FIRST BUSEY CORP NV

Statements contained in or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report that are not historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements are covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which are based on certain assumptions and estimates and describe our future plans, strategies, and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “goal,” “plan,” “potential,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “target,” “aim” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include statements relating to our projected growth, anticipated future financial performance, financial condition, credit quality, and management’s long-term performance goals, as well as statements relating to the anticipated effects on results of operations and financial condition from expected developments or events, our business and growth strategies, and any other statements that are not historical facts.

These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions, and uncertainties, and could be affected by many factors. Factors that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and future prospects can be found under“Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Annual Report and elsewhere in our periodic and current reports filed with the SEC. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction between Busey and M&M will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period;

2. the risk that integration of operations of M&M with those of Busey will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected;

3. the inability to complete the proposed transaction due to the failure of the required approval of M&M’s stockholders;

4. the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the proposed transaction, including receipt of required regulatory and other approvals;

5. the failure of the proposed transaction to close for any other reason;

6. the effect of the announcement of the transaction on customer relationships and operating results;

7. the strength of the local, state, national, and international economy (including effects of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints);

8. the economic impact of any future terrorist threats or attacks, widespread disease or pandemics (including the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic), or other adverse external events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets (including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict);

9. changes in state and federal laws, regulations, and governmental policies concerning Busey's or M&M's general business (including changes in response to the recent failures of other banks);

10. changes in accounting policies and practices;

11. changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of Busey’s or M&M's assets (including the impact of the LIBOR phase-out and the recent and potential additional rate increases by the Federal Reserve);

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13. increased competition in the financial services sector (including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and fintech companies) and the inability to attract new customers;

14. changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems;

15. the loss of key executives or associates;

16. changes in consumer spending;

17. unexpected results of acquisitions, including the acquisition of M&M and the performance of M&M’s life equity loan business;

18. unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation involving Busey or M&M;

19. fluctuations in the value of securities held in Busey’s or M&M’s securities portfolio;

20. concentrations within Busey’s or M&M’s loan portfolio, large loans to certain borrowers, and large deposits from certain clients;

21. the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits and may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure;

22. the level of non-performing assets on Busey’s or M&M’s balance sheets;

23. interruptions involving information technology and communications systems or third-party servicers;

24. breaches or failures of information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents;

25. the economic impact of exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, blizzards, and droughts; and

26. other factors and risks described under“Item 1A. Risk Factors” herein.

Because of those risks and other uncertainties, our actual future results, performance, achievement, or industry results, may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. In addition, our past results of operations are not necessarily indicative of our future results.

You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they were made. We are not undertaking an obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even though circumstances may change in the future, except as required under federal securities law. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

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