SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 --------------------- FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 November 16, 2003 (Date of earliest event reported) Commission file number: 0-20167 NORTH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) MICHIGAN 38-2062816 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No) 130 SOUTH CEDAR STREET, MANISTIQUE, MI 49854 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (906) 341-7125 ITEM 1. CHANGES IN CONTROL OF REGISTRANT On November 16, 2003, North Country Financial Corporation (the "Corporation") signed a letter of intent that included a non-binding offer by another entity to purchase all of the common stock of the Corporation. The letter of intent was subject to a number of conditions, some of which might have been difficult to satisfy. On November 19, 2003, the Corporation received a letter from the entity, withdrawing its offer and voiding the letter of intent. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to the signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. NORTH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION Date: December 1, 2003 By: /s/ C. James Bess ----------------------------------------- C. JAMES BESS PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER