Flint, December 18, 2025
Fifth Third Bancorp’s acquisition of Comerica Inc. is set to close in 2026, leading to the closure of approximately 76 bank branches across Michigan. The merger, valued at $10.9 billion, will create the ninth-largest bank in the U.S. while maintaining 200 locations in the state. Both banks assure customers of continued service during the transition.
Flint, Michigan
Fifth Third Bancorp’s acquisition of Comerica Inc. is expected to lead to the closure or consolidation of approximately 76 bank branches in Michigan, pending regulatory approval. This consolidation is anticipated to occur in the second half of 2026, following the completion of the merger. Both banks have stated that no immediate changes are planned for customers, and they will continue to operate separately until the transaction is finalized. Customers are advised to continue their banking activities as usual during this period.
The merger, announced in October 2025, involves Fifth Third Bancorp acquiring Comerica Inc. in an all-stock deal valued at approximately $10.9 billion. This transaction is set to create the ninth-largest bank in the United States, with about $288 billion in assets. The deal is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2026, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals. Once completed, Fifth Third shareholders will own approximately 73% of the combined company, while Comerica shareholders will own about 27%. The combined entity will operate in 17 of the 20 fastest-growing markets in the country, including key regions in the Southeast, Texas, and California, while solidifying its leadership in the Midwest. By 2030, it is expected that over half of Fifth Third’s branches will be located in the Southeast, Texas, Arizona, and California. Moreover, the combined company will have two $1 billion recurring and high-return fee businesses—Commercial Payments and Wealth and Asset Management—which provide durable, diversified earnings and the additional capacity to reinvest in future growth.
Fifth Third Bank and Comerica Inc. are two of Michigan’s largest banks by deposits, ranking No. 7 and No. 3, respectively. With Comerica’s 144 independent branches and Fifth Third’s 156 branches, the merger will result in statewide consolidation. The anticipated branch closures in Michigan are part of a broader plan that includes 80 closures across Michigan and Florida. Of these, 30 Fifth Third locations and 50 Comerica locations are expected to close. Affected areas in Michigan include Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Kentwood, Grandville, Norton Shores, Battle Creek, and Muskegon. Despite the consolidation, customers will continue to have access to more than 200 locations statewide. Both banks have committed to clear communication and advance notice of any changes that might affect customer accounts or services.
Comerica, founded in Detroit in 1849, has a long history in Michigan. In 2007, the bank moved its headquarters to Dallas. Fifth Third Bank, established in 1865 in Piqua, Ohio, moved its headquarters to Cincinnati in 2000. The merger aims to combine Fifth Third’s award-winning retail banking and digital capabilities with Comerica’s strong middle-market banking franchise, enhancing the combined entity’s position in high-growth markets and solidifying its leadership in the Midwest.
Customers are encouraged to monitor communications from both banks for updates on the merger process and any potential impacts on their banking services. Both Fifth Third and Comerica have emphasized their commitment to a smooth transition and continued service excellence during this period of consolidation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the expected timeline for the branch closures in Michigan?
The branch closures are anticipated to occur in the second half of 2026, following the completion of the merger between Fifth Third Bancorp and Comerica Inc.
How many bank branches in Michigan are expected to close due to the merger?
Approximately 76 bank branches in Michigan could close or consolidate if the Fifth Third Bancorp acquisition of Comerica Inc. is approved by regulators.
Will customers experience immediate changes to their banking services?
No immediate changes are planned for customers. Both banks will continue to operate separately until the transaction is finalized, and customers are advised to continue their banking activities as usual during this period.
What is the value of the merger between Fifth Third Bancorp and Comerica Inc.?
The merger is valued at approximately $10.9 billion, creating the ninth-largest bank in the United States with about $288 billion in assets.
How will the merger affect the combined bank’s presence in Michigan?
Despite the consolidation, customers will continue to have access to more than 200 locations statewide, ensuring continued service availability across Michigan.
Key Features of the Fifth Third and Comerica Merger
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Merger Value | $10.9 billion |
| Combined Assets | Approximately $288 billion |
| Expected Completion | End of the first quarter of 2026 |
| Branch Closures in Michigan | Approximately 76 branches |
| Combined Bank’s Market Presence | 17 of the 20 fastest-growing markets in the U.S., including key regions in the Southeast, Texas, and California, while solidifying leadership in the Midwest |
| Projected Branch Distribution by 2030 | Over half of Fifth Third’s branches located in the Southeast, Texas, Arizona, and California |
| High-Return Fee Businesses | Commercial Payments and Wealth and Asset Management, each with $1 billion in recurring and high-return fees |
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
