davis regarding any of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

 

The report of Crowe LLP on its audit of the financial statements of Mercer Savings Bank for the years ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, which was conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principle. In connection with its audit of the financial statements of Mercer Savings Bank for the years ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 and during the interim period ended April 19, 2022, there were no disagreements with Crowe LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Crowe LLP, would have caused them to make reference thereto in their reports, and there have been no reportable events as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

On January 17, 2023, Mercer Savings Bank dismissed Dixon Davis and engaged Snodgrass as its independent auditor. This change in auditors was approved by Mercer Savings Bank’s Board of Directors in connection with Mercer Savings Bank’s determination to proceed with its mutual-to-stock conversion and stock offering in 2023. Snodgrass was engaged to audit the financial statements of Mercer Savings Bank for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 according to auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

 

16 

 

 

Before the engagement of Snodgrass, Mercer Savings Bank did not consult with Snodgrass regarding the application of accounting principles to a specific completed or proposed transaction or regarding the type of audit opinion that might be rendered by Snodgrass on Mercer Savings Bank’s financial statements, and Snodgrass did not provide any written or oral advice that was an important factor considered by Mercer Savings Bank in reaching a decision as to any such accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue, and Mercer Savings Bank did not consult with Snodgrass regarding any of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

 

The report of Dixon Davis on its audit of the financial statements of Mercer Savings Bank for the year ended September 30, 2022 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principle. In connection with its audit of the financial statements of Mercer Savings Bank for the year ended September 30, 2022, and during the interim period ended January 17, 2023, there were no disagreements with Dixon Davis on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Dixon Davis, would have caused them to make reference thereto in their reports, and there have been no reportable events as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

Set forth below is certain information concerning aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by Snodgrass for the year ended September 30, 2023.

 

    Year Ended  
    September 30, 2023  
Audit Fees   $ 337,754  
Audit-Related Fees   $ 0  
Tax Fees   $ 15,800  
All Other Fees   $ 0  

 

Audit Fees. Snodgrass billed us a total of $337,754 for 2023 for professional services for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements, initial public offering fees and expenses, and statutory and regulatory filing requirements for limited review of quarterly condensed consolidated financial statements included in periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Audit-Related Fees. There were no audit-related fees billed by Snodgrass during the year ended September 30, 2023.

 

Tax Fees. Tax fees include fees billed for a state tax opinion delivered by Snodgrass in connection with our mutual-to-stock conversion and initial public offering during the year ended September 30, 2023 and tax compliance services.

 

All Other Fees. There were no other fees billed by Snodgrass during the year ended September 30, 2023.

 

Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Audit Committee is responsible for appointing, setting compensation and overseeing the work of the independent registered public accounting firm. In accordance with its charter, the Audit Committee approves, in advance, all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm. This approval process ensures that the independent registered public accounting firm does not provide any non-audit service to us prohibited by law or regulation.

 

The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services, which relate primarily to tax services, is compatible with maintaining the independence of Snodgrass. The Audit Committee concluded that performing such services does not affect the independence of Snodgrass in performing its function as our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

17 

 

 

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS

 

In order to be eligible for inclusion in the proxy materials for our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, any stockholder proposal to take action at such meeting must be received at Mercer Bancorp’s executive office, 1100 Irmscher Blvd, Celina, Ohio 45822, no later than September 19, 2024. However, if the date of the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is changed by more than 30 days from the date of the 2024 Annual Meeting, any stockholder proposal must be received at a reasonable time before we print or mail proxy materials for such meeting. Any such proposals shall be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Under SEC Rule 14a-19, a stockholder intending to engage in a director election contest with respect to the Mercer Bancorp’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2025 must give Mercer Bancorp notice of its intent to solicit proxies by providing the names of its nominees and certain other information at least 60 calendar days before the anniversary of the previous year’s Annual Meeting. This deadline is December 23, 2024.

 

In addition to the requirement set forth under SEC Rule 14a-19, our Bylaws provide an advance notice procedure for certain business, or nominations to the Board of Directors, to be brought before an Annual Meeting of Stockholders. In order for a stockholder of record to properly bring business before an Annual Meeting, or to nominate a person for election to the Board of Directors, our Corporate Secretary must receive written notice not earlier than the 100th day nor later than the 90th day prior to the anniversary date of the prior year’s Annual Meeting; provided, however, that in the event the date of the Annual Meeting is advanced more than 30 days prior to the anniversary of the preceding year’s Annual Meeting, then, to be timely, notice by the stockholder must be received no earlier than the day on which public disclosure of the Annual Meeting date is first made and no later than the tenth day following the earlier of the day notice of the meeting was mailed to stockholders or such public disclosure was made.

 

A notice with respect to stockholder proposals that are not nominations for director must set forth as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the Annual Meeting: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the Annual Meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the Annual Meeting; (ii) the name and address of such stockholder as they appear on the our books and of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; (iii) the class or series and number of shares of our capital stock which are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner; (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder and any material interest of such stockholder in such business; and (v) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting to bring such business before the meeting.

 

A notice with respect to director nominations must include: (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director, (i) all information relating to such person that would indicate such person’s qualification to serve on our Board of Directors; (ii) an affidavit that such person would not be disqualified under the provisions of Article II, Section 12 of our Bylaws; (iii) such information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or any successor rule or regulation; and (iv) a written consent of each proposed nominee to be named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected; and (b) as to the stockholder giving the notice: (i) the name and address of such stockholder as they appear on our books and of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made; (ii) the class or series and number of shares of our capital stock which are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner; (iii) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and each proposed nominee and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by such stockholder; (iv) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the persons named in its notice; (v) whether such stockholder intends to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than Mercer Bancorp’s nominees in accordance with the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and (vi) any other information relating to such stockholder that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act or any successor rule or regulation.

 

The 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is currently expected to be held on February 18, 2025. Advance written notice for certain business proposals or nominations to the Board of Directors to be brought before the next Annual Meeting must be given to us no earlier than November 12, 2024 and no later than November 22, 2024. If notice is received before November 12, 2024 or after November 22, 2024, it will be considered untimely, and we will not be required to present the matter at the stockholders meeting.

 

Nothing in this proxy statement shall be deemed to require us to include in our proxy statement and proxy relating to an Annual Meeting any stockholder proposal that does not meet all of the requirements for inclusion established by the Securities and Exchange Commission in effect at the time such proposal is received.

 

18 

 

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

The Board of Directors is not aware of any business to come before the Annual Meeting other than the matters described above in the Proxy Statement. However, if any matters should properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that the Board of Directors, as holders of the proxies, will act as determined by a majority vote.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

A COPY OF MERCER BANCORP’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 WILL BE FURNISHED WITHOUT CHARGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AS OF THE RECORD DATE UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE CORPORATE SECRETARY, 1100 IRMSCHER BLVD, CELINA, OHIO 45822 OR BY CALLING (419) 586-5158.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

 

Mercer Bancorp’s Proxy Statement, including the Notice of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and the 2023 Annual Report are each available on the Internet at https://annualgeneralmeetings.com/msbb2024.

 

    By Order of the Board of Directors
   

 

    Jose W. Faller
    Corporate Secretary

 

Celina, Ohio

January 17, 2024

 

19 

 

 

GRAPHIC

MERCER BANCORP, INC. Annual Meeting of Stockholders February 20, 2024 1:30 PM This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors The stockholder hereby appoints Michael J. Boley, Kristin M. Fee, David L. Keiser and Barry Parmiter, and each of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his or her substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated below, all of the shares of common stock of Mercer Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) that the stockholder is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Meeting”) to be held at 1:30 PM, Eastern time, on February 20, 2024 and any adjournment or postponement thereof. THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED AS INDICATED. IF NO CONTRARY INDICATION IS MADE, THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOR OF ELECTING THE NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL 2, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE JUDGMENT OF THE PERSONS NAMED AS PROXY HEREIN ON ANY OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING. THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY REVOKES ANY PROXY OR PROXIES HERETOFORE GIVEN TO VOTE UPON OR ACT WITH RESPECT TO SUCH COMMON STOCK AND HEREBY RATIFIES AND CONFIRMS ALL THAT THE PROXIES, THEIR SUBSTITUTES OR ANY OF THEM MAY LAWFULLY DO BY VIRTUE HEREOF. The Board of Directors of Mercer Bancorp, Inc. recommends a vote FOR the nominee and FOR proposal 2 listed below. 1. To elect as director, to serve for a term of three years or until their successor shall have been elected and qualified. FOR WITHHOLD 01. Jose W. Faller □ □ 2. To ratify the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, P.C. as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. □ FOR □ AGAINST □ ABSTAIN Please date this proxy and sign your name exactly as it appears hereon. Where there is more than one owner, each should sign. When signing as an attorney, administrator, executor, guardian or trustee, please add your title as such. If executed by a corporation, the proxy should be signed by a duly authorized officer. Signature ____________________________________________ Signature (Co-owner) __________________________________ Dated: ____________________,2024 □ Please Mark Here for Address Change or Comments. Provide updated address or comments in the space provided below. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ □ I agree to receive all future communications related to these holdings electronically via the email address provided below. I understand I am able to change this selection at any time in the future. EMAIL ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________________ If you vote by Internet, you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT Voting Instructions are on Reverse. 24-2523-2 C2.1 P2

GRAPHIC

Voting Instructions You may vote your proxy in the following ways:  Via Internet:  Login to https://annualgeneralmeetings.com/msbb2024  Enter your control number (12 digit number located below)  Via Mail: Pacific Stock Transfer Company Proxy Department 6725 Via Austi Parkway, Suite 300 Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 CONTROL NUMBER You may vote by Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Internet voting is available through 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on February 19, 2024. Your Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card. 24-2523-2 C2.1 P3

GRAPHIC

MERCER BANCORP, INC. Annual Meeting of Stockholders February 20, 2024 1:30 PM This vote authorization form is solicited on behalf of the ESOP trustee The undersigned is eligible for participation in the Mercer Savings Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan ESOP and as such is deemed to have a single share of common stock of Mercer Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) allocated to the undersigned’s ESOP account as of December 28, 2023, the voting record date for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held at Mercer Savings Bank’s office at 1100 Irmscher Blvd, Celina, Ohio on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., local time (the “Meeting”). The undersigned hereby directs First Trust of MidAmerica (the “ESOP Trustee”) to vote the single share of Company common stock deemed allocated to the undersigned’s account, for which the undersigned is entitled to direct the ESOP Trustee to vote at the Meeting or at any adjournment thereof. Please submit your ESOP vote authorization form no later than 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. If this form is not returned in a timely manner, the share of common stock deemed allocated to the participant’s ESOP account will be voted in the same proportion as shares for which the ESOP Trustee has received timely voting instructions to vote on the proposals, subject to the determination that such a vote is for the exclusive benefit of plan participants and beneficiaries. If any other business is brought before the Meeting, shares will be voted by the ESOP Trustee in the manner intended to represent the best interest of participants and beneficiaries of the ESOP. At the present time, the Board of Directors of the Company knows of no other business to be brought before the Meeting. THIS ESOP VOTE AUTHORIZATION FORM, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED AS INDICATED. IF NO CONTRARY INDICATION IS MADE, THIS ESOP VOTE AUTHORIZATION FORM WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOR OF ELECTING THE NOMINEE TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL 2, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE JUDGMENT OF THE ESOP TRUSTEE ON ANY OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING. The Board of Directors of Mercer Bancorp, Inc. recommends a vote FOR the nominee and FOR proposal 2 listed below. 1. To elect as director, to serve for a term of three years or until their successor shall have been elected and qualified. FOR WITHHOLD 01. Jose W. Faller □ □ 2. To ratify the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, P.C. as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. □ FOR □ AGAINST □ ABSTAIN Please date this ESOP vote authorization form and sign your name exactly as it appears hereon. Signature: ______________________________________ Dated: ____________________,2024 □ Please Mark Here for Address Change or Comments. Provide updated address or comments in the space provided below. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ □ I agree to receive all future communications related to these holdings electronically via the email address provided below. I understand I am able to change this selection at any time in the future. EMAIL ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________________ If you vote by Internet, you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT Voting Instructions are on Reverse. 24-2523-2 C2.1 P4

GRAPHIC

Voting Instructions You may vote your proxy in the following ways:  Via Internet:  Login to https://annualgeneralmeetings.com/msbb2024  Enter your control number (12 digit number located below)  Via Mail: Pacific Stock Transfer Company Proxy Department 6725 Via Austi Parkway, Suite 300 Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 CONTROL NUMBER You may vote by Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Internet voting is available through 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on February 13, 2024. Your Internet vote authorizes the ESOP Trustee to vote in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your ESOP vote authorization form. 24-2523-2 C2.1 P5