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<FONT SIZE=2>
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">Registration No. 333-_______<BR>

<HR SIZE="2">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>
  Washington, D.C. 20549<BR>
  __________________</P>
</FONT> <B>
<P ALIGN="CENTER">FORM S-8<BR>
  REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
  UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</P>
</B>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>OLD KENT FINANCIAL CORPORATION<BR>
</B></FONT>

<FONT SIZE=2>(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)<BR>
__________________</FONT></P>

<TABLE BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR><TD WIDTH="50%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Michigan</FONT></B></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">38-1986608</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="50%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">(State or Other Jurisdiction of</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">(I.R.S. Employer</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="50%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Incorporation or Organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Identification Number)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="50%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="50%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">111 Lyon Street, N.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan</FONT></B></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">49503</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="50%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">(Address of Principal Executive Offices)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">(Zip Code)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<B><FONT SIZE=5><P ALIGN="CENTER">STOCK OPTION PLAN FOR OPTIONHOLDERS<BR>
OF GRAND PREMIER FINANCIAL, INC.</P>
</FONT></B>

<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">(Full Title of the Plan)</P></FONT>

<TABLE BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR><TD WIDTH="40%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Mary E. Tuuk</FONT></B></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Copies to:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="40%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Gordon R. Lewis</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="40%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Senior Vice President</FONT></B></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="40%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Warner Norcross &amp; Judd LLP</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="40%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">and Secretary</FONT></B></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="40%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">900 Old Kent Building</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="40%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Old Kent Financial Corporation</FONT></B></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="40%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">111 Lyon Street, N.W.</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="40%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">111 Lyon Street, N.W.</FONT></B></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="40%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-2487</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="40%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-2487</FONT></B></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="40%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">(Name and Address of Agent for Service)</P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><B>(616) 771-5272<BR>
</B>

(Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)</P>
<BR>
<B><P ALIGN="CENTER">CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</P></B></FONT>
<TABLE BORDER="2" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
  <TR><TD WIDTH="20%" VALIGN="MIDDLE" HEIGHT=55>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>Title of<BR>
Securities to be<BR>
Registered</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="22%" VALIGN="TOP" HEIGHT=55>
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER"><BR>
Amount to be<BR>
Registered</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" VALIGN="TOP" HEIGHT=55>
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Proposed <BR>
Maximum<BR>
Offering Price<BR>
Per Share (1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%" VALIGN="TOP" HEIGHT=55>
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Proposed<BR>
Maximum<BR>
Aggregate<BR>
Offering Price (1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%" VALIGN="TOP" HEIGHT=55>
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER"><BR>
Amount of<BR>
Registration Fee</FONT></TD>
</TR>
  <TR VALIGN="middle">
    <TD WIDTH="20%" HEIGHT=42> <FONT SIZE=2>
      <P ALIGN="CENTER">Common Stock,<BR>
$1 Par Value</FONT></TD>
    <TD WIDTH="22%" HEIGHT=42> <FONT SIZE=2>
      <P ALIGN="CENTER">148,809 shares(2)
      </FONT></TD>
    <TD WIDTH="18%" HEIGHT=42> <FONT SIZE=2>
      <P ALIGN="CENTER">$31.0625(3)
      </FONT></TD>
    <TD WIDTH="20%" HEIGHT=42> <FONT SIZE=2>
      <P ALIGN="CENTER">$4,622,379.50(3)
      </FONT></TD>
    <TD WIDTH="20%" HEIGHT=42> <FONT SIZE=2>
      <P ALIGN="CENTER">$1,220.31
      </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<TABLE BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR><TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="94%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2>
      <P>On March 30, 2000 the average of the high and low prices of the Common
	Stock of Old Kent Financial Corporation was $31.0625 per share. The registration
	fee is computed in accordance with Rule 457(h) and (c).
      </FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="94%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="94%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>In addition, pursuant to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), this registration statement also covers an indeterminate amount of interests to be offered or sold pursuant to the Grand Premier Financial, Inc.
Deferred Compensation Plan, plus such indeterminate number of additional shares as may be authorized in the event of an adjustment as a result of an increase in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from the payment of stock dividends or
stock splits or certain other capital adjustments.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="94%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="94%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<HR SIZE="4" noshade>
<BR>

<P ALIGN="CENTER">PART II.</P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER">INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</P>

<P><B>Item&nbsp;3. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Incorporation of Documents by Reference</B>.</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated in this registration statement by reference:</P>

<BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (a)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Registrant's latest annual report filed pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (b)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; All other reports filed pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act since the end of the fiscal year covered by the annual report referred to in (a) above.</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (c)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The description of the Registrant's common stock, $1 par value, which is contained in the Registrant's Form&nbsp;8-A registration statement filed under the Exchange Act on
November 2, 1998, and the description of the Registrant's preferred stock purchase rights, which is contained in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A filed under the Exchange Act on December 31, 1998, including any amendment or report
filed for the purpose of updating either of such descriptions.</P>
</BLOCKQUOTE>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant (also referred to as "Old Kent") pursuant to Sections&nbsp;13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a
post-effective amendment that indicates that all securities offered have been sold or that deregisters all securities remaining unsold shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this registration statement and to be a part of this registration
statement from the date of filing of such documents.</P>
<BR>

<B><P>Item&nbsp;4. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Description of Securities.</P>
</B>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Not applicable.</P>
<BR>

<B><P>Item 5. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Interest of Named Experts and Counsel.</P>
</B>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Not applicable.</P>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<CENTER>
1
</CENTER>
<HR SIZE="4" noshade>
<BR>

<B><P>Item 6. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</P>
</B>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Under Sections 561 through 571 of the Michigan Business Corporation Act (the "MBCA"), directors and officers of a Michigan corporation may be entitled to indemnification by the
corporation against judgments, expenses, fines and amounts paid by the director or officer in settlement of claims brought against them by third persons or by or in the right of the corporation if those directors and officers acted in good faith and in a
manner reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders.</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Old Kent is obligated under its Restated Articles of Incorporation to indemnify its directors and executive officers to the full extent permitted under the MBCA. Old Kent may
similarly indemnify persons who are not directors or executive officers to the extent authorized by Old Kent's Board of Directors.</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The MBCA provides for indemnification of directors and officers if they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
Old Kent or its shareholders (and, if a criminal proceeding, if they had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful) against: (a) expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
reasonably incurred in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of Old Kent) arising out of a position with Old Kent (or with some other entity at Old Kent's request); and (b)
expenses (including attorneys' fees) and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by or in the right of Old Kent, unless the director or officer is found
liable to Old Kent, provided that an appropriate court could determine that he or she is nevertheless fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for reasonable expenses incurred. The MBCA requires indemnification for expenses to the extent that a
director or officer is successful in defending against any such action, suit or proceeding.</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The MBCA generally requires that the indemnification provided for in (a) and (b) above be made only on a determination that the director or officer met the applicable standard of
conduct by a majority vote of a quorum of the board of directors who were not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding, by a majority vote of a committee of not less than two disinterested directors, by independent legal
counsel, by all independent directors not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding, or by the shareholders. If the articles of incorporation include a provision eliminating or limiting the liability of a director,
however, a corporation may indemnify a director for certain expenses and liabilities without a determination that the director met the applicable standards of conduct, unless the director received a financial benefit to which he or she was not entitled,
intentionally inflicted harm on the corporation or its shareholders, violated Section 551 of the MBCA, or intentionally committed a criminal act. In connection with an action by or in the right of the corporation, such indemnification may be for expenses<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<CENTER>
2
</CENTER>
<HR SIZE="4" noshade>
<BR>

(including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred. In connection with an action, suit or proceeding other than an action, suit or proceeding by or in the right of the corporation, such indemnification may be for expenses (including attorneys'
fees) actually and reasonably incurred, and for judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred.<P></P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In certain circumstances, the MBCA further permits advances to cover such expenses before a final determination that indemnification is permissible or required, upon receipt of a
written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct and an undertaking, which need not be secured and which may be accepted without reference to the financial ability of
the person to make repayment, by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amounts if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she has not met the applicable standard of conduct. If a provision in the articles of incorporation or bylaws, a
resolution of the board or shareholders, or an agreement makes indemnification mandatory, then the advancement of expenses is also mandatory, unless the provision, resolution or agreement specifically provides otherwise.</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Indemnification under the MBCA is not exclusive of other rights to indemnification to which a person may be entitled under Old Kent's Restated Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws or a
contractual agreement. However, the total amount of expenses advanced or indemnified from all sources may not exceed the amount of actual expenses incurred by the person seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses. The indemnification provided for
under the MBCA continues as to a person who ceases to be a director or executive officer.</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The MBCA permits Old Kent to purchase insurance on behalf of its directors and officers against liabilities arising out of their positions with Old Kent, whether or not such
liabilities would be within the above indemnification provisions. Pursuant to this authority, Old Kent maintains such insurance on behalf of its directors and officers.</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Old Kent has entered into indemnity agreements with each of its directors. The agreements provide that Old Kent will indemnify the director, subject to certain limitations, for
expenses and costs, including the satisfaction of a judgment, fine or penalty incurred in, or in any amount paid in settlement of, any proceeding, including a proceeding brought by or in the name of Old Kent (such as a shareholder derivative suit),
brought by reason of the fact that the indemnitee was serving as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of Old Kent or by reason of any action taken by the indemnitee while serving as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of Old
Kent, or by reason of the fact that the indemnitee was serving at the request of Old Kent in a similar capacity with another entity, if such expenses and costs may be indemnified under the MBCA. In accordance with Old Kent's Restated Articles and Bylaws,
the agreements are designed to provide the maximum protection allowed under federal and Michigan law. Indemnification is dependent upon the director meeting the applicable standards of conduct set forth in the indemnity agreements.</P>
<BR>
<CENTER>
3
</CENTER>
<HR SIZE="4" noshade>
<BR>

<B><P>Item 7. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Exemption from Registration Claimed.</P>
</B>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Not applicable.</P>

<P><B>Item 8. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Exhibits</B>.</P>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The following exhibits have been filed as part of this registration statement:</P>

<TABLE BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Exhibit<BR>
	<U>Number</U>
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P><BR>
	<U>Document</U>
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(a)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Restated Articles of Incorporation. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to
	the Registrant's Form S-4 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-56209)
	filed June 5, 1998. Here incorporated by reference.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(b)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Bylaws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K
	Current Report dated March 2, 2000. Here incorporated by reference.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(c)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Rights Agreement. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's
	Form 8-A/A Registration Statement filed December 30, 1998. Here incorporated
	by reference.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(d)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Certificate of Designation, Preferences, and Rights of Series C Preferred
	Stock. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed
	March 5, 1997. Here incorporated by reference.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(e)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Certificate of Designation, Preferences, and Rights of Series D Perpetual
	Preferred Stock and Series E Perpetual Preferred Stock. Previously filed
	as Exhibit 4.9 to the Registrant's Form S-4 Registration Statement filed
	December 23, 1999. Here incorporated by reference.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(f)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Old Kent Financial Corporation Stock Option Plan For Optionholders of
	Grand Premier Financial, Inc.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(g)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Grand Premier Financial, Inc. 1996 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(h)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Premier Financial Services, Inc. 1995 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(i)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Premier Financial Services, Inc. 1988 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">4(j)</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">Grand Premier Financial, Inc. Deferred Compensation
      Plan.</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">5</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">Opinion Regarding Legality of Securities Offered.</TD>
  </TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<BR>
<CENTER>
4
</CENTER>
<HR SIZE="4" noshade>
<BR>

<TABLE BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>23(a)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Consent of Warner Norcross &amp; Judd <FONT SIZE=2>LLP. </FONT>Included
	in Exhibit 5 and incorporated herein by reference.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>23(b)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Consent of Independent Public Auditors.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>24
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Powers of Attorney.
    </TD>
  </TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<B><P>Item 9. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Undertakings.</P>
</B>

<DIR>
<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (a)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:</P>

  <DIR>
    <P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (1)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
      To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective
      amendment to this registration statement:</P>
    <DIR>
      <P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (i)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
	To include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the Securities
	Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act");</P>
      <P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (ii)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
	To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective
	date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective
	amendment thereto) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent
	a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration
	statement; and</P>
      <P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (iii)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
	To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution
	not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material
	change to such information in the registration statement;</P>
    </DIR>
    <P><I>provided, however</I>, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not
      apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment
      by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant
      pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
      (the "Exchange Act") that are incorporated by reference in this registration
      statement.</P>
    <P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (2)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
      That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
      Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
    and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
    initial <I>bona fide</I> offering thereof.</DIR>
   <P><BR>
<BR>
<CENTER>
5
</CENTER>
<HR SIZE="4" noshade>
<BR>
    <DIR><P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (3)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
      To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of
      the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of
      the offering.</P>
  </DIR>
  <P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (b)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining
    any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual
    report pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is
    incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to
    be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
    and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
    initial <I>bona fide</I> offering thereof.</P>
  <P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (h)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
    may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant
    pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been
    advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
    indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
    and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
    against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
    incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
    in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
    such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
    being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel
    the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
    appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
    against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed
    by the final adjudication of such issue.</P>
</DIR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<CENTER>
6
</CENTER>
<HR SIZE="4" noshade>
<BR>

<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">SIGNATURES</P>
</U>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to&nbsp;believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing
on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Grand Rapids, State of Michigan, on this 28th day of March, 2000.</P>

<TABLE BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR><TD WIDTH="43%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="57%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>OLD KENT FINANCIAL CORPORATION<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
By /s/Mary E. Tuuk<HR SIZE=1 noshade WIDTH="95%" ALIGN="RIGHT">
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mary E. Tuuk<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Senior Vice President and Secretary<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
      By&nbsp;/s/Mark F. Furlong
      <HR SIZE=1 noshade WIDTH="95%" ALIGN="RIGHT">
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mark F. Furlong<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Executive Vice President and Chief Financial<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Officer)</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<BR>

<P>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.</P>

<TABLE BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Signature</U></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P><U>Title</U></TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><U>Date</U></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*/s/Richard L. Antonini<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
Richard L. Antonini</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Director</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*/s/John D. Boyles<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
John D. Boyles</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Director</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*/s/William P. Crawford<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
William P. Crawford</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Director</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*/s/Richard M. DeVos, Jr.<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
Richard M. DeVos, Jr.</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Director</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<CENTER>
7
</CENTER>
<HR SIZE="4" noshade>
<BR>

<TABLE BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Signature</U></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P><U>Title</U></TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><U>Date</U></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*/s/William G. Gonzalez<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
William G. Gonzalez</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Director</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*/s/James P. Hackett<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
James P. Hackett</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Director</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
Erina Hanka </TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Director</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March ___, 2000</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*/s/Michael J. Jandernoa<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
Michael J. Jandernoa</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Director</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*/s/Kevin T. Kabat<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
Kevin T. Kabat</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P> </TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Vice Chairman<BR>
and Director</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*/s/Fred P. Keller<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
Fred P. Keller</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Director</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*/s/John P. Keller<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
John P. Keller</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Director</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*/s/Hendrik G. Meijer<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
Hendrik G. Meijer</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Director</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*/s/Percy A. Pierre, Ph.D.<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
Percy A. Pierre, Ph.D.</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Director</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*/s/Marilyn J. Schlack<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
Marilyn J. Schlack</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Director</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<CENTER>
8
</CENTER>
<HR SIZE="4" noshade>
<BR>

<TABLE BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Signature</U></TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P><U>Title</U></TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><U>Date</U></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*/s/Peter F. Secchia<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
Peter F. Secchia</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Director</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*/s/David J. Wagner<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
David J. Wagner</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Chairman of the Board,<BR>
President, Chief Executive<BR>
Officer and Director<BR>
(Principal Executive Officer)</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*/s/Margaret Sellers Walker<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
Margaret Sellers Walker</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Director</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*/s/Robert H. Warrington<HR SIZE=1 noshade>
Robert H. Warrington</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Vice Chairman and Director</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="31%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>*By /s/Mary E. Tuuk<HR SIZE=1 noshade WIDTH="93%" ALIGN="RIGHT">
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mary E. Tuuk<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Attorney-in-Fact</TD>
<TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">March 28, 2000</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<CENTER>
9
</CENTER>
<HR SIZE="4" noshade>
<BR>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><U>EXHIBIT</U> <U>INDEX</U></P>

<BR>

<TABLE BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Exhibit<BR>
	<U>Number</U>
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P><BR>
	<U>Document</U>
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(a)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Restated Articles of Incorporation. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to
	the Registrant's Form S-4 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-56209)
	filed June 5, 1998. Here incorporated by reference.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(b)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Bylaws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K
	Current Report dated March 2, 2000. Here incorporated by reference.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(c)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Rights Agreement. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's
	Form 8-A/A Registration Statement filed December 30, 1998. Here incorporated
	by reference.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(d)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Certificate of Designation, Preferences, and Rights of Series C Preferred
	Stock. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed
	March 5, 1997. Here incorporated by reference.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(e)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Certificate of Designation, Preferences, and Rights of Series D Perpetual
	Preferred Stock and Series E Perpetual Preferred Stock. Previously filed
	as Exhibit 4.9 to the Registrant's Form S-4 Registration Statement filed
	December 23, 1999. Here incorporated by reference.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(f)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Old Kent Financial Corporation Stock Option Plan For Optionholders of
	Grand Premier Financial, Inc.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(g)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Grand Premier Financial, Inc. 1996 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(h)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Premier Financial Services, Inc. 1995 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(i)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Premier Financial Services, Inc. 1988 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>4(j)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Grand Premier Financial, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>5
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Opinion Regarding Legality of Securities Offered.
    </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
    <TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>23(a)
    </TD>
    <TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
      <P>Consent of Warner Norcross &amp; Judd <FONT SIZE=2>LLP. </FONT>Included
	in Exhibit 5 and incorporated herein by reference.
    </TD>
  </TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR><TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>23(b)</TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Consent of Independent Public Auditors.</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>24</TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Powers of Attorney.</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P><BR>
</P>
<HR SIZE="4" noshade>
<BR>
</BODY>

</HTML>
[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "secsgml_size_bytes": 46692}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "OLD KENT FINANCIAL CORP /MI/", "cik": "0000746969", "assigned-sic": "6022", "irs-number": "381986608", "state-of-incorporation": "MI", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-33724", "film-number": "591106"}, "business-address": {"street1": "ONE VANDENBERG CTR", "street2": "111 LYON ST NW", "city": "GRAND RAPIDS", "state": "MI", "zip": "49503", "phone": "6167715000"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "OLD KENT FINANCIAL CORP", "street2": "ONE VANDENBERG CTR", "city": "GRAND RAPIDS", "state": "MI", "zip": "49503"}}
Old Kent Financial Corporation Form S-8
Registration No. 333-_______
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
__________________
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
OLD KENT FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
__________________
Michigan
38-1986608
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)
Identification Number)
111 Lyon Street, N.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan
49503
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
STOCK OPTION PLAN FOR OPTIONHOLDERS
OF GRAND PREMIER FINANCIAL, INC.
(Full Title of the Plan)
Mary E. Tuuk
Copies to:
Gordon R. Lewis
Senior Vice President
Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
and Secretary
900 Old Kent Building
Old Kent Financial Corporation
111 Lyon Street, N.W.
111 Lyon Street, N.W.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-2487
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-2487
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
(616) 771-5272
(Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of
Securities to be
Registered
Amount to be
Registered
Proposed
Maximum
Offering Price
Per Share (1)
Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price (1)
Amount of
Registration Fee
Common Stock,
$1 Par Value
148,809 shares(2)
$31.0625(3)
$4,622,379.50(3)
$1,220.31
(1)
On March 30, 2000 the average of the high and low prices of the Common
	Stock of Old Kent Financial Corporation was $31.0625 per share. The registration
	fee is computed in accordance with Rule 457(h) and (c).
(2)
In addition, pursuant to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), this registration statement also covers an indeterminate amount of interests to be offered or sold pursuant to the Grand Premier Financial, Inc.
Deferred Compensation Plan, plus such indeterminate number of additional shares as may be authorized in the event of an adjustment as a result of an increase in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from the payment of stock dividends or
stock splits or certain other capital adjustments.
(3)
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
PART II.
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3.         Incorporation of Documents by Reference
.
The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated in this registration statement by reference:
(a)          The Registrant's latest annual report filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").
(b)          All other reports filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act since the end of the fiscal year covered by the annual report referred to in (a) above.
(c)          The description of the Registrant's common stock, $1 par value, which is contained in the Registrant's Form 8-A registration statement filed under the Exchange Act on
November 2, 1998, and the description of the Registrant's preferred stock purchase rights, which is contained in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A filed under the Exchange Act on December 31, 1998, including any amendment or report
filed for the purpose of updating either of such descriptions.
All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant (also referred to as "Old Kent") pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a
post-effective amendment that indicates that all securities offered have been sold or that deregisters all securities remaining unsold shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this registration statement and to be a part of this registration
statement from the date of filing of such documents.
Item 4.         Description of Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 5.         Interest of Named Experts and Counsel.
Not applicable.
1
Item 6.         Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Under Sections 561 through 571 of the Michigan Business Corporation Act (the "MBCA"), directors and officers of a Michigan corporation may be entitled to indemnification by the
corporation against judgments, expenses, fines and amounts paid by the director or officer in settlement of claims brought against them by third persons or by or in the right of the corporation if those directors and officers acted in good faith and in a
manner reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders.
Old Kent is obligated under its Restated Articles of Incorporation to indemnify its directors and executive officers to the full extent permitted under the MBCA. Old Kent may
similarly indemnify persons who are not directors or executive officers to the extent authorized by Old Kent's Board of Directors.
The MBCA provides for indemnification of directors and officers if they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
Old Kent or its shareholders (and, if a criminal proceeding, if they had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful) against: (a) expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
reasonably incurred in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of Old Kent) arising out of a position with Old Kent (or with some other entity at Old Kent's request); and (b)
expenses (including attorneys' fees) and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by or in the right of Old Kent, unless the director or officer is found
liable to Old Kent, provided that an appropriate court could determine that he or she is nevertheless fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for reasonable expenses incurred. The MBCA requires indemnification for expenses to the extent that a
director or officer is successful in defending against any such action, suit or proceeding.
The MBCA generally requires that the indemnification provided for in (a) and (b) above be made only on a determination that the director or officer met the applicable standard of
conduct by a majority vote of a quorum of the board of directors who were not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding, by a majority vote of a committee of not less than two disinterested directors, by independent legal
counsel, by all independent directors not parties or threatened to be made parties to the action, suit or proceeding, or by the shareholders. If the articles of incorporation include a provision eliminating or limiting the liability of a director,
however, a corporation may indemnify a director for certain expenses and liabilities without a determination that the director met the applicable standards of conduct, unless the director received a financial benefit to which he or she was not entitled,
intentionally inflicted harm on the corporation or its shareholders, violated Section 551 of the MBCA, or intentionally committed a criminal act. In connection with an action by or in the right of the corporation, such indemnification may be for expenses
2
(including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred. In connection with an action, suit or proceeding other than an action, suit or proceeding by or in the right of the corporation, such indemnification may be for expenses (including attorneys'
fees) actually and reasonably incurred, and for judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred.
In certain circumstances, the MBCA further permits advances to cover such expenses before a final determination that indemnification is permissible or required, upon receipt of a
written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct and an undertaking, which need not be secured and which may be accepted without reference to the financial ability of
the person to make repayment, by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amounts if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she has not met the applicable standard of conduct. If a provision in the articles of incorporation or bylaws, a
resolution of the board or shareholders, or an agreement makes indemnification mandatory, then the advancement of expenses is also mandatory, unless the provision, resolution or agreement specifically provides otherwise.
Indemnification under the MBCA is not exclusive of other rights to indemnification to which a person may be entitled under Old Kent's Restated Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws or a
contractual agreement. However, the total amount of expenses advanced or indemnified from all sources may not exceed the amount of actual expenses incurred by the person seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses. The indemnification provided for
under the MBCA continues as to a person who ceases to be a director or executive officer.
The MBCA permits Old Kent to purchase insurance on behalf of its directors and officers against liabilities arising out of their positions with Old Kent, whether or not such
liabilities would be within the above indemnification provisions. Pursuant to this authority, Old Kent maintains such insurance on behalf of its directors and officers.
Old Kent has entered into indemnity agreements with each of its directors. The agreements provide that Old Kent will indemnify the director, subject to certain limitations, for
expenses and costs, including the satisfaction of a judgment, fine or penalty incurred in, or in any amount paid in settlement of, any proceeding, including a proceeding brought by or in the name of Old Kent (such as a shareholder derivative suit),
brought by reason of the fact that the indemnitee was serving as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of Old Kent or by reason of any action taken by the indemnitee while serving as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of Old
Kent, or by reason of the fact that the indemnitee was serving at the request of Old Kent in a similar capacity with another entity, if such expenses and costs may be indemnified under the MBCA. In accordance with Old Kent's Restated Articles and Bylaws,
the agreements are designed to provide the maximum protection allowed under federal and Michigan law. Indemnification is dependent upon the director meeting the applicable standards of conduct set forth in the indemnity agreements.
3
Item 7.         Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Not applicable.
Item 8.         Exhibits
.
The following exhibits have been filed as part of this registration statement:
Exhibit
Number
Document
4(a)
Restated Articles of Incorporation. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to
	the Registrant's Form S-4 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-56209)
	filed June 5, 1998. Here incorporated by reference.
4(b)
Bylaws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K
	Current Report dated March 2, 2000. Here incorporated by reference.
4(c)
Rights Agreement. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's
	Form 8-A/A Registration Statement filed December 30, 1998. Here incorporated
	by reference.
4(d)
Certificate of Designation, Preferences, and Rights of Series C Preferred
	Stock. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed
	March 5, 1997. Here incorporated by reference.
4(e)
Certificate of Designation, Preferences, and Rights of Series D Perpetual
	Preferred Stock and Series E Perpetual Preferred Stock. Previously filed
	as Exhibit 4.9 to the Registrant's Form S-4 Registration Statement filed
	December 23, 1999. Here incorporated by reference.
4(f)
Old Kent Financial Corporation Stock Option Plan For Optionholders of
	Grand Premier Financial, Inc.
4(g)
Grand Premier Financial, Inc. 1996 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
4(h)
Premier Financial Services, Inc. 1995 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
4(i)
Premier Financial Services, Inc. 1988 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
4(j)
Grand Premier Financial, Inc. Deferred Compensation
      Plan.
5
Opinion Regarding Legality of Securities Offered.
4
23(a)
Consent of Warner Norcross & Judd
LLP.
Included
	in Exhibit 5 and incorporated herein by reference.
23(b)
Consent of Independent Public Auditors.
24
Powers of Attorney.
Item 9.         Undertakings.
(a)          The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1)         
      To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective
      amendment to this registration statement:
(i)         
	To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities
	Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act");
(ii)         
	To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective
	date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective
	amendment thereto) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent
	a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration
	statement; and
(iii)         
	To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution
	not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material
	change to such information in the registration statement;
provided, however
, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not
      apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment
      by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant
      pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
      (the "Exchange Act") that are incorporated by reference in this registration
      statement.
(2)         
      That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
      Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
    and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
    initial
bona fide
offering thereof.
5
(3)         
      To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of
      the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of
      the offering.
(b)         
    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining
    any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual
    report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is
    incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to
    be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
    and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
    initial
bona fide
offering thereof.
(h)         
    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
    may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant
    pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been
    advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
    indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
    and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
    against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
    incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
    in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
    such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
    being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel
    the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
    appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
    against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed
    by the final adjudication of such issue.
6
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing
on Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Grand Rapids, State of Michigan, on this 28th day of March, 2000.
OLD KENT FINANCIAL CORPORATION
By /s/Mary E. Tuuk
Mary E. Tuuk
Senior Vice President and Secretary
By /s/Mark F. Furlong
Mark F. Furlong
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
*/s/Richard L. Antonini
Richard L. Antonini
Director
March 28, 2000
*/s/John D. Boyles
John D. Boyles
Director
March 28, 2000
*/s/William P. Crawford
William P. Crawford
Director
March 28, 2000
*/s/Richard M. DeVos, Jr.
Richard M. DeVos, Jr.
Director
March 28, 2000
7
Signature
Title
Date
*/s/William G. Gonzalez
William G. Gonzalez
Director
March 28, 2000
*/s/James P. Hackett
James P. Hackett
Director
March 28, 2000
Erina Hanka
Director
March ___, 2000
*/s/Michael J. Jandernoa
Michael J. Jandernoa
Director
March 28, 2000
*/s/Kevin T. Kabat
Kevin T. Kabat
Vice Chairman
and Director
March 28, 2000
*/s/Fred P. Keller
Fred P. Keller
Director
March 28, 2000
*/s/John P. Keller
John P. Keller
Director
March 28, 2000
*/s/Hendrik G. Meijer
Hendrik G. Meijer
Director
March 28, 2000
*/s/Percy A. Pierre, Ph.D.
Percy A. Pierre, Ph.D.
Director
March 28, 2000
*/s/Marilyn J. Schlack
Marilyn J. Schlack
Director
March 28, 2000
8
Signature
Title
Date
*/s/Peter F. Secchia
Peter F. Secchia
Director
March 28, 2000
*/s/David J. Wagner
David J. Wagner
Chairman of the Board,
President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
March 28, 2000
*/s/Margaret Sellers Walker
Margaret Sellers Walker
Director
March 28, 2000
*/s/Robert H. Warrington
Robert H. Warrington
Vice Chairman and Director
March 28, 2000
*By /s/Mary E. Tuuk
Mary E. Tuuk
Attorney-in-Fact
March 28, 2000
9
EXHIBIT
INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Document
4(a)
Restated Articles of Incorporation. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to
	the Registrant's Form S-4 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-56209)
	filed June 5, 1998. Here incorporated by reference.
4(b)
Bylaws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K
	Current Report dated March 2, 2000. Here incorporated by reference.
4(c)
Rights Agreement. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's
	Form 8-A/A Registration Statement filed December 30, 1998. Here incorporated
	by reference.
4(d)
Certificate of Designation, Preferences, and Rights of Series C Preferred
	Stock. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed
	March 5, 1997. Here incorporated by reference.
4(e)
Certificate of Designation, Preferences, and Rights of Series D Perpetual
	Preferred Stock and Series E Perpetual Preferred Stock. Previously filed
	as Exhibit 4.9 to the Registrant's Form S-4 Registration Statement filed
	December 23, 1999. Here incorporated by reference.
4(f)
Old Kent Financial Corporation Stock Option Plan For Optionholders of
	Grand Premier Financial, Inc.
4(g)
Grand Premier Financial, Inc. 1996 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
4(h)
Premier Financial Services, Inc. 1995 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
4(i)
Premier Financial Services, Inc. 1988 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
4(j)
Grand Premier Financial, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan.
5
Opinion Regarding Legality of Securities Offered.
23(a)
Consent of Warner Norcross & Judd
LLP.
Included
	in Exhibit 5 and incorporated herein by reference.
23(b)
Consent of Independent Public Auditors.
24
Powers of Attorney.