ZIONS BANCORPORATION /UT/
S-4, 1996-04-09
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>



         As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on _________, 1996
                                                     Registration No. 333-_____



                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                              --------------------

                                    FORM S-4
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      Under
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                              --------------------

                              ZIONS BANCORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

            Utah                          6712                    87-0227400  
(State or other jurisdiction   (Primary Standard Industrial      (IRS Employer 
     of incorporation or        Classification Code Number)  Identification No.)
        organization)
                             1380 Kennecott Building
                           Salt Lake City, Utah 84133
                                 (801) 524-4787
                   (Address, including zip code, and telephone
                         number, including area code, of
                    registrant's principal executive offices)
                              --------------------

                                Harris H. Simmons
                      President and Chief Executive Officer
                              Zions Bancorporation
                             1380 Kennecott Building
                           Salt Lake City, Utah 84133
                                 (801) 524-4787
            (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)
                              --------------------

                                   Copies to:

Brian D. Alprin, Esq.                         Robert S. Kant, Esq.
Laurence S. Lese, Esq.                        Michelle S. Monserez, Esq.
Metzger, Hollis, Gordon & Alprin              O'Connor, Cavanagh, Anderson,
Suite 1000                                       Killingsworth & Beshears, P.A.
1275 K Street, N.W.                           One East Camelback Road
Washington, D.C.  20005                       Suite 1100
(202) 842-1600                                Phoenix, Arizona  85012-1656
                                              (602) 263-2400

Approximate  date of  commencement of the proposed sale of the securities to the
public: The date of mailing the Proxy Statement/Prospectus contained herein.


<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

=======================================================================================================================
                                                                                           Proposed
                                                                Proposed                    maximum
                                                                 maximum                   aggregate      Amount of
        Title of securities to     Amount to be              offering price                offering      registration
             be registered          registered                  per share                    price           fee
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>                                                  <C>           <C>      
Common Stock, no par                  500,000                      NA                      (1)           $3,155.35
value
=========================================================================================================================
<FN>
         (1)      Estimated   solely  for  the   purpose  of   calculating   the
                  registration  fee  and  calculated  in  accordance  with  Rule
                  457(f)(2) on the basis of the book value of the Common  Stock,
                  no par value, of Southern  Arizona  Bancorp,  Inc. on February
                  29, 1996 of $9,150,515 and the maximum of 1,266,362  shares of
                  such stock to be  converted  in the  Reorganization  described
                  herein    into    Common    Stock    of    the     registrant.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                              --------------------

         The registrant hereby amends this  registration  statement on such date
or dates as may be necessary to delay its  effective  date until the  registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically  states that this registration
statement shall  thereafter  become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the  Securities  Act of 1933 or until the  registration  statement  shall become
effective on such date as the Commission,  acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.


================================================================================

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                              ZIONS BANCORPORATION

                          Cross-Reference Sheet between
                                Items of Form S-4
                   and Captions in Proxy Statement/Prospectus


         Form S-4 Item                                                    Caption(s) or Location in
         Number and Caption                                               Proxy Statement/Prospectus
         ------------------                                               --------------------------
<S>      <C>                                                              <C>
A.       Information About the Transaction

         1.       Forepart of Registration Statement
                  and Outside Front Cover Page of
                  Prospectus.........................                     Outside Front Cover Page of
                                                                          Proxy Statement/Prospectus

         2.       Inside Front and Outside Back
                  Cover Pages of Prospectus..........                     Available Information; Table
                                                                          of Contents
         3.       Risk Factors, Ratio of Earnings
                  to Fixed Charges and Other
                  Information........................                     Summary; Introduction

         4.       Terms of the Transaction...........                     Plan of Reorganization;
                                                                          Comparison of Zions Common
                                                                          Stock and Southern Arizona
                                                                          Common Stock; Information
                                                                          Concerning the Pro Forma
                                                                          Combined Financial Data

         5.       Pro Forma Financial Information....                     Pro Forma Combined Financial
                                                                          Information; Pro Forma
                                                                          Combined Financial
                                                                          Information--Information
                                                                          Concerning the Pro Forma
                                                                          Combined Financial
                                                                          Information; Pro Forma
                                                                          Combined Financial
                                                                          Information

         6.       Material Contracts with the
                  Company Being Acquired.............                     Plan of Reorganization; Plan
                                                                          of Reorganization--
                                                                          Background of and Reasons
                                                                          for the Reorganization; Plan
                                                                          of Reorganization--Voting
                                                                          Agreements; Plan of
                                                                          Reorganization--Interests of
                                                                          Certain Persons in the
                                                                          Transaction

         7.       Additional Information Required
                  for Reoffering by Persons and
                  Parties Deemed to be Underwriters..                     NA




<PAGE>

         8.       Interests of Named Experts and
                  Counsel............................                     NA

         9.       Disclosure of Commission Position
                  on Indemnification for Securities
                  Act Liabilities....................                     NA

B.       Information About the Registrant

         10.      Information with Respect to S-3
                  Registrants........................                     Information Concerning Zions

         11.      Incorporation of Certain
                  Information by Reference...........                     Information Concerning
                                                                          Zions--Zions Documents
                                                                          Incorporated by Reference

         12.      Information with Respect to S-2
                  or S-3 Registrants.................                     NA

         13.      Incorporation of Certain
                  Information by Reference...........                     NA

         14.      Information with Respect to
                  Registrants Other than S-3 or S-2
                  Registrants........................                     NA

C.       Information About the Company Being
         Acquired

         15.      Information with Respect to S-3
                  Companies..........................                     NA

         16.      Information with Respect to S-2
                  or S-3 Companies...................                     NA

         17.      Information with Respect to
                  Companies Other Than S-2 or S-3
                  Companies..........................                     Information Concerning
                                                                          Southern Arizona

D.       Voting and Management Information

         18.      Information if Proxies, Consents
                  or Authorizations are to be
                  Solicited:


                                                     - 2 -


<PAGE>

         Item Number and Caption in Schedule
         14A under the Securities Exchange                                Caption(s) or Location in
         Act of 1934 or Regulation S-K                                    Proxy Statement/Prospectus
         -----------------------------------                              --------------------------

         (1)      Date, Time and Place Information...                     Outside Front Cover Page of
                                                                          Proxy Statement/Prospectus;
                              Summary; Introduction

         (2)      Revocability of Proxy..............                     Introduction--Voting and
                                                                          Revocation of Proxies

         (3)      Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal....                     Plan of Reorganization--
                                                                          Dissenters' Rights of
                                                                          Southern Arizona
                                                                          Shareholders

         (4)      Persons Making the Solicitation....                     Introduction--Solicitation
                                                                          of Proxies

         (5)      Interest of Certain Persons in
                  Matters to be Acted Upon...........                     Plan of Reorganization--
                                                                          Boards of Directors
                                                                          Following the
                                                                          Reorganization; Interests of
                                                                          Certain Persons in the
                                                                          Transaction

         (6)      Voting Securities and Principal
                  Holders Thereof....................                     Introduction--Record Date;
                                                                          Voting Rights; Principal
                                                                          Holders of Zions Common
                                                                          Stock; Information
                                                                          Concerning Zions--Zions
                                                                          Documents Incorporated by
                                                                          Reference; Information
                                                                          Concerning Southern Arizona-
                                                                          -Principal Shareholders

         (21)     Vote Required for Approval.......                       Plan of Reorganization--
                                                                          Required Vote; Management
                                                                          Recommendation

         (401)    Directors and Executive
                  Officers.........................                       Information Concerning
                                                                          Zions--Zions Documents
                                                                          Incorporated by Reference;
                                                                          Plan of Reorganization--
                                                                          Boards of Directors
                                                                          Following the
                                                                          Reorganization; Information
                                                                          Concerning Southern Arizona-
                                                                          -Southern Arizona Management


                                                     - 3 -


<PAGE>

         (402)    Executive Compensation...........                       Information Concerning
                                                                          Zions--Zions Documents
                                                                          Incorporated by Reference

         (404)    Certain Relationships and
                  Related Transactions.............                       Information Concerning
                                                                          Zions--Zions Documents
                                                                          Incorporated by Reference;
                                                                          Information Concerning
                                                                          Southern Arizona--Certain
                                                                          Transactions

                                                                          Caption(s) or Location in
         Form S-4 Item Number and Caption                                 Proxy Statement/Prospectus
         --------------------------------                                 --------------------------

         19.      Information if Proxies, Consents
                  or Authorizations are Not to be
                  Solicited, or in Exchange Offer....                     NA
</TABLE>


                                                     - 4 -


<PAGE>

                         SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC.
                                 Proxy Statement
                         Special Meeting of Shareholders
                           To be Held on May __, 1996

                                       and

                              ZIONS BANCORPORATION
                                   Prospectus
                             Up to 500,000 Shares of
                                  Common Stock


         This Proxy  Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to the shareholders
of Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc. ("Southern Arizona"),  an Arizona corporation,
in connection with the solicitation of proxies by its Board of Directors for use
at a Special Meeting of  Shareholders of Southern  Arizona to be held on May __,
1996 (the "Special  Meeting") and at any adjournments or postponements  thereof.
This Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  and  accompanying  form of proxy ("Proxy") are
first being mailed to the shareholders of Southern Arizona as of April [ ], 1996
(the "Record Date") on or about April [ ], 1996.

         At the Special  Meeting,  the  shareholders  of Southern  Arizona  will
consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization  dated as of January  17,  1996 (the  "Plan of  Reorganization"),
between Southern Arizona,  Zions Bancorporation,  a Utah corporation  ("Zions"),
Southern  Arizona  Bank (the  "Bank"),  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of Southern
Arizona,  and National Bank of Arizona  ("NBA"),  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary of
Zions  (except for  directors'  qualifying  shares)  pursuant to which  Southern
Arizona will be merged into Zions with Zions being the surviving corporation and
the Bank  will be  merged  into NBA with NBA  being  the  surviving  institution
(together, the "Reorganization").  Upon consummation of the Reorganization, each
outstanding  share of Southern  Arizona's  common stock (the  "Southern  Arizona
Common Stock") will be converted into the right to receive that number of shares
of Zions  common stock (the "Zions  Common  Stock")  calculated  by dividing the
Benchmark  Price (as  defined  herein)  representing  $25,330,000  plus  certain
accretions,  by the Average  Closing  Price (as defined  herein) of Zions Common
Stock,  and by  further  dividing  that  number  by the  number  of  issued  and
outstanding shares of Southern Arizona Common Stock at the effective date of the
Reorganization. Additionally, in the event that the Unadjusted Average Price (as
defined  herein) of Zions Common Stock is less than $59.00,  a cash payment will
be made to the holders of Southern  Arizona Common Stock. On April __, 1996, the
closing  price of Zions Common  Stock was $_____ per share and Southern  Arizona
had  issued  and  outstanding  1,266,362  shares  of its  Common  Stock.  If the
Reorganization  had been  consummated  as of that date and  assuming the Average
Closing Price of Zions Common Stock was $_____ and the Benchmark  Price equalled
$_______ on that date,  shareholders of Southern  Arizona would have received __
shares of Zions Common Stock for each share of Southern  Arizona Common Stock or
an  equivalent  consideration  to holders of Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock of
$_____ per share.  The Zions Common Stock to be distributed to Southern  Arizona
shareholders will be registered with the Securities and Exchange  Commission and
for all  shareholders,  other than  shareholders  who are affiliates of Southern
Arizona or who become  affiliates of Zions,  will be immediately  tradable.  See
"Plan of Reorganization--Conversion of Southern Arizona Shares."



<PAGE>


         Zions has filed this Proxy Statement/Prospectus with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as part of a Registration Statement under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, with respect to the shares of Zions Common Stock which may
be issued in the Reorganization to the shareholders of Southern Arizona.  This
Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  also  constitutes  the prospectus of Zions filed as
part of the Registration Statement.
                              --------------------

         FOR THE ACTION OF THE  SHAREHOLDERS TO BE EFFECTIVE,  TWO-THIRDS OF THE
SHAREHOLDERS  OF SOUTHERN  ARIZONA AND HOLDERS OF  TWO-THIRDS  OF THE ISSUED AND
OUTSTANDING SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA MUST VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE
REORGANIZATION.   BEFORE   THE   REORGANIZATION   WILL   BE   IMPLEMENTED,   THE
REORGANIZATION MUST ALSO BE APPROVED BY FEDERAL AND STATE BANKING REGULATORS.
REGULATORY APPROVALS HAVE NOT YET BEEN OBTAINED.
                              --------------------

         THE SHARES OF ZIONS  COMMON  STOCK TO BE ISSUED IN THE MERGER  HAVE NOT
BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED  BY THE  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR
ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION  PASSED UPON THE  ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROXY  STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.  ANY  REPRESENTATION  TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.

         THE  SHARES  OF ZIONS  COMMON  STOCK  OFFERED  HEREBY  ARE NOT  SAVINGS
ACCOUNTS, DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF A BANK OR SAVINGS ASSOCIATION AND ARE
NOT  INSURED  BY  THE  FEDERAL  DEPOSIT  INSURANCE   CORPORATION  OR  ANY  OTHER
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.

         No person has been  authorized to give any  information  or to make any
representation not contained in this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus,  and, if given
or made,  any such  information or  representation  should not be relied upon as
having   been   authorized   by   Zions  or   Southern   Arizona.   This   Proxy
Statement/Prospectus  does not constitute an offer or solicitation by any person
in any state in which such offer or  solicitation  is not authorized by the laws
thereof  or in  which  the  person  making  such  offer or  solicitation  is not
qualified   to  make   the   same.   Neither   the   delivery   of  this   Proxy
Statement/Prospectus  at any time nor the  distribution  of Zions  Common  Stock
hereunder shall imply that the information contained herein is correct as of any
time subsequent to its date.

         The  information  contained  in this  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  with
respect to Zions and NBA has been supplied by Zions.  The information  contained
in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus with respect to Southern Arizona and the Bank
has been  supplied by  Southern  Arizona.  Neither  Zions nor  Southern  Arizona
warrants the accuracy or completeness of information relating to the other.

         The date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus is April __, 1996.

                                      - 2 -

<PAGE>

                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

         Zions has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") a Registration Statement
on Form S-4 (the "Registration  Statement")  covering the shares of Zions Common
Stock issuable in the Reorganization.  As permitted by the rules and regulations
of the SEC, this Proxy Statement/Prospectus omits certain information,  exhibits
and  undertakings  contained  in  the  Registration  Statement.  The  statements
contained in this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus as to the contents of any contract
or other  document  filed as an exhibit  to the  Registration  Statement  are of
necessity  brief  descriptions  and  are not  necessarily  complete.  Each  such
statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of such contract
or document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.  The Registration
Statement  and the exhibits  thereto can be  inspected  at the public  reference
facilities of the SEC at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street,  N.W.,  Washington,  D.C.,
and  copies  of such  material  can be  obtained  at  prescribed  rates  by mail
addressed to the SEC, Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549.

         Zions is subject to the  informational  requirements  of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the  "Exchange  Act") and in  accordance  therewith  files
reports,  proxy  statements  and other  information  with the SEC. Such reports,
proxy statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the SEC at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington,  D.C.; Suite 4800, 1801 California Street, Denver, Colorado; and 500
Key Bank Tower,  Suite 500, 50 S. Main Street,  Salt Lake City, Utah.  Copies of
such material can also be obtained at prescribed  rates by mail addressed to the
SEC, Public Reference  Section,  Washington,  D.C. 20549.  Zions Common Stock is
quoted on the NASDAQ National Market System, and such reports,  proxy statements
and other  Zions  information  can also be  inspected  at the  offices of NASDAQ
Operations, 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.

         This  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  incorporates  by  reference  certain
documents  relating  to  Zions  which  are not  presented  herein  or  delivered
herewith,  including  the Plan of  Reorganization  (as  described  herein).  See
"Information  Concerning  Zions -- Zions  Documents  Incorporated by Reference."
Copies of such  documents are available  upon request and without  charge to any
person to whom this Proxy Statement/Prospectus has been delivered.  Requests for
the Plan of  Reorganization  or Zions  documents  should  be  directed  to Zions
Bancorporation,  1380 Kennecott Building, Salt Lake City, Utah 84133, Attention:
Gary L. Anderson,  Corporate Secretary  (telephone:  801-524-4787).  In order to
ensure timely delivery of the Plan of  Reorganization  or Zions  documents,  any
request should be made not later than __________, 1996.


                                      - 3 -

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                                               Page


<S>                                                                                                               <C>
SUMMARY.........................................................................................................  1

INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................... 12
         Record Date; Voting Rights............................................................................. 12
         Purpose of the Special Meeting......................................................................... 12
         Voting and Revocation of Proxies....................................................................... 13
         Solicitation of Proxies................................................................................ 13

PLAN OF REORGANIZATION.......................................................................................... 14
         The Reorganization..................................................................................... 14
         Background of and Reasons for the Reorganization....................................................... 14
         Voting Agreements...................................................................................... 17
         Required Vote; Management Recommendation............................................................... 18
         Opinion of Financial Advisor........................................................................... 18
         Conversion of Southern Arizona Shares.................................................................. 21
         Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization.................................................. 23
         Interests of Certain Persons in the Transaction........................................................ 25
         Inconsistent Activities................................................................................ 25
         Conduct of Business Pending the Reorganization......................................................... 26
         Conditions to the Reorganization....................................................................... 27
         Representations and Warranties......................................................................... 28
         Amendment and Waiver................................................................................... 28
         Authorized Termination and Damages for Breach.......................................................... 28
         Dissenters' Rights of Southern Arizona Shareholders.................................................... 29
         Restrictions on Resales by Southern Arizona Affiliates................................................. 32
         Expenses .............................................................................................. 32
         Government Approvals................................................................................... 32
         Effective Date of the Reorganization................................................................... 33
         Accounting Treatment....................................................................................33
         Relationship Between Zions and Southern Arizona.........................................................33
         Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information......................................................33

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION...................................................................................... 34
         Zions    .............................................................................................. 34
         Regulatory Capital Requirements........................................................................ 35
         Other Regulations...................................................................................... 40
         Deposit Insurance Assessments.......................................................................... 42
         Interstate Banking..................................................................................... 43
         NBA.................................................................................................... 44

MONETARY POLICY................................................................................................. 45

INFORMATION CONCERNING ZIONS BANCORPORATION .....................................................................45
         Selected Financial Data................................................................................ 45
         Stock Prices and Dividends on Zions Common Stock....................................................... 48
         Principal Holders of Zions Common Stock.................................................................49
         Zions Documents Incorporated by Reference.............................................................. 51

INFORMATION CONCERNING SOUTHERN ARIZONA......................................................................... 51

                                                     - i -

<PAGE>



         Selected Financial Data................................................................................ 55
         Stock Prices and Dividends on Southern Arizona Common Stock.............................................57
         Stockholdings of Directors, Officers and Certain Others................................................ 58

SOUTHERN ARIZONA MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
         CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THREE-YEAR PERIOD ENDED
         DECEMBER 31, 1995.......................................................................................62

COMPARISON OF ZIONS COMMON STOCK AND SOUTHERN ARIZONA COMMON STOCK...............................................63

LEGAL OPINIONS...................................................................................................69

EXPERTS..........................................................................................................69

OTHER MATTERS....................................................................................................69

SOUTHERN ARIZONA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.......................................................................... F-1

STATISTICAL INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS...........................................................................ST-1

APPENDICES:

A.       Statutory Provisions Concerning Dissenters' Rights of Southern Arizona
         Shareholders

B.       Opinion of O'Connor, Cavanagh, Anderson, Killingsworth & Beshears, P.A. as
         to Tax Matters

C.       Fairness Opinion of M One, Inc.

</TABLE>


                                                     - ii -

<PAGE>

                                     SUMMARY


         The following is a brief summary of certain  information which may also
be  contained  elsewhere  in this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus.  This  summary is
provided for convenience and should not be considered complete.  It is qualified
in its  entirety  by the  more  detailed  information  contained  in this  Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and in the Appendices hereto.

The Parties

         Zions  Bancorporation  ("Zions") is a bank holding  company  registered
under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended,  and organized under the
laws of Utah,  engaged primarily in the commercial  banking business through its
banking  subsidiaries.  Zions' principal executive offices are at 1380 Kennecott
Building,  Salt Lake City, Utah 84133  (telephone:  801/524-4787).  Zions is the
second largest bank holding company  headquartered in Utah. Zions First National
Bank, Salt Lake City,  Utah ("Zions  Bank"),  founded in 1873, is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Zions (except for directors' qualifying shares) and as of December
31, 1995 had 94 offices  located  throughout the state of Utah, plus one foreign
office, for a total of 95 banking offices, including its Head Office. Zions Bank
is the second largest commercial banking organization headquartered in the state
of Utah. Zions also owns Nevada State Bank, Las Vegas, Nevada, and National Bank
of Arizona,  Tucson,  Arizona  ("NBA").  Nevada  State Bank,  with 25 offices in
Nevada, is the fifth largest commercial bank in Nevada. NBA currently has eleven
offices in Arizona  and is the fifth  largest  commercial  bank in  Arizona.  At
December 31, 1995 Zions had total consolidated assets of $5.62 billion, deposits
of $4.09 billion,  and  shareholders'  equity of $428 million.  See "Information
Concerning Zions Bancorporation."

         National Bank of Arizona  ("NBA") is a commercial  bank organized under
the laws of the United States of America, with its main office located at 335 N.
Wilmot Road,  Tucson,  Arizona 85711  (telephone  520/571-1500).  In addition to
providing  financial  services  for  businesses,   including  commercial  loans,
leasing,  cash management,  payroll  processing,  lockbox,  and customized draft
processing, NBA also makes mortgage loans within its service area and provides a
wide range of personal  banking  services for  individual  customers,  including
bankcard, installment loans, home equity credit line loans, checking and savings
accounts,  time certificates,  and safe deposit  facilities.  As of December 31,
1995, NBA had total assets of $829 million,  deposits of $751 million,  loans of
$536 million, and equity of $71 million.

         Southern Arizona Bancorp,  Inc. ("Southern  Arizona") is a bank holding
company  organized  under the laws of the State of Arizona and registered  under
the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended.  Southern Arizona's  principal
executive offices are located at 1800 South Fourth Avenue,  Yuma,  Arizona 85364
and its telephone number is 520/782-7505.  Southern Arizona is primarily engaged
in the commercial banking business through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Southern
Arizona Bank. As of December 31, 1995, Southern Arizona had total assets of $127
million,  loans of $85  million,  deposits of $115  million,  and  shareholders'
equity of $9 million.

         Southern  Arizona Bank (the "Bank") is the sole  subsidiary of Southern
Arizona and is an Arizona  banking  corporation  licensed to conduct  commercial
banking  business  in the State of Arizona.  The Bank  currently  operates  five
offices, all in Yuma County, Arizona. The Bank's main office is located at 1800



<PAGE>

South Fourth Avenue,  Yuma, Arizona 85364. Its telephone number is 520/782-7505.
The Bank was founded in 1982. In 1984, pursuant to a plan of reorganization, the
Bank became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Arizona and shares of the Bank
were converted into shares of Southern  Arizona.  The Bank provides a full range
of  commercial  banking  services,  including  consumer  and  commercial  loans,
residential real estate loans,  and  construction and permanent  mortgage loans.
The Bank offers a variety of deposit accounts,  including  non-interest  bearing
demand  accounts,   interest  bearing   checking  and  savings   accounts,   and
certificates of deposit.

The Special Meeting; Purpose

         The Special Meeting of  Shareholders of Southern  Arizona (the "Special
Meeting")  will be held at 6:30 p.m. local time, on May __, 1996 at Best Western
Chilton Inn and Conference Center, 300 East 32nd Street, Yuma, Arizona.

         The  purpose  of the  Special  Meeting is to  consider  and vote upon a
proposal to approve the Plan of Reorganization. Only holders of record of Common
Stock, no par value, of Southern  Arizona  ("Southern  Arizona Common Stock") at
the close of  business on April __, 1996 will be entitled to vote at the Special
Meeting.  At that date,  1,266,362  shares of Southern Arizona Common Stock were
outstanding,  each share being  entitled to one vote except for certain  matters
which  require  approval  of a  specified  percentage  of  holders  of shares of
Southern Arizona Common Stock. See "Introduction."

Vote Required for Approval

         Approval of the Plan of Reorganization requires the affirmative vote of
at least  two-thirds of the  shareholders of Southern Arizona Common Stock (with
each shareholder  receiving one vote regardless of the number of shares owned by
each shareholder) and the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds
of the outstanding  shares of Southern  Arizona Common Stock voting in person or
by proxy.  A failure to vote,  an  abstention,  or a failure by a broker to vote
shares held in street name will have the same legal effect as a vote against the
approval of the Plan of  Reorganization.  See "Plan of  Reorganization--Required
Vote; Management Recommendation."

         As of December  31,  1995,  the  directors  and  executive  officers of
Southern  Arizona  beneficially  owned an aggregate of 24.5% of the  outstanding
Southern  Arizona Common Stock. As an inducement to Zions to enter into the Plan
of  Reorganization,  all of the directors of Southern  Arizona have entered into
agreements  with  Zions  under  which they have  agreed,  in their  capacity  as
shareholders,  to vote  their  shares  in  favor  of the  Reorganization.  These
agreements  cover an  aggregate  of 24.5% of the  outstanding  Southern  Arizona
Common Stock and represent the holdings of twelve persons or approximately  2.4%
of   the   Southern   Arizona    shareholders   of   record.    See   "Plan   of
Reorganization--Voting Agreements."

Proposed Reorganization

         At the Special  Meeting,  the  shareholders of Southern Arizona will be
asked to consider  and approve an  Agreement  and Plan of  Reorganization  among
Zions,  NBA,  Southern  Arizona,  and the Bank,  an Agreement of Merger  between
Southern  Arizona and Zions,  and an Agreement to Merge between the Bank and NBA
(collectively, the

                                      - 2 -

<PAGE>

"Plan of Reorganization"). The Plan of Reorganization provides for the merger of
Southern Arizona into Zions, whereby Zions will be the surviving corporation and
for the  subsequent  merger  of the  Bank  into  NBA,  whereby  NBA  will be the
surviving  bank.  See  "Plan  of  Reorganization."   Upon  consummation  of  the
Reorganization,  shareholders of Southern  Arizona Common Stock will be entitled
to receive,  in exchange for each share of Southern  Arizona Common Stock,  that
number of shares of Common Stock,  no par value, of Zions ("Zions Common Stock")
calculated  by dividing the  Benchmark  Price (as defined  below) by the Average
Closing Price (as defined below) of Zions Common Stock,  and by further dividing
the number so  reached by the total  number of  outstanding  shares of  Southern
Arizona Common Stock. If the Unadjusted  Average Price (as defined below) of the
Zions Common  Stock is less than $59.00,  Zions will also make a cash payment to
the holders of Southern  Arizona Common Stock in an amount per share of Southern
Arizona  Common  Stock  equal to (i) the  amount  by which the  Benchmark  Price
exceeds the product of the Unadjusted  Average Price and the number of shares of
Zions  Common Stock  issuable  assuming the  Unadjusted  Average  Price had been
$59.00  divided by (ii) the number of  outstanding  shares of  Southern  Arizona
Common Stock at the Effective Date.

         On April __,  1996,  the closing  price of Zions Common Stock quoted on
the National  Market  System of NASDAQ  ("NASDAQ-NMS")  was $_____ per share and
there were issued and outstanding  1,266,362  shares of Southern  Arizona Common
Stock. If the  Reorganization  had been consummated on that date and the Average
Closing  Price had been $_____ and the  Benchmark  Price had been $_____ on that
date, each shareholder of Southern Arizona Common Stock would have received ____
shares of Zions Common Stock for each share of Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock.
This  exchange  would  equate to a value of $_____  for each  share of  Southern
Arizona  Common  Stock if the exchange  were  consummated  as of such date.  The
actual  exchange  ratio of Southern  Arizona Common Stock for Zions Common Stock
and the amount of any cash payment will depend upon the Benchmark  Price and the
Average Closing Price on the Effective Date.

         Fractional  shares  of Zions  Common  Stock  will not be  issued in the
Reorganization. Southern Arizona shareholders otherwise entitled to a fractional
share will be paid the value of such fraction in cash as described  herein under
"Plan of Reorganization -- Conversion of Southern Arizona Shares -- Payment for
Fractional Shares."

Certain Definitions

         In connection with the description of the  Reorganization in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus,  shareholders  of Southern  Arizona should be aware of the
following terms. The following  definitions may not be complete.  For a complete
definition of each term, please refer to the Plan of Reorganization.

         "Average  Closing  Price"  means the  average  (rounded  to the nearest
penny)  of each  Daily  Sales  Price  of  Zions  Common  Stock  for  the  twenty
consecutive trading days ending on and including the fifth trading day preceding
the Effective  Date.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  (A) if the result of the
calculation  described  in the previous  sentence is less than $59.00,  then the
Average Closing Price shall be $59.00,  and (B) if the result of the calculation
described in the previous sentence is more than $72.00, then the Average Closing
Price shall be $72.00.


                                      - 3 -

<PAGE>

         "Benchmark  Price"  means the sum of (i)  $25,330,000.00;  and (ii) the
consolidated  net  undistributed  income of Southern  Arizona  during the period
beginning on October 1, 1995 and ending on the close of business on the last day
of the calendar  month  preceding the Effective  Date,  calculated in accordance
with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  in a manner  consistent  with
Southern  Arizona  Financial   Statements  (the  amount  calculated  under  this
subclause (ii) may be a negative  number;  the effect of summing such a negative
number  would  be a  reduction  in the  Benchmark  Price as  otherwise  would be
calculated);  and (iii) if the Effective Date does not occur on the first day of
a calendar month, an amount calculated by computing the daily average of the net
undistributed  income of  Southern  Arizona  for the  period  and in the  manner
prescribed in subclause (ii) and multiplying  the result of such  computation by
the number of days elapsing during the period  beginning on the first day of the
month in which the  Effective  Date  occurs  and  ending on the day  immediately
preceding the Effective Date.

         "Daily Sales Price" means for any trading day, the last  reported  sale
price or, if no such  reported  sale takes place,  the mean  (unrounded)  of the
closing  bid and asked  prices  of Zions  Common  Stock in the  over-the-counter
market as such prices are  reported  by the  automated  quotation  system of the
National Association of Securities Dealers,  Inc. or, in the absence thereof, by
such other source upon which Zions and Southern Arizona shall mutually agree.

         "Effective  Date"  means the date  which is the  latest of (a) the date
following the day upon which the Southern Arizona shareholders approve,  ratify,
and confirm the transactions contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization; (b) the
date  following  the day  upon  which  the  shareholder  of the  Bank  approves,
ratifies,   and  confirms   the   transaction   contemplated   by  the  Plan  of
Reorganization; (c) the first to occur of (i) the date thirty days following the
date on which  the  Board of  Governors  of the  Federal  Reserve  System or the
Federal  Reserve Bank of San Francisco  acting  pursuant to delegated  authority
(collectively,  the "Board of Governors") authorizes  consummation of the merger
of Southern  Arizona into Zions;  or (ii) if,  pursuant to section 321(a) of the
Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 (the "Riegle
Act"),  the Board of Governors  shall have  prescribed a shorter  period of time
with the concurrence of the Attorney  General of the United States,  the date on
which  such  shorter  period of time  shall  elapse;  or (iii) the date ten days
following  the date on which  the Board of  Governors  indicates  its  waiver of
jurisdiction  over the merger of Southern  Arizona into Zions;  (d) (i) the date
thirty  days  after  the date on which  the  Comptroller  of the  Currency  (the
"Comptroller") approves the merger of the Bank into NBA, or (ii) if, pursuant to
section 321 (b) of the Riegle  Act,  the  Comptroller  shall have  prescribed  a
shorter  period of time with the  concurrence  of the  Attorney  General  of the
United States,  the date on which such shorter period of time shall elapse;  (e)
if such an order shall be required by law, the date ten days  following the date
of the order of the Commissioner of Financial  Institutions of the State of Utah
(the "Commissioner")  approving the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
(f) if such an order shall be required by law, the date ten days  following  the
date upon which the  Superintendent  of Banks of Arizona (the  "Superintendent")
approves the  Reorganization;  (g) the date upon which any other material order,
approval,  or consent of a federal or state regulator of financial  institutions
or financial  institution  holding  companies  authorizing  consummation  of the
transactions  contemplated  by the Plan of  Reorganization  is obtained,  or any
waiting  period  mandated by such order,  approval,  or consent has run; (h) ten
days after any stay of the approvals of the Board of Governors, the Comptroller,
the Commissioner, or the Superintendent of

                                      - 4 -

<PAGE>

the transactions  contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization,  or any injunction
against closing of such transactions is lifted, discharged, or dismissed; or (i)
such other date as shall be mutually agreed upon by Zions and Southern Arizona.

         "Unadjusted  Average  Price" means the average  (rounded to the nearest
penny)  of each  Daily  Sales  Price  of  Zions  Common  Stock  for  the  twenty
consecutive trading days ending on and including the fifth trading day preceding
the Effective Date.

Reasons for the Reorganization

         Management  and the  directors  of Southern  Arizona  believe  that the
merger of Southern  Arizona  into Zions and the  exchange  of  Southern  Arizona
Common Stock for Zions Common Stock  (together  with any cash payment) is in the
best interests of shareholders, employees, customers and the community served by
the Bank. In reaching such determination, the Southern Arizona Board determined,
among other  things,  that the  Reorganization  will  provide  Southern  Arizona
shareholders  the  best  means  of  realizing  a  significant  premium  on their
investment  as well as a liquid  market and  attractive  dividend  yield for the
stock  they  receive  as a  result  of  the  Reorganization.  In  addition,  the
Reorganization  is  expected  to  preserve  employees'  jobs within the Bank and
enhance  the  services  offered to the Bank's  customers  and the  community  it
serves.  See  "Plan  of  Reorganization--  Background  of and  Reasons  for  the
Reorganization"  for  a  description  of  the  factors  considered  by  Southern
Arizona's board of directors in determining to recommend the  Reorganization  to
shareholders for their approval.  Southern Arizona's board of directors believes
that the merger with Zions will realize substantial value for Southern Arizona's
shareholders and will allow them the option of realizing a significant return on
their original  investment  and continuing to participate in the  development of
banking in Arizona and in the West by holding the Zions  Common  Stock they will
receive in the Reorganization.

           For  Zions,  the  Reorganization  will  provide  the  opportunity  to
continue  to develop  its  franchise  in the  Arizona  market by  expanding  its
operations to Yuma County, Arizona, a county within which Zions currently has no
presence,  by broadening its geographical base in the Arizona market and thereby
diversifying its Arizona operations, and by expanding the banking services it is
able to provide. The combination of the different skills, resources and services
offered by the Bank and NBA,  together with the additional  skills and resources
available in the broader Zions organization, will make the resulting bank better
able to  effectively  compete in its markets with other  full-service  financial
institutions.  See "Plan of  Reorganization--Background  of and  Reasons for the
Reorganization--Zions."

Board of Directors Recommendation

         The Board of Directors of Southern  Arizona  unanimously  believes that
the Reorganization is in the best interests of the shareholders,  employees, and
customers of Southern  Arizona and recommends that the  shareholders of Southern
Arizona vote "FOR" approval of the Plan of Reorganization.

         SHAREHOLDERS OF SOUTHERN  ARIZONA ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE,  DATE, AND
SIGN THE  ACCOMPANYING  PROXY  CARD  AND  RETURN  IT  PROMPTLY  IN THE  ENCLOSED
POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.


                                      - 5 -

<PAGE>


Opinion of Financial Advisor

         Southern Arizona retained the financial advisory and consulting firm of
M One,  Inc.  ("M One") to render  an  opinion  on the  fairness  of the  merger
consideration  offered to  Southern  Arizona  shareholders  by Zions.  M One has
rendered  an  opinion to  Southern  Arizona  dated  February  29,  1996 that the
consideration  offered in the  Reorganization is fair, from a financial point of
view, to the Southern Arizona shareholders.  The opinion is attached as Appendix
C to this  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  and should be read in its  entirety  for
information as to the matters  considered and assumptions made in rendering such
opinion. See "Plan of Reorganization--Opinion of Financial Advisor."

Interests of Certain Persons in the Transaction

         The Plan of Reorganization provides that, following the Reorganization,
Mr. John E. Byrd,  currently  president and chief executive  officer of Southern
Arizona and the Bank,  will be  appointed an  executive  vice  president of NBA,
responsible for the general banking  operations of NBA in Yuma County,  Arizona.
Mr. Byrd will enter into the three-year  employment agreement with NBA effective
as of the  Effective  Date.  See "Plan of  Reorganization--Interests  of Certain
Persons in the Transaction."

Tax Consequences

         Southern  Arizona  will  receive an opinion  from  O'Connor,  Cavanagh,
Anderson, Killingsworth & Beshears, P.A., legal counsel to Southern Arizona (the
"O'Connor  Opinion") that, based upon the facts and representations set forth or
referred to in such opinion,  the merger of Southern Arizona with and into Zions
(the   "Merger")   will  be  treated  for  federal  income  tax  purposes  as  a
reorganization  within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code,  provided that
the cash received by the Southern Arizona  shareholders does not exceed the fair
market  value  of the  Zions  Common  Stock  received  by the  Southern  Arizona
shareholders.  As a result, the Southern Arizona  shareholders will recognize no
gain or loss upon the exchange of their shares of Southern  Arizona Common Stock
for Zions  Common Stock in the Merger,  except with respect to cash  received in
lieu of fractional shares,  cash received as a portion of the consideration paid
in the Merger,  and cash paid to shareholders  who elect to exercise and perfect
their dissenters' rights under Arizona law. If the cash received by the Southern
Arizona shareholders does exceed the fair market value of the Zions Common Stock
received by the Southern  Arizona  shareholders,  the Merger may be treated as a
fully taxable  exchange (or sale) of Southern Arizona Common Stock and therefore
taxable to the  shareholders of Southern Arizona because the Merger will fail to
meet  IRS  published  guidelines,   which  require  that  the  Southern  Arizona
shareholders  exchange  at least 50 percent by value of their  Southern  Arizona
Common  Stock  for  Zions  Common  Stock  in  the  Reorganization.  For  further
discussion,  see "Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization." A copy
of the  O'Connor  Opinion  is  attached  to this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  in
Appendix B.

Dissenters' Rights

         Record  holders  of  Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock who object to the
Reorganization and comply with the prescribed  statutory procedures are entitled
to have the fair value of their shares determined in accordance with the Arizona
Business Corporation Act (Arizona Revised Statutes,  Title 10, ss.ss. 10-1301 et
seq.) and paid to them in lieu of the  shares of Zions  Common  Stock they would
otherwise be entitled to receive in the Reorganization.  A copy of the pertinent
statutory provisions is attached to this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus as Appendix
A. Failure

                                      - 6 -

<PAGE>


to follow such provisions  precisely may result in a loss of dissenters' rights.
Under the Plan of Reorganization,  Zions is not obligated to consummate the Plan
of  Reorganization  if the  holders of more than 6% of Southern  Arizona  Common
Stock   exercise   and  perfect   their   dissenters'   rights.   See  "Plan  of
Reorganization-- Dissenters' Rights of Southern Arizona Shareholders."

Conditions; Regulatory Approval

         Consummation  of the  Reorganization  is subject to  satisfaction  of a
number of conditions,  including (i) obtaining  requisite approval from Southern
Arizona  shareholders,  (ii)  obtaining  regulatory  approvals from the Board of
Governors of the Federal  Reserve  System,  the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency,  and the  Superintendent of Banks of Arizona,  (iii) the receipt of an
opinion of counsel  with  respect to certain tax aspects of the  Reorganization,
(iv) the absence of any adverse  change with  respect to Southern  Arizona,  (v)
confirmation  that not more than 6% of the  total  shares  of  Southern  Arizona
Common  Stock  have  properly  exercised  their  dissenters'  rights  as of  the
Effective Date; and (vi) the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
See "Plan of Reorganization--Conditions to the Reorganization." Applications for
the  regulatory  approvals  have been  filed and are  expected  to be  approved,
although no assurances  can be given as to whether or when such approvals may be
received.

Amendment; Termination

         Notwithstanding prior shareholder approval,  the Plan of Reorganization
may be amended at any time prior to the Effective Date of the  Reorganization in
any respect  that would not  prejudice  the  economic  interests of the Southern
Arizona shareholders.

         The Plan of Reorganization  may be terminated and abandoned at any time
prior to the Effective Date,  notwithstanding  approval of the shareholders,  as
follows: (i) by mutual consent of Zions and Southern Arizona; (ii) unilaterally,
by either party if any of the  representations and warranties of the other party
was  materially  incorrect  when made;  (iii) by either  party in the event of a
material  breach  or  material  failure  by  the  other  party  to the  Plan  of
Reorganization   of  any  covenant  or  agreement   contained  in  the  Plan  of
Reorganization  which has not been, or cannot be, cured within thirty days after
written  notice  has been  given;  (iv) by the board of  directors  of  Southern
Arizona  if they  determine  in good  faith,  based  upon the  advice of outside
counsel,  that such termination is required for the board of directors to comply
with their fiduciary duties to the  shareholders  imposed by law by reason of an
Alternative  Proposal (as defined in the Plan of Reorganization);  (v) by either
party if the Reorganization has become inadvisable or impracticable by reason of
federal or state  litigation to restrain or invalidate  the  Reorganization;  or
(vi) by either party on or after August 31, 1996, if the Effective  Date has not
occurred on or before that date. In the event of termination by Southern Arizona
by reason of an Alternative Proposal, Southern Arizona has agreed to pay Zions a
termination fee of $750,000.

Effective Date of the Reorganization

         It is  presently  anticipated  that if the  Plan of  Reorganization  is
approved by the shareholders of Southern Arizona, the Reorganization will become
effective in the second quarter of 1996. However, there can be no assurance that
all  conditions  necessary to the  consummation  of the  Reorganization  will be
satisfied or, if satisfied, that they will be satisfied in time to permit the

                                      - 7 -

<PAGE>


Reorganization  to  become  effective  at the  anticipated  time.  See  "Plan of
Reorganization--Effective Date of the Reorganization."

Accounting Treatment

         It is  intended  that the  Reorganization  will be  accounted  for as a
purchase under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").

Comparison of Shareholders' Rights

         See  "Comparison  of Zions  Common Stock and  Southern  Arizona  Common
Stock" for a summary of the material  differences  between the rights of holders
of shares of Southern Arizona Common Stock and holders of shares of Zions Common
Stock.

"Anti-Takeover" Provisions

         The Articles of  Incorporation  and Bylaws of Zions contain  provisions
which may be considered to be anti-takeover in nature, including staggered terms
of office for directors,  absence of cumulative  voting and special  shareholder
vote requirements for certain types of extraordinary corporate transactions. See
"Comparison of Zions Common Stock and Southern Arizona Common Stock."

Exchange of Certificates

         Instructions  on how to effect the exchange of Southern  Arizona Common
Stock certificates for Zions Common Stock certificates will be sent, as promptly
as practicable after the Reorganization  becomes effective,  to each shareholder
of  record  of  Southern  Arizona.   Shareholders   should  not  send  in  stock
certificates until they receive written instructions to do so.

Trading Markets; Pre-Announcement Prices

         The  outstanding  shares of Zions Common Stock  currently are traded on
NASDAQ-NMS  under the  symbol  "ZION".  The shares of Zions  Common  Stock to be
issued in the Reorganization  will be listed on NASDAQ-NMS,  subject to official
notice of issuance. The closing sale price for Zions Common Stock on the NASDAQ-
NMS on  January  16,  1996,  the last  trading  day  prior to the  first  public
announcement of the Reorganization, was $66.75. On April __, 1996, the last date
prior to the printing of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the closing sale price
for Zions Common Stock was $_____.  If the Average Closing Price equated to this
price and the Benchmark Price equalled  $________ on that date,  _____ shares of
Zions  Common  Stock  would be issued in  exchange  for each  share of  Southern
Arizona Common Stock,  and the equivalent per share price (as calculated  above)
for Southern  Arizona Common Stock,  in each case assuming  consummation  of the
Plan of Reorganization, would have been $_____.

         Southern   Arizona's  Common  Stock  is  not  listed  with  a  national
securities  exchange or quoted on any automated quotation system. No established
public trading market for Southern  Arizona's  Common Stock presently exists and
the private  market that has existed is thin and not  necessarily  indicative of
the value of Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock.  For the year ended  December 31,
1995,  the high and low prices for  Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock ranged from
$11.00 to $15.00 per share. There have been no trades in Southern Arizona Common
Stock in the fourth  quarter of 1995 and the first quarter of 1996 and since the
Plan of Reorganization was publicly  announced.  See "Stock Prices and Dividends
on Southern Arizona Common Stock," below.


                                      - 8 -

<PAGE>

Selected Financial Information

         The following table sets forth certain historical financial information
for Zions and Southern  Arizona.  With respect to pro forma  combined  financial
information  for Zions giving  effect to the  Reorganization  using the purchase
method  of  accounting,  see  "Information  Concerning  the Pro  Forma  Combined
Financial  Data."  This  information  is  based  on  the  historical   financial
statements  of Zions  appearing  elsewhere  herein  and  incorporated  herein by
reference and the Southern  Arizona  financial  statements  appearing  elsewhere
herein,  and should be read in conjunction  with such statements and information
and the related notes.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                Year Ended December 31,
                               ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      1995               1994             1993              1992             1991
                                      ----               ----             ----              ----             ----

                                                        (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
<S>                              <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>            
Zions
Earnings
  Net interest income....        $       227,094   $        198,606  $       174,657   $      157,282   $       139,871
  Provision for loan
   losses................                  2,800              2,181            2,993           10,929            25,561
  Net income.............                 81,328             63,827           58,205           47,209            30,449

Per Share
  Net income ............        $          5.53   $           4.37  $          4.08   $         3.42   $          2.23
  Dividends..............                   1.41               1.16              .98              .75               .72

Statement of Condition at
 Period End
  Assets.................        $     5,620,646   $      4,934,095  $     4,801,054   $    4,107,924   $     3,883,938
  Deposits...............              4,097,114          3,705,976        3,432,289        3,075,110         2,877,860
  Long-term debt.........                 56,229             58,182           59,587           99,223            81,134
  Shareholders' equity...                428,506            365,770          312,592          260,070           220,753

Southern Arizona
Earnings
  Net interest income....        $         7,042   $          6,049  $         5,162   $        4,474   $         3,573
  Provision for loan
   losses................                    401                429              756              753               422
  Net income.............                  1,999              1,632            1,291              950               725

Per Share
  Net income.............        $          1.58   $           1.29  $          1.02   $          .75   $           .57
  Dividends..............                    .36                .30              .24              .17               .13

Statement of Condition at
 Period End
  Assets.................        $       127,418   $        101,254  $        91,225   $       81,938   $        71,603
  Deposits...............                114,762             91,205           82,316           76,435            66,983
  Long-term debt.........                  2,980              2,500            2,500               --                --
  Shareholders' equity...                  8,858              7,284            6,024            5,036             4,302


</TABLE>



                                      - 9 -

<PAGE>


Comparative Per Share Data

         The  following  table sets forth for the periods  indicated  historical
earnings,  book values and  dividends  per share for Zions and Southern  Arizona
Common  Stock.  The  following  data  are  based  on  the  historical  financial
statements  of Zions  appearing  elsewhere  herein  and  incorporated  herein by
reference and of Southern Arizona appearing  elsewhere herein and should be read
in conjunction  with such  financial  statements  and such  information  and the
related notes to each.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                       Year Ended December 31,
                                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  1995            1994            1993            1992           1991
                                                  ----            ----            ----            ----           ----


<S>                                             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>   
Net Income Per Common Share
     Zions........................              $ 5.53          $ 4.37          $ 4.08          $ 3.42         $ 2.23
     Southern Arizona.............                1.58            1.29            1.02             .75            .57

Book Value Per Common Share
     Zions........................              $29.44          $25.12          $22.01          $18.95         $16.23
     Southern Arizona.............                7.00            5.75            4.76            3.98           3.40

Cash Dividends Declared Per Common
Share
     Zions (1)....................              $ 1.41          $ 1.16          $  .98          $  .75         $  .72
     Southern Arizona.............                 .36             .30             .24             .17            .13




<FN>
(1)      While  Zions is not  obligated  to pay  cash  dividends,  the  Board of
         Directors  presently intends to continue the policy of paying quarterly
         cash  dividends.  Future  dividends  will  depend,  in  part,  upon the
         earnings and financial condition of Zions.
</FN>
</TABLE>



Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information

         The  following  unaudited  pro  forma  combined  financial  information
reflects the  application of the purchase  method of  accounting.  The following
table,  which shows  comparative  historical per Common Share data for Zions and
Southern Arizona  (separately and pro forma combined),  and equivalent pro forma
per share data for  Southern  Arizona,  should be read in  conjunction  with the
financial information appearing elsewhere in this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus or
as incorporated  herein by reference to other  documents.  The pro forma data in
the  table,  presented  as of and for the year  ended  December  31,  1995,  are
presented for comparative and illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily
indicative  of the combined  financial  position or results of operations in the
future or what the combined  financial  position or results of operations  would
have been had the  Reorganization  been consummated  during the periods or as of
the dates for which the information in the table is presented:



                                     - 10 -

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Historical                              Pro Forma
                                              -------------------------              ---------------------------
                                                                                     Zions
                                                                                     and Southern      Southern
                                                                                     Arizona           Arizona
                                                                Southern             Pro-Forma         Equivalent
Per Common Share                              Zions             Arizona              Combined(4)       Pro-Forma(5)
- ----------------                              -----             -------              -----------       ------------
<S>                                           <C>                 <C>                  <C>                <C>  
NET INCOME (1)
 For the year ended
 December 31, 1995                            $ 5.53              $1.58                $ 5.41             $1.51

CASH DIVIDENDS(2)
 For the year ended
 December 31, 1995                            $ 1.41              $ .36                $ 1.41             $ .39

BOOK VALUE:(3)
 As of December 31, 1995                      $29.44              $7.00                $30.33             $8.46

- ----------------------
<FN>
(1)      Net Income  per share is based on  weighted  average  common and common
         equivalent shares outstanding.
(2)      Pro forma cash dividends represent historical cash dividends of Zions.
(3)      Book  value  per  common  share is based on total  period-end  of Zions
         shareholders' equity.
(4)      Pro forma  combined  net income  per share  represents  historical  net
         income of Zions and Southern  Arizona  adjusted for expenses related to
         prepayment  of  $2,500,000,  8.75%  Senior  Notes of  Southern  Arizona
         Bancorp Inc.  and  amortization  of goodwill  resulting  from  purchase
         accounting computed using historical weighted average common and common
         equivalent  shares of Zions  adjusted  by  computed  common  and common
         equivalent shares to be issued in the purchase. Pro forma combined book
         value per share  represents  historical total  shareholders'  equity of
         Zions  adjusted  by  the  purchase  price  less  expenses   related  to
         prepayment of Senior Notes and amortization of goodwill  resulting from
         purchase  accounting  computed  using Zions'  historical  common shares
         outstanding  adjusted  by  computed  common  shares to be issued in the
         purchase.  
(5)      Pro forma equivalent  amounts are computed by multiplying the pro forma
         combined  amounts by the estimated  exchange ratio as of April __, 1996
         and assume a Benchmark  Price of $_____,  an Average  Closing  Price of
         $_____ as of April __,  1996,  and a  resulting  exchange  ratio of ___
         shares of Zions Common Stock for each share of Southern  Arizona Common
         Stock.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                     - 11 -

<PAGE>


                         SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC.
                                 Proxy Statement
                                       for
                         Special Meeting of Shareholders
                        of Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
                                  to be held on
                                  May __, 1996

                                       and

                              ZIONS BANCORPORATION
                                   Prospectus
                             Up to 500,000 Shares of
                                  Common Stock





                                  INTRODUCTION


         This Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  is furnished in  connection  with the
solicitation  by the  Board of  Directors  of  Southern  Arizona  Bancorp,  Inc.
("Southern  Arizona")  of  proxies  to  be  voted  at  the  Special  Meeting  of
Shareholders  of  Southern  Arizona  to be  held  on  May  __,  1996  and at any
adjournment or  adjournments  thereof.  The Special Meeting will be held at 6:30
p.m.,  local time, at Best Western Chilton Inn and Conference  Center,  300 East
32nd  Street,   Yuma,  Arizona.   The  approximate  date  on  which  this  Proxy
Statement/Prospectus  will  first be  mailed  to the  shareholders  of  Southern
Arizona is April __, 1996.

Record Date; Voting Rights

         The  Board of  Directors  of  Southern  Arizona  has fixed the close of
business on April __, 1996 as the record date for determining  the  shareholders
of Southern  Arizona entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting or
any  postponements or adjournments  thereof.  At that date,  1,266,362 shares of
Common  Stock,  no par value,  of Southern  Arizona  ("Southern  Arizona  Common
Stock") were outstanding, held by approximately 500 shareholders of record. Each
such share of Southern Arizona Common Stock entitles its holder of record at the
close  of  business  on the  record  date to one  vote on each  matter  properly
submitted to the  shareholders for action at the Special Meeting except that the
vote required by Southern  Arizona's  articles of  incorporation  to approve the
Plan of  Reorganization  also entitles each holder of shares of Southern Arizona
Common  Stock to one vote,  irrespective  of the  number  of shares of  Southern
Arizona Common Stock that such shareholder  owns.  Southern Arizona has no other
outstanding class of capital stock.

Purpose of the Special Meeting

         At the Special  Meeting,  the  shareholders of Southern Arizona will be
asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve an  Agreement  and Plan of
Reorganization dated as of January 17, 1996 among Southern Arizona, Southern

                                     - 12 -

<PAGE>


Arizona Bank (the "Bank"), Zions Bancorporation  ("Zions"), and National Bank of
Arizona  ("NBA"),  a related  Agreement of Merger between  Southern  Arizona and
Zions,  and  an  Agreement  to  Merge  between  the  Bank,   Southern  Arizona's
wholly-owned  subsidiary,  and NBA, Zions'  wholly-owned  subsidiary (except for
directors'  qualifying  shares) (these  agreements are  hereinafter  referred to
collectively  as the "Plan of  Reorganization").  As more fully  described below
under "Plan of  Reorganization,"  the Plan of  Reorganization  provides  for the
merger  of  Southern  Arizona  into  Zions  and the  merger of the Bank into NBA
(hereinafter,   the  two  mergers  will  be  referred  to  collectively  as  the
"Reorganization").  Upon the  Effective  Date,  each holder of Southern  Arizona
Common Stock will be entitled to receive, in exchange for each share of Southern
Arizona  Common  Stock held by him,  that number of shares of Zions Common Stock
calculated  by dividing the Benchmark  Price (as defined in "Summary"  above) of
$25,330,000  plus  accretions  by the  Average  Closing  Price  (as  defined  in
"Summary"  above) of Zions Common Stock,  and by further  dividing the number so
reached by the total number of  outstanding  shares of Southern  Arizona  Common
Stock.  If the  Unadjusted  Average  Price of Zions  Common  Stock is less  than
$59.00,  Zions will also make a cash payment to the holders of Southern  Arizona
Common  Stock in an amount per share of Southern  Arizona  Common Stock equal to
(i) the  amount  by  which  the  Benchmark  Price  exceeds  the  product  of the
Unadjusted Average Price and the number of shares of Zions Common Stock issuable
assuming the Unadjusted Average Price had been $59.00 divided by (ii) the number
of outstanding shares of Southern Arizona Common Stock at the Effective Date.

         On April __,  1996,  the closing  price of Zions Common Stock quoted on
NASDAQ-NMS was $____ per share and 1,266,362  shares of Southern  Arizona Common
Stock were outstanding. If the Reorganization had been consummated on that date,
holders of Southern  Arizona  Common Stock would have  received  _____ shares of
Zions Common Stock for each share of Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock,  assuming
that the  Average  Closing  Price  was $___ and  assuming  the  Benchmark  Price
equalled  $_____ on that date.  This exchange  would equate to a value of $_____
for each share of Southern Arizona Common Stock if the exchange were consummated
as of such date.

         Southern Arizona has received an opinion from the independent financial
advisory and consulting firm M One, Inc. ("M One") that the merger consideration
to be paid pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization is fair to the shareholders of
Southern Arizona from a financial point of view.  See "Plan of Reorganization--
Opinion of Financial Advisor."

         THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SOUTHERN  ARIZONA  UNANIMOUSLY  BELIEVES THAT
THE  REORGANIZATION  IS IN THE BEST  INTERESTS OF THE  SHAREHOLDERS  OF SOUTHERN
ARIZONA AND RECOMMENDS THAT SOUTHERN  ARIZONA  SHAREHOLDERS  VOTE TO APPROVE THE
PLAN OF REORGANIZATION.

Voting and Revocation of Proxies

         All properly executed proxies not theretofore  revoked will be voted at
the Special Meeting or any  postponements or adjournments  thereof in accordance
with the instructions  thereon.  Southern  Arizona proxies  containing no voting
instructions  will be voted in favor of approval of the Plan of  Reorganization.
As to any other matter  brought  before the Special  Meeting and  submitted to a
shareholder  vote,  proxies will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the
proxyholders named thereon.

                                     - 13 -

<PAGE>


         A  shareholder  who has  executed and returned a proxy may revoke it at
any time before it is voted by filing  with the  Secretary  of Southern  Arizona
written  notice of such  revocation  or a later dated proxy or by attending  the
Special  Meeting and voting in person.  Attendance  at the Special  Meeting will
not, of itself, constitute a revocation of a proxy.

Solicitation of Proxies

         In addition to solicitation by mail, directors,  officers and employees
of Southern  Arizona  may  solicit  proxies  from the  shareholders  of Southern
Arizona in person or by telephone or otherwise for no  additional  compensation.
Brokerage houses,  nominees,  fiduciaries and other custodians will be requested
to forward proxy  soliciting  materials to  beneficial  owners of shares held of
record by them and will be reimbursed for their  reasonable  expenses.  Southern
Arizona  and Zions will share  expenses  in  connection  with the  printing  and
solicitation  of proxies for the Special  Meeting.  Zions will pay for all costs
attributable to registering the Zions Common Stock under applicable  federal and
state law. See "Plan of Reorganization--Expenses."

                             PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

         This  section  of  the  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  describes  certain
important aspects of the Plan of Reorganization.  The following description does
not purport to be complete  and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
Plan of  Reorganization.  The Plan of Reorganization has been filed with the SEC
as an exhibit  to the  Registration  Statement.  The Plan of  Reorganization  is
incorporated  into this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  by reference to such filing
and is available upon request to Gary L. Anderson,  Corporate  Secretary,  Zions
Bancorporation. See "Available Information."

The Reorganization

         The Plan of Reorganization  provides for the merger of Southern Arizona
into Zions with Zions being the surviving corporation and immediately thereafter
for the  merger of the Bank with NBA with NBA being the  surviving  corporation.
Upon  consummation  of  the  latter  merger,  NBA  will  continue  as  a  direct
wholly-owned  subsidiary of Zions  (except for  directors'  qualifying  shares).
Zions is a bank holding company incorporated in Utah. The principal subsidiaries
of Zions are Zions First  National Bank with 94 offices  located  throughout the
state of Utah and one  foreign  office,  Nevada  State  Bank with 25  offices in
Nevada,  and NBA  with  eleven  offices  in  Arizona.  Southern  Arizona's  only
subsidiary is the Bank which has five offices in Yuma County, Arizona.

         In the  Reorganization,  the  shareholders of Southern  Arizona (except
dissenting  shareholders)  will become  shareholders of Zions. The approximately
1,266,362 outstanding shares of Southern Arizona Common Stock (other than shares
subject to dissenters'  rights) will be converted into the right to receive that
number of shares of Zions Common  Stock  calculated  by dividing  the  Benchmark
Price of $25,330,000 plus certain accretions determined on the Effective Date of
the  Reorganization  by the Average  Closing Price of Zions Common Stock. If the
Unadjusted  Average  Price is less than  $59.00,  the  shareholders  of Southern
Arizona will also be entitled to a cash  payment.  See  "Conversion  of Southern
Arizona Shares."


                                     - 14 -


<PAGE>

Background of and Reasons for the Reorganization

         Southern  Arizona.  Over the past several years,  Southern  Arizona has
been approached by several bank holding companies  concerning the possibility of
a merger or  purchase  of Southern  Arizona.  Until the past year,  none of such
possibilities  offered  sufficient  shareholder  value to justify deviation from
Southern Arizona's  strategy of continued growth as an independent  institution.
However,  during the past  year,  the Board of  Directors  of  Southern  Arizona
determined  to  consider  two  possible  mergers  as a result  of the  offerors'
apparent  interest in paying a substantial  premium over the market price of the
Southern Arizona Common Stock and the opportunity presented by such offerors for
Southern  Arizona's  shareholders to own stock with increased  market  liquidity
after the merger in a larger, more diversified institution.

         On December 12, 1994, Mr. Harris Simmons,  President of Zions, Mr. John
Gisi,  President of NBA, and Mr. James Lee,  Vice  Chairman of NBA, met in Yuma,
Arizona with Mr. Stephen Shadle,  Southern  Arizona's Chairman of the Board, and
Mr. John Byrd, President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Arizona. During
the meeting,  a discussion  took place  concerning  the  possibility of a merger
between Zions and Southern Arizona and preliminary  information  about Zions and
Southern Arizona was exchanged.  It was not until Mr. Byrd contacted Mr. Gisi in
late July 1995,  however,  that the  parties  commenced  a series of  telephonic
discussions,  culminating in a telephonic  discussion on October 2, 1995 between
Messrs.  Simmons and Byrd during which Zions made a  preliminary  offer to merge
with Southern  Arizona for a purchase price of  $23,500,000.  On that same date,
Messrs.  Shadle  and Byrd met with an officer  of  Norwest  Bank who  proposed a
merger  transaction at a purchase price of $15,980,000 which Messrs.  Shadle and
Byrd advised such officer was too low. On October 16, 1995, the Norwest  officer
contacted Mr. Byrd with a merger  proposal of  $20,400,000  which Mr. Byrd again
rejected.  On October 18, 1995, the Southern Arizona Board met to discuss Zions'
revised proposal and, after extensive discussions, determined that a merger with
Zions presented a meritorious  opportunity for the Southern Arizona shareholders
at a higher  purchase price of $25,330,000 and directed Mr. Byrd to inform Zions
that  Southern  Arizona  would  proceed  with  further  negotiations  at the new
purchase  price.  During an October 23, 1995 telephone  call,  Messrs.  Byrd and
Simmons agreed to such purchase price. As a result of such agreement, throughout
November and December,  Mr. Byrd on behalf of Southern Arizona,  assisted by the
law  firm of  O'Connor,  Cavanagh,  Anderson,  Killingsworth  &  Beshears,  P.A,
proceeded to negotiate with Mr. Simmons on behalf of Zions,  assisted by the law
firm of Metzger,  Hollis,  Gordon & Mortimer,  regarding a definitive  agreement
between Zions and Southern Arizona.

         The Southern  Arizona Board of Directors  discussed the progress of the
negotiations  and the  proposed  terms  at each of its  November  15,  1995  and
December 20, 1995 meetings.  Messrs. Simmons and Gisi were present for a portion
of the  December  20 meeting to provide  the  Southern  Arizona  directors  with
information regarding Zions and to respond to their questions.

         Prior  to  the  December  20,  1995  meeting,  drafts  of the  Plan  of
Reorganization  were  circulated  for review by the  directors.  On December 29,
1995,  the Southern  Arizona  Board of Directors  held a special  meeting of the
Board for the purpose of considering the proposed merger.  At that meeting,  the
directors  determined that further  negotiation should take place respecting the
impact of the market price of Zions' Common Stock on the purchase price. After

                                     - 15 -

<PAGE>


resolution of such issue,  the Southern  Arizona Board  approved the merger at a
meeting  of the  Board  held  on  January  17,  1996.  The  definitive  Plan  of
Reorganization was thereafter executed by the parties on January 17, 1996.

         In  approving  the Plan of  Reorganization,  the Board of  Directors of
Southern Arizona considered a number of factors.  Without assigning any relative
or specific  weights to the  factors,  the Southern  Arizona  Board of Directors
considered the following:

         o The current and anticipated  economic and regulatory  environment and
competitive   constraints   facing  relatively  small,   independent   financial
institutions. Recent changes in applicable law have placed the smaller community
banks in more direct  competition with larger banks and other non-bank financial
intermediaries  for originating  deposits and loans.  The trend towards industry
consolidation,  emerging technology changes, and increasing regulatory and other
costs of operation create a difficult  environment for independent  institutions
of  Southern  Arizona's  size  to  compete  effectively.   In  addition,  future
extensions  of  Southern  Arizona's  operations  could be  difficult  to achieve
considering the size of and number of competitors in the Arizona market.

         o Business  operations and financial  condition of Zions. Based in part
on presentations by Zions' management, the Southern Arizona Board considered the
business,  operations,  earnings  and  financial  condition  of Zions on both an
historical and a prospective basis  (particularly its capital position and asset
quality),  the enhanced  opportunities for growth in shareholder values that the
Reorganization  would make possible,  and the respective customer bases, product
lines,  and other  contributions  the respective  institutions  would bring to a
combined institution.  The Southern Arizona Board believes that Zions' community
bank orientation to the banking business, as evidenced by NBA's operations since
its merger with Zions,  with emphasis on quality products and customer  service,
would  complement  and enhance the  business of Southern  Arizona.  The Southern
Arizona  Board  believes,  based upon an analysis of the  anticipated  financial
effects of the  Reorganization,  that upon  consummation of the  Reorganization,
Zions and its bank subsidiaries would be well-capitalized institutions.

         o Terms of Merger.  The Southern Arizona Board considered the financial
terms of the  Reorganization,  including the Benchmark Price, an estimate of the
future value of Southern Arizona as an independent  entity, and the relationship
of the market  value of Zions Common Stock to the market  value,  tangible  book
value,  and earnings per share of Southern  Arizona  Common Stock.  The Southern
Arizona Board also considered that the Benchmark Price  represents a significant
premium over the consideration that seemed likely to result from consummation of
other transactions  proposed to Southern Arizona during the same time period. In
addition, the directors compared such Benchmark Price to the prices and premiums
paid  in  comparable   acquisition   transactions   involving   other  financial
institutions of which Southern Arizona's Board was aware.

         o Impact on  Employees.  The  Southern  Arizona  Board  considered  the
prospects of continued  employment by most Southern Arizona  employees.  Because
NBA  currently  does not have any  presence  in the Yuma  market,  the  Southern
Arizona  Board  believed that the  Reorganization  provided an  opportunity  for
Southern  Arizona's  employees that other merger candidates would not be able to
offer.


                                     - 16 -

<PAGE>


         o Impact on Community.  The Southern  Arizona Board  considered  Zions'
history of providing its community banks with a substantial  amount of operating
autonomy,   as  evidenced  by  NBA's  operations,   generally  leaving  existing
management in place to manage the  institution  consistent  with past management
culture,  so long as such culture is not  inconsistent  with Zions' policies and
produces  results  consistent  with results  achieved while the  institution was
independent. The Southern Arizona Board believes that the continuity of Southern
Arizona's management following the Reorganization will enable Southern Arizona's
continued  service to its customers and  contribute  to  shareholder  values for
Southern  Arizona  shareholders  who  will  acquire  Zions  Common  Stock in the
Reorganization.

         o Service to  Customers.  The Southern  Arizona  Board  considered  the
additional  products  of Zions  that  would be  available  to  Southern  Arizona
customers. After the Reorganization,  in addition to existing services, the Bank
anticipates that it will be able to provide  customers with an expanded array of
services,  including  additional  mortgage services,  lease financing  services,
personal  investment   services,   alternative  delivery  channels  for  banking
services, discount brokerage services and other investment services.

         o Dividend Yield.  The Southern Arizona Board considered that the Zions
Common Stock offers an annual  dividend yield that exceeds the historical  yield
on the Southern Arizona Common Stock and a broader and more liquid market.

         o Tax-Free Nature of Transaction.  The Southern  Arizona Board reviewed
with  its  advisors  of the  provisions  of the Plan of  Reorganization  and the
treatment of the Reorganization as a tax free reorganization  within the meaning
of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code for federal income tax purposes.

         o  Likelihood  of  Regulatory  Approval.  The  Southern  Arizona  Board
considered  the  likelihood of the  Reorganization  being approved by applicable
regulatory authorities without undue conditions or delay.

         o Ability to Consider Other Proposals.  The Southern Arizona Board also
considered  that,  although the Plan of  Reorganization  provides  that Southern
Arizona  may not  solicit any  Acquisition  Proposal  (as defined in the Plan of
Reorganization),   if  Southern  Arizona  receives  an  unsolicited  Acquisition
Proposal,  Southern  Arizona  may,  before the  Reorganization  is  consummated,
provide  information to, engage in discussions with, and enter into an agreement
with a third party  relating to an  unsolicited  Acquisition  Proposal  that the
Southern  Arizona Board  reasonably  believes is superior to the shareholders of
Southern   Arizona  from  a  financial  point  of  view  to  the  terms  of  the
Reorganization,   if  the  Southern  Arizona  Board,  upon  advice  of  counsel,
determines  that the failure to do so would result in a breach of fiduciary duty
under  applicable  law.  The  Southern  Arizona  Board  noted  that  the Plan of
Reorganization  provides  for the  payment  to  Zions  of a  termination  fee of
$750,000 in certain  circumstances as described under "Plan of Reorganization --
Authorized  Termination  and  Damages for Breach" and was aware that Zions would
probably not have agreed to enter into the Plan of Reorganization without such a
provision. The Southern Arizona Board concluded that, while the existence of the
termination  fee provision  might reduce the likelihood that a third party would
propose an alternative  merger with Southern  Arizona pending  completion of the
Reorganization,  the  increased  cost to a third party would not be material and
the benefits of the Reorganization to Southern Arizona outweighed the risks.


                                     - 17 -

<PAGE>


         Based upon its  consideration  of the foregoing  factors,  the Board of
Directors of Southern Arizona concluded that the Reorganization  offers Southern
Arizona's   shareholders  the  best  means  of  realizing  the  value  of  their
investment,  preserving employees' jobs within the Bank, and offering the Bank's
customers  and  the  community   enhanced  services  and  a  stronger  and  more
competitive  banking  institution  which will result from the merger of Southern
Arizona into Zions. Accordingly, the Southern Arizona Board unanimously approved
the  Reorganization  as being in the best interests of Southern  Arizona and its
stockholders.

         Each member of the Board of Directors of Southern Arizona has agreed to
vote those shares of Southern  Arizona  Common Stock which such director owns in
favor  of the  Reorganization  and the  Plan of  Reorganization.  The  executive
officers and directors of Southern Arizona  beneficially own approximately 24.5%
of the outstanding shares of Southern Arizona Common Stock but represent 2.4% of
the total  number of Southern  Arizona  shareholders  and will  receive the same
price per share under the Plan of Reorganization as all other shareholders.  See
"Plan of Reorganization -- Interests of Certain Persons in the Transaction."

         Zions. On October 1, 1986, Zions acquired Mesa Bank, a small commercial
bank in the  fast-growing  East Valley  section of the greater  Phoenix area. In
1987,  Mesa Bank  received a new  national  charter and was renamed  Zions First
National Bank of Arizona ("Zions Arizona").  On December 31, 1987, Camel Bank in
Phoenix,  Arizona,  was  acquired  in an exchange of stock and merged into Zions
Arizona.  In  January  1994  Zions  Arizona  acquired  National  Bank of Arizona
("NBA"), with offices in Tucson,  Phoenix, and Scottsdale,  and changed its name
to NBA. Thereafter,  also in 1994, NBA acquired Rio Salado Bank, with offices in
Tempe and Mesa.  NBA currently has eleven  offices.  NBA has provided Zions with
the opportunity to enter the Arizona  commercial  banking market by establishing
its operations in the Phoenix, Mesa, Tucson, and Flagstaff, Arizona areas.

         For Zions, the Reorganization  will provide the opportunity to continue
its expansion in the Arizona  market by initiating its presence and offering its
services  in Yuma  County.  The  expansion  will be  evidenced  by  Zions'  both
broadening  its  geographical  base in this  market and  expanding  the  banking
services it is able to provide.  Additionally,  the Zions'  expansion into a new
geographical  region of  Arizona  will  allow  Zions to  diversify  its  Arizona
operations.

         The  combination  of Zions and  Southern  Arizona and their  respective
Arizona  banking  subsidiaries  will bring  together  the  different  skills and
resources of the two organizations  and, together with the additional skills and
resources  available  in the  broader  Zions  organization,  will  result in the
ability to make a wider  spectrum of banking  services  available to  consumers,
businesses and  professionals  in the geographic  areas currently served by both
institutions.

Voting Agreements

         In connection with the Plan of Reorganization,  all of the shareholder-
directors of Southern  Arizona,  whose common share holdings  aggregate 24.5% of
the  outstanding  Southern  Arizona Common Stock,  but who represent 2.4% of the
total number of Southern Arizona shareholders, have entered into agreements with
Zions under which they have agreed,  in their capacity as shareholders,  to vote
their shares in favor of the Plan of  Reorganization  and to support the Plan of
Reorganization and to recommend its adoption by the other shareholders of

                                     - 18 -

<PAGE>

Southern  Arizona.  The  shareholder-directors  also agreed in their capacity as
directors,   until  the  earlier  of  consummation  of  the   Reorganization  or
termination  of the Plan of  Reorganization,  to  refrain  from  soliciting  or,
subject to their fiduciary  duties to shareholders or to Section 7.8 of the Plan
of Reorganization,  negotiating or accepting any offer of merger, consolidation,
or acquisition of any of the shares or all or substantially all of the assets of
Southern Arizona or the Bank.

         The voting  agreements  are  applicable to the directors  only in their
capacities  as  shareholders  and do  not  legally  affect  the  exercise  their
responsibilities as a director of Southern Arizona.

         The form of the  voting  agreements  has been  filed with the SEC as an
exhibit to the Registration  Statement and is incorporated  herein by reference.
The  foregoing  summary  of the  agreements  is  qualified  in its  entirety  by
reference to such filing.

Required Vote; Management Recommendation

         Approval of the Plan of Reorganization requires the affirmative vote of
at least  two-thirds of the  shareholders of Southern Arizona Common Stock (with
each shareholder  receiving one vote regardless of the number of shares owned by
each shareholder) and the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds
of the  outstanding  shares of  Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock at the  Special
Meeting by the holders of Southern  Arizona  Common Stock voting in person or by
proxy. Because approval requires the affirmative votes of at least two-thirds of
all shareholders and two-thirds of all outstanding shares, a failure to vote, an
abstention,  or a broker's  failure to vote shares held in street name will have
the same legal effect as a vote against approval of the Plan of  Reorganization.
In order to  evaluate  the  merger  consideration  offered to  Southern  Arizona
shareholders by Zions,  Southern  Arizona retained M One to render an opinion on
the fairness of Zions' offer from a financial point of view. See " -- Opinion of
Financial   Advisor,"   below.  THE  BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS  OF  SOUTHERN  ARIZONA
UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SOUTHERN ARIZONA SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL OF
THE PLAN OF REORGANIZATION.

         The   Board  of   Directors   of  Zions  has   approved   the  Plan  of
Reorganization,  and under the Utah Business  Corporation Act no approval of the
Plan of Reorganization by the shareholders of Zions is required.

Opinion of Financial Advisor

         In January, 1996, Southern Arizona retained Marilyn Seymann and William
Seidman, president and chairman of the Advisory Board,  respectively,  of M One,
Inc. ("M One"), an independent  financial  advisory and consulting firm based in
Phoenix,  Arizona, on the basis of its experience,  to render a written fairness
opinion (the "Fairness  Opinion") to the board of directors and  shareholders of
Southern Arizona.  Ms. Seymann and Mr. Seidman have extensive  experience in the
strategic operations and financial affairs of American depository  institutions.
Ms. Seymann has broad  experience on a national basis in the public,  regulatory
and  private  sectors of the  banking  industry  and served as vice chair of the
Federal  Housing  Finance Board (formerly the Federal Home Loan Bank Board) from
1990-1993.  Mr. Seidman has extensive  experience in the banking industry having
served as the Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the

                                     - 19 -

<PAGE>

Chairman of the Resolution Trust Corporation.  M One has reviewed the negotiated
terms of the Plan of  Reorganization  including  exchange  ratio  and  corporate
governance  matters.  Except as described herein, M One is not affiliated in any
way with Southern Arizona or Zions or their respective affiliates.

         The full text of M One's Fairness  Opinion to Southern  Arizona,  which
sets forth the  assumptions  made,  matters  considered,  and limitations of the
review of M One, is attached hereto as Appendix C and is incorporated  herein by
reference and should be read  carefully  and in its entirety in connection  with
this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus.  The  following  summary  of M One's  Fairness
Opinion  is  qualified  in its  entirety  by  reference  to the full text of the
Fairness  Opinion.  The Fairness  Opinion is  addressed to the Southern  Arizona
Board  of  Directors  only  and  does not  constitute  a  recommendation  to any
shareholder of Southern  Arizona as to how such  shareholder  should vote at the
Special  Meeting  or as to any  other  matter;  however,  the  foregoing  is not
intended to limit  reliance by  shareholders  on the Fairness  Opinion or any of
their rights with respect to the Fairness Opinion.

         In connection  with the Fairness  Opinion,  M One reviewed and analyzed
material bearing upon the financial and operating  condition of Southern Arizona
and Zions and material prepared in connection with the Merger, including,  among
other things: (i) the Plan of Reorganization; (ii) Zions Form S-4, dated January
31, 1996, as well as Zions' last three Form 10-K Annual Statements;  (iii) Zions
Unaudited  1995  Annual  Financial  Statements;  (iv) Zions  last  three  Annual
Reports;  (v) Zions last two Proxy Reports;  (vi) Zions Quarterly Report,  dated
September 30, 1995;  (vii) Southern  Arizona  preliminary  1995 Annual Financial
Statements;  (viii) Southern Arizona last two Annual Reports;  and (ix) Southern
Arizona-Bank  Deposit by County Report - Yuma County, dated December 31, 1995. M
One also held  discussions  with  members of the senior  management  of Southern
Arizona  and  Zions  regarding  their   respective  past  and  current  business
operations,  financial  condition  and  future  prospects.  In  addition,  M One
reviewed the reported  price and trading  history for  Southern  Arizona  Common
Stock and Zions  Common  Stock,  compared  certain  financial  and stock  market
information for Southern Arizona and Zions with similar  information for certain
other  companies,  reviewed  the  financial  terms of  certain  recent  business
combinations  in the  commercial  banking  industry,  and  performed  such other
studies and analysis as M One deemed appropriate.

         In connection with its review, M One did not  independently  verify any
of the foregoing  information,  and relied on such  information and assumed such
information was complete and accurate in all material respects.  With respect to
the  financial  forecasts  for Southern  Arizona and Zions  provided to M One by
their  respective  managements,  M One assumed for  purposes of its opinion that
such forecasts were reasonably  prepared on basis  reflecting the best available
estimates and  judgments of the Southern  Arizona and Zions  managements  at the
time of preparation as to the future  financial  performance of Southern Arizona
and Zions.  M One did not  review  individual  credit  files and did not make an
independent  evaluation or appraisal of the assets and  liabilities  of Southern
Arizona and Zions or any of their respective  subsidiaries.  In addition,  M One
did not make an independent evaluation of the allowance for loan losses of Zions
or Southern Arizona in relation to their  respective loan portfolios.  M One has
assumed that the  allowance  for loan losses for Southern  Arizona and Zions are
adequate to cover  future loan  portfolio  losses as they may occur from time to
time.

                                     - 20 -

<PAGE>


         Set forth below is a brief summary of the selected  analyses  performed
by M One in reaching its February 29, 1996 opinion.

         Analysis of Zions'  Offer.  M One  reviewed  the terms of the  proposed
transaction as reflected in the Plan of  Reorganization.  The Benchmark Price is
constant, as defined,  between the price range of Zions Common Stock from $59.00
per share to $72.00 per share. M One has calculated  that each share of Southern
Arizona Common Stock has an economic  value of $20.00 at the Benchmark  Price of
$25,330,000 (with no accretions). The number of shares of Zions' stock exchanged
for Southern  Arizona  stock will vary  according to the average price of Zions'
stock divided into the Benchmark Price. The economic value of the exchange price
of $20.00 compares to $14.77 per share for the average trading value of Southern
Arizona  Common Stock for the 90 days prior to September 30, 1995. The Benchmark
Price  represents a purchase price which was 2.86 times Southern  Arizona's book
value as of September 30, 1995.

         Dividend  Analysis.  M One  evaluated the effect of Zions' offer on the
dividends  received  by  Southern  Arizona  shareholders.  Assuming  the current
indicated annual dividends for Zions Common Stock of $1.64 per share, the annual
yield is 2.46% based on the closing  price of Zions  Common Stock on January 17,
1996 (the date that the Plan of Reorganization was signed). Assuming the current
indicated  dividend for Southern  Arizona  Common Stock of $0.36 per share,  the
annual yield is 2.4% based on the closing price of Southern Arizona Common Stock
on the  date  the Plan of  Reorganization  was  signed.  The  equivalent  Zions'
dividend is $0.49 per share based upon the $20.00 economic value of the exchange
offer  compared to the $0.36 dividend per share  currently  received on Southern
Arizona Common Stock.

         Analysis of  Selected  Merger  Transactions.  M One  reviewed  selected
financial data related to announced bank holding company acquisitions throughout
the United  States  during 1995.  In  addition,  M One  reviewed  selected  bank
acquisitions in certain  Southwestern  states in which the acquired banks had an
asset  size  ranging   from  $70  million  to  $350   million   (the   "Selected
Transactions").  For  each of the  Selected  Transactions,  M One  reviewed  the
purchase price as a percentage of the acquiree's book value, tangible book value
and total assets;  as a multiple of the acquiree's latest 12 months earnings per
share; and as a premium over the acquiree's market price and recent public share
purchases  prior to the  acquisition.  The  Selected  Transactions  included the
following  transactions:  Vectra Banking Group/Bank Land Company;  CVB Financial
Corp./Citizens  Commercial;  Pacific Bank,  N.A./Burlingame  Bankcorp.;  Shinhan
Bank/Marine National Bank; First Financial  Bankshares/Citizens Equity Corp.; FP
Bancorp./Rancho Sante Fe NB; Cullen/Frost Bankers/Park NB of Houston;  Dartmouth
Capital/Liberty National Bank-CA;  ValliCorp.  Holdings/CoBank  Financial Corp.;
Norwest  Corporation/Bank of Robstown;  California State Bank/Landmark Bancorp.;
Comerica  Inc./QuestStar  Bank,  N.A.;  Plains  Capital  Corp./Friona  Bancorp.;
Norwest Corporation/Liberty National Bank; Norwest Corporation/Alice Bancshares;
Coastal Bancorp/Texas  Capital Bancshares;  Eldorado  Bancorp/Mariners  Bancorp;
ValliCorp  Holdings/El  Capitan  Bancshares;  Texas Bancorp  Shares/Camino  Real
Bancshares;     Norwest    Corporation/First     N.B.-Big    Spring;    Victoria
Bankshares/Cattlemen's Financial; California Bancshares/Centennial Bank; Norwest
Corporation/Valley-Hi  Inv. Co.; First  Interstate/Tomball  National Bancshares;
CRB Financial  Corp./Camino  Real  Bancshares;  Northern Trust  Corp./Tanglewood
Bancshares;  Texas Financial  Bancorp/First Bank; and Western Bank/Pacific Bank,
N.A.


                                     - 21 -

<PAGE>

         Based on  Southern  Arizona's  full year  results for 1995 and the most
recently  available  figures for the  Selected  Transactions,  M One's  analysis
yielded the following statistics: (i) the purchase price offered as a percentage
of book value was 286% for the Reorganization compared to an average of 154% for
the Selected Transactions;  (ii) the price offered as a percentage of assets was
19.9% for the  Reorganization  compared to an average of 14.2% for the  Selected
Transactions;  (iii) the price offered as a multiple of the latest twelve months
earnings was 12.67x for the  Reorganization  compared to an average of 17.5x for
the  Selected  Transactions  (M  One  conducted  an  additional  sampling  of 80
commercial  banks  acquired  during 1995 with return on equity levels similar to
Southern  Arizona and found that the average  price offered as a multiple of the
latest twelve months  earnings per share was 12.5x for such  transactions).  The
core deposit  premium  (price  offered less  tangible book value divided by core
deposits) was 14.4% for the  Reorganization  compared to an average of 6.57% for
the Selected Transactions.  The above-mentioned  comparisons are limited in that
no company is  identical  to  Southern  Arizona or Zions and no  transaction  is
identical to the Reorganization.

         Discounted  Cash Flow Analysis.  M One completed a discounted cash flow
analysis to compare the offered reorganization price against the intrinsic value
of Southern  Arizona as an ongoing  concern.  Based upon projected  earnings and
reasonable  assumptions  concerning a future terminal value and discount rate on
cash flows, the analysis  concluded that the current intrinsic value of Southern
Arizona as an ongoing  concern ranges  between  $13.30 and $17.66,  depending on
discount  rate applied and the timing of the future sale.  This  analysis is not
necessarily  indicative of actual future results and does not purport to reflect
pricing multiples at which any securities may trade at any time in the future.

         Zions' Analyses. M One reviewed the historical performance of Zions and
its publicly traded peers, the historical and current stock market valuations of
Zions and its peers, and management and financial analysts' earnings projections
for Zions.  M One compared the financial  performance  of Zions based on various
financial measures of earnings performance,  capital adequacy, asset quality and
operating efficiencies with selected other banking companies that operate in the
western  states  (the  "Selected  Banking  Companies").   The  Selected  Banking
Companies  include  Banc One Corp.,  Bancorp.  Hawaii Inc.,  BankAmerica  Corp.,
Comerica Inc., First Bank System Inc., First Interstate Bancorp., First Security
Corp./Del.,  Norwest Corp., Union Bank/San Francisco, US Bancorp., Wells Fargo &
Company, and WestAmerica Bancorporation.  The calculations yielded the following
statistics as of September 30, 1995:  (i) the price to earnings  ratio for Zions
was 13.47x compared to an average of 12.56x for the Selected Banking  Companies;
(ii) the price to book value ratio for Zions was 2.64x compared to an average of
1.92x for the Selected Banking  Companies;  (iii) the return on assets ratio for
Zions'  was 1.31%  compared  to an  average  of 1.22% for the  Selected  Banking
Companies;  (iv) the return on equity ratio for Zions' was 18.82% compared to an
average of 15.87% for the Selected Banking  Companies;  (v) the reserve for loan
losses as a percentage of total loans for Zions was 2.68% compared to an average
of 2.16% for the Selected Banking Companies;  (vi) the dividend payoff ratio for
Zions was 26.30%  compared  to an average  of 34.26%  for the  Selected  Banking
Companies;  (vii) non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans for Zions
was .83% compared to an average of .87% for the Selected Banking Companies;  and
(viii) the  tangible  book value to asset ratio for Zions was 6.65%  (calculated
with  December  31,  1995  figures)  compared  with an  average of 6.80% for the
Selected Banking Companies.

                                     - 22 -


<PAGE>

         For services as independent  financial analysts for the Reorganization,
including  the  rendering of its Fairness  Opinion  referred to above,  Southern
Arizona has paid M One aggregate fees and reimbursed expenses totalling $17,500.
The  fee is  payable  irrespective  of  whether  or not  the  Reorganization  is
consummated.  Prior  to  being  retained  for this  assignment,  M One  provided
Southern Arizona with a one-day  strategic  planning seminar in 1994 for which M
One was paid $5,000. M One has not previously provided  professional services or
products to Zions.

Conversion of Southern Arizona Shares

         Exchange  Formula.  According to the valuation formula set forth in the
Plan of Reorganization, the total number of shares of Zions Common Stock and the
amount of cash,  if any,  to be received by each  Southern  Arizona  shareholder
(other than a dissenting shareholder) will not be determined until the Effective
Date of the  Reorganization.  The number of shares of Zions  Common  Stock to be
received by each Southern  Arizona  shareholder is based upon the actual average
trading  price of Zions Common Stock as reported on  NASDAQ-NMS  over the twenty
consecutive trading days ending on the fifth trading day preceding the Effective
Date (the "Average Closing Price") and upon the Benchmark Price,  comprising the
sum of $25,330,000 and the amount of consolidated  net  undistributed  income of
Southern  Arizona  during the period  beginning on October 1, 1995 and ending on
the close of business on the day immediately preceding the Effective Date except
that the amount of consolidated net undistributed income of Southern Arizona for
the month that  includes the  Effective  Date will be imputed by  prorating  the
consolidated net  undistributed  income from October 1, 1995 until the beginning
of that month over the portion of that month that precedes the  Effective  Date.
On the Effective Date of the Reorganization,  each outstanding share of Southern
Arizona Common Stock (other than shares of a dissenting  shareholder)  as of the
Effective Date will be converted into the right to receive that number of shares
of Zions Common Stock  calculated by dividing the Benchmark Price of $25,330,000
plus certain accretions (as more specifically described in the "Summary" section
above) by the  Average  Closing  Price of Zions  Common  Stock,  and by  further
dividing  the  number so reached  by the  number of shares of  Southern  Arizona
Common Stock outstanding at the Effective Date. In the event that the Unadjusted
Average  Price of Zions Common Stock is less than $59.00,  Zions will pay to the
Southern Arizona  shareholders an amount of cash equal to the difference between
the Benchmark Price and the product of the Unadjusted  Average Price (as defined
in  "Summary"  above)  and the  number of shares  Zions  Common  Stock  issuable
assuming the Unadjusted Average Price had been $59.00.

         On April __,  1994,  the  closing  sale  price for Zions  Common  Stock
reported on the  NASDAQ-NMS  was  $_____.  Assuming on that date that a total of
1,266,362  shares of Southern  Arizona Common Stock were outstanding and further
assuming that the Average Closing Price was $_____,  then each share of Southern
Arizona  Common  Stock would be  exchangeable  for _____  shares of Zions Common
Stock, excluding any shares for which dissenters' rights were perfected. In view
of the method of calculating the Average  Closing Price and possible  accretions
due to the  consolidated  net  undistributed  income of Southern Arizona between
October 1, 1995 and the  Effective  Date, it is not possible at the date of this
Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  to specify the rate of  exchange  at the  Effective
Date.

         Surrender  of  Certificates.  As  promptly  as  practicable  after  the
Effective Date of the Reorganization, Zions First National Bank, Salt Lake City,
Utah, the

                                     - 23 -

<PAGE>

exchange  agent  designated  by  Southern  Arizona  and  Zions  in the  Plan  of
Reorganization,  will send to each  shareholder  of record of  Southern  Arizona
Common Stock a letter of transmittal containing instructions as to how to effect
the exchange of Southern  Arizona  Common Stock  certificates  for  certificates
representing  the shares of Zions Common Stock into which their shares have been
converted.  Southern Arizona  shareholders should not send in their certificates
until they receive such written  instructions.  However,  certificates should be
surrendered promptly after instructions to do so are received.

         Any dividends  declared on Zions Common Stock after the Effective  Date
of the Reorganization  will apply to all whole shares of Zions Common Stock into
which shares of Southern  Arizona  Common Stock will have been  converted in the
Reorganization. However, no former Southern Arizona shareholder will be entitled
to receive any such dividend until such  shareholder's  Southern  Arizona Common
Stock  certificates have been surrendered for exchange as provided in the letter
of transmittal. Upon such surrender, the shareholder will be entitled to receive
all such dividends payable on the whole shares of Zions Common Stock represented
by the surrendered  certificate or certificates  (without  interest  thereon and
less the amount of taxes,  if any,  which may have in fact been  imposed or paid
thereon).

         Payment for  Fractional  Shares.  No fractional  shares of Zions Common
Stock  will be issued  in  connection  with the  Reorganization.  Instead,  each
Southern Arizona shareholder who surrenders for exchange Southern Arizona Common
Stock certificates representing a fraction of a share of Zions Common Stock will
be entitled to receive,  in addition to a  certificate  for the whole  shares of
Zions Common  Stock  represented  by the  surrendered  certificates,  cash in an
amount  equal  to such  fractional  part of a share  multiplied  by the  Average
Closing Price of Zions Common Stock.

         Unexchanged Certificates.  On the Effective Date of the Reorganization,
the stock  transfer  books of Southern  Arizona  will be closed,  and no further
transfers  of  Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock  will  be  made  or  recognized.
Certificates for Southern Arizona Common Stock not surrendered for exchange will
entitle  the holder to  receive,  upon  surrender  as  provided in the letter of
transmittal,  only a  certificate  for the whole  shares of Zions  Common  Stock
represented  by such  certificates,  plus payment of any amount for a fractional
share or  dividends  to which such holder is entitled  as  outlined  above,  and
without any interest thereon.

         Adjustment of Exchange  Formula.  The Plan of  Reorganization  contains
provisions for the  proportionate  adjustment of the exchange ratio in the event
of a stock dividend,  stock split,  recapitalization  or similar event involving
the Zions Common Stock or the Southern  Arizona  Common Stock which occurs prior
to the  Reorganization.  Nevertheless,  the total  purchase  price to be paid by
Zions for all of the  outstanding  shares of Southern  Arizona Common Stock will
not be less than the Benchmark Price of $25,330,000 plus certain  accretions and
will not be adjusted (except for such accretions and except to the extent of any
cash  payment in the event the  Unadjusted  Average  Price of Zions Common Stock
were less than $59.00 per share). Neither Zions nor Southern Arizona anticipates
declaring any stock  dividend,  stock split,  or  recapitalization  prior to the
Effective Date.


                                     - 24 -

<PAGE>


Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization

         The following  discussion is a summary of the material  federal  income
tax  consequences  of the merger of  Southern  Arizona  with and into Zions (the
"Merger")  to Southern  Arizona  and to the  existing  shareholders  of Southern
Arizona, but does not purport to be a complete analysis of all the potential tax
effects of the Merger. The discussion is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"),  Treasury  Regulations,  Internal Revenue Service
("IRS") rulings and judicial  decisions now in effect,  all of which are subject
to change at any time by legislative,  judicial,  or administrative  action. Any
such change may be applied retroactively. No information is provided herein with
respect  to   foreign,   state  or  local  tax  laws  or  estate  and  gift  tax
considerations.  Shareholders of Southern Arizona are urged to consult their own
tax advisors as to specific tax consequences to them of the Merger. In addition,
the federal income tax  consequences of the merger of the Bank with and into NBA
are not addressed.

          Southern  Arizona  will receive an opinion  from  O'Connor,  Cavanagh,
Anderson, Killingsworth & Beshears, P.A., legal counsel to Southern Arizona (the
"O'Connor  Opinion") that, based upon the facts and representations set forth or
referred to in such opinion,  the Merger will be treated for federal  income tax
purposes as a  reorganization  within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code,
provided that the cash received by the Southern  Arizona  shareholders  does not
exceed the fair market value of the Zions Common Stock  received by the Southern
Arizona shareholders.  If the cash received by the Southern Arizona shareholders
does  exceed the fair market  value of the Zions  Common  Stock  received by the
Southern  Arizona  shareholders,  the Merger  may be treated as a fully  taxable
exchange (or sale) of Southern Arizona Common Stock because the Merger will fail
to meet IRS published guidelines,  which would require that the Southern Arizona
shareholders  exchange  at least 50 percent by value of their  Southern  Arizona
Common  Stock for Zions  Common Stock in order for the Merger to be treated as a
tax-free  reorganization.  No ruling will be requested from the IRS with respect
to the federal income tax consequences of the Merger. An opinion of counsel only
represents  counsel's best judgment and is not binding on the IRS or the courts.
Accordingly,  no assurance  can be given that the IRS will agree with  counsel's
conclusions, that the IRS will not challenge the tax treatment of the Merger, or
that such a challenge, if made, will not be successful.

         Based  upon the facts and  representations  which  will be set forth or
referred to in the O'Connor Opinion (including compliance with the continuity of
interest  requirement),  such opinion will  provide,  among other  things,  that
Southern Arizona will not recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes
upon the Merger and that the  shareholders  of  Southern  Arizona  will have the
following federal income tax consequences  upon the Merger:  (i) no taxable gain
or loss will be recognized  upon the receipt of Zions Common Stock;  (ii) income
or gain will be  recognized  (the "Boot  Income") to the extent of the lesser of
(a) the income or gain which  would have been  recognized  had the Merger been a
fully taxable  transaction  or (b) the amount of cash  actually  received in the
Merger;  (iii) the tax basis of the Southern Arizona Common Stock surrendered in
the Merger will be  allocated  to the Zions  Common  Stock to be received in the
Merger reduced by cash received and increased by any income or gain  recognized;
(iv) the holding  period of the Zions  Common Stock to be received in the Merger
will include the holding period of the Southern Arizona Common Stock surrendered
in

                                     - 25 -

<PAGE>

exchange therefor; and (v) if any cash is received in lieu of a fractional share
of Zions Common  Stock,  gain (or loss) will be recognized in an amount equal to
the  difference  between the cash received and the  shareholder's  basis in that
fractional share.

         The  character  of any  Boot  Income  realized  by a  Southern  Arizona
shareholder  will  depend  upon  a  Southern  Arizona  shareholder's  individual
circumstances.  If the Southern  Arizona Common Stock  surrendered by a Southern
Arizona  shareholder  in the  Merger  was a  capital  asset in the hands of that
Southern Arizona shareholder,  any Boot Income should be treated as capital gain
for that Southern Arizona shareholder.  Each Southern Arizona shareholder should
consult its tax advisor  regarding the character of any Boot Income  realized by
that shareholder.

         If the Merger is not treated as a reorganization  within the meaning of
Section  368(a) of the Code because the cash  received by the  Southern  Arizona
shareholders exceeds the fair market value of the Zions Common Stock received by
the Southern Arizona  shareholders,  it may be treated as a sale in which shares
of Southern  Arizona Common Stock are exchanged for shares of Zions Common Stock
and  cash.  If it  were so  treated,  each  Southern  Arizona  shareholder  will
recognize taxable gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference  between the
shareholder's  amount realized and the  shareholder's  tax basis in the Southern
Arizona Common Stock sold.  The amount  realized is the sum of any cash received
plus the fair market value of the Zions Common Stock  received.  The fair market
value of Zions Common Stock will be the market  price on the  Effective  Date of
the  Reorganization  multiplied  by the number of shares of Zions  Common  Stock
received by a Southern Arizona shareholder. If the Southern Arizona Common Stock
surrendered by a Southern Arizona  shareholder in the Holding Company Merger was
a capital asset in the hands of that Southern Arizona  shareholder,  any taxable
gain or loss would be treated as capital gain or capital loss for that  Southern
Arizona shareholder.

         The foregoing is intended only as a summary of certain  federal  income
tax consequences of the  Reorganization  under existing law and regulations,  as
presently  interpreted by judicial decisions and administrative  rulings, all of
which  are  subject  to  change  without  notice  and any such  change  might be
retroactively  applied to the  Reorganization.  Among other things,  the summary
does not address state income tax  consequences,  local taxes, or the federal or
state income tax  considerations  that may affect the treatment of a shareholder
who acquired his Southern  Arizona  Common Stock  pursuant to an employee  stock
option or other  special  circumstances.  Accordingly,  it is  recommended  that
Southern Arizona shareholders consult their own tax advisors for specific advice
concerning their own tax situations, potential changes in the applicable tax law
and  all  federal,   state  and  local  tax  matters  in  connection   with  the
Reorganization.

         A copy of the  O'Connor  Opinion  rendered as to the  material  federal
income tax consequences relating to the Reorganization is attached and set forth
in Appendix B of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.



                                     - 26 -

<PAGE>

Interests of Certain Persons in the Transaction

         In  connection  with  the  Plan  of  Reorganization,  all  of  Southern
Arizona's  shareholder-directors,  whose common shareholdings aggregate 24.5% of
the outstanding  Southern  Arizona Common Stock and who represent  approximately
2.4%  of  the  Southern  Arizona  shareholders  of  record,  have  entered  into
agreements  with  Zions  under  which they have  agreed,  in their  capacity  as
shareholders, to vote their shares in favor of the Plan of Reorganization and to
support the Plan of  Reorganization  and to recommend  its adoption by the other
shareholders of Southern Arizona. The shareholder-directors  have also agreed in
their  capacity  as  directors,  until the  earlier of the  consummation  of the
Reorganization or the termination of the Plan of Reorganization, to refrain from
soliciting or, subject to their fiduciary  duties to shareholders and to section
7.8 of the Plan of Reorganization, negotiating or accepting any offer of merger,
consolidation,  or acquisition of any of the shares or substantially  all of the
assets of Southern Arizona or the Bank.

         The Plan of  Reorganization  provides  that  after  the  Reorganization
becomes effective,  NBA will employ John E. Byrd,  currently president and chief
executive  officer of Southern  Arizona and the Bank,  pursuant to a  three-year
agreement as an executive vice president of NBA. The agreement provides that Mr.
Byrd will receive an initial annual salary substantially the same as his current
annual  salary  with  Southern  Arizona,  will  be  considered  annually  for  a
discretionary  bonus,  based  upon  the  financial  performance  of NBA and upon
individual  performance factors (the target level for the bonus being 25%-35% of
his then  current  salary),  and will be  entitled  to other  benefits  normally
afforded executive employees,  including employee benefit and stock option plans
participation, an automobile allowance, country club membership,  retirement and
life insurance policies, and consideration for periodic raises or bonuses, based
upon performance and  responsibility.  NBA will also continue to maintain a term
life  insurance  policy  on the life of Mr.  Byrd and will pay all the  premiums
therefor.  The policy will be owned by Mr. Byrd and will provide for the payment
of death benefits to his estate.

         The employment  agreement  provides for severance benefits for Mr. Byrd
upon the  termination  of his  employment  agreement  for reasons other than his
death or disability or "for cause" (as defined in his employment agreement).  In
the event of  termination  for  reasons  other  than set forth in the  preceding
sentence,  Mr.  Byrd  shall  receive  (i)  salary  payable  (as  defined  in the
employment  agreement)  for  the  period  commencing  on  the  date  immediately
following  the  termination  date and ending upon the third  anniversary  of the
effective  date of the  employment  agreement and (ii) such benefits as Mr. Byrd
has accrued  under NBA's Value  Sharing  Plan,  Incentive  Stock Option Plan and
employee  benefit plans,  reimbursement  for expenses  accrued as of the date of
termination of his  employment,  and the right to receive the cash equivalent of
paid annual leave and sick leave  accrued as of the date of  termination  of his
employment.

         Under his  employment  agreement,  Mr. Byrd has agreed that he will not
for a period of five years from the effective date of the  employment  agreement
(i) engage in the banking  business  within Yuma County,  Arizona  other than on
behalf of NBA or affiliated companies; (ii) own or operate any entity engaged in
the banking  business  within Yuma County,  Arizona other than NBA or affiliated
companies;  and (iii)  solicit or  intentionally  cause an officer,  director or
employee of NBA to engage in the banking business or own or operate an entity

                                     - 27 -

<PAGE>

engaged in the banking  business in Yuma County,  Arizona.  In  consideration of
such  five-year  covenant not to compete,  Mr. Byrd will receive a one-time cash
payment of $250,000.

Inconsistent Activities

         Southern Arizona and the Bank have agreed in the Plan of Reorganization
that unless and until the  Reorganization  has been  consummated  or the Plan of
Reorganization  has been  terminated  in  accordance  with its  terms,  Southern
Arizona  and the  Bank  will not (i)  solicit  or  encourage  any  inquiries  or
proposals by any third  person to acquire  more than 1% of the Southern  Arizona
Common  Stock,  any stock of the Bank or any  significant  portion  of  Southern
Arizona's or the Bank's  assets  (whether by tender offer,  merger,  purchase of
assets or otherwise),  (ii) afford any third party which may be considering  any
such transaction access to Southern Arizona's or the Bank's properties, books or
records  except  as  required  by  law,   (iii)  enter  into  any   discussions,
negotiations, agreement or understanding with respect to any such transaction or
(iv)  authorize  or  permit  any  of  Southern  Arizona's  directors,  officers,
employees or agents to do any of the foregoing.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,
Southern  Arizona may take an action  referred to in clause (ii) or (iii) of the
previous sentence (or permit its directors,  officers, employees or agents to do
so) if Southern  Arizona's  Board of Directors,  after  consulting with counsel,
determines that such actions should be taken or permitted in the exercise of its
fiduciary  duties. If Southern Arizona or the Bank becomes aware of any offer or
proposed  offer to acquire  any shares of  Southern  Arizona or any  significant
portion of its assets,  Southern  Arizona is required to give  immediate  notice
thereof to Zions and to keep Zions informed of the matter.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing,  the right of the board of  directors  to comply  with its  fiduciary
duties as cited in the previous sentence does not permit Southern Arizona or the
Bank to terminate the Plan of Reorganization  (other than as expressly  provided
in  section  10.1 or 10.2 of the Plan of  Reorganization)  or to enter  into any
agreement with respect to any of the above-referenced transactions.

Conduct of Business Pending the Reorganization

         The Plan of  Reorganization  contains  covenants,  representations  and
warranties  by Southern  Arizona and the Bank as to matters which are typical in
transactions similar to the Reorganization.

         Prior to the Effective Date,  Southern Arizona and the Bank have agreed
that neither  Southern  Arizona nor the Bank will,  without Zions' prior written
consent:  (i)  declare or pay cash  dividends  or  property  dividends  with the
exception of customary cash dividends in a manner consistent with past practice;
(ii) except for the issuance of Southern  Arizona  Common Stock upon exercise of
existing stock options, declare or distribute any stock dividend,  authorize any
stock split,  authorize,  issue or make any distribution of its capital stock or
other securities or grant any option to acquire such securities; (iii) except as
contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization, merge into, consolidate with or sell
any of its assets to any other person,  or enter into any other  transaction  or
agree to effect any other transaction not in the ordinary course of its business
or  engage in any  discussions  concerning  such a  possible  transaction;  (iv)
convert the charter of the Bank from that of an Arizona  banking  corporation to
any other charter or form of entity; (v) make any direct or indirect redemption,
purchase  or other  acquisition  of any of its  capital  stock;  (vi)  incur any
liability or

                                     - 28 -

<PAGE>


obligation,  make any  commitment  or  disbursement,  acquire  or dispose of any
property or asset,  make any agreement or engage in any  transaction,  except in
the ordinary  course of its  business;  (vii)  subject any of its  properties or
assets to any lien, claim, charge, option or encumbrance, except in the ordinary
course  of its  business;  (viii)  institute  or  agree to any  increase  in the
compensation of any employee,  except for ordinary  increases in accordance with
past practices not to exceed 4% per annum of the aggregate payroll as of October
1, 1995;  (ix)  create or modify  any  pension or  profit-sharing  plan,  bonus,
deferred  compensation,  death  benefit  or  retirement  plan,  or the  level of
benefits under any such plan, or increase or decrease any severance or any other
fringe benefit; or (x) except to directly  facilitate the Reorganization,  enter
into any employment or personal services contract with any person.

         Southern  Arizona has also agreed to carry on its  business  and manage
its assets and property  diligently in the same manner as it has previously done
and to use its best  efforts to  preserve  its  business  organization.  Pending
completion  of  Reorganization  or  termination  of the Plan of  Reorganization,
Southern  Arizona  has agreed to  provide  Zions with  certain  information  and
reports and access to other information.

Conditions to the Reorganization

         The  obligations  of  Southern  Arizona  and  Zions to  consummate  the
Reorganization  are subject to,  among other  things,  the  satisfaction  of the
following  conditions:  (i) the  shareholders  of  Southern  Arizona  shall have
approved the Plan of Reorganization;  (ii) Southern Arizona and Zions shall have
received  all  relevant  orders,  consents  and  approvals  from  all  requisite
governmental  authorities for the completion of the Reorganization;  (iii) there
shall  be an  absence  of  certain  litigation,  as  specified  in the  Plan  of
Reorganization; (iv) the registration statement to be filed by Zions pursuant to
the Securities Act in connection  with the  registration  of the shares of Zions
Common Stock to be used as consideration  in connection with the  Reorganization
shall have  become  effective  under the  Securities  Act,  and Zions shall have
received  all required  state  securities  laws ("Blue  Sky")  permits and other
required  authorizations  or confirmations of the availability of exemption from
registration   requirements  necessary  to  issue  Zions  Common  Stock  in  the
Reorganization,  and neither the  registration  statement  nor any such required
permit,  authorization  or  confirmation  shall be  subject to a  stop-order  or
threatened stop-order by the SEC or any state securities authority; (v) Southern
Arizona and Zions shall have determined that the Reorganization shall qualify as
a tax  free  reorganization  under  the  Code and the  regulations  and  rulings
promulgated  thereunder;  and (vi)  there  shall be no  adverse  legislation  or
government regulation which would make the transaction  contemplated  impossible
or which would materially and adversely  affect the economic  assumptions of the
transactions contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization or the business of Zions
and Southern  Arizona or which would  otherwise  materially  impair the value of
Southern Arizona to Zions.

         The obligations of Zions to consummate the  Reorganization  are subject
to satisfaction or waiver of certain additional conditions,  including:  (i) the
shareholders   of  Southern   Arizona   shall  have   authorized   the  Plan  of
Reorganization,  and dissenters'  rights shall have been exercised and perfected
by owners  of not more than 6% of the  outstanding  shares of  Southern  Arizona
Common Stock; (ii) all representations and warranties made by Southern Arizona

                                     - 29 -

<PAGE>


and  the  Bank in the  Plan  of  Reorganization  shall  be true in all  material
respects  on the  Effective  Date and  Southern  Arizona and the Bank shall have
performed in all material  respects all of its respective  obligations under the
Plan of  Reorganization  on or  prior to the  Effective  Date;  (iii)  O'Connor,
Cavanagh, Anderson,  Killingsworth & Beshears, P.A., special counsel to Southern
Arizona,  shall  have  rendered a legal  opinion to Zions in form and  substance
satisfactory  to Zions;  (iv) during the period from  September  30, 1995 to the
Effective  Date,  there shall be no  material  adverse  change in the  financial
position or results of  operations,  properties,  liabilities  or  businesses of
Southern  Arizona or the Bank nor shall Southern Arizona or the Bank have become
(or have  been  threatened  to be made) a party to any  litigation  which in the
judgment of Zions would make the Reorganization  inadvisable or impracticable to
Zions or NBA; (v) on the Effective Date the  consolidated  net worth of Southern
Arizona shall not be less than the consolidated net worth of Southern Arizona as
of September  30, 1995;  (vi) during the period from  September  30, 1995 to the
Effective Date of the  Reorganization,  Southern Arizona and the Bank shall have
continued  to employ the loan loss  reserve  methodology  which it  employed  on
September 30, 1995; and (vii) Mr. Byrd shall have entered into an employment and
non-competition  agreement  with Zions and NBA in the form set forth in the Plan
of  Reorganization.  See " -- Interests of Certain Persons in the  Transaction,"
above.

         The  obligations of Southern  Arizona to consummate the  Reorganization
are  subject to the  satisfaction  or waiver of certain  additional  conditions,
including:  (i) all  representations and warranties made by Zions and NBA in the
Plan of  Reorganization  shall be true in all material respects on the Effective
Date and Zions and NBA shall have  performed all of its  respective  obligations
under the Plan of Reorganization on or prior to the Effective Date; (ii) receipt
of a legal  opinion of  Metzger,  Hollis,  Gordon & Alprin,  special  counsel to
Zions,  satisfactory to Southern Arizona; (iii) during the period from September
30, 1995 to the Effective Date, there shall be no material adverse change in the
financial position or results of operations, properties, liabilities or business
of Zions; (iv) Southern Arizona shall have received from M One a written opinion
to  the  effect  that,  as of  the  date  of  the  opinion,  the  terms  of  the
Reorganization  are  fair  to  Southern  Arizona  and  its  shareholders  from a
financial  point of view; (v) the directors and  shareholders  of NBA shall have
authorized and approved the  Reorganization;  and (vi) the Zions Common Stock to
be issued in the Reorganization  shall be quoted on NASDAQ or shall be listed on
a national securities exchange.

Representations and Warranties

         The  representations  and  warranties  of Zions  and  Southern  Arizona
contained  in the Plan of  Reorganization  relate,  among other  things,  to the
organization  and  good  standing  of  Zions,   Southern   Arizona,   and  their
subsidiaries;   the   capitalization   of  Zions  and  Southern   Arizona;   the
authorization  by Zions and Southern Arizona of the Plan of  Reorganization  and
the  absence  of  conflict  with  laws or other  agreements;  the  accuracy  and
completeness of the financial statements and other information  furnished to the
other party;  the absence of material  adverse changes since September 30, 1995;
the absence of  undisclosed  liabilities;  and  compliance  with laws.  Southern
Arizona has additionally  warranted that there will be no material deterioration
in the  quality of its loan  portfolio  or any major  component  thereof  and no
material increase in the level of its nonperforming  assets or non-accrual loans
at the Bank or in the level of its  provision  for credit  losses or its reserve
for possible credit losses.

                                     - 30 -


<PAGE>

Southern Arizona has also warranted that its  consolidated  reserve for possible
credit  losses as of  September  30,  1995,  was  adequate to absorb  reasonably
anticipated  losses in the  consolidated  loan and lease  portfolios of Southern
Arizona in view of the size and character of such  portfolios,  current economic
conditions, and other factors.

         Zions and Southern Arizona have  additionally  warranted that there are
no facts known to them  respectively  which might  materially  adversely  affect
their respective business, assets, liabilities,  financial condition, results of
operations  or  prospects  which  have not been  disclosed  in their  respective
financial statements or a certificate delivered to the other party.

Amendment and Waiver

         Notwithstanding prior approval by the shareholders of Southern Arizona,
the Plan of  Reorganization  may be amended in any respect by written  agreement
between the parties,  except that after such  shareholder  approval no amendment
may prejudice the economic  interests of the  shareholders of Southern  Arizona.
Zions or Southern  Arizona may also,  at any time prior to the  Effective  Date,
waive any condition or term of the Plan of Reorganization provided that any such
waiver must be in writing  signed by the party  entitled to the benefit  thereof
and will be permitted  only if it will not have a materially  adverse  effect on
the benefits  intended under the Plan of  Reorganization  to the shareholders of
its or his corporation.

Authorized Termination and Damages for Breach

         The Plan of Reorganization  may be terminated and abandoned at any time
prior to the Effective  Date,  notwithstanding  approval of the  shareholders of
Southern  Arizona or the Bank,  as follows:  (i) by mutual  consent of Zions and
Southern   Arizona;   (ii)   unilaterally,   by  either  party  if  any  of  the
representations and warranties of the other party was materially  incorrect when
made or in the event of a material breach or material failure by the other party
of any  covenant or  agreement  which has not been,  or cannot be,  cured within
thirty days after written  notice has been given;  (iii) by Southern  Arizona if
its board of directors, based upon the advice of outside counsel,  determines in
good faith that such  termination  is required  for the board to comply with its
fiduciary duties to the  shareholders  imposed by law by reason of a proposal to
acquire  more than 1% of  Southern  Arizona's  Common  Stock or any  significant
portion of its or the Bank's assets (an "Alternative Proposal");  (iv) by either
party if the Reorganization has become inadvisable by reason of federal or state
litigation to restrain or invalidate the Reorganization;  or (v) by either party
on or after August 31, 1996, if the Effective Date has not occurred on or before
that date.

         If either party  terminates the Plan of  Reorganization  because any of
the  representations  and warranties of a party were  materially  incorrect when
made,  or because of a material  breach by a party of a covenant  made under the
Plan of  Reorganization,  then such party whose  representations  and warranties
were  materially  incorrect or who  materially  breached  its covenant  shall be
liable to the other  party or  parties  to the Plan of  Reorganization  for such
party's  actual,  reasonable  out-of-pocket  expenses,  not to exceed  $250,000,
incurred by the other party in connection  with the  negotiation and preparation
of the  Plan  of  Reorganization  and  the  carrying  out  of  the  transactions
contemplated thereby.

                                     - 31 -

<PAGE>


         If on the other hand termination of the Plan of  Reorganization  occurs
(1) because of an Alternative  Proposal; or (2) because of any representation or
warranty is materially  incorrect  when made by Southern  Arizona or the Bank or
because of a material breach or material failure by Southern Arizona or the Bank
of any covenant or agreement  contained in the Plan of Reorganization  which has
not been or cannot be cured  within  thirty  days after  written  notice of such
breach or failure has been given and a definitive  agreement  with respect to an
Alternative Proposal is executed by Southern Arizona or the Bank within one year
after such termination,  then in either case Southern Arizona shall be liable to
Zions in the amount of $750,000.

Dissenters' Rights of Southern Arizona Shareholders

         A holder of shares of  Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock is  entitled to
exercise the rights of a dissenting  shareholder under Chapter 13 of the Arizona
Business Corporation Act (the "Act") to object to the Plan of Reorganization and
demand  that  Zions,  as the  surviving  corporation,  pay the fair value of the
shares of Southern  Arizona  Common Stock held as determined in accordance  with
such  statutory  provisions.  The Act  became  effective  on January 1, 1996 and
substantially  revises  shareholder  dissenters' rights provisions under Arizona
law.  Several  provisions  of  the  Act  that  address  dissenters'  rights  are
ambiguous, including the requirements for delivery of the dissenters' notice, as
described  below,  and  the  provisions  regarding  delivery  of  payment,  also
described  below.  The following  summary attempts to interpret the statute in a
consistent and logical manner,  and does not purport to be a complete  statement
of the  provisions  of Arizona law and is qualified in its entirety by reference
to Chapter 13 of the Act, which is set forth in full as Appendix D to this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.

         Arizona law requires that  Southern  Arizona  shareholders  must follow
certain  prescribed  procedures  in their  exercise  of the  statutory  right to
dissent in  connection  with the  Reorganization.  The  failure to follow  these
procedures on a timely basis,  in the manner  required by Chapter 13 of the Act,
may result in a loss of a shareholder's dissenters' rights.

         To  be  entitled  to  payment  as  a  dissenting   shareholder  to  the
Reorganization,   a  shareholder   must  (i)  deliver   written  notice  of  the
shareholder's  intent to demand payment,  (ii) not vote in favor of the proposed
Reorganization, and (iii) make a payment demand, in each case as provided below.

         Any shareholder  electing to exercise the right to dissent must deliver
to Southern  Arizona,  prior to the taking of the vote at the Special Meeting to
be held on May  ____,  written  notice  of the  shareholder's  intent  to demand
payment  for  such  shareholder's  shares  if  the  proposed  Reorganization  is
effectuated. Additionally, a shareholder who wishes to assert dissenters' rights
cannot vote in favor of the proposed Reorganization. If the shareholder does not
comply  with these two  requirements,  the  shareholder  will not be entitled to
payment for the shareholder's shares of Southern Arizona Common Stock.

         If the  proposed  Reorganization  is  authorized  at the  shareholders'
meeting, the Act requires Zions, as the surviving corporation, to send a written
dissenters'  notice to all dissenting  shareholders  no later than ten (10) days
after the Reorganization is effectuated.  The dissenters' notice must: (i) state
where the dissenting shareholder must send the shareholder's payment demand and

                                     - 32 -

<PAGE>

where  and when the  dissenting  shareholder  shall  deposit  the  shareholder's
certificates for certificated shares; (ii) inform any dissenting shareholder who
holds  uncertificated  shares to what  extent  transfer  of the  shares  will be
restricted after the dissenting  shareholder's payment demand is received; (iii)
supply  the  dissenting  shareholder  with a form  for  demanding  payment  that
includes the date of the first  announcement to news media or to shareholders of
the terms of the Reorganization and that requires the dissenting  shareholder to
certify whether or not the dissenting  shareholder acquired beneficial ownership
of the shares before that date;  (iv) set a date by which Zions must receive the
dissenting  shareholder's  payment  demand,  which date shall be at least thirty
(30) but not more than sixty (60) days after the date the dissenters'  notice is
delivered; and (v) be accompanied by a copy of Chapter 13, Article 2 of the Act.

         Upon  receipt of a  dissenters'  notice from Zions,  the Act requires a
dissenting  shareholder  to:  (i)  demand  payment;  (ii)  certify  whether  the
shareholder  acquired  beneficial  ownership  of  the  shares  before  the  date
required,  as set  forth  in the  dissenters'  notice;  and  (iii)  deposit  the
shareholder's share certificates in accordance with the terms of the dissenters'
notice.   A  dissenting   shareholder  who  demands  payment  and  deposits  the
shareholder's share certificates retains all other rights of a shareholder until
such rights are cancelled or modified by the effectuation of the Reorganization.
A  dissenting  shareholder  who does not demand  payment or does not deposit the
shareholder's certificates, if required, each by the date set in the dissenters'
notice,  is not entitled to payment for the  shareholder's  shares under Chapter
13, Article 2 of the Act.

         Except  in  the  case  of   after-acquired   shares,  as  soon  as  the
Reorganization is effectuated,  on receipt of a payment demand, the Act provides
that Zions, as the surviving  corporation,  must pay the dissenting  shareholder
who has demanded payment the amount that Zions estimates to be the fair value of
the dissenting  shareholder's shares plus accrued interest.  Any appreciation or
depreciation in the value of dissenting shareholder's shares attributable to the
Reorganization  shall be excluded for determining the fair value of such shares,
unless such exclusion is  inequitable.  The payment must be accompanied  by: (i)
Southern  Arizona's balance sheet as of the end of a fiscal year ending not more
than sixteen (16) months  before the date of payment,  an income  statement  for
that year, a statement of changes in shareholder's  equity for that year and the
latest  available  interim  financial  statements,  if any;  (ii) a statement of
Zions' estimate of the fair value of the shares; (iii) an explanation of how the
interest was  calculated;  (iv) a statement of the  dissenter's  right to demand
payment if such dissenter is dissatisfied with Zions' payment; and (v) a copy of
Chapter 13, Article 2 of the Act.

         If Zions does not effectuate the Reorganization  within sixty (60) days
after the date set for demanding payment and depositing share certificates,  the
Act requires Zions to return the deposited certificates and release the transfer
restrictions  imposed  on  uncertificated   shares.  If  Zions  effectuates  the
Reorganization  after  returning  the deposited  certificates  and releasing the
transfer  restrictions  imposed on uncertificated  shares, Zions must send a new
dissenters' notice and repeat the payment demand procedure.

         The Act permits  Zions to elect to withhold  payment  from a dissenting
shareholder  unless such  dissenting  shareholder  was the  beneficial  owner of
shares  before the date set forth in the  dissenters'  notice as the date of the
first

                                     - 33 -

<PAGE>

announcement  to news  media or to  shareholders  of the  terms of the  proposed
Reorganization. If Zions elects to withhold payment, the Act provides that Zions
must  estimate the fair value of the shares plus  accrued  interest and pay this
amount  to  each  dissenting  shareholder  who  agrees  to  accept  it  in  full
satisfaction of the shareholder's  demand for payment. The Act requires Zions to
send with its offer a statement of its estimate of the fair value of the shares,
an  explanation  of how the  interest  was  calculated  and a  statement  of the
dissenting shareholder's right to demand payment under Chapter 13 of the Act.

         The Act permits a dissenting  shareholder to notify Zions in writing of
the  dissenting  shareholder's  own estimate of the fair value of the dissenting
shareholder's  shares and amount of interest due and either  demand  payment for
the dissenting shareholder's estimate, less any payment made by Zions, or reject
Zions'  offer  and  demand   payment  of  the  fair  value  of  the   dissenting
shareholder's  shares  and  interest  due,  if: (i) the  dissenting  shareholder
believes that the amount paid by Zions or offered with respect to after-acquired
shares is less than the fair  value of the  dissenting  shareholder's  shares or
that the  interest  due is  incorrectly  calculated;  (ii)  Zions  fails to make
payment  within  sixty (60) days after the date set for  demanding  payment;  or
(iii) Zions, having failed to effectuate the Reorganization, does not return the
deposited  certificates or does not release the transfer restrictions imposed on
uncertificated  shares  within sixty (60) days after the date set for  demanding
payment.

         A  dissenting  shareholder  waives  the right to demand  payment as set
forth in the proceeding  paragraph  unless the dissenting  shareholder  notifies
Zions of the shareholder's demand in writing within thirty (30) days after Zions
made or offered payment for the dissenting shareholder's shares.

         If a dissenting shareholder's demand for payment remains unsettled, the
Act  requires  Zions to  commence  a  proceeding  within  sixty  (60) days after
receiving  the payment  demand and to petition the court to  determine  the fair
value of the  shares  and  accrued  interest.  If Zions  does not  commence  the
proceeding  within  the sixty  (60) day  period,  it shall  pay each  dissenting
shareholder  whose demand  remains  unsettled  the amount  demanded by each such
dissenting  shareholder.  Zions  must  commence  the action in the court in Yuma
County, make all dissenting  shareholders,  whether or not residents of Arizona,
whose  demands  remain  unsettled,  parties  to the  proceeding  as in an action
against their shares, and serve all such dissenting  shareholders with a copy of
the petition. The jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is commenced
is plenary and exclusive and there is no right to trial by jury.

         The court in an appraisal  proceeding  will  determine all costs of the
proceeding  and assess those costs  against  Zions,  except that the court shall
assess costs against all or some of the  dissenting  shareholders  to the extent
the

                                     - 34 -

<PAGE>


court finds that the fair value does not materially exceed the amount offered by
Zions or that the dissenting shareholders acted arbitrarily,  vexatiously or not
in good  faith in  demanding  payment.  The court may also  assess  the fees and
expenses of  attorneys  and experts  for the  respective  parties in amounts the
court finds  equitable  to the extent set forth in Chapter 13,  Article 3 of the
Act. If the court determines that the services of an attorney for any dissenting
shareholder  were  of  substantial  benefit  to  other  dissenting  shareholders
similarly situated,  that court may award to these attorneys  reasonable fees to
be paid out of the  amounts  awarded  to the  dissenting  shareholders  who were
benefitted.

         SOUTHERN ARIZONA  SHAREHOLDERS  WISHING TO EXERCISE  DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT  THEIR OWN COUNSEL TO ENSURE THAT THEY FULLY AND PROPERLY
COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ARIZONA LAW.


Restrictions on Resales by Southern Arizona Affiliates

         The shares of Zions Common Stock  issuable in the  Reorganization  have
been  registered  under the  Securities  Act, and such shares will  generally be
freely tradable by the Southern Arizona shareholders who receive Zions shares as
a result  of the  Reorganization.  However,  this  registration  does not  cover
resales  by  Southern  Arizona  shareholders  who may be deemed to control or be
under common  control with  Southern  Arizona or Zions and who  therefore may be
deemed "affiliates" of Southern Arizona or Zions as that term is defined in Rule
144 under the  Securities  Act. Such  affiliates are not permitted to sell their
shares of Zions Common Stock acquired in the  Reorganization  except pursuant to
(i) an effective  registration  statement  under the Securities Act covering the
shares to be sold;  (ii) the conditions  contemplated by Rules 144 and 145 under
the Securities Act; or (iii) another applicable  exemption from the registration
requirements  of the  Securities  Act. The  management of Southern  Arizona will
notify those persons who it believes may be such affiliates.

Expenses

         Each  party to the Plan of  Reorganization  will pay its own  expenses,
including those of its own counsel,  accountants,  and tax advisors, incurred in
connection  with the Plan of  Reorganization.  Southern  Arizona  and Zions will
share the cost of printing and delivering this Proxy Statement/Prospectus to the
Southern  Arizona  shareholders.  Zions  will  pay  all  costs  attributable  to
registering its stock issuable pursuant to this Proxy Statement/Prospectus under
federal and state securities laws.

Government Approvals

         Applications  for  approval  (or  requests  for  waiver of  application
requirements) of the Reorganization  must be made to, and approvals and consents
must be obtained from, appropriate federal and Arizona regulators, including the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System,  the Office of the Comptroller
of the Currency, and the Arizona State Banking Department. Submissions have been
made to each of these regulatory authorities. Federal law prohibits consummation
of the  Reorganization  until  30  days  after  the  approvals  of  the  federal
regulators  have been  obtained,  except that this period may be shortened to 15
days with the  concurrence of the Attorney  General of the United States.  There
can be no

                                     - 35 -

<PAGE>

assurance  that the Arizona or federal  regulatory  approvals or waivers will be
granted,  and if they are granted,  there can be no assurance as to the dates of
such  approvals or waivers.  Management  of Zions and  Southern  Arizona are not
presently  aware of any  reasonable  basis  for  regulatory  disapproval  of the
Reorganization.

Effective Date of the Reorganization

         It is  presently  anticipated  that if the  Plan of  Reorganization  is
approved by the shareholders of Southern Arizona, the Reorganization will become
effective  during  the  second  quarter  of  1996.   However,  as  noted  above,
consummation of the Reorganization is subject to the satisfaction of a number of
conditions,  some of which cannot be waived.  There can be no assurance that all
conditions to the Reorganization  will be satisfied or, if satisfied,  that they
will be  satisfied  in time to permit  the  Reorganization  to become  effective
during the second quarter of 1996. In addition,  as also noted above,  Zions and
Southern Arizona retain the power to abandon the Reorganization or to extend the
time for performance of conditions or obligations necessary to its consummation,
notwithstanding prior shareholder approval.

Accounting Treatment

         The Reorganization  will be accounted for as a "purchase" for financial
reporting  purposes.  Under this  method of  accounting,  Zions will  adjust the
assets and  liabilities  of  Southern  Arizona  to their  fair  values as of the
Effective  Date.  The purchase  price will be  allocated to assets  acquired and
liabilities  assumed  based upon their  estimated  fair values at the  Effective
Date.  Deferred tax assets and  liabilities  will be adjusted for the difference
between the tax basis of the assets and  liabilities  and their  estimated  fair
values.  Income of the  combined  company  will not include  income (or loss) of
Southern Arizona prior to the Effective Date.

Relationship Between Zions and Southern Arizona

         Neither   Zions  nor   Southern   Arizona  is  aware  of  any  material
relationship  between Zions, its directors or officers or their affiliates,  and
Southern Arizona, its directors or executive officers, except as contemplated by
the  Plan  of  Reorganization  or as  described  herein.  Southern  Arizona  has
determined  to redeem and prepay  its 8.75%  Senior  Notes Due July 1, 2000 (the
"Notes")  prior to the Effective Date of the  Reorganization.  All $2,500,000 of
the principal amount of the Notes are currently outstanding.  In connection with
the redemption and prepayment of the Notes, Southern Arizona has entered into an
agreement  with  Zions  whereby  Zions  will  loan  Southern  Arizona  an amount
sufficient  to  permit  Southern  Arizona  to pay  the  aggregate  principal  of
$2,500,000, as well as accrued but unpaid interest to the date of prepayment and
a prepayment  premium.  The terms and conditions of the loan  agreement  between
Southern Arizona and Zions are substantially similar to the terms and conditions
set forth in the  Notes.  Both the  redemption  and  prepayment  of the Notes by
Southern  Arizona and the loan by Zions to Southern  Arizona will be conditioned
upon an assessment of the likelihood of the  consummation of the  Reorganization
as of the date of prepayment.  In the ordinary  course of business and from time
to time,  Zions may enter into  banking  transactions  with  certain of Southern
Arizona's directors, executive officers and their affiliates.


                                     - 36 -

<PAGE>
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information

         The  following  unaudited  pro  forma  combined  financial  information
reflects the  application of the purchase  method of  accounting.  The following
table,  which shows  comparative  historical per Common Share data for Zions and
Southern Arizona  (separately and pro forma combined),  and equivalent pro forma
per share data for  Southern  Arizona,  should be read in  conjunction  with the
financial information appearing elsewhere in this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus or
as incorporated  herein by reference to other  documents.  The pro forma data in
the  table,  presented  as of and for the year  ended  December  31,  1995,  are
presented for comparative and illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily
indicative  of the combined  financial  position or results of operations in the
future or what the combined  financial  position or results of operations  would
have been had the  Reorganization  been consummated  during the periods or as of
the dates for which the information in the table is presented:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Historical                              Pro Forma
                                              -------------------------              ----------------------------
                                                                                     Zions
                                                                                     and Southern      Southern
                                                                                     Arizona           Arizona
                                                                Southern             Pro-Forma         Equivalent
Per Common Share                              Zions             Arizona              Combined(4)       Pro-Forma(5)
- ----------------                              -----             -------              -----------       ------------
<S>                                           <C>                 <C>                  <C>                <C>  
NET INCOME (1)
 For the year ended
 December 31, 1995                            $ 5.53              $1.58                $ 5.41             $1.51

CASH DIVIDENDS(2)
 For the year ended
 December 31, 1995                            $ 1.41              $ .36                $ 1.41             $ .39

BOOK VALUE:(3)
 As of December 31, 1995                      $29.44              $7.00                $30.33             $8.46

- ----------------------
<FN>
(1)      Net Income  per share is based on  weighted  average  common and common
         equivalent shares outstanding.
(2)      Pro forma cash dividends represent historical cash dividends of Zions.
(3)      Book  value  per  common  share is based on total  period-end  of Zions
         shareholders' equity.
(4)      Pro forma  combined  net income  per share  represents  historical  net
         income of Zions and Southern  Arizona  adjusted for expenses related to
         prepayment  of  $2,500,000,  8.75%  Senior  Notes of  Southern  Arizona
         Bancorp Inc.  and  amortization  of goodwill  resulting  from  purchase
         accounting computed using historical weighted average common and common
         equivalent  shares of Zions  adjusted  by  computed  common  and common
         equivalent shares to be issued in the purchase. Pro forma combined book
         value per share  represents  historical total  shareholders'  equity of
         Zions  adjusted  by  the  purchase  price  less  expenses   related  to
         prepayment of Senior Notes and amortization of goodwill  resulting from
         purchase  accounting  computed  using Zions'  historical  common shares
         outstanding  adjusted  by  computed  common  shares to be issued in the
         purchase.  
(5)      Pro forma equivalent  amounts are computed by multiplying the pro forma
         combined  amounts by the estimated  exchange  ratio as of April __ 1996
         and assume a Benchmark  Price of $_____,  an Average  Closing  Price of
         $_____ as of April __,  1996,  and a  resulting  exchange  ratio of ___
         shares of Zions Common Stock for each share of Southern  Arizona Common
         Stock.
</FN>
</TABLE>
                           SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

         The information  contained in this section  summarizes  portions of the
applicable  laws and  regulations  relating to the supervision and regulation of
Zions and its subsidiaries.  These summaries do not purport to be complete,  and
they are qualified in their entirety by reference to the particular statutes and
regulations described.

Zions

         Zions is a bank holding  company within the meaning of the Bank Holding
Company Act and is registered as such with the Federal Reserve Board.  Under the
current terms of that Act, Zions' activities, and those of companies which it

                                     - 37 -


<PAGE>

controls or in which it holds more than 5% of the voting  stock,  are limited to
banking or managing or controlling banks or furnishing services to or performing
services for its  subsidiaries,  or any other activity which the Federal Reserve
Board  determines to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling
banks as to be a proper incident  thereto.  In making such  determinations,  the
Federal  Reserve Board is required to consider  whether the  performance of such
activities  by a bank holding  company or its  subsidiaries  can  reasonably  be
expected  to  produce  benefits  to the  public  such  as  greater  convenience,
increased  competition  or gains in efficiency  that outweigh  possible  adverse
effects,  such  as  undue  concentration  of  resources,   decreased  or  unfair
competition, conflicts of interest or unsound banking practices.

         Bank  holding  companies,  such as Zions,  are required to obtain prior
approval  of the  Federal  Reserve  Board to  engage in any new  activity  or to
acquire more than 5% of any class of voting  stock of any  company.  Pursuant to
the Riegle-Neal  Interstate  Branching and Efficiency Act of 1994  ("Riegle-Neal
Act"),  subject to approval by the Federal Reserve Board, bank holding companies
are  authorized  acquire  either  control of, or  substantial  assets of, a bank
located outside the bank holding  company's home state.  These  acquisitions are
subject  to  limitations,   the  most  significant  of  which  include  adequate
capitalization  and management of the acquiring bank holding company,  existence
of the acquired bank for up to five years before  purchase  where required under
state law,  existence of state laws that condition  acquisitions on institutions
making assets available to a  "state-sponsored  housing entity,"  limitations on
control by the acquiring bank holding  company of not more than 10% of the total
amount of deposits in insured  depository  institutions  in the United States or
not more than 30% of the deposits in insured depository institutions within that
state.  States may impose lower deposit  concentration  limits, so long as those
limits  apply  to all  bank  holding  companies  equally.  The  Riegle-Neal  Act
reaffirms  the right of  states to  segregate  and tax  separately  incorporated
subsidiaries of a bank or bank holding company. The Riegle-Neal Act also affects
interstate branching and mergers. See "Interstate Banking" below.

         The Federal Reserve Board is authorized to adopt regulations  affecting
various aspects of bank holding companies.  Pursuant to the general  supervisory
authority  of the Bank  Holding  Company  Act and  directives  set  forth in the
International  Lending  Supervision  Act of 1983, the Federal  Reserve Board has
adopted capital adequacy guidelines prescribing both risk-based capital and
leverage ratios.

Regulatory Capital Requirements

         Risk-Based  Capital  Guidelines.  The Federal Reserve Board established
risk- based capital  guidelines for bank holding  companies  effective March 15,
1989.  The guidelines  define Tier 1 Capital and Total  Capital.  Tier 1 Capital
consists of common and qualifying  preferred  shareholders'  equity and minority
interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less goodwill and 50%
(and in some cases up to 100%) of  investment  in  unconsolidated  subsidiaries.
Total Capital consists of Tier 1 Capital plus qualifying  mandatory  convertible
debt,  perpetual debt,  certain hybrid capital  instruments,  certain  preferred
stock not qualifying as Tier 1 Capital,  subordinated  and other qualifying term
debt up to specified  limits,  and a portion of the allowance for credit losses,
less  investments  in  unconsolidated   subsidiaries  and  in  other  designated
subsidiaries  or other  associated  companies at the  discretion  of the Federal
Reserve Board,

                                     - 38 -

<PAGE>


certain  intangible  assets,  a  portion  of  limited-life  capital  instruments
approaching maturity and reciprocal holdings of banking  organizations'  capital
instruments.  The Tier 1 component  must  constitute  at least 50% of qualifying
Total Capital.

         Risk-based   capital   ratios  are   calculated   with   reference   to
risk-weighted  assets, which include both on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet
exposures. The risk-based capital framework contains four risk weight categories
for  bank  holding  company  assets  -- 0%,  20%,  50% and  100%.  Zero  percent
risk-weighted  assets  include,  generally,  cash and  balances due from Federal
Reserve Banks and obligations  unconditionally guaranteed by the U.S. government
or its agencies. Twenty percent risk-weighted assets include,  generally, claims
on U.S. Banks and obligations  guaranteed by U.S. government  sponsored agencies
as well as general obligations of states or other political  subdivisions of the
United States.  Fifty percent  risk-weighted  assets include,  generally,  loans
fully  secured by first  liens on  one-to-four  family  residential  properties,
subject  to  certain  conditions.  All  assets  not  included  in the  foregoing
categories are assigned to the 100% risk-weighted  category,  including loans to
commercial and other borrowers.  As of year-end 1992, the minimum required ratio
for  qualifying  Total  Capital  became 8%, of which at least 4% must consist of
Tier 1 Capital.  At December 31, 1995,  Zions' Tier 1 and Total  Capital  ratios
were 11.38% and 14.23% respectively.

         The current  risk-based  capital  ratio  analysis  establishes  minimum
supervisory guidelines and standards. It does not evaluate all factors affecting
an organization's  financial condition.  Factors which are not evaluated include
(i) overall  interest rate exposure;  (ii) liquidity,  funding and market risks;
(iii)  quality  and  level  of  earnings;  (iv)  investment  or  loan  portfolio
concentrations;  (v) quality of loans and investments; (vi) the effectiveness of
loan and investment  policies;  (vii) certain risks arising from  nontraditional
activities; and (viii) management's overall ability to monitor and control other
financial and operating risks,  including the risks presented by  concentrations
of credit and  nontraditional  activities.  The capital  adequacy  assessment of
federal  bank  regulators  will,  however,  continue to include  analyses of the
foregoing  considerations  and in particular,  the level and severity of problem
and classified assets.


                                     - 39 -

<PAGE>


          The following table presents  Zions'  regulatory  capital  position at
December 31, 1995 under the  risk-based  capital  guidelines  and as adjusted to
give effect to the offering of its stock in the Reorganization.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                Risk-Based Capital

                                                              Zions                                  Pro Forma Combined
                                                      ---------------------------                  ----------------------------
                                                                            (Dollars in thousands)

                                                                          Percent                                       Percent
                                                                          of Risk-                                      of Risk-
                                                                          Adjusted                                      Adjusted
                                                       Amount              Assets                    Amount              Assets
                                                       ------              ------                    ------              ------

<S>                                                  <C>                     <C>                   <C>                   <C>   
Tier 1 Capital...................................    $ 370,931               11.38%                $  379,815            11.33%
Minimum Requirement..............................      130,340                4.00                    134,103             4.00
                                                     ---------             -------                 ----------            -----
  Excess.........................................    $ 240,591                7.38%                $  245,712             7.33%
                                                     =========             =======                 ==========            =====

Total Capital....................................    $ 463,593               14.23%                $  473,669            14.13%
Minimum Requirement..............................      260,679                8.00                    268,206             8.00
                                                     ---------             -------                 ----------            -----
  Excess.........................................    $ 202,914                6.23%                $  205,463             6.13%
                                                     =========             =======                 ==========            =====

Risk-Adjusted Assets,
  net of goodwill, excess deferred
  tax assets and excess allowance................    $3,258,488             100.00%                $3,352,576            100.00%
                                                     ==========            =======                 ==========            ======
</TABLE>


Minimum  Leverage  Ratio. On June 20, 1990 the Federal Reserve Board adopted new
capital  standards  and  leverage  capital  guidelines  that  include  a minimum
leverage ratio of 3% Tier 1 Capital to total assets (the "leverage ratio").  The
leverage ratio is used in tandem with the final risk-based ratio of 8% that took
effect at the end of 1992.

         The  Federal  Reserve  Board has  emphasized  that the  leverage  ratio
constitutes a minimum  requirement  for well-run  banking  organizations  having
well-  diversified  risk,  including no undue interest rate exposure,  excellent
asset quality, high liquidity,  good earnings, and a composite rating of 1 under
the  Interagency  Bank Rating  System.  Banking  organizations  experiencing  or
anticipating  significant  growth, as well as those  organizations  which do not
exhibit the characteristics of a strong, well-run banking organization described
above, will be required to maintain strong capital positions substantially above
the minimum  supervisory  levels  without  significant  reliance  on  intangible
assets.  Furthermore,  the  Federal  Reserve  Board has  indicated  that it will
consider a "tangible Tier I Capital Leverage Ratio"  (deducting all intangibles)
and other indices of capital  strength in evaluating  proposals for expansion or
new activities.

         The following table presents Zions' leverage ratio at December 31, 1995
as adjusted to give effect to the offering of its common  stock made  hereby.  A
leverage  ratio of 3% will be the minimum  required  for the most  highly  rated
banking organizations, and according to the Federal Reserve Board, other banking
organizations would be expected to maintain capital at higher levels.


                                     - 40 -

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Zions                                Pro Forma Combined
                                                      ---------------------------               -----------------------------
                                                                          (Dollars in thousands)
               
                                                                          Percent                                     Percent
                                                                        of Average                                  of Average
                                                                        Assets, Net                                 Assets, Net
                                                       Amount           of Goodwill              Amount             of Goodwill
                                                       ------           -----------              ------             -----------

<S>                                                  <C>                       <C>             <C>                         <C> 
Tier 1 Capital. . . . . . . . . . .                  $  370,931                6.28            $  379,815                  6.29

Minimum Requirement . . . . . . . .                     177,262                3.00               181,190                  3.00
                                                     ----------            ---------           ----------               -------

Excess. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                  $  193,669                3.28%           $  198,625                  3.29%
                                                     ==========            =========           ==========               ========

Average Assets, net of goodwill and
  deferred tax assets . . . . . . .                  $5,908,733              100.00%           $6,039,678                100.00%
                                                     ==========            =========           ==========               ========
</TABLE>


         Other Issues and Developments Relating to Regulatory Capital.  Pursuant
to  such  authority  and  directives  set  forth  in the  International  Lending
Supervision Act of 1983, the Comptroller, the FDIC and the Federal Reserve Board
have issued  regulations  establishing the capital  requirements for banks under
federal  law.  The  regulations,  which  apply to Zions'  banking  subsidiaries,
establish minimum risk-based and leverage ratios which are substantially similar
to those  applicable  to Zions.  As of December 31,  1995,  the  risk-based  and
leverage  ratios of each of Zions'  banking  subsidiaries  exceeded  the minimum
requirements.

         By Federal  Register  notice dated August 2, 1995, the Federal  Reserve
Board,  the  Comptroller and the FDIC sought public comment on a proposed policy
statement  pursuant to which a bank's  interest risk exposure  would be measured
utilizing a supervisory  model or approved  internal bank model,  but would also
take into account such factors as the quality of an institution's  interest rate
risk management,  internal controls and overall financial  condition,  including
earnings  capacity,  capital  base and the level of other risks which may impair
future  earnings  or  capital.  Unless  specifically  exempted,  banks  would be
required to submit  additional  information to their primary  federal  regulator
regarding the maturity,  repricing or price sensitivity of their various on- and
off-balance sheet instruments. The agencies expect that they will incorporate an
explicit  minimum  capital charge for interest rate risk (based in part on their
experience  in applying the proposed  policy  statement)  into their  risk-based
capital  standards.  Zions does not anticipate that the adoption of the proposed
policy  statement in its current form will result in a material  increase in the
capital  requirements  applicable to it.  However,  until the final terms of the
proposed  policy  statement  are known,  Zions cannot  predict the effect of its
implementation on the capital requirements applicable to it.

         On December 19, 1991, the Federal Deposit Insurance  Corporation Act of
1991  ("FDICIA") was signed into law. Among other changes to federal banking law
effected by the  legislation,  FDICIA amended  Section 38 of the Federal Deposit
Insurance  Act to  require  the  federal  banking  regulators  to  take  "prompt
corrective  action"  in  respect  of  banks  that do not  meet  minimum  capital
requirements  and imposes  certain  restrictions  upon banks which meet  minimum
capital  requirements  but are not "well  capitalized"  for  purposes of FDICIA.
FDICIA establishes five capital tiers: "well capitalized," "adequately

                                     - 41 -

<PAGE>

capitalized,"   "undercapitalized,"    "significantly   undercapitalized,"   and
"critically  undercapitalized."  Implementing regulations adopted by the federal
banking agencies in September 1992 and effective on December 19, 1992 define the
capital  categories  for banks which will  determine  the  necessity  for prompt
corrective  action by the federal  banking  agencies.  A bank may be placed in a
capitalization  category that is lower than is indicated by its capital position
if it  receives an  unsatisfactory  examination  rating with  respect to certain
matters.

         Failure to meet capital guidelines could subject a bank to a variety of
restrictions  and  enforcement  remedies.  Under  FDICIA,  all insured banks are
generally  prohibited  from  making any  capital  distributions  and from paying
management  fees to persons having control of the bank where such payments would
cause  the  bank to be  undercapitalized.  Holding  companies  of  significantly
undercapitalized, critically undercapitalized and certain undercapitalized banks
may be required  to obtain the  approval of the  Federal  Reserve  Board  before
paying capital distributions to their shareholders. Moreover, a bank that is not
well capitalized is generally subject to various  restrictions on "pass through"
insurance coverage for certain of its accounts and is generally  prohibited from
accepting  brokered  deposits  and  offering  interest  rates  on  any  deposits
significantly  higher  than the  prevailing  rate in its normal  market  area or
nationally  (depending  upon where the deposits are  solicited).  Such banks and
their holding companies are also required to obtain regulatory approval prior to
their retention of senior executive officers.

         Banks   which   are    classified    undercapitalized,    significantly
undercapitalized or critically  undercapitalized  are required to submit capital
restoration plans satisfactory to their federal banking regulator and guaranteed
within stated  limits by companies  having  control of such banks (i.e.,  to the
extent of the lesser of five  percent of the  institution's  total assets at the
time it became undercapitalized or the amount necessary to bring the institution
into  compliance  with  all  applicable  capital  standards  as of the  time the
institution  fails to  comply  with its  capital  restoration  plan,  until  the
institution is adequately capitalized on average during each of four consecutive
calendar  quarters),  and are  subject  to  regulatory  monitoring  and  various
restrictions  on their  operations and  activities,  including  those upon asset
growth, acquisitions,  branching and entry into new lines of business and may be
required  to  divest  themselves  of or  liquidate  subsidiaries  under  certain
circumstances.  Holding companies of such institutions may be required to divest
themselves  of  such   institutions   or  divest   themselves  of  or  liquidate
nondepository    affiliates    under    certain    circumstances.     Critically
undercapitalized  institutions  are also  prohibited  from  making  payments  of
principal and interest on debt  subordinated to the claims of general  creditors
as well as to the mandatory  appointment of a conservator or receiver  within 90
days of becoming critically  undercapitalized unless periodic determinations are
made by the  appropriate  federal  banking  agency,  with the concurrence of the
FDIC,  that  forbearance  from such action  would  better  protect the  affected
deposit insurance fund. Unless appropriate  findings and certifications are made
by the  appropriate  federal  banking agency with the concurrence of the FDIC, a
critically  undercapitalized  institution  must be placed in  receivership if it
remains  critically  undercapitalized  on average  during the  calendar  quarter
beginning 270 days after the date it became critically undercapitalized.


                                     - 42 -

<PAGE>


Other Regulatory and Supervisory Issues

         FDICIA  requires  the federal  banking  agencies  to adopt  regulations
prescribing  standards  for safety  and  soundness  of  insured  banks and their
holding   companies,   including   standards   relating  to  internal  controls,
information  systems,   internal  audit  systems,  loan  documentation,   credit
underwriting,  interest  rate  exposure,  asset growth,  compensation,  fees and
benefits,  asset  quality,  earnings  and  stock  valuation,  as well  as  other
operational and managerial standards deemed appropriate by the agencies.  Upon a
determination  by a federal  banking  agency that an insured  bank has failed to
satisfy any such standard,  the bank will be required to file an acceptable plan
to  correct  the  deficiency.  If the  bank  fails to  submit  or  implement  an
acceptable  plan, the federal  banking  agency may, and in some instances  must,
issue an order requiring the institution to correct the deficiency, restrict its
asset  growth or increase  its ratio of tangible  equity to assets,  or imposing
other operating  restrictions.  The Riegle Community  Development and Regulatory
Improvement  Act of 1994,  signed into law on  September  23, 1994 (the  "Riegle
Act"),  modified  this  provision  of FDICIA to  authorize  the federal  banking
agencies  to  prescribe  safety and  soundness  standards  by  regulation  or by
guidelines for all insured depository  institutions,  afford the federal banking
agencies  flexibility to establish  asset quality,  earnings and stock valuation
standards that they determine to be  appropriate  and eliminate the  requirement
that such standards apply to depository institution holding companies.

         On July 10,  1995,  the federal  banking  agencies  published  proposed
guidelines  setting  forth  standards  for asset  quality  and  earnings,  final
guidelines with respect to other safety and soundness  standards  required under
FDICIA and a final rule establishing deadlines and procedures for submission and
review of safety and  soundness  compliance  plans and  issuance  of  compliance
orders.  In the view of the federal banking  agencies,  neither the proposed nor
the final  standards  represents  a change in existing  policies  but,  instead,
formalizes  fundamental  standards already applied by the agencies.  In general,
the standards  establish  objectives of proper  operations and management  while
leaving the specific methods for achieving those objectives to each institution.
The  final  rule also  implements  the  requirements  of  FDICIA  regarding  the
submission and review of safety and soundness plans by  institutions  failing to
meet the prescribed standards and the issuance of orders where institutions have
failed to submit  acceptable  compliance  plans or implement an accepted plan in
any material  respect.  Zions does not believe that  implementation of the final
guidelines  and rule will have a material  adverse effect upon the operations or
earnings of its bank  subsidiaries.  Until final  guidelines  prescribing  asset
quality and  earnings  standards  are adopted by the federal  banking  agencies,
Zions  cannot  predict  the effect of their  application  to its  operations  or
earnings or the operations or earnings of its subsidiaries.

         FDICIA also contains  provisions  which,  among other things,  restrict
investments  and  activities  as  principal  by state  nonmember  banks to those
eligible for national  banks,  impose  limitations  on deposit  account  balance
determinations  for the purpose of the calculation of interest,  and require the
federal  banking  regulators  to  prescribe,   implement  or  modify  standards,
respectively,  for  extensions  of credit  secured by liens on interests in real
estate or made for the purpose of financing  construction of a building or other
improvements to real estate, loans to bank insiders,  regulatory  accounting and
reports, internal control reports, independent audits, exposure on interbank

                                     - 43 -

<PAGE>
liabilities,  contractual  arrangements under which institutions  receive goods,
products or services,  deposit  account-related  disclosures  and advertising as
well as to impose  restrictions on federal reserve  discount window advances for
certain  institutions  and  to  require  that  insured  depository  institutions
generally be examined  on-site by federal or state personnel at least once every
12 months.

         In  connection  with  an  institutional  failure  or FDIC  rescue  of a
financial  institution,   the  Financial  Institutions  Reform,   Recovery,  and
Enforcement  Act of 1989  ("FIRREA")  grants  to the  FDIC  the  right,  in many
situations,  to  charge  its  actual  or  anticipated  losses  against  commonly
controlled   depository   institution   affiliates  of  the  failed  or  rescued
institution  (although not against a bank holding company  itself).  FIRREA also
explicitly  allows bank holding companies to acquire healthy as well as troubled
savings  associations  (including  savings  and loan  associations  and  federal
savings  banks)  without  geographic  restriction  under  Section  4 of the Bank
Holding Company Act. In connection with this authorization,  the Federal Reserve
Board  has  been   instructed  not  to  impose   so-called   "tandem   operating
restrictions"   which  might  otherwise  limit  the  joint  marketing  or  joint
operations of affiliated banks and thrifts beyond those  restrictions  otherwise
embodied in law.  FIRREA also relieves bank holding  companies  that own savings
associations  of certain  duplicative  or  intrusive  savings  and loan  holding
company  regulations and, in some instances,  allows savings  associations  that
have been acquired by bank holding  companies to merge into affiliated  banks or
become banks themselves.

         The nature of the banking and financial services  industry,  as well as
banking  regulation,   may  be  further  affected  by  various  legislative  and
regulatory  measures currently under  consideration.  The most important of such
measures include legislation  designed to permit increased  affiliations between
commercial   and   financial   firms    (including    securities    firms)   and
federally-insured  banks,  reduce regulatory burdens on financial  institutions,
limit the  prerogative  of  federal  banking  regulators  to expand the range of
permissible  activities  for banks  (particularly  in the  field of  insurance),
eliminate or revise the features of the specialized savings association charter,
and establish  standards for federal  supervision of  derivatives  activities of
insured institutions.  It is impossible to predict whether or in what form these
proposals may be adopted in the future and, if adopted, what the effect of their
adoption will be on the Zions or its subsidiaries.

Deposit Insurance Assessments

         The insured bank  subsidiaries  of Zions are required to pay semiannual
deposit insurance assessments to the BIF. Pursuant to a directive in FDICIA, the
FDIC revised its deposit  insurance  regulation,  effective  October 1, 1993, to
establish a permanent  risk-based  assessment  system.  Under this system,  each
insured bank's  insurance  assessment  rate is determined by the risk assessment
classification  into which it has been placed by the FDIC.  The FDIC places each
insured bank in one of nine risk assessment classifications based upon its level
of capital and  supervisory  evaluations by its regulators:  "well  capitalized"
banks,  "adequately  capitalized"  banks or "less than  adequately  capitalized"
banks, with each category of banks divided into subcategories of banks which are
either  "healthy,"  of  "supervisory  concern"  or of  "substantial  supervisory
concern."


                                     - 44 -


<PAGE>
         Until May 31, 1995, the FDIC deposit insurance  regulation  established
an eight basis point spread  between the  assessment  rate  established  for the
highest and lowest risk classification, so that banks classified as strongest by
the FDIC were subject to a rate of .23% while those classified as weakest by the
FDIC were subject to a rate of .31% (with  intermediate  rates of .26%, .29% and
 .30%).  On August 8, 1995, in  recognition  of the  achievement  by the BIF of a
target reserve ratio of 1.25% of insured deposits  mandated by FDICIA,  the FDIC
adopted a new assessment  schedule,  applied  retroactively  as of June 1, 1995,
providing for an assessment rate range of up to .31% (with intermediate rates of
 .07%,  .14%, .21% and .28%,  depending upon an  institution's  supervisory  risk
group).  (The revised  regulation  also  established  a procedure  for adjusting
assessment  rates  semiannually  within a range up to five basis points  without
seeking  public  comment.) The FDIC acted on November 14, 1995 to further reduce
BIF assessment rates,  effective for the semiannual period commencing on January
1, 1996 and ending on June 30, 1996.  The rate schedule  adopted  establishes an
assessment rate range of 0% to .27% (with intermediate rates of .03%, .10%, .17%
and .24%,  depending upon an institution's  supervisory risk group) subject to a
minimum  assessment of $1,000 per  semiannual  period.  The FDIC also  possesses
authority to impose special assessments from time to time. Implementation of the
permanent  risk-based deposit insurance assessment system has not had a material
adverse impact on the financial  condition or results of operations of the Zions
or upon those of its bank subsidiaries.

         The FDIC is also  considering  whether  the  deposit  assessment  base,
against which the applicable  assessment  rate is multiplied in determining  the
deposit insurance assessment to be paid by each insured  institution,  should be
redefined  in light of the  adoption  of the  risk-based  assessment  system and
certain  statutory  and  other   developments   effecting   insured   depository
institutions.  Currently,  the  assessment  base is defined to include the total
domestic deposits of each insured  institution as adjusted for certain elements.
Depending  upon  the  nature  of the  changes,  if any,  made by the FDIC to the
definition of the  assessment  base,  the aggregate  liabilities of each insured
institution  subject to  assessment  could  increase or could be reduced,  or an
assessment  base  consisting  of other than bank  liabilities  could be adopted,
thereby potentially affecting the earnings of each institution. Until the nature
of the changes to be adopted by the FDIC to the assessment  base  definition are
known, Zions cannot predict their effect upon its overall financial condition or
results of operations or upon those of its bank subsidiaries.

Interstate Banking

         Existing  laws  and  various   regulatory   developments  have  allowed
financial  institutions to conduct significant activities on an interstate basis
for a number of years.  During recent years, a number of financial  institutions
have expanded their out-of-state  activities and various states and the Congress
have  enacted   legislation   intended  to  allow  certain   interstate  banking
combinations.

         The Riegle-Neal Act dramatically affects interstate banking activities.
As discussed previously, the Riegle-Neal Act allows the Federal Reserve Board to
approve the  acquisition  by a bank  holding  company of control or  substantial
assets  of a bank  located  outside  the  bank  holding  company's  home  state.
Beginning on June 1, 1997, and earlier if permitted by applicable  state law, an
insured bank may apply to the appropriate federal agency for permission to merge
with an out-of-state bank and convert its offices into branches of the resulting

                                     - 45 -

<PAGE>


bank. States retain the option to prohibit  out-of-state mergers if they enact a
statute  specifically  barring  such  mergers  before  June 1, 1997 and such law
applies equally to all out-of-state banks.

         Interstate  mergers  authorized by the  Riegle-Neal  Act are subject to
conditions and  requirements,  the most  significant  of which include  adequate
capitalization  and  management of the acquiring  bank or bank holding  company,
existence  of the  acquired  bank for up to five  years  before  purchase  where
required  under state law,  and  limitations  on control by the  acquiring  bank
holding  company of not more than 10% of the total amount of deposits in insured
depository  institutions  in the  United  States  or not  more  than  30% of the
deposits in insured depository institutions within that state. States may impose
lower deposit  concentration  limits,  so long as those limits apply to all bank
holding companies  equally.  Additional  requirements  placed on mergers include
conformity  with state law  branching  requirements  and  compliance  with "host
state" merger filing  requirements to the extent that those  requirements do not
discriminate against out-of-state banks or out-of-state bank holding companies.

         The  Riegle-Neal  Act also permits banks to establish and operate a "de
novo  branch" in any state that  expressly  permits  all  out-of-state  banks to
establish  de novo  branches  in such state,  if the law applies  equally to all
banks.  (A "de novo branch" is a branch  office of a national bank or state bank
that is  originally  established  as a branch  and does not become a branch as a
result of an acquisition,  conversion, merger, or consolidation.) Utilization of
this  authority  is  conditioned  upon  satisfaction  of most of the  conditions
applicable to interstate  mergers under the Riegle-Neal Act,  including adequate
capitalization  and management of the branching  institution,  satisfaction with
certain  filing and notice  requirements  imposed under state law and receipt of
federal regulatory approvals.

         Because important components of the Riegle-Neal Act have not yet become
effective, Zions cannot predict the effects of the Act's implementation upon its
operations or earnings or upon those of its subsidiaries.

NBA

         NBA,  as a  national  bank,  is  subject  to the  supervision  of,  and
regulation and examination by, the Comptroller. Deposits, reserves, investments,
loans,  consumer law compliance,  issuance of securities,  payment of dividends,
mergers and consolidations,  electronic funds transfers,  management  practices,
and other aspects of NBA's operations are subject to regulation. The approval of
the Comptroller is required for the  establishment of additional  branch offices
by NBA, subject to applicable state law restrictions.

         NBA is a member of the Federal Reserve System,  and the deposits of NBA
are insured by the FDIC.  Accordingly,  NBA is subject to certain regulations of
the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC as well as those of the Comptroller. Some
of the aspects of the  lending  and deposit  business of NBA that are subject to
regulation  by  the  Federal  Reserve  Board  or  the  FDIC  include  disclosure
requirements  in  connection  with  personal  and  mortgage  loans,  interest on
deposits,  and reserve  requirements.  In  addition,  NBA is subject to numerous
federal,  state,  and  local  laws and  regulations  which  set  forth  specific
restrictions  and  procedural  requirements  with  respect to the  extension  of
credit,

                                     - 46 -

<PAGE>


credit practices, the disclosure of credit terms, and discrimination in credit
transactions.

         As a consequence of the extensive  regulation of the commercial banking
business in the United States,  the business of NBA is particularly  susceptible
of being affected by federal and state  legislation and  regulations,  which may
increase the cost of doing business.

                                 MONETARY POLICY

         The earnings of Zions, NBA, Southern Arizona, and the Bank are directly
affected by the  monetary  and fiscal  policies of the  federal  government  and
governmental  agencies. The Federal Reserve Board has broad powers to expand and
constrict the supply of money and credit and to regulate the reserves  which its
member banks must  maintain  based on  deposits.  These broad powers are used to
influence the growth of bank loans, investments and deposits, and may affect the
interest  rates which will prevail in the market for loans and  investments  and
deposits.  Governmental  and Federal Reserve Board monetary  policies have had a
significant  effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and
are  expected to do so in the future.  The future  impact of such  policies  and
practices on the growth or profitability of Zions, NBA,  Southern  Arizona,  and
the Bank cannot be predicted.


                   INFORMATION CONCERNING ZIONS BANCORPORATION

Selected Financial Data

         The following unaudited table of selected financial data should be read
in conjunction  with the related notes included  herein and Zions'  consolidated
financial  statements  and the related notes thereto  incorporated  by reference
herein. See "Zions Documents Incorporated by Reference."

                                     - 47 -

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ZIONS BANCORPORATION
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

(Dollars in thousands, except per share and ratio data)
                                                                                 As of, and for the
                                                                               Year Ended December 31,
                                                     --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                1995         1994          1993           1992            1991
                                                                ----         ----          ----           ----            ----
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>           <C>            <C>             <C>        
EARNINGS SUMMARY
- ----------------
Taxable-equivalent net interest income                    $  232,417  $   203,313   $   178,636    $   160,854     $   142,614
Net interest income                                          227,094      198,606       174,657        157,282         139,871
Noninterest income                                            86,714       73,202        79,880         62,849          52,456
Provision for loan losses                                      2,800        2,181         2,993         10,929          25,561
Noninterest expenses (1)                                     188,730      174,900       167,750        139,069         122,999
Income taxes                                                  40,950       30,900        27,248         22,924          13,318
Income before cumulative effect of changes
     in accounting principles                                 81,328       63,827        56,546         47,209          30,449
Cumulative effect of changes in
     accounting principles (2)                                     -            -         1,659              -               -
Net income                                                    81,328       63,827        58,205         47,209          30,449

COMMON STOCK DATA 
- ------------------
Earnings per common share:
Income before cumulative effect of
     changes in accounting principles                   $       5.53 $       4.37  $       3.96   $       3.42    $       2.23
Net income                                                      5.53         4.37          4.08           3.42            2.23
Dividends paid per share                                        1.41         1.16           .98            .75             .72
Dividend payout ratio (%)                                     25.27%       27.06%        21.81%         20.31%          29.89%
Book value per share at year end                               29.44        25.12         22.01          18.95           16.23
Market to book value at year end (%)                         272.59%      142.83%       168.11%        200.53%         132.47%
Weighted average common and common
     equivalent shares outstanding during the year        14,717,000   14,601,000    14,280,000     13,790,000      13,634,000
Common shares outstanding at year end                     14,555,920   14,559,552    14,201,367     13,727,544      13,603,812

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET DATA
- --------------------------
Money market investments                                  $  936,846  $   869,709   $   788,694    $   469,062     $   670,584
Securities                                                 1,632,253    1,545,704     1,209,165        927,976         702,027
Loan and leases, net                                       2,599,071    2,574,995     2,222,182      2,104,679       1,875,928
Total interest-earning assets                              5,168,170    4,990,408     4,220,041      3,501,717       3,248,539
Total assets                                               5,658,690    5,456,613     4,643,918      3,807,832       3,536,809
Interest-bearing deposits                                  3,021,060    2,744,976     2,449,275      2,356,384       2,219,341
Total deposits                                             3,858,271    3,583,094     3,178,926      2,912,860       2,701,131
FHLB advances and other borrowings                           114,270      151,164       195,097        128,856         154,564
Long-term debt                                                57,506       59,493        75,623         82,219          86,967
Total interest-bearing liabilities                         4,320,229    4,197,865     3,556,746      2,962,079       2,792,239
Shareholders' equity                                         397,268      339,181       286,331        240,411         208,729

YEAR END BALANCE SHEET DATA
- ---------------------------
Money market investments                                  $  687,251  $   403,446   $   597,680    $   616,180     $   714,238
Securities                                                 1,540,489    1,663,433     1,258,939        981,695         852,861
Loans and leases, net                                      2,806,956    2,391,278     2,486,346      2,107,433       1,979,726
Allowance for loan losses                                     67,555       67,018        68,461         59,807          58,238
Total assets                                               5,620,646    4,934,095     4,801,054      4,107,924       3,883,938
Total deposits                                             4,097,114    3,705,976     3,432,289      3,075,110       2,877,860
FHLB advances and other borrowings                           101,084      127,319       288,249        205,222         203,685
Long-term debt                                                56,229       58,182        59,587         99,223          81,134
Shareholders' equity                                         428,506      365,770       312,592        260,070         220,753

</TABLE>





                                     - 48 -

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 As of, and for the
                                                                               Year Ended December 31,
                                                     --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                1995         1994          1993           1992            1991
                                                                ----         ----          ----           ----            ----
<S>                                                          <C>      <C>           <C>            <C>             <C>        
Nonperforming assets:
     Nonaccrual loans                                        $ 7,438  $    13,635   $    23,364    $    21,556     $    33,497
     Restructured loans                                          249          567         4,006          4,003           3,225
     Other real estate owned and other
          nonperforming assets                                 1,609        4,741         3,267          5,971           9,938
     Total nonperforming assets                                9,296       18,943        30,637         31,530          46,660
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more                        5,232        3,041        10,821          6,409           5,315

SELECTED RATIOS
Net interest margin (3)                                        4.50%        4.07%         4.23%          4.59%           4.39%
Return on average assets                                       1.44%        1.17%         1.25%          1.24%            .86%
Return on average common equity                               20.47%       18.82%        20.33%         19.64%          14.59%
Ratio of average common equity to average assets               7.02%        6.22%         6.17%          6.31%           5.90%
Tier I risk-based capital - year end                          11.38%       11.81%        10.85%         10.23%           8.40%
Total risk-based capital - year end                           14.23%       14.96%        14.12%         15.13%          12.09%
Leverage ratio - year end                                      6.28%        6.24%         5.44%          6.21%           5.86%
Ratio of nonperforming assets to total
     assets - year end                                          .17%         .38%          .64%           .77%           1.20%
Ratio of nonperforming assets to net loans and
     leases and other real estate owned and
     other nonperforming assets at year end                     .33%         .79%         1.23%          1.49%           2.35%
Ratio of net charge-offs (recoveries) to average
     loans and leases                                           .10%         .19%        (.23)%           .44%           1.51%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to net loans
     and leases outstanding at year end                        2.41%        2.80%         2.75%          2.84%           2.94%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to
     nonperforming loans at year end                         878.82%      471.89%       250.13%        234.00%         158.59%


<FN>
(1)   Noninterest  expenses  for the year ended  December  31,  1993  included a
      one-time  expense of $6,022,000  in the first quarter of 1993,  related to
      the early extinguishment of debt which was necessitated by the decision in
      March 1993, to notify holders of floating rate notes totaling  $37,450,000
      and industrial  revenue bonds totaling  $4,720,000  that the debt would be
      redeemed  during the second  quarter of 1993.  The  expense  consisted  of
      marking to market an interest rate exchange agreement entered into several
      years ago in conjunction  with the issuance of the floating rate notes and
      writing off  deferred  costs  associated  with the notes and bonds.  Early
      redemption of the bonds and notes in the second  quarter of 1993,  allowed
      Zions Bancorporation to avail itself of lower cost funding.

(2)   Cumulative  effect of changes in accounting  principles for the year ended
      December  31,  1993  resulted  from the  cumulative  effect of  changes in
      accounting  principles  in the first  quarter  of 1993,  arising  from the
      adoption  as of January 1, 1993,  of  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting
      Standards  (SFAS)  No.  106,  "Employers'  Accounting  for  Postretirement
      Benefits Other than  Pensions," and SFAS No. 109,  "Accounting  for Income
      Taxes." The election of immediate  recognition  of the  cumulative  effect
      (transition   obligation)   of  such  change  in  accounting   method  for
      postretirement  benefit  other than  pensions  of SFAS No.  106  decreased
      pretax  and   after-tax   net  income  by   $5,760,000   and   $3,631,000,
      respectively. In addition to the $2,129,000 deferred tax benefit resulting
      from the  adoption  of SFAS No.  106,  the  election to apply SFAS No. 109
      prospectively  and not restate  prior years  resulted in net  deferred tax
      benefits  of  $5,290,000  for the  expected  future  tax  consequences  of
      temporary  differences  between the carrying  amounts and the tax bases of
      other assets and liabilities.

(3)   Net interest margin represents net interest income on a taxable-equivalent
      basis as a percentage of average earning assets.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                     - 49 -

<PAGE>


Stock Prices and Dividends on Zions Common Stock

         Zions Common Stock is traded in the  over-the-counter  market under the
symbol "ZION" and is listed in the NASDAQ National Market System.  The following
table sets forth the high and low bid  quotations for Zions Common Stock for the
periods  indicated,  in each case as reported by NASDAQ,  and the cash dividends
per share declared on Zions Common Stock for such periods. Such over-the-counter
market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down
or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Quarterly Bid      
                                                                      Price Range                  Cash
                                                               ------------------------          Dividends
                                                                 High             Low            Declared
                                                                 ----             ---            --------
<S>                                                            <C>             <C>                 <C>  
1993
First Quarter...........................                       $49.00          $41.50              $ .21
Second Quarter..........................                        48.75           38.50                .21
Third Quarter...........................                        44.25           38.50                .28
Fourth Quarter..........................                        45.50           36.00                .28
                                                                                                   -----
                                                                                                   $ .98
                                                                                                   =====
1994
First Quarter...........................                       $39.75          $36.50              $ .28
Second Quarter..........................                        42.00           37.00                .28
Third Quarter...........................                        40.63           38.50                .30
Fourth Quarter..........................                        39.25           33.50                .30
                                                                                                   -----
                                                                                                   $1.16
                                                                                                   =====
1995
First Quarter...........................                       $40.50          $35.50              $ .30
Second Quarter..........................                        50.00           38.13                .35
Third Quarter...........................                        61.50           49.50                .35
Fourth Quarter..........................                        81.13           60.88                .41
                                                                                                   -----
                                                                                                   $1.41
                                                                                                   =====

1996
First Quarter
  (through March 31, 1996)..............                       $_____          $______             $___
</TABLE>


         On January 16,  1996,  the last NASDAQ  trading day prior to the public
announcement of the Reorganization,  the closing sale price for the Zions Common
Stock was $66.75.  On April __, 1996,  the date this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus
was sent to the printers,  the closing sale price for the Zions Common Stock was
$_____.  On February 27, 1996,  there were  approximately  14,500,299  shares of
Zions Common Stock  outstanding,  held by  approximately  3,889  shareholders of
record.

         While Zions is not  obligated  to pay cash  dividends,  Zions' Board of
Directors  presently  intends to continue  the policy of paying  quarterly  cash
dividends.  Future  dividends  will  depend,  in  part,  upon the  earnings  and
financial condition of Zions.


                                     - 50 -

<PAGE>


Principal Holders of Zions Common Stock

         The following  table sets forth as of February 27, 1996, the record and
beneficial  ownership of Zions Common Stock by the principal common shareholders
of Zions.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        No. of        % of        % of Class After
Name and Address                             Type of Ownership          Shares        Class       Reorganization(4)
- ----------------                             -----------------          ------        -----       -----------------

<S>                                          <C>                        <C>          <C>               <C> 
Roy W. Simmons, David E. Simmons,            Record                      614,132      4.24%            ____%
  Harris H. Simmons, I.J. Wagner,
  and Louis H. Callister, Jr., as
  Voting Trustees(1)
         One Main Street
         Salt Lake City, Utah  84133

Roy W. Simmons                               Record and Beneficial       423,721      2.91%            ____%
         One Main Street                     Beneficial(2)               635,238      4.36%                %
                                                                       ---------      ----             ----
         Salt Lake City, Utah  84133                                   1,058,959      7.27%            ____%



Zions First National Bank                    Record(3)                 1,107,956      7.64%            ____%
         One Main Street
         Salt Lake City, Utah  84133

- ---------------------

<FN>
(1)      The voting  trust will  expire on  December  31,  1996,  unless  sooner
         terminated by a vote of two-thirds  of the shares  deposited  under the
         voting  trust.  The  voting  trustees,  three  of the  five of whom are
         directors  of Zions  and/or its  subsidiaries,  have  exclusive  voting
         rights with respect to the shares,  and have the further  right to sell
         any or all of the shares after  consultation with the beneficial owners
         as to their desires to such sale and the price thereof.  The beneficial
         owners may transfer their voting trust certificates, but are prohibited
         from selling any of the underlying  shares held by the voting  trustees
         without the consent of a majority of the voting trustees. The addresses
         of the voting  trustees are as follows:  Roy W.  Simmons,  1 South Main
         Street,  Salt  Lake  City,  Utah;  David  E.  Simmons,  1000  Kennecott
         Building, Salt Lake City, Utah; Harris H. Simmons, 1 South Main Street,
         Salt Lake City, Utah; I.J. Wagner,  680 Kennecott  Building,  Salt Lake
         City, Utah; and Louis H. Callister,  Jr., 900 Kennecott Building,  Salt
         Lake City, Utah.

(2)      Includes Roy W. Simmons' beneficial ownership interest in 89,084 shares
         deposited  with the voting  trust  referred  to in note (1) above,  and
         497,844  shares  held by a  company  in which Mr.  Simmons  serves as a
         director.

(3)      These  shares are owned of record as of  February  27,  1996,  by Zions
         First  National  Bank,  a  subsidiary  of  Zions,  in its  capacity  as
         fiduciary for various trust and advisory accounts. Of the shares shown,
         Zions First National Bank has sole voting power with respect to a total
         of 776,743  shares  (5.36% of the  class) it holds as  trustee  for the
         Zions   Bancorporation   Employee   Stock  Savings   Plan,   the  Zions
         Bancorporation   Employee   Investment  Savings  Plan,  and  the  Zions
         Bancorporation  Dividend  Reinvestment Plan, which holds 253,136 shares
         (1.75% of the class) and the Zions  Bancorporation  PAYSOP Plan,  which
         holds  78,077  shares  (.54%  of the  class)  as to which  Zions  First
         National Bank does not have or share voting power.

                                     - 51 -

<PAGE>


(4)      Assumes a Benchmark Price of $_____,  an Average Closing Price of Zions
         Common Stock of $_____ as of April ___,  1996, and the issuance of ____
         shares of Zions Common Stock in the Reorganization.
</FN>
</TABLE>

         Set forth below is the beneficial  ownership,  as of February 27, 1996,
of the  Company's  common  stock  by each of the  Company's  directors,  and all
directors and officers as a group.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                    No. of Shares                      % of                      % of Class After
Directors                           Beneficially Owned                 Class                     Reorganization (5)
- ---------                           ------------------                 -----                     --------------
<S>                                <C>                                <C>                             <C> 
Jerry C. Atkin                         1,700                           * (1)                          * (1)

R.D. Cash                              6,000                           * (1)                          * (1)

Grant R. Caldwell                      1,000                           * (1)                          * (1)

Richard H. Madsen                     49,129                           * (1)                          * (1)

Roger B. Porter                           --                           * (1)                          * (1)

Robert G. Sarver                     115,577                           * (1)                          * (1)

Harris H. Simmons                    578,381 (2)(4)                    3.97

L. E. Simmons                        535,288 (2)(4)                    3.67

Roy W. Simmons                     1,058,959 (2)(4)                    7.27

I. J. Wagner                         103,028 (2)                       * (1)                          * (1)

Dale W. Westergard                    40,391                           * (1)                          * (1)

All directors and officers
  as a group                       2,344,408 (3)                      16.09
(32 persons)

- ----------------------------
<FN>

(1)      Immaterial percentage of ownership.
(2)      Totals shown do not include  shares of which the following  persons may
         be deemed  beneficial  owners as trustees  of the Zions  Bancorporation
         Voting  Trust in the  respective  amounts as  follows:  Roy W.  Simmons
         (525,048 shares);  Harris H. Simmons (606,772 shares); and I. J. Wagner
         (554,132 shares).  Such persons disclaim  beneficial  ownership in such
         shares.
(3)      Includes  all 614,132  shares held by the Zions  Bancorporation  Voting
         Trust.
(4)      Totals include  497,844 shares  attributed to each  individual  through
         serving as a director in a company  holding such shares in the Company.
         Of such 497,844  shares  attributed to Harris H. Simmons,  Mr.  Simmons
         holds an option to acquire 46,698  shares,  all of which are vested and
         presently exercisable.
(5)      Assumes a Benchmark  Price of $____,  an Average Closing Price of Zions
         Common  Stock of $___ as of April __,  1996,  and the  issuance of ____
         shares of Zions Common Stock in the Reorganization.

</FN>
</TABLE>


                                     - 52 -

<PAGE>

Zions Documents Incorporated By Reference

         The following document  previously filed by Zions with the SEC pursuant
to  the  Exchange  Act  is  hereby  incorporated  by  reference  in  this  Proxy
Statement/Prospectus:

         1.       Zions' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December
                  31, 1995 ("Zions Form 10-K").

         For the convenience of Southern Arizona shareholders,  a copy of Zions'
1995 Annual Report to  Shareholders  ("Zions Annual  Report") is being mailed to
Southern Arizona  shareholders  along with this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus.  No
portion of the Zions  Annual  Report has been  incorporated  herein by reference
into this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  and  therefore the Zions Annual Report is
not part of this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus.  Southern Arizona shareholders who
wish to obtain copies of Zions Form 10-K or any other document  incorporated  by
reference  herein  may do so by  following  the  instructions  under  "Available
Information" above.

         All documents  filed by Zions with the SEC pursuant to Sections  13(a),
13(c),  14  or  15(d)  of  the  Exchange  Act  after  the  date  of  this  Proxy
Statement/Prospectus  and  prior to the  date of the  Special  Meeting  shall be
deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and to
be a part  hereof  from the date of  filing  of such  documents.  Any  statement
contained  herein or in a document  incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference  herein shall be deemed to be modified or  superseded  for purposes of
this Proxy  Statement/Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein
or in any other  subsequently  filed  document  which also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference  herein  modifies or supersedes  such  statement.  Any
statement so modified or superseded  shall not be deemed,  except as so modified
or superseded, to constitute a part of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.

                     INFORMATION CONCERNING SOUTHERN ARIZONA

         Southern Arizona is an Arizona corporation  incorporated in 1985 and is
registered  as a bank holding  company  under the Bank Holding  Company Act. Its
sole subsidiary is Southern Arizona Bank (the "Bank").  The Bank provides a wide
variety of  general  commercial  and  retail  banking  services,  which  include
lending, depository, and related financial services to individuals,  businesses,
governmental units, and financial  institutions in Arizona.  The Bank is a state
banking  association  chartered  under  the  laws of the  State of  Arizona.  It
commenced  operations in Yuma,  Arizona on August 2, 1982. At December 31, 1995,
the Bank had assets of $127 million,  net loans of $85 million,  and deposits of
$115 million. The Bank operates five banking facilities in Yuma County, Arizona.

         Commercial  Banking  and Related  Services.  The Bank is engaged in the
financing of commerce and industry by providing  credit  facilities  and related
services  for  business of all sizes.  The bank  offers all forms of  commercial
lending,  including lines of credit,  revolving  credits,  term loans,  accounts
receivable  financing,  residential  mortgage lending and commercial real estate
and other forms of secured financing.

        Personal Banking Services.  A wide range of personal banking services is
provided to individuals at each of the Bank's branch offices. Among the services
provided are interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing checking accounts, 
savings

                                     - 53 -

<PAGE>

and time accounts, installment and other personal loans, home improvement loans,
home  equity  loans,  automobile  and other  consumer  financing,  safe  deposit
services  and  residential  mortgage  loans.  The Bank is a member of  regional,
national,  and international  automated teller machine ("ATM")  networks,  which
permit  customers to access their accounts at thousands of electronic  terminals
in the Southwest region, as well as nationally and internationally.

         See "Selected Financial Data," "Management's  Discussion and Analysis,"
"Consolidated   Financial   Statements,"  and   "Statistical   Information"  for
additional information concerning the business of Southern Arizona and the Bank.


Selected Financial Data

         The following  selected  financial  data should be read in  conjunction
with Southern Arizona's  consolidated financial statements and the related notes
and with Southern  Arizona's  management's  discussion and analysis of financial
condition and results of operations,  provided  elsewhere herein.  See "Index to
Financial  Statements"  for the  historical  financial  statements of, and other
financial information regarding, Southern Arizona.



                                     - 54 -

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




                                                                                 As of, and for the
                                                                               Year Ended December 31,
                                                             ------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars and outstanding shares in thousands,                   1995          1994         1993         1992         1991
                                                             ----------    ----------   ----------   ----------   -------
except per share and ratio data)
<S>                                                               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>   
EARNINGS SUMMARY
Net interest income                                               $7,042       $6,049       $5,162       $4,474      $3,652
Provision for loan losses                                            401          429          756          753         422
Other operating income                                             1,281        1,221        1,394          733         438
Other operating expense                                            4,700        4,289        3,828        3,136       2,714
Net income                                                         1,999        1,632        1,291          950         719

COMMON STOCK DATA
Earnings per common share                                          $1.58        $1.29        $1.02        $0.75       $0.57
Book value per share at period end                                  7.00         5.75         4.76         3.98        3.40
Weighted average common and common
    equivalent shares outstanding during
    the period                                                     1,266        1,266        1,266        1,266       1,266
Common shares outstanding at period end                            1,266        1,266        1,266        1,266       1,266

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET DATA
Securities                                                      $ 10,637     $ 12,650     $ 14,990     $ 14,830    $ 10,737
Loans and leases, net                                             82,615       71,365       57,553       48,198      40,987
Total interest-earning assets                                    105,018       91,575       79,442       66,579      54,746
Total assets                                                     112,240       97,323       84,742       71,245      59,314
Interest-bearing deposits                                         73,063       63,464       57,390       50,882      43,290
Total deposits                                                   100,619       87,532       77,596       66,336      54,790
Long-term debt                                                     2,980        2,500        1,143           --          --
Shareholders' equity                                               8,071        6,654        5,530        4,669       4,025

END OF PERIOD BALANCE SHEET DATA
Securities                                                      $  1,887     $  7,672      $13,552      $13,477     $10,665
Loans and leases, net                                             85,585       80,689       65,147       54,388      43,515
Allowance for loan losses                                          2,467        2,393        1,990        1,332         873
Total assets                                                     127,418      101,254       91,225       81,938      71,600
Total deposits                                                   114,762       91,205       82,316       76,435      66,981
Long-term debt                                                     2,980        2,500        2,500           --          --
Shareholders' equity                                               8,858        7,284        6,024        5,036       4,302

Nonperforming assets:
    Nonaccrual loans                                                  11          202           18           82          --
    Other real estate owned                                           --           15           18           --          59
    Total nonperforming assets                                        11          217           36           82          59

SELECTED RATIOS
Net interest margin                                                69.08%       74.53%      73.67%       68.97%        59.86%
Return on average assets                                            1.78%        1.68%       1.52%        1.33%         1.21%
Ratio of average common equity to
    average assets                                                  7.19%        6.84%       6.53%        6.55%         6.79%
Ratio of nonperforming assets to total
    assets                                                           .01%         .22%        .04%         .12%          .10%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to
    net loans and leases outstanding at
    period end                                                      2.88%        2.97%       3.05%        2.45%         2.01%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to
    nonperforming loans                                        22,427.27%    1,184.65%  11,055.56%    1,624.39%      infinite

</TABLE>

                                     - 55 -

<PAGE>


Stock Prices and Dividends on Southern Arizona Common Stock


         Southern Arizona Common Stock is not listed with a national  securities
exchange or quoted on any automated  quotation  system.  No  established  public
trading  market for  Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock  presently  exists and the
private  market that has existed is thin and not  necessarily  indicative of the
value of Southern  Arizona  Common Stock.  There have been no trades in Southern
Arizona Common Stock in the fourth quarter of 1995 and the first quarter of 1996
and since the date of the public  announcement of the Plan of  Reorganization on
January 17,  1996.  The  following  table sets forth the high and low prices for
Southern Arizona Common Stock during the calendar quarters shown below,  through
March 31, 1996, of which Southern  Arizona is aware,  and the cash dividends per
share declared on Southern Arizona Common Stock for such periods.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                     
                                                                        Sales Prices                    Cash
                                                                   -----------------------            Dividends
                                                                   High               Low             Declared
                                                                   ----              -----             --------

<S>      <C>      <C>                                             <C>               <C>                <C>  
         1994     First Quarter.................                  $ 9.00            $ 7.62             $  --
                  Second Quarter................                    9.00              9.00                --
                  Third Quarter.................                    9.50              9.00                --
                  Fourth Quarter................                   10.50             10.00               .30
                                                                                                       -----
                                                                                                       $ .30
                                                                                                       =====
         1995     First Quarter.................                  $15.00            $11.00             $  --
                  Second Quarter................                   12.50             12.50                --
                  Third Quarter.................                   15.00             14.00                --
                  Fourth Quarter................                  NO SALES          NO SALES             .36
                                                                                                       -----
                                                                                                       $ .36
                                                                                                       =====
         1996     First Quarter
                  (through March 31, 1996)......                  NO SALES          NO SALES              --
</TABLE>

         Based upon information  available to management of Southern Arizona, it
appears  that during the years  ended  December  31,  1994 and 1995,  a total of
159,869  shares and 169,424  shares,  respectively,  of Southern  Arizona Common
Stock were traded (some of which may not have effected changes in the beneficial
ownership of the shares  transferred).  The foregoing  table may not  accurately
reflect the full  trading  range of Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock  during the
periods  indicated  because other  transactions  may have  occurred  during such
periods,  the terms of which  were not  conveyed  to  management.  Additionally,
Southern  Arizona's books and records do not reflect trading prices.  Other than
with respect to trades  involving  officers and  directors  and trades for which
management may have received  information  relating to prices,  Southern Arizona
has no mechanism by which to reconstruct  information  relating to the per share
market price at which its shares have historically traded.

         The holders of Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock are entitled to receive
dividends  when,  as and if  declared  by the  Board of  Directors  out of funds
legally  available  therefor.  Southern  Arizona's  ability to pay  dividends is
governed by Arizona law.  Generally,  Arizona law  prohibits  corporations  from
paying  dividends when after giving the dividend effect,  the corporation  would
not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual  course of business
or the corporation's

                                     - 56 -

<PAGE>

total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount
that would be needed if the corporation  were to be dissolved at the time of the
distribution to satisfy the  preferential  rights on dissolution of shareholders
whose  preferential  rights are superior to those  receiving  the  distribution.
Southern  Arizona's  articles provide that the Board of Directors may, from time
to time, distribute dividends out of the capital surplus of Southern Arizona.

         The Bank is  subject  to  certain  limitations  on the  amount  of cash
dividends  that it can pay.  Arizona law allows the board of directors of a bank
to  declare  dividends  as  permitted  by the  general  laws  governing  Arizona
corporations,  except that dividends  payable other than in the bank's own stock
may be paid out of capital surplus only with the approval of the  superintendent
of banks.  Additionally,  the prior  approval of the Board of  Governors  of the
Federal  Reserve  System  (herein,  the "Board") is required if the total of all
cash dividends  declared by a state-chartered  member bank, such as the Bank, in
any  calendar  year will exceed the total of such bank's net profits (as defined
by  statute)  for that year  combined  with its  retained  net  profits  for the
preceding  two  calendar  years  less any  required  transfers  to  surplus.  In
addition,  the Board is  authorized  to determine  under  certain  circumstances
relating to the financial  condition of a  state-chartered  member bank that the
payment of  dividends  would be an unsafe and unsound  practice  and to prohibit
payment thereof.

         Under FDICIA,  all insured banks are generally  prohibited  from making
any capital  distributions  and from paying  management  fees to persons  having
control  of  the  bank  where  such   payments   would  cause  the  bank  to  be
undercapitalized. Holding companies of undercapitalized banks may be required to
obtain the approval of the Board before making  capital  distributions  to their
shareholders. See "Supervision and Regulation -- Regulatory Capital Requirements
- -- Other Issues and Developments Relating to Regulatory Capital."

         On April ___, 1996, the record date for the Special  Meeting,  Southern
Arizona  had  approximately   500   stockholders,   based  upon  the  number  of
stockholders  of record.  At such date,  1,266,362  shares of  Southern  Arizona
Common Stock were outstanding.

Stockholdings of Directors, Officers and Certain Others


         Persons  who were  beneficial  owners of 5% or more of the  issued  and
outstanding Southern Arizona Common Stock as of the record date are shown in the
following table:


                                          Amount and
                                          Nature of
Name of                                   Beneficial            Percent of
Beneficial Owner(1)                       Ownership(2)         Common Stock
- -------------------                       ------------         ------------

Forrest C. Braden                         71,511(3)               5.65%

Stephen P. Shadle                         75,325(4)               5.95%

Southern Arizona Bank                        69,111               5.46%
  Employee Stock Ownership
  Plan



                                     - 57 -

<PAGE>

- --------------------------

(1)       The address of each named individual is that of Southern Arizona.

(2)       The table  includes,  when  applicable,  any shares owned of record by
          such person's minor children and spouse,  and by other individuals and
          entities over whose shares such person has custody, voting control, or
          power of disposition. The number of shares shown includes shares owned
          by trusts of which the beneficial  owner is trustee,  with sole voting
          and investment power.

(3)       Includes 21,300 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr. Braden has sole
          voting  power as the  trustee of the  Braden  Trust,  1,800  shares of
          Common  Stock as to which  Mr.  Braden  has sole  voting  power as the
          trustee of a trust for his grandson,  Charles Arthur Braden, and 2,500
          shares of Common Stock as to which Mr. Braden has sole voting power as
          trustee of a trust for his granddaughter, Meghann Braden.

(4)       Includes  2,000 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr. Shadle has sole
          voting  power as the  general  partner  of the Shadle  Family  Limited
          Partnership,  3,150 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr.  Shadle has
          sole voting  power as the  personal  representative  of the Francis T.
          Shadle  Estate,  600 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr. Shadle has
          sole voting  power as the  trustee of the Robert E. Harman  Children's
          Trust, 56,857 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr. Shadle has shared
          voting power as the co-trustee of the Stephen P. Shadle and Roberta G.
          Shadle Trust, and 12,718 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr. Shadle
          has sole voting power as the trustee of the Westover, Choules & Shadle
          401(k) Profit Sharing Trust.

          As of  the  record  date,  directors  and  officers  as a  group  were
beneficial owners of that number of shares of Common Stock shown below.


                                          Amount of
Name of                                 and Nature of               Percent of
Beneficial Owner(1)                      Beneficial                Common Stock
- -------------------                      ----------                ------------
                                         Ownership(2)
                                         ------------

Forrest C. Braden                        71,511 (3)                    5.65%

John E. Byrd                              40,523                       3.20%

Thomas M. Howell                         50,238 (4)                    3.97%

Robert W. Kennerly                         4,274                           *

Jimmy J. Naquin                          37,598 (5)                    2.97%

Colleen J. Newman                        11,000 (6)                        *

Donald S. Olsen                           10,000                           *

Stephen P. Shadle                        75,325 (7)                    5.95%

Charles N. Urtuzuastegui                  9,443 (8)                        *


                                     - 58 -

<PAGE>

                                          Amount of
Name of                                 and Nature of               Percent of
Beneficial Owner(1)                      Beneficial                Common Stock
- -------------------                      ----------                ------------
                                         Ownership(2)
                                         ------------

All directors and officers       310,150 (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)            24.49%
as a group (12 persons)

- -----------------------

*         Less than 1.0% of the outstanding securities or voting power.

(1)       The address of each named individual is that of Southern Arizona.

(2)       The table includes,  when  applicable,  shares owned of record by such
          person's minor children and spouse,  and by other related  individuals
          and  entities  over  whose  shares  such  person has  custody,  voting
          control, or power of disposition.  The number of shares shown includes
          shares owned by trusts of which the beneficial owner is trustee,  with
          sole voting and investment power.

(3)       Includes 21,300 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr. Braden has sole
          voting  power as the  trustee of the  Braden  Trust,  1,800  shares of
          Common  Stock as to which  Mr.  Braden  has sole  voting  power as the
          trustee of a trust for his grandson,  Charles Arthur Braden, and 2,500
          shares of Common Stock as to which Mr. Braden has sole voting power as
          trustee of a trust for his granddaughter, Meghann Braden.

(4)       Includes 100 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr.  Howell has shared
          voting power as a one-half owner of Quail Trail Corporation and 50,138
          shares of Common Stock as to which Mr.  Howell has shared voting power
          as a co-trustee of the Thomas M. Howell & Lea Rae Howell Trust.

(5)       Includes  3,098 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr. Naquin has sole
          voting  power as the manager of the Naquin Farms Inc.  Profit  Sharing
          Plan.

(6)       Includes  2,306  shares  held  by  the  Colleen  Newman  Realty,  Inc.
          Employees Defined  Contribution  Plan & Trust-Money  Purchase Plan and
          4,449 shares held by Colleen Newman  Realty,  Inc.  Employees  Defined
          Contribution Plan & Trust-Profit Sharing.

(7)       Includes  2,000 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr. Shadle has sole
          voting  power as the  general  partner  of the Shadle  Family  Limited
          Partnership,  3,150 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr.  Shadle has
          sole voting  power as the  personal  representative  of the Francis T.
          Shadle  Estate,  600 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr. Shadle has
          sole voting  power as the  trustee of the Robert E. Harman  Children's
          Trust, 56,857 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr. Shadle has shared
          voting power as the co-trustee of the Stephen P. Shadle and Roberta G.
          Shadle Trust, and 12,718 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr. Shadle
          has sole voting power as the trustee of the Westover, Choules & Shadle
          401(k) Profit Sharing Trust.



                                     - 59 -


<PAGE>

(8)       Includes 630 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr.  Urtuzuastegui has
          sole  voting  power as the  trustee of a trust for his  granddaughter,
          Erica  Urtuzuastegui,  and 630 shares of Common  Stock as to which Mr.
          Urtuzuastegui  has sole voting power as the trustee of a trust for his
          granddaughter, Melisa Urtuzuastegui.


         MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
       RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THREE-YEAR PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995

          The following analysis of Southern Arizona's  financial  condition and
results of  operations  as of and for the three year period  ended  December 31,
1995, should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated  Financial  Statements
of Southern Arizona.

Overview

          Southern Arizona does not engage in any substantial  business activity
other  than  as a  bank  holding  company  that  holds  all of  the  issued  and
outstanding stock of Southern Arizona Bank (herein,  the "Bank"),  its principal
asset.  Unless  otherwise noted,  the following  discussion  relates to Southern
Arizona and the Bank on a consolidated basis.

Results of Operations

Net Income

          Net income for 1995 was  $1,999,007,  increasing  $366,793,  or 22.5%,
from 1994.  This  increase  was  primarily  attributable  to growth in  Southern
Arizona's  assets,  which  resulted  in an increase  in net  interest  income of
$992,387.

          Net income for 1994 was $1,632,214 compared to $1,291,151 in 1993. The
1994 increase of $341,063,  or 26,4%,  was primarily  attributable  to growth in
Southern Arizona's assets as well as a decrease in Southern Arizona's  provision
for loan losses,  which  resulted  from  improvement  in the quality of Southern
Arizona's loan portfolio.

Net-Interest Income

          Net interest income,  the difference  between interest earned on loans
and  investments  and  interest  paid on  deposits  and debt,  is the  principal
component of Southern Arizona's earnings.

          During 1995, net interest income was $7,041,643,  increasing $992,387,
or 16.4%,  from 1994.  This  increase was  primarily  attributable  to growth in
Southern  Arizona's  earning  assets  as  well  as the  utilization  of  pricing
strategies  aimed at  maintaining an appropriate  net interest  spread.  Average
interest-earning  assets of Southern Arizona were  $105,018,000  during 1995, an
increase of 14.7% or $13,443,000 from $91,575,000 in 1994.

          During 1994, net interest income was $6,049,256 compared lo $5,162,110
in 1993. The 1994 increase of $887,146, or 17.2%, was primarily  attributable to
growth in Southern Arizona's earning assets. Average interest-earning assets of

                                     - 60 -

<PAGE>

Southern  Arizona were $91,575,000  during 1994, an increase of $12,133,000,  or
15.3% from $79,442,000 in 1993.

Non-Interest Income

          During 1995,  non-interest income was $1,280,584,  an increase of 4.9%
from $1,220,741 in 1994. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase
in customer service fees of $136,564 resulting from increased volume, pricing of
the Bank's services,  and fees income from additional  checking  accounts opened
and maintained at the Bank.

          Non-interest  income for 1994 had decreased  $172,790,  or 12.4%, from
the  non-interest  income of  $1,393,531  in 1993.  This  decrease was primarily
attributable to exceptional gains on the sale of loans and investments  realized
in 1993. In 1993, due to favorable  interest rates and Southern  Arizona's focus
on optimum asset  allocation,  Southern  Arizona  realized  gains on the sale of
mortgage loans and investment  securities of $882,406 as compared to $513,741 in
1994.

Non-Interest Expense

          Non-interest  expense was  $4,699,650  for the year ended December 31,
1995 compared to $4,288,619 and $3,827,811 for the years ended December 31, 1994
and  December  31,  1993,   respectively.   Historically,   Southern   Arizona's
non-interest expense has increased  relatively  proportionately to the growth of
Southern Arizona's assets.  The increases in non-interest  expense for the years
1995  and 1994  have  resulted  from  Southern  Arizona's  expansion  of  staff,
premises,  and other  resources  to support  the  economic  progress of Southern
Arizona.

Financial Condition

Assets

          At December 31, 1995,  total assets were  $127,417,893  as compared to
$101,254,421  on December  31,  1994,  representing  an increase of 25.8%.  This
increase  was  primarily   attributable  to  the  Bank's  implementation  of  an
aggressive strategy to acquire large, commercial deposits.

          Total  assets  for 1994 had  increased  12.7%  from  total  assets  of
$90,116,000 in 1993. This increase was primarily  attributable to an increase in
net loans of  $15,542,000  and  branch  remodelings  that  facilitated  customer
service.

Investment

          Investment  securities  held by Southern  Arizona were  $1,886,870  at
December 31, 1995 compared to $7,672,189 at December 31, 1994. This decrease was
primarily  attributable to a reallocation of investment securities to Fed Funds.
In addition,  Southern Arizona had short-term  investments in time deposits with
other banks and Fed Funds sold of $25,788,000.  Southern Arizona's portfolio mix
is  structured  to meet the  liquidity  needs of the Bank brought  about by loan
demand and seasonal swings in the deposit base.

          Investment securities held by Southern Arizona as of December 31, 1994
decreased 43.4% from investment securities held by Southern Arizona of

                                     - 61 -

<PAGE>

$13,551,719 as of December 31, 1993. This decrease was primarily attributable to
strong  loan  demand for the year 1994,  which was  partially  funded by matured
securities.

Loans

          Loan  growth has been  somewhat  lower  than asset  growth in order to
maintain  acceptable  liquidity and to reduce  Southern  Arizona's  loan deposit
ratio to between 75% and 80%.

          Southern  Arizona's  loan  portfolio  grew  in  1995  to  $85,584,967,
increasing  $4,895,982,  or 6.1%, from 1994.  Southern  Arizona's loan portfolio
also grew in 1994 to $80,688,985,  increasing $15,541,589,  or 23.9%, from 1993.
This  growth in  Southern  Arizona's  loan  portfolio  in both 1995 and 1994 was
primarily  attributable to Southern Arizona's  emphasis on competitive  pricing,
favorable interest rates, and strength in the local economy.

          Southern  Arizona's  loan  portfolio mix has not varied  significantly
over the  last  three  years.  Commercial  loans  comprised  73.7%  of  Southern
Arizona's  loan portfolio in 1995,  decreasing  from 77.3% and 77.0% of Southern
Arizona's  loan  portfolio  in 1994 and 1993,  respectively.  Real Estate  loans
comprised 11.6% of Southern Arizona's loan portfolio in 1995,  compared to 10.2%
and 11.5% of Southern  Arizona's loan portfolio in 1994 and 1993,  respectively.
Installment  and other loans  comprised  primarily of automobile  loans and home
improvement  loans, made up 18.2% of Southern  Arizona's loan portfolio in 1995,
compared to 16.2% and 15.3% of Southern  Arizona's  loan  portfolio  in 1994 and
1993,  respective]y.  The 1995  increase  in  installment  loans  was  primarily
attributable to Southern  Arizona's emphasis on mobile home lending and Southern
Arizona's  management's  desire for  greater  liquidity.  The Bank does not have
foreign or energy loans.

          Loans that were  90-days or more past due or  non-accrual  constituted
 .01% of Southern Arizona's net loan portfolio as of December 31, 1995,  compared
to .27% and .06% of Southern  Arizona's  loan portfolio at December 31, 1994 and
December 31, 1993, respectively. The 1995 decrease was primarily attributable to
Southern  Arizona's  management's  desire to reduce the delinquency ratio of the
Southern  Arizona loan portfolio.  Management does not presently  anticipate any
material  changes in the  percentage of loans which are 90-days or more past due
or  non-accrual  as compared to Southern  Arizona's  net loan  portfolio for the
period ending December 31, 1996.

Allowance for Loan Losses

          Southern Arizona's allowance for loan losses at December 31, 1995, was
$2,466,513,  compared to  $2,393,242  and  $1,990,428  at December  31, 1994 and
December 31, 1993,  respectively.  The allowance for loan losses as a percent of
gross  loans was 2.78%,  2.86%,  and 2.94% for the years 1995,  1994,  and 1993,
respectively.

          Amounts  charged-off  to the  allowance  for loan  losses in 1995 were
$349,214,  compared  to $45,294  and  $109,455  in 1994 and 1993,  respectively.
Factors such as economic conditions and problems with individual  borrowers have
affected  amounts  charged-off  to the  allowance  for loan losses over the last
three

                                     - 62 -

<PAGE>


years.  However,  as a result of prudent lending  policies and periodic  review,
Southern Arizona has experienced minimal loan losses.

Deposits

          Typically,  Southern Arizona  experiences a large increase in deposits
at year end due to the seasonal  local  economy,  which is not  accompanied by a
large increase in loan demand.

          Southern  Arizona's  deposits at December 31, 1995 were  $114,761,830,
increasing  $23,556,446,  or 25.8%,  from  1994.  This  increase  was  primarily
attributable  to  Southern  Arizona's  focus  on  acquiring  larger,  commercial
depositors.   Additionally,  the  merger  and  closing  of  several  competitors
contributed to the growth in Southern Arizona's deposits.

          Southern  Arizona's  deposits at December  31, 1994 were  $91,205,384,
increasing  $8,889,090,  or  10.8%,  from  1993.  This  increase  was  primarily
attributable  to the  growing  local  economy  and the  expansion  of two branch
facilities.

Liquidity

          Southern  Arizona has  maintained  liquidity and continues to maintain
adequate liquidity. Although Southern Arizona's loan/deposit ratio was 85.10% in
1995,  Southern  Arizona has  reduced its loan growth to lower its  loan/deposit
ratio to between 75% and 80% and, as a result,  has  adequately  maintained  its
liquidity. Additionally, Southern Arizona had $25,194,000 in Federal Funds as of
December 31, 1995 and currently has substantial unused borrowing lines available
through  correspondent  banks.  These  borrowing lines are available to Southern
Arizona  in the event  that the  seasonal  swing in  deposits  is  greater  than
anticipated.

          One source of funds for Southern  Arizona is dividends  received  from
the Bank.  The amount of dividends that a bank may pay in any year is subject to
certain regulatory restrictions.  Generally, dividends paid in a given year by a
bank are limited to its net profit, as defined by regulatory  agencies,  for the
year combined with its retained net income for the preceding two years. However,
a bank may not pay dividends if such payments would leave the bank  inadequately
capitalized.  Hence, the ability of the Bank to pay dividends will depend on its
future net income and capital requirements.

Capital Resources

          In 1993,  Southern  Arizona  issued  $2,500,000 in senior  notes.  The
proceeds of such issuance  were used as capital for the  continued  expansion of
the Bank.  Quantitative  measures  established  by regulation to ensure  capital
adequacy  require the bank to  maintain  certain  minimum  amounts and ratios of
total  and Tier I capital  (as  defined  in the  regulations)  to  risk-weighted
assets,  and of Tier I capital to  average  assets.  As of  December  31,  1995,
management  believes that the Bank has met all capital adequacy  requirements to
which it is subject.  Southern Arizona has maximized growth  opportunities while
maintaining adequate levels of capital.



                                     - 63 -

<PAGE>

Effects of Inflation

          The net income of Southern  Arizona depends to a great extent upon its
net interest  margin.  Net interest margin is the difference  between the income
Southern Arizona receives from its loans, securities, and other interest earning
assets  and the  interest  it pays on its  deposits  and other  interest  paying
liabilities.  Inflation and interest rates are highly  sensitive to many factors
beyond the control of Southern Arizona,  including  general economic  conditions
and  policies  of various  governmental  and  regulatory  authorities.  Southern
Arizona  attempts to limit  adverse  exposure to  inflation  and  interest  rate
changes by properly matching rate sensitive assets and liabilities.

       COMPARISON OF ZIONS COMMON STOCK AND SOUTHERN ARIZONA COMMON STOCK


General

          Upon  consummation  of the  Reorganization,  shareholders  of Southern
Arizona will become  shareholders of Zions, a Utah  corporation.  Thus, the Utah
Revised   Business   Corporation  Act  and  Zions'  Articles  of   Incorporation
("Articles")  and  Bylaws  will  govern  the  rights  of  the  Southern  Arizona
shareholders who become  shareholders of Zions. In addition,  since the Articles
and Bylaws of Zions and Southern  Arizona are not the same,  the  Reorganization
will  result in certain  differences  in the rights of the  holders of  Southern
Arizona  Common  Stock.  The  following  is a  summary  of  certain  of the more
significant differences.

Voting Rights

          General.  The  holders  of Zions  Common  Stock  like the  holders  of
Southern Arizona Common Stock (except as stated below),  are generally  entitled
to one vote  for  each  share  held of  record  on all  matters  submitted  to a
shareholder  vote. The holders of Southern  Arizona Common Stock  currently have
cumulative  voting  rights in the  election of  directors,  meaning  that in all
elections  for  directors  every  shareholder  shall have the right to vote,  in
person or by proxy,  that number of votes equal to the number of directors to be
elected multiplied by the number of votes to which the shareholder's  shares are
entitled  and give  one  candidate  that  resulting  amount  or  distribute  the
shareholder's  votes  in  the  manner  and  among  as  many  candidates  as  the
shareholder so determines.  The directors who receive the most votes are elected
for the available  directorships  being voted upon.  The holders of Zions Common
Stock do not have  cumulative  voting rights.  The absence of cumulative  voting
means that a nominee for  director  must receive the votes of a plurality of the
shares voted in order to be elected.

          Special Votes for Certain Transactions.  The Articles of Zions contain
provisions  requiring  special  shareholder  votes to approve  certain  types of
transactions.  In the absence of these provisions, either the transactions would
require  approval  by a  majority  of  the  shares  voted  at a  meeting  or  no
shareholder vote would be required.

          Zions' Articles require that certain "business  transactions"  between
Zions or a  subsidiary  and a "related  person" be approved  by the  affirmative
votes of the holders of not less than 80% of the voting power of all outstanding
voting  stock of Zions.  A  "related  person"  is  generally  defined  by Zions'
Articles to

                                     - 64 -

<PAGE>

mean a  person,  corporation,  partnership,  or group  acting  in  concert  that
beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of Zions'  outstanding  voting
stock.

          The "business  transactions  with a related  person" subject to Zions'
special vote requirements include (1) a merger or consolidation  involving Zions
or a subsidiary of Zions with a related person;  (2) the sale, lease,  exchange,
transfer or other  disposition of all or any  substantial  part of the assets of
either Zions or a  subsidiary  of Zions to, with or for the benefit of a related
person;  (3) the issuance,  sale,  exchange or other  disposition  by Zions or a
subsidiary  of Zions to a related  person of securities of Zions or a subsidiary
of Zions  having an aggregate  fair market value of $5 million or more;  (4) any
liquidation, spinoff, splitoff, splitup, or dissolution of Zions by or on behalf
of a  related  person;  (5)  any  recapitalization  or  reclassification  of the
securities  of  Zions  or other  transaction  that  would  have  the  effect  of
increasing the voting power of a related person or reducing the number of shares
of each class of voting securities outstanding; and (6) any agreement, contract,
or other arrangement providing for any of the transactions set forth above.

          Zions' special shareholder vote requirements for business transactions
with related persons do not apply to any  transaction  approved by a majority of
the  "continuing  directors"  or if  various  specified  conditions  are met.  A
continuing director is any member of the Zions Board who is not a related person
or an interested  shareholder  or an affiliate or associate of a related  person
and who (1) was a  director  on  February  21,  1986 or (2)  became  a  director
subsequent to that date and whose  election or nomination for election by Zions'
shareholders was approved by a majority of the continuing  directors then on the
Board.

          Southern   Arizona's  bylaws  require  Southern   Arizona's  Board  of
Directors,  when evaluating certain  transactions,  including tender or exchange
offers,  mergers or  consolidations  with another entity,  or the sale of all or
substantially  all of the assets of Southern  Arizona,  in  connection  with the
exercise  of its  judgment  in  determining  what is in the  best  interests  of
Southern Arizona and its shareholders, to give due consideration to all relevant
factors.  Such  factors  include,  without  limitation,  the social and economic
effects of  acceptance  of such offer on the customers and employees of the Bank
and  Southern  Arizona and on the  community in which the Bank  operates.  Other
factors  include  whether a more favorable  offer could be obtained for Southern
Arizona and the Bank,  whether the offer is acceptable based upon the historical
operating results and financial  condition of Southern Arizona and the Bank, the
reputation and business  practices of the acquiring party and its management and
affiliates as they would affect the employees and customers of Southern Arizona,
the future value of Southern Arizona's stock, the value of the acquiring party's
stock,  and other  legal and  regulatory  issues  raised by the offer.  Southern
Arizona's Board of Directors  carefully  considered these factors in determining
to recommend  approval of the Plan of Reorganization by shareholders.  See "Plan
of Reorganization -- Background of and Reasons for the Reorganization."

          Under Arizona law,  Southern Arizona may not merge or consolidate with
another entity or conduct a sale of substantially  all of its assets without the
prior approval of a majority of its outstanding voting stock. However,  Southern
Arizona's  articles of incorporation  and bylaws require the affirmative vote of
two-thirds of the holders of Southern Arizona Common Stock and two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of Southern Arizona Common Stock to approve a merger,

                                     - 65 -

<PAGE>

consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets if such merger,
consolidation  or sale is approved by the Board of Directors.  In the event that
the Board of Directors  has not approved  such  merger,  consolidation  or sale,
Southern  Arizona's articles require an affirmative vote of three-fourths of the
holders  of  Southern   Arizona   Common  Stock  for  approval.   See  "Plan  of
Reorganization -- Vote Required; Management Recommendation."

Board of Directors

          Director  Liability.   Zions'  articles  of  incorporation  contain  a
"director liability" provision. This provision generally shields a director from
monetary  damages  to  the  corporation  or its  shareholders  for a  breach  of
fiduciary  duty as a director  other than (i) a breach of a  director's  duty of
loyalty,  (ii)  acts or  omissions  not  taken in good  faith  or which  involve
intentional  misconduct or a knowing  violation of law,  (iii)  authorizing  the
unlawful  payment  of  dividends,  and (iv)  transactions  in  which a  director
receives an improper benefit.

          Arizona law provides that a  corporation's  articles of  incorporation
may set forth a provision that  eliminates or limits the liability of a director
to the corporation for money damages for any action taken or any failure to take
any action as a  director,  except  liability  for (i) the amount of a financial
benefit  received by a director to which the director is not  entitled,  (ii) an
intentional  infliction of harm on the corporation or the shareholders,  (iii) a
violation  involving an unlawful  distribution  as described in Arizona  Revised
Statutes ss.10- 833, and (iv) an intentional violation of criminal law. Southern
Arizona's  articles  do not  contain  any  provision  that  eliminates  director
liability to the corporation as provided for by Arizona law.

          Classified  Board.  The  articles  of  incorporation  of Zions and the
bylaws of Southern  Arizona  divide the Board of Directors  into three  classes,
each  consisting  of one-third (or as near as may be) of the whole number of the
Board of  Directors.  Arizona law  requires  that each class have at least three
directors  and contain as equal a number of directors as possible.  One class of
directors  is elected at each  annual  meeting of  shareholders,  and each class
serves for a term of three years.

          The  number  of  directors  which  constitute  Zions'  full  Board  of
Directors may be increased or decreased  only by amendment of the bylaws,  which
requires the  affirmative  vote of  two-thirds  of the total number of directors
constituting  the entire Board, or by the  shareholders of Zions at a regular or
special  meeting by the  affirmative  vote of two-thirds of the  outstanding and
issued shares entitled by statute to vote. Except as otherwise  required by law,
vacancies on Zions' Board of Directors,  including  vacancies  resulting from an
increase in the size of the Board,  may be filled by the  affirmative  vote of a
majority of the remaining  directors even though less than a quorum of the Board
of Directors.  Zions' directors elected by the Board to fill vacancies serve for
the full remainder of the term of the class to which they have been elected. Any
directorship  filled by reason of an increase in the number of directors  may be
filled for a term of office continuing only until the next election of directors
by the shareholders.

          Southern  Arizona's  articles of incorporation  provide for a Board of
Directors to be comprised of a maximum of fifteen  persons.  The bylaws  provide
for the number of directors to be no fewer than five nor more than fifteen, as

                                     - 66 -

<PAGE>


determined by resolution of the Board of  Directors.  Southern  Arizona's  bylaw
provisions  governing  vacancies are similar to Zions',  with the exception that
any  directors  elected by the Board  shall  continue in office only until their
successor has been elected at the next annual election.

          Removal of Directors.  Zions'  articles  provide that any director (or
the entire Board of Directors)  may be removed from office by  shareholder  vote
only if such removal is approved by the holders of  two-thirds of the issued and
outstanding shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors.

          Southern  Arizona's  bylaws provide that, at a meeting of shareholders
called  expressly for that purpose,  any or all directors may be removed with or
without cause by a vote of the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled
to vote at an election of directors.  However,  if less than the entire Board is
to be removed,  no director  may be removed if the number of votes cast  against
his  removal  would be  enough  to elect  him if then  cumulatively  voted at an
election of the entire Board of Directors.

Shareholder Meetings

          Utah  law   provides   that  special   meetings  of  a   corporation's
shareholders  may be called  by the board of  directors  or such  other  persons
authorized by the bylaws to call a special meeting or by the holders of at least
ten  percent of all the votes  entitled  to be cast on any issue  proposed to be
considered at the special meeting.  Under Zions' bylaws, special meetings may be
called by the president or by the Board of Directors.

          Under Southern Arizona's bylaws,  special meetings of shareholders may
be called by the president,  the Board of Directors, or shareholders entitled to
cast at least one-half of the shares entitled to vote.

Amendment of Articles and Bylaws

          Zions'  articles  require  the  affirmative  votes of the  holders  of
two-thirds of all outstanding  voting stock of Zions to approve any amendment to
Zions'  articles,  except that to repeal or amend the  provisions in the article
regarding  business  transactions  with related persons requires the affirmative
vote of 80% of the issued and outstanding  stock entitled to vote. Zions' bylaws
may be amended  by an  affirmative  vote of  two-thirds  of the total  number of
directors constituting the entire Board or by the affirmative vote of two-thirds
of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote.

          Under Arizona law, Southern Arizona's articles of incorporation may be
amended at an annual or special shareholder  meeting by an affirmative  majority
vote of all  holders  of the shares  entitled  to vote.  Nevertheless,  Southern
Arizona's   articles  of   incorporation   require  the   affirmative   vote  of
three-fourths of the Southern Arizona  shareholders to amend Southern  Arizona's
articles.  Southern  Arizona's  bylaws  may be  amended  at an annual or special
shareholder  meeting  by an  affirmative  vote  of the  majority  of all  shares
entitled to vote,  or, with  respect to those  matters  which are not by statute
reserved  exclusively to the shareholders,  by an affirmative vote of a majority
of the Board of Directors at any Board meeting.



                                     - 67 -

<PAGE>

Dissenters' Rights

          Zions is  incorporated  under the laws of Utah.  Utah law provides for
dissenters'  rights  in a variety  of  transactions  including:  (i) any plan of
merger to which a corporation  is a party (other than mergers or  consolidations
not requiring a shareholder  vote);  (ii) certain  sales,  leases,  exchanges or
other  dispositions of all or substantially  all of the assets of a corporation;
and (iii)  certain share  exchanges.  However,  shareholders  of a Utah business
corporation  are not entitled to dissenters'  rights in any of the  transactions
mentioned  above if their  stock  is  either  listed  on a  national  securities
exchange or on the National  Market  System of NASDAQ or held of record by 2,000
or  more  shareholders.  The  aforementioned  provisions  do  not  apply  if the
shareholder  will  receive  for his  shares  anything  except  (a) shares of the
corporation  surviving the consummation of the plan of merger or share exchange,
(b) shares of a  corporation  whose  shares are listed on a national  securities
exchange or the National  Market  System of NASDAQ or held of record by not less
than 2,000 holders, or (c) cash in lieu of fractional shares. Zions Common Stock
currently is listed for trading in the National  Market System of NASDAQ and has
more than 2,000 shareholders of record.

          Southern  Arizona is incorporated  under the laws of Arizona.  Arizona
law provides that any shareholder of an Arizona corporation shall have the right
to dissent from any of the following corporate actions in which such shareholder
is  entitled  to  vote:  (1)  consummation  of a plan of  merger  to  which  the
corporation is a party if either (i) shareholder approval is required by Arizona
Revised  Statutes  ss.  10-1103  or  the  corporation's  articles  or  (ii)  the
corporation is a subsidiary that is merged with its parent under Arizona Revised
Statute  ss.10-1104;  (2)  consummation  of  a  sale  or  exchange  of  all,  or
substantially  all, of the property of the corporation not made in the usual and
regular  course of business;  (3)  consummation  of a plan of share  exchange to
which  the  corporation  is a party  as the  corporation  whose  shares  will be
acquired.  In  addition,  Arizona Law  provides  shareholders  with the right to
dissent from (1) any corporate  action taken  pursuant to a shareholder  vote to
the extent the  articles,  the bylaws or  resolution  of the board of  directors
provides  that  voting or  nonvoting  shareholders  are  entitled to dissent and
obtain  payment  for their  shares  or (2) any  amendment  of the  corporation's
articles that materially and adversely affects rights in respect of a dissenting
shareholder's  shares because it (i) alters or abolishes a preferential right of
the shares, (ii) creates,  alters or abolishes a right in respect of redemption,
(iii)  alters or  abolishes  a  preemptive  right of the holder of the shares to
acquire  shares or other  securities,  (iv)  excludes or limits the right of the
shares to vote on any matter or to  accumulate  votes other than a limitation by
dilution  through  issuance of shares or other  securities  with similar  voting
rights  or (v)  reduces  the  number  of shares  owned by the  shareholder  to a
fraction of a share if the  fractional  share so created is to be  acquired  for
cash under Arizona Revised Statutes ss.10-604.

          Shareholders  of an Arizona  corporation  are not  entitled to dissent
from a plan of merger if the shares held by the shareholders are part of a class
or series of shares registered on a national securities exchange, were listed on
the  national  market  system of NASDAQ or were held of record by at least 2,000
shareholders on the date fixed to determine the shareholders entitled to vote on
the proposed corporate action.  Southern Arizona's common stock is held by fewer
than 2,000 holders of record and is not traded on a national securities exchange
or such national market system. As a result, shareholders of Southern Arizona

                                     - 68 -

<PAGE>

will be entitled to exercise all  applicable  rights of dissenting  shareholders
under Arizona law. See "Plan of  Reorganization--Dissenters'  Rights of Southern
Arizona Shareholders."

Preferred Stock

          The articles of Zions  authorize  the  corporation  to issue shares of
preferred  stock.  Zions'  articles  authorize up to  3,000,000  shares of Zions
preferred stock.

          The authorized  shares of preferred  stock are issuable in one or more
series  on the  terms  set by the  resolution  or  resolutions  of the  Board of
Directors of Zions providing for the issuance thereof.  Each series of preferred
stock would have such  dividend  rate,  which might or might not be  cumulative,
such voting  rights,  which might be general or  special,  and such  liquidation
preferences, redemption and sinking funds provisions, conversion rights or other
rights and preferences,  if any, as the Board of Directors may determine. Except
for such  rights as may be  granted to the  holders  of any series of  preferred
stock in the resolution  establishing  such series or as required by law, all of
the voting and other rights of the  shareholders of Zions belong  exclusively to
the holders of common stock.

          Southern  Arizona's  articles of  incorporation  do not  authorize the
issuance of preferred stock.

Dividend Rights

          Utah law generally  allows a corporation,  subject to  restrictions in
its  certificate  of  incorporation,  to declare  and pay  dividends  in cash or
property,  but only if the  corporation  is solvent and payment would not render
the  corporation  insolvent.  Zions'  articles place no further  restrictions on
distributions. Thus, the holders of Zions Common Stock are entitled to dividends
when,  as and if  declared  by their  Board of  Directors  out of funds  legally
available  therefor.  However,  if Zions preferred stock is issued, the Board of
Directors  of the  corporation  may grant  preferential  dividend  rights to the
holders  of  such  stock  which  would  prohibit  payment  of  dividends  on the
corporation's common stock unless and until specified dividends on the preferred
stock had been paid.

          Arizona law prohibits  corporations  from paying dividends when, after
giving the dividend effect,  the corporation  would not be able to pay its debts
as they become due in the usual  course of business or the  corporation's  total
assets would be less than the sum of its total  liabilities plus the amount that
would be needed,  if the  corporation  were to be  dissolved  at the time of the
distribution,  to satisfy the preferential rights on dissolution of shareholders
whose  preferential  rights are superior to those  receiving  the  distribution.
Southern  Arizona's  articles provide that the Board of Directors may, from time
to time, distribute dividends out of the capital surplus of Southern Arizona.

Liquidation Rights

          Upon  liquidation,   dissolution  or  winding  up  of  Zions,  whether
voluntary  or  involuntary,  the holders of Zions  Common  Stock are entitled to
share ratably in the assets of the corporation  available for distribution after
all liabilities

                                     - 69 -

<PAGE>


of the corporation have been satisfied. However, if preferred stock is issued by
Zions, the Board of Directors may grant  preferential  liquidation rights to the
holders of such stock which would  entitle  them to be paid out of the assets of
Zions available for distribution  before any distribution is made to the holders
of Zions Common Stock.

          The rights of the  holders of  Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock in the
event of a liquidation are  substantially  similar to those  applicable to Zions
shareholders.  Under Arizona law, upon  dissolution  or  liquidation by a court,
after all liabilities  and  obligations of the corporation  have been satisfied,
any remaining  assets or proceeds  shall be distributed  among its  shareholders
according to their respective rights and interests.

Miscellaneous

          There are no preemptive  rights,  sinking fund provisions,  conversion
rights,  or redemption  provisions  applicable to Zions Common Stock or Southern
Arizona  Common  Stock.  Holders of fully paid shares of Zions  Common Stock and
Southern Arizona Common Stock are not subject to any liability for further calls
or assessments.

                                 LEGAL OPINIONS

          Opinions with respect to certain legal matters in connection  with the
Reorganization will be rendered by Metzger, Hollis, Gordon & Alprin, Washington,
D.C., as counsel for Zions, and by O'Connor, Cavanagh, Anderson, Killingsworth &
Beshears, P.A., Phoenix, Arizona, as counsel for Southern Arizona.

                                     EXPERTS

          The consolidated financial statements of Zions as of December 31, 1995
and 1994, and for each of the years in the three-year  period ended December 31,
1995,  incorporated  by  reference  herein have been  incorporated  by reference
herein  in  reliance  upon the  report  of KPMG Peat  Marwick  LLP,  independent
certified public  accountants,  incorporated by reference  herein,  and upon the
authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

          The  consolidated  financial  statements  of  Southern  Arizona  as of
December  31,  1995 and 1994,  and for each of the years  then  ended,  included
herein  have been  included  herein in reliance  upon the report of  McGladrey &
Pullen  LLP,  independent  certified  public  accountants,  appearing  elsewhere
herein, and upon their authority as experts in auditing and accounting.

          The consolidated financial statements of Southern Arizona for the year
ended December 31, 1993,  included herein have been audited by Deloitte & Touche
LLP, independent  auditors,  as stated in their report appearing herein, and are
so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their  authority
as experts in auditing and accounting.

          The opinion as to the fairness of the  consideration  paid pursuant to
the Plan of  Reorganization  to the  shareholders  of  Southern  Arizona  from a
financial  point of view which has been  presented  in  Appendix C to this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus  has been prepared by M One,  Inc.,  Phoenix,  Arizona,  an
independent financial advisory and consulting firm.

                                     - 70 -

<PAGE>


                                  OTHER MATTERS

          The management of Southern  Arizona does not know of any other matters
intended to be presented for shareholder  action at the Special Meeting.  If any
other  matter does  properly  come  before the  Special  Meeting and is put to a
shareholder  vote, the proxies solicited hereby will be voted in accordance with
the judgment of the proxyholders named thereon.

                                     - 71 -

<PAGE>


















                         SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC.

                                FINANCIAL REPORT

                                DECEMBER 31, 1995

                                       F-1

<PAGE>
                                 C O N T E N T S




                                                                            Page

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORTS                                                F-3

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   Consolidated balance sheets                                               F-5
   Consolidated statements of income                                         F-6
   Consolidated statements of stockholders' equity                           F-7
   Consolidated statements of cash flows                                     F-8
   Notes to consolidated financial statements                                F-9



                                       F-2

<PAGE>












                          INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT


To the Board of Directors
Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
and Subsidiary
Yuma, Arizona

We have audited the accompanying  consolidated balance sheet of Southern Arizona
Bancorp,  Inc. and  Subsidiary as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the related
consolidated  statements of income,  stockholders' equity and cash flows for the
years then ended.  These  financial  statements  are the  responsibility  of the
Bancorp's  management.  Our  responsibility  is to  express  an opinion on these
financial   statements   based  on  our  audits.   The   statements  of  income,
stockholders'  equity and cash flows of Southern Arizona  Bancorp,  Inc. for the
year ended December 31, 1993 were audited by other auditors whose report,  dated
January 21, 1994, expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the 1995 and 1994 consolidated  financial statements referred to
above  present  fairly,  in all material  respects,  the  financial  position of
Southern Arizona  Bancorp,  Inc. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 1995 and 1994
and the  results  of their  operations  and their  cash flows for the years then
ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.




                                             /s/McGladrey & Pullen LLP



Phoenix, Arizona
January 24, 1996

                                       F-3

<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT


Stockholders and Board of Directors
Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
Yuma, Arizona

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of income, stockholders'
equity and cash flows of Southern Arizona  Bancorp,  Inc. and subsidiary for the
year ended December 31, 1993. These financial  statements are the responsibility
of the  Bancorp's  management.  Our  responsibility  is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards  require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance   about  whether  the  financial   statements  are  free  of  material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing  the  accounting  priciples  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,  such consolidated  financial  statements present fairly, in all
material respects,  the results of operations and cash flows of Southern Arizona
Bancorp,  Inc. and subsidiary for the year ended December 31, 1993 in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.


                                        /s/Deloltte & Touche LLP

January 21, 1994


                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                  SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 1995 and 1994
                                                                            1995           1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>           
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks (Note 2)                                    $     7,701,102 $    6,459,750
Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions                         594,000        297,000
Federal funds sold                                                       25,194,000      1,536,000
Securities (Note 3)
   Held to maturity (fair value 1995 $499,400; 1994 $250,850)               498,687        251,283
   Available for sale securities                                          1,388,183      7,420,906
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses 1995 $2,466,513;
   1994 $2,393,242 (Notes 4 and 10)                                      84,532,153     79,646,615
Loans held for sale (Note 4)                                              1,052,814      1,042,370
Bank premises and equipment, net (Notes 5 and 8)                          4,129,523      2,398,755
Accrued interest receivable                                                 537,524        557,000
Deferred income taxes (Note 7)                                              973,755        871,544
Other assets                                                                816,152        773,198
                                                                      -------------------------------
                                                                    $   127,417,893 $  101,254,421
                                                                      -------------------------------

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY


LIABILITIES
Deposits:
   Noninterest bearing demand                                       $    34,453,718 $   26,290,478
   Interest bearing:
      NOW accounts                                                       24,362,291     21,412,280
      Savings                                                             8,158,478      7,666,686
      Time certificates $100,000 and over (Note 6)                       13,140,246      8,501,417
      Time certificates under $100,000                                   34,647,097     27,334,523
                                                                      -------------------------------
                                                                        114,761,830     91,205,384

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities                              817,687        265,338
Senior notes payable (Note 8)                                             2,500,000      2,500,000
Other note payable (Note 8)                                                 480,000              -
                                                                      -------------------------------
                                                                        118,559,517     93,970,722
                                                                      -------------------------------

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Notes 9 and 12)
   Common stock, no par value, authorized 2,000,000 shares;
      issued and outstanding, 1,266,362 shares                            2,483,013      2,483,013
   Retained earnings                                                      6,336,125      4,793,010
   Unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net                     39,238          7,676
                                                                      -------------------------------
                                                                          8,858,376      7,283,699
                                                                      -------------------------------
                                                                    $   127,417,893 $  101,254,421
                                                                      -------------------------------
</TABLE>

                See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Statements
 
                                       F-5

<PAGE>
                  SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                             1995            1994          1993
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                     <C>             <C>            <C>        
Interest income:
   Loans                                                                $ 9,045,120     $ 7,344,146    $ 6,165,863
   Securities:
      U.S. Government agencies                                              447,475         368,123        375,069
      Other investments                                                     207,524         215,795        333,811
   Federal funds sold                                                       492,948         188,978        132,770
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------
                                                                         10,193,067       8,117,042      7,007,513
Interest expense (Note 11)                                                3,151,424       2,067,786      1,845,403
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------

         Net interest income                                              7,041,643       6,049,256      5,162,110

Provision for loan losses (Note 4)                                          401,000         429,000        755,500
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------

         Net interest income after provision for loan losses              6,640,643       5,620,256      4,406,610
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------

Other income:
   Customer service fees                                                    728,028         591,464        487,990
   Gain on sale of loans and investments                                    446,715         513,741        882,406
   Other income                                                             105,841         115,536         23,135
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------

                                                                          1,280,584       1,220,741      1,393,531
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------

Other expenses:
   Salaries and employee benefits                                         2,453,244       2,203,215      1,859,691
   Occupancy (Note 9)                                                       294,023         271,317        216,013
   Equipment expenses                                                       361,207         308,707        228,098
   Supplies and services                                                    773,413         723,570        653,548
   Other                                                                    817,763         781,810        870,461
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------

                                                                          4,699,650       4,288,619      3,827,811
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------

         Income before income taxes                                       3,221,577       2,552,378      1,972,330
Income taxes (Note 7)                                                     1,222,570         920,164        681,179
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------

         Net income                                                     $ 1,999,007     $ 1,632,214    $ 1,291,151
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------

Net earnings per share                                                  $      1.58     $     1.29     $      1.02
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------

Common shares outstanding                                                 1,266,362      1,266,362       1,266,362
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Statements

                                       F-6


<PAGE>

                  SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                                                                Unrealized gain on
                                                                Retained       securities available
                                            Common stock        earnings          for sale, net            Total
                                          --------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                      <C>              <C>                  <C>                  <C>           
Balance, December 31, 1992               $    2,483,013   $   2,553,477        $           -        $    5,036,490

   Cash dividend                                      -        (303,927)                   -              (303,927)
   Net income                                         -       1,291,151                    -             1,291,151

                                          --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Balance, December 31, 1993                    2,483,013       3,540,701                    -             6,023,714

   Cash dividend                                      -        (379,905)                   -              (379,905)
   Net income                                         -       1,632,214                    -             1,632,214
   Net change in unrealized gain on
      securities available for sale                   -               -                7,676                 7,676

                                         --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Balance, December 31, 1994                    2,483,013       4,793,010                7,676             7,283,699

   Cash dividend                                      -        (455,892)                   -              (455,892)
   Net income                                         -       1,999,007                    -             1,999,007
   Net change in unrealized gain on
     securities available for sale                    -               -               31,562                31,562

                                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Balance, December 31, 1995               $    2,483,013   $   6,336,125        $      39,238        $    8,858,376

                                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Statements

                                       F-7

<PAGE>

                  SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                             1995            1994          1993
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>             <C>           
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
   Net income                                                       $     1,999,007 $     1,632,214 $    1,291,151
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
      by operating activities:
         Depreciation                                                       344,893         295,399        207,372
         Provision for loan losses                                          401,000         429,000        755,500
         Amortization of premium                                           (259,859)        (59,937)      (174,007)
         Origination of loans available for sale                        (21,786,419)    (19,737,152)   (27,089,894)
         Proceeds from sale of loans available for sale                  21,775,975      20,208,926     27,305,470
         Deferred income tax benefit                                       (102,211)       (155,030)      (286,167)
         Gain on sale of securities available for sale                      (90,014)       (156,474)      (387,612)
         Change in assets and liabilities:
           Accrued income receivable and other assets                       (23,478)         14,789         66,318
           Accrued interest payable and other liabilities                   552,349        (120,147)      (126,693)
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------
                  Net cash provided by operating activities               2,811,243       2,351,588      1,561,438
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
   Maturities of securities held to maturity                                250,000               -              -
   Purchase of securities held to maturity                                 (489,639)       (260,938)             -
   Purchase of interest bearing deposit in financial institutions        (1,980,000)     (2,082,000)             -
   Maturities of interest bearing deposit in financial institutions       1,683,000       2,869,000              -
   Purchase of securities available for sale                            (11,341,297)    (14,351,783)   (21,312,774)
   Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale             15,500,000      19,250,000     14,000,000
   Proceeds from sale of securities available for sale                    2,247,690       1,466,338      8,085,700
   (Increase) decrease in federal funds sold                            (23,658,000)        886,000        896,000
   Loans made to customers, net                                          (5,286,538)    (16,442,363)   (11,730,805)
   Purchase of bank premises and equipment                               (2,075,661)       (705,645)      (402,492)
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------
                  Net cash used in investing activities                 (25,150,445)     (9,371,391)   (10,464,371)
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
   Net increase in deposits                                              23,556,446       8,889,090      5,880,880
   Dividends paid                                                          (455,892)       (379,905)      (303,927)
   Proceeds from issuance of other notes payable                            480,000               -      2,500,000
   Cost of issuing senior notes payable                                           -               -       (153,515)
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------
                  Net cash provided by financing activities              23,580,554       8,509,185      7,923,438
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------
                  Increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks          1,241,352       1,489,382       (979,495)

Cash and due from banks:
   Beginning                                                              6,459,750       4,970,368      5,949,863
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------
   Ending                                                           $     7,701,102 $     6,459,750 $    4,970,368
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Statements




                                       F-8

<PAGE>


                  SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                            1995            1994          1993
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>             <C>           
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW
   INFORMATION
      Cash payments for:
         Interest paid to depositors                                $     2,756,010 $     1,789,401 $    1,758,500
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------

         Interest paid on senior notes payable                      $       218,750 $       210,243 $            -
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------

         Income taxes paid                                          $     1,337,145 $     1,198,800 $    1,234,500
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH
   INVESTING ACTIVITIES

      Unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net         $        31,562 $         7,676 $            -
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------

      Land acquired in exchange for other note payable              $       480,000 $             - $            -
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

               See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Statements

                                       F-9


<PAGE>


Note 1.  Nature of Banking Activities and Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of banking activities:

Southern  Arizona  Bancorp,  Inc. (the Bancorp) is a holding  company which owns
100% of the stock of Southern  Arizona Bank (the Bank). The Bank provides a full
range of banking service to its commercial,  SBA, residential,  agricultural and
consumer customers through its facilities located in Yuma, Arizona.

The Bank grants commercial,  residential and consumer loans to customers located
primarily in southern Arizona.  The loan portfolio includes a significant credit
exposure to the real  estate  industry of this area.  As of December  31,  1995,
loans with real estate as collateral  accounted for approximately 54.9% of total
loans.  Substantially  all of these  loans are  secured  by first  liens with an
initial loan to value ratio of generally not more than 60%.

The loans are expected to be repaid from cash flows or proceeds from the sale of
selected assets of the borrowers.  The Bank's policy requires that collateral be
obtained on  substantially  all loans.  Such collateral is primarily first trust
deeds on property.

Use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements:

The preparation of financial  statements in conformity  with generally  accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the  reported  amounts  of assets  and  liabilities  and  disclosures  of
contingent asset and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported  amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting  period.  Actual
results could differ from those estimates.

Basis of consolidation:

The consolidated  financial  statements  include all the accounts of the Bancorp
and the Bank.  All material  intercompany  accounts and  transactions  have been
eliminated.

Earnings per share:

Earnings per share are computed using the weighted average method. The effect of
stock options on earnings per share was not material.

Cash and cash equivalents:

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on
hand, amounts due from banks (including cash items in process of clearing). Cash
flows from loans originated by the Bank,  deposits,  and federal funds purchased
are reported net.

The Bank maintains  amounts due from banks which, at times, may exceed federally
insured limits. The bank has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

                                       F-10

<PAGE>


Note 1.  Nature  of  Banking  Activities  and  Significant  Accounting  Policies
(Continued)

Held to maturity securities:

Securities classified as held to maturity are those debt securities the Bank has
both the intent and ability to hold to maturity  regardless of changes in market
conditions,  liquidity needs or changes in general  economic  conditions.  These
securities  are  carried  at cost  adjusted  for  amortization  of  premium  and
accretion of discount,  computed by the interest  method over their  contractual
lives.

The sale of a security within three months of maturity date or after at least 85
percent of the principal outstanding has been collected is considered a maturity
for purposes of classification and disclosure.

Available for sale securities:

Securities  classified as available for sale are those debt  securities that the
Bank intends to hold for an indefinite  period of time,  but not  necessarily to
maturity. Any decision to sell a security classified as available for sale would
be based on various factors,  including significant movements in interest rates,
changes in the  maturity  mix of the Bank's  assets and  liabilities,  liquidity
needs, regulatory capital considerations,  and other similar factors. Securities
available  for sale are  carried at fair value.  Unrealized  gains or losses are
reported as increases or decreases in stockholders'  equity,  net of the related
deferred tax effect.  Realized  gains or losses,  determined on the basis of the
cost of specific securities sold, are included in earnings.

Transfers:

Transfers of debt securities into the  held-to-maturity  classification from the
available-for-sale  classification  are  made  at  fair  value  on the  date  of
transfer.  The  unrealized  holding  gains or losses on the date of transfer are
retained as a separate  component  of  stockholders'  equity and in the carrying
value of the  held-to-maturity  securities.  Such amounts are amortized over the
remaining contractual lives of the securities by the interest method.

Loans:

Loans are stated at the amount of unpaid principal, reduced by net deferred loan
costs and an allowance for possible loan losses.

The allowance for credit  losses is  established  through a provision for credit
losses  charged to expense.  Loans are charged  against the allowance for credit
losses  when  management  believes  that  collectibility  of  the  principal  is
unlikely.  The allowance is an amount that management  believes will be adequate
to absorb  estimated  losses on  existing  loans that may become  uncollectible,
based  on  evaluation  of the  collectibility  of  loans  and  prior  loan  loss
experience.  This  evaluation  also takes  into  consideration  such  factors as
changes  in the  nature  and  volume of the loan  portfolio,  overall  portfolio
quality,  review of specific problem loans, and current economic conditions that
may  affect  the  borrower's  ability  to pay.  While  management  uses the best
information  available  to  make  its  evaluation,  future  adjustments  to  the
allowance may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic or other
conditions. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), as an
integral  part of their  examination  process,  periodically  reviews the Bank's
allowance for credit  losses,  and may require the Bank to make additions to the
allowance  based on their judgment about  information  available for them at the
time of their examinations.


                                      F-11

<PAGE>



Note 1.  Nature  of  Banking  Activities  and  Significant  Accounting  Policies
(Continued)

Impaired loans are measured  based on the present value of expected  future cash
flows  discounted  at the  loan's  effective  interest  rate or, as a  practical
expedient,  at the  loan's  observable  market  price or the  fair  value of the
collateral  if the loan is collateral  dependent.  A loan is impaired when it is
probable the creditor  will be unable to collect all  contractual  principal and
interest payments due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement.

Interest and fees on loans:

Interest on loans is recognized over the terms of the loans and is calculated on
principal  amounts  outstanding.  The accrual of  interest on impaired  loans is
discontinued when, in management's  opinion,  the borrower may be unable to meet
payments as they become due. When interest accrual is  discontinued,  all unpaid
accrued interest is reversed. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to
the extent cash payments are received.

Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct loan  origination  costs
are deferred and the net amount amortized as an adjustment of the related loan's
yield. The Bank is generally amortizing these amounts over the contractual life.

Sales of loans:

The Bank sells  loans to provide  funds for  additional  lending and to generate
servicing  income.  Under such  agreement,  the Bank may continue to service the
loans with the buyer receiving the principal  collected  together with interest.
Loans held for sale are valued at the lower of cost or market value.

Gains  and  losses on sales are  recognized  at the time of sale are  calculated
based on the  difference  between the selling  price and the book value of loans
sold. Any inherent risk of loss on loans sold is transferred to the buyer at the
date of sale.

Other real estate owned:

Other real estate (OREO) represents  properties  acquired through foreclosure or
other  proceedings.  OREO is held for sale and is  recorded  at the lower of the
recorded amount of the loan or fair value of the properties less estimated costs
of  disposal.  Any  write-down  to fair value at the time of transfer to OREO is
charged to the  allowance  for loan losses.  Property is evaluated  regularly to
ensure the recorded  amount is supported by its current fair value and valuation
allowances to reduce the carrying  amounts to fair value less estimated costs to
dispose.  Depreciation  is recorded based on the recorded  amount of depreciable
assets after they have been owned for one year. Depreciation and additions to or
reductions from valuation allowances are recorded in income.


                                      F-12

<PAGE>


Note 1.  Nature  of  Banking  Activities  and  Significant  Accounting  Policies
(Continued)

Bank premises and equipment:

Bank premises and equipment  are stated at cost less  accumulated  depreciation.
Depreciation  is  computed  principally  by the  straight-line  method  over the
following estimated useful lives:

                                                                    Years
                                                                    -----

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment                                 3 - 25

Building and improvements                                            30


Income taxes:

The Bank files its income tax return on a consolidated basis. Deferred taxes are
provided on a liability  method  whereby  deferred tax assets are recognized for
deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable  temporary  differences.
Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets
and  liabilities  and their tax bases.  Deferred  tax  assets  are  reduced by a
valuation  allowance when, in the opinion of management,  it is more likely than
not that some  portion or all of the  deferred  tax assets will not be realized.
Deferred tax assets and  liabilities  are adjusted for the effects of changes in
tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

Fair value of financial instruments:

Effective January 1, 1995, the Bank adopted FASB Statement No. 107,  Disclosures
About Fair Value of Financial  Instruments,  which  requires  disclosure of fair
value information about financial instruments,  whether or not recognized in the
balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value.

Management  uses its best  judgment in  estimating  the fair value of the Bank's
financial instruments;  however, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation
technique.  Therefore,  for  substantially all financial  instruments,  the fair
value estimates  presented herein are not necessarily  indicative of the amounts
the Bank could have realized in a sales  transaction  at December 31, 1995.  The
estimated  fair value  amounts for 1995 have been  measured as of year end,  and
have not been reevaluated or updated for purposes of these financial  statements
subsequent to that date. As such, the estimated  fair values of these  financial
instruments  subsequent to the reporting  date may be different than the amounts
reported at each year end.

This  disclosure  of fair value  amounts does not include the fair values of any
intangibles, including core deposit intangibles.

Due to the wide range of  valuation  techniques  and the degree of  subjectivity
used in making the  estimate,  comparisons  between the Bank's  disclosures  and
those of the banks may not be meaningful.


                                      F-13
<PAGE>



Note 1.  Nature  of  Banking  Activities  and  Significant  Accounting  Policies
(Continued)

The following  methods and  assumptions  were used by the Bank in estimating the
fair value of its financial instruments:

   Cash and short-term instruments: The carrying amounts reported in the balance
   sheet for cash and due from  banks,  interest  bearing  deposits  and federal
   funds sold approximate their fair values.

   Securities: Carrying amounts approximate fair values for securities available
   for sale.  Fair values for  securities  held to maturity  are based on quoted
   market prices.

   Loans:  For  variable-rate  loans  that  reprice  frequently  and  that  have
   experienced  no significant  change in credit risk,  fair values are based on
   carrying  values.  At  December  31,  1995,  variable  rate  loans  comprised
   approximately 71% of the loan portfolio.  Fair values for all other loans are
   estimated  based on discounted  cash flows,  using interest  rates  currently
   being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers  with similar  credit
   quality.  Prepayments  prior to the  repricing  date are not  expected  to be
   significant.  Loans are  expected to be held to maturity  and any  unrealized
   gains or losses are not expected to be realized.

   Loans held for sale:  Fair value of loans held for sale are  estimated  based
   upon the subsequent selling price.

   Off-balance sheet  instruments:  Fair values of off-balance sheet instruments
   are not considered material.

   Deposit  liabilities:  Fair values  disclosed for demand deposits equal their
   carrying amounts,  which represent the amount payable on demand. The carrying
   amounts for  variable-rate  money market accounts and certificates of deposit
   approximate  their  fair  values  at the  reporting  date.  Fair  values  for
   fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow
   calculation   that  applies   interest  rates   currently  being  offered  on
   certificates to a schedule of aggregate  expected monthly  maturities on time
   deposits.  Early  withdrawals of fixed-rate  certificates  of deposit are not
   expected to be significant.

   Accrued  interest  receivable  and  payable:  The fair values of both accrued
   interest receivable and payable approximate their carrying amounts.

Accounting by creditors for impairment of a loan:

On January 1, 1995, the Bank adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
Statement No. 114,  Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, as amended
by FASB  Statement No. 118,  Accounting by Creditors for  Impairment of a Loan -
Income Recognition and Disclosures.  There was no effect on the Bank's financial
statements  for this  change,  which  generally  requires  impaired  loans to be
measured on the present  value of expected  future cash flows  discounted at the
loan's  effective  interest  rate,  or as an expedient at the loan's  observable
market  price or the  fair  value of the  collateral  if the loan is  collateral
dependent. A loan is impaired when it is probable the creditor will be unable to
collect all contractual  principal and interest  payments due in accordance with
the terms of the loan  agreement.  At January 1, 1995,  the Bank has  classified
$1,313,529 of its loans as impaired with a specific loss reserve of $387,000.


                                      F-14

<PAGE>


Note 1.  Nature  of  Banking  Activities  and  Significant  Accounting  Policies
(Continued)

Accounting for the impairment of long-lived  assets and long-lived  assets to be
disposed of:

In March 1995, the FASB issued Statement No. 121,  Accounting for the Impairment
of Long-Lived  Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of. Statement No.
121  establishes  accounting  standard for the impairment of long- lived assets,
certain  identifiable  intangibles,  and goodwill  related to those assets to be
held and used and for long- lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles to
be disposed  of.  Statement  No. 121 will first be required  for the Bank's year
ending December 31, 1996. Based on its preliminary  analysis,  the Bank does not
anticipate that the adoption of Statement No. 121 will have a material impact on
the financial statements as of the date of adoption.

Accounting for mortgage servicing rights:

In May  1995,  the FASB  issued  Statement  No.  122,  Accounting  for  Mortgage
Servicing Rights an Amendment of Financial  Accounting Standards Board Statement
No. 65. Statement No. 122 requires a mortgage banking enterprise to recognize as
separate  assets,  rights to service  mortgage loans for others,  whenever those
servicing rights are acquired.  Statement No. 122 will first be required for the
Bank's year ending  December 31, 1996.  The Bank has not addressed the potential
future impact of the application of this Statement.

Accounting for stock-based compensation:

In October 1995, the FASB issued  Statement No. 123,  Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation.  Statement No. 123 establishes  financial accounting and reporting
standards for stock-based  employee  compensation plans such as a stock purchase
plan.  The  statement  generally  suggests,  but does not  require,  stock-based
compensation  transactions  be  accounted  for  based on the  fair  value of the
consideration  received  or the fair  value  of the  equity  instrument  issued,
whichever is more reliably measurable.  An enterprise may continue to follow the
requirements of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, which does not
require  compensation to be reported if the  consideration  to be received is at
least equal to its fair value at the measurement  date. If an enterprise  elects
to follow APB  Opinion  No. 25, it must  disclose  the  proforma  effects on net
income as if the compensation were measured in accordance with the guidelines of
Statement No. 123. The Bank has not determined if it will continue to follow APB
Opinion No. 25 or follow the guidance of Statement No. 123. However,  if adopted
in 1996,  this  pronouncement  is not expected to have a material  impact on the
financial statements.

Note 2.  Restrictions on Cash and Due From Banks

The Bank is required to maintain  reserve  balances with Federal  Reserve Banks.
The total of those reserve  balances were  approximately  $51,000 and $63,000 at
December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.


                                      F-15

<PAGE>

Note 3.  Securities

Carrying  amounts and approximate  fair values of securities held to maturity as
of December 31, 1995 and 1994 are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1995
                                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Gross           Gross        Approximate
                                                      Amortized        unrealized      unrealized         fair
                                                        cost             gains           losses           value
                                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                               <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>          
United States Treasury Security                   $    498,687     $        713     $          -     $     499,400
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------



                                                                                 1994
                                                  -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Gross           Gross        Approximate
                                                     Amortized        unrealized       unrealized         fair
                                                        cost             gains           losses           value
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------

United States Treasury Security                   $    251,283     $          -     $        433     $     250,850
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


The  amortized  cost and fair value of  securities  being held to maturity as of
December 31, 1995 by contractual maturity are shown below.

                                                              Approximate
                                                 Amortized        fair
                                                    cost          value
                                            -------------------------------

Due in one year or less                     $      498,687     $  499,400
                                            -------------------------------


Carrying amounts and approximate fair values of investment  securities available
for sale as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1995
                                                 -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Gross            Gross        Approximate
                                                        Amortized      unrealized      unrealized         fair
                                                          cost           gains           losses           value
                                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                               <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>          
United States Treasury Securities                 $      798,204   $     17,166     $          -     $     815,370
Obligations of states and political
   subdivisions                                          524,583         48,230                -           572,813
                                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                  $    1,322,787   $     65,396     $          -     $   1,388,183
                                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                      F-16

<PAGE>



Note 3.  Securities (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 1994
                                                 -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Gross           Gross        Approximate
                                                       Amortized       unrealized      unrealized         fair
                                                          cost           gains           losses           value
                                                 -----------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                               <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>          
United States Treasury Securities                 $    4,723,062   $      7,886     $    (22,818)    $   4,708,130
Obligations of states and political
   subdivisions                                        2,685,050         66,091          (38,365)        2,712,776
                                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                  $    7,408,112   $     73,977     $    (61,183)    $   7,420,906
                                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


The amortized cost and approximate fair value of investment securities available
for sale as of December 31, 1995 by contractual maturity are shown below.

                                                Amortized     Approximate fair
                                                   cost            value
                                            -------------------------------


Due in one year or less                      $     300,110    $     301,770
Due after one year through 5 years                 498,094          513,600
Due after 5 years through ten years                524,583          572,813
                                             -------------------------------


                                             $   1,322,787    $   1,388,183
                                             -------------------------------


Realized gains on the sale of investment  securities available for sale amounted
to $90,014,  $156,474, and $387,612 for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994,
and 1993, respectively.

Securities  available for sale with an amortized cost of $1,821,484 and $733,980
as of December 31, 1995 and 1994,  respectively,  were pledged as  collateral in
public deposits and for other purposes as required or permitted by law.



                                      F-17

<PAGE>


Note 4.  Loans

Loans consist of the following at December 31:
                                                         1995            1994
                                                 -------------------------------


Commercial                                       $   63,062,496   $  62,336,364
Real estate - mortgage                                9,503,874       7,273,963
Real estate - construction                              435,006         939,898
Installment - mobile home                             5,604,752       4,757,365
Installment - other                                   9,466,726       7,894,146
Personal credit line                                    338,779         362,196
Other                                                   164,498          38,497
                                                 -------------------------------


                                                     88,576,131      83,602,429
Deduct:
   Unearned net loan fees and costs                    (524,651)       (520,202)
   Allowance for loan losses                         (2,466,513)     (2,393,242)
                                                 -------------------------------


                                                 $   85,584,967  $   80,688,985
                                                 -------------------------------


Classified as:
   Loans, net                                    $   84,532,153  $   79,646,615
   Loans held for sale                                1,052,814       1,042,370

At December 31, 1995 and 1994, the total of Small Business  Administration (SBA)
loans  serviced  for others  amounted to  approximately  $793,000  and  $17,500,
respectively. Loans totaling approximately $850,000 and $862,000 were secured by
Bank time certificates of deposit at December 31, 1995 and 1994.

Changes in the  allowance  for loan  losses are as follows  for the years  ended
December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                      1995                1994             1993
                                                                -------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>               <C>              <C>    
Balance, beginning                                                $  2,393,242      $  1,990,428     $   1,332,068
   Provision charged to operating expense                              401,000           429,000           755,500
   Recoveries of amounts charged off                                    21,485            19,108            12,315
                                                                -------------------------------------------------

                                                                     2,815,727         2,438,536         2,099,833
   Amounts charged off                                                (349,214)          (45,294)         (109,455)
                                                                -------------------------------------------------

Balance, ending                                                   $  2,466,513      $  2,393,242     $   1,990,428
                                                                -------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>


                                      F-18

<PAGE>


Note 4.  Loans (Continued)

Impaired loans:  Impairment of loans, having recorded  investments of $4,466,859
at December 31, 1995, has been  recognized in conformity with FASB Statement No.
114 as amended by FASB Statement No. 118. The total  allowance for credit losses
related to these  loans was  $1,066,483  on  December  31, 1995 and are fully or
partially allowed for.

Management  believes  commercial  real  estate  loans  have a  greater  risk  of
uncollectibility  because  repayment  depends  on  income  production  from  the
property or future  development of the real estate.  Commercial loans summarized
by type  of  collateral  are as  follows  at  December  31,  1995:  real  estate
non-residential,  $36,408,913;  multi-family residential,  $2,265,642;  accounts
receivable, inventory and contract rights, $9,170,308; agriculture,  $8,142,940;
unsecured, $4,141,161; and other, $2,933,532.

During the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993,  residential  mortgage
loans totaling $21,775,975,  $20,208,296,  and $27,305,470,  respectively,  were
sold. Total income from such loan sales was $558,577, $357,267, and $494,794 for
the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993, respectively.

Note 5.  Bank Premises and Equipment

The major  classes of bank  premises  and  equipment  and the total  accumulated
depreciation are as follows at December 31:
                                                 1995              1994
                                            -------------------------------


Land                                         $  1,067,453     $     477,000
Building improvements                           2,652,944         1,701,815
Furniture and equipment                         2,313,943         1,779,864
                                            -------------------------------


                                                6,034,340         3,958,679
Less accumulated depreciation                  (1,904,817)       (1,559,924)
                                            -------------------------------


                                             $  4,129,523     $   2,398,755
                                            -------------------------------




                                      F-19

<PAGE>


Note 6.  Time Certificates of Deposit

Aggregate  maturities of time  certificates  $100,000 and over are as follows at
December 31:

                                               1995               1994
                                          -------------------------------


Three months or less                       $  4,168,319     $   4,258,472
Three through six months                      6,123,001         1,000,000
Six through twelve months                     1,116,361         1,526,000
Over twelve months                            1,732,565         1,716,945
                                         -------------------------------


                                           $ 13,140,246     $   8,501,417
                                         -------------------------------


Note 7.  Income Tax Matters

The following  table shows the cumulative  tax effects of the primary  temporary
differences as of December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1995              1994
                                                          -------------------------------

<S>                                                        <C>             <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Loan loss allowances                                       $    834,755     $     731,544
Deferred loan fees                                              226,000           224,000
                                                          -------------------------------


   Total deferred tax assets                                  1,060,755           955,544
                                                          -------------------------------


Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment                                          (70,000)          (81,000)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities                (17,000)           (3,000)
                                                          -------------------------------


   Total deferred tax liabilities                               (87,000)          (84,000)
                                                          -------------------------------



Net deferred tax asset                                     $    973,755     $     871,544
                                                          -------------------------------


                                      F-20

<PAGE>


Note 7.  Income Tax Matters (Continued)

The provision  for income taxes charged to operations  consists of the following
for the years ended December 31:

</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      1995           1994             1993
                                             -----------------------------------------------

<S>                                           <C>             <C>             <C>           
Current tax expense                           $     1,324,781 $     1,075,194 $      967,346
Deferred tax expense (benefit)                       (102,211)       (155,030)      (286,167)

                                             -----------------------------------------------

                                              $     1,222,570 $       920,164 $      681,179

                                             -----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


The income tax  provision  differs from the amount of income tax  determined  by
applying the U.S.  federal  income tax rate to pretax income for the years ended
December 31, 1995 and 1994 as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                             1995            1994           1993
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------


<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>             <C>           
Computed "expected" tax expense                                     $     1,127,000 $       893,000 $      690,000
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit                              258,000         204,000        158,000
Tax-exempt interest income (net of disallowed expenses)                     (59,000)        (64,000)             -
Other                                                                      (103,430)       (112,836)      (166,821)
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------


                                                                    $     1,222,570 $       920,164 $      681,179
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


Note 8.  Notes Payable

Senior notes payable:

Bancorp has issued  $2,500,000  of 8.75% Senior Notes payable which require that
interest  be paid  semi-annually.  These  notes  are due July 1,  2000.  The net
proceeds from the issuance were contributed to be capital of the Bank. The terms
of the Senior Notes include  certain  restrictions on the issuance of additional
debt and payment of dividends.  The costs, totaling  approximately  $154,000, of
issuing the Senior  Notes have been  deferred and are being  amortized  over the
contract terms of such notes.

Other notes payable:

Other notes payable  consists of a 8.5% note payable to a director  arising from
the purchase of the land for the Bank's San Luis branch. Principal in the amount
of $120,000 per year, plus interest, is due commencing January 1996.
Final payment is due January 1999. The note is secured by real estate.


                                      F-21

<PAGE>


Note 9.  Commitments and Contingencies

Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk:

The Bank is a party to financial instruments with  off-balance-sheet risk in the
normal course of business to meet the financing  needs of its  customers.  These
financial instruments consist of commitments to extend credit. These instruments
involve,  to varying  degrees,  elements  of credit risk in excess of the amount
recognized in the balance sheets.

The Bank's exposure to credit loss in the event of  nonperformance  by the other
party  to  the  financial   instrument  for  commitments  to  extend  credit  is
represented by the contractual  amount of those  instruments.  The Bank uses the
same  credit  policies  in  making  conditional   obligations  as  they  do  for
on-balance-sheet  instruments.  A summary of the Bank's  commitments at December
31, 1995 and 1994 are as follows:
                                                 1995               1994
                                            -------------------------------


   Commitments to extend credit             $  16,384,611    $   12,604,126
                                             -------------------------------


Commitments  to extend  credit are  agreements  to lend to a customer as long as
there is no violation of any condition  established in the contract.  Since many
of the  commitments  are expected to expire  without being drawn upon, the total
commitment amount does not necessarily  represent future cash requirements.  The
Bank evaluates each customer's  creditworthiness  on a case-by-case  basis.  The
amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of
credit, is based on management's credit evaluation of the party. Collateral held
varies, but may include accounts receivable,  inventory, property and equipment,
residential real estate and income-producing commercial properties.

Concentrations of credit risk:

All of the Bank's loans and  commitments  to extend  credit have been granted to
customers in the Bank's  market area.  The  concentrations  of credit by type of
loan are set forth in Note 4. The  distribution  of commitments to extend credit
approximates the  distribution of commercial and real estate loans  outstanding.
The Bank, as a matter of policy,  does not extend credit to any single  borrower
or group of related borrowers in excess of the Bank's legal lending limit.



                                      F-22

<PAGE>


Note 9.  Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

Lease commitments:

The Bank  leases two of its  branches  under terms of  noncancellable  operating
leases.

At December 31, 1995,  approximate  future  minimum  lease  payments  under this
agreement is as follows:

      Year

      1996                                                  $   43,624
      1997                                                      38,850
      1998                                                      38,850
      1999                                                      38,850
      2000                                                      22,663
                                                             -----------


                                                            $  182,837
                                                             -----------


Rent expense totaled approximately  $52,063,  $33,768, and $32,436 for the years
ended  December  31,  1995,  1994,  and 1993,  respectively,  and is included in
occupancy expense.

Contingencies:

In the  normal  course  of  business,  the Bank is  involved  in  various  legal
proceedings.  In the opinion of  management,  any liability  resulting from such
proceedings  would not have a material  adverse  effect on the Bank's  financial
statements.

Stock options:

At December 31, 1995 and 1994,  there were 57,000 shares of stock  available for
grant under a company stock option plan. No options were outstanding. The option
price of the shares may not be less than the fair market value of common  shares
as of the date of grant.

Sales of loans:

The Bank has issued various  representations and warranties  associated with the
sale of loans.  These  representations  and  warranties  may require the Bank to
repurchase  loans with  underwriting  deficiencies as defined per the applicable
sales agreements. The Bank experienced no losses during the years ended December
31, 1995 and 1994, regarding these representations and warranties.

                                      F-23

<PAGE>


Note 10. Transactions with Related Parties

The  Bank  has  had,  and  may  be  expected  to  have  in the  future,  banking
transactions  in the  ordinary  course of  business  with  directors,  principal
officers,  their immediate  families and affiliated  companies in which they are
principal  stockholders  (commonly referred to as related parties), all of which
have been, in the opinion of management,  on the same terms,  including interest
rates  and  collateral,   as  those   prevailing  at  the  time  for  comparable
transactions with others.

Aggregate loan  transactions  with related parties were as follows for the years
ended December 31:

                                                    1995              1994
                                              -------------------------------


Balance, beginning                             $  2,351,175     $   1,735,788
   New loans                                         64,350           944,647
   Repayments                                    (1,008,468)         (329,260)
                                              -------------------------------


Balance, ending                                $  1,407,057     $   2,351,175
                                              -------------------------------


Note 11. Interest Expense

The components of interest are as follows for the year ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                         1995               1994            1993
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------


<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>              <C>       
NOW accounts                                                        $    486,186    $    559,383     $  495,015
Savings accounts                                                         147,428         151,504        141,982
Time certificates of deposit $100,000 and over                           502,455         292,005        258,002
Certificates under $100,000                                            1,755,415         842,341        848,932
Senior notes payable                                                     218,750         218,750        100,128
Other                                                                     41,190           3,803          1,344
                                                                    --------------------------------------------

                                                                    $  3,151,424    $  2,067,786     $ 1,845,403
                                                                    ---------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                      F-24

<PAGE>


Note 12. Employee Benefit Plan

The Bank has adopted a 401(k) plan (the Plan) and  sponsored  an employee  stock
ownership plan (ESOP) to which the Bank makes  contributions.  All full-time and
part-time employees of the Bank who have completed 1,000 hours per year and have
reached 21 years of age are eligible to participate.

Under  the  401(k)  plan,  the  Bank  matches  100% of  employee  contributions.
Contributions to the Plan totalled approximately  $89,000,  $83,000, and $71,000
for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993, respectively.

The Bank makes voluntary  contributions to the ESOP each year. Participants vest
in the contributions  over a five year period.  Common stock of the Bancorp held
by the ESOP is voted by the ESOP's administrative committee, consisting of three
members of the Board of Directors.  For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994,
and 1993,  contributions were  approximately  $54,000,  $123,000,  and $128,000,
respectively.

In the event a terminated ESOP participant  desires to sell his or her shares of
the Company's stock, the Company may be required to purchase the shares from the
participant. At December 31, 1995, the ESOP held 66,851 shares of Bancorp stock.


Note 13. Regulatory Capital Requirements

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital  requirements  administered by
the federal banking agencies.  Failure to meet minimum capital  requirements can
initiate certain mandatory - and possibly additional  discretionary - actions by
regulators  that,  if  undertaken,  could have a direct  material  effect on the
Bank's  financial   statements.   Under  capital  adequacy  guidelines  and  the
regulatory  framework for prompt corrective  action, the Bank must meet specific
capital  guidelines  that  involve  qualitative  measures of the Bank's  assets,
liabilities,  and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory
accounting  practices.  The Bank's capital amounts and  classification  are also
subject to  qualitative  judgments  by the  regulators  about  components,  risk
weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative  measures  established  by  regulation to ensure  capital  adequacy
require the Bank to maintain  minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table
below) of total and Tier I capital  (as  defined  in the  regulations)  to risk-
weighted  assets (as  defined),  and of Tier I capital  (as  defined) to average
assets (as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, 1995, that the Bank
meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

As of December 31, 1995, the most recent  notification from the FDIC categorized
the  Bank  as  well  capitalized  under  the  regulatory  framework  for  prompt
corrective  action. To be categorized as well capitalized the Bank must maintain
minimum total  risk-based,  Tier I risk-based and Tier I leverage  ratios as set
forth in the table.  There are no  conditions  or events  since that  management
believes have changed the institution's category.



                                      F-25

<PAGE>


Note 13. Regulatory Capital Requirements (Continued)

The Bank's  actual  capital  amounts and ratios are  presented in the  following
table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                   To Be Well
                                                                                For Capital     Capitalized Under
                                                                                 Adequacy       Prompt Corrective
                                                                  Actual         Purposes       Action Provisions
                                                       ----------------------------------------------------------
As of December 31, 1995:
<S>                                                                <C>              <C>               <C>
   Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)                         12.8%            8%                10%
   Tier I Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)                        11.7%            4%                 6%
   Tier I Capital (to Average Assets)                               8.4%            4%                 5%

As of December 31, 1994:
   Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)                          9.9%            8%                10%
   Tier I Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)                         8.7%            4%                 6%
   Tier I Capital (to Average Assets)                               9.4%            4%                 5%
</TABLE>

Note 14. Merger

During January,  1996 Southern Arizona  Bancorp,  Inc. entered into an Agreement
and Plan of Reorganization  with Zions  Bancorporation.  Under the terms of this
agreement, the stockholders of the Bancorp will exchange their shares for shares
of Zions Bancorporation. The exchange rate will be set at the time of closing so
that the Bancorp  shareholders  collectively  receive Zions Bancorporation stock
valued at  $25,330,000,  plus earnings of the Bancorp for the period  October 1,
1995  through the closing  date.  This merger is  contingent  upon and  awaiting
governmental regulatory approval.

Note 15. Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The fair values of the Bank's financial instruments are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       Carrying           Fair
                                                                                   -------------------------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>              <C>          
Financial assets:
   Cash and due from banks                                                          $  7,701,102     $   7,701,102
   Interest bearing deposits in financial institutions                                   594,000           594,000
   Federal funds sold                                                                 25,194,000        25,194,000
   Securities                                                                          1,886,870         1,888,000
   Loans, net                                                                         84,532,153        84,815,000
   Loans available for sale                                                            1,052,814         1,053,000
   Accrued interest receivable                                                           537,524           537,000
Financial liabilities:
   Deposits                                                                          114,761,830       113,787,000
   Senior notes payable                                                                2,500,000         2,500,000
   Other note payable                                                                    480,000           480,000
</TABLE>

Fair value of commitments:  The estimated fair value of  off-balance-sheet  loan
commitments are not considered to be significant.

                                      F-26

<PAGE>


Note 16. Parent Only Financial Information
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

BALANCE SHEETS
                                                              1995            1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------                              

<S>                                                     <C>              <C>          
Assets
Cash and due from banks                                 $     115,322    $     118,838
Investment in Southern Arizona Bank                        11,004,815        9,506,650
Prepaid senior note costs and other assets                    104,758          126,941
Deferred taxes                                                250,049          147,838
                                                        -------------------------------


                                                        $  11,474,944    $   9,900,267
                                                        -------------------------------


Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Interest payable and other accrued liabilities          $     116,568    $     116,568
Note payable                                                2,500,000        2,500,000
                                                        -------------------------------


                                                            2,616,568        2,616,568
                                                        -------------------------------


Stockholders' Equity 
   Common Stock                                             2,483,013        2,483,013
   Retained earnings                                        6,336,125        4,793,010
   Net unrealized gain                                         39,238            7,676
                                                        -------------------------------


                                                            8,858,376        7,283,699
                                                        -------------------------------


                                                        $  11,474,944    $   9,900,267
                                                        -------------------------------
</TABLE>



                                      F-27

<PAGE>


Note 16. Parent Only Financial Information (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                                                             1995           1994           1993
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>             <C>           
Revenues
Equity in earnings of Southern Arizona Bank                         $     2,151,244 $     1,784,665 $    1,360,461
Other income                                                                  1,475           2,500          5,912
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------

                                                                          2,152,719       1,787,165      1,366,373
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------

Expenses

Interest expense on senior notes                                    $       218,750 $       218,750 $      110,080
Amortization of senior note cost                                             22,183          22,183              -
Other expense                                                                14,990          15,649         11,348
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------

                                                                            255,923         256,582        121,428
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------

Income tax benefit                                                          102,211         101,631         46,206
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------

Net income                                                          $     1,999,007     $ 1,632,214    $ 1,291,151

                                                                    -----------------------------------------------


STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
   Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net income                                                             1,999,007       1,632,214      1,291,151
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
      cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
      Undistributed equity in income of subsidiary                       (1,466,603)     (1,186,004)      (884,666)
      Amortization expense                                                   22,183          22,183          8,402
      Deferred taxes                                                       (102,211)       (101,632)       (46,206)
      Changes in assets and liabilities:
         Accrued interest payable and other liabilities                           -           6,955        102,418

                                                                    -----------------------------------------------

      Net cash provided by operating activities                             452,376         373,716        471,099
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------


Cash flows used in investing activities,
   capital contribution to Southern Arizona Bank                                  -               -     (2,390,000)
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------

</TABLE>


                                      F-28

<PAGE>



Note 16. Parent Only Financial Information (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                                                            1995         1994            1993
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>             <C>            
Cash flows used in financing activities:
   Payment of dividends                                             $    (455,892)  $   (379,905)   $     (303,927)
   Proceeds from issuance of senior notes payable                               -              -         2,500,000
   Cost of issuing senior notes payable                                         -              -          (153,515)
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------


           Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities           (455,892)      (379,905)        2,042,558
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------



           Net (decrease) increase in cash                                 (3,516)        (6,189)          123,657

Cash and due from banks
           Beginning of year                                              118,838        125,027             1,370
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------


           End of year                                              $     115,322   $    118,838    $      125,027
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------


SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH
   FLOW INFORMATION
      Cash payments for interest                                    $     218,750   $    210,243    $        9,212
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------


SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH
   INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
      Unrealized gain on available for sale securities              $      31,562   $      7,676    $            -
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                      F-29
<PAGE>
                      STATISTICAL INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS

   The  following  tables  present  certain  statistical  information  regarding
Southern  Arizona  and  should  be  read in  connection  with  Southern  Arizona
Consolidated  Financial  Statements and Notes set forth  elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC.
                                                    Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses
                                                             As of December 31, 1995


                        1995                    1994                   1993                    1992                 1991
                 ----------------------   -------------------   --------------------    --------------------   ---------------------
                           
                          % of Loans              % of Loans             % of Loans             % of Loans              % of Loans
                          Per Catagory           Per Catagory            Per Catagory           Per Catagory           Per Catagory
   (000's)        Amount  To Total Lns   Amount  To Total Lns   Amount   To Total Lns   Amount  To Total Lns   Amount  To Total Lns

<S>               <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>           <C>       <C>  
Commercial        2,237       71.20      2,083       74.56      1,772       74.20       1,077      71.03         758       71.34
                                                   
Real Estate          36       11.22         49        9.83         38       11.06          61      11.16          22       12.85

Consumer Loans      194       17.58        261       15.61        180       14.74         194      17.81          93       15.81
                ---------------------- ----------------------  --------------------- ------------------------- --------------------
                
         Total    2,467         100%     2,393         100%     1,990         100%      1,332        100%        873         100%
                ====================== ======================  ===================== ========================= ====================

</TABLE>

                                      ST-1

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC.
                                             Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses
                                                Years Ended December 31, 1991 - 1995



                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               (000's)                1995                1994               1993               1992               1991
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                   <C>                 <C>                <C>                  <C>                <C>
Balance at beginning of period        2,393               1,990              1,332                873                679

Charge-offs:

          Commercial                    291                  37                 65                143                131

          Real Estate                    48                   0                  3                149                 74

          Installment                    10                   8                 41                 23                 97
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  Total                 349                  45                109                315                302


Recoveries:

          Commercial                     14                  14                  7                 18                 35

          Real Estate                     6                   0                  0                  0                  0

          Installment                     2                   5                  4                  3                 39
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  Total                  22                  19                 11                 21                 74


Net (charge-offs) / recoveries         (327)                (26)               (98)              (294)              (228)

Additions charged to operations         401                 429                756                753                422
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at end of period              2,467               2,393              1,990              1,332                873
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Ratio of net charge-offs during
the period to average loans
outstanding during the period             0.40                0.04               0.16               0.60               0.55
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>


                                      ST-2

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                         SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC.
                                                                                 Deposit Analysis
                                                                                Based on Averages
                                                                       Years Ended December 31, 1993 - 1995


                                                    1995                         1994                            1993
                                        --------------------------     ---------------------------     --------------------------

                                           Average      Average        Average         Average          Average         Average
                  (000's)                  Amount      Rate Paid        Amount        Rate Paid         Amount         Rate Paid

<S>                                         <C>             <C>         <C>               <C>            <C>               <C>
Noninterest bearing demand deposits         27,556          0           24,068            0              20,206            0

Interest bearing demand deposits            22,819          2.13        27,045            2.07           22,523            2.20

Savings deposits                             9,632          1.53         8,538            1.78            7,704            1.84

Certificates of deposit                     40,612          5.56        27,881            4.07            27,163           4.08
                                        -------------------------     ---------------------------     ----------------------------

         Total                             100,619                      87,532                            77,596
                                        ===========                   ==========                      ===========


</TABLE>








<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                      Time Deposit Maturity Schedule
                                                                             $100,000 and over
                                                                          As of December 31, 1995

                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            3 Months                  3 - 6                 6 -12                Over        
                                             or Less                 Months                Months              One Year
                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>              <C>                               <C>                     <C>                   <C>                  <C>  
                 $100,000 and over                 4,168                   6,123                 1,116                1,733
                                         ================        ================      ================     ================


</TABLE>










                                      ST-3



<PAGE>

                         SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC.
                           Return on Equity and Assets
                      Years Ended December 31, 1993 - 1995



                                          1995         1994             1993
                                          ----         ----             ----


Return on average assets                  1.78         1.68              1.52

Return on average equity                 24.77        24.53             23.35

Dividend payout ratio                    22.78        23.26             23.53

Average equity to average assets          7.19         6.84              6.53





                                      ST-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
                                                                                     Balance Sheets
                                                                                 Based on Average Balances


                                                                                  Years Ended December 31
(000)                                                                      1995           1994           1993
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                        <C>            <C>             <C>  
Assets
     Cash and due from banks                                               5,673          4,913           4,509
     Federal funds sold                                                    8,757          4,878           4,766
     US Treasury obligations                                               7,202          8,769           9,180
     Municipal obligations                                                 2,302          2,485           3,742
     Other investments                                                     1,133          1,396           2,068
     Loans
                 Commercial loans                                         54,465         49,275          38,751
                 Agriculture loans                                         6,926          5,599           4,509
                 Real estate loans                                         9,605          7,410           6,401
                 Installment loans                                        14,628         11,763          10,025
                 Less - Deferred loan fees                                  (571)          (509)           (422)
                     Allowance for loan losses                            (2,438)        (2,173)         (1,711)
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                    Total loans                                           82,615         71,365          57,553

     Fixed and other assets                                                4,558          3,517           2,924
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                 Total Assets                                            112,240         97,323          84,742
                                                                 ===============================================

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
     Deposits
                 Non-interest bearing demand                              27,556         24,068          20,206
                 Interest bearing demand                                  22,819         27,045          22,523
                 Money market and savings                                  9,632          8,538           7,704
                 Certificates of deposit                                  40,612         27,881          27,163
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                    Total deposits                                       100,619         87,532          77,596

     Other Liabilities                                                       570            637             473
     Senior Notes Payable                                                  2,980          2,500           1,143
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                 Total liabilities                                       104,169         90,669          79,212

     Stockholders' equity                                                  8,071          6,654           5,530
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                 Total Liabilities and
                 Stockholders' equity                                    112,240         97,323          84,742  
                                                                 ===============================================
</TABLE>


<PAGE>
                         Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
                        Analysis of Net Interest Earnings
                       Years Ended December 31, 1993-1995

Results of Operations

Average Balance, Interest Rates and Yields. The following table presents for the
periods  indicated  the total  dollar  amount of interest  income  from  average
interest-earning  assets  and the  resultant  yields,  as  well as the  interest
expense  on  average  interest-bearing  liabilities,  expressed  both in  dollar
amounts and rates, and the net interest  margin.  The table does not reflect any
effect of income taxes.  All average  balances are monthly average  balances and
include the balances of non-accuring loans. The yields and costs for the periods
indicated include fees which are considered adjustments to yield.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


            1995 (000)                                                Avg. Amt         Interest            Average
- ----------------------------------                                  Outstanding         Earned              Yield
<S>                                                                        <C>              <C>               <C>
Assets                                                           
                                                         
     Federal funds sold                                                    8,757            493               5.63%
     US Treasury obligations                                               7,202            447               6.21%
     Other investments                                                     3,435            208               6.06%
     Loans                                                                85,624          9,045              10.56%
                                                                 --------------------------------------------------
                 Total                                                   105,018         10,193               9.71%
                                                                 ==================================================

Liabilities                                                       
     Deposits
                 Interest bearing demand                                  22,819            486               2.13%
                 Money market and savings                                  9,632            147               1.53%
                 Certificates of deposit                                  40,612          2,258               5.56%
     Long-Term Debt                                                        2,980            261               8.76%
                                                                 --------------------------------------------------
                 Total                                                    76,043          3,152               4.15%
                                                                 ==================================================

Avg. Yield Int Earning Assets                                                                                 9.71%
Avg. Rate Pd Int Earning Liabilities                                                                          4.15%
Net Yield on Assets                                                                                           6.70%




            1994 (000)                                                   Avg. Amt        Interest        Average
- -------------------------------------------------                      Outstanding         Earned          Yield
Assets                                                           --------------------------------------------------
                                                                 
     Federal funds sold                                                    4,878            189               3.87%
     US Treasury obligations                                               8,769            368               4.20%
     Other investments                                                     3,881            216               5.57%
     Loans                                                                74,047          7,344               9.92%
                                                                 --------------------------------------------------
                 Total                                                    91,575          8,117               8.86%
                                                                 ==================================================
                                                                                                 
Liabilities                                                                       
     Deposits
                 Interest bearing demand                                  27,045            559               2.07%
                 Money market and savings                                  8,538            152               1.78%
                 Certificates of deposit                                  27,881          1,134               4.07%
     Other                                                                    90              4               4.44%
     Long-Term Debt                                                        2,500            219               8.76%
                                                                 --------------------------------------------------
                 Total                                                    66,054          2,068               3.13%
                                                                 ==================================================

Avg. Yield Int Earning Assets                                                                                 8.86%
Avg. Rate Pd Int Earning Liabilities                                                                          3.13%
Net Yield on Assets                                                                                           6.61%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            1993 (000)                                                   Avg. Amt        Interest        Average
- -------------------------------------------------                      Outstanding         Earned          Yield
                                                                --------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>              <C>               <C>
Assets
     Federal funds sold                                                    4,766            133               2.79%
     US Treasury obligations                                               9,180            375               4.08%
     Other investments                                                     5,810            334               5.75%
     Loans                                                                59,686          6,166              10.33%
                                                                 --------------------------------------------------
                 Total                                                    79,442          7,008               8.82%
                                                                 ==================================================
                                                                                                 
Liabilities                                                                       
     Deposits
                 Interest bearing demand                                  22,523            495               2.20%
                 Money market and savings                                  7,704            142               1.84%
                 Certificates of deposit                                  27,163          1,107               4.08%
     Other                                                                    42              1               2.38%
     Long-Term Debt                                                        1,143            100               8.75%
                                                                 --------------------------------------------------
                 Total                                                    58,575          1,845               3.15%
                                                                 ==================================================

Avg. Yield Int Earning Assets                                                                                 8.82%
Avg. Rate Pd Int Earning Liabilities                                                                          3.15%
Net Yield on Assets                                                                                           6.50%



</TABLE>

                                      ST-6


<PAGE>
                         Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
                         Analysis of Change in Interest
                      Years Ended December 31, 1994 - 1995


Rate/Volume of Net Interest Income

The following  schedule presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income
and  interest  expense  for major  components  of  interest-earning  assets  and
interest-bearing  liabilities.  It distinguishes between the increase related to
higher outstanding balances and that due to interest rates. For each category of
interest-earning  assets  and  interest-bearing   liabilities,   information  is
provided  on changes  attributable  to (i) changes in volume  (i.e.,  changes in
volume  multiplied  by old  rate) and (ii)  changes  in rate  multiplied  by old
volume.  Changes attributable to both rate and volume which cannot be segregated
have been allocated  proportionately  to the change due to volume and the change
due to rate.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Interest       Int Change     Int Change
                                                                          Change          Due To         Due To     
            1995                                                        1994-1995        Volume          Rates             
- -------------------------------------------------               -----------------------------------------------        
<S>                                                                          <C>            <C>             <C>
Assets

     Federal funds sold                                                      304            193             111
     US Treasury obligations                                                  79            (74)            153
     Other investments                                                        (8)           (26)             18
     Loans                                                                 1,701          1,201             500
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                 Total                                                     2,076          1,294             782
                                                                 ===============================================

Liabilities                                                       
     Deposits
                 Interest bearing demand                                     (73)           (90)             17
                 Money market and savings                                     (5)            18             (23)
                 Certificates of deposit                                   1,124            623             501
     Senior Notes                                                             42             42               0
     Short term borrowings                                                    (4)            (2)             (2)
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                 Total                                                     1,084            591             493
                                                                 ===============================================


                                                                   
            1994                                                       Interest       Int Change       Int Change
- -------------------------------------------------                       Change          Due To           Due To
Assets                                                                 1993-1994        Volume            Rates
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
     Federal funds sold                                                       56              3              53
     US Treasury obligations                                                  (7)           (17)             10
     Other investments                                                      (118)          (107)            (11)
     Loans                                                                 1,178          1,433            (255)
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                 Total                                                     1,109          1,312            (203)
                                                                 ===============================================
                                                                                                 
Liabilities                                                                       
     Deposits
                 Interest bearing demand                                      64             94             (30)
                 Money market and savings                                     10             15              (5)
                 Certificates of deposit                                      27             29              (2)
     Senior Notes                                                            119            119               0
     Short term borrowing                                                      3              1               2
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                 Total                                                       223            258             (35)
                                                                 ===============================================

</TABLE>

                                      ST-7

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
                                                                                Loan Portfolio
                                                                               As of December 31,


                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(000)                                                      1995            1994            1993           1992            1991
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                       <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>   
Commercial                                                63,062          62,336         50,155          39,820          31,893
Real Estate - Mortgage                                     9,504           7,274          6,946           5,976           4,184
Real Estate - Construction                                   435             940            531             277             254
Installment - Mobile Home                                  5,605           4,757          3,501           1,363           1,307
Installment - Other                                        9,467           7,894          5,972           8,044           6,504
Personal Credit Line                                         339             362            428             522             527
Other                                                        164              39             63              57              37

                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Total                                    88,576          83,602         67,596          56,059          44,706
                                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      Loan Portfolio Maturity Schedule
                                                           As of December 31, 1995

                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Within          1 - 5         After 5
(000)                                                     1 year          years          years           Total
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  
<S>                                                        <C>             <C>           <C>             <C>   
Loans at fixed interest rates                              4,421           9,437         12,328          26,186
                                                                                  
Loans at variable interest rates                          24,889          26,108         11,393          62,390
                                                                                  
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
                 Total                                    29,310          35,545         23,721          88,576
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



                                      ST-8
<PAGE>
                         Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
                              Investment Portfolio
                               As of December 31,





                                1995 Book         1994 Book         1993 Book
(000)                             Value             Value             Value
                              -----------------------------------------------

U.S Treasury Obligations           1,314             4,959            10,296

Municipal Obligations                573             2,713             3,256

                              -----------------------------------------------
          Total                    1,887             7,672            13,552
                              -----------------------------------------------


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                           Investment Portfolio Maturity Schedule
                                                                As of December 31, 1995

                                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Within            1 - 5            6 - 10          After 10
(000)                                        1 year            years             years           Years           Total
                                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>               <C>               <C>            <C>           <C>
U.S. Treasury Obligations                                                                              
     Carrying amount                           800               514               0              0             1,314
     Weighted average yield                   7.10%             8.39%                                            7.59%
                                                                      
Municipal obligations                                                 
     Carrying amount                             0                 0              573                             573
     Weighted yield                                                              7.00%                           7.00%
                                                                      
                                          ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Total                             800               514              573              0            1,887
                                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>






                                      ST-9

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
                          Past Due and Nonaccrual Loans
                               As of December 31,


                                                                                          
(000)                                           1995           1994           1993            1992            1991

                                          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          
<S>                                                <C>           <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>
Nonaccural Loans                                   0             15              18              0              59

Other Real Estate Owned                           11            202              18             82               0
                                                                     
                                          -------------------------------------------------------------------------

          Total                                   11            217              36             82              59
                                          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                     ST-10
<PAGE>

                                            Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


Average Balance Sheet Data
- --------------------------
                                                                    Years Ended Ended December 31,
(000)                                                 1995           1994            1993            1992            1991
                                            -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                 <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>   
Securities                                          10,637          12,650          14,990          14,830          10,737
Loans and Leases, net                               82,615          71,365          57,553          48,198          40,987
Total interest earning assets                      105,018          91,575          79,442          66,579          54,746
Total assets                                       112,240          97,323          84,742          71,245          59,314
Total deposits                                     100,619          87,532          77,596          66,336          54,790
Interest bearing deposits                           73,063          63,464          57,390          50,882          43,290
Long-term debt                                       2,980           2,500           1,143               0               0
Shareholders' Equity                                 8,071           6,654           5,530           4,669           4,025

</TABLE>












                                     ST-11

<PAGE>

                                   APPENDIX A

                        ARIZONA BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT
                         CHAPTER 13. DISSENTERS' RIGHTS


                    ARTICLE 1. DISSENT AND PAYMENT FOR SHARES

ss. 10-1301.  DEFINITIONS.

         In this article, unless the context otherwise requires:

         1. "Beneficial  shareholder" means the person who is a beneficial owner
of shares held in a voting trust or by a nominee as the record shareholder.

         2.  "Corporation"  means the issuer of the shares  held by a  dissenter
before the corporate action or the surviving or acquiring  corporation by merger
or share exchange of that issuer.

         3.  "Dissenter"  means a  shareholder  who is entitled to dissent  from
corporate  action under ss. 10-1302 and who exercises that right when and in the
manner required by article 2 of this chapter.

         4. "Fair value" with respect to a dissenter's shares means the value of
the shares  immediately before the effectuation of the corporate action to which
the  dissenter   objects,   excluding  any   appreciation   or  depreciation  in
anticipation of the corporate action unless exclusion is inequitable.

         5.  "Interest"  means interest from the effective date of the corporate
action  until the date of  payment at the  average  rate  currently  paid by the
corporation  on its principal bank loans or, if none, at a rate that is fair and
equitable under the circumstances.

         6.       "Record shareholder" means the person in whose name shares are
registered in the records of a corporation or the beneficial owner of shares to
the extent of the rights granted by a nominee certificate on file with a
corporation.

         7.  "Shareholder"  means  the  record  shareholder  or  the  beneficial
shareholder.

ss. 10-1302.  RIGHT TO DISSENT.

         A. A shareholder  is entitled to dissent from and obtain payment of the
fair  value of the  shareholder's  shares in the  event of any of the  following
corporate actions:

         1. Consummation of a plan of merger to which the corporation is a party
if either:

         (a)  Shareholder  approval is required for the merger by ss. 10-1103 or
the articles of incorporation  and if the shareholder is entitled to vote on the
merger.


                                       A-1

<PAGE>

         (b) The  corporation  is a  subsidiary  that is merged  with its parent
under ss. 10-1104.

         2. Consummation of a plan of share exchange to which the corporation is
a party as the corporation whose shares will be acquired,  if the shareholder is
entitled to vote on the plan.

         3.  Consummation of a sale or exchange of all or  substantially  all of
the property of the  corporation  other than in the usual and regular  course of
business,  if the  shareholder  is  entitled  to vote on the  sale or  exchange,
including a sale in  dissolution,  but not  including a sale pursuant to a court
order or a sale for cash pursuant to a plan by which all or substantially all of
the net proceeds of the sale will be distributed to the shareholders  within one
year after the date of sale.

         4. An amendment of the articles of  incorporation  that  materially and
adversely affects rights in respect of a dissenter's shares because it either:

         (a) Alters or abolishes a preferential right of the shares.

         (b)  Creates,  alters or  abolishes  a right in respect of  redemption,
including  a  provision   respecting  a  sinking  fund  for  the  redemption  or
repurchase, of the shares.

         (c) Alters or abolishes a preemptive  right of the holder of the shares
to acquire shares or other securities.

         (d) Excludes or limits the right of the shares to vote on any matter or
to cumulate  votes other than a  limitation  by dilution  through  issuances  of
shares or other securities with similar voting rights.

         (e) Reduces the number of shares owned by the shareholder to a fraction
of a share if the  fractional  share so created is to be acquired for cash under
ss. 10-604.

         5. Any corporate  action taken  pursuant to a  shareholder  vote to the
extent the articles of incorporation, the bylaws or a resolution of the board of
directors provides that voting or nonvoting shareholders are entitled to dissent
and obtain payment for their shares.

         B. A shareholder  entitled to dissent and obtain payment for his shares
under  this  chapter  may  not  challenge  the  corporate  action  creating  the
shareholder's  entitlement  unless the action is  unlawful  or  fraudulent  with
respect to the shareholder or the corporation.

         C. This section does not apply to the holders of shares of any class or
series if the shares of the class or series are redeemable  securities issued by
a registered  investment  company as defined pursuant to the investment  company
act of 1940 (15 United States Code ss. 80a-1 through 80a-64).

         D. Unless the  articles of  incorporation  of the  corporation  provide
otherwise,  this  section  does not apply to the holders of shares of a class or
series  if the  shares  of the class or series  were  registered  on a  national
securities exchange, were listed on the national market systems of the national

                                       A-2

<PAGE>


association of securities  dealers  automated  quotation  system or were held of
record by at least two thousand  shareholders on the date fixed to determine the
shareholders entitled to vote on the proposed corporate action.

ss. 10-1303.  DISSENT BY NOMINEES AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS

         A. A record  shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to fewer than
all of the shares registered in the record shareholder's name only if the record
shareholder  dissents with respect to all shares  beneficially  owned by any one
person and notifies the  corporation  in writing of the name and address of each
person on whose behalf the record shareholder  asserts  dissenters'  rights. The
rights of a partial  dissenter  under this  subsection  are determined as if the
shares as to which the record shareholder  dissents and the record shareholder's
other shares were registered in the names of different shareholders.

         B. A beneficial  shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to shares
held on the beneficial shareholder's behalf only if both:

         1. The beneficial  shareholder  submits to the  corporation  the record
shareholder's  written  consent  to the  dissent  not  later  than  the time the
beneficial shareholder asserts dissenters' rights.

         2. The  beneficial  shareholder  does so with  respect to all shares of
which the beneficial shareholder is the beneficial shareholder or over which the
beneficial shareholder has power to direct the vote.

             ARTICLE 2. PROCEDURE FOR EXERCISE OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS

ss. 10-1320.  NOTICE OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS

         A. If proposed  corporate action creating  dissenters' rights under ss.
10- 1302 is submitted to a vote at a shareholders'  meeting,  the meeting notice
shall  state that  shareholders  are or may be  entitled  to assert  dissenters'
rights under this article and shall be accompanied by a copy of this article.

         B. If corporate action creating dissenters' rights under ss. 10-1302 is
taken without a vote of  shareholders,  the corporation  shall notify in writing
all shareholders entitled to assert dissenters' rights that the action was taken
and shall send them the dissenters' notice described in ss. 10-1322.

ss. 10-1321.  NOTICE OF INTENT TO DEMAND PAYMENT

         A. If proposed  corporate action creating  dissenters' rights under ss.
10- 1302 is submitted to a vote at a  shareholders'  meeting,  a shareholder who
wishes to assert dissenters' rights shall both:

         1. Deliver to the  corporation  before the vote is taken written notice
of the shareholder's  intent to demand payment for the  shareholder's  shares if
the proposed action is effectuated.

         2. Not vote the shares in favor of the proposed action.

         B. A shareholder who does not satisfy the  requirements of subsection A
of this section is not entitled to payment for the shares under this article.

                                       A-3

<PAGE>


ss. 10-1322.  DISSENTERS' NOTICE

         A. If proposed  corporate action creating  dissenters' rights under ss.
10- 1302 is authorized at a shareholders' meeting, the corporation shall deliver
a written  dissenters' notice to all shareholders who satisfied the requirements
of ss. 10-1321.

         B. The  dissenters'  notice  shall be sent no later than ten days after
the corporate action is taken and shall:

         1.  State  where  the  payment  demand  must be sent and where and when
certificates for certificated shares shall be deposited.

         2. Inform holders of  uncertificated  shares to what extent transfer of
the shares will be restricted after the payment demand is received.

         3. Supply a form for  demanding  payment that  includes the date of the
first announcement to news media or to shareholders of the terms of the proposed
corporate action and that requires that the person asserting  dissenters' rights
certify  whether or not the person acquired  beneficial  ownership of the shares
before that date.

         4. Set a date by which the corporation must receive the payment demand,
which date shall be at least  thirty but not more than sixty days after the date
the notice provided by subsection A of this section is delivered.

         5. Be accompanied by a copy of this article.

ss. 10-1323.  DUTY TO DEMAND PAYMENT

         A. A shareholder  sent a dissenters'  notice  described in ss.  10-1322
shall  demand  payment,  certify  whether the  shareholder  acquired  beneficial
ownership  of the  shares  before  the  date  required  to be set  forth  in the
dissenters'  notice  pursuant  to ss.  10-1322,  subsection  B,  paragraph 3 and
deposit  the  shareholder's  certificates  in  accordance  with the terms of the
notice.

         B. A  shareholder  who demands  payment and deposits the  shareholder's
certificates  under  subsection A of this section  retains all other rights of a
shareholder  until  these  rights are  canceled or modified by the taking of the
proposed corporate action.

         C. A  shareholder  who does not demand  payment or does not deposit the
shareholder's  certificates if required, each by the date set in the dissenters'
notice,  is not  entitled to payment  for the  shareholder's  shares  under this
article.

ss. 10-1324.  SHARE RESTRICTIONS

         A. The corporation may restrict the transfer of  uncertificated  shares
from the date the  demand  for their  payment  is  received  until the  proposed
corporate action is taken or the restrictions are released under ss. 10-1326.


                                       A-4

<PAGE>

         B.  The  person  for  whom  dissenters'   rights  are  asserted  as  to
uncertificated  shares  retains all other  rights of a  shareholder  until these
rights are canceled or modified by the taking of the proposed corporate action.

ss. 10-1325.  PAYMENT

         A. Except as provided in ss. 10-1327, as soon as the proposed corporate
action is taken,  or if such  action is taken  without a  shareholder  vote,  on
receipt  of a payment  demand,  the  corporation  shall pay each  dissenter  who
complied with ss.  10-1323 the amount the  corporation  estimates to be the fair
value of the dissenter's shares plus accrued interest.

         B.       The payment shall be accompanied by all of the following:

         1. The  corporation's  balance  sheet  as of the end of a  fiscal  year
ending  not more than  sixteen  months  before  the date of  payment,  an income
statement for that year, a statement of changes in shareholders' equity for that
year and the latest available interim financial statements, if any.

         2. A statement of the  corporation's  estimate of the fair value of the
shares.

         3. An explanation of how the interest was calculated.

         4. A statement of the dissenter's right to demand payment under ss. 10-
1328.

         5. A copy of this article.

ss. 10-1326.  FAILURE TO TAKE ACTION

         A. If the  corporation  does not take the proposed  action within sixty
days after the date set for demanding payment and depositing share certificates,
the corporation shall return the deposited certificates and release the transfer
restrictions imposed on uncertificated shares.

         B. If after returning  deposited  certificates  and releasing  transfer
restrictions,  the corporation  takes the proposed  action,  it shall send a new
dissenters'  notice  under ss.  10-1322  and shall  repeat  the  payment  demand
procedure.

ss. 10-1327.  AFTER-ACQUIRED SHARES

         A. A corporation may elect to withhold  payment  required by ss.10-1325
from a dissenter  unless the  dissenter was the  beneficial  owner of the shares
before  the date set  forth in the  dissenters'  notice as the date of the first
announcement  to news  media or to  shareholders  of the  terms of the  proposed
corporate action.

         B. To the extent  the  corporation  elects to  withhold  payment  under
subsection A of this section,  after taking the proposed  corporate  action,  it
shall estimate the fair value of the shares plus accrued  interest and shall pay
this amount to each  dissenter who agrees to accept it in full  satisfaction  of
his  demand.  The  corporation  shall  send  with its offer a  statement  of its
estimate of the fair value of the shares, an explanation of how the interest was

                                       A-5

<PAGE>

calculated and a statement of the dissenters'  right to demand payment under ss.
10- 1328.

ss. 10-1328.  PROCEDURE IF SHAREHOLDER DISSATISFIED WITH PAYMENT OR OFFER

         A. A dissenter may notify the corporation in writing of the dissenter's
own estimate of the fair value of the dissenter's  shares and amount of interest
due and either  demand  payment of the  dissenter's  estimate,  less any payment
under ss.  10-1325,  or reject the  corporation's  offer  under ss.  10-1327 and
demand payment of the fair value of the dissenter's  shares and interest due, if
either:

         1. The  dissenter  believes  that the amount paid under ss.  10-1325 or
offered under ss. 10-1327 is less than the fair value of the dissenter's  shares
or that the interest due is incorrectly calculated.

         2. The corporation fails to make payment under ss. 10-1325 within sixty
days after the date set for demanding payment.

         3. The corporation, having failed to take the proposed action, does not
return the deposited  certificates or does not release the transfer restrictions
imposed  on  uncertificated  shares  within  sixty  days  after the date set for
demanding payment.

         B. A dissenter  waives the right to demand  payment  under this section
unless the  dissenter  notifies the  corporation  of the  dissenter's  demand in
writing  under  subsection  A of this  section  within  thirty  days  after  the
corporation made or offered payment for the dissenter's shares.

                     ARTICLE 3. JUDICIAL APPRAISAL OF SHARES

ss. 10-1330.  COURT ACTION

         A. If a demand for payment under ss.  10-1328  remains  unsettled,  the
corporation  shall commence a proceeding  within sixty days after  receiving the
payment  demand and shall  petition the court to determine the fair value of the
shares and accrued interest. If the corporation does not commence the proceeding
within the sixty day period,  it shall pay each  dissenter  whose demand remains
unsettled the amount demanded.

         B. The  corporation  shall  commence the proceeding in the court in the
county where a corporation's  principal  offices or, if none in this state,  its
known place of business is located.  If the corporation is a foreign corporation
without  a known  place  of  business  in this  state,  it  shall  commence  the
proceeding  in the county in this state where the known place of business of the
domestic corporation was located.

         C. The corporation shall make all dissenters,  whether or not residents
of this state, whose demands remain unsettled parties to the proceeding as in an
action against their shares,  and all parties shall be served with a copy of the
petition.  Nonresidents  may be served by certified  mail or by  publication  as
provided by law or by the Arizona rules of civil procedure.

         D. The  jurisdiction  of the court in which the proceeding is commenced
under subsection B of this section is plenary and exclusive. There is no right

                                       A-6

<PAGE>

to trial by jury in any  proceeding  brought under this  section.  The court may
appoint a master to have the powers and  authorities as are conferred on masters
by law, by the Arizona rules of civil  procedure or by the order of appointment.
The master's report is subject to exceptions to be heard before the court,  both
on the law and the facts.  The  dissenters  are  entitled to the same  discovery
rights as parties in other civil proceedings.

         E.  Each  dissenter  made a party  to the  proceeding  is  entitled  to
judgment either:

         1. For the  amount,  if any, by which the court finds the fair value of
his shares plus interest exceeds the amount paid by the corporation.

         2.  For  the  fair  value  plus  accrued  interest  of the  dissenter's
after-acquired  shares for which the  corporation  elected to  withhold  payment
under ss. 10-1327.

ss. 10-1331.  COURT COSTS AND ATTORNEY FEES

         A. The court in an appraisal  proceeding  commenced  under ss.  10-1330
shall  determine  all  costs  of  the   proceeding,   including  the  reasonable
compensation  and expenses of any master appointed by the court. The court shall
assess the costs  against the  corporation,  except that the court shall  assess
costs  against all or some of the  dissenters to the extent the court finds that
the fair value does not materially exceed the amounts offered by the corporation
pursuant to ss.ss. 10-1325 and 10-1327 or that the dissenters acted arbitrarily,
vexatiously or not in good faith in demanding payment under ss. 10-1328.

         B. The court may also  assess the fees and  expenses of  attorneys  and
experts for the respective parties in amounts the court finds equitable either:

         1. Against the corporation and in favor of any or all dissenters if the
court  finds  that  the  corporation  did  not  substantially  comply  with  the
requirements of article 2 of this chapter.

         2. Against the dissenter and in favor of the  corporation  if the court
finds that the fair value does not  materially  exceed the amount offered by the
corporation pursuant to ss.ss. 10-1325 and 10-1327.

         3. Against either the  corporation or a dissenter in favor of any other
party if the court finds that the party  against  whom the fees and expenses are
assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously or not in good faith with respect to the
rights provided by this chapter.

         C.  If the  court  finds  that  the  services  of an  attorney  for any
dissenter were of substantial benefit to other dissenters similarly situated and
that the fees for those services should not be assessed against the corporation,
the  court may award to these  attorneys  reasonable  fees to be paid out of the
amounts awarded the dissenters who were benefitted.




                                       A-7

<PAGE>

                                   APPENDIX B


                          O'CONNOR, CAVANAGH, ANDERSON,
                         KILLINGSWORTH & BESHEARS, P.A.
                       One East Camelback Road, Suite 1100
                             Phoenix, Arizona 85012
                                  602-263-2400



                                 March 28, 1996


Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
1800 Fourth Avenue
Yuma, Arizona  85364

                  Re:      Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences
                           Associated with Merger Agreement and Plan of
                           Reorganization

Gentlemen:

                  We have acted as special  legal  counsel to  Southern  Arizona
Bancorp, Inc., an Arizona corporation  ("Southern Arizona"),  in connection with
the proposed merger of Southern  Arizona with and into Zions  Bancorporation,  a
Utah  corporation  ("Zions"),  under the laws of the states of Arizona  and Utah
(the "Holding  Company  Merger"),  and the proposed  merger of Southern  Arizona
Bank,  an  Arizona  banking  corporation  and  Southern  Arizona's  wholly-owned
subsidiary  ("SAB"),  with and into National Bank of Arizona, a national banking
corporation ("NBA"), one of Zions' wholly-owned subsidiaries (the "Bank Merger")
pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated January 17, 1996 (the
"Agreement")  between Southern Arizona,  Zions, NBA and SAB. The Holding Company
Merger   is   described   in  the   Proxy   Statement/Prospectus   (the   "Proxy
Statement/Prospectus")  constituting  the proxy  statement  of Southern  Arizona
Bancorp, Inc. for a shareholders' meeting to be held in March 1996.

                  Pursuant to Section 3.3 of the  Agreement,  you have requested
our opinion as to certain federal income tax consequences to the shareholders of
Southern  Arizona of the Holding  Company Merger.  All terms  contained  herein,
unless otherwise specified, have the meaning assigned to them in the Agreement.

                  Subject to the assumption  that (i) the Holding Company Merger
and  the  Bank   Merger   will   take   place   as   described   in  the   Proxy
Statement/Prospectus  and in the  Agreement,  (ii) the documents and  signatures
examined by us are genuine and authentic,  (iii) persons executing the documents
examined by us have the legal capacity to execute such  documents,  and (iv) the
cash  received by the  Southern  Arizona  shareholders  will not exceed the fair
market  value  of the  Zions  Common  Stock  received  by the  Southern  Arizona
shareholders  in  the  Holding  Company  Merger,  and  subject  to  the  further
limitations,  assumptions and  qualifications set forth below, it is our opinion
that under present law for federal income tax purposes:


                                       B-1

<PAGE>
                  (1)      The  Holding   Company   Merger  will  qualify  as  a
                           reorganization   within   the   meaning   of  section
                           368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
                           amended (the "Code").

                  (2)      Southern  Arizona  will  recognize no taxable gain or
                           loss as a result of the Holding Company Merger.

                  (3)      Southern  Arizona   shareholders  will  recognize  no
                           taxable gain or loss upon the receipt of Zions Common
                           Stock pursuant to the Holding Company Merger.

                  (4)      Southern  Arizona  shareholders may have to recognize
                           taxable  gain  if  any  cash   ("Boot")  is  received
                           pursuant to the  Holding  Company  Merger.  Such gain
                           will be recognized to the extent of the lesser of (a)
                           the gain  which  would  have  been  realized  by such
                           shareholder  had the  Holding  Company  Merger been a
                           fully taxable  transaction  or (b) the Boot received.
                           Such  gain  will  be  capital  gain  if the  Southern
                           Arizona  Common  Stock   surrendered  by  a  Southern
                           Arizona shareholder in the Holding Company Merger was
                           a capital asset in the hands of that Southern Arizona
                           shareholder.

                  (5)      The holding period of the Zions Common Stock received
                           by the Southern  Arizona  shareholders in the Holding
                           Company  Merger will include the period  during which
                           the  shares of  Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock were
                           held, provided such shares were held
                           as a capital asset.

                  (6)      If any cash is received in lieu of a fractional share
                           of  Zions  Common  Stock,  gain  (or  loss)  will  be
                           recognized  in an  amount  equal  to  the  difference
                           between the cash received and the shareholder's basis
                           in that fractional share.

                  (7)      The tax basis of the Zions Common  Stock  received by
                           the  Southern  Arizona  shareholders  in the  Holding
                           Company  Merger  will be the same as the tax basis of
                           the  Southern  Arizona  Common Stock  surrendered  in
                           exchange therefor, decreased by any cash received and
                           increased by any gain recognized.

                  With respect to the opinions set forth above, we have examined
and relied upon the  accuracy  and  completeness  of the facts,  covenants,  and
representations  relating to the proposed  Holding  Company Merger  transactions
contemplated  by the Agreement  and contained in the Proxy  Statement/Prospectus
and  such  other  documents  as we have  deemed  necessary  or  appropriate.  In
addition, we have relied upon certain statements, representations, and covenants
certified  by Southern  Arizona,  Zions,  and certain  shareholders  of Southern
Arizona and our opinion is conditioned, among other things, upon the initial and
continued accuracy of those statements,  representations, and covenants, as well
as upon  facts,  covenants,  and  representations  set  forth  in the  documents
referred to above. Finally, we have assumed that there is no existence of a plan
by any other  shareholders  of Southern  Arizona to sell the Zions  Common Stock
received in the Holding  Company Merger  constituting  50 percent or more of the
total consideration received in the Holding Company Merger.

                                       B-2

<PAGE>


                  We render the foregoing  opinions in our capacity as attorneys
admitted to practice law in the State of Arizona.  We do not opine or purport to
opine in any manner to the extent that the Holding  Company Merger  involves the
laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States of America.  You should be
aware  that the  foregoing  opinion is not  binding  upon the  Internal  Revenue
Service  or  courts  and  represents  only our  good  faith  evaluations  of the
provisions  of  the  Code  and  applicable  Treasury   regulations   promulgated
thereunder,  published  rulings  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Service  and  court
decisions,  any of which  could be changed or  overruled  at a future  date with
retroactive  effect.  In rendering  the foregoing  opinion,  we have relied upon
those  authorities  available to us as of the business day  preceding the day of
this  letter,  and we assume no  responsibility  for changes in  applicable  law
occurring after such date.

                  We hereby  expressly  consent to any  reference to our firm in
the Proxy  Statement/Prospectus,  the inclusion of this opinion as an exhibit to
that  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus,  and the  filing  of this  opinion  with  any
appropriate governmental agency.

                                Very truly yours,

                                /s/ O'Connor, Cavanagh, Anderson,
                                Killingsworth & Beshears, P.A.


                                       B-3

<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX C


                                   M ONE, INC.



<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                             SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC.  


                                    FAIRNESS
                                    OPINION

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


February 29, 1996

The Board of Directors
Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
P. O. Box 5148
Yuma, AZ  84364

Gentlemen:

You have  requested  our opinion as to the fairness,  from a financial  point of
view,  to the holders of the  outstanding  shares of common  stock (the  "Common
Shares") of Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") of the consideration,
as herein defined,  offered by Zions Bancorporation ("Zions") to such holders in
the proposed  merger (the  "Merger") of the Company into Zions,  pursuant to the
Agreement and Plan of  Reorganization as of January 17, 1996 between the Company
and Zions (the  "Agreement").  The number of shares of Zions  common  stock that
will be exchanged for each share of the Company  common stock will be determined
by applying a formula as set forth in the Agreement.

M ONE,  Inc.  ("M  ONE") is a  financial  advisory  and  consulting  firm  whose
principals  and  Advisory  Board  members  have  extensive   experience  in  the
strategic, operations and financial affairs of American depository institutions,
including  mergers  and  acquisitions.  M ONE has not been  retained  to provide
investment banking or advisory services to the Company outside of rendering this
fairness  opinion  and did not  determine  or  recommend  the kind or  amount of
consideration to be paid in the Merger.  We have acted exclusively for the Board
of Directors of the Company in rendering this fairness  opinion and will receive
a fee from the Company for our services. M ONE's opinion is directed only to the
consideration to be received by the Company  shareholders in the Merger and does
not  constitute  a  recommendation  to any  Company  shareholder  as to how such
shareholder should vote at the Annual Meeting.

In arriving at our opinion, we have reviewed and analyzed, among other things:

1.    Agreement  and Plan of  Reorganization  between Zions  Bancorporation  and
      Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc. dated 01/17/96
2.    Zions  Bancorporation  Form S-4 Dated  01/31/96  as well as the last three
      Form 10-K Annual Statements
3.    Zions Bancorporation Unaudited 1995 Annual Financial Statements
4.    Zions Bancorporation last three Annual Reports
5.    Zions Bancorporation last two Proxy Reports
6.    Zions Bancorporation Quarterly Reprort dated 09/30/95
7.    Southern   Arizona  Bancorp,   Inc.   Preliminary  1995  Annual  Financial
      Statements
8.    Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc. last two Annual Reports

<PAGE>

9.    Southern  Arizona Bank - Bank Deposit By County Report - Yuma County dated
      12/31/95

We also have held  discussions  with  members  of the Senior  Management  of the
Company  and  Zions  regarding  their   respective  past  and  current  business
operations,  financial  condition  and future  prospects.  In addition,  we have
reviewed the reported  price and trading  history for the  Company's  and Zions'
Common Shares,  compared certain financial and stock market  information for the
Company and Zions with similar information for certain other companies, reviewed
the financial  terms of certain recent  business  combinations in the commercial
banking  industry and performed such other studies and analyses as we considered
relevant.

We  have  relied  without   independent   verification  upon  the  accuracy  and
completeness  of all of the financial and other  information  reviewed by us for
the purposes of this opinion. In this regard, we have assumed that the financial
forecasts have been reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently
available judgments and estimates of the management of the Company and Zions. We
have not  reviewed  individual  credit  files  nor  have we made an  independent
evaluation or appraisal of the assets and  liabilities  of the Company and Zions
or any of  their  subsidiaries,  and we have not  been  furnished  with any such
evaluation or appraisal.  We have not independently  evaluated the allowance for
loan losses of the respective companies in relation to their loan portfolios and
have assumed that the  allowance for the Company and Zions are adequate to cover
future loan portfolio losses as they may occur from time to time.

Set forth below is a brief summary of selected  analyses  undertaken by M ONE in
connection with rendering its opinion to the Company's Board of Directors.

Analysis of the Zions' Offer
M ONE reviewed the terms of the proposed  transaction as reflected in the Merger
Agreement. The Agreement established a fixed purchase price of $25,330,000, plus
consolidated net undistributed  income of the Company after October 1 as defined
in the Agreement (the "Benchmark  Price").  The Benchmark Price is constant,  as
defined,  between  the price  range of Zions's  stock  from  $59.00 per share to
$72.00 per share.  M ONE has  calculated  that each share of the Company  common
stock has an economic value of $20.00 at the Benchmark Price of $25,330,000. The
number of shares of Zions'  stock  exchanged  for the  Company  stock  will vary
according to the average price of Zions' stock divided into the Benchmark Price.
The economic value of the exchange price of $20.00  compares to $14.70 per share
for the average  trading value of the  Company's  stock for the 90 days prior to
September 30, 1995.  The  

                                                                               2

<PAGE>

Benchmark  consideration  represents  a purchase  price which was 2.86 times the
Company's  book value as of 09/30/95;  as of that date, the Company's book value
and tangible book value were the same.

Dividend Analysis
M ONE  analyzed  the effect of the Zions'  offer on the  dividends  received  by
Company shareholders. Assuming the current indicated annual dividends for Zions'
common stock of $1.64 per share,  the annual yield is 2.46% at the closing price
at the date that the Agreement was signed. Assuming the current indicated annual
dividend for the Company  common  stock of $0.36 per share,  the annual yield is
2.4% at the closing price at the date the Agreement was signed.  The  equivalent
Zions'  dividend is $0.49 per share based upon the $20.00  economic value of the
exchange offer compared to the $0.36  dividend per share  currently  received on
the Company Common Shares.

Analysis of Selected Merger Transactions
M  ONE  reviewed  certain   financial  data  related  to  bank  holding  company
acquisitions  of banks announced  during 1995  throughout the United States.  In
addition, we reviewed similar data for selected transactions that were announced
in  certain  Southwestern  states  where the  acquired  banks had an asset  size
ranging from $70 million to $350 million - Exhibit A).

For each of the selected  transactions,  M ONE reviewed the purchase  price as a
percentage of the acquiree's  book value,  tangible book value and total assets;
as a multiple of the acquiree's  latest twelve months earnings per share; and as
a premium  over the  acquiree's  market price in recent  public share  purchases
prior to the  acquisition.  The calculations  yielded the following  statistics,
utilizing  the  Company's  full  year  results  for 1995,  compared  to the most
recently available figures in the Bank universe (Exhibit A) at 09/30/95:

1.    The purchase  price offered as a percentage of book value ranged from 254%
      to 98% with an  average of 154% and a median of 147% as  compared  to 286%
      for the merger.

2.    The price offered as a percentage of assets ranged from 23.3% to 7.2% with
      an  average  of 14.2% and a median of 14.5% as  compared  to 19.9% for the
      merger.

3.    The price offered as a multiple of the latest  twelve months  earnings per
      share  ranged  from 60.7  times to 6.9 times with an average of 17.5 times
      and a median of 12.9 times as compared to 12.67 times  associated with the
      merger.  The price earnings ratio can vary significantly in peer companies
      depending upon bank  performance.  To better focus this comparison,  M ONE
      conducted  an  additional  sampling of the 80  commercial  banks  acquired
      during  1995 with return on equity  levels  greater  than 15% (i.e.,  high
      performing,  like  Southern  

                                                                               3
<PAGE>

      Arizona - Exhibit  B).  For this  focused  peer  comparison,  the  average
      acquisition  price/earnings  ratio  was  12.5 and the  median  was 12.0 as
      compared  to 12.67 for the  merger.  
4.    The core deposit premium (price offered,  less tangible book value divided
      by core deposits)  ranged from 15.4% to 6.00% with an average of 6.57% and
      a median of 6.62% as compared to 14.4% with the merger.

The aforementioned  comparisons are limited in that no company or transaction is
identical to Southern Arizona or Zions. Previous transactions generally occurred
in different stock markets and economic conditions.  As such, an analysis of the
results of the foregoing  involves  judgments  associated  with  differences  in
financial,  operating, geographic and other factors that could affect the public
trading value of companies to which they are being compared.

Discounted Cash Flow Analysis
- -----------------------------
M ONE completed a discounted  cash flow  analysis to compare the offered  merger
price  against the  intrinsic  value of Southern  Arizona  Bancorp as an ongoing
concern - Exhibits C(1) and C(2).  Based upon projected  earnings and reasonable
assumptions  concerning a future terminal value and discount rate on cash flows,
the analysis  concluded the current intrinsic value of the Company as an ongoing
concern to range  between  $13.30 and $17.66,  depending  on the  discount  rate
applied  and the  timing of a future  sale.  This  analysis  is not  necessarily
indicative  of actual  future  results and does not  purport to reflect  pricing
multiples at which any securities may trade at any time in the future.

Zions' Analyses
- ---------------
M ONE reviewed the historical  performance of Zions, the historical  performance
of publicly traded peers,  the historical and current stock market  valuation of
Zions and its peers, and management and financial analysts' earnings projections
for Zions.  M ONE compared the financial  performance  of Zions based on various
financial measures of earnings performance,  capital adequacy, asset quality and
operating efficiencies with selected other banking companies that operate in the
Western states - Exhibit D). The calculations  yielded the following  statistics
as of 09/30/95 (the most recent statement date where  comparable  statistics are
available):

1.    The price to earnings  ratio for the peer group ranged from 16.17 to 10.46
      with an average of 12.56 compared to Zions' 13.47 times.
2.    The price to book value ratio for the peer group  ranged from 3.51 to 1.41
      with an average of 1.92 compared to Zions' 2.64 times.
3.    The return on assets  ratio for the peer group  ranged  from 1.60% to .45%
      with an average of 1.22% compared to Zions' 1.31%.

                                                                               4
<PAGE>
4.    The return on equity  ratio for the peer group  ranged  from 23.01 to 5.90
      with an average of 15.87 compared to Zions' 18.82%.
5.    The  dividend  pay out ratio for the peer group ranged from 77.74 to 20.96
      with an average of 34.26 compared to Zions' 26.30%.
6.    The reserve for loan  losses as a  percentage  of total loans for the peer
      group ranged from 5.46 to 1.40 with an average of 2.16  compared to Zions'
      2.68.
7.    The  non-performing  assets as a  percentage  of total  loans for the peer
      group  ranged  from 2.40 to .33 with an average of .87  compared to Zions'
      .83.
8.    The tangible book value to asset ratio for the peer group ranged from 8.99
      to 5.27 with an average of 6.80 compared to Zions' 6.65%(1).

The preparation of a fairness opinion is not necessarily  susceptible to partial
analysis  or summary  description.  M ONE  believes  that its  analysis  and the
summary  set  forth  above  must be  considered  as a whole  and that  selecting
portions of its analysis without considering all analyses or without considering
all factors  relevant  thereto  would create an  incomplete  view of the process
underlying M ONE's review and opinion.

The fact that any  specific  analysis  or  factor  has been  referred  to in the
summary  above is not meant to indicate that such analyses or factors were given
greater weight than any other.

M ONE made numerous  assumptions with respect to industry  performance,  general
business and economic conditions, the legislative and regulatory environment for
depository  institutions  and other matters  relevant to the commercial  banking
industry.

Based upon and  subject to the  foregoing  and other  such  matters we  consider
relevant,  it is our opinion  that, as of the date  thereof,  the  consideration
offered in the merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of
the Common Shares of the Company.

Sincerely, M ONE, Inc.


BY: /s/Marilyn Seymann                         BY:/s/L. William Seidman
    --------------------                          ---------------------
    Marilyn R. Seymann                            L. William Seidman
    President & CEO                               Chairman - Advisory Board


Attachments

- --------
1 Tangible book value calculated utilizing 12/31/95 figures.
                                                                               5

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                    Exhibit A

                                                      Bank/
             Acquiror                   St.           Thrift                  Seller               St.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                     <C>           <C>          <C>                             <C>
Vectra Banking Group                    CO             Bank        Bank Land Company               CO
CVB Financial Corp                      CA             Bank        Citizens Commercial             CA
Pacific Bank, NA                        CA             Bank        Burlingame Bancorp              CA
Shinhan Bank                            ROK            Bank        Marine National Bank            CA
First Fnc'l Bnkshrs                     TX             Bank        Citizens Equity Corp            TX
FP Bancorp                              CA             Bank        Rancho Santa Fe NB              CA
Cullen/Frost Bankers                    TX             Bank        Park NB of Houston              TX
Dartmouth Capital                       NH            NonDep       Liberty Nat'l Bk - CA           CA
ValliCorp Holdings                      CA             Bank        CoBank Financial Corp           CA
Norwest Corporation                     MN             Bank        Bank of Robstown                TX
California St. Bank                     CA             Bank        Landmark Bancorp                CA
Comerica Inc.                           MI             Bank        QuestStar Bank, N.A.            TX
Plains Capital Corp                     TX             Bank        Friona Bancorp                  TX
Norwest Corporation                     MN             Bank        Liberty National Bank           TX
Norwest Corporation                     MN             Bank        Alice Bancshares                TX
Coastal Bancorp                         TX            Thrift       Texas Capital Bncshrs           TX
Eldorado Bancorp                        CA             Bank        Mariners Bancorp                CA
ValliCorp Holdings                      CA             Bank        El Capitan Bncshrs              CA
Texas Bncp Shares                       TX             Bank        Camino Real Bncshrs             TX
Norwest Corporation                     MN             Bank        First NB - Big Spring           TX
Victoria Bankshares                     TX             Bank        Cattlemen's Financial           TX
California Bancshares                   CA             Bank        Centennial Bank                 CA
Norwest Corporation                     MN             Bank        Valley - Hi Inv. Co             TX
First Interstate                        CA             Bank        Tomball Nat'l Bncshrs           TX
CRB Financial Corp.                     TX             Bank        Camino Real Bncshrs             TX
Northern Trust Corp                     IL             Bank        Tanglewood Bncshrs              TX
Texas Fin'l Bancorp                     MN             Bank        First Bank                      TX
Western Bank                            OR             Bank        Pacific Bank, NA                CA
</TABLE>


<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Exhibit B
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1995 Commercial Bank Transactions
(comparison of high performing institutions)
                                                                   (P)ool,        Deal       Seller Information:
                                                                   P(u)rch  Deal Price/ Deal --------------------------------------
                                                       Ann-  Deal (N)A, Not Price/ Tng.Price/  Total  Total Equity  YTD  YTD   NPA
                          Bank/                        ounce Value (D)is-    Book   Bk  4-Qtr  Assets Equity Assets ROAA ROAE Assets
     Acquiror        St. Thrift   Seller           St. Date  ($M)  closed    (%)   (%)  EPS    ($000s) ($000s) (%)   (%)  (%)   (%)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                  <C> <C>                        <C><C>      <C>  <C>      <C>    <C>      <C>     <C>    <C>   <C>  <C>    <C>
Vectra Banking Group CO  Bank Bank Land Company     CO 12/27/95 22.3 U 176.75 176.75 11.39    109,529 12,617 11.52 1.73 15.84  0.42
Colonial BancGroup            Southern Banking                                       18.56    207,204                   15.95
ABC Bancorp. Inc     GA  Bank Southland Bancorp     AL 12/19/95 11.2 U 180.00 180.00 13.21    102,336  7,197  7.03 1.15 16.71  1.16
Community Bnkshrs             Commerce Bank of VA                                    12.56     68,277                   15.33
Bank of Boston                BayBanks, Inc                                          15.33 11,524,770                   15.84
Charter Bancshares            Texas Bank                                             9.36      36,247                   15.53
Compass Bancshares            Post Oak Bank                                           NA      299,458                   17.40
Compass Bancshares            Peoples Bncshrs                                         NA      129,279                   20.68
CNB Bancshares, Inc           Du Quoin Bancorp                                       13.21     86,756                   15.34
Whitaker Bank Corp            Mount Sterling Nat'l                                   16.67     67,356                   19.79
First Bank System             First Interstate                                       12.03 55,067,000                   23.86
Fort Wayne National           Valley Financial Srvcs                                 13.00    728,857                   15.80
Fulton Fin'l Corpp            Gloucester County                                      13.98    185,323                   20.36
Peoples Heritage Fin          Bank of NH Corp                                        15.50    960,052                   15.78
First Michigan                Arcadia Fin'l Group                                     NA       97,632                   20.84
George Mason Bnkshrs          Palmer National Bcrp                                   12.86     91,392                   16.16
Gulf Coast B&T Co             Gulf South Bncshrs                                     6.62      51,690                   22.08
Washington Mutual Bk          Western Bank                                           16.67    738,572                   15.42
Magna Group                   River Bend Bcshrs                                      12.36    160,657                   15.16
Citi-Bancshares               Citizens First Bnshr                                   22.13     38,481                   15.28
Whitney Holding Corp          First Citizens Bncsh                                   18.03    231,697                   14.89
MidAmerica Bancshares         Minnesota State Bcsh                                    NA       93,317                   25.47
First Fnc'l Bkshrs            Weatherford Nat Bksh                                   12.15     56,070                   17.31
Chittenden Corp               Flagship B&T                                           13.21    258,296                   18.00
LUB Financial                 Summit Bancorp                                         34.70  5,512,343                   15.78
First Fnc'l Bnkshrs  TX  Bank Citizens Equity Corp  TX  9/8/95  13.1 U 162.83 164.66 10.68     91,134  8,045  8.83 1.43 16.14  1.12
Cullen/Frost Bankers TX  Bank Park NB of Houston    TX 8/18/95  34.0 U 216.44 216.44 12.69    225,249 15,709  6.97 1.17 16.26  0.29
Norwest Corporation           Irene Bancorporation                                   9.49      35,995                   19.60
National City Corp            Integra Financial                                      13.12 14,810,861                   17.06
First Bank System             FirsTier Financial                                     12.61  3,580,427                   15.69
Colonial BancGroup            Southland Bancorp                                       NA      102,336                   16.71
UMB Financial Group           First Sooner Bncshrs                                    NA      120,162                   18.72
NationsBank Corp              North Florida Bk Crp                                    NA       51,770                   18.72
First Nat'l Bancorp           Bank of Heard County                                   14.95     38,644                   17.10
South Banking Comp            Pineland State Bank                                     NA       26,412                   16.44
Compass Bancshares            Flower Mound Bncshrs                                    NA       45,307                   22.49
First Chicago Corp            NBD Bancorp, Inc                                       9.13  47,755,844                   16.12
PNC Bank Corp                 Midatlantic Corp                                       11.29 13,634,216                   15.30
BancMidwest Corp              South St. Paul Bcshr                                   9.07      38,661                   20.70
Comerica Inc.        MI  Bank QuestStar Bank, N.A.  TX 6/29/95  25.0 U 253.73 253.73 10.71    190,418  9,853  5.17 1.48 25.48  0.02
First Bank System             Midwestern Services                                    16.77    223,661                   15.40
Bank Corporation-GA           Effingham Bank & Trust                                  NA       28,127                   24.72
First Union Corp              First Fidelity Bncp                                    12.44 35,399,736                   15.79
Norwest Corporation  MN  Bank Liberty National Bank TX 6/16/95  27.3 U 200.94 212.56 9.03     147,119 13,586  9.23 2.09 24.45  0.86
Hibernia Corporation          FNB Bancshares, Inc                                    12.91     57,705                   15.25
Central Bancompany            Pleasant Hope Bncshr                                   10.97    100,532                   17.13
Barnett Banks, Inc            Community Bk-Islands                                   12.65     82,782                   18.84
Coastal Bancorp      TX ThriftTexas Capital Bncshrs TX 5/30/95  21.1 U 167.61 168.92 11.99    176,930 12,589  7.12 1.20 16.77  0.15
Norwest Corporation           State National Bank                                    13.87  1,098,189                   20.13
First Commercial Crp          West-Ark Bancshares                                    9.14     133,025                   17.00
First Commerce Corp           Central Corporation                                    18.05    820,150                   16.00
Private Investor              Delhi Bancshares Inc                                   10.11     14,220                   16.02
Texas Bncp Shares    TX  Bank Camino Real Bncshrs   TX 5/10/95  12.9 U 123.23 137.35 9.83     123,809 10,043  8.11 1.19 15.53  0.15
US Bancorp                    West One Bancorp                                       13.85  8,656,701                   15.41
Premier Bancorp               HNB Corporation                                        10.25     93,452                   21.18
Mountain Parks Fin'l          Midway Investment                                      5.81      42,544                   27.98
Lenard C. Briscoe             Dewey County Bancorp                                   11.11     15,055                   17.75
Rice Insurance Agency         Collegiate Peaks Bcp                                   8.94      18,766                   21.04
National City Bncs            First National Bank                                    17.03     16,529                   16.12
Fifth Third Bancorp           Bank of Naples                                         13.66     47,443                   21.24
Bank of New York              Putnam Trust Co                                        15.27    686,406                   15.57
BayBanks, Inc                 Cornerstone Finc'l                                     10.00    142,891                   22.99
Victoria Bankshares  TX  Bank Cattlemen's Financial TX 4/27/95  13.1 U 165.32 165.32 12.96    108,225  7,924  7.32 0.99 14.71  0.85
Norwest Corporation  MN  Bank Valley - Hi Inv. Co   TX 3/22/95  10.7 U 123.54 123.54 6.87     121,728  8,661  7.12 1.32 16.97  0.65
Private Investors-CA          Grossmont Bank                                          NA      462,253                   15.31
International Bancorp         American Bncp                                          11.15     43,304                   22.50
First NB in Cameron           Lee County National                                    8.60      22,378                   21.72
Central Community             Citizens State Bank                                     NA       15,896                   48.95
United Security Bank          Golden Oak Bank                                        9.98      42,222                   25.62
Northern Trust Corp  IL  Bank Tanglewood Bncshrs    TX  2/8/95  33.0 U 219.50 219.50 12.92    233,188 15,004  6.74 1.32 20.21  0.65
Texas Fin'l Bancorp  MN  Bank First Bank            TX  2/7/95  13.2 U 162.64 162.64 11.00     73,201  8,116 11.09 1.73 14.87  0.55
First Interst Bncsvs          First Park City Bshrs                                  11.11     60,088                   17.36
Nat'l Australia Bank          Michigan Nat'l Corp                                    10.05  8,691,969                   19.50
Buerge Bancshares             Peoples State Bank                                     9.49      21,171                   17.64
Mercantile Bancorp            Southwest Bancshares                                   11.50    174,098                   16.57
Hibernia Corporation          Bank of St. John                                       9.12     113,341                   28.76
Norwest Corporation           First Tule Bancorp                                     9.52      60,924                   15.55
Western Bank         OR  Bank Pacific Bank, NA      CA 1/17/95  57.2 U 121.65 123.08  NA      354,144 45,205 12.76 3.35 34.37  5.40
Aspen Bancshares              Val Cor Bancorp                                        10.61     59,329                   19.74
Rebank-Dutch Antilles         Plaza Bank of Miami                                     NA       99,352                   16.06


                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         HIGH   57.2  253.73  253.73 34.70 55,067,000 45,205 12.76 3.35 48.95  5.40
                                                         LOW    10.7  121.65  123.08  5.81     14,220  7,197  5.17 0.99 14.71  0.02
                                                         MEAN   22.6  174.94  177.27 12.51  2,706,658 13,427  8.39 1.55 18.90  0.94
                                                         MEDIAN 21.1  167.61  168.92 12.09    105,281 10,043  7.32 1.32 17.03  0.65
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


<PAGE>
                                    Exhibit C

              Summary of Assumptions to Discounted Cash Flow Model
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  o  Discounted  cash flow was based  upon 1995  actual  financial  results  for
     Southern  Arizona  Bancorp,   1996  budgeted  earnings   projections,   and
     discussions with Southern Arizona management.

  o  The scenario  assumes the repayment of principal of $2.5 million of holding
     company debt from the years 1997 to 2001.  While interest  expense for this
     debt is included in overhead expenses,  the repayment of principal does not
     impact net income.

  o  Based upon very slow asset growth projected in 1996 (3.4%), asset growth in
     the future is  projected  to  average 7%  annually,  a  long-term  industry
     average.

  o  Profitability is budgeted to decline slightly during 1996 to a 1.58% return
     on assets. A steady 1.52% ROA is projected for years thereafter.

  o  Due to slower asset growth,  the bank's dividends are projected to increase
     significantly over the projected periods in order to manage core capital at
     the 7.0 - 8.0% level.

  o  Terminal values were calculated and weighted according to two factors:  

     o    50% to the Price/Earnings  ratio. The national average during 1995 for
          commercial  banks  earning at least 15% ROE was 12.5  times  earnings.
          This ratio was utilized for the discounted cash flow.

     o    50% to Price/Book  ratio. A 2.75 price/book  ratio was assumed,  based
          upon current and historical offers for Southern Arizona Bancorp.

  o  Two scenarios were run using two separate  discount rates for the analysis:
     12.20% and 15.20%.  These rates  represent a reasonable  range for Southern
     Arizona's  cost of capital,  based upon the current  30-year  treasury bond
     rate of 6.5% plus a  historical  risk premium for small bank stocks of 5.7%
     to 8.7%.

  o  The intrinsic value (or net present value) of Southern Arizona Bancorp as a
     going  concern  appears  to range  between  $16.73  and  $17.66  per  share
     utilizing a 12.20%  discount  rate, and between $13.30 and $17.20 per share
     utilzing a 15.20% discount rate. The range of these of these values depends
     on when the Company is assumed to be sold in the  analysis.  Due to slowing
     earnings growth,  the net present value to shareholders  declines  slightly
     over time in the discounted cash flow projections.

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Exhibit C(1) - Intrinsic Value Of Southern Arizona Bancorp
                                    1993    1994     1995*  1996**  1997    1998    1999    2000    2001    2002    2003    2004
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Balance Sheet Drivers
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>    <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>    
Total  Assets                      91,225 101,254  127,417 131,711 140,931 150,796 161,352 172,646 184,731 197,663 211,499 226,304
Average Assets                             96,240  114,336 129,564 136,321 145,863 156,074 166,999 178,689 191,197 204,581 218,902
Shareholder Equity                  6,024   7,284    8,828  10,261  11,104  11,931  12,614  13,380  14,234  15,684  17,234  18,893
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Statement of Operations                                                  7
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Interest Income                                  7,042   7,583   7,979   8,537   9,135   9,774  10,459  11,191  11,974  12,812
 -   Loan Loss Provisions                              401     763     545     583     624     668     715     765     818     876
 +   Non Interest Income                             1,281   2,112   1,704   1,823   1,951   2,087   2,234   2,390   2,557   2,736
Operating Income                                0    7,922   8,932   9,138   9,777  10,462  11,194  11,978  12,816  13,713  14,673
 -   Overhead                                        4,700   5,620   5,794   6,199   6,633   7,097   7,594   8,126   8,695   9,303
Pretax Profit                                   0    3,222   3,312   3,344   3,578   3,828   4,096   4,383   4,690   5,018   5,370
 -   Taxes                                           1,223   1,265   1,277   1,367   1,462   1,565   1,674   1,792   1,917   2,051
Net Income                                      0    1,999   2,047   2,067   2,211   2,366   2,532   2,709   2,898   3,101   3,318
 -   Dividends and Debt Repayment                      455     614   1,223   1,384   1,683   1,766   1,854   1,449   1,551   1,659
Transfer to Retained Earnings                   0    1,544   1,433     843     827     683     766     854   1,449   1,551   1,659
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Key Ratios
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return on Average Assets                              1.75%   1.58%   1.52%   1.52%   1.52%   1.52%   1.52%   1.52%   1.52%   1.52%
Return on Average Equity                             24.82%  21.44%  19.34%  19.20%  19.28%  19.48%  19.62%  19.38%  18.84%  18.37%
Efficiency Ratio                                     56.47%  57.97%  59.83%  59.83%  59.83%  59.83%  59.83%  59.83%  59.83%  59.83%
Core Capital                                 7.19%    6.93%   7.79%   7.88%   7.91%   7.82%   7.75%   7.71%   7.93%   8.15%   8.35%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Assumptions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Asset Growth                                   25.84%   3.37%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Interest Income/Avg. Assets              0.00%    6.16%   5.85%   5.85%   5.85%   5.85%   5.85%   5.85%   5.85%   5.85%   5.85%
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Loss Provisions/Avg. Assets             0.00%    0.35%   0.59%   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noninterest Income                           0.00%    1.12%   1.63%   1.25%   1.25%   1.25%   1.25%   1.25%   1.25%   1.25%   1.25%
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overhead/Avg. Assets                         0.00%    4.11%   4.34%   4.25%   4.25%   4.25%   4.25%   4.25%   4.25%   4.25%   4.25%
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax Rate                                             37.95%  38.20%  38.20%  38.20%  38.20%  38.20%  38.20%  38.20%  38.20%  38.20%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend Payout                                      22.75%  30.00%  35.00%  40.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Intrinsic Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discount Rate                                        12.20%
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Terminal Value
PER Value                                           24,991  25,583  25,832  27,640  29,575  31,645  33,861  36,231  38,767  41,481
     Driver: Price Earnings Multiplier (PER)         12.50   12.50   12.50   12.50   12.50   12.50   12.50   12.50   12.50   12.50
     Driver: Weighting                               50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PB Value                                            24,278  28,218  30,537  32,810  34,689  36,795  39,144  43,130  47,394  51,957
     Driver: Price/Book Multiplier (PB)               2.75    2.75    2.75    2.75    2.75    2.75    2.75    2.75    2.75    2.75
     Driver: Weighting                               50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%
- ---------------------------------------------------
Perpetuity Value                                    16,387  16,775  16,939  18,125  19,393  20,751  22,204  55,740  25,421  27,200
     Driver: Long Term Sustainable Growth             0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   7.00%   0.00%   0.00%
     Driver: Weighting                                0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%
Average Terminal Value                              24,634  26,900  28,184  30,225  32,132  34,220  36,502  39,680  43,080  46,719
Investor Cashflows: Dividends                          455     614   1,223   1,384   1,683   1,766   1,854   1,449   1,551   1,659
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Terminal Value               24,634  26,900  28,184  30,225  32,132  34,220  36,502  39,680  43,080  46,719
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intrinsic Value (Net Present Value)                 22,361  22,261  21,713  21,705  21,650  21,617  21,600  21,669  21,708  21,721
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Present Value Per Share                         $17.66  $17.58  $17.15  $17.14  $17.10  $17.07  $17.06  $17.11  $17.14  $17.15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Terminal Value Per Share                            $19.45  $21.24  $22.26  $23.87  $25.38  $27.03  $28.83  $31.34  $34.02  $36.90
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Earnings Growth                                        2.37%   0.98%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price to Book Value (NPV)                             2.53    2.52    2.46    2.46    2.45    2.45    2.45    2.45    2.46    2.46
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*1995 numbers are actual                                           
**1996 numbers are based upon Southern Arizona's 1996 budget
***1996 overhead includes $153,000 holding company interest expense            
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Exhibit C(2) - Intrinsic Value Of Southern Arizona Bancorp
                                     1993    1994    1995*  1996**  1997    1998    1999    2000    2001    2002     2003    2004
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Balance Sheet Drivers
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>    
Total  Assets                       91,225 101,254 127,417 131,711 140,931 150,796 161,352 172,646 184,731 197,663  211,499 226,304
Average Assets                              96,240 114,336 129,564 136,321 145,863 156,074 166,999 178,689 191,197  204,581 218,902
Shareholder Equity                   6,024   7,284   8,828  10,261  11,604  12,931  14,114  15,127  15,939  16,519   17,139  17,803
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Statement of Operations                                                  7
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Interest Income                                  7,042   7,583   7,979   8,537   9,135   9,774  10,459  11,191   11,974  12,812
 -   Loan Loss Provisions                              401     763     545     583     624     668     715     765      818     876
 +   Non Interest Income                             1,281   2,112   1,704   1,823   1,951   2,087   2,234   2,390    2,557   2,736
Operating Income                                 0   7,922   8,932   9,138   9,777  10,462  11,194  11,978  12,816   13,713  14,673
 -   Overhead                                        4,700   5,620   5,794   6,199   6,633   7,097   7,594   8,126    8,695   9,303
Pretax Profit                                    0   3,222   3,312   3,344   3,578   3,828   4,096   4,383   4,690    5,018   5,370
 -   Taxes                                           1,223   1,265   1,277   1,367   1,462   1,565   1,674   1,792    1,917   2,051
Net Income                                       0   1,999   2,047   2,067   2,211   2,366   2,532   2,709   2,898    3,101   3,318
 -   Dividends                                         455     614     723     884   1,183   1,519   1,896   2,319    2,481   2,655
Transfer to Retained Earnings                    0   1,544   1,433   1,343   1,327   1,183   1,013     813     580      620     664
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Key Ratios
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return on Average Assets                              1.75%   1.58%   1.52%   1.52%   1.52%   1.52%   1.52%   1.52%    1.52%   1.52%
Return on Average Equity                             24.82%  21.44%  18.90%  18.02%  17.50%  17.32%  17.44%  17.86%   18.43%  18.99%
Efficiency Ratio                                     56.47%  57.97%  59.83%  59.83%  59.83%  59.83%  59.83%  59.83%   59.83%  59.83%
Core Capital                                  7.19%   6.93%   7.79%   8.23%   8.58%   8.75%   8.76%   8.63%   8.36%    8.10%   7.87%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Assumptions
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Asset Growth                                   25.84%   3.37%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%    7.00%   7.00%
                                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Interest Income/Avg. Assets               0.00%   6.16%   5.85%   5.85%   5.85%   5.85%   5.85%   5.85%   5.85%    5.85%   5.85%
                                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Loss Provisions/Avg. Assets              0.00%   0.35%   0.59%   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%    0.40%   0.40%
                                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noninterest Income                            0.00%   1.12%   1.63%   1.25%   1.25%   1.25%   1.25%   1.25%   1.25%    1.25%   1.25%
                                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overhead/Avg. Assets                          0.00%   4.11%   4.34%   4.25%   4.25%   4.25%   4.25%   4.25%   4.25%    4.25%   4.25%
                                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax Rate                                             37.95%  38.20%  38.20%  38.20%  38.20%  38.20%  38.20%  38.20%   38.20%  38.20%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend Payout                                      22.75%  30.00%  35.00%  40.00%  50.00%  60.00%  70.00%  80.00%   80.00%  80.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                               Intrinsic Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discount Rate                                        15.20%
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Terminal Value
PER Value                                           24,991  25,583  25,832  27,640  29,575  31,645  33,861  36,231   38,767  41,481
     Driver: Price Earnings Multiplier (PER)         12.50   12.50   12.50   12.50   12.50   12.50   12.50   12.50    12.50   12.50
     Driver: Weighting                               50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%   50.00%  50.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PB Value                                            24,278  28,218  31,912  35,560  38,814  41,598  43,833  45,427   47,133  48,958
     Driver: Price/Book Multiplier (PB)               2.75    2.75    2.75    2.75    2.75    2.75    2.75    2.75     2.75    2.75
     Driver: Weighting                               50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%  50.00%   50.00%  50.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Perpetuity Value                                    13,153  13,464  13,596  14,548  15,566  16,655  17,821  35,347   20,404  21,832
     Driver: Long Term Sustainable Growth             0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   7.00%    0.00%   0.00%
     Driver: Weighting                                0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%    0.00%   0.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Terminal Value                              24,634  26,900  28,872  31,600  34,194  36,622  38,847  40,829   42,950  45,219
Investor Cashflows: Dividends                          455     614     723     884   1,183   1,519   1,896   2,319    2,481   2,655
                       Terminal Value               24,634  26,900  28,872  31,600  34,194  36,622  38,847  40,829   42,950  45,219
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intrinsic Value (Net Present Value)                 21,779  21,127  20,216  19,775  19,269  18,734  18,197  17,680   17,231  16,842
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Present Value Per Share                         $17.20  $16.69  $15.97  $15.62  $15.22  $14.80  $14.37  $13.96   $13.61  $13.30
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Terminal Value Per Share                            $19.45  $21.24  $22.80  $24.96  $27.00  $28.92  $30.68  $32.24   $33.92  $35.71
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Earnings Growth                                        2.37%   0.98%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%   7.00%    7.00%   7.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price to Book Value (NPV)                             2.47    2.39    2.29    2.24    2.18    2.12    2.06    2.00     1.95    1.91
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*1995 numbers are actual                                           
**1996 numbers are based upon Southern Arizona's 1996 budget
***1996 overhead includes $153,000 holding company interest expense            
</TABLE>



<PAGE>
                                    Exhibit D

              Banking Companies That Operate in the Western States
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Banc One Corp.                              First Security Corp/Del.
      Bancorp Hawaii Inc.                                Norwest Corp.
       BankAmerica Corp                             Union Bank/San Francisco
         Comerica Inc.                                     US Bancrop
    First Bank System Inc.                             Wells Fargo & Co.
   First Interstate Bancorp                        WestAmerica Bancorporation



<PAGE>
                                     PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 20.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers

                  Utah  law  provides  for   indemnification  of  directors  and
officers as follows:

16-10a-902  AUTHORITY TO INDEMNIFY DIRECTORS.

      (1) Except as provided in Subsection  (4), a corporation  may indemnify an
individual made a party to a proceeding because he is or was a director, against
liability incurred in the proceeding if:

         (a) his conduct was in good faith; and

         (b) he reasonably  believed that his conduct was in, or not opposed to,
      the corporation's best interests; and

         (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding,  he had no reasonable cause
      to believe his conduct was unlawful.

      (2) A director's  conduct with respect to any employee  benefit plan for a
purpose he  reasonably  believed to be in or not opposed to the interests of the
participants  in and  beneficiaries  of the plan is conduct that  satisfies  the
requirement of Subsection (1)(b).

      (3) The  termination  of a  proceeding  by  judgment,  order,  settlement,
conviction,  or upon a plea of nolo  contendere  or its  equivalent  is not,  of
itself,  determinative  that the  director  did not meet the standard of conduct
described in this section.

      (4)    A corporation may not indemnify a director under this section:

         (a)  in  connection  with  a  proceeding  by or in  the  right  of  the
      corporation in which the director was adjudged liable to the  corporation;
      or

         (b) in connection with any other proceeding  charging that the director
      derived an improper personal  benefit,  whether or not involving action in
      his official  capacity,  in which proceeding he was adjudged liable on the
      basis that he derived an improper personal benefit.

      (5)  Indemnification  permitted  under this section in  connection  with a
proceeding  by or in the  right of the  corporation  is  limited  to  reasonable
expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding.

16-10a-903  MANDATORY INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS.

      Unless  limited by its  articles of  incorporation,  a  corporation  shall
indemnify a director  who was  successful,  on the merits or  otherwise,  in the
defense of any proceeding,  or in the defense of any claim,  issue, or matter in
the  proceeding,  to which he was a party because he is or was a director of the
corporation,  against reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection with the
proceeding or claim with respect to which he has been successful.


<PAGE>



16-10a-907  INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, FIDUCIARIES, AND AGENTS.

      Unless a corporation's articles of incorporation provide otherwise:

      (1) an officer of the corporation is entitled to mandatory indemnification
under  Section   16-10a-903,   and  is  entitled  to  apply  for   court-ordered
indemnification  under Section 16-10a-905,  in each case to the same extent as a
director;

      (2)    the corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer,
employee, fiduciary, or agent of the corporation to the same extent as to a
director; and

      (3) a corporation  may also indemnify and advance  expenses to an officer,
employee,  fiduciary, or agent who is not a director to a greater extent, if not
inconsistent  with  public  policy,  and if  provided  for by  its  articles  of
incorporation,  bylaws, general or specific action of its board of directors, or
contract.

16-10a-908  INSURANCE.

      A corporation may purchase and maintain liability insurance on behalf of a
person who is or was a director,  officer, employee,  fiduciary, or agent of the
corporation, or who, while serving as a director, officer, employee,  fiduciary,
or agent of the corporation, is or was serving at the request of the corporation
as a director,  officer,  partner,  trustee,  employee,  fiduciary,  or agent of
another  foreign or  domestic  corporation  or other  person,  or of an employee
benefit  plan,  against  liability  asserted  against or incurred by him in that
capacity or arising from his status as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary,
or agent,  whether or not the  corporation  would have  power to  indemnify  him
against the same liability under Sections 16-10a-902, 16-10a-903, or 16-10a-907.
Insurance may be procured from any insurance company  designated by the board of
directors,  whether the insurance company is formed under the laws of this state
or any other  jurisdiction  of the United  States or  elsewhere,  including  any
insurance  company in which the  corporation has an equity or any other interest
through stock ownership or otherwise.

16-10a-909      LIMITATIONS OF INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS.

      (1) A provision  treating a corporation's  indemnification  of, or advance
for expenses to, directors that is contained in its articles of incorporation or
bylaws,  in a resolution  of its  shareholders  or board of  directors,  or in a
contract (except an insurance policy) or otherwise,  is valid only if and to the
extent the  provision  is not  inconsistent  with this part.  If the articles of
incorporation limit indemnification or advance of expenses,  indemnification and
advance of  expenses  are valid only to the  extent  not  inconsistent  with the
articles of incorporation.

      (2) This  part does not limit a  corporation's  power to pay or  reimburse
expenses incurred by a director in connection with the director's  appearance as
a witness in a proceeding  at a time when the director has not been made a named
defendant or respondent to the proceeding.


                                      II-2

<PAGE>


Item 21.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

      (a) Exhibits.  An Exhibit  Index,  containing a list of all exhibits filed
with this Registration Statement, is included beginning on page II-7.

      (b)    Financial Statement Schedules.  Not applicable.

      (c)    Report, Opinion or Appraisal.  Not applicable.

Item 22.  Undertakings.

      The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows:

      (1) that, for purposes of determining  any liability  under the Securities
Act of 1933, each filing of the  registrant's  annual report pursuant to Section
13(a)  or  Section  15(d)  of the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934  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.

      (2) to  deliver  or cause to be  delivered  with the  prospectus,  to each
person to whom the  prospectus  is sent or given,  the latest  annual  report to
security  holders  that is  incorporated  by  reference  in the  prospectus  and
furnished  pursuant to and meeting the  requirements of Rule 14a-3 or Rule 14c-3
under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934;  and,  where  interim  financial
information  required to be presented by Article 3 of Regulation  S-X is not set
forth in the prospectus,  to deliver, or cause to be delivered to each person to
whom the  prospectus  is sent or given,  the  latest  quarterly  report  that is
specifically incorporated by reference in the prospectus to provide such interim
financial information.

      (3) that  prior to any  public  reoffering  of the  securities  registered
hereunder  through the use of a prospectus which is a part of this  registration
statement,  by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the
meaning of Rule 145(c), such reoffering  prospectus will contain the information
called for by the  applicable  registration  form with respect to reofferings by
persons who may be deemed  underwriters,  in addition to the information  called
for by the other items of the applicable form.

      (4) that every  prospectus  (i) that is filed  pursuant to  paragraph  (3)
immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of Section
10(a)(3) of the  Securities  Act of 1933, as amended,  and is used in connection
with an offering of  securities  subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of
an  amendment  to the  registration  statement  and will not be used  until such
amendment is  effective,  and that,  for purposes of  determining  any liability
under the Securities Act of 1933,  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) that insofar as  indemnification  for  liabilities  arising  under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling

                                      II-3

<PAGE>


persons of the  registrant  pursuant to the provisions  described  under Item 20
above, 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 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 Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

      (6) to  respond  to  requests  for  information  that is  incorporated  by
reference into the Proxy Statement/Prospectus  pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11 or
13 of Form S-4, within one business day of receipt of such request,  and to send
the  incorporated  documents by first class mail or other equally  prompt means.
This  includes  information  contained  in  documents  filed  subsequent  to the
Effective Date of the registration  statement  through the date of responding to
the request.

      (7) to  supply  by means of a  post-effective  amendment  all  information
concerning a transaction,  and the company being acquired involved therein, that
was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became
effective.

                                      II-4

<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  the
registrant  has duly  caused  this  registration  statement  to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned,  thereunto duly authorized,  in Salt Lake City, Utah,
on the 2nd day of April, 1996.


                                                 Zions Bancorporation



                                        By:      /s/ Harris H. Simmons
                                                ------------------------------
                                                 Harris H. Simmons, President
                                                   and Chief Executive Officer



                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  each  person  whose  signature
appears below  constitutes and appoints Harris H. Simmons,  Roy W. Simmons,  and
Gary L. Anderson,  and each of them, his true and lawful  attorneys-in-fact  and
agents, with full power of substitution and  resubstitution,  for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including  post-effective  amendments) to this registration  statement,  and to
file the same,  with all exhibits  thereto,  and other  documents in  connection
therewith,  with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission,  granting  unto said
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing  requisite and necessary to be done, as
fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in person,  hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or either of
them, or their or his substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
thereof.

         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 dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Signature                                    Capacity                                    Date


<S>                                          <C>                                         <C> 
/s/ Harris H. Simmons                        
- ------------------------                     President, Chief Executive                  April 2, 1996
Harris H. Simmons                            Officer and Director


/s/ Gary L. Anderson                         
- ------------------------                     Secretary, Senior Vice                      April 2, 1996
Gary L. Anderson                             President and Chief
                                             Financial Officer


/s/ Walter E. Kelly                          Controller                                  April 2, 1996
- ------------------------
Walter E. Kelly

                                      II-5

<PAGE>




/s/ Roy W. Simmons                           Chairman and Director                       April 2, 1996
- ------------------------
Roy W. Simmons


/s/ Jerry C. Atkin                           Director                                    April 2, 1996
- ------------------------
Jerry C. Atkin


/s/ R. D. Cash                               Director                                    April 2, 1996
- ------------------------
R. D. Cash


/s/ L. E. Simmons                            Director                                    April 2, 1996
- ------------------------
L. E. Simmons

/s/ Grant R. Caldwell                        Director                                    April 2, 1996
- ------------------------
Grant R. Caldwell


/s/ I. J. Wagner                             Director                                    April 2, 1996
- ------------------------
I. J. Wagner


/s/ Roger B. Porter                          Director                                    April 2, 1996
- ------------------------
Roger B. Porter


/s/ Dale W. Westergard                       Director                                    April 2, 1996
- ------------------------
Dale W. Westergard


/s/ Richard H. Madsen                        Director                                    April 2, 1996
- ------------------------
Richard H. Madsen


/s/ Robert G. Sarver                         Director                                    April 2, 1996
- ------------------------
Robert G. Sarver
</TABLE>


                                      II-6


<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

                    (Pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K)

                                                                                                  Page Number
                                                                                                 in Sequential
Exhibit                                                                                            Numbering
  No.             Description and Method of Filing                                                  System
  ---             --------------------------------                                                  ------

<C>      <C>                                                                                            <C>       
2.1      Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of January 17, 1996 among
         Zions  Bancorporation,  National  Bank  of  Arizona,  Southern  Arizona
         Bancorp, Inc. and Southern Arizona Bank (filed herewith)


3.1      Restated  Articles  of  Incorporation  of  Zions  Bancorporation  dated                        *
         November 8, 1993, and filed with the Department of Business Regulation,
         Division  of  Corporations  of the  State of Utah on  November  9, 1993
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's  Form S-4
         Registration  Statement,  File No.  33-51145,  filed on Novem-  ber 22,
         1993) 

3.2      Restated  Bylaws  of  Zions  Bancorporation,  dated  November  8,  1993                        *
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's  Form S-4
         Registration Statement, File No. 33-51145, filed November 22, 1993) 

5        Opinion of Metzger,  Hollis,  Gordon & Alprin regarding the legality of
         the shares of Common Stock being registered (filed herewith)

8        Opinion of O'Connor, Cavanagh, Anderson, Killingsworth & Beshears, P.A.
         regarding  tax  matters  (filed  herewith  as  Appendix  B to the Proxy
         Statement/Prospectus)


9        Voting  Trust  Agreement,  dated  December  31, 1991  (incorporated  by                        *
         reference to Exhibit 9 of Zions Bancorporation's  Annual Report on Form
         10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991) 

10.1     Amended and Restated Zions Bancorporation Pension Plan (incorporated by                        *
         reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Zions  Bancorporation's  Annual  Report on
         Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994) 

10.2     Amendment to Zions  Bancorporation  Pension Plan effective  December 1,                        *
         1994   (incorporated   by   reference   to   Exhibit   10.2  of   Zions
         Bancorporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
         31, 1994) 
                                      II-7

<PAGE>
10.3     Zions   Utah   Bancorporation   Supplemental   Retirement   Plan   Form                        *
         (incorporated   by   reference   to   Exhibit   19.4  of   Zions   Utah
         Bancorporation's  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter  ended
         September 30, 1985) 

10.4     Zions Utah  Bancorporation  Key  Employee  Incentive  Stock Option Plan                        *
         approved  by  the  shareholders  of  the  Company  on  April  28,  1982
         (incorporated  by reference  to Exhibit 10.1 of Zions  Bancorporation's
         Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1995) 

10.5     Amendment No. 1 to Zions  Bancorporation  Key Employee  Incentive Stock                        *
         Option Plan  approved by the  shareholders  of the Company on April 27,
         1990   (incorporated   by   reference   to   Exhibit   10.2  of   Zions
         Bancorporation's  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter  ended
         June 30, 1995) 

10.6     Amendment No. 2 to Zions  Bancorporation  Key Employee  Incentive Stock                        *
         Option Plan  approved by the  shareholders  of the Company of April 28,
         1995   (incorporated   by   reference   to   Exhibit   10.3  of   Zions
         Bancorporation's  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter  ended
         June 30, 1995) 

10.7     Zions  Bancorporation  Deferred  Compensation  Plan for  Directors,  as                        *
         amended May 1, 1991  (incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 19 of Zions
         Bancorporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
         31, 1991) 

10.8     Zions Bancorporation Senior Management Value Sharing Plan, Award Period                        *
         1991-1994   (incorporated   by   reference   to  Exhibit  19  of  Zions
         Bancorporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
         31, 1992) 

10.9     Zions Bancorporation Senior Management Value Sharing Plan, Award Period                        *
         1992-1995   (incorporated   by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.6  of  Zions
         Bancorporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
         31, 1992)

10.10    Zions Bancorporation Senior Management Value Sharing Plan, Award Period                        *
         1993-1996   (incorporated   by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.8  of  Zions
         Bancorporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
         31, 1993) 

                                      II-8
<PAGE>
10.11    Zions Bancorporation Senior Management Value Sharing Plan, Award Period                        *
         1994-1997   (incorporated   by  reference  to  exhibit  10.9  of  Zions
         Bancorporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
         31, 1994) 

10.12    Zions Bancorporation  Senior Management Value Sharing Plan Award Period                        *
         1995-1998   (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.14  of  Zions
         Bancorporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
         31, 1995) 

10.13    Zions Bancorporation Executive Management Pension Plan (incorporated by                        *
         reference to Exhibit 10.10 of Zions  Bancorporation's  Annual Report on
         Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994) 

10.14    Employment  Agreement with Mr. John J. Gisi  (incorporated by reference                        *
         to Exhibit 10.13 of Zions  Bancorporation's  Annual Report on Form 10-K
         for the year ended December 31, 1995) 

10.15    Form of Employment  Agreement between National Bank of Arizona and John
         E.  Byrd  (filed  herewith  as  Exhibit  III to  Agreement  and Plan of
         Reorganization, filed as Exhibit 2.1)

21       List of subsidiaries of Zions Bancorporation (incorporated by reference                        *
         to Exhibit 21 of Zions Bancorporation's  Annual Report on Form 10-K for
         the year ended December 31, 1995) 

23.1     Consent  of  KPMG  Peat  Marwick  LLP,  independent   certified  public
         accountants for Zions Bancorpora- tion (filed herewith)


23.2     Consent of McGladrey & Pullen, independent certified public accountants
         for Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc. (filed herewith)


23.3     Consent  of  Deloitte  &  Touche  LLP  independent   certified   public
         accountants for Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc. (filed herewith)


23.4     Consent of Metzger, Hollis, Gordon & Alprin (contained in their opinion
         filed as Exhibit 5)


23.5     Consent of O'Connor, Cavanagh, Anderson, Killingsworth & Beshears, P.A.
         with  respect to certain tax matters  (filed  herewith in Appendix B to
         the Proxy Statement/Prospectus)


23.6     Consent of M One, Inc. (filed herewith)


                                      II-9
<PAGE>
24.1     Power  of  Attorney  (set  forth  on  Page  II-5  of  the  Registration
         Statement)


99.1     Preliminary copy of letter to shareholders of Southern Arizona Bancorp,
         Inc. (filed herewith)


99.2     Preliminary  copy of Notice  of  Special  Meeting  of  Shareholders  of
         Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc. (filed herewith)


99.3     Preliminary  copy of form of proxy for use by  shareholders of Southern
         Arizona Bancorp, Inc. (filed herewith)


99.4     Agreement  between Zions  Bancorporation  and each director of Southern
         Arizona Bancorp,  Inc. (filed herewith as part of Agreement and Plan of
         Reorgani- zation, filed as Exhibit 2.1)


99.5     Fairness  Opinion of M One, Inc.  (filed  herewith as Appendix C to the
         Proxy Statement/Prospectus)



* incorporated by reference

                                      II-8

<PAGE>
</TABLE>




                                   EXHIBIT 2.1

                      AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION


         THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF  REORGANIZATION  made as of the  seventeenth
day of January,  1996, between ZIONS  BANCORPORATION  ("Zions Bancorp"),  a Utah
corporation  having its principal office in Salt Lake City, Utah,  NATIONAL BANK
OF ARIZONA  ("NBA"),  a national banking  association  having its head office in
Tucson,  Arizona,  SOUTHERN  ARIZONA BANCORP,  INC. (the "Company"),  an Arizona
corporation having its principal office in Yuma,  Arizona,  and SOUTHERN ARIZONA
BANK, an Arizona  banking  corporation  having its head office in Yuma,  Arizona
(the "Bank")

                        W I T N E S S E T H   T H A T :

         WHEREAS,  Zions Bancorp is a bank holding company and NBA is a national
banking  association  and each of them desires to affiliate with the Company and
its subsidiary, the Bank; and

         WHEREAS,  the Board of Directors of the Company has determined  that it
would be in the best interests of the Company, its shareholders,  its customers,
and the areas served by it to become affiliated with Zions Bancorp and NBA;

         WHEREAS,  the Board of  Directors  of the Bank has  determined  that it
would be in the best interests of the Bank, its customers,  and the areas served
by it to become affiliated with Zions Bancorp and NBA;

         WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of the Company and Zions
Bancorp have agreed to the merger (the "Holding Company Merger") of the Company
with and into Zions Bancorp pursuant to the provisions of section 10-071 et seq.
of the Arizona General Corporation Law and section 16-10a-1101 et seq. of the
Utah Business Corporation Act;

         WHEREAS,  the  respective  Boards of Directors of the Bank and NBA have
agreed to the merger (the "Bank  Merger") of the Bank with and into NBA pursuant
to the provisions of section 215a of the National Bank Act (12 U.S.C.  ss. 215a)
and section 6-212 of the Arizona Revised Statutes; and

         WHEREAS,  the parties intend that the transactions  contemplated by the
Holding Company Merger and the Bank Merger (collectively, the "Mergers") qualify
as one or more tax-free  reorganizations  under  section  368(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code");


<PAGE>
         NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of these  premises  and the mutual
agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties agree as follows:


1.       Combinations.

         1.1.  Form of Combinations.

               (a) Holding  Company  Combination.  Zions Bancorp and the Company
will  execute  a merger  agreement  (the  "Holding  Company  Merger  Agreement")
substantially in the form of Exhibit I annexed hereto. Subject to the provisions
of the Holding  Company  Merger  Agreement,  the Company will be merged with and
into Zions Bancorp,  and Zions Bancorp shall be the surviving  corporation.  The
shares of common stock of the Company shall be  immediately  converted  into the
right to receive,  subject to the terms,  conditions,  and limitations set forth
herein, such consideration as is provided in section 1.2(b) hereof.

               (b) Bank  Combination.  NBA and the Bank  will  execute  a merger
agreement (the "Bank Merger Agreement")  substantially in the form of Exhibit II
annexed hereto.  Immediately  following the effectiveness of the Holding Company
Merger,  and subject to the  provisions of the Bank Merger  Agreement,  the Bank
will be merged with and into NBA,  under the  charter and title of NBA,  and NBA
shall be the surviving association. The shares of common stock of the Bank shall
be canceled.

         1.2.     Consideration for Holding Company Merger.

               (a)  Definitions.   For  the  purposes  of  this  Agreement,  the
following  terms shall have the  meanings  set forth in this  Subparagraph  (a).
Additional terms may be defined elsewhere herein.

                  (i) Average Closing Price. The average (rounded to the nearest
penny)  of each  Daily  Sales  Price  of  Zions  Bancorp  Stock  for the  twenty
consecutive trading days ending on and including the fifth trading day preceding
the  effective  date of the  Holding  Company  Merger  (the  "Effective  Date").
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) if the result of the calculation described in
the previous sentence is less than $59.00,  then the Average Closing Price shall
be $59.00,  and (B) if the result of the  calculation  described in the previous
sentence is more than $72.00, then the Average Closing Price shall be $72.00.

                   (ii)    Benchmark Price. The sum of:

                                     - 2 -
<PAGE>
                           (A)  $25,330,000.00;

                           (B) the consolidated net undistributed  income of the
Company  during the period  beginning on October 1, 1995 and ending on the close
of business on the last day of the calendar month  preceding the Effective Date,
calculated in accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles in a
manner consistent with the Company  Financial  Statements (as defined in section
6.13 of this Agreement). For the purpose of calculating net undistributed income
of the Company, any undistributed gain, net of taxes, derived from activities or
transactions  which are not in the  ordinary  course of its  banking  operations
(such as,  without  limitation,  the sale of  securities  or loans,  of  capital
assets, or of lines of business), all of which shall be determined in accordance
with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  shall be excluded  except as
mutually  agreed  by the  parties  hereto.  It is  understood  that  the  amount
calculated  under this section  1.2(a)(ii)(B)  may be a negative number and that
the  effect of  summing  such a  negative  number  would be a  reduction  in the
Benchmark Price as otherwise would be calculated under this section  1.2(a)(ii);
and

                           (C) if the Effective Date does not occur on the first
day of a calendar month, an amount  calculated by computing the daily average of
the net  undistributed  income of the  Company  for the period and in the manner
prescribed in section  1.2(a)(ii)(B)  hereof and  multiplying the result of such
computation  by the number of days elapsing  during the period  beginning on the
first day of the month in which the Effective  Date occurs and ending on the day
immediately  preceding  the Effective  Date.  It is  understood  that the amount
calculated  under this section  1.2(a)(ii)(C)  may be a negative number and that
the  effect of  summing  such a  negative  number  would be a  reduction  in the
Benchmark Price as otherwise would be calculated under this section 1.2(a)(ii).

                  (iii)  Daily  Sales  Price.  For any  trading  day,  the  last
reported  sale  price  or,  if no such  reported  sale  takes  place,  the  mean
(unrounded)  of the closing bid and asked prices of Zions  Bancorp  Stock in the
over-the-counter  market as such prices are reported by the automated  quotation
system of the  National  Association  of  Securities  Dealers,  Inc.,  or in the
absence  thereof by such other  source upon which Zions  Bancorp and the Company
shall mutually agree.

                   (iv)  Dissenting  Shares.  The shares of Company Common Stock
held by those shareholders of the Company who have timely and properly exercised
their dissenters'  rights in accordance with all applicable laws (the "Appraisal
Laws").

                                     - 3 -

<PAGE>
                  (v) Zions Bancorp Stock. The common stock of Zions Bancorp, no
par value.

               (b) Form of Consideration.  Subject to the terms,  conditions and
limitations  set forth  herein,  upon  surrender  of his or her  certificate  or
certificates  in  accordance  with Section 1.1 hereof,  each holder of shares of
Company Common Stock shall be entitled to receive in the Holding Company Merger,
in  exchange  for each  share of  Company  Common  Stock  held of record by such
stockholder as of the Effective Date:

                   (i) that number of shares of Zions Bancorp  Stock  calculated
by dividing the Benchmark  Price by the Average  Closing  Price,  and by further
dividing  the number so reached by the number of shares of Company  Common Stock
that shall be issued and outstanding at the Effective Date, and

                   (ii) in the event that the  average  (rounded  to the nearest
penny)  of each  Daily  Sales  Price  of  Zions  Bancorp  Stock  for the  twenty
consecutive trading days ending on and including the fifth trading day preceding
the Effective Date (the  "Unadjusted  Average Price") shall be less than $59.00,
that amount of cash (the "Cash Component")  calculated by dividing the amount by
which the Benchmark  Price exceeds the product of the  Unadjusted  Average Price
and the number of shares of Zions Bancorp Stock issuable under subsection (b)(i)
of this  section 1.2 by the number of shares of Company  Common Stock that shall
be issued and outstanding at the Effective Date.

         1.3. No  Fractional  Shares.  Zions  Bancorp will not issue  fractional
shares of Zions Bancorp  Stock.  In lieu of  fractional  shares of Zions Bancorp
Stock,  if any, each  shareholder of the Company who is entitled to a fractional
share of Zions  Bancorp  Stock  shall  receive  an amount  of cash  equal to the
product of such fraction times the Average Closing Price.  Such fractional share
interest  shall not  include  the right to vote or to receive  dividends  or any
interest thereon.

         1.4.  Dissenting  Shares.  Notwithstanding  anything  to  the  contrary
herein,  each Dissenting  Share whose holder,  as of the Effective Date, has not
effectively  withdrawn or lost his or her dissenters' rights under the Appraisal
Laws,  shall not be converted into or represent a right to receive Zions Bancorp
Stock or Cash  Component,  but the holder thereof shall be entitled only to such
rights as are granted by the Appraisal  Laws.  Each holder of Dissenting  Shares
who becomes  entitled to payment for his or her Company Common Stock pursuant to
the provisions of the Appraisal Laws shall receive  payment  therefor from Zions
Bancorp  (but only 

                                     - 4 -

<PAGE>

after the amount  thereof  shall  have been  agreed  upon or finally  determined
pursuant to such provisions).

         1.5.  Dividends;  Interest.  No  shareholder  of the  Company  will  be
entitled to receive  dividends on his or her Zions Bancorp Stock until he or she
exchanges his or her  certificates  representing  Company Common Stock for Zions
Bancorp Stock and, if  applicable,  Cash  Component.  Any dividends  declared on
Zions Bancorp Stock (which stock is to be delivered  pursuant to this Agreement)
to  holders  of  record  on or after  the  Effective  Date  shall be paid to the
Exchange  Agent (as  designated  in Section  1.6 of this  Agreement)  and,  upon
receipt of the  certificates  representing  shares of Company Common Stock,  the
Exchange  Agent  shall  forward to the former  shareholders  entitled to receive
Zions Bancorp Stock (i) certificates  representing their shares of Zions Bancorp
Stock, (ii) dividends declared thereon subsequent to the Effective Date (without
interest),  (iii)  the  cash  value  of  any  fractional  shares  determined  in
accordance  with  Section  1.3  hereof  (without  interest),  and  (iv) any Cash
Component (without interest).

         1.6.  Designation  of Exchange  Agent.  The  parties to this  Agreement
hereby  designate Zions First National Bank, Salt Lake City, Utah ("Zions Bank")
as Exchange  Agent to effect the exchange  contemplated  hereby.  Zions  Bancorp
will,  promptly  after the Effective  Date,  issue and deliver to Zions Bank the
share  certificates  representing  shares of Zions Bancorp Stock and the cash in
lieu of  fractional  shares  and any Cash  Component  to be paid to  holders  of
Company Common Stock in accordance with this Agreement.

         1.7.  Notice of Exchange.  Promptly  after the  Effective  Date,  Zions
Bancorp  shall  cause  Zions  Bank  to  mail  to  each  holder  of one  or  more
certificates  formerly representing Company Common Stock, except to such holders
as  shall  have  waived  the  notice  required  by this  Section  1.7,  a notice
specifying  the Effective Date and notifying such holder to surrender his or her
certificate  or  certificates  to Zions  Bank  for  exchange  for a  certificate
representing the appropriate number of shares of Zions Bancorp Stock and cash in
lieu of any fractional share and any Cash Component. Such notice shall be mailed
to holders by regular  mail at their  addresses  on the records of the  Company.
Zions Bancorp shall cause Zions Bank to deliver certificates  representing Zions
Bancorp Stock and cash to such holders who comply with the terms and  conditions
of the notice of exchange.

         1.8.  Employee  Benefits.  If any  employee  of the Company or the Bank
becomes a participant in any  employment  benefit plan,  practice,  or policy of
Zions  Bancorp or NBA,  such  employee  shall be given  credit  under such plan,
practice, or policy for all service 

                                      - 5 -
<PAGE>

prior to the  Effective  Date  with the  Company  and the Bank for  purposes  of
eligibility and vesting,  but not for benefit accrual  purposes,  for which such
service  is  taken  into  account  or  recognized,  provided  that  there  be no
duplication of such benefits as are provided  under any employee  benefit plans,
practices,  or  policies  of the  Company  or the Bank that  continue  in effect
following the Effective Date.


2.       Effective Date.
         ---------------

         The Effective Date shall be the date to be specified in the Articles of
Merger to be filed with the  Secretary of State of the State of Utah pursuant to
section  16-10a-1105 of the Utah Business  Corporation  Act and the Secretary of
State of the State of Arizona  pursuant to section 10-074 of the Arizona General
Corporation Law, which date shall be the latest of:

         2.1.  Company  Shareholder  Approval.  The date  following the day upon
which  the  shareholders  of  the  Company  approve,  ratify,  and  confirm  the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement; or

         2.2. Bank Shareholder  Approval.  The date following the day upon which
the shareholder of the Bank approves,  ratifies,  and confirms the  transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; or

         2.3.  Federal  Reserve  Approval.  The  first  to occur of (a) the date
thirty days  following  the date of the order of the Board of  Governors  of the
Federal  Reserve  System or the Federal  Reserve  Bank of San  Francisco  acting
pursuant to  authority  delegated to it by the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System  (collectively,  the "Board of Governors")  approving the Holding
Company Merger,  or (b) if,  pursuant to section 321(a) of the Riegle  Community
Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 (the "Riegle Act"), the Board
of Governors shall have prescribed a shorter period of time with the concurrence
of the  Attorney  General of the United  States,  the date on which such shorter
period of time  shall  elapse,  or (c) the date ten days  following  the date on
which the Board of  Governors  indicates  its  waiver of  jurisdiction  over the
Holding Company Merger; or

         2.4.  Comptroller  Approval.  The first to occur of (a) the date thirty
days following the date of the order of the Comptroller of the Currency (the
"Comptroller")  approving the Bank Merger, or (b) if, pursuant to section 321(b)
of the Riegle Act, the  Comptroller  shall have  prescribed a shorter  period of
time with the concurrence of the Attorney General of the United States, the date
on which such shorter period of time shall elapse; or

                                     - 6 -
<PAGE>
         2.5.      State Regulatory Approvals.
                   --------------------------

               (a) If such an order shall be required by law,  the date ten days
following the date of the order of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of
the State of Utah (the "Commissioner")  approving the transactions  contemplated
by this Agreement; or

               (b) If such an order shall be required by law,  the date ten days
following the date of the order of the  Superintendent  of Banks of the State of
Arizona (the "Superintendent")  approving the transactions  contemplated by this
Agreement; or

         2.6. Other Regulatory Approvals. The date upon which any other material
order,  approval,  or  consent  of a federal  or state  regulator  of  financial
institutions or financial institution holding companies authorizing consummation
of the  transactions  contemplated  by this Agreement is obtained or any waiting
period mandated by such order, approval or consent has run; or

         2.7.  Expiration of Stays.  Ten days after any stay of the approvals of
any of the  Comptroller,  the  Board  of  Governors,  the  Commissioner,  or the
Superintendent  of  the  transactions  contemplated  by  this  Agreement  or any
injunction  against  closing  of said  transactions  is lifted,  discharged,  or
dismissed; or

         2.8. Mutual  Agreement.  Such other date as shall be mutually agreed to
by Zions Bancorp and the Company.


3.       Conditions Precedent to Performance of Obligations of the Parties.
         ------------------------------------------------------------------

         The  obligations  of Zions  Bancorp and the Company to  consummate  the
Holding Company Merger and the obligations of NBA and the Bank to consummate the
Bank Merger shall be subject to the  conditions  that on or before the Effective
Date:

         3.1. Regulatory Approvals. Orders, consents, and approvals, in form and
substance reasonably  satisfactory to Zions Bancorp and the Company,  shall have
been entered by the requisite governmental  authorities,  granting the authority
necessary for  consummation of the  transactions  contemplated by this Agreement
and the  operation by Zions Bancorp of the business of the Company and by NBA of
the  business  of the Bank and each of the  branches  of the Bank as branches of
NBA,  pursuant to the provisions of applicable  law; and all other  requirements
prescribed  by law or by the  rules  and  regulations  of any  other  regulatory
authority having jurisdiction over such transactions shall have been satisfied.

                                     - 7 -
<PAGE>

         3.2.  Registration Statement.
               ----------------------

               (a)  Effectiveness.  The  registration  statement  to be filed by
Zions Bancorp with the Securities and Exchange  Commission  (the "SEC") pursuant
to the  Securities  Act of 1933 (the  "Securities  Act") in connection  with the
registration of the shares of Zions Bancorp Stock to be used as consideration in
connection with the Holding Company Merger (the "Registration  Statement") shall
have become  effective under that Act, and Zions Bancorp shall have received all
required  state  securities  laws or  "blue  sky"  permits  and  other  required
authorizations   or   confirmations  of  the  availability  of  exemptions  from
registration  requirements necessary to issue Zions Bancorp Stock in the Holding
Company Merger.

               (b) Absence of Stop-Order. Neither the Registration Statement nor
any such required permit,  authorization  or confirmation  shall be subject to a
stop-order  or  threatened  stop-order  by  the  SEC  or  any  state  securities
authority.

         3.3.  Federal  Income  Taxation.  The  Company  and the Bank shall have
received,  and Zions  Bancorp  shall  have been  furnished  a copy of, a written
opinion of O'Connor,  Cavanagh,  Anderson,  Westover,  Killingsworth & Beshears,
P.A. or of  McGladrey & Pullen,  LLP or of another  firm  mutually  agreeable to
Zions Bancorp and the Company,  applying  existing law, that the  reorganization
contemplated   by  this  Agreement   shall  qualify  as  one  or  more  tax-free
reorganizations  under  the Code and the  regulations  and  rulings  promulgated
thereunder.  Each of the Company and the Bank agrees to use its best  efforts to
solicit such opinion in good faith and in a timely manner.

         3.4. Absence of Litigation.  No action,  suit, or proceeding shall have
been  instituted  or  shall  have  been  threatened  before  any  court or other
governmental  body or by any public authority to restrain,  enjoin,  or prohibit
the  Mergers,  or which might  restrict  the  operation  of the  business of the
Company or that of the Bank or the exercise of any rights with  respect  thereto
or to subject any of the parties hereto or any of their directors or officers to
any liability, fine, forfeiture,  divestiture, or penalty on the ground that the
transactions  contemplated  hereby,  the parties  hereto,  or their directors or
officers have breached or will breach any  applicable  law or regulation or have
otherwise  acted  improperly in connection  with the  transactions  contemplated
hereby and with respect to which the parties hereto have been advised by counsel
that, in the opinion of such counsel,  such action,  suit, or proceeding  raises
substantial questions of law or fact which could reasonably be decided adversely
to any party hereto or its directors or officers.

                                      - 8 -

<PAGE>
         3.5. Adverse Legislation. No legislation shall have been enacted and no
regulation or other governmental  requirement shall have been adopted or imposed
that  has  rendered  or  will  render   consummation  of  any  of  the  material
transactions contemplated by this Agreement impossible, or that would materially
and  adversely  affect the economic  assumptions  of the  material  transactions
contemplated hereby or the business, operations, financial condition, properties
or assets  of the  combined  enterprise  of Zions  Bancorp  and the  Company  or
otherwise materially impair the value of the Company to Zions Bancorp.

         3.6.  Employment and Competition Agreement.  NBA and John E. Byrd shall
have executed an employment and non-competition agreement substantially in form
and substance as that set forth as Exhibit III attached hereto.


4.       Conditions Precedent to Performance of the Obligations of Zions
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         Bancorp and NBA.
         ----------------

         The  obligations  of Zions Bancorp and NBA hereunder are subject to the
satisfaction,  on  or  prior  to  the  Effective  Date,  of  all  the  following
conditions,  compliance  with which or the  occurrence of which may be waived in
whole or in part by Zions Bancorp in writing:

         4.1.  Approval by Shareholders of the Company and the Bank.
               -----------------------------------------------------

               (a) The shareholders of the Company, acting at a meeting duly and
properly  called for such  purpose  pursuant  to a proxy  statement  in form and
substance reasonably  satisfactory to Zions Bancorp and its counsel,  shall have
approved,  ratified,  and confirmed the Holding  Company Merger by not less than
the requisite  percentage of the  outstanding  voting stock of each class of the
Company,  in accordance  with the applicable  laws of the State of Arizona,  and
dis-  senters'  rights of  appraisal  under the  Appraisal  Laws shall have been
effectively  preserved  as of the  Effective  Date by  owners of not more than 6
percent of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock.

               (b) The  shareholders of the Bank shall have approved,  ratified,
and confirmed  the Bank Merger by not less than the requisite  percentage of the
outstanding  voting  stock of each  class of the Bank,  in  accordance  with the
applicable laws of the State of Arizona.

                                     - 9 -
<PAGE>
         4.2.     Representations and Warranties; Performance of Obligations.
                  -----------------------------------------------------------

         All  representations  and  warranties  of  the  Company  and  the  Bank
contained in this Agreement  shall be true and correct in all material  respects
as of the  Effective  Date with the same effect as if such  representations  and
warranties  had  been  made  or  given  at  and as of  such  date,  except  that
representations  and  warranties  of the Company and the Bank  contained in this
Agreement which specifically relate to an earlier date shall be true and correct
in all material  respects as of such earlier date. All covenants and obligations
to be performed  or met by the Company or the Bank on or prior to the  Effective
Date shall have been so performed  or met. On the  Effective  Date,  each of the
Company and the Bank shall  deliver to Zions Bancorp its  certificate  signed by
its chairman, its president, and its chief financial officer to that effect. The
delivery  of  such  certificate   shall  in  no  way  diminish  the  warranties,
representations,  covenants,  and obligations of the Company or the Bank made in
this Agreement.

         4.3.  Opinion  of Company  Counsel.  Zions  Bancorp  and NBA shall have
received a  favorable  opinion  from  O'Connor,  Cavanagh,  Anderson,  Westover,
Killingsworth & Beshears,  P.A., dated the Effective Date, substantially in form
and substance as that set forth as Exhibit IV attached hereto.

         4.4. Opinion of Company Litigation Counsel. Zions Bancorp and NBA shall
have  received  a  favorable  opinion  dated  the  Effective  Date,  in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to its counsel, from litigation counsel to the
Company and the Bank, whose identity shall be acceptable to Zions Bancorp.  Such
opinion  shall state that  except with  respect to matters set forth in Schedule
4.4 to this  Agreement  or in a schedule  to the  opinion,  the  contents of the
latter of which  schedules  shall be  acceptable  to Zions  Bancorp  in its sole
discretion,  (a) to the best of the  knowledge  of counsel,  there is no action,
suit,  or  proceeding  before  or by any court or  governmental  agency or body,
domestic or foreign,  now pending or threatened  against the Company or the Bank
which might result in any material adverse change in the condition, financial or
otherwise,  or in the earnings,  business affairs,  or business prospects of the
Company or the Bank considered as one enterprise,  or which might materially and
adversely  affect the properties or assets of the Company or the Bank considered
as one enterprise or which might prevent,  hinder,  or delay the consummation of
the  transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement;  and (b) to the best of the
knowledge of counsel, all pending legal or governmental proceedings to which the
Company or the Bank is a party or of which any of their respective properties or
assets is the subject, 


                                     - 10 -
<PAGE>

including ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business are, considered
in the  aggregate,  not material.  If any matters are set forth in a schedule to
the opinion,  the opinion shall also state that the  statements in that schedule
regarding such matters fairly summarize the matters therein described.

         4.5. Delivery of Branch  Authorizations.  The Bank shall have delivered
to  Zions  Bancorp  originals  or  certified  copies  of all  of its  regulatory
authorizations  entitling  the  Bank  to  operate  each of its  branch  offices,
together with a certification  by the Bank dated the Effective  Date,  signed by
its chairman,  its president,  and its chief financial officer,  certifying that
such branch  certificates  have not been revoked or threatened to be revoked and
that such certificates are in full force and effect.

         4.6.  No Adverse Developments.
               ------------------------

               (a) During the period from  September  30, 1995 to the  Effective
Date, (i) there shall not have been any material adverse change in the financial
position or results of  operations  of the Company or the Bank taken as a whole,
nor in the financial  position or results of  operations of the Bank,  nor shall
the  Company  or the Bank  have  sustained  any  material  loss or damage to its
properties,  whether or not  insured,  which  materially  affects its ability to
conduct its business;  (ii) neither the Company nor the Bank shall have become a
party to any litigation or been  threatened to be made a party to any litigation
which,  in the  judgment  of Zions  Bancorp,  makes or would make  either of the
Mergers  inadvisable or impracticable to Zions Bancorp or NBA; and (iii) none of
the  events  described  in  clauses  (a)  through  (f) of  Section  6.16 of this
Agreement  shall  have  occurred,  and  each  of the  practices  and  conditions
described in clauses (x) through (z) of that section shall have been maintained.

               (b) As of the Effective  Date, the  authorized  capital stock and
the status and  characteristics  of subscriptions,  warrants,  options,  rights,
convertible  securities,  similar  arrangements  and  commitments  in respect of
capital stock, transfer restrictions,  and stock reservations of the Company and
the  Bank  and the  status  of  shareholder  agreements  and  other  agreements,
understandings, and commitments relating to the voting or disposition of capital
stock of the Company  and the Bank shall be as stated in section  6.9. As of the
Effective  Date,  the Company shall hold of record and  beneficially  all of the
capital stock of the Bank.

               (c) As of the Effective  Date,  other than  liabilities  incurred
subsequent  to September  30, 1995 either in the ordinary 

                                     - 11 -
<PAGE>

course of  business  or with the  consent of Zions  Bancorp,  there  shall be no
liabilities of the Company or the Bank which were not reflected on the September
30, 1995 statement of condition of the Company.

               (d) Zions Bancorp  shall have  received a certificate  of each of
the Company and the Bank dated the Effective Date,  signed by its chairman,  its
president, and its chief financial officer,  certifying to the matters set forth
in  paragraphs  (a),  (b),  and (c) of this  section  4.6.  The delivery of such
certificate shall in no way diminish the warranties and  representations  of the
Company or the Bank made in this Agreement.

         4.7.  Consolidated  Net Worth.  On and as of the  Effective  Date,  the
consolidated net worth of the Company as determined in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles shall not be less than the consolidated net worth
of the  Company as of  September  30,  1995 as  determined  in  accordance  with
generally accepted accounting principles.

         4.8.  Loan Loss Reserve  Method.  During the period from  September 30,
1995 to the  Effective  Date,  the Bank shall have  continued to employ the loan
loss reserve  methodology which it employed at September 30, 1995 and shall have
maintained  an  aggregate  reserve  for loan  losses not less than that which it
maintained at September 30, 1995.


5.       Conditions Precedent to Performance of Obligations of the Company
         -----------------------------------------------------------------
         and the Bank.
         -------------

         The  obligations  of the Company and the Bank  hereunder are subject to
the  satisfaction,  on or  prior to the  Effective  Date,  of all the  following
conditions,  compliance  with which or the  occurrence of which may be waived in
whole or in part by the Company in writing:

         5.1.  Representations and Warranties;  Performance of Obligations.  All
representations  and  warranties  of Zions  Bancorp  and NBA  contained  in this
Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Effective
Date with the same effect as if such  representations  and  warranties  had been
made or given at and as of such date, except that representations and warranties
of Zions Bancorp and NBA contained in this Agreement which  specifically  relate
to an earlier date shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such
earlier  date.  All covenants  and  obligations  to be performed or met by Zions
Bancorp and NBA on or prior to the  Effective  Date shall have been so performed
or met. 

                                     - 12 -
<PAGE>
On the  Effective  Date,  each of Zions  Bancorp  and NBA shall  deliver  to the
Company  its  certificate  signed by  either  its  Chairman  of the Board or its
President  to that  effect.  The  delivery of such  certificate  shall in no way
diminish the warranties,  representations,  covenants,  and obligations of Zions
Bancorp or NBA made in this Agreement.

         5.2. Opinion of Zions Bancorp  Counsel.  The Company and the Bank shall
have received a favorable opinion of Metzger,  Hollis, Gordon & Mortimer,  dated
the  Effective  Date,  substantially  in form and substance as that set forth as
Exhibit V attached hereto.

         5.3. No Adverse Developments. During the period from September 30, 1995
to the Effective Date,  there shall not have been any material adverse change in
the financial position or results of operations of Zions Bancorp nor shall Zions
Bancorp have sustained any material loss or damage to its properties, whether or
not insured,  which materially affects its ability to conduct its business;  and
the  Company  shall  have  received a  certificate  of Zions  Bancorp  dated the
Effective Date, signed by either its Chairman of the Board or its President,  to
the foregoing effect.  The delivery of such certificate shall in no way diminish
the warranties and representations of Zions Bancorp or those of NBA made in this
Agreement.

         5.4. Status of Zions Bancorp Stock. Zions Bancorp Stock,  including the
Zions Bancorp Stock to be issued in the Holding Company Merger,  shall be quoted
on the National Market System of the National Association of Securities Dealers'
Automated  Quotation  System (or else shall become  listed on the New York Stock
Exchange or the American Stock Exchange).

         5.5.  Receipt of Fairness Opinion.  The Company shall have received a
favorable opinion from M-One, Inc. with respect to the fairness of the terms of
the Holding Company Merger to the shareholders of the Company from a financial
point of view (the "Fairness Opinion").


6.       Representations and Warranties of the Company and the Bank.
         -----------------------------------------------------------

         The  Company  and the  Bank  (collectively  the  "Warrantors"  and each
individually a "Warrantor") jointly and severally represent and warrant to Zions
Bancorp and NBA as follows:

         6.1.  Organization,  Powers,  and  Qualification.  The  Warrantor  is a
corporation  which is duly  organized,  validly  existing,  and in good standing
under  the  laws of its  jurisdiction  of  incorporation

                                     - 13 -
<PAGE>

and has all  requisite  corporate  power and  authority  to own and  operate its
properties  and assets,  to lease the  properties  used in its business,  and to
carry on its business as now  conducted.  The Warrantor owns or possesses in the
operation  of  its   business  all   franchises,   licenses,   permits,   branch
certificates,   consents,   approvals,   waivers,   and  other   authorizations,
governmental or otherwise, which are necessary for it to conduct its business as
now  conducted,  except  for  those  where  the  failure  of such  ownership  or
possession  would not  adversely  affect the  operation  and  properties  of the
Warrantor in any material respect.  The Warrantor is duly qualified and licensed
to do business  and is in good  standing in every  jurisdiction  with respect to
which the failure to be so  qualified  or  licensed  could  result in  liability
exceeding  $25,000 or  adversely  affect the  operation  and  properties  of the
Warrantor in an amount exceeding $25,000.

         6.2.  Execution and  Performance  of  Agreement.  The Warrantor has all
requisite  corporate  power and authority to execute and deliver this  Agreement
and to perform its obligations hereunder.

         6.3.  Absence of Violations.
               ---------------------

               (a) The Warrantor is not in violation of its charter documents or
bylaws,  or of any applicable  federal,  state, or local law or ordinance or any
order, rule, or regulation of any federal,  state,  local, or other governmental
agency or body,  in any  material  respect,  or in default  with  respect to any
order, writ, injunction,  or decree of any court, or in default under any order,
license,  regulation,  or  demand  of any  governmental  agency,  any  of  which
violations or defaults  might have a materially  adverse effect on the business,
properties, liabilities, financial position, results of operations, or prospects
of the  Warrantor;  and the  Warrantor  has not  received any claim or notice of
violation with respect thereto.

               (b) Neither the Warrantor  nor any member of its  management is a
party  to  any  assistance  agreement,   supervisory  agreement,  memorandum  of
understanding,  consent  order,  cease  and  desist  order or  condition  of any
regulatory  order or  decree  with or by the  Board of  Governors,  the  Federal
Deposit  Insurance  Corporation  (the  "FDIC"),  any other banking or securities
authority of the United States or the State of Utah or the State of Arizona,  or
any other  regulatory  agency that relates to the conduct of the business of the
Warrantor or its assets.  Except as  previously  disclosed  to Zions  Bancorp in
writing, no such agreement,  memorandum,  order, condition, or decree is pending
or threatened.

               (c) The  Warrantor  has  established  policies and  procedures to
provide  reasonable  assurance of compliance in a safe and 

                                     - 14 -

<PAGE>

sound manner with the federal banking, credit, housing, consumer protection, and
civil rights laws and with all other laws  applicable  to the  operations of the
Warrantor  and the  regulations  adopted  under  each  of  those  laws,  so that
transactions are executed and assets are maintained in accordance with such laws
and regulations. The policies and practices of the Warrantor with respect to all
such laws and regulations  reasonably limit  noncompliance and detect and report
noncompliance to management of the Warrantor.

         6.4.  Compliance with Agreements.  The Warrantor is not in violation of
any material term of any material security agreement,  mortgage,  indenture,  or
any other contract,  agreement,  instrument,  lease, or certificate. The capital
ratios of the Warrantor comply fully with all terms of all currently outstanding
supervisory  and  regulatory   requirements  and  with  the  conditions  of  all
regulatory orders and decrees.

         6.5. Binding Obligations; Due Authorization. Subject to the approval of
its  shareholders,   this  Agreement   constitutes  valid,  legal,  and  binding
obligations  of the  Warrantor,  enforceable  against it in accordance  with its
terms,   except  as  enforcement  may  be  limited  by  applicable   bankruptcy,
insolvency,  moratorium or similar law, or by general  principles of equity. The
execution,  delivery,  and  performance of this  Agreement and the  transactions
contemplated  thereby  have been  duly and  validly  authorized  by the board of
directors  of the  Warrantor.  Subject to  approval by the  shareholders  of the
Warrantor of this Agreement,  no other corporate  proceedings on the part of the
Warrantor  are  necessary  to  authorize  the  execution  and  delivery  of this
Agreement or the carrying out of the transactions contemplated hereby.

         6.6. Absence of Default.  None of the execution or the delivery of this
Agreement,  the consummation of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby,  or the
compliance with or fulfillment of the terms hereof will conflict with, or result
in a breach of any of the terms,  conditions,  or provisions of, or constitute a
default under the organizational  documents or bylaws of the Warrantor.  None of
such execution,  consummation,  or fulfillment will (a) conflict with, or result
in a material breach of the terms, conditions, or provisions of, or constitute a
material  violation,  conflict,  or default under,  or give rise to any right of
termination,  cancellation,  or  acceleration  with respect to, or result in the
creation of any lien, charge, or encumbrance upon, any property or assets of the
Warrantor  pursuant to any  material  agreement  or  instrument  under which the
Warrantor is obligated or by which any of its properties or assets may be bound,
including without limitation any material lease, contract, mortgage,  promissory
note, deed of trust, loan, credit arrangement or other commitment or 

                                     - 15 -
<PAGE>
arrangement  of the  Warrantor in respect of which it is an obligor;  (b) if the
Holding  Company  Merger is  approved by the Board of  Governors  under the Bank
Holding  Company  Act of 1956,  as  amended  (the "BHC  Act") or if the Board of
Governors waives jurisdiction under that act, and if the Bank Merger is approved
by the Comptroller,  and if the transactions  contemplated by this Agreement are
approved by the Commissioner and the  Superintendent,  violate any law, statute,
rule,  or  regulation  of any  government  or agency to which the  Warrantor  is
subject and which is material to its  operations;  or (c) violate any  judgment,
order, writ, injunction,  decree, or ruling to which the Warrantor or any of its
properties  or assets is subject or bound.  None of the execution or delivery of
this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, or the
compliance   with  or   fulfillment   of  the  terms  hereof  will  require  any
authorization,  consent, approval, or exemption by any person which has not been
obtained,  or any notice or filing which has not been given or done,  other than
approval of or waiver of jurisdiction over the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement by the Board of Governors, the Comptroller, the Commissioner,  and the
Superintendent.

         6.7.  Compliance with BHC Act.
               ------------------------

               (a) The Company is registered as a bank holding company under the
BHC Act. All of the  activities and  investments  of the Company  conform to the
requirements  applicable  generally to bank holding  companies under the BHC Act
and the regulations of the Board of Governors adopted thereunder.

               (b) No  corporation or other entity,  other than the Company,  is
registered or is required to be  registered as a bank holding  company under the
BHC Act by virtue of its control over the Bank or over any company that directly
or indirectly has control over the Bank.

         6.8.  Subsidiaries.
               -------------

               (a) Other than (with respect to the Company) the Bank, which is a
direct,  wholly owned  subsidiary of the Company,  neither of the Warrantors has
any  subsidiaries or directly or indirectly  owns,  controls,  or holds with the
power to vote any shares of the capital stock of any company (except shares held
by the Bank for the account of others in a fiduciary  or  custodial  capacity in
the ordinary course of its business and shares lawfully  acquired by the Bank in
satisfaction  of a debt  previously  contracted  in good  faith).  There  are no
outstanding  subscriptions,  options, warrants,  convertible securities,  calls,
commitments,  or agreements  calling for or requiring  the  issuance,  transfer,
sale,  or other  disposition  

                                     - 16 -
<PAGE>

of any shares of the capital  stock of the Bank, or calling for or requiring the
issuance of any securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for shares
of capital  stock of the Bank.  Other than  entities  whose shares were lawfully
acquired by the Bank in  satisfaction  of a debt  previously  contracted in good
faith, there are no other direct or indirect  subsidiaries of the Company or the
Bank which are required to be consolidated or accounted for on the equity method
in the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Company  or the  financial
statements of the Bank prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.

               (b)  Neither  the Bank nor the  Company  has a direct or indirect
equity or ownership interest which represents 5 percent or more of the aggregate
equity or  ownership  interest  of any entity  (including,  without  limitation,
corporations, partnerships, and joint ventures).

         6.9.  Capital Structure.

               (a) The  authorized  capital  stock of the  Company  consists  of
2,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock, no par value, of which, as of the date
of this  Agreement,  1,266,362  shares  have been duly  issued  and are  validly
outstanding,  fully paid, and held by approximately  514 shareholders of record;
no shares of Company  Common  Stock are held by the Company as treasury  shares.
The aforementioned shares of Company Common Stock are the only voting securities
of the  Company  authorized,  issued,  or  outstanding  as of such date;  and no
subscriptions,  warrants,  options, rights,  convertible securities,  or similar
arrangements  or  commitments  in  respect  of  securities  of the  Company  are
authorized,  issued,  or  outstanding  which would enable the holder  thereof to
purchase  or  otherwise  acquire  shares  of any class of  capital  stock of the
Company.  None of the Company Common Stock is subject to any  restrictions  upon
the transfer  thereof under the terms of the corporate  charter or bylaws of the
Company.

               (b)  The  authorized  capital  stock  of  the  Bank  consists  of
1,149,898 shares of Bank Common Stock, no par value, of which, as of the date of
this  Agreement,  1,149,898  shares  have  been  duly  issued  and  are  validly
outstanding, fully paid, and all of which are held of record and beneficially by
the Company. The aforementioned  shares of Bank Common Stock are the only voting
securities of the Bank authorized,  issued,  or outstanding as of such date; and
no subscriptions,  warrants, options, rights, convertible securities, or similar
arrangements or commitments in respect of securities of the Bank are authorized,
issued,  or  outstanding  which would  enable the holder  thereof to purchase or
otherwise  acquire shares of any class of capital stock of the Bank. None of the

                                     - 17 -
<PAGE>


Bank Common Stock is subject to any restrictions upon the transfer thereof under
the terms of the corporate charter or bylaws of the Bank.

               (c) None of the shares of  Company  Common  Stock or Bank  Common
Stock has been issued in violation of the preemptive rights of any shareholder.

               (d) As of the date  hereof,  to the best of the  knowledge of the
Warrantor,  and except for this Agreement,  there are no shareholder agreements,
or other agreements, understandings, or commitments relating to the right of any
holder or beneficial  owner of more than 1 percent of the issued and outstanding
shares  of any class of the  capital  stock of  either  Warrantor  to vote or to
dispose of his, her or its shares of capital stock of that Warrantor.

               (e) The Company has issued  $2,500,000  principal amount of 8.75%
Senior Notes Due July 1, 2000 (the "Notes"), all of which as of the date of this
Agreement are outstanding and held by  approximately  62 holders of record.  The
Notes are the only nonvoting  securities of the Company  authorized,  issued, or
outstanding  as of such date.  The Notes may be prepaid at the  election  of the
Company as of the date of this Agreement at 102 percent of principal amount, and
after July 1, 1996 at no more than 101  percent of  principal  amount,  provided
that accrued  interest must also be paid at time of  prepayment.  The Company is
not and has never been in  violation  of any  material  affirmative  or negative
covenant contained in the Note and Agency Agreement  governing the Notes, and no
Event of  Default  under  the Note  and  Agency  Agreement  has  occurred  or is
continuing.

         6.10.  Articles of Incorporation,  Bylaws, and Minute Books. The copies
of the articles of incorporation  and all amendments  thereto and of the bylaws,
as amended,  of the Warrantor  that have been made  available for  inspection by
Zions Bancorp are true, correct,  and complete copies thereof.  The minute books
of the  Warrantor  which have been made or will, no later than ten business days
after the date hereof,  be made  available for inspection by Zions Bancorp until
the  Effective  Date  contain  accurate  minutes of all  meetings  and  accurate
consents  in lieu of  meetings  of the  board of  directors  (and any  committee
thereof) and of the  shareholders  of the Warrantor  since its inception.  These
minute books accurately reflect all transactions referred to in such minutes and
consents in lieu of meetings and disclose all material  corporate actions of the
shareholders  and  boards  of  directors  of the  Warrantor  and all  committees
thereof.  Except as  reflected  in such  minute  books,  there are no minutes of
meetings  or consents  in lieu of  meetings  of 

                                     - 18 -
<PAGE>
the board of directors  (or any  committee  thereof) or of  shareholders  of the
Warrantor.

         6.11. Books and Records.  The books and records of the Warrantor fairly
reflect the  transactions  to which it is a party or by which its properties are
subject or bound.  Such books and records have been properly kept and maintained
and are in compliance in all material  respects  with all  applicable  legal and
accounting  requirements.  The Warrantor follows generally  accepted  accounting
principles  applied on a consistent  basis in the preparation and maintenance of
its books of account and financial statements,  including but not limited to the
application of the accrual  method of accounting  for interest  income on loans,
leases,  discounts, and investments,  interest expense on deposits and all other
liabilities,  and all other items of income and expense.  The Warrantor has made
all accruals in amounts which accurately report income and expense in the proper
periods  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  The
Warrantor  has filed all  material  reports and  returns  required by any law or
regulation to be filed by it.

         6.12. Regulatory Approvals and Filings,  Contracts,  Commitments,  etc.
The Company  has made or will,  no later than ten  business  days after the date
hereof,  make available for inspection by Zions Bancorp until the Effective Date
originals or copies of the following  documents  relating to the Company and the
Bank:

               (a) All regulatory  approvals  received since January 1, 1989, of
the Company and the Bank  relating to all bank and nonbank  acquisitions  or the
establishment of de novo operations;

               (b)   All   employment    contracts,    deferred    compensation,
non-competition,  bonus,  stock  option,  profit-sharing,  pension,  retirement,
consultation  after  retirement,  incentive,  insurance  arrangements  or  plans
(including  medical,  disability,  group life or other insurance plans), and any
other  remuneration  or fringe  benefit  arrangements  applicable  to employees,
officers,  or  directors  of  the  Company  or  the  Bank,  accompanied  by  any
agreements,  including trust  agreements,  embodying such  contracts,  plans, or
arrangements,  and all employee manuals and memoranda relating to employment and
benefit  policies  and  practices  of  any  nature  whatsoever  (whether  or not
distributed to employees or any of them),  and any actuarial  reports and audits
relating to such plans;

               (c) All material contracts,  agreements,  leases,  mortgages, and
commitments,  except those entered into in the ordinary  course of business,  to
which the Company or the Bank is a party or may be bound; or, if any of the same
be oral,  written 

                                     - 19 -
<PAGE>

summaries  of all  such  oral  contracts,  agreements,  leases,  mortgages,  and
commitments;

               (d) All material contracts,  agreements,  leases,  mortgages, and
commitments,  whether or not entered into in the ordinary course of business, to
which the  Company or the Bank is a party or may be bound and which  require the
consent or  approval  of third  parties to the  execution  and  delivery of this
Agreement  or to the  consummation  or  performance  of any of the  transactions
contemplated  thereby,  or, if any of the same be oral, written summaries of all
such oral contracts, agreements, leases, mortgages, and commitments;

               (e) All deeds,  leases,  contracts,  agreements,  mortgages,  and
commitments,  whether or not entered into in the ordinary course of business, to
which the  Company  or the Bank is a party or may be bound  and which  relate to
land,  buildings,  fixtures,  or other real  property  upon or within  which the
Company or the Bank  operates its  businesses  or is  authorized  to operate its
businesses, or with respect to which the Company or the Bank has any application
pending for authorization to operate its businesses;

               (f) Any pending application, including any documents or materials
related  thereto,  which  has been  filed by the  Company  or the Bank  with any
federal or state  regulatory  agency with respect to the  establishment of a new
office  or the  acquisition  or  establishment  of  any  additional  banking  or
nonbanking subsidiary; and

               (g) All federal and state tax returns filed by the Company or the
Bank  for  the  years  1988  through  1994,  a copy  of the  most  recent  audit
examination of each of the Company and the Bank by the Internal  Revenue Service
("IRS"), if any, a copy of the most recent state revenue agency examination,  if
any, of each of the Company and the Bank,  and all tax rulings  with  respect to
the Company or the Bank received from the IRS since January 1, 1987.

         6.13. Financial Statements.  The Company has furnished to Zions Bancorp
its  consolidated  statement  of  condition  as of each of  December  31,  1992,
December 31, 1993,  December 31, 1994,  and September 30, 1995,  and its related
consolidated statement of income, consolidated statement of changes in financial
position, and consolidated statement of changes in stockholders' equity for each
of the periods then ended,  and the notes  thereto  (collectively,  the "Company
Financial Statements").  All of the Company Financial Statements,  including the
related  notes,  (a)  were  prepared  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted
accounting  principles  applied in all material respects and as to each category
of  assets  and  liabilities  and each  category  of  

                                     - 20 -
<PAGE>

income and expense on a consistent  basis throughout the periods  involved,  and
(b) are in accordance  with the books and records of the Company which have been
maintained in accordance with generally  accepted  accounting  principles or the
requirements of financial institution  regulatory  authorities,  as the case may
be, and (c) fairly and accurately reflect the consolidated financial position of
the Company as of such dates, and the consolidated  results of operations of the
Company for the periods  ended on such  dates,  and do not fail to disclose  any
material  extraordinary or out-of-period  items, and (d) reflect,  in accordance
with generally accepted  accounting  principles applied in all material respects
and as to each  category of assets and  liabilities  and each category of income
and expense on a consistent  basis  throughout  the periods  involved,  adequate
provision for, or reserves  against,  the possible loan losses of the Company as
of such dates.

         6.14.  Call Reports; Bank Holding Company Reports.
                ------------------------------------------

               (a) The Bank has  furnished  to Zions  Bancorp  its  Consolidated
Reports  of  Condition  and  Consolidated  Reports  of Income  for the  calendar
quarters dated March 31, 1994 and thereafter.  All of such Consolidated  Reports
of Condition and Consolidated Reports of Income, including the related schedules
and  memorandum  items,  were prepared in  accordance  with  generally  accepted
accounting  principles  applied in all material respects and as to each category
of  assets  and  liabilities  and each  category  of  income  and  expense  on a
consistent basis throughout the periods involved.

               (b) No adjustments  are required to be made to the equity capital
account of the Bank as reported on any of the Consolidated  Reports of Condition
referred to in Subsection  6.14(a) hereof,  in any material amount,  in order to
conform such equity capital  account to equity capital as would be determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

               (c) The Company has  furnished to Zions Bancorp the annual report
on Form FR Y-6 as filed with the Board of  Governors  as of December 31, 1994 on
behalf of the Company.

         6.15.  Absence of Undisclosed  Liabilities.  At September 30, 1995, the
Company had no obligation or liability of any nature (whether absolute, accrued,
contingent,  or otherwise, and whether due or to become due) which was material,
or that when combined with all similar  obligations  or  liabilities  would have
been material, to the Company,  except (a) as disclosed in the Company Financial
Statements,  or (b) as set forth on Schedule  6.15  hereof,  

                                     - 21 -
<PAGE>

or (c) for  unfunded  loan  commitments  made by the  Company or the Bank in the
ordinary course of its business  consistent  with past practice;  nor does there
exist a set of  circumstances  resulting  from  transactions  effected or events
occurring  on or prior to  September  30, 1995 or from any action  omitted to be
taken during such period that could reasonably be expected to result in any such
material  obligation  or  liability,  except as disclosed or provided for in the
Company  Financial  Statements.  The amounts set up as current  liabilities  for
taxes in the Company Financial  Statements are sufficient for the payment of all
taxes (including, without limitation, federal, state, local, and foreign excise,
franchise,  property,  payroll,  income, capital stock, and sales and use taxes)
accrued in accordance with generally accepted  accounting  principles and unpaid
at September 30, 1995.  Since  September  30, 1995,  neither the Company nor the
Bank has incurred or paid any obligation or liability that would be material (on
a consolidated  basis) to the Company,  except (x) for  obligations  incurred or
paid  in  connection  with  transactions  by it in the  ordinary  course  of its
business  consistent with past  practices,  or (y) as set forth on Schedule 6.15
hereof, or (z) as expressly contemplated herein.

         6.16. Absence of Certain Developments.  Since September 30, 1995, there
has  been  (a) no  material  adverse  change  in  the  condition,  financial  or
otherwise,  or, taken as a whole,  to the assets,  properties,  liabilities,  or
businesses  of the  Company or the Bank;  (b) no material  deterioration  in the
quality of the loan portfolio of the Bank or of any major component thereof, and
no material  increase in the level of nonperforming  assets or non-accrual loans
at the Bank or in the level of its  provision  for credit  losses or its reserve
for possible credit losses; (c) no declaration, setting aside, or payment by the
Company  or the  Bank  of any  regular  dividend,  special  dividend,  or  other
distribution  with  respect to any class of capital  stock of the Company or the
Bank,  other than  customary  cash dividends paid by the Bank whose amounts have
not exceeded past practice and the intervals  between which  dividends  have not
been more frequent than past  practice;  (d) no repurchase by the Company of any
of its  capital  stock;  (e) no  material  loss,  destruction,  or damage to any
material property of the Company or the Bank, which loss, destruction, or damage
is not covered by insurance;  and (f) no material  acquisition or disposition of
any asset,  nor any material  contract  outside the ordinary  course of business
entered  into by the  Company  or the  Bank  nor any  substantial  amendment  or
termination of any material  contract outside the ordinary course of business to
which  the  Company  or the Bank is a party,  nor any other  transaction  by the
Company or the Bank involving an amount in excess of $50,000 other than for fair
value in the ordinary course of its business.  Since September 30, 1995, (x) the
Warrantor  has  conducted  its  business  only in the 


                                     - 22 -
<PAGE>
ordinary  course of such business and  consistent  with past  practice;  (y) the
Company,  on a  consolidated  basis,  has  maintained  the  quality  of its loan
portfolio  and that of each of its major  components at  approximately  the same
level as existed at September 30, 1995;  and (z) the Company,  on a consolidated
basis,  has administered  its investment  portfolio  pursuant to essentially the
same policies and  procedures as existed during 1993 and 1994 and the first nine
months of 1995, and has taken no action to lengthen the average  maturity of the
investment  portfolio,  or of any significant  category thereof, to any material
extent.

         6.17.  Reserve for Possible Credit Losses.  The Company's  consolidated
reserve for  possible  credit  losses as of  September  30, 1995 was adequate to
absorb  reasonably  anticipated  losses  in  the  consolidated  loan  and  lease
portfolios of the Company, in view of the size and character of such portfolios,
current   economic   conditions,   and  other  pertinent   factors.   Management
periodically  reevaluates  the  adequacy  of such  reserve  based  on  portfolio
performance, current economic conditions, and other factors.

         6.18.  Tax Matters.
                ------------

               (a) All  federal,  state,  local,  and  foreign  tax  returns and
reports   (including,   without   limitation,   all  income  tax,   unemployment
compensation,  social  security,  payroll,  sales  and use,  excise,  privilege,
property, ad valorem,  franchise,  license, school, and any other tax under laws
of the United States or any state or municipal or political subdivision thereof)
required to be filed by or on behalf of the  Warrantor  have been  timely  filed
with the appropriate  governmental  agencies in all  jurisdictions in which such
returns and reports are required to be filed,  or requests for  extensions  have
been timely filed, granted, and have not expired for periods ending on or before
December 31, 1994,  and all returns  filed are complete and accurate to the best
of the  knowledge  of the  Warrantor  and  properly  reflect  the  taxes  of the
Warrantor for the periods covered thereby. All taxes shown on filed returns have
been paid. As of the date hereof, there is no audit examination,  deficiency, or
refund  litigation  or tax  claim  or  any  notice  of  assessment  or  proposed
assessment  by the IRS or any other  taxing  authority,  or any other  matter in
controversy  with  respect  to any taxes that  might  result in a  determination
adverse to the Warrantor,  except as reserved  against in the Company  Financial
Statements.  All  federal,  state,  and  local  taxes,  assessments,   interest,
additions,  deficiencies,  fees,  penalties,  and other governmental  charges or
impositions due with respect to completed and settled  examinations or concluded
litigation have been properly accrued or paid.


                                     - 23 -
<PAGE>
               (b) The  Warrantor has not executed an extension or waiver of any
statute of  limitations  on the  assessment or collection of any tax due that is
currently in effect.

               (c) To the extent any federal, state, local, or foreign taxes are
due from the  Warrantor for the period or periods  beginning  January 1, 1995 or
thereafter  through and including the Effective Date,  adequate  provision on an
estimated  basis  has  been or will be made  for the  payment  of such  taxes by
establishment  of  appropriate  tax  liability  accounts  on  the  last  monthly
financial statements of the Company prepared before the Effective Date.

               (d) Deferred  taxes of the  Warrantor  have been  provided for in
accordance  with generally  accepted  accounting  principles as in effect on the
date of this Agreement.

               (e) The Bank's  deduction for bad debts taken and the reserve for
loan losses for federal  income tax  purposes at September  30,  1995,  were not
greater than the maximum amount permitted under the provisions of section 585 of
the Code.

               (f)  Other  than  liens  arising  under  the laws of the State of
Arizona with respect to taxes assessed and not yet due and payable, there are no
tax  liens on any of the  properties  or  assets  of the  Company  or any of its
subsidiaries.

               (g) The Company and the Bank have  timely  filed all  information
returns required by sections 6041, 6041A,  6042, 6045, 6049, 6050H, and 6050J of
the Code and have  exercised  due  diligence  in  obtaining  certified  taxpayer
identification   numbers  as  required  pursuant  to  Treasury  Regulations  ss.
35a.9999.

               (h) The taxable  year end of the  Company for federal  income tax
purposes  is, and since the  inception  of the  Company has  continuously  been,
December 31.

         6.19. Consolidated Net Worth. The consolidated net worth of the Company
on the date of this  Agreement,  as  determined  in  accordance  with  generally
accepted accounting  principles,  is not less than the consolidated net worth of
the Company as of September 30, 1995 as determined in accordance  with generally
accepted accounting principles.

         6.20.  Examinations.  To the extent  consistent  with law,  each of the
Company  and the  Bank  has  heretofore  disclosed  to  Zions  Bancorp  relevant
information  contained in its most recent  Report of  Examination  issued by the
Board  of  Governors  or the  FDIC,  as the  case may be.  Such  information  so
disclosed  consists of all 

                                     - 24 -
<PAGE>

material  information  with respect to the financial  condition of the Warrantor
included  in such  reports,  and does not omit or will not omit any  information
necessary to make the information disclosed not misleading.

         6.21.  Reports.  Since January 1, 1991,  the Warrantor has effected all
registrations and filed all reports and statements, together with any amendments
required to be made with respect  thereto,  which the  Warrantor was required to
effect or file with (a) the Board of  Governors,  (b) the FDIC,  (c) the  United
States  Department of the Treasury,  (d) the  Superintendent,  and (e) any other
governmental  or  regulatory  authority or agency having  jurisdiction  over the
operations of the Warrantor. None of such registrations, reports, and documents,
including the financial statements,  exhibits,  and schedules thereto,  contains
any statement  which,  at the time and in the light of the  circumstances  under
which it was made, is false or  misleading  with respect to any material fact or
which omits to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements
contained therein not false or misleading.

         6.22. FIRA Compliance and Other  Transactions  with Affiliates.  To the
best of the knowledge of the Warrantor:

               (a) none of the officers,  directors,  or beneficial holders of 5
percent or more of the common stock of the Warrantor and no person  "controlled"
(as that term is defined in the Financial  Institutions  Regulatory and Interest
Rate Control Act of 1978) by the Warrantor, has any ongoing material transaction
with the Warrantor or any other Warrantor on the date of this Agreement;

               (b) none of such officers,  directors,  holders, or other persons
has any ownership interest in any business,  corporate or otherwise,  which is a
party to, or in any property which is the subject of,  business  arrangements or
relationships  of any kind with the Warrantor or any other  Warrantor not in the
ordinary course of business; and

               (c) any  other  extensions  of credit  by the  Warrantor  to such
officers, directors, and other persons have heretofore been disclosed in writing
by the Warrantor to Zions Bancorp.

         6.23. SEC Registered  Securities.  No equity or debt  securities of the
Company  or the Bank are  registered  or  required  to be  registered  under the
Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act").

                                     - 25 -

<PAGE>
         6.24. Legal  Proceedings.  Except as disclosed in the Company Financial
Statements,  there is no claim, action,  suit,  arbitration,  investigation,  or
other proceeding  pending before any court,  governmental  agency,  authority or
commission,  arbitrator, or "impartial mediator" (of which the Company or any of
its  subsidiaries  has been served with process or otherwise  been given notice)
or, to the best of the knowledge of the  Warrantor,  threatened or  contemplated
against or affecting it or its property,  assets,  interests,  or rights, or any
basis therefor of which notice has been given,  which, if adversely  determined,
would have a material  adverse effect  (financial or otherwise) on the business,
operating  results,  or financial  condition  of the Company or which  otherwise
could prevent, hinder, or delay consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.

         6.25. Absence of Governmental Proceedings. The Warrantor is not a party
defendant or respondent to any pending  legal,  equitable,  or other  proceeding
commenced by any governmental agency and, to the best of its knowledge,  no such
proceeding is threatened.

         6.26.  Federal  Deposit  Insurance.  The deposits  held by the Bank are
insured within  statutory limits by the Bank Insurance Fund of the FDIC pursuant
to the  provisions of the Federal  Deposit  Insurance Act, as amended (12 U.S.C.
ss. 1811 et seq.),  and the Bank has paid all  assessments and filed all related
reports and statements required under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. None of
the deposits of the Bank are insured by the Savings  Association  Insurance Fund
of the FDIC.

         6.27. Other Insurance.  The Warrantor  carries insurance with reputable
insurers,  including blanket bond coverage, in such amounts as are reasonable to
cover such risks as are  customary in relation to the  character and location of
its properties and the nature of its businesses.  All such policies of insurance
are in full force and effect,  and no notice of cancellation  has been received.
All  premiums to date have been paid in full.  The  Warrantor  is not in default
with respect to any such policy which is material to the Company.

         6.28.  Flood  Hazards.  The  financial  statements  of the Bank reflect
adequate provision for, or reserves against,  contingencies relating to the risk
of flooding  within its lending area.  The Bank is in material  compliance  with
Part 339 of the  rules  and  regulations  of the FDIC  ("Loans  in Areas  Having
Special Flood Hazards").

         6.29.  Labor  Matters.  The Warrantor is not a party to or bound by any
collective  bargaining contracts with respect to any employees of the Warrantor.
Since January 1, 1985,  there has not


                                     - 26 -
<PAGE>
been,  nor to the best of the  knowledge of the  Warrantor was there or is there
threatened,  any strike,  slowdown,  picketing, or work stoppage by any union or
other group of employees  against the Warrantor or any of its  premises,  or any
other  labor  trouble or other  occurrence,  event,  or  condition  of a similar
character.  As of the date hereof, the Warrantor is not aware of any attempts to
organize a collective bargaining unit to represent any of its employee groups.

         6.30.  Employee Benefit Plans.
                -----------------------

               (a) Schedule 6.30 hereto  contains a list and brief  descriptions
of all pension,  retirement, stock purchase, stock bonus, stock ownership, stock
option,  performance share, stock appreciation right, phantom stock, savings, or
profit-sharing plans, any employment, deferred compensation,  consultant, bonus,
or collective  bargaining  agreement,  or group insurance  contract or any other
incentive,   welfare,  life  insurance,  death  or  survivor's  benefit,  health
insurance, sickness, disability,  medical, surgical, hospital, severance, layoff
or vacation plans,  contracts,  and  arrangements  or employee  benefit plans or
agreements  sponsored,  maintained,  or  contributed to by the Warrantor for the
employees or former employees of the Warrantor.  The Company has previously made
available  and  will  continue  to  make  available  to  Zions  Bancorp  for its
inspection until the Effective Date true,  complete,  and accurate copies of all
plans and  arrangements  listed on  Schedule  6.30,  together  with (i) the most
recent  actuarial and financial  report  prepared with respect to any such plans
which  constitute  "qualified  plans" under section 401(a) of the Code, and (ii)
the most recent annual reports, if any, filed with any government agency and all
IRS rulings and determination letters and any open requests for such rulings and
letters that pertain to any such plan.

               (b)  Except  for  liabilities  to the  Pension  Benefit  Guaranty
Corporation  ("PBGC") pursuant to section 4007 of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended  ("ERISA"),  all of which have been fully paid,
and except for  liabilities  to the IRS under  section 4971 of the Code,  all of
which have been fully paid,  the Warrantor has no liability  with respect to any
pension plan  qualified  under section 401 of the Code.  The Warrantor  does not
sponsor  or  maintain  any  defined  benefit  plan and has  never  sponsored  or
maintained any defined benefit plan.

               (c) All "employee  benefit  plans," as defined in section 3(3) of
ERISA,  that  cover  one or  more  employees  employed  by the  Warrantor  (each
individually  a "Plan" and  collectively  the  "Plans"),  comply in all material
respects with ERISA and,  where  

                                     - 27 -
<PAGE>

applicable  for  tax-qualified  or tax-favored  treatment,  with the Code. As of
September 30, 1995, the Warrantor had no material liability under any Plan which
is not reflected on the Company Financial Statements as of such date (other than
such normally  unrecorded  liabilities under the Plans for sick leave,  holiday,
education,  bonus,  vacation,  incentive  compensation,  and anniversary awards,
provided  that such  liabilities  are not in any event  material).  Neither  the
Plans,  the  Warrantor  nor any trustee or  administrator  of the Plans has ever
engaged in a  "prohibited  transaction"  with  respect  to the Plans  within the
meaning of section 406 of ERISA or, where  applicable,  section 4975 of the Code
for which no  exemption  is  applicable,  nor have  there  been any  "reportable
events" within section 4043 of ERISA for which the  thirty-day  notice  therefor
has not been waived.  The Warrantor has not incurred any liability under section
4201 of ERISA for a complete or partial withdrawal from a multi-employer plan.

               (d) No action,  claim,  or demand of any kind has been brought or
threatened by any potential  claimant or representative of such a claimant under
any  plan,  contract,  or  arrangement  referred  to in  Subsection  (a) of this
section,  where the Warrantor may be either (i) liable  directly on such action,
claim, or demand;  or (ii) obligated to indemnify any person or group of persons
with respect to such  action,  claim,  or demand  which is not fully  covered by
insurance  maintained with  reputable,  responsible  financial  insurers or by a
self-insured plan.

         6.31. Employee  Relations.  As of the date hereof, the Warrantor is, to
the best of its  knowledge,  in  compliance  in all material  respects  with all
federal  and state  laws,  regulations,  and orders  respecting  employment  and
employment  practices  (including  Title VII of the Civil  Rights  Act of 1964),
terms and  conditions of employment,  and wages and hours;  and the Warrantor is
not engaged in any unfair  labor  practice.  As of the date  hereof,  no dispute
exists  between the  Warrantor,  and any of its employee  groups  regarding  any
employee  organization,  wages,  hours, or conditions of employment  which would
materially interfere with the business or operations of the Warrantor.

         6.32. Fiduciary  Activities.  The Bank is duly qualified and registered
and in good standing in accordance  with the laws of each  jurisdiction in which
it is required to so qualify or  register as a result of or in  connection  with
its fiduciary or custodial  activities  as conducted as of the date hereof.  The
Bank is duly  registered  under and in compliance  with all  requirements of the
federal  Investment  Advisers  Act  of  1940  as  amended,  or  is  exempt  from
registration thereunder and from compliance with the requirements thereof. Since
January 1, 1992,  the Bank has  conducted,  and  

                                     - 28 -
<PAGE>

currently is conducting,  all fiduciary and custodial activities in all material
respects in accordance with all applicable law.

         6.33.  Environmental Liability.
                -----------------------

               (a) The  Warrantor is not in violation of any  judgment,  decree,
order, law,  license,  rule or regulation  pertaining to environmental  matters,
including  those arising under the Resource  Conservation  and Recovery Act, the
Comprehensive  Environmental  Response,  Compensation  and Liability Act of 1980
("CERCLA"),  the  Superfund  Amendments  and  Reauthorization  Act of 1986,  the
Federal  Water  Pollution  Control  Act,  the Federal  Clean Air Act,  the Toxic
Substances  Control Act, or any state or local statute,  regulation,  ordinance,
order or decree pertaining to environmental matters ("Environmental Laws").

               (b) Neither the Warrantor  nor, with respect to any real property
at any  time  held as  collateral  for  any  outstanding  loan by the  Warrantor
(collectively,  the  "Collateral  Real  Estate")  and  to the  knowledge  of the
Warrantor,  any borrower of the Warrantor  has received  notice that it has been
identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a potentially
responsible  party under  CERCLA with  respect to a site listed on the  National
Priorities  List, 40 C.F.R.  Part 300 Appendix B, nor has the Warrantor or, with
respect to any Collateral Real Estate and to the knowledge of the Warrantor, any
borrower of the Warrantor received any notification that any hazardous waste, as
defined by 42 U.S.C.  ss. 6903(5),  any hazardous  substances,  as defined by 42
U.S.C. ss. 9601(14), any "pollutant or contaminant," as defined by 42 U.S.C. ss.
9601(33), or any toxic substance,  hazardous materials,  oil, or other chemicals
or substances regulated by any Environmental Laws ("Hazardous  Substances") that
it has disposed of has been found at any site at which a federal or state agency
is  conducting  a  remedial  investigation  or  other  action  pursuant  to  any
Environmental Law.

               (c) No portion of any real  property  at any time owned or leased
by the Warrantor  (collectively,  the "Warrantor  Real Estate") has been used by
the  Warrantor for the  handling,  processing,  storage or disposal of Hazardous
Substances in a manner which violates any Environmental Laws and, to the best of
the knowledge of the Warrantor, no underground tank or other underground storage
receptacle  for Hazardous  Substances  is located on any of the  Warrantor  Real
Estate. In the course of its activities,  the Warrantor has not generated and is
not  generating  any hazardous  waste on any of the  Warrantor  Real Estate in a
manner which violates any Environmental  Laws. There has been no past or present
releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, 

                                     - 29 -
<PAGE>

discharging,  injecting, escaping, leaching, disposing or dumping (collectively,
a "Release")  of Hazardous  Substances by the Warrantor on, upon, or into any of
the  Warrantor  Real Estate.  In addition,  to the best of the  knowledge of the
Warrantor,  there have been no such Releases on, upon, or into any real property
in the  vicinity of any of the  Warrantor  Real  Estate  that,  through  soil or
groundwater contamination, may be located on any of such Warrantor Real Estate.

               (d) With respect to any Collateral Real Estate, the Warrantor has
not at any time received notice from any borrower thereof or third party and has
no knowledge  that such borrower has  generated or is  generating  any hazardous
waste on any of the  Collateral  Real  Estate  in a manner  which  violates  any
Environmental Laws or that there has been any Release of Hazardous Substances by
such borrower on, upon, or into any of the Collateral Real Estate, or that there
has been any Release on, upon,  or into any real property in the vicinity of any
of the Collateral Real Estate that,  through soil or groundwater  contamination,
may be located on any of such Collateral Real Estate.

               (e) As used in this Section 6.33, the term  "Warrantor"  includes
the applicable Warrantor and any partnership or joint venture in which it has an
interest, except that neither the "knowledge" nor the "best of the knowledge" of
a  Warrantor  shall be deemed by virtue of this  section  6.33(e) to include the
knowledge of any partner or joint venturer of a Warrantor.

         6.34. Intangible Property. To the best of its knowledge,  the Warrantor
owns or possesses the right,  free of the claims of any third party,  to use all
material  trademarks,  service  marks,  trade names,  copyrights,  patents,  and
licenses currently used by it in the conduct of its business. To the best of the
knowledge  of the  Warrantor,  no  material  product or service  offered  and no
material  trademark,  service  mark,  or similar right used by the Warrantor (a)
invades the interest of any person in  reputation  (such as by libel or slander)
or  privacy;  (b)  interferes  with the  contractual  relations  or  prospective
business  advantages of any person;  (c)  adversely  affects the interest of any
person  in  freedom  from   unjustifiable   litigation  (such  as  by  malicious
prosecution,  abuse of  process  or other  wrongful  civil  proceeding);  or (d)
infringes the trademark,  trade name,  fictitious name,  service mark, patent or
copyright  rights of any person;  and, as of the date hereof,  the Warrantor has
not  received  any  written  or oral  notice  of any  claim  of  such  invasion,
interference, adverse effect, or infringement.

         6.35.  Real and  Personal  Property.  Except  for  property  and assets
disposed of in the ordinary course of business, the 

                                     - 30 -
<PAGE>

Warrantor possesses good and marketable title to and owns, free and clear of any
mortgage,  pledge,  lien,  charge,  or other  encumbrance which would materially
interfere  with  the  business  or  operations  of the  Warrantor,  its real and
personal  property  and  other  assets,   including  without   limitation  those
properties  and assets  reflected  in the  Company  Financial  Statements  as of
September 30, 1995, or acquired by the Warrantor subsequent to the date thereof.
The leases pursuant to which the Warrantor leases real or personal  property are
valid and effective in accordance with their respective terms; and there is not,
under any such lease, any material existing default or any event which, with the
giving of notice or lapse of time or otherwise,  would constitute a default. The
real and  personal  property  leased by the  Warrantor  is free from any adverse
claim which would  materially  interfere  with the  business or operation of the
Company taken as a whole. The material  properties and equipment owned or leased
by the Warrantor are in normal operating condition, free from any known defects,
except such minor defects as do not materially  interfere with the continued use
thereof in the conduct of the normal operations of the Warrantor.

         6.36. Loans, Leases, and Discounts. To the best of the knowledge of the
Warrantor,  each loan, lease, and discount  reflected as an asset of the Company
in the Company Financial  Statements as of September 30, 1995, or acquired since
that date,  is the legal,  valid,  and binding  obligation  of the obligor named
therein,  enforceable  in  accordance  with its terms;  and no loan,  lease,  or
discount having an unpaid balance  (principal and accrued interest) in excess of
$50,000 is subject to any asserted defense, offset, or counterclaim known to the
Warrantor.

         6.37. Material Contracts.  Neither the Warrantor nor any of the assets,
businesses,  or operations of the Warrantor is as of the date hereof a party to,
or is bound or affected by, or receives  benefits under any material  agreement,
arrangement,  or commitment not cancelable by it without penalty, other than (a)
the  agreements  set  forth  on  Schedule  6.37  hereof,   and  (b)  agreements,
arrangements, or commitments entered into in the ordinary course of its business
consistent  with  past  practice,  or,  if  there  has  been no  past  practice,
consistent with prudent banking practices.

         6.38.  Employment and Severance Arrangements.
                --------------------------------------

               (a) Except as set forth on Schedule  6.30 with respect to John E.
Byrd,  it is not the policy and has never been the practice of the  Warrantor to
grant any of its officers, directors, consultants, or other management officials
or any  officer,  director,  consultant,  or  management  official  of any other
Warrantor   employment   contracts   providing  for  increased  or   accelerated
compensation 


                                     - 31 -
<PAGE>
in the event of a change of control with  respect to the  Warrantor or any other
event affecting the ownership, control, or management of the Warrantor.

               (b) Except as set forth on Schedule  6.30 with respect to John E.
Byrd and William R. Esmeier,  there are no  employment  or severance  contracts,
agreements, or arrangements between the Warrantor or any other Warrantor and any
officer, director, consultant, or other management official.

         6.39. Material Contract Defaults.  All contracts,  agreements,  leases,
mortgages, or commitments referred to in Section 6.12(c) hereof are valid and in
full force and effect on the date hereof. The Warrantor is not in default in any
material   respect   under  any  material   contract,   agreement,   commitment,
arrangement, lease, insurance policy, or other instrument to which it is a party
or by which its assets,  business,  or operations may be bound or under which it
or its assets,  business,  or  operations  receive  benefits;  and there has not
occurred  any event  that with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both
would constitute such a default.

         6.40.   Capital   Expenditures.   The  Warrantor  has  no   outstanding
commitments in the nature of capital  expenditures which in the aggregate exceed
$25,000 except as set forth in the Company Financial  Statements as of September
30, 1995 and the period then ended or as set forth on Schedule 6.40.

         6.41. Repurchase Agreements. With respect to all agreements pursuant to
which the Warrantor has purchased  securities subject to an agreement to resell,
the  Warrantor  has a valid,  perfected  first lien or security  interest in the
securities securing the agreement, and the value of the collateral securing each
such  agreement  equals  or  exceeds  the  amount  of the debt  secured  by such
collateral under such agreement.

         6.42.  Dividends.  The  Warrantor  has not  paid  any  dividend  to its
shareholders  which caused the  regulatory  capital of the  Warrantor to be less
than the amount then  required by  applicable  law, or which  exceeded any other
limitation on the payment of dividends imposed by law, agreement,  or regulatory
policy.

         6.43.  Interest Rate Risk Management Instruments.
                ------------------------------------------

               (a) Schedule 6.43 contains a true, correct,  and complete list of
all  interest-rate  swaps,  caps,  floors,  and  options  agreements  and  other
interest-rate risk management  arrangements to which the Warrantor is a party or
by which any of its properties or assets may be bound.

                                     - 32 -

<PAGE>

               (b) All interest rate swaps,  caps, floors, and option agreements
and other interest rate risk management arrangements to which the Warrantor is a
party or by which any of its properties or assets may be bound were entered into
in the ordinary  course of its business  and, to the best of its  knowledge,  in
accordance with prudent banking practice and applicable rules, regulations,  and
regulatory  policies  and  with   counterparties   believed  to  be  financially
responsible  at  the  time  and  are  legal,   valid,  and  binding  obligations
enforceable  in  accordance  with  their  terms  (except  as may be  limited  by
bankruptcy,  insolvency,  moratorium,  reorganization, or similar laws affecting
the rights of creditors  generally and the availability of equitable  remedies),
and are in full  force and  effect.  The  Warrantor  has duly  performed  in all
material  respects  all of its  obligations  thereunder  to the extent that such
obligations to perform have accrued; and to the best of its knowledge, there are
no breaches,  violations or defaults or allegations or assertions of such by any
party thereunder.

         6.44.  Brokers and Advisers.  Except as set forth on Schedule 6.44,
                --------------------

               (a) there are no claims for brokerage commissions, finder's fees,
or similar  compensation  arising out of or due to any act of the  Warrantor  in
connection  with the  transactions  contemplated by this Agreement or, except as
entered into in the ordinary  course of  business,  based upon any  agreement or
arrangement made by or on behalf of the Warrantor or any other Warrantor; and

               (b) except with respect to the receipt of the  Fairness  Opinion,
the Warrantor has not entered into any agreement or understanding with any party
relating to financial  advisory services provided or to be provided with respect
to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         6.45.  Disclosure.  No  representation  or  warranty  hereunder  and no
certificate,  statement,  or other document delivered by the Warrantor hereunder
or in connection  with this  Agreement or any of the  transactions  contemplated
hereunder  contains any untrue  statement of a material fact or omits to state a
material  fact  necessary in order to make the  statements  contained  herein or
therein,  in  light  of the  circumstances  under  which  they  were  made,  not
misleading.  There is no fact known to the  Warrantor  (except  facts  common to
financial institutions in the United States which are known generally within the
U.S. banking  community) which reasonably might materially  adversely affect the
business, assets,  liabilities,  financial condition,  results of operations, or
prospects of the Warrantor which has not been disclosed in the Company Financial
Statements,  Schedule  6.45, or a certificate 

                                     - 33 -
<PAGE>

delivered to Zions Bancorp by the Warrantor. Copies of all documents referred to
in this  Agreement,  unless prepared solely by Zions Bancorp or NBA or solely by
Zions Bancorp and NBA and third parties hereto, are true, correct,  and complete
copies  thereof and  include  all  amendments,  supplements,  and  modifications
thereto and all waivers thereunder.

         6.46.  Regulatory  and  Other  Approvals.  As of the date  hereof,  the
Warrantor  is not aware of any reason why all material  consents  and  approvals
shall not be procured from all regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the
transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement,  as shall be  necessary  for (a)
consummation of the  transactions  contemplated  by this Agreement,  and (b) the
continuation  by the Warrantor  after the Effective  Date of the business of the
Warrantor  as such  business is carried on  immediately  prior to the  Effective
Date, free of any conditions or requirements which, in the reasonable opinion of
the  Warrantor,  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  upon  the  business,
operations,  activities,  earnings,  or prospects of the Company. As of the date
hereof,  the Warrantor is not aware of any reason why all material  consents and
approvals shall not be procured from all other persons whose consent or approval
shall be necessary for (y) consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement,  or (z) the continuation by the Warrantor after the Effective Date of
the business of the Warrantor as such business is carried on  immediately  prior
to the Effective Date.


7.       Covenants of the Company and the Bank.
         -------------------------------------

         The Company and the Bank hereby  jointly  and  severally  covenant  and
agree as follows:

         7.1.  Rights of Access.  In  addition to and not in  limitation  of any
other  rights of access  provided to Zions  Bancorp  and NBA  herein,  until the
Effective  Date the Company  and the Bank will give to Zions  Bancorp and to its
representatives,  including its certified public accountants, KPMG Peat Marwick,
full access during  normal  business  hours to all of the  property,  documents,
contracts,  books, and records of the Company and the Bank, and such information
with respect to their business affairs and properties as Zions Bancorp from time
to time may reasonably request.


                                     - 34 -
<PAGE>
         7.2.  Corporate Records, Contracts, etc.
               ----------------------------------

               (a) The Company and the Bank will make  available for  inspection
by Zions  Bancorp  copies of the  articles  of  incorporation  and bylaws of the
Company and the Bank,  and will make  available for  inspection by Zions Bancorp
minute books of the Company and the Bank,  all of which shall be certified to be
complete and true copies.

               (b) The Company and the Bank will make  available for  inspection
by Zions  Bancorp  copies of all contracts or  agreements  involving  amounts in
excess of $25,000 to which the Company or the Bank is a party, including but not
limited to data processing contracts,  service contracts,  contracts to purchase
or lease real  property or  equipment,  guaranties,  employment  contracts,  and
insurance contracts pertaining to fire, accident,  indemnity,  fidelity, health,
life, hospitalization, or other employee benefits.

               (c) The  Company and the Bank will  furnish to Zions  Bancorp the
following  information  with respect to properties  owned by the Company and the
Bank: (i) a brief description and location of each parcel of real property owned
by the Company or the Bank and (ii) a brief  description  of  personal  property
covered by lease or other rental  arrangements  to which the Company or the Bank
is a party, if the applicable  personal  property has a fair value of $10,000 or
more or if the term of the lease or other rental  arrangement  exceeds one year,
including a copy of the relevant leases.

         7.3. Monthly and Quarterly  Financial  Statements;  Minutes of Meetings
and Other Materials.

               (a) Each of the  Company  and the Bank shall  continue to prepare
all of the monthly and quarterly  financial  statements and financial reports to
regulatory  authorities  for the months and  quarterly  periods  ending  between
October 1, 1995 and the Effective Date which it customarily  prepared during the
period between January 1, 1993 and September 30, 1995 and shall promptly provide
Zions Bancorp with copies of all such  financial  statements  and reports.  Such
financial  statements  and  reports  shall be  verified  by the chief  financial
officer of the reporting entity.  All of such financial  statements and reports,
including the related notes,  schedules,  and memorandum  items,  will have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting  principles applied in
all material respects and as to each category of assets and liabilities and each
category  of income and expense on a  consistent  basis  throughout  the periods
involved (except that Consolidated 

                                     - 35 -
<PAGE>
Reports of Condition and Consolidated  Reports of Income required to be filed by
the Bank under  federal  law may be  prepared in  accordance  with the  official
instructions applicable thereto at the time of filing).

               (b) Each of the Company and the Bank shall promptly provide Zions
Bancorp  with (i)  copies of all of its  periodic  reports to  directors  and to
shareholders,  whether or not such  reports  were  prepared  or  distributed  in
connection  with a  meeting  of the  board  of  directors  or a  meeting  of the
shareholders, prepared or distributed between the date of this Agreement and the
Effective Date, and (ii) complete copies of all minutes of meetings of its board
of directors and its shareholders  which meetings take place between the date of
this Agreement and the Effective Date,  certified by the secretary or cashier or
an assistant  secretary or assistant  cashier of the Company or the Bank, as the
case may be. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, the Company and the Bank may
withhold from Zions Bancorp copies of internal studies,  surveys,  analyses, and
reports that were  prepared by or for any officers or directors  for the purpose
of evaluating or analyzing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         7.4. Extraordinary  Transactions.  Without the prior written consent of
Zions Bancorp,  neither the Company nor the Bank shall,  on or after the date of
this Agreement: (a) declare or pay any cash dividends or property dividends with
respect to any class of its  capital  stock,  with the  exception  of  customary
periodic cash  dividends paid by the Bank to holders of its common stock at such
intervals and in such amounts as are in every case  consistent  with the amounts
and intervals  characteristic  of the Bank;  (b) declare or distribute any stock
dividend, authorize a stock split, or authorize, issue, or make any distribution
of its capital  stock or any other  securities,  or grant any options to acquire
such additional securities; (c) merge into, consolidate with, or sell its assets
to any other person, or enter into any other transaction or agree to effect any
other  transaction  not  in  the  ordinary  course  of its  business  except  as
explicitly  contemplated herein, or engage in any discussions  concerning such a
possible  transaction except as explicitly  contemplated herein; (d) convert the
charter  or  form  of  entity  of the  Bank  from  that  of an  Arizona  banking
corporation  to any other  charter  or form of  entity;  (e) make any  direct or
indirect redemption, purchase, or other acquisition of any of its capital stock;
(f) incur any liability or  obligation,  make any  commitment  or  disbursement,
acquire or dispose of any property or asset, make any contract or agreement,  or
engage in any  transaction,  except in the ordinary course of its business;  (g)
other than

                                     - 36 -
<PAGE>

in the ordinary  course of business,  subject any of its properties or assets to
any lien, claim, charge, option, or encumbrance; (h) except for increases in the
ordinary  course of business in accordance  with past  practices  which together
with all other  compensation rate increases do not exceed 4 percent per annum of
the aggregate  payroll as of October 1, 1995,  increase the rate of compensation
of any employee or enter into any agreement to increase the rate of compensation
of any employee; (i) create or modify any pension or profit sharing plan, bonus,
deferred  compensation,  death  benefit,  or  retirement  plan,  or the level of
benefits  under any such  plan,  nor  increase  or  decrease  any  severance  or
termination  pay  benefit or any other  fringe  benefit;  nor (j) enter into any
employment  or personal  services  contract with any person,  including  without
limitation any contract,  agreement, or arrangement described in Section 6.38(a)
hereof,  except  directly to facilitate the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement.

         7.5.  Preservation  of  Business.  Each of the Company and the Bank (a)
will carry on its business and manage its assets and  properties  diligently and
substantially  in the same manner as heretofore;  (b) will maintain the ratio of
its  loans to its  deposits  at  approximately  the same  level  as  existed  at
September 30, 1995, as adjusted to allow for seasonal  fluctuations of loans and
deposits of a kind and amount  experienced  traditionally by the Company and the
Bank; (c) will manage its investment  portfolio in substantially the same manner
and pursuant to substantially  the same investment  policies as in 1993 and 1994
and the  first  nine  months of 1995,  and will  take no  action  to change  the
percentage which the aggregate  investment  portfolio of the Company or the Bank
bears to the total assets of the Company or the Bank,  as the case may be, or to
lengthen the average maturity of the investment portfolio, or of any significant
category  thereof,  to any  material  extent;  (d) will  continue  in effect its
present insurance coverage on all properties,  assets,  business, and personnel;
(e) will use its best  efforts to preserve  its  business  organization  intact;
except as otherwise consented to by Zions Bancorp,  will use its best efforts to
keep available its present employees;  and will use its best efforts to preserve
its present  relationships  with customers and others having  business  dealings
with it; (f) in accordance  with the ordinary  course of business and consistent
with good banking and business practices,  will not do anything nor will it fail
to do  anything  which  will  cause a  breach  of or  default  in any  contract,
agreement,  commitment,  or obligation to which it is a party or by which it may
be bound;  and (g) will not amend its  articles  of  incorporation  or bylaws or
permit any of its subsidiaries to amend its articles of incorporation or bylaws.

                                     - 37 -
<PAGE>

         7.6.  Comfort  Letter.   At  the  time  of  the  effectiveness  of  the
Registration Statement,  but prior to the mailing of the proxy materials, and at
the Effective  Date,  the Company shall furnish Zions Bancorp with a letter from
McGladrey & Pullen,  LLP, in form and substance  reasonably  acceptable to Zions
Bancorp,  stating that (a) they are independent  accountants with respect to the
Company and the Bank within the meaning of the 1933 Act and the published  rules
and  regulations  thereunder,  (b) in their opinion the  consolidated  financial
statements of the Company included in the Registration Statement and examined by
them comply as to form in all material  respects with the applicable  accounting
requirements of the 1933 Act and the published rules and regulations thereunder,
and (c) a reading of the Company's compiled  consolidated  financial  statements
and the Bank's audited financial  statements and the latest available  unaudited
consolidated financial statements of the Company and financial statements of the
Bank and inquiries of certain  officials of the Company and the Bank responsible
for  financial  and  accounting  matters as to  transactions  and  events  since
December 31, 1994 did not cause them to believe that (i) the Company's  compiled
consolidated   financial  statements  and  such  latest  available  consolidated
financial  statements are not stated on a basis consistent with that followed in
the  Company's  compiled  consolidated  financial  statements;  (ii) the  Bank's
audited  consolidated  financial  statements and such latest available unaudited
consolidated financial statements are not stated on a basis consistent with that
followed in the Bank's audited consolidated  financial statements;  (iii) except
as disclosed in the letter, at a specified date not more than five business days
prior to the date of such letter,  there was any change in the Company's capital
stock or any  change  in  consolidated  long-term  debt or any  decrease  in the
consolidated  net assets of the Company as compared with the respective  amounts
shown in the most recent Company compiled consolidated financial statements;  or
(iv) except as disclosed in the letter,  at a specified  date not more than five
business  days  prior to the date of such  letter,  there was any  change in the
Bank's  capital  stock  or any  change  in  consolidated  long-term  debt or any
decrease  in the  consolidated  net  assets  of the  Bank as  compared  with the
respective amounts shown in the most recent Bank audited consolidated  financial
statements.  The letter shall also cover such other  matters  pertaining  to the
Company's and the Bank's financial data and statistical  information included in
the Registration Statement as may reasonably be requested by Zions Bancorp.

         7.7. Affiliates' Agreements.  The Company will furnish to Zions Bancorp
a list of all  persons  known to the  Company  who at the date of the  Company's
special meeting of shareholders  to vote upon the  transactions  contemplated by
this  Agreement  may be deemed to be 

                                     - 38 -
<PAGE>
"affiliates"  of the Company  within the meaning of Rule 145 under the 1933 Act.
The  Company  will use its best  efforts to cause each such  "affiliate"  of the
Company to  deliver to Zions  Bancorp  not later than  thirty  days prior to the
Effective  Date a written  agreement  providing  that such person will not sell,
pledge,  transfer, or otherwise dispose of the shares of Company Common Stock or
Bank Common  Stock  beneficially  owned by such  person,  or the shares of Zions
Bancorp Stock to be received by such person in the Holding Company Merger or the
Bank  Merger,  or any other shares of Zions  Bancorp  Stock held by such person,
except in  compliance  with the  applicable  provisions  of the 1933 Act and the
rules and regulations thereunder.

         7.8.  Inconsistent Activities.
               ------------------------

               (a) Subject to  subsection  (b) of this section  7.8,  unless and
until the Mergers have been consummated or this Agreement has been terminated in
accordance  with its terms,  the  Company  and the Bank will not (i)  solicit or
encourage,   directly  or  indirectly,  any  inquiries  or  proposals  (each  an
"Alternative  Proposal")  to acquire  more than 1 percent of the Company  Common
Stock or any capital stock of the Bank or any significant  portion of its or the
Bank's  assets  (whether by tender  offer,  merger,  purchase of assets or other
transactions of any type) (each an "Alternative  Transaction");  (ii) afford any
third party which may be  considering  any  Alternative  Proposal or Alternative
Transaction access to its or the Bank's  properties,  books or records except as
required by mandatory  provisions of law;  (iii) enter into any  discussions  or
negotiations  for, or enter into any agreement or  understanding  which provides
for,  any  Alternative  Transaction;  or (iv)  authorize  or  permit  any of its
directors,  officers,  employees or agents to do or permit any of the foregoing.
If the Company or the Bank becomes aware of any  Alternative  Proposal or of any
other  matter  which could  adversely  affect this  Agreement  or the Mergers or
either of them, the Company and the Bank shall  immediately  give notice thereof
to Zions Bancorp.

               (b) Nothing contained in subsection (a) of this section 7.8 shall
prohibit the board of directors of the Company from furnishing information to or
entering  into  discussions  or  negotiations  with  any  person  that  makes an
unsolicited bona fide Alternative  Proposal if, and only to the extent that, (i)
the board of directors of the Company, based upon the advice of outside counsel,
determines in good faith that such action is required for the board of directors
to comply with its fiduciary  duties to stockholders  imposed by law, (ii) prior
to furnishing such  information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations
with, such person,  the Company  provides written notice to Zions Bancorp to the
effect that 

                                     - 39 -
<PAGE>
it is furnishing  information  to, or entering into  discussions or negotiations
with,  such person,  and (iii) the Company keeps Zions  Bancorp  informed of the
status and all  material  information  with respect to any such  discussions  or
negotiations.

               (c)  Nothing  in  subsection  (b) of this  section  7.8 shall (i)
permit  the  Company  or  the  Bank  to  terminate  this  Agreement  (except  as
specifically  provided in section 10.1 or 10.2 of this  Agreement),  (ii) permit
the  Company  of the  Bank to  enter  into  any  agreement  with  respect  to an
Alternative  Transaction  for as long as this  Agreement  remains  in effect (it
being agreed that for as long as this Agreement  remains in effect,  the Company
and the Bank shall not enter into any  agreement  with any person that  provides
for,  or in any  way  facilitates,  an  Alternative  Transaction  (other  than a
confidentiality  agreement  in  customary  form)),  or (iii)  affect  any  other
obligation of the Company or the Bank under this Agreement.

8.       Representations and Warranties of Zions Bancorp and NBA.
         --------------------------------------------------------

         Zions Bancorp (with respect to itself and NBA) and NBA (with respect to
itself) represent and warrant to the Company and the Bank as follows:

         8.1. Organization, Powers, and Qualification. It is a corporation which
is duly organized,  validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction  of  incorporation  and  has  all  requisite  corporate  power  and
authority to own and operate its properties and assets,  to lease the properties
used in its business, and to carry on its business as now conducted.  It owns or
possesses in the operation of its business all  franchises,  licenses,  permits,
branch certificates,  consents,  approvals,  waivers, and other  authorizations,
governmental or otherwise, which are necessary for it to conduct its business as
now  conducted,  except  for  those  where  the  failure  of such  ownership  or
possession  would not  adversely  affect its  operation  and  properties  in any
material  respect.  It is duly  qualified  and licensed to do business and is in
good standing in every  jurisdiction in which such  qualification  or license is
required  or with  respect to which the failure to be so  qualified  or licensed
could  result in  material  liability  or  adversely  affect its  operation  and
properties in any material respect.

         8.2.     Execution and Performance of Agreement.  It has all requisite
corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to
perform its terms.


                                     - 40 -
<PAGE>
         8.3. Binding Obligations; Due Authorization. This Agreement constitutes
its valid, legal, and binding  obligations  enforceable against it in accordance
with its terms,  except as enforcement may be limited by applicable  bankruptcy,
insolvency,  moratorium or similar law, or by general  principles of equity. The
execution,  delivery,  and  performance of this  Agreement and the  transactions
contemplated  hereby  have  been  duly and  validly  authorized  by its board of
directors.  Subject to approval by the shareholders of NBA of this Agreement, no
other corporate proceedings on its part are necessary to authorize the execution
and  delivery  of  this  Agreement  or the  carrying  out  of  the  transactions
contemplated hereby.

         8.4. Absence of Default.  None of the execution or the delivery of this
Agreement,  the consummation of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby,  or the
compliance with or fulfillment of the terms hereof will conflict with, or result
in a breach of any of the terms,  conditions,  or provisions of, or constitute a
default under its  organizational  documents or bylaws.  None of such execution,
consummation,  or  fulfillment  will (a) conflict  with, or result in a material
breach of the terms,  conditions,  or  provisions  of, or  constitute a material
violation, conflict, or default under, or give rise to any right of termination,
cancellation,  or acceleration with respect to, or result in the creation of any
lien, charge, or encumbrance upon, any of its property or assets pursuant to any
material  agreement or instrument under which it is obligated or by which any of
its properties or assets may be bound, including without limitation any material
lease,  contract,  mortgage,  promissory  note,  deed  of  trust,  loan,  credit
arrangement  or other  commitment or arrangement of it in respect of which it is
an  obligor,  or (b) if the Holding  Company  Merger is approved by the Board of
Governors  under the BHC Act or if the Board of  Governors  waives  jurisdiction
under that Act,  and if the Bank Merger is approved by the  Comptroller,  and if
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are approved by the Commissioner
and the  Superintendent,  violate any law,  statute,  rule, or regulation of any
government  or  agency  to which it is  subject  and  which is  material  to its
operations,  or (c) violate any judgment,  order, writ,  injunction,  decree, or
ruling to which it or any of its properties or assets is subject or bound.  None
of the  execution  or  delivery  of  this  Agreement,  the  consummation  of the
transactions  contemplated  hereby, or the compliance with or fulfillment of the
terms hereof will require any authorization,  consent, approval, or exemption by
any person  which has not been  obtained,  or any notice or filing which has not
been given or done,  other than approval of or waiver of  jurisdiction  over the
transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement  by the Board of  Governors,  the
Comptroller, the Commissioner, and the Superintendent.

                                     - 41 -

<PAGE>
         8.5.  Brokers and Advisers.
               ---------------------

               (a) There are no claims for brokerage commissions, finder's fees,
or similar  compensation  arising out of or due to any act of its in  connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or based upon any agreement
or arrangement made by or on behalf of it.

               (b) It has not entered into any agreement or  understanding  with
any party  relating to financial  advisory  services  provided or to be provided
with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         8.6.  Books and  Records.  Its books and  records  fairly  reflect  the
transactions  to which it is a party or by which its  properties  are subject or
bound.  Such books and records have been properly kept and maintained and are in
compliance in all material  respects with all  applicable  legal and  accounting
requirements.  It follows generally accepted accounting  principles applied on a
consistent  basis in the preparation and maintenance of its books of account and
financial  statements,  including  but not  limited  to the  application  of the
accrual method of accounting for interest  income on loans,  leases,  discounts,
and investments, interest expense on deposits and all other liabilities, and all
other items of income and  expense.  It has made all  accruals in amounts  which
accurately  report income and expense in the proper  periods in accordance  with
generally accepted accounting principles.  It has filed all material reports and
returns required by any law or regulation to be filed by it.

         8.7. Financial  Statements.  Zions Bancorp has furnished to the Company
its  consolidated  statement  of  condition  as of each of  December  31,  1993,
December  31,  1994,  and  September  30,  1995,  and its  related  consolidated
statement of income,  consolidated  statement of changes in financial  position,
and consolidated  statement of changes in  stockholders'  equity for each of the
periods then ended,  and the notes  thereto  (collectively,  the "Zions  Bancorp
Financial Statements"). All of the Zions Bancorp Financial Statements, including
the related  notes,  (a) were prepared in  accordance  with  generally  accepted
accounting  principles  applied in all material respects and as to each category
of  assets  and  liabilities  and each  category  of  income  and  expense  on a
consistent basis throughout the periods involved, and (b) are in accordance with
the books and records of Zions Bancorp which have been  maintained in accordance
with generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  and (c) fairly and accurately
reflect the consolidated  financial  position of Zions Bancorp as of such dates,
and the  consolidated  results of  operations  of Zions  Bancorp for the periods
ended on 

                                     - 42 -
<PAGE>
such  dates,  and  do  not  fail  to  disclose  any  material  extraordinary  or
out-of-period  items,  and (d) reflect,  in accordance  with generally  accepted
accounting  principles  applied in all material respects and as to each category
of  assets  and  liabilities  and each  category  of  income  and  expense  on a
consistent basis  throughout the periods  involved,  adequate  provision for, or
reserves against, the possible loan losses of Zions Bancorp as of such dates.

         8.8. Absence of Certain  Developments.  Since September 30, 1995, there
has  been  (a) no  material  adverse  change  in  the  condition,  financial  or
otherwise, assets, properties,  liabilities, or businesses of Zions Bancorp, and
(b) no  material  deterioration  in the quality of the loan  portfolio  of Zions
Bancorp or of any major component thereof, and no material increase in the level
of nonperforming  assets or nonaccrual loans at Zions Bancorp or in the level of
its provision for credit losses or its reserve for possible credit losses.

         8.9.  Disclosure.  No  representation  or  warranty  hereunder  and  no
certificate,  statement,  or other  document  delivered  by it  hereunder  or in
connection with this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereunder
contains any untrue  statement  of a material  fact or omits to state a material
fact necessary in order to make the statements  contained herein or therein,  in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.  There is
no fact  known to it which  might  materially  adversely  affect  its  business,
assets,  liabilities,  financial condition,  results of operations, or prospects
which has not been  disclosed in the Zions  Bancorp  Financial  Statements  or a
certificate  delivered by it to the Company or the Bank. Copies of all documents
referred to in this Agreement, unless prepared solely by the Company or the Bank
or  solely  by the  Company  and the Bank and third  parties  hereto,  are true,
correct,  and complete copies thereof and include all  amendments,  supplements,
and modifications thereto and all waivers thereunder.

         8.10.  Zions  Bancorp  Stock.  The shares of Zions  Bancorp Stock to be
issued by Zions Bancorp pursuant to this Agreement,  when issued pursuant to and
in accordance with this  Agreement,  will be duly authorized and legally issued,
fully paid, and non-assessable.


9.       Closing.
         --------

         9.1. Place and Time of Closing. Closing shall take place at the offices
of Zions Bancorp,  1380 Kennecott Building,  Salt Lake City, Utah, or such other
place as the  parties  choose,  commencing  at 10:00 a.m.,  local  time,  on the
Effective Date, provided that all 

                                     - 43 -
<PAGE>

conditions precedent to the obligations of the parties hereto to close have then
been met or waived.

         9.2.  Events To Take Place at Closing.  At the Closing,  the  following
actions will be taken:

               (a) Such certificates and other documents as are required by this
Agreement to be executed and  delivered  on or prior to the  Effective  Date and
have  not been so  executed  and  delivered,  and such  other  certificates  and
documents as are mutually  deemed by the parties to be otherwise  desirable  for
the effectuation of the Closing, will be so executed and delivered; and then

               (b) The Holding  Company Merger and the issuance of shares and of
the right to receive  cash  incident  to the  Holding  Company  Merger  shall be
effected;  provided, however, that the administrative and ministerial aspects of
the  issuance of stock  certificates  and cash  incident to the Holding  Company
Merger  will be  settled as soon  thereafter  as shall be  reasonable  under the
circumstances; and then

               (c)         The Bank Merger shall be effected.


10.      Termination, Damages for Breach, Waiver, and Amendment.
         -------------------------------------------------------

         10.1.  Termination  by Reason of Lapse of Time.  This  Agreement may be
terminated  by Zions  Bancorp or the  Company on or after  August 31,  1996,  by
instrument  duly  authorized and executed and delivered to the other such party,
unless the Effective Date shall have occurred on or before such date.

         10.2.  Grounds for  Termination.  This  Agreement  may be terminated by
written  notice of  termination  at any time before the Effective  Date (whether
before or after action by  shareholders  of the Company or  shareholders  of the
Bank):

               (a)         by mutual consent of the parties hereto;

               (b) by Zions Bancorp, upon written notice to the Company given at
any time (i) if any of the  representations and warranties of the Company or the
Bank contained in Section 6 hereof was  materially  incorrect when made, or (ii)
in the event of a material breach or material failure by the Company or the Bank
of any  covenant  or  agreement  of the  Company or the Bank  contained  in this
Agreement  which has not been,  or cannot be,  cured  within  thirty  days after
written notice of such breach or failure is given to the Company;


                                     - 44 -
<PAGE>
               (c) by the Company, upon written notice to Zions Bancorp given at
any time (i) if any of the  representations  and  warranties of Zions Bancorp or
NBA contained in Section 8 hereof was materially incorrect when made, or (ii) in
the event of a material  breach or material  failure by Zions  Bancorp or NBA of
any covenant or agreement of Zions  Bancorp or NBA  contained in this  Agreement
which has not been, or cannot be, cured within thirty days after written  notice
of such  breach or failure is given to Zions  Bancorp,  or (iii) if the board of
directors of the Company,  based upon the advice of outside counsel,  determines
in good faith that such  termination  is required  for the board of directors to
comply with its fiduciary duties to stockholders  imposed by law by reason of an
Alternative  Proposal  being made;  provided that the Company shall notify Zions
Bancorp  promptly of its intention to terminate  this  Agreement or enter into a
definitive agreement with respect to any Alternative  Proposal,  but in no event
shall such notice be given less than 48 hours  prior to the public  announcement
of the Company's termination of this Agreement; or

               (d) by either Zions  Bancorp or the Company  upon written  notice
given to the other if the board of  directors  of either  Zions  Bancorp  or the
Company shall have determined in its sole judgment made in good faith, after due
consideration  and  consultation  with  counsel,  that the  Mergers  have become
inadvisable or  impracticable  by reason of the institution of litigation by the
federal  government,  the  government of the State of Utah, or the government of
the State of Arizona to restrain or invalidate the transactions  contemplated by
this Agreement.

         10.3.  Effect  of  Termination.  In the  event of the  termination  and
abandonment  hereof  pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.1 or Section 10.2,
this  Agreement  shall  become  void and have no force or  effect,  without  any
liability on the part of Zions Bancorp,  NBA, the Company,  or the Bank or their
respective directors or officers or shareholders in respect of this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing:

               (a)  as  provided  in  Section  11.4  of  this   Agreement,   the
confidentiality   agreement   contained  in  that  section  shall  survive  such
termination;

               (b) except as subsection (c) of this section 10.3 shall apply, if
such termination is a result of any of the  representations  and warranties of a
party being materially incorrect when made or a result of the material breach or
material  failure by a party of a covenant or  agreement  hereunder,  such party
whose representations and warranties were materially incorrect or who materially
breached or failed to perform its covenant or  agreement  

                                     - 45 -
<PAGE>


shall be liable to the other party or parties hereto solely to the extent of the
actual,  reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, not to exceed $250,000,  incurred by
the other party in  connection  with the  negotiation  and  preparation  of this
Agreement and the carrying out of the transactions contemplated hereby; and

               (c) if

                  (i) such  termination is pursuant to section  10.2(c)(iii)  of
this Agreement, or if

                  (ii) this Agreement is terminated for any reason  specified in
section  10.2(b)(i) or 10.2(b)(ii) of this Agreement and a definitive  agreement
with respect to an  Alternative  Proposal is executed by the Company or the Bank
within one year after such termination,

then in either case,  the Company shall be liable to Zions Bancorp in the amount
of  $750,000,  which  amount  will be  payable to Zions  Bancorp in  immediately
available  funds  within two  business  days after such amount  becomes due. The
Company  acknowledges  that the  agreements  contained in subsection (c) of this
section  10.3 are an  integral  part of the  transactions  contemplated  in this
Agreement and that, without these agreements, Zions Bancorp would not enter into
this Agreement.

         10.4. Waiver of Terms or Conditions.  Any of the terms or conditions of
this  Agreement  may be waived at any time  prior to the  Effective  Date by the
party which is, or whose  shareholders are, entitled to the benefit thereof,  by
action  taken by the board of  directors  of such  party,  or by its  president;
provided,  however, that such waiver shall be in writing and shall be taken only
if, in the  judgment of the board of  directors  or officer  taking such action,
such waiver will not have a materially  adverse effect on the benefits  intended
hereunder to the shareholders of its or his  corporation;  and the other parties
hereto may rely on the delivery of such a waiver as conclusive  evidence of such
judgment and the validity of the waiver.

         10.5.  Amendment.
                ----------

               (a) Anything herein or elsewhere to the contrary notwithstanding,
to the extent  permitted by law, this  Agreement and the exhibits  hereto may be
amended, supplemented, or interpreted at any time prior to the Effective Date by
written  instrument  duly authorized and executed by each of the parties hereto;
provided,  however,  that this  Agreement may not be amended after the action by
shareholders  of the Company in any respect  that would  prejudice  the 


                                     - 46 -
<PAGE>
economic  interests  of such  Company  shareholders,  or any of them,  except as
specifically provided herein or by like action of such shareholders.

               (b) If Zions Bancorp and the Company  should  mutually  determine
(following  receipt  of advice  of legal or other  counsel)  that it has  become
inadvisable or inexpedient to effectuate the  transactions  contemplated by this
Agreement through means of a sequence of mergers such as is contemplated herein,
then subject to compliance  with  applicable  laws,  the parties hereto agree to
effect  such  change  in the form of  transaction  as  described  especially  in
Sections  1.1 and 9.2 of this  Agreement by written  instrument  in amendment of
this Agreement.


11.      General Provisions.
         -------------------

         11.1.  Allocation of Costs and Expenses.  Except as provided in Section
10.3 and this  Section,  each party hereto shall pay its own fees and  expenses,
including  without  limitation  the fees and expenses of its own counsel and its
own accountants, tax and financial advisers, and investment bankers incurred in
connection with this Agreement and the  transactions  contemplated  hereby.  For
purposes of this  Section,  (i) the cost of printing  and  delivering  the proxy
statement and other material to be transmitted  to  shareholders  of the Company
shall be deemed to be incurred  on behalf of the  Company  and Zions  Bancorp in
equal shares and, accordingly, will be paid one-half by the Company and one-half
by Zions  Bancorp,  and (ii) the cost of  registering  under  federal  and state
securities laws the stock of Zions Bancorp to be received by the shareholders of
the Company and the  shareholders  of the Bank shall be deemed to be incurred on
behalf  of Zions  Bancorp.  The  costs to be  apportioned  by  operation  of the
previous  sentence  shall not  include  any  professional  fees paid to counsel,
accountants,  tax or financial advisers,  or investment bankers. The cost of the
Fairness  Opinion and any other oral or written opinion  rendered by a financial
adviser  or  investment  banker  to the  Company  or its board of  directors  or
shareholders  with respect to the  fairness of the terms of the Holding  Company
Merger from a  financial  point of view shall be deemed to be incurred on behalf
of the  Company.  All costs  described in this section to be incurred or paid by
the  Company or the Bank shall be  expensed  or fairly  reserved  against by the
Company or the Bank, as the case may be, not later than the close of business on
the last day of the calendar month preceding the Effective Date.

                                     - 47 -

<PAGE>
         11.2.  Mutual Cooperation; Access.
                ---------------------------

               (a) Subject to the terms and  conditions  herein  provided,  each
party  shall use its best  efforts,  and shall  cooperate  fully  with the other
party,  in  carrying  out the  provisions  of this  Agreement  and in making all
filings and obtaining all necessary  governmental  approvals,  and shall execute
and  deliver,  or  cause  to  be  executed  and  delivered,   such  governmental
notifications  and additional  documents and  instruments  and do or cause to be
done all additional things necessary,  proper, or advisable under applicable law
to consummate  and make  effective the  transactions  contemplated  hereby.  The
Company shall take timely action in its capacity as  shareholder  of the Bank to
cause its shares of Bank Common  Stock to be voted in favor of the Bank  Merger.
Zions Bancorp shall take timely action in its capacity as  shareholder of NBA to
cause  its  shares of the  common  stock of NBA to be voted in favor of the Bank
Merger.

               (b) Each party  acknowledges to the other its understanding  that
further  investigation of it by the other party may be necessary that such other
party may more fully  evaluate the merits of the  transactions  contemplated  by
this Agreement.  To permit such  investigation,  and not in lieu or prejudice of
any other right  conferred  hereunder,  each of the parties  shall afford to the
other, and to the accountants,  counsel, and other representatives of the other,
full  access  during  normal  business  hours,  during the  period  prior to the
Effective  Date, to all of its  properties,  books,  contracts,  commitments and
records and, during such period, each shall furnish promptly,  or make available
for inspection, to the other all information concerning its business, properties
and personnel as the other party may reasonably request.

         11.3. Form of Public  Disclosures.  Zions Bancorp and the Company shall
mutually agree in advance upon the form and substance of all public  disclosures
concerning this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

         11.4.  Confidentiality.  Zions Bancorp and its subsidiaries  (including
NBA) and the Company and the Bank shall use all  information  that each  obtains
from the other pursuant to this Agreement (except Public Information, as defined
below) solely for the  effectuation  of the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement or for other purposes  consistent  with the intent of this  Agreement.
Neither Zions Bancorp, nor its subsidiaries (including NBA), nor the Company nor
the Bank shall use any of such information  (except Public  Information) for any
other purpose,  including,  without limitation, the competitive detriment of any
party.  Each of  Zions  Bancorp  and its  subsidiaries  (including  NBA) and the
Company and

                                     - 48 -
<PAGE>

the Bank shall maintain as strictly  confidential all information (except Public
Information)  it learns from the other and shall,  at any time, upon the request
of the other,  return  promptly to it all  documentation  provided by it or made
available to third parties. Each of the parties may disclose such information to
its respective affiliates,  counsel, accountants, tax advisers, and consultants.
The  confidentiality  agreement  contained  in this  Section  11.4 shall  remain
operative  and in full force and effect,  and shall survive the  termination  of
this  Agreement.  As used in this section  11.4,  the term "Public  Information"
means (a) information  obtained from a party or one of its affiliates that is or
has become available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by the
party obtaining the  information or one of its  affiliates;  and (b) information
obtained  from a party  or one of its  affiliates  that was  known to the  party
obtaining the information or one of its affiliates outside of and apart from the
restrictions against use and disclosure described herein, or had been previously
possessed by the party obtaining the information or one of its affiliates at the
time of receipt  thereof (in  circumstances  not giving rise to  obligations  of
confidentiality).

         11.5.  Claims of Brokers.
                -----------------

               (a) The Company and the Bank shall  indemnify,  defend,  and hold
Zions  Bancorp  and NBA  harmless  for,  from,  and  against  any  claim,  suit,
liability, fees or expenses (including, without limitation,  attorneys' fees and
costs of court)  arising out of any claim for  brokerage  commissions,  finder's
fees, or similar compensation arising out of or due to any act of the Company or
the Bank in connection with the  transactions  contemplated by this Agreement or
based upon any agreement or  arrangement  made by or on behalf of the Company or
the Bank with respect to Zions Bancorp or NBA.

               (b) Zions Bancorp and NBA shall indemnify,  defend,  and hold the
Company and the Bank harmless for, from, and against any claim, suit, liability,
fees or expenses  (including,  without limitation,  attorneys' fees and costs of
court)  arising out of any claim for brokerage  commissions,  finder's  fees, or
similar compensation arising out of or due to any act of Zions Bancorp or NBA in
connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or based
upon any agreement or  arrangement  made by or on behalf of Zions Bancorp or NBA
with respect to the Company or the Bank.

                                     - 49 -
<PAGE>
         11.6.  Information for Applications and Registration Statement.
                --------------------------------------------------------

               (a) Each  party  represents  and  warrants  that all  information
concerning it which is included in any statement and application  (including the
Registration  Statement) made to any governmental  agency in connection with the
transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement  shall not,  with respect to such
party, omit any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements made, in light of the  circumstances  under which they were made,
not misleading. The party so representing and warranting will indemnify, defend,
and  hold  harmless  the  other,  each  of  its  directors  and  officers,  each
underwriter  and each person,  if any, who controls the other within the meaning
of the Securities Act, for, from and against any and all losses,  claims, suits,
damages,  expenses, or liabilities to which any of them may become subject under
applicable  laws  (including,  but not  limited to, the  Securities  Act and the
Exchange Act) and rules and  regulations  thereunder and will reimburse them for
any legal or other  expenses  reasonably  incurred  by them in  connection  with
investigating  or defending  any actions  whether or not resulting in liability,
insofar as such losses, claims, damages, expenses, liabilities, or actions arise
out of or are based upon any untrue  statement or alleged untrue  statement of a
material fact contained in any such  application or statement or arise out of or
are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required to be stated  therein,  or  necessary  in order to make the  statements
therein not  misleading,  but only insofar as any such statement or omission was
made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing by
the  representing  and warranting  party  expressly for use therein.  Each party
agrees  at any time upon the  request  of the  other to  furnish  to the other a
written letter or statement confirming the accuracy of the information contained
in any proxy statement,  registration statement, report, or other application or
statement,  and confirming that the  information  contained in such document was
furnished expressly for use therein or, if such is not the case,  indicating the
inaccuracies  contained in such document or draft or indicating the  information
not furnished  expressly for use therein.  The indemnity  agreement contained in
this  Section  11.6(a)  shall  remain  operative  and in full force and  effect,
regardless  of any  investigation  made by or on behalf of the other party,  and
shall  survive the  termination  of this  Agreement or the  consummation  of the
transactions contemplated thereby.

               (b) In order to provide for just and  equitable  contribution  in
circumstances in which the indemnity  agreement  contained in Section 11.6(a) of
this Agreement is for any reason held by a 

                                     - 50 -
<PAGE>

court of competent  jurisdiction to be  unenforceable  as to any or all parties,
then the parties in such circumstances shall contribute to the aggregate losses,
claims,  damages and liabilities  (including any investigation,  legal and other
expenses incurred in connection with, and any amounts paid in settlement of, any
action,  suit or  proceeding  or any claims  asserted) to which any party may be
subject in such proportion as the court of law determines  based on the relative
fault of the parties.

         11.7.  Standard of Materiality.
                -----------------------

                (a) For purposes of Sections 4, 6, and 7 of this Agreement,  the
terms  "material" and  "materially,"  when used with reference to items normally
expressed in dollars,  shall be deemed to refer to amounts  individually  and in
the aggregate in excess of 3 percent of the shareholders'  equity of the Company
as of September 30, 1995, as determined in accordance  with  generally  accepted
accounting principles.

                (b) For  purposes  of  Sections 5 and 8 of this  Agreement,  the
terms  "material" and  "materially,"  when used with reference to items normally
expressed in dollars,  shall be deemed to refer to amounts  individually  and in
the  aggregate  in  excess  of 3 percent  of the  shareholders'  equity of Zions
Bancorp as of September 30, 1995, as  determined  in accordance  with  generally
accepted accounting principles.

                (c) For other purposes and, notwithstanding  subsections (a) and
(b) of this section  11.7,  when used anywhere in this  Agreement  with explicit
reference  to  any  of  the  federal  securities  laws  or to  the  Registration
Statement,  the  terms  "material"  and  "materially"  shall  be  construed  and
understood in accordance with standards of materiality as judicially  determined
under the federal securities laws.

         11.8.  Covenants of Zions Bancorp.
                ---------------------------

               (a) From the date hereof to the  Effective  Date,  Zions  Bancorp
shall,  contemporaneously  with the filing with the SEC of any current report on
Form 8-K pursuant to section 13 of the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, or the
public  dissemination of any news release, in either case describing or relating
to any material  adverse change in Zions Bancorp,  deliver a copy of such report
or release to the Company.

               (b) During  the twenty  consecutive  trading  days  ending on and
including the fifth trading day  preceding  the  Effective  Date,  

                                     - 51 -

<PAGE>
Zions Bancorp shall not repurchase  Zions Common Stock in the open market unless
done both (a) in connection with, and consistently with established  patterns of
stock repurchases with regard to, a dividend  reinvestment plan,  employee stock
savings plan, employee investment savings plan, 401(k) plan, or similar plan, or
to satisfy the exercise of  outstanding  options on Zions Common  Stock,  or for
similar  corporate  purposes,  and (b) following the receipt of favorable advice
from independent securities counsel for Zions Bancorp.

         11.9. Adjustments for Certain Events. Anything in this agreement to the
contrary  notwithstanding,  all prices per share and exchange ratios referred to
in  this  Agreement  shall  be  appropriately  adjusted  to  account  for  stock
dividends,  split-ups, mergers,  recapitalizations,  combinations,  conversions,
exchanges of shares or the like, but not for normal and recurring cash dividends
declared or paid in a manner  consistent  with the  established  practice of the
payer.

         11.10.  Stock  Repurchases.  The Company and the Bank  acknowledge that
from time to time Zions  Bancorp  repurchases  shares of its common stock in the
open market in  accordance  with market  conditions.  Nothing in this  Agreement
except  section  11.8(b) hereof shall be construed to abridge the right of Zions
Bancorp  to  continue  to  do so in  compliance  with  Exchange  Act  rules  and
regulations and pursuant to advice of independent  securities  counsel for Zions
Bancorp.

         11.11.  Counterparts.  This  Agreement  may be  executed in two or more
counterparts  each of which shall be deemed to constitute an original,  but such
counterparts  together shall be deemed to be one and the same  instrument and to
become effective when one or more  counterparts  have been signed by each of the
parties  hereto.  It shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement or
any counterpart hereof to produce or account for the other counterpart.

         11.12.   Entire  Agreement.   This  Agreement  sets  forth  the  entire
understanding  of the parties  hereto with respect to their  commitments to each
other and their undertakings  vis-a-vis each other on the subject matter hereof.
Any previous  agreements  or  understandings  between the parties  regarding the
subject matter hereof are merged into and superseded by this Agreement.  Nothing
in this Agreement express or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer
upon or to give any person, other than Zions Bancorp and NBA and the Company and
the Bank and their respective  shareholders,  any rights or remedies under or by
reason of this Agreement.


                                     - 52 -
<PAGE>
         11.13. Reliance Upon Representations,  Warranties,  and Covenants. Each
party  shall be deemed to have  relied  upon each and every  representation  and
warranty of the other  parties  regardless  of any  investigation  heretofore or
hereafter made by or on behalf of such party.

         11.14.  Section  Headings.  The section and subsection  headings herein
have been inserted for  convenience of reference only and shall in no way modify
or restrict any of the terms or provisions  hereof.  Any reference to a "person"
herein shall  include an  individual,  firm,  corporation,  partnership,  trust,
government  or  political  subdivision  or  agency or  instrumentality  thereof,
association, unincorporated organization, or any other entity.

         11.15. Notices. All notices, consents, waivers, or other communications
which are required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and deemed to have
been duly given if delivered personally or by messenger, transmitted by telex or
telegram,  by express courier,  or sent by registered or certified mail,  return
receipt requested, postage prepaid. All communications shall be addressed to the
appropriate address of each party as follows:

If to Zions Bancorp or NBA:

           Zions Bancorporation
           1380 Kennecott Building
           Salt Lake City, Utah  84133

           Attention:           Mr. Harris H. Simmons
                                President and Chief Executive Officer

With a required copy to:

           Brian D. Alprin, Esq.
           Metzger, Hollis, Gordon & Mortimer
           1275 K Street, N.W., Suite 1000
           Washington, D. C.  20005

If to the Company or the Bank:

           Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
           1800 Fourth Avenue
           Post Office Box 5148
           Yuma, Arizona  85364

           Attention:           Mr. John E. Byrd
                                President and Chief Executive Officer

                                     - 53 -
<PAGE>
With a required copy to:

           Robert S. Kant, Esq.
           O'Connor, Cavanagh, Anderson,
             Westover, Killingsworth & Beshears, P.A.
           One East Camelback Road, Suite 1100
           Phoenix, Arizona  85012-1656

           All such  notices  shall be  deemed  to have  been  given on the date
delivered, transmitted, or mailed in the manner provided above.

           11.16.  Choice of Law and Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by,
construed,  and  enforced  in  accordance  with the  laws of the  State of Utah,
without giving effect to the principles of conflict of law thereof.  The parties
hereby designate Salt Lake County,  Utah and Yuma County,  Arizona, to be proper
jurisdictions  and venues for any suit or action arising out of this  Agreement.
Each of the parties consents to personal jurisdiction in each of such venues for
such a  proceeding  and agrees that it may be served with  process in any action
with  respect to this  Agreement  or the  transactions  contemplated  thereby by
certified or registered  mail,  return receipt  requested,  or to its registered
agent  for  service  of  process  in the state of Utah or  Arizona.  Each of the
parties irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, not to plead any objection that it may now or hereafter have
to the  laying of venue or the  convenience  of the forum of any action or claim
with respect to this Agreement or the transactions  contemplated thereby brought
in the courts aforesaid.

           11.17.  Knowledge  of a Party.  References  in this  Agreement to the
knowledge of a party shall mean the  knowledge  possessed by any of such parties
or the present executive officers of such party including,  without  limitation,
information which is or has been in the books and records of such party.

           11.18.  Binding Agreement.  This Agreement shall be binding upon the
parties and their respective successors and assigns.

                                     - 54 -
<PAGE>
           IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties have executed this  Agreement as of
the date first above written.

                                         ZIONS BANCORPORATION



Attest: /s/ John J. Gisi                 By:     /s/ Harris H. Simmons
        ---------------------                    ------------------------------
        John J. Gisi                             Harris H. Simmons
        Sr. V.P.                                 President and Chief Executive
                                                      Officer



                                         NATIONAL BANK OF ARIZONA



Attest: /s/ Harris H. Simmons            By:     /s/ John J. Gisi
        ---------------------                    ------------------------------





                                         SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC.



Attest: /s/ Mary L. Pool                 By:     /s/ John E. Byrd
        ---------------------                    ------------------------------
                                                 John E. Byrd
                                                 President and Chief Executive
                                                  Officer



                                         SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANK



Attest: /s/ Mary L. Pool                 By:     /s/ John E. Byrd
        ---------------------                    ------------------------------
                                                 John E. Byrd
                                                 President and Chief Executive
                                                  Officer


                                                     - 55 -
<PAGE>



- ------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------)
State of Arizona                                         )
                                                         )       ss.
County of Yuma                                           )
                                )
- --------------------------------

     On this  seventeenth day of January,  1996,  before me personally  appeared
Harris H. Simmons,  to me known to be the President and Chief Executive  Officer
of Zions  Bancorporation,  and John J.  Gisi,  to me known to be the  Chairman +
President of National Bank of Arizona,  and  acknowledged  said instrument to be
the free and voluntary act and deed of each of said  corporations,  for the uses
and purposes therein  mentioned,  and each on oath stated that he was authorized
to execute said instrument.

     In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal
the day and year first above written.





                                          /s/ Mary L. Pool
                                     ---------------------------
                                            Notary Public

                                           "OFFICIAL SEAL"
                                             Mary L. Pool
                                        Notary Public-Arizona
                                             Yuma County
                                     My Commission Expires 9/7/97


                                     - 56 -

<PAGE>





- ------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------)
State of Arizona                                         )
                                                         )       ss.
County of Yuma                                           )
                                )
- --------------------------------

     On this  seventeenth day of January,  1996,  before me personally  appeared
John E. Byrd,  to me known to be the President  and Chief  Executive  Officer of
Southern  Arizona  Bancorp,  Inc.,  and to be the President and Chief  Executive
Officer of Southern  Arizona Bank, and  acknowledged  said  instrument to be the
free and voluntary act and deed of each of said  corporations,  for the uses and
purposes therein mentioned, and on oath stated that he was authorized to execute
said instrument.

     In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal
the day and year first above written.





                                          /s/ Mary L. Pool
                                     ---------------------------
                                            Notary Public

                                           "OFFICIAL SEAL"
                                             Mary L. Pool
                                        Notary Public-Arizona
                                             Yuma County
                                     My Commission Expires 9/7/97


                                     - 57 -

<PAGE>


                The  undersigned  members of the Board of  Directors of SOUTHERN
ARIZONA BANCORP,  INC. (the "Company"),  acknowledging that Zions Bancorporation
("Zions  Bancorp") has relied upon the action  heretofore  taken by the board of
directors  in  entering  into  the  Agreement,  and has  required  the same as a
prerequisite to Zions Bancorp's execution of the Agreement,  do individually and
as a group agree,  subject to termination  of the Agreement  pursuant to section
10.1  or  10.2  of  the  Agreement   (including  section  10.2(c)(iii)  of  this
Agreement),  to vote the  shares  of  capital  stock  each  owns in favor of the
Agreement  and to support the  Agreement  and to  recommend  its adoption by the
other shareholders of the Company.

                The undersigned do hereby,  individually  and as a group,  until
the Effective Date or  termination of the Agreement  pursuant to section 10.1 or
10.2 of the  Agreement  (including  section  10.2(c)(iii)  of  this  Agreement),
further agree to refrain from soliciting or, subject to their  fiduciary  duties
to  shareholders  and to section 7.8 of the Agreement,  negotiating or accepting
any offer of merger,  consolidation,  or acquisition of any of the shares or all
or substantially all of the assets of the Company or the Bank.




/s/ John E. Byrd                    /s/ Thomas M. Howell
- -----------------------            ---------------------------


/s/ Donald S. Olsen                 /s/ C.N. Urtuzuastegui
- -----------------------            ---------------------------


/s/ Stephen P. Shadle               /s/ Robt W. Kennerly
- -----------------------            ---------------------------


/s/ Jimmy Naquin                    /c/ Forrest Braden
- -----------------------            ---------------------------



/s/ Colleen Newman
- -----------------------            ---------------------------


- -----------------------            ---------------------------



                                     - 58 -

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT I
                                    ---------

                        HOLDING COMPANY MERGER AGREEMENT

<PAGE>


                               AGREEMENT OF MERGER


                This  Agreement  of  Merger  is made and  entered  into as of [-
_______________],  1996,  between  ZIONS  BANCORPORATION  ("Zions  Bancorp"),  a
corporation  organized under the laws of the State of Utah, and SOUTHERN ARIZONA
BANCORP,  INC. (the  "Company"),  a corporation  organized under the laws of the
State of  Arizona.  Zions  Bancorp and the  Company  are  hereinafter  sometimes
individually  called a "Constituent  Corporation"  and  collectively  called the
"Constituent Corporations."

                                    RECITALS

                Zions Bancorp is a corporation duly organized,  validly existing
and  in  good   standing   under  the  laws  of  the   State  of  Utah.   As  of
[_______________], 1996, the authorized capital stock of Zions Bancorp consisted
of [_________]  shares of Common Stock, no par value, of which [_______]  shares
were  issued  and  outstanding;  no shares  of  capital  stock  were held in its
treasury on such date.

                The Company is a corporation  duly organized,  validly  existing
and  in  good  standing  under  the  laws  of  the  State  of  Arizona.   As  of
[_______________],  1996, the authorized  capital stock of the Company consisted
of [___________]  shares of Common Stock, $[____] par value (the "Company Common
Stock"), of which [___________] shares were issued and outstanding; no shares of
capital stock were held in its treasury on such date.

                Zions  Bancorp  and its  affiliate,  NATIONAL  BANK  OF  ARIZONA
("NBA"), and the Company and its affiliate,  SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANK (the "Bank"),
have entered into an Agreement  and Plan of  Reorganization,  dated  January 17,
1996 (the "Plan of  Reorganization"),  setting  forth  certain  representations,
warranties,  and  agreements in  connection  with the  transactions  therein and
herein contemplated,  which contemplates the merger of the Company with and into
Zions Bancorp (the  "Merger") in accordance  with this  Agreement of Merger (the
"Agreement"). NBA and the Bank are hereinafter sometimes collectively called the
"Affiliated Corporations."

                The Boards of Directors of each of Zions  Bancorp,  the Company,
and the  Affiliated  Corporations  deem  the  Merger  advisable  and in the best
interests of each corporation and its  stockholders.  The Boards of Directors of
each of  Zions  Bancorp,  the  Company,  and  the  Affiliated  Corporations,  by
resolutions duly adopted,  have approved the Plan of Reorganization.  The Boards
of  Directors  of each of Zions  Bancorp and the Company,  by  resolutions  duly
adopted, 


<PAGE>
have approved this Agreement. The Board of Directors of the Company has directed
that this Agreement, and authorization for the transactions contemplated hereby,
be submitted to  stockholders  of the Company for approval.  Pursuant to section
16-10a-1103 of the Utah Business  Corporation Act,  approval by the shareholders
of Zions Bancorp is not required.

                At the  Effective  Date (as defined in Section 1.1 below) shares
of Company  Common Stock shall be converted  into the right to receive shares of
the common stock of Zions Bancorp, no par value (the "Zions Bancorp Stock"), and
cash, as provided herein.

                In  consideration  of the premises and the mutual  covenants and
agreements  herein  contained  and  subject to the terms and  conditions  of the
Agreement, the parties hereto hereby covenant and agree as follows:


                                    ARTICLE I

                1.1. Merger of the Company into Zions Bancorp. The Company shall
be  merged  with  and  into  Zions  Bancorp  on the  date  and at the time to be
specified in the  Articles of Merger to be filed with the  Secretary of State of
the  State  of  Utah  pursuant  to  section  16-10a-1105  of the  Utah  Business
Corporation  Act and the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona  pursuant to
section 10-074 of the Arizona General  Corporation Law (such date and time being
referred to herein as the "Effective Date").

                1.2.     Effect of the Merger.  At the Effective Date:

                (a) The Company and Zions Bancorp shall be a single corporation,
which  shall be  Zions  Bancorp.  Zions  Bancorp  is  hereby  designated  as the
surviving  corporation  in the Merger and is  hereinafter  sometimes  called the
"Surviving Corporation."

                (b) The separate existence of the Company shall cease.

                (c)  The  Surviving  Corporation  shall  have  all  the  rights,
privileges,  immunities  and powers  and shall  assume and be subject to all the
duties  and  liabilities  of a  corporation  organized  under the Utah  Business
Corporation Act.

                (d) The Surviving  Corporation  shall  thereupon and  thereafter
possess all of the rights,  privileges,  immunities, and franchises, of a public
as well as of a private nature, of each of 

                                     - 2 -
<PAGE>

the Constituent  Corporations;  and all property,  real, personal and mixed, and
all debts due on whatever  account,  including  subscriptions  to shares and all
other choses in action,  and all and every other interest of and belonging to or
due to each of the  Constituent  Corporations  shall be taken  and  deemed to be
transferred to and vested in the Surviving  Corporation  without  further act or
deed;  and the title to any real  estate,  or any  interest  therein,  vested in
either  of the  Constituent  Corporations  shall  not  revert  or be in any  way
impaired by reason of the Merger.

                (e) The Surviving  Corporation  shall thenceforth be responsible
and liable for all the  liabilities  and  obligations of each of the Constituent
Corporations;  and any claim  existing  or action or  proceeding  pending  by or
against  either of the  Constituent  Corporations  may be  prosecuted  as if the
Merger had not taken place,  or the Surviving  Corporation may be substituted in
its place. The Surviving Corporation expressly assumes and agrees to perform all
of the Company's  liabilities and  obligations.  Neither the rights of creditors
nor any liens  upon the  property  of either  Constituent  Corporation  shall be
impaired by the Merger.

                (f) The Articles of Incorporation of Zions Bancorp as they exist
immediately  prior to the Effective Date shall be the Articles of  Incorporation
of the Surviving Corporation until later amended pursuant to Utah law.

                (g) At the Effective Date and until surrendered for exchange and
payment,  each outstanding stock certificate which, prior to the Effective Date,
represents shares of Company Common Stock shall,  without further action,  cease
to be an issued and  existing  share  and,  subject to the rights any holder may
have under Section 10-080 et seq. of the Arizona General  Corporation Law, shall
be  converted  into a right to receive  from Zions  Bancorp  and shall,  for all
purposes  represent  the right to receive,  upon  surrender  of the  certificate
representing  such shares,  the number of shares of Zions  Bancorp Stock and the
amount of cash  specified in Article  III;  provided  that,  with respect to any
matters relating to stock certificates representing Company Stock, Zions Bancorp
may rely conclusively upon the record of stockholders  maintained by the Company
containing  the names and  addresses  of the holders of record of the  Company's
Common Stock at the Effective Date.

                1.3.     Acts to Carry Out This Merger Plan.
                         ----------------------------------

                (a) The Company and its proper  officers and directors shall and
will do all such acts and things as may be necessary or proper to vest,  perfect
or confirm  title to such  property or rights 

                                     - 3 -
<PAGE>
in Zions Bancorp and otherwise to carry out the purposes of this Agreement.

                (b) If, at any time  after the  Effective  Date,  Zions  Bancorp
shall  consider or be advised that any further  assignments or assurances in law
or any other acts are necessary or desirable to (i) vest, perfect or confirm, of
record or otherwise,  in Zions Bancorp its right, title, or interest in or under
any of the  rights,  properties  or  assets  of the  Company  acquired  or to be
acquired by Zions Bancorp as a result of, or in connection with, the Merger,  or
(ii)  otherwise  carry out the purposes of this  Agreement,  the Company and its
proper  officers and directors  shall be deemed to have granted to Zions Bancorp
an  irrevocable  power of attorney to execute and deliver all such proper deeds,
assignments  and  assurances  in law and to do all acts  necessary  or proper to
vest,  perfect or confirm title to and possession of such rights,  properties or
assets  in Zions  Bancorp  and  otherwise  to  carry  out the  purposes  of this
Agreement;  and the proper  officers and  directors  of Zions  Bancorp are fully
authorized  in the name of the  Company  or  otherwise  to take any and all such
action.

                                   ARTICLE II

                2.1.  Capitalization.  The authorized shares of capital stock of
Zions  Bancorp  as of the  Effective  Date shall be  [_______]  shares of Common
Stock, no par value.

                2.2.  By-Laws.  The  By-Laws  of  Zions  Bancorp  as they  exist
immediately  prior to the  Effective  Date shall be the By-Laws of Zions Bancorp
until later amended pursuant to Utah law.


                                   ARTICLE III

                3.1.     Manner of Converting Shares.

                (a)  Definitions.  For  the  purposes  of  this  Agreement,  the
following  terms shall have the  meanings  set forth in this  Subparagraph  (a).
Additional terms may be defined elsewhere herein.

                         (i) Average Closing Price.  The average (rounded to the
nearest  penny) of each Daily Sales Price of Zions  Bancorp Stock for the twenty
consecutive trading days ending on and including the fifth trading day preceding
the Effective  Date.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  (A) if the result of the
calculation  described  in the previous  sentence is less than $59.00,  then the
Average Closing Price shall be $59.00,  and (B) if the result of the calculation

                                     - 4 -
<PAGE>
described in the previous sentence is more than $72.00, then the Average Closing
Price shall be $72.00.

                    (ii)          Benchmark Price. The sum of:
                                  ----------------

                                  (A)  $25,330,000.00;

                                  (B) the consolidated net undistributed  income
of the Company during the period  beginning on October 1, 1995 and ending on the
close of business on the last day of the calendar month  preceding the Effective
Date,  calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in
a manner consistent with the Company Financial Statements (as defined in section
6.13 of the  Plan  of  Reorganization).  For  the  purpose  of  calculating  net
undistributed  income of the  Company,  any  undistributed  gain,  net of taxes,
derived from activities or transactions  which are not in the ordinary course of
its banking operations (such as, without  limitation,  the sale of securities or
loans,  of  capital  assets,  or of lines of  business),  all of which  shall be
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, shall be
excluded except as mutually agreed by the parties hereto.  It is understood that
the amount calculated under this section  3.1(a)(ii)(B) may be a negative number
and that the effect of summing  such a negative  number  would be a reduction in
the  Benchmark  Price  as  otherwise  would be  calculated  under  this  section
3.1(a)(ii); and

                                  (C) if the  Effective  Date  does not occur on
the first day of a calendar month,  an amount  calculated by computing the daily
average of the net undistributed income of the Company for the period and in the
manner prescribed in section  3.1(a)(ii)(B) hereof and multiplying the result of
such  computation by the number of days elapsing during the period  beginning on
the first day of the month in which the Effective  Date occurs and ending on the
day  immediately  preceding the Effective Date. It is understood that the amount
calculated  under this section  3.1(a)(ii)(C)  may be a negative number and that
the  effect of  summing  such a  negative  number  would be a  reduction  in the
Benchmark Price as otherwise would be calculated under this section 3.1(a)(ii).

                   (iii)  Daily  Sales  Price.  For any  trading  day,  the last
reported  sale  price  or,  if no such  reported  sale  takes  place,  the  mean
(unrounded)  of the closing bid and asked prices of Zions  Bancorp  Stock in the
over-the-counter  market as such prices are reported by the automated  quotation
system of the  National  Association  of  Securities  Dealers,  Inc.,  or in the
absence  thereof by such other  source upon which Zions  Bancorp and the Company
shall mutually agree.


                                     - 5 -
<PAGE>
                    (iv) Dissenting  Shares.  The shares of Company Common Stock
held by those shareholders of the Company who have timely and properly exercised
their dissenters'  rights in accordance with all applicable laws (the "Appraisal
Laws").

                    (v) Zions Bancorp Stock.  The common stock of Zions Bancorp,
no par value.

                (b) Form of Consideration.  Subject to the terms, conditions and
limitations  set forth  herein,  upon  surrender  of his or her  certificate  or
certificates, each holder of shares of Company Common Stock shall be entitled to
receive in the Merger,  in exchange for each share of Company  Common Stock held
of record by such stockholder as of the Effective Date:

                    (i) that number of shares of Zions Bancorp Stock  calculated
by dividing the Benchmark  Price by the Average  Closing  Price,  and by further
dividing  the number so reached by the number of shares of Company  Common Stock
that shall be issued and outstanding at the Effective Date, and

                    (ii) in the event that the  average  (rounded to the nearest
penny)  of each  Daily  Sales  Price  of  Zions  Bancorp  Stock  for the  twenty
consecutive trading days ending on and including the fifth trading day preceding
the Effective Date (the  "Unadjusted  Average Price") shall be less than $59.00,
that amount of cash (the "Cash Component")  calculated by dividing the amount by
which the Benchmark  Price exceeds the product of the  Unadjusted  Average Price
and the number of shares of Zions Bancorp Stock issuable under subsection (b)(i)
of this  section 3.1 by the number of shares of Company  Common Stock that shall
be issued and outstanding at the Effective Date.

        3.2. No  Fractional  Shares.  Zions  Bancorp  will not issue  fractional
shares of Zions Bancorp  Stock.  In lieu of  fractional  shares of Zions Bancorp
Stock,  if any, each  shareholder of the Company who is entitled to a fractional
share of Zions  Bancorp  Stock  shall  receive  an amount  of cash  equal to the
product of such fraction times the Average Closing Price.  Such fractional share
interest  shall not  include  the right to vote or to receive  dividends  or any
interest thereon.

        3.3. Dissenting Shares. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein,
each  Dissenting  Share  whose  holder,  as  of  the  Effective  Date,  has  not
effectively  withdrawn or lost his or her dissenters' rights under the Appraisal
Laws,  shall not be converted into or represent a right to receive Zions Bancorp
Stock or Cash  Component,  but the holder thereof shall be entitled only to such

                                     - 6 -
<PAGE>
rights as are granted by the Appraisal  Laws.  Each holder of Dissenting  Shares
who becomes  entitled to payment for his or her Company Common Stock pursuant to
the provisions of the Appraisal Laws shall receive  payment  therefor from Zions
Bancorp  (but only  after the amount  thereof  shall  have been  agreed  upon or
finally determined pursuant to such provisions).

        3.4. Dividends; Interest. No shareholder of the Company will be entitled
to receive dividends on his or her Zions Bancorp Stock until he or she exchanges
his or her  certificates  representing  Company  Common Stock for Zions  Bancorp
Stock and,  if  applicable,  Cash  Component.  Any  dividends  declared on Zions
Bancorp  Stock (which stock is to be delivered  pursuant to this  Agreement)  to
holders of record on or after the  Effective  Date shall be paid to the Exchange
Agent (as  designated  in Section  3.5) and,  upon  receipt of the  certificates
representing shares of Company Common Stock, the Exchange Agent shall forward to
the former shareholders entitled to receive Zions Bancorp Stock (i) certificates
representing  their  shares of Zions  Bancorp  Stock,  (ii)  dividends  declared
thereon  subsequent to the Effective  Date  (without  interest),  (iii) the cash
value of any fractional  shares determined in accordance with Section 3.2 hereof
(without interest), and (iv) any Cash Component (without interest).

                3.5.  Designation  of  Exchange  Agent.  The  Company  and Zions
Bancorp hereby designate Zions First National Bank, Salt Lake City, Utah ("Zions
Bank") as  Exchange  Agent to effect the  exchange  contemplated  hereby.  Zions
Bancorp will, promptly after the Effective Date, issue and deliver to Zions Bank
the share certificates  representing  shares of Zions Bancorp Stock and the cash
in lieu of  fractional  shares and any Cash  Component  to be paid to holders of
Company Common Stock in accordance with this Agreement.

                3.6.  Notice of Exchange.  Promptly  after the  Effective  Date,
Zions  Bancorp  shall  cause  Zions  Bank to mail to each  holder of one or more
certificates  formerly representing Company Common Stock, except to such holders
as  shall  have  waived  the  notice  required  by this  Section  3.6,  a notice
specifying  the Effective Date and notifying such holder to surrender his or her
certificate  or  certificates  to Zions Bank for exchange.  Such notice shall be
mailed to holders  by  regular  mail at their  addresses  on the  records of the
Company. Zions Bancorp shall cause Zions Bank to deliver shares and cash to such
holders who comply with the terms and conditions of the notice of exchange.

                                     - 7 -
<PAGE>
                                   ARTICLE IV

                4.1. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts  each of which shall be deemed to constitute an original,  but such
counterparts  together shall be deemed to be one and the same  instrument and to
become effective when one or more  counterparts  have been signed by each of the
parties  hereto.  It shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement or
any counterpart hereof to produce or account for the other counterpart.

                4.2.  Section  Headings.  The  section and  subsection  headings
herein have been inserted for  convenience of reference only and shall in no way
modify or restrict any of the terms or  provisions  hereof.  Any  reference to a
"person"  herein shall include an individual,  firm,  corporation,  partnership,
trust, government or political subdivision or agency or instrumentality thereof,
association, unincorporated organization, or any other entity.

                4.3.  Choice of Law and Venue.  This Agreement shall be governed
by,  construed,  and enforced in accordance  with the laws of the State of Utah,
without giving effect to the principles of conflict of law thereof.  The parties
hereby designate Salt Lake County,  Utah and Yuma County,  Arizona, to be proper
jurisdictions  and venues for any suit or action arising out of this  Agreement.
Each of the parties consents to personal jurisdiction in each of such venues for
such a  proceeding  and agrees that it may be served with  process in any action
with  respect to this  Agreement  or the  transactions  contemplated  thereby by
certified or registered  mail,  return receipt  requested,  or to its registered
agent  for  service  of  process  in the state of Utah or  Arizona.  Each of the
parties irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, not to plead any objection  that it may now or hereafter  have
to the  laying of venue or the  convenience  of the forum of any action or claim
with respect to this Agreement or the transactions  contemplated thereby brought
in the courts aforesaid.

                4.4. Binding Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon the
parties and their respective successors and assigns.

                4.5.  Amendment.  Anything  herein or  elsewhere to the contrary
notwithstanding,  to the extent permitted by law, this Agreement may be amended,
supplemented,  or interpreted at any time prior to the Effective Date by written
instrument duly authorized and executed by each of the parties hereto; provided,
however, that this Agreement may not be amended after the action by shareholders
of the Company in any respect that would  prejudice  the  economic  

                                     - 8 -
<PAGE>
interests of such Company  shareholders,  or any of them, except as specifically
provided herein or by like action of such shareholders.

                4.6.   Termination.   This  Agreement  shall  terminate  and  be
abandoned upon (i) termination of the Plan of  Reorganization or (ii) the mutual
consent of Zions  Bancorp  and the  Company  at any time prior to the  Effective
Date,  and there  shall be no  liability  on the part of  either of the  parties
hereto (or any of their respective  officers or directors)  except to the extent
provided in the Plan of Reorganization.

        IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first above written.

                                          ZIONS BANCORPORATION



Attest:                                   By:
        ---------------------                 ----------------------------------
        Gary L. Anderson                          Harris H. Simmons
        Secretary                                 President and Chief Executive
                                                       Officer



                                          SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC.



Attest:                                   By:
        ---------------------                 ----------------------------------
                                                  John E. Byrd
                                                  President and Chief Executive
                                                         Officer

                                      - 9 -

<PAGE>



- ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                         )
State of Utah                                            )
                                                         ) ss.
                                                         )
County of Salt Lake                                      )
                                                         )
- ---------------------------------------------------------


     On this [________] day of [_______],  1996,  before me personally  appeared
Harris H. Simmons,  to me known to be the President and Chief Executive  Officer
of Zions  Bancorporation,  and  acknowledged  said instrument to be the free and
voluntary act and deed of said  corporation,  for the uses and purposes  therein
mentioned, and on oath stated that he was authorized to execute said instrument.

     In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal
the day and year first above written.






                                              --------------------------
                                                    Notary Public

                                     - 10 -

<PAGE>

- ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                         )
State of Arizona                                         )
                                                         ) ss.
                                                         )
County of Yuma                                           )
                                                         )
- ---------------------------------------------------------


     On this [________] day of [_______],  1996,  before me personally  appeared
John E. Byrd,  to me known to be the President  and Chief  Executive  Officer of
Southern Arizona Bancorp,  Inc., and acknowledged said instrument to be the free
and  voluntary  act and deed of said  corporation,  for the  uses  and  purposes
therein  mentioned,  and on oath stated that he was  authorized  to execute said
instrument.

     In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal
the day and year first above written.






                                                --------------------------
                                                      Notary Public

                                     - 11 -

<PAGE>



                                   EXHIBIT II
                                   ----------

                              BANK MERGER AGREEMENT


<PAGE>


                               AGREEMENT TO MERGE

                              SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANK

                                  with and into

                            NATIONAL BANK OF ARIZONA

                         under the charter and title of

                            NATIONAL BANK OF ARIZONA



         THIS AGREEMENT made between Southern Arizona Bank (hereinafter referred
to as the "Bank"),  an Arizona banking  corporation  organized under the laws of
the State of  Arizona,  being  located  in the  County of Yuma,  in the State of
Arizona, with a Capital of $[_________], divided into [_______] shares of common
stock,  each of  $[_____]  par value,  Surplus of  $[_________],  and  Undivided
Profits of $[- _________],  as of  [______________],  1996, and National Bank of
Arizona (herein referred to as "NBA"), a national banking association  organized
under the laws of the United  States of America,  being located in the County of
Pima,  in the State of  Arizona,  with a Capital  of  $[_______],  divided  into
[_______]  shares of  common  stock,  each of  $[____]  par  value,  Surplus  of
$[_________], and Undivided Profits of $[_________], as of [___________],  1996,
each acting  pursuant to a resolution of its Board of Directors,  adopted by the
vote of a majority of its directors,  pursuant to the authority  given by and in
accordance  with the  provisions  of the Act of November 7, 1918, as amended (12
U.S.C. ss. 215a) witnesseth as follows:


                                    SECTION 1

         The Bank shall be merged  into NBA under the charter of the latter (the
"Merger").


                                    SECTION 2

         The name of the resulting  association  (hereinafter referred to as the
"Association") shall be National Bank of Arizona.


                                    SECTION 3

         The  business of the  Association  shall be that of a national  banking
association.  This business  shall be conducted by the  


<PAGE>

Association  at its main office which shall be located at 335 North Wilmot Road,
Tucson, Arizona and at its legally established branches.

                                    SECTION 4

         The amount of capital stock of the Association  shall be  $[_________],
divided into [_________]  shares of common stock, each of $[____] par value, and
at the time the Merger  shall  become  effective  (the  "Effective  Date"),  the
Association  shall have [_______]  shares issued and  outstanding for capital of
$[_________].  Surplus of the Association  will be  $[_________],  and undivided
profits, including capital reserves, when combined with the capital and surplus,
will be equal to the combined capital  structures of the merging banks as stated
in the preamble to this Agreement,  adjusted,  however,  for normal earnings and
expenses between [___________], 1996, and the Effective Date.


                                    SECTION 5

         (a) At the Effective Date, the corporate  existence of the Bank and NBA
shall be merged into and continued in the  Association  as provided in 12 U.S.C.
ss. 215a; and the Association  shall be deemed to be the same corporation as the
Bank and NBA. All assets,  rights,  franchises and interests of the Bank and NBA
respectively,  in and to every type of property  (real,  personal and mixed) and
choses in action,  as they exist at the Effective Date,  shall be transferred to
and vested in the  Association by virtue of the Merger without any deed or other
transfer.  At the  Effective  Date and without any order or other  action on the
part of any court or otherwise,  the Association shall hold and enjoy all rights
of  property,   franchises  and  interests,   including  appointments,   powers,
designations  and  nominations,  and all other rights and  interests as trustee,
executor,  administrator,  agent,  transfer  agent,  and registrar of stocks and
bonds,  guardian of estates,  assignee,  receiver and conservator,  and in every
other fiduciary capacity,  and every agency capacity,  in the same manner and to
the same extent as such rights, franchises and interests were held or enjoyed by
the Bank and NBA, respectively, immediately prior to the Effective Date.

         (b) At the  Effective  Date,  the  Association  shall be liable for all
liabilities  of the Bank  and  NBA,  including  liabilities  arising  out of the
operation  of a Trust  Department,  and (except as so  provided)  all  deposits,
debts, liabilities, obligations and contracts of the Bank and NBA, respectively,
matured or unmatured, 

                                     - 2 -
<PAGE>
whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, and whether or not reflected
or reserved  against on balance sheets,  books of account or records of the Bank
or NBA, as the case may be, shall be those of and are hereby  expressly  assumed
by the Association and shall not be released or impaired by the Merger;  and all
rights of creditors  and other  obligees and all liens on property of either the
Bank  or  NBA  shall  be  preserved  unimpaired.  At  the  Effective  Date,  the
Association shall be liable for all then existing indemnification obligations of
the Bank and NBA under their  respective  Articles of  Association or By-Laws or
under any other agreement. At the Effective Date, the Association shall have all
rights,  and shall be liable for all  obligations  of the Bank and NBA under all
employee  compensation  and benefit plans and  arrangements of the Bank and NBA,
and such plans and related trusts,  if any, shall continue in effect without any
interruption or termination.


                                    SECTION 6

         (a) At the Effective Date, the currently  outstanding  [_______] shares
of common stock of NBA, each of $[____] par value,  will remain  outstanding  as
shares of the $[____] par value common stock of the Association, and the holders
of such stock shall retain their present rights.

         (b) No other capital stock of NBA will be issued in the Merger.

         (c) At the Effective Date, the shares of common stock of the Bank shall
be canceled.


                                    SECTION 7

         Between  the date of this  Merger  Agreement  and the  Effective  Date,
without the written  consent of NBA, the Bank will not declare or distribute any
stock  dividend,  authorize  a stock  split or issue  or  authorize  or make any
distribution of its capital stock, or merge with,  consolidate  with or sell its
assets to any other corporation or person, or permit any other corporation to be
merged  or  consolidated  with  it,  to  acquire  all the  assets  of any  other
corporation  or  person,  or to enter  into  any  other  transaction  not in the
ordinary  course of the business of banking,  or to dispose of any of its assets
in any other manner  except in the ordinary  course of business and for adequate
value.

                                     - 3 -
<PAGE>
                                    SECTION 8

         At and  after  the  Effective  Date,  the  Board  of  Directors  of the
Association will be composed of the following persons:












         The Board of Directors of the Association as so constituted shall serve
until the next annual meeting or until such time as their  successors  have been
elected and have qualified.

     
                                    SECTION 9

         The  Effective  Date  shall  be the  date  upon  which  the last of the
following events shall occur:

         (a) The first to occur of (a) the date thirty days  following  the date
of the order of the  Comptroller of the Currency (the  "Comptroller")  approving
the  Merger,  or (b) if,  pursuant  to section  321(b) of the  Riegle  Community
Development and Regulatory  Improvement Act of 1994, the Comptroller  shall have
prescribed a shorter period of time with the concurrence of the Attorney General
of the  United  States,  the date on which  such  shorter  period of time  shall
elapse;

         (b) The date as of which this  Agreement  shall have been  ratified and
confirmed by the  affirmative  vote of the owners of at least  two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of each of the Bank and NBA; or

         (c) Such later date as mutually  agreed upon by the  Presidents  of the
Bank and NBA.

                                     - 4 -
<PAGE>
                                   SECTION 10

         This Agreement may be terminated by the unilateral  action of the Board
of Directors of any  participant  prior to the approval of the  shareholders  of
said  participant  or by the mutual  consent of the Boards of  Directors of both
participants after any shareholder group has taken affirmative action.


                                   SECTION 11

         This Agreement shall be ratified and confirmed by the affirmative  vote
of the  shareholders  of each of the  banks  owning at least  two-thirds  of its
capital stock outstanding, at a meeting held on the call of the Directors, or by
a consent in lieu of such a meeting;  and the merger shall  become  effective at
the time specified in a certificate to be issued by the  Comptroller,  under the
seal of his office, approving the Merger.

            [the remainder of this page is intentionally left blank]

                                      - 5 -

<PAGE>


         WITNESS the signatures and seals of said merging banks this [_____] day
of  [__________],  1996,  each hereunto set by its President and attested by its
Cashier or  Secretary or Assistant  Secretary,  pursuant to a resolution  of the
Board of Directors,  acting by a majority  thereof,  and witness the  signatures
hereto of a majority of each of said Boards of Directors.


                                              SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANK


Attest: ____________________                   By: _________________________





- --------------------------                         -------------------------


- --------------------------                         -------------------------


- --------------------------                         -------------------------


- --------------------------                         -------------------------


                           --------------------------


                       Directors of Southern Arizona Bank


                                      - 6 -

<PAGE>
STATE OF ARIZONA                    )
                                    )       ss.
COUNTY OF YUMA                      )

         On this [_____] day of [__________],  1996,  before me, a Notary Public
for the State and County  aforesaid,  personally came John E. Byrd, as President
and Chief Executive Officer, and [____________],  as [Secretary]  [Cashier],  of
Southern  Arizona Bank,  and each in his or her said capacity  acknowledged  the
foregoing instrument to be the act and deed of said bank and the seal affixed
thereto to be its seal; and came also:











being a  majority  of the  Board of  Directors  of said  bank,  and each of them
acknowledged  said instrument to be the act and deed of said bank and of himself
or herself as director thereof.

         WITNESS my official seal and signature this day and year aforesaid.


(SEAL OF NOTARY)
                                           ___________________________________
                                           Notary Public, Grand County
                                           My commission expires:




                                      - 7 -

<PAGE>



                                                 NATIONAL BANK OF ARIZONA


Attest:_______________________                 By:_________________________





- -----------------------------                     --------------------------



- -----------------------------                     --------------------------



- -----------------------------                     --------------------------



                          -----------------------------


                      Directors of National Bank of Arizona



                                      - 8-

<PAGE>



STATE OF ARIZONA                    )
                                    )       ss:
COUNTY OF MARICOPA                  )

         On this [_____] day of [_____],  1996,  before me, a Notary  Public for
the   State  and   County   aforesaid,   personally   came   [____________]   as
[____________],  and [____________],  as [Cashier] [Secretary], of National Bank
of Arizona, and each in his said capacity  acknowledged the foregoing instrument
to be the act and deed of said  association  and the seal affixed  thereto to be
its seal; and came also:










being a majority of the Board of Directors of said association, and each of them
acknowledged  said instrument to be the act and deed of said  association and of
himself or herself as director thereof.

         WITNESS my official seal and signature this day and year aforesaid.


(SEAL OF NOTARY)
                                        ___________________________________
                                        Notary Public, Maricopa County    
                                        My commission expires:

                                      - 9 -

<PAGE>


                                   EXHIBIT III
                                   -----------

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
                           BY AND BETWEEN JOHN E. BYRD
                          AND NATIONAL BANK OF ARIZONA


<PAGE>




                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


                  This EMPLOYMENT  AGREEMENT (the  "Agreement") made and entered
into  this  [___]  day of  [______________],  1996,  by and  among  JOHN E. BYRD
("Executive")  and  NATIONAL  BANK OF ARIZONA,  a national  banking  association
organized under the laws of the United States, having its head office in Tucson,
Arizona ("NBA")

                                WITNESSETH THAT:
                                ----------------

                  WHEREAS, the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan")
dated  as of  January  17,  1996,  by and  among  Zions  Bancorporation  ("Zions
Bancorp"),  NBA,  Southern Arizona Bancorp,  Inc. (the "Company"),  and Southern
Arizona Bank (the "Bank") provides that the Company will be merged with and into
Zions Bancorp and that the Bank will be merged with and into NBA;

                  WHEREAS,  Executive  is  the  President  and  Chief  Executive
Officer of each of the Company and the Bank;

                  WHEREAS,  NBA desires to secure the  employment  of  Executive
upon consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Plan;

                  WHEREAS,  Executive is desirous of entering into the Agreement
for such periods and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

                  WHEREAS,   to  assist  in  achieving  the  objectives  of  the
transactions  described in the Plan,  section 3.6 of the Plan  contemplates that
Executive  will enter into an  employment  and  non-competition  agreement  as a
condition to the consummation of the transactions described therein.

                  NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration of the premises and mutual
covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties agree as follows:

                  1.       Employment; Responsibilities and Duties.
                           ----------------------------------------

                  (a) NBA  hereby  agrees to  employ  Executive,  and  Executive
hereby agrees to serve, at the locations specified in section 4, as an executive
vice president of NBA during the Term of Employment,  reporting  directly to the
chief executive  officer of NBA.  Executive shall be responsible for the general
banking  operations  of NBA in Yuma County,  Arizona,  and shall have such other
duties,  responsibilities,  and authority of an executive nature as shall be set
forth in the by-laws of NBA on the date of this  Agreement  or as 


<PAGE>

may otherwise from time to time reasonably be assigned to Executive by the board
of directors or the chief executive officer of NBA.

                  (b)  Executive  shall  devote his full  working  time and best
efforts to the performance of his responsibilities and duties hereunder.  During
the Term of Employment,  Executive shall not,  without the prior written consent
of the Board of Directors of NBA,  render  services as an employee,  independent
contractor,  or otherwise,  whether or not compensated,  to any person or entity
other  than NBA or a  company  affiliated  with  NBA;  provided,  however,  that
Executive may, where  involvement in such activities does not individually or in
the aggregate  significantly  interfere with the performance by Executive of his
duties or violate the  provisions  of section 5 hereof,  (i) render  services to
charitable organizations,  (ii) manage his personal investments,  and (iii) with
the  prior  permission  of the  Board  of  Directors  of NBA,  hold  such  other
directorships  or part-time  academic  appointments  or have such other business
affiliations as would otherwise be prohibited under this section 1.

                  2.       Term of Employment.
                           -------------------

                  (a) The term of this Agreement ("Term of Employment") shall be
the  period  commencing  on  the  date  hereof  (the  "Commencement  Date")  and
continuing  until the Termination  Date,  which shall mean the earliest to occur
of:

                           (i) the third  anniversary of the Commencement  Date,
unless the Term of Employment  shall be extended by mutual written  agreement of
Executive and NBA;

                           (ii) the death of Executive;

                           (iii)  Executive's  inability  to perform  his duties
hereunder, as a result of physical or mental disability as reasonably determined
by the personal physician of Executive, for a period of at least 180 consecutive
days or for at least 180 days  during  any period of twelve  consecutive  months
during the Term of Employment; or

                           (iv) the  discharge  of Executive by NBA "for cause,"
which shall mean one or more of the following:

                                    (A)  any  willful  or  gross  misconduct  by
Executive with respect to the business and affairs of NBA;

                                    (B) the  conviction of Executive of a felony
(after the earlier of the  expiration of any  applicable  appeal

                                      - 2-
<PAGE>

period without  perfection of an appeal by Executive or the denial of any appeal
as to which no further  appeal or review is available to  Executive)  whether or
not committed in the course of his employment by NBA;

                                    (C) Executive's willful neglect, failure, or
refusal to carry out his duties hereunder in a reasonable manner; or

                                    (D)  the   breach   by   Executive   of  any
representation or warranty in section 7(a) hereof or of any agreement  contained
in section 1, 5, 6, or 7(b) hereof, which breach is material and adverse to NBA;
or

                           (v)  Executive's  resignation  from his position as a
senior officer of NBA; or

                           (vi) the  termination  of  Executive's  employment by
NBA, for any reason other than those set forth in subsections (i), (ii),  (iii),
or (iv) of this section  2(a),  at any time,  upon the  thirtieth  day following
notice to Executive.

                  (b)  In the  event  that  the  Term  of  Employment  shall  be
terminated for any reason other than that set forth in section  2(a)(vi) hereof,
Executive shall be entitled to receive, upon the occurrence of any such event:

                           (i)  any  salary  (as  hereinafter  defined)  payable
pursuant  to  section  3(a)(i)  hereof  which  shall  have  accrued  as  of  the
Termination Date; and

                           (ii) such rights as  Executive  shall have accrued as
of the Termination Date under the terms of any plans or arrangements in which he
participates pursuant to sections 3(b) or (c) hereof, any right to reimbursement
for expenses accrued as of the Termination Date payable pursuant to section 3(b)
hereof,  and the right to receive the cash  equivalent  of paid annual leave and
sick leave accrued as of the Termination Date pursuant to section 3(e) hereof.

                  (c)  In the  event  that  the  Term  of  Employment  shall  be
terminated for the reason set forth in section 2(a)(vi) hereof,  Executive shall
be entitled to receive:

                           (i) for the period commencing on the date immediately
following  the  Termination  Date  and  ending  upon  and  including  the  third
anniversary of the  Commencement  Date,  salary payable at the rate  established
pursuant to Section  3(a)(i) hereof for the

                                     - 3 -
<PAGE>
year in which the  Termination  Date  occurs,  in a manner  consistent  with the
normal payroll practices of NBA with respect to executive personnel as in effect
from time to time; and

                           (ii) such rights as Executive  may have accrued as of
the  Termination  Date under the terms of any plans or  arrangements in which he
participates pursuant to sections 3(b) or (c) hereof, any right to reimbursement
for expenses accrued as of the Termination Date payable pursuant to section 3(b)
hereof,  and the right to receive the cash  equivalent  of paid annual leave and
sick leave accrued as of the Termination Date pursuant to section 3(e) hereof.

                  (d) At or about six months before the third anniversary of the
Commencement   Date,   NBA  and  Executive   will  each  review  the  employment
relationship  between NBA and Executive in order to evaluate the desirability of
maintaining that relationship for an additional term beyond that provided for in
section 2(a)(i) of this Agreement,  or of modifying such  relationship  for such
additional  term, and NBA and Executive will engage in discussions  with respect
to  mutually  agreeable  terms and  conditions  for such  employment;  provided,
however,  that  nothing  in this  section  2(d)  shall  constitute  an  offer or
guarantee of employment.

                  3. Compensation. For the services to be performed by Executive
for NBA under this  Agreement,  Executive  shall be compensated in the following
manner:

                  (a) Salary and Bonus.
                      ------------------

                           (i) Salary. During the Term of Employment,  NBA shall
pay  Executive an initial  base salary of $158,291 per annum.  The amount of the
salary  hereunder  shall be reviewed at least  annually in  accordance  with the
procedures and standards  established for review of executive  compensation  for
other senior officers of NBA, and changes thereto may be made in accordance with
the compensation policies of NBA. Salary shall be payable in accordance with the
normal payroll practices of NBA with respect to executive personnel as in effect
from time to time.

                           (ii)  Covenant  Bonus.  On  the  Commencement   Date,
Executive  shall receive a one-time cash bonus of $250,000,  which is in payment
for and allocable to the noncompetition  agreement  contained in section 5(b) of
this Agreement.

                           (iii)  Discretionary  Bonuses.  During  the  Term  of
Employment and beginning with respect to the calendar year ending as of December
31, 1996,  Executive  shall be  considered  annually for a  discretionary  bonus
payment by NBA. The payment of this bonus 

                                     - 4 -
<PAGE>
and its amount  shall be based upon the  financial  performance  of NBA and upon
individual  performance  factors.  The  target  level for this  bonus will be 25
percent  to 35 percent of the salary of  Executive,  provided  that this  target
level  shall not bind NBA in any way with  regard  to the  amount of bonus to be
awarded to Executive or to whether any bonus will be awarded to  Executive.  Any
bonus  awarded by NBA under this  subsection  with respect to any calendar  year
shall be paid to Executive  during the first calendar  quarter of the succeeding
calendar  year.  The award and amount of this bonus  shall be  reviewed at least
annually in accordance with the procedures and standards  established for review
of executive  compensation for other senior officers of NBA, and changes thereto
may be made in accordance with the compensation policies of Zions Bancorp.

                  (b) Value-Sharing Plan and Incentive Stock Option Plan. During
the  Term of  Employment,  Executive  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  units of
participation under the Value-Sharing Plan and stock options under the Incentive
Stock Option Plan of Zions Bancorp,  as each is in effect as of the Commencement
Date or as may be modified by Zions  Bancorp from time to time,  in such amounts
and upon such terms as may be prescribed by the Executive Compensation Committee
of the Board of Directors of Zions Bancorp at its sole discretion.

                  (c) Employee Benefit Plans or Arrangements. During the Term of
Employment,  subject to the following  sentence  Executive  shall be entitled to
participate  in all employee  benefit plans of NBA, as presently in effect or as
they may be  modified  or added to by Zions  Bancorp  or NBA from  time to time,
under such terms as may be  applicable to officers of NBA of  Executive's  rank,
including,  without limitation,  plans providing  retirement  benefits,  medical
insurance,  life  insurance,  disability  insurance,  and  accidental  death  or
dismemberment  insurance.  During  the  Term of  Employment  the  coverages  and
benefits to which Executive is entitled with respect to disability insurance and
dental  insurance  will not be less than those afforded to Executive by the Bank
as of September  30, 1995,  and the cost to  Executive of these  disability  and
dental  insurance  coverages  will not be  greater  than that  assessed  against
Executive by the Bank for such insurance as of September 30, 1995.

                  (d) Automobile  Allowance.  During the Term of Employment,  in
lieu of providing Executive with the use, maintenance, insurance, or garaging of
an  automobile,  NBA will pay to Executive an  automobile  allowance of $375 per
month.

                  (e)  Vacation and Sick Leave.  During the Term of  Employment,
Executive  shall be entitled to paid annual  vacation  periods and sick leave in
accordance with the policies of NBA as in 


                                     - 5 -
<PAGE>

effect as of the  Commencement  Date or as may be  modified  by NBA from time to
time as may be applicable to officers of NBA of Executive's rank,  provided that
during the Term of Employment  the number of  Executive's  paid annual  vacation
days shall not be fewer than 33 per twelve-month period.

                  (f) Country Club. During the Term of Employment, NBA shall pay
for Executive's continued membership in such country clubs whose membership fees
are paid by the Company or the Bank as of September 30, 1995.

                  (g)  Retirement  Life  Insurance  Policy.  During  the Term of
Employment, NBA will honor the New York Life Insurance Company retirement policy
which is currently in place with respect to Executive.

                  (h) Life  Insurance.  During the Term of Employment,  NBA will
pay the premiums (currently  approximately  $1,550 annually) with respect to the
life  insurance  policy  currently in place with respect to Executive,  provided
that in lieu of  maintaining  this  policy  NBA may make  arrangements  for such
equivalent life insurance benefits with respect to Executive,  the cost of which
arrangements shall be borne by NBA, as shall be acceptable to Executive.

                  (i)  Withholding.  All  compensation  to be paid to  Executive
hereunder shall be subject to required withholding and other taxes.

                  (j) Expenses.  During the Term of Employment,  Executive shall
be  reimbursed  for  reasonable  travel and other  expenses  incurred or paid by
Executive  in  connection  with  the  performance  of his  services  under  this
Agreement,  upon  presentation  of expense  statements or vouchers or such other
supporting information as may from time to time be requested, in accordance with
such policies of NBA as are in effect as of the Commencement  Date and as may be
modified  by NBA,  under such terms as may be  applicable  to officers of NBA of
Executive's rank.

                  (k) Medical  Examinations.  NBA shall reimburse  Executive for
the reasonable  cost of one medical  examination  undergone by Executive in each
twelve-month  period  following the  Commencement  Date,  provided that any such
examination shall have occurred during the Term of Employment.

                  (l) Carry-Over of Sick Leave.  NBA shall credit Executive with
the number of hours of unused and  unforfeited  sick leave with which  Executive
was credited by the Bank as of the day before the  Commencement  Date,  provided
that  such sick  leave  may be 

                                      - 6 -
<PAGE>
taken only with respect to actual illnesses, injuries, appointments with medical
practitioners,  or other  legitimate  medical  conditions or  occurrences  which
prevent Executive from reporting to work.

                  4. Place of Employment.  The place of employment of Executive,
during the Term of Employment,  shall be in Yuma County,  Arizona, or such other
locations as may be agreed upon by NBA and Executive,  with such business travel
outside Yuma  County,  Arizona or such other  locations  as shall be  reasonably
necessary to the performance of his duties.

                  5.       Confidential Business Information; Non-Competition.
                           ---------------------------------------------------

                  (a)  Executive  acknowledges  that certain  business  methods,
creative techniques, and technical data of NBA and the like are deemed by NBA to
be and  are in  fact  confidential  business  information  either  of NBA or are
entrusted to NBA by third parties. Such confidential information includes but is
not limited to procedures, methods, sales relationships developed while in NBA's
service,  knowledge  of  customers  and  their  requirements,  marketing  plans,
marketing information,  studies,  forecasts, and surveys,  competitive analyses,
mailing  and  marketing  lists,  new  business  proposals,   lists  of  vendors,
consultants,  and other persons who render  service or provide  material to NBA,
and  compositions,  ideas,  plans,  and methods  belonging  to or related to the
affairs of NBA. In this  regard,  NBA asserts  proprietary  rights in all of its
business  information  except for such  information  as is clearly in the public
domain.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  information  which would be generally
known or available to persons skilled in Executive's  fields shall be considered
to be "clearly in the public domain" for the purposes of the preceding sentence.
Executive agrees that he will not disclose or divulge to any third party, except
as may be required by his duties hereunder,  by law,  regulation,  or order of a
court or  government  authority,  or as directed by NBA, nor shall he use to the
detriment of NBA or use in any business or on behalf of any business competitive
with or substantially  similar to any business of NBA, any confidential business
information  obtained  during the course of his employment by NBA. The foregoing
shall not be construed as restricting Executive from disclosing such information
to the employees of NBA.

                  (b) Executive hereby agrees that during the Term of Employment
and,  following the termination of Executive's  employment  pursuant to sections
2(a)(i),  (iv),  (v)  or  (vi)  hereof,  for  the  additional  period  from  the
Termination Date until the fifth anniversary of the Commencement Date, Executive
will not (i) engage in the banking  business  other than on behalf of NBA or any
company  that is  affiliated  with NBA,  within the Market Area (as  hereinafter

                                     - 7 -
<PAGE>
defined), (ii) directly or indirectly own, manage, operate, control, be employed
by, or provide  management or  consulting  services in any capacity to any firm,
corporation,  or other entity  (other than NBA or any company that is affiliated
with NBA) engaged in the banking  business in the Market Area, or (iii) directly
or indirectly solicit or otherwise intentionally cause any employee, officer, or
member of the Board of Directors of NBA to engage in any action prohibited under
(i) or (ii) of this section 5(b); provided that the ownership by Executive as an
investor of not more than five percent of the outstanding shares of stock of any
corporation  whose stock is listed for trading on any securities  exchange or is
quoted  on the  automated  quotation  system  of  the  National  Association  of
Securities Dealers,  Inc. (or the shares of any investment company as defined in
section 3 of the  Investment  Company  Act of 1940,  as  amended),  shall not in
itself  constitute a violation  of  Executive's  obligations  under this section
5(b).  As used  herein,  "Market  Area"  shall mean Yuma  County in the state of
Arizona.

                  (c) Executive  acknowledges and agrees that irreparable injury
will  result to NBA in the event of a breach  of any of the  provisions  of this
section  5 (the  "Designated  Provisions")  and that NBA will  have no  adequate
remedy at law with  respect  thereto.  Accordingly,  in the event of a  material
breach of any  Designated  Provision,  and in  addition  to any  other  legal or
equitable  remedy  NBA may  have,  NBA  shall  be  entitled  to the  entry  of a
preliminary and permanent injunction  (including,  without limitation,  specific
performance)  by a court of competent  jurisdiction  in Yuma County,  Arizona or
elsewhere,  to restrain  the  violation  or breach  thereof by  Executive or any
affiliates,  agents,  or any other persons  acting for or with  Executive in any
capacity whatsoever,  and Executive submits to the jurisdiction of such court in
any such action.

                  (d) It is the  desire  and  intent  of the  parties  that  the
provisions of this section 5 shall be enforced to the fullest extent permissible
under  the  laws and  public  policies  applied  in each  jurisdiction  in which
enforcement is sought.  Accordingly, if any particular provision of this section
5 shall be adjudicated to be invalid or  unenforceable,  such provision shall be
deemed amended to delete therefrom the portion thus adjudicated to be invalid or
unenforceable, such deletion to apply only with respect to the operation of such
provision in the particular  jurisdiction in which such adjudication is made. In
addition, should any court determine that the provisions of this section 5 shall
be unenforceable with respect to scope, duration, or geographic area, such court
shall be empowered to substitute, to the extent enforceable,  provisions similar
hereto or other  provisions  so as to  provide  to NBA,  to the 

                                     - 8 -
<PAGE>
fullest  extent  permitted by  applicable  law,  the  benefits  intended by this
section 5.

                  6.  Life  Insurance.  In light of the  unusual  abilities  and
experience  of  Executive,  NBA in its  discretion  may apply for and procure as
owner and for its own benefit insurance on the life of Executive, in such amount
and in such  form as NBA may  choose.  NBA  shall  make  all  payments  for such
insurance  and shall  receive  all  benefits  from it.  Executive  shall have no
interest  whatsoever  in any such policy or policies but, at the request of NBA,
shall submit to medical  examinations  and supply such  information  and execute
such  documents  as may  reasonably  be  required  by the  insurance  company or
companies to which NBA has applied for insurance.

                  7.       Representations and Warranties.
                           -------------------------------

                  (a)  Executive  represents  and  warrants  to NBA that (i) his
execution,  delivery,  and  performance  of this Agreement will not result in or
constitute  a breach of or  conflict  with any  term,  covenant,  condition,  or
provision  of any  commitment,  contract,  or  other  agreement  or  instrument,
including,   without  limitation,  any  other  employment  agreement,  to  which
Executive  is or has been a party,  and (ii)  the  retirement  arrangement  that
relates to the subject  matter of section 3(g) of this Agreement is fully funded
by a fully-paid New York Life Insurance Company life insurance policy.

                  (b) Executive shall indemnify,  defend,  and hold harmless NBA
for, from, and against any and all losses, claims, suits, damages,  expenses, or
liabilities,  including court costs and counsel fees,  which NBA has incurred or
to which NBA may become subject, insofar as such losses, claims, suits, damages,
expenses, liabilities, costs, or fees arise out of or are based upon any failure
of any representation or warranty of Executive in section 7(a) hereof to be true
and correct when made.

                  8.  Notices.   All  notices,   consents,   waivers,  or  other
communications which are required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and
deemed  to have  been  duly  given  if  delivered  personally  or by  messenger,
transmitted by telex or telegram,  by express courier,  or sent by registered or
certified mail, return receipt  requested,  postage prepaid.  All communications
shall be addressed to the appropriate address of each party as follows:

                                     - 9 -
<PAGE>
If to NBA:

                  National Bank of Arizona
                  3101 North Central Avenue
                  Phoenix, Arizona  85012

                  Attention:        Mr. John J. Gisi
                                    Chairman, President and
                                      Chief Executive Officer

With a required copy to:

                  Brian D. Alprin, Esq.
                  Metzger, Hollis, Gordon & Mortimer
                  1275 K Street, N.W., Suite 1000
                  Washington, D. C.  20005

If to Executive:

                  Mr. John E. Byrd
                  1373 Gateway
                  Yuma, Arizona  85364

All such  notices  shall be  deemed to have  been  given on the date  delivered,
transmitted, or mailed in the manner provided above.

                  9. Assignment.  Neither party may assign this Agreement or any
rights or obligations hereunder without the consent of the other party.

                  10.  Governing  Law.  This  Agreement  shall be construed  and
governed  in all  respects by the law  applicable  to  contracts  made and to be
performed in the State of Arizona.

                  11. Entire  Agreement.  This Agreement  constitutes the entire
understanding  between NBA and Executive  relating to the subject matter hereof.
Any previous agreements or understandings  between the parties hereto or between
Executive  and  Southern  Arizona  Bank  regarding  the subject  matter  hereof,
including   without   limitation   the  terms  and   conditions  of  employment,
compensation,  benefits,  retirement,  competition following employment, and the
like, are merged into and superseded by this  Agreement.  Neither this Agreement
nor any provisions hereof can be modified,  changed,  discharged,  or terminated
except by an instrument in writing  signed by the party against whom any waiver,
change, discharge, or termination is sought.

                                     - 10 -
<PAGE>
                  12.  Severability.  If any  provision  or  provisions  of this
Agreement shall be held to be invalid,  illegal, or unenforceable for any reason
whatsoever:

                  (a)  the  validity,   legality,   and  enforceability  of  the
remaining  provisions of this Agreement  (including,  without  limitation,  each
portion of any section of this  Agreement  containing any such provision held to
be  invalid,  illegal,  or  unenforceable)  shall not in any way be  affected or
impaired thereby; and

                  (b) to the fullest  extent  possible,  the  provisions of this
Agreement  (including,  without limitation,  each portion of any section of this
Agreement  containing  any  such  provisions  held to be  invalid,  illegal,  or
unenforceable)  shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested
by the provision held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable.

                  13. Costs of Litigation.  In the event litigation is commenced
to enforce any of the  provisions  hereof,  or to obtain  declaratory  relief in
connection  with any of the provisions  hereof,  the  prevailing  party shall be
entitled to recover  reasonable  attorney's fees. In the event this Agreement is
asserted in any litigation as a defense to any liability, claim, demand, action,
cause of action,  or right asserted in such litigation,  the party prevailing on
the issue of that defense shall be entitled to recovery of reasonable attorney's
fees.

                  14.  Affiliation.  A company will be deemed to be "affiliated"
with NBA according to the definition of  "Affiliate"  set forth in Rule 12b-2 of
the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

                  15.  Headings.  All headings and captions are for  convenience
only and shall not limit or define the text hereof.

                                     - 11 -
<PAGE>
                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto executed or caused this
Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.



ATTEST:                                     NATIONAL BANK OF ARIZONA



_________________________                   By: ________________________________



WITNESS:



- -------------------------                   ------------------------------------
                                                         John E. Byrd



                                     - 12 -

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT IV
                                   ----------



                    OPINION OF O'CONNOR, CAVANAGH, ANDERSON,
                    WESTOVER, KILLINGSWORTH & BESHEARS, P.A.


<PAGE>
















                                              [_______________], 1996



Zions Bancorporation
1380 Kennecott Building
Salt Lake City, Utah  84133

National Bank of Arizona
3101 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona  85012

                  Re:      Merger of Southern  Arizona  Bancorp,  Inc.  With and
                           Into Zions  Bancorporation,  and of Southern  Arizona
                           Bank  With  and Into  National  Bank of  Arizona,  In
                           Exchange for Stock of Zions Bancorporation

Ladies and Gentlemen:

                  We are special counsel to Southern Arizona  Bancorp,  Inc., an
Arizona corporation (the "Company"), and its subsidiary,  Southern Arizona Bank,
an Arizona banking corporation  organized under the laws of the state of Arizona
with its head  office  located at Yuma,  County of Yuma,  State of Arizona  (the
"Bank"),  in connection  with the merger (the "Holding  Company  Merger") of the
Company  with  and  into  Zions  Bancorporation,   a  Utah  corporation  ("Zions
Bancorp"),  pursuant to the  provisions of section 10-071 et seq. of the Arizona
General  Corporation  Law and section  16-10a-1101  et seq. of the Utah Business
Corporation  Act,  and the merger (the "Bank  Merger") of the Bank with and into
National Bank of Arizona,  a national  banking  association  organized under the
laws of the United  States  with its head  office  located at Tucson,  County of
Pima,  State of Arizona  ("NBA"),  pursuant to the provisions of section 215a of
the National Bank Act (12 U.S.C.  ss. 215a), in exchange for which  shareholders
of the Company will receive shares 

<PAGE>


Zions Bancorporation
National Bank of Arizona
_______________, 1996
Page 2


of the  common  stock of Zions  Bancorp  pursuant  to an  Agreement  and Plan of
Reorganization  dated January 17, 1996 (the "Agreement") and certain  additional
agreements  whose  execution is  contemplated  in the  Agreement,  including the
Agreement of Merger by and between  Zions  Bancorp and the Company (the "Holding
Company Merger  Agreement"),  and the Agreement of Merger by and between NBA and
the Bank (the "Bank  Merger  Agreement")  (the  Agreement,  the Holding  Company
Merger  Agreement,  and the Bank Merger Agreement to be referred to collectively
as the "Agreements").

                  This opinion is provided to you pursuant to Section 4.3 of the
Agreement.

                  In our capacity as special  counsel,  we have  participated in
the  preparation of a  Prospectus/Proxy  Statement for the  shareholders  of the
Company  (the  "Prospectus/Proxy  Statement").  In addition,  in  rendering  the
opinions  that  follow,  we have  examined the  Agreements  and the exhibits and
schedules  appended  thereto;  the articles of incorporation  and by-laws of the
Company and the articles of  incorporation  and by-laws of the Bank; the minutes
of certain meetings of the respective boards of directors of the Company and the
Bank, and such other  corporate  documents and corporate  records of the Company
and the Bank as we have  deemed  necessary  or  appropriate  for the  purpose of
rendering the following opinions.  In addition,  we have interviewed officers of
the Company and the Bank and undertaken  and performed such other  procedures as
we have  deemed  necessary  or  appropriate  for the  purpose of  rendering  the
following  opinions.  In  these  regards,  we  have  examined  and  relied  upon
representations of Zions Bancorp and NBA contained in the Agreements, and, where
we have deemed  appropriate,  representations  or  certifications of officers or
public officials.

                  We have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to
us as  originals,  the  genuineness  of all  signatures,  the legal  capacity of
natural persons,  and the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted
to us as copies.  In making our  examination of any  documents,  we have assumed
that all parties other than the Company and the Bank had the corporate power and
authority to enter into and perform all  obligations  thereunder and, as to such
parties  other than the Company and the Bank, we have also assumed the execution
and  delivery  of such  documents  and  the  validity  and  binding  effect  and
enforceability  thereof.  We have also assumed that the Agreements have not been
otherwise  amended by oral or  written  agreement  or by conduct of the  parties
thereto.  We have  assumed that the  certifications  and  representations  dated
earlier than the date hereof on which we have expressed reliance herein

<PAGE>


Zions Bancorporation
National Bank of Arizona
_______________, 1996
Page 3


continue to remain  accurate,  insofar as material  to our  opinions,  from such
earlier date through the date hereof.

                  On the foregoing basis, and as otherwise  described herein, we
are of the opinion that:

                  (a)      Organization, Powers and Qualifications.
                           ----------------------------------------

                           (i)  The  Company  is a  corporation  which  is  duly
organized,  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Arizona  and has the  corporate  power  and  authority  to own and  operate  its
properties and assets,  to lease properties used in its business and to carry on
its business as now conducted.  The Company is duly registered as a bank holding
company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended.  All outstanding
shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and
issued, and are fully paid and non-assessable.

                           (ii) The Bank is a national banking association which
is duly organized,  validly  existing and in good standing under the laws of the
United States,  and has the corporate power and authority to own and operate its
properties and assets,  to lease properties used in its business and to carry on
its business as now conducted.  The deposit  accounts of the Bank are insured by
the Bank Insurance Fund of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and, to the
best of our knowledge,  no proceedings for the termination of such insurance are
pending or threatened.  All outstanding shares of capital stock of the Bank have
been duly and validly  authorized and issued and are fully paid and  non-assess-
able. All shares of the Bank held of record by the Company are owned directly by
the Company free and clear of any adverse claims.

                  (b)  Execution  and  Performance  of  Agreements.  Each of the
Company and the Bank has the corporate  power and authority to execute,  deliver
and perform each of the  Agreements  to which it is a party and to carry out the
terms thereof and the transactions contemplated thereby.

                  (c)  Absence  of  Violations.  To the  best of our  knowledge,
neither  the  Company  nor  the  Bank  is  in   violation  of  its  articles  of
incorporation  or its  bylaws,  or any  law,  regulation,  ordinance,  order  or
restriction  imposed by the United  States,  any state,  municipality,  or other
political  subdivision  or  agency  thereof,  or any order of any court or other
competent  tribunal  having  jurisdiction  over the  Company  in  respect of the
conduct of its business or the ownership of its 

<PAGE>
Zions Bancorporation
National Bank of Arizona
_______________, 1996
Page 4

properties,  or over the Bank in respect of the  conduct of its  business or the
ownership of its properties, which, either individually or in the aggregate with
all such other  violations,  would materially and adversely affect the business,
operations,  or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company or the Bank or
its  observance or performance of the terms of any of the Agreements to which it
is a party.

                  (d)  Compliance  with  Corporate   Documents  and  Agreements.
Neither the  execution,  delivery,  or performance by the Company or the Bank of
the Agreements to which it is a party nor the  consummation of the  transactions
contemplated  therein will  violate,  conflict  with,  constitute a breach of or
default under the articles of  incorporation  or by-laws of the Company,  or the
articles of incorporation or by-laws of the Bank, or any agreement or instrument
of which we have knowledge to which the Company or the Bank is a party (or which
is  binding  on them or their  assets)  or by which the  Company  or the Bank is
bound, and will not result in the creation of any lien on, or security  interest
in, any of their respective assets.

                  (e)  Binding  Obligations;  Due  Authorization.  Each  of  the
Agreements to which the Company or the Bank is a party has been duly  authorized
by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company or the Bank, as the
case may be, has been duly executed and delivered by the Company or the Bank, as
the case may be, and  constitutes a valid,  legal and binding  obligation of the
Company or the Bank,  as the case may be,  enforceable  against it in accordance
with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy,  insolvency,
reorganization,  moratorium, receivership, conservatorship or other similar laws
or judicial  decisions  relating to or affecting  creditors' rights and remedies
generally  or the rights of  creditors,  or of the FDIC as  insurer,  regulator,
conservator or receiver,  of banks the accounts of which are insured by the FDIC
in  particular,  or by  general  equitable  principles  (regardless  of  whether
enforceability  is  considered  in a proceeding in equity or at law) as to whose
availability we express no opinion.  No other corporate  proceedings on the part
of the Company or the Bank are necessary to authorize  each of the Agreements to
which  either is a party or the carrying  out of the  transactions  contemplated
hereby.

                  (f) Absence of Default.  Except for those consents (including,
but not limited to,  approvals,  licenses,  registrations or declarations)  that
have been  obtained,  the  execution and delivery by each of the Company and the
Bank of each of the Agreements to which it is a party and  consummation  by each
of them of the transactions  contemplated thereby do not require the approval or
consent of any governmental authority or third party. The execution and delivery
by each of the Company and the Bank of

<PAGE>
Zions Bancorporation
National Bank of Arizona
_______________, 1996
Page 5


each of the  Agreements to which it is a party,  the  consummation  by it of the
transactions  contemplated thereby and the compliance with and fulfillment by it
of the terms thereof by each of the Company and the Bank, respectively, will not
require any  authorization,  consent,  approval or exemption by any person which
has not been obtained or any notice or filing which has not been given or done.

                  (g)      Compliance with Securities Laws.
                           --------------------------------

                           (i) No equity or debt  securities  of the  Company or
the Bank are registered or required to be registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

                           (ii) In  connection  with  our  participation  in the
preparation  of  the  Prospectus/Proxy  Statement,  we  have  not  independently
verified the  accuracy,  completeness  or fairness of the  statements  contained
therein or of documents  incorporated by reference  therein,  and we cannot make
any  representation  to you as to the accuracy or  completeness of statements of
fact contained or incorporated by reference in the  Prospectus/Proxy  Statement.
Nothing,  however,  has come to our attention that would lead us to believe that
the Prospectus/Proxy  Statement as of its issue date or the date hereof, insofar
as it  relates to the  Company  or the Bank,  contained  or  contains  an untrue
statement  of a  material  fact or  omitted  or omits to state a  material  fact
necessary  to make the  statements  therein,  in the light of the  circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading (other than the financial  statements
and schedules and other financial and statistical  data included or incorporated
by reference  therein,  as to which we make no statement)  and that no event has
occurred  which should have been set forth in an amendment or  supplement to the
Prospectus/Proxy  Statement  which has not been set forth in such  amendment  or
supplement.

                  This opinion is given  solely for your  benefit in  connection
with the  transactions  contemplated by the  Agreements,  and no other person or
entity is entitled to rely thereon,  nor may copies be delivered or furnished to
any other party, nor may all or portions of this opinion be quoted,  circulated,
or referred to in any other document without our prior consent.

                                                     Respectfully submitted,

<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT V



                  OPINION OF METZGER, HOLLIS, GORDON & MORTIMER


<PAGE>
















                                              [_______________], 1996



Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
1800 Fourth Avenue
Post Office Box 5148
Yuma, Arizona  85364

Southern Arizona Bank
1800 Fourth Avenue
Post Office Box 5148
Yuma, Arizona  85364

                  Re:      Merger of Southern  Arizona  Bancorp,  Inc.  With and
                           Into Zions  Bancorporation,  and of Southern  Arizona
                           Bank  With  and Into  National  Bank of  Arizona,  In
                           Exchange for Stock of Zions Bancorporation

Ladies and Gentlemen:

                  We  are  special  counsel  to  Zions  Bancorporation,  a  Utah
corporation  ("Zions  Bancorp"),  and its wholly  owned  subsidiary  (except for
directors'  qualifying  shares),  National Bank of Arizona,  a national  banking
association  organized  under the laws of the United States with its head office
located at Tucson,  County of Pima, State of Arizona ("NBA"), in connection with
the merger (the "Holding Company Merger") of Southern Arizona Bancorp,  Inc., an
Arizona  corporation (the "Company"),  with and into Zions Bancorp,  pursuant to
the provisions of section 10-071 et seq. of the Arizona General  Corporation Law
and section  16-10a-1101 et seq. of the Utah Business  Corporation  Act, and the
merger  (the "Bank  Merger")  of  Southern  Arizona  Bank,  an  Arizona  banking
corporation  organized  under  the laws of the  state of  Arizona  with its head
office located

<PAGE>
Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
Southern Arizona Bank
_______________, 1996
Page 2



at Yuma,  County of Yuma,  State of  Arizona  (the  "Bank"),  with and into NBA,
pursuant to the  provisions  of section 215a of the National Bank Act (12 U.S.C.
ss. 215a) and section  6-212 of the Arizona  Revised  Statutes,  in exchange for
which  shareholders  of the Company will  receive  shares of the common stock of
Zions Bancorp pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization  dated January
17, 1996 (the "Agreement") and certain additional  agreements whose execution is
contemplated in the Agreement,  including the Agreement of Merger by and between
Zions Bancorp and the Company (the "Holding Company Merger Agreement"),  and the
Agreement  of  Merger  by and  between  NBA  and  the  Bank  (the  "Bank  Merger
Agreement") (the Agreement,  the Holding Company Merger Agreement,  and the Bank
Merger Agreement to be referred to collectively as the "Agreements").

                  This opinion is provided to you pursuant to Section 5.2 of the
Agreement.

                  In our capacity as special  counsel,  we have  participated in
the  preparation  of a  Registration  Statement  filed with the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission on Form S-4 covering the shares of Zions Bancorp stock to be
issued  in  connection  with  the  Holding  Company  Merger  (the  "Registration
Statement").  In addition,  in  rendering  the  opinions  that  follow,  we have
examined the Agreements  and the exhibits and schedules  appended  thereto;  the
articles  of  incorporation  and by-laws of Zions  Bancorp  and the  Articles of
Association  and  by-laws  of  NBA;  the  minutes  of  certain  meetings  of the
respective  boards  of  directors  of  Zions  Bancorp  and NBA,  and such  other
corporate  documents and  corporate  records of Zions Bancorp and NBA as we have
deemed  necessary  or  appropriate  for the purpose of rendering  the  following
opinions. We have also examined a document dated [_______________],  1996 of the
Comptroller of the Currency (the "Comptroller") approving the application of NBA
and the Bank to merge pursuant to Section 18(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Act, as  amended,  the  document  dated  [_______________],  1996 of the Federal
Reserve Bank of San Francisco  waiving the  requirement to submit an application
under  the  Bank  Holding  Company  Act  of  1956,  as  amended,  and  documents
respectively dated [________- ________],  1996 and  [________________],  1996 of
the   Commissioner  of  Financial   Institutions  of  the  State  of  Utah  (the
"Commissioner")  and the  Superintendent  of Banks of the State of Arizona  (the
"Superintendent")  approving the transactions contemplated by the Agreements. In
addition,  we have interviewed  officers of Zions Bancorp and NBA and undertaken
and performed such other  procedures as we have deemed  necessary or appropriate
for the purpose of rendering the following  opinions.  In these regards, we have


<PAGE>
Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
Southern Arizona Bank
_______________, 1996
Page 3



examined and relied upon  representations  of the Company and the Bank contained
in the Agreements,  and, where we have deemed  appropriate,  representations  or
certifications of officers or public officials.

                  We have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to
us as  originals,  the  genuineness  of all  signatures,  the legal  capacity of
natural persons,  and the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted
to us as copies.  In making our  examination of any  documents,  we have assumed
that all parties other than Zions  Bancorp and NBA had the  corporate  power and
authority to enter into and perform all  obligations  thereunder and, as to such
parties other than Zions Bancorp and NBA, we have also assumed the execution and
delivery  of  such   documents   and  the  validity   and  binding   effect  and
enforceability  thereof.  We have also assumed that the Agreements have not been
otherwise  amended by oral or  written  agreement  or by conduct of the  parties
thereto.  We have  assumed that the  certifications  and  representations  dated
earlier than the date hereof on which we have expressed reliance herein continue
to remain accurate,  insofar as material to our opinions, from such earlier date
through the date hereof.

                  Based on the foregoing,  and as otherwise described herein, we
are of the opinion that:

                  (a)      Organization, Powers and Qualifications.
                           ---------------------------------------

                           (i)  Zions  Bancorp  is a  corporation  which is duly
organized,  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Utah and has all the  corporate  power  and  authority  to own and  operate  its
properties and assets, to lease properties used in its business, and to carry on
its business as now conducted.

                           (ii) NBA is a national banking  association  which is
duly  organized,  validly  existing,  and in good standing under the laws of the
United States and has the  corporate  power and authority to own and operate its
properties and assets,  to lease properties used in its business and to carry on
its business as now  conducted.  The deposit  accounts of NBA are insured by the
Bank Insurance Fund of the Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Corporation  and, to the
best of our knowledge,  no proceedings for the termination of such insurance are
pending or threatened.

                  (b) Execution and  Performance  of  Agreements.  Each of Zions
Bancorp and NBA has the corporate power and authority to execute,  deliver,  and
perform each of the Agreements to which it 

<PAGE>
Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
Southern Arizona Bank
_______________, 1996
Page 4



is a party and to carry out the terms thereof and the transactions  contemplated
thereby.

                  (c)   Compliance   with  Corporate   Documents.   Neither  the
execution, delivery, or performance by Zions Bancorp or NBA of the Agreements to
which  it is a  party  nor the  consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated
therein will violate,  conflict with, or constitute a breach of or default under
the  articles of  incorporation  or by-laws of Zions  Bancorp or the articles of
association or by-laws of NBA.

                  (d)  Binding  Obligations;  Due  Authorization.  Each  of  the
Agreements to which Zions Bancorp and NBA is a party has been duly authorized by
all necessary corporate action on the part of each of Zions Bancorp and NBA, has
been  duly  executed  and  delivered  by each of  Zions  Bancorp  and  NBA,  and
constitutes a valid,  legal and binding  obligation of each of Zions Bancorp and
NBA, as  appropriate,  enforceable  against each in  accordance  with its terms,
except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,  reorganization,
moratorium, receivership,  conservatorship or similar laws or judicial decisions
relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally or the rights of creditors,
or of the FDIC as insurer,  regulator,  conservator  or  receiver,  of banks the
accounts of which are insured by the FDIC in particular, or by general equitable
principles  (regardless of whether  enforceability is considered in a proceeding
in equity or at law) as to whose  availability  we express no opinion.  No other
corporate  proceedings  on the part of Zions  Bancorp and NBA are  necessary  to
authorize  each of the Agreements to which either is a party or the carrying out
of the transactions contemplated hereby.

                  (e)  Regulatory  Approvals.   All  approvals  required  to  be
obtained  from the  Comptroller,  the Board of Governors of the Federal  Reserve
System, the Commissioner,  and the Superintendent to consummate the transactions
contemplated  by the Agreement and Plan of  Reorganization  have been  obtained.
Except for those approvals,  the execution and delivery by each of Zions Bancorp
and NBA of each of the Agreements to which it is a party and consummation of the
transactions  contemplated thereby do not require the approval or consent of any
bank regulatory authority.

                  (f) Issuance of Zions Bancorp Common Stock.  The shares of the
common  stock of Zions  Bancorp,  no par value per share,  to be issued by Zions
Bancorp pursuant to the Agreement and the Holding Company Merger Agreement, when
issued  pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement and the Holding Company
Merger  Agreement,  will 


<PAGE>
Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
Southern Arizona Bank
_______________, 1996
Page 5



be, when issued in exchange for the assets of the Company,  duly  authorized and
legally issued, fully paid, and non-assessable.

                  (g)      Compliance with Securities Laws.
                           --------------------------------

                           (i) The  Registration  Statement has become effective
under the  Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act") and, to the best of our knowledge,
no stop order  proceedings  with  respect  thereto have been  instituted  or are
pending or threatened under the Act with respect to the Registration Statement.

                           (ii) In  connection  with  our  participation  in the
preparation of the Registration  Statement,  we have not independently  verified
the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements contained therein or of
documents   incorporated   by  reference   therein,   and  we  cannot  make  any
representation  to you as to the accuracy or  completeness of statements of fact
contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration  Statement.  Nothing,
however,  has come to our  attention  that  would  lead us to  believe  that the
Registration  Statement as of the effective date or the date hereof,  insofar as
it relates to Zions Bancorp or NBA, contained or contains an untrue statement of
a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material  fact  necessary to make
the statements  therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made,  not  misleading  (other than the financial  statements  and schedules and
other  financial  and  statistical  data included or  incorporated  by reference
therein,  as to which we make no statement) or that any event has occurred which
should have been set forth in an amendment  or  supplement  to the  Registration
Statement and which has not been set forth in such amendment or supplement.

                  This  opinion  is  given  to you  for  your  sole  benefit  in
connection with the  transactions  contemplated in the Agreements,  and no other
person or entity is entitled to rely  thereon,  nor may copies be  delivered  or
furnished to any other party, nor may all or portions of this opinion be quoted,
circulated,  or referred  to in any other  document  without  our prior  written
consent.


                                   Very truly yours,

                                   METZGER, HOLLIS, GORDON & MORTIMER



                                   By:_______________________________
                                            Brian D. Alprin

                               
<PAGE>


                                   EXHIBIT VI


<PAGE>

       Average      Number   Product of ACP            Sum of Third
       Closing    of Shares  and Number of     Cash     and Fourth
    Price ("ACP")  Issued    Shares Issued  Component    Columns
    -------------  ------   -------------  ---------     -------

       $49.00      429,322    $21,036,780   $4,293,220  $25,330,000
        50.00      429,322     21,466,102    3,863,898   25,330,000
        51.00      429,322     21,895,424    3,434,576   25,330,000
        52.00      429,322     22,324,746    3,005,254   25,330,000
        53.00      429,322     22,754,068    2,575,932   25,330,000

        54.00      429,322     23,183,390    2,146,610   25,330,000
        55.00      429,322     23,612,712    1,717,288   25,330,000
        56.00      429,322     24,042,034    1,287,966   25,330,000
        57.00      429,322     24,471,356      858,644   25,330,000
        58.00      429,322     24,900,678      429,322   25,330,000

        59.00      429,322     25,330,000            0   25,330,000
        60.00      422,167     25,330,000            0   25,330,000
        61.00      415,246     25,330,000            0   25,330,000
        62.00      408,548     25,330,000            0   25,330,000
        63.00      402,063     25,330,000            0   25,330,000

        64.00      395,781     25,330,000            0   25,330,000
        65.00      389,692     25,330,000            0   25,330,000
        66.00      383,788     25,330,000            0   25,330,000
        67.00      378,060     25,330,000            0   25,330,000
        68.00      372,500     25,330,000            0   25,330,000

        69.00      367,101     25,330,000            0   25,330,000
        70.00      361,857     25,330,000            0   25,330,000
        71.00      356,761     25,330,000            0   25,330,000
        72.00      351,806     25,330,000            0   25,330,000
        73.00      351,806     25,681,806            0   25,681,806

        74.00      351,806     26,033,611            0   26,033,611
        75.00      351,806     26,385,417            0   26,385,417
        76.00      351,806     26,737,222            0   26,737,222
        77.00      351,806     27,089,028            0   27,089,028
        78.00      351,806     27,440,833            0   27,440,833

        79.00      351,806     27,792,639            0   27,792,639
        80.00      351,806     28,144,444            0   28,144,444
        81.00      351,806     28,496,250            0   28,496,250


Note. --        This exhibit assumes that the Benchmark Price, as defined in the
                Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, will equal $25,330,000.


         
<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT 5
                                    ---------


                        Metzger, Hollis, Gordon & Alprin
                         1275 K Street, N.W., Suite 1000
                             Washington, D.C. 20005
                                 (202) 842-1600




                                  April 1, 1996



Zions Bancorporation
1380 Kennecott Building
Salt Lake City, Utah  84133

Gentlemen:

                  We have acted as counsel to Zions Bancorporation  ("Zions") in
connection with the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization  among Southern Arizona
Bancorp, Inc. ("Southern Arizona"),  Southern Arizona Bank (the "Bank"),  Zions,
and National Bank of Arizona ("NBA"),  dated January 17, 1996 and a related Plan
of Merger between  Southern Arizona and Zions, and an Agreement to Merge between
the Bank and NBA (collectively, the "Plan of Reorganization"),  whereby Southern
Arizona will be merged into Zions,  with Zions being the surviving  corporation,
and   whereby   the  Bank   will  be   merged   into  NBA   (collectively,   the
"Reorganization").  At the time the Reorganization becomes effective, all of the
issued and outstanding shares of common stock, no par value, of Southern Arizona
("Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock"),  other than shares as to which the holders
exercise  dissenters'  rights,  will be exchanged for shares of common stock, no
par value, of Zions ("Zions Common Stock").

                  We are also acting as counsel to Zions in connection  with the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") to be filed by
Zions with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of registering
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,  the aggregate  maximum of 500,000
shares of Zions  Common Stock into which  outstanding  Southern  Arizona  Common
Stock may be converted upon effectiveness of the Reorganization. This opinion is
being furnished for the purpose of being filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.

                  In connection with this opinion, we have examined, among other
things:


<PAGE>

                  (1)      an executed copy of the Plan of Reorganization;

                  (2)      a copy certified to our  satisfaction of the Restated
                           Articles  of  Incorporation  of Zions as in effect on
                           the date hereof;

                  (3)      copies  certified to our  satisfaction of resolutions
                           adopted  by  the  Board  of  Directors  of  Zions  on
                           November 8, 1995, including resolutions approving the
                           Plan of Reorganization; and

                  (4)      such  other  documents,  corporate  proceedings,  and
                           statutes as we  considered  necessary to enable us to
                           furnish this opinion.

                  We have assumed for the purpose of this opinion that:

                  (1)      the Plan of Reorganization  has been duly and validly
                           autho-  rized,  executed,  and  delivered by Southern
                           Arizona; and

                  (2)      the Reorganization  will be consummated in accordance
                           with the terms of the Plan of Reorganization.

                  We have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to
us as  originals,  the  genuineness  of all  signatures,  the legal  capacity of
natural persons,  and the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted
to us as copies.  In making our  examination of any  documents,  we have assumed
that all parties other than Zions and NBA had the corporate  power and authority
to enter into and perform all obligations thereunder and, as to such parties, we
have also assumed the execution and delivery of such  documents and the validity
and binding  effect and  enforceability  thereof.  We have also assumed that the
Plan of  Reorganization  has  not  been  otherwise  amended  by oral or  written
agreement  or by  conduct  of the  parties  thereto.  We have  assumed  that the
certifications and  representations  dated earlier than the date hereof on which
we have  expressed  reliance  herein  continue  to remain  accurate,  insofar as
material to our opinions, from such earlier date through the date hereof.

                  Based  upon  the  foregoing,  we are of the  opinion  that the
shares of Zions Common Stock into which the outstanding  Southern Arizona Common
Stock  will  be  converted  in  the  Reorganization   will,  at  the  time  such
Reorganization becomes effective, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable shares of Zions Common Stock.

                  We hereby  consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit
to the  Registration  Statement  and to the  reference  to us under the  caption
"Legal   Opinions"  in  Proxy   Statement/Prospectus   forming  a  part  of  the
Registration Statement.

                                      Very truly yours,

                                      METZGER, HOLLIS, GORDON & ALPRIN




                                      By  /S/ Laurence S. Lese
                                          ----------------------
                                          Laurence S. Lese

LSL/sls
<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT 23.1
                                  ------------


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


The Board of Directors
Zions Bancorporation:


We consent to the use of our report dated January 22, 1996,  with respect to the
consolidated  financial  statements of Zions  Bancorporation  as of December 31,
1995 and 1994, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December
31, 1995  incorporated  herein by  reference,  and to the  reference to our firm
under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.


                                                       /s/ KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
                                                       -------------------------
                                                       KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP

Salt Lake City, Utah
April 8, 1996



<PAGE>



                                  EXHIBIT 23.2


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


The Board of Directors
Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.:


We consent to the use of our report dated January 24, 1996,  with respect to the
consolidated  financial  statements  of  Southern  Arizona  Bancorp,  Inc. as of
December  31,  1995 and 1994,  and for each of the  years  then  ended  included
herein,  and to the  reference  to our firm under the heading  "Experts"  in the
prospectus.


                                                    /s/ MCGLADREY & PULLEN LLP
                                                    ---------------------------
                                                    MCGLADREY & PULLEN LLP

Phoenix, Arizona
April 8, 1996


<PAGE>





                                  EXHIBIT 23.3
                                  ------------

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We  consent  to the use in this  Registration  Statement  on Form  S-4 of  Zions
Bancorporation  of our  report  dated  January  21,  1994,  on the  consolidated
financial  statements of Southern Arizona  Bancorp,  Inc. and subsidiary for the
year ended December 31, 1993, appearing in the Proxy Statement,  which is a part
of this Registration statement.

We also  consent to the  reference  to us under the  heading  "Experts"  in such
Proxy.

                                                     /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
                                                     --------------------------
                                                     DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP




Phoenix, Arizona
April 9, 1996



<PAGE>




                                  EXHIBIT 23.6


                          CONSENT OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR


The Board of Directors
Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.:

We hereby  expressly  consent to any  reference  to our firm in the Proxy State-
ment/Prospectus,  the inclusion of our opinion,  dated  February 29, 1996, as an
exhibit to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and to the filing of our opinion with
any other appropriate governmental agency.

                                          M ONE, Inc.



                                  By:     /s/ Marilyn R. Seymann
                                          ------------------------------------
                                          Marilyn R. Seymann
                                          President and Chief Executive Officer


Phoenix, Arizona


April 3, 1996




<PAGE>




                                  EXHIBIT 99.1
                                  ------------

                          [SOUTHERN ARIZONA LETTERHEAD]
                                 April ___, 1996



Shareholders of Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.


Dear Shareholder:

         A Special Meeting of the Shareholders of Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
("Southern  Arizona")  has been called for 6:30 p.m.,  Arizona Time, on May ___,
1996, at Best Western Chilton Inn and Conference  Center,  300 East 32nd Street,
Yuma, Arizona.

         The  purpose  of the  Special  Meeting is to  consider  and act upon an
Agreement  and  Plan of  Reorganization  (the  "Plan of  Reorganization")  among
Southern  Arizona,  Zions  Bancorporation  ("Zions"),  National  Bank of Arizona
("NBA") and Southern Arizona Bank (the "Bank").

         If the Plan of Reorganization is approved,  and all conditions are met,
the Plan of  Reorganization  will result in the merger of Southern  Arizona into
Zions and the  merger of the Bank into  NBA.  Upon  consummation  of the Plan of
Reorganization,  each  holder of Southern  Arizona's  Common  Stock  will,  upon
surrender  of the  shareholder's  stock  certificate,  be entitled to receive in
exchange  for  each  share  held  as of  the  effective  date  of  the  Plan  of
Reorganization,  that  number of  shares of Zions  Common  Stock  calculated  by
dividing  the  Benchmark  Price (as  defined in the Plan of  Reorganization)  of
$25,330,000 plus certain accretions by the average closing price (as defined) of
Zions Common  Stock and by further  dividing the number so reached by the number
of shares of Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock issued and  outstanding  as of the
effective date of the merger. No fractional shares of Zions Common Stock will be
issued.  Instead,  cash in an  amount  equal to the  fractional  part of a share
multiplied  by the average  closing  price of Zions Common Stock (as  determined
under the Plan of Reorganization) will be paid to Southern Arizona shareholders.

         For example,  if the Plan of Reorganization  had been consummated as of
April __, 1996, and the average closing price of Zions Common Stock was $ _____,
the  Reorganization  would have  resulted in an exchange  ratio of ___ shares of
Zions  Common  Stock for each share of  Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock,  or an
equivalent consideration to holders of Southern Arizona's Common Stock of $ ____
per share.

         The accompanying Proxy Statement details the terms of the proposed Plan
of Reorganization and provides information  concerning Southern Arizona,  Zions,
NBA, and the Plan of  Reorganization.  The Proxy  Statement  contains  important
information  necessary  for  you to  make a  decision  about  how to vote at the
Special Meeting. Please read it carefully.

         The affirmative  vote of at least two-thirds of the holders of Southern
Arizona  Common Stock and  two-thirds  of the issued and  outstanding  shares of
Southern  Arizona  is  required  for  approval  of the  Plan of  Reorganization.
Therefore, it is important that you vote. Failure to vote will have the same


<PAGE>

Shareholders of Southern Arizona Bancorp, Inc.
April __, 1996
Page 2






effect as a vote against the  Reorganization.  Consequently,  please mark, sign,
date and return the enclosed proxy as soon as possible.

         Any shareholder may attend the Special Meeting and vote in person if he
desires.

         Consummation  of the Plan of  Reorganization  is subject to approval by
federal and state bank  regulatory  agencies  and to certain  other  conditions,
including  the  maintenance  of  Southern  Arizona's  financial  condition.   If
approved, the Plan of Reorganization will most likely be consummated sometime in
the second quarter of 1996,  assuming that all banking regulatory  approvals are
received timely.

         The  Board  of  Directors   has   unanimously   approved  the  Plan  of
Reorganization  and determined that the  Reorganization is in the best interests
of Southern Arizona,  its  shareholders,  employees and the community it serves.
The Board of Directors of Southern  Arizona has also  received the opinion dated
February  29, 1996 of M One,  Inc.,  Southern  Arizona's  independent  financial
advisory   consultant,   that  the   consideration   offered   in  the  Plan  of
Reorganization  is fair to  shareholders  of Southern  Arizona  from a financial
point of view. The Board of Directors  unanimously  recommends  that you vote to
approve to Plan of Reorganization.

         If the Plan of Reorganization  is approved by the  shareholders,  on or
shortly after the effective date of the Plan of Reorganization,  Zions will send
you  instructions  describing  the  procedure  to be followed  to exchange  your
Southern Arizona stock certificate for common stock of Zions. Please do not send
your certificates to the Southern Arizona prior to receiving these instructions.



                                           Sincerely,


                                          -------------------------------------
                                          John  F. Byrd
                                          President and Chief Executive Officer





<PAGE>




                                  EXHIBIT 99.2
                                  ------------


                         SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC.

                            NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
                                 OF SHAREHOLDERS


                  A Special Meeting of shareholders of Southern Arizona Bancorp,
Inc. ("Southern  Arizona") will be held at 6:30 p.m., local time, on May , 1996,
at Best Western Chilton Inn and Conference Center,  300 East 32nd Street,  Yuma,
Arizona, to consider and act upon an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization  dated
as of January 17, 1996 (the "Plan of Reorganization"), between Zions Bancorpora-
tion  ("Zions"),  National  Bank of  Arizona  ("NBA"),  a  subsidiary  of Zions,
Southern  Arizona  and  Southern  Arizona  Bank (the  "Bank"),  which  agreement
provides  for the merger of  Southern  Arizona  into Zions with Zions  being the
surviving  corporation  and the  merger  of the Bank into NBA with NBA being the
surviving institution.

                  Upon  the  consummation  of the Plan of  Reorganization,  each
holder of shares of Southern  Arizona  Common Stock will be entitled to receive,
in  exchange  for  each  share  held as of the  effective  date  of the  Plan of
Reorganization,  that  number of  shares of Zions  Common  Stock  calculated  by
dividing  the  Benchmark  Price (as  defined in the Plan of  Reorganization)  of
$25,330,000 plus certain  accretions by the average closing price (as defined in
the Plan of  Reorganization)  of Zions Common Stock and by further  dividing the
number so reached by the number of shares of Southern  Arizona Common Stock that
are issued and outstanding as of the effective date of the merger.

                  The Board of Directors  has set April __, 1996,  as the record
date for  determining  shareholders  entitled  to  notice  of and to vote at the
Special Meeting.

                  Southern   Arizona   shareholders   are   entitled  to  assert
dissenters' rights under Arizona law. Pursuant to Section 10-1301 et seq. of the
Arizona  Business  Corporation  Act,  dissenting  shareholders  are  entitled to
payment in cash of the value of those  shares for which  dissenters'  rights are
perfected in accordance  with the procedures  established by the Arizona General
Corporation Law.

                  By order of the Board of Directors

Dated:  April __, 1996.


                                          -------------------------------------
                                          John E. Byrd,
                                          President and Chief Executive Officer
          
         Please  mark,  sign and  return  the  enclosed  proxy  in the  envelope
provided.



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                                  EXHIBIT 99.3

                                      PROXY

                         SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                        OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA BANCORP, INC.

                                  MAY __, 1996

           THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


                  The undersigned hereby appoints Stephen P. Shadle, and John E.
Byrd,  and each of them,  as proxies of the  undersigned  to vote as  designated
below on behalf of the undersigned as a holder of Southern  Arizona Common Stock
and to vote as  designated  below all  shares  of the  common  capital  stock of
Southern  Arizona Bancorp,  Inc. (the "Southern  Arizona Common Stock") that the
undersigned  held of record on April __, 1996, which the undersigned is entitled
to vote, at the special  meeting of shareholders to be held May ___, 1996, or at
any  postponement  or adjournment  thereof,  for the purpose of considering  and
acting on the proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated
January 17,  1996 (the "Plan of  Reorganization"),  among  Zions  Bancorporation
("Zions"),  National Bank of Arizona ("NBA"),  Southern  Arizona  Bancorp,  Inc.
("Southern  Arizona") and Southern  Arizona Bank (the "Bank") which provides for
the merger of Southern  Arizona into Zions, the merger of the Bank into NBA, and
the conversion of each  outstanding  share of Southern Arizona Common Stock into
the right to receive that number of shares of Zions Common Stock  calculated  by
dividing  the  Benchmark  Price (as  defined in the Plan of  Reorganization)  of
$25,330,000 plus certain  accretions by the average closing price (as defined in
the Plan of  Reorganization)  of Zions and by  further  dividing  the  number so
reached by the total  number of shares of Southern  Arizona  Common Stock issued
and  outstanding  as of the Effective Date of the Plan of  Reorganization.  Each
Proxy  shall  have  full  power  of  substitution.   Approval  of  the  Plan  of
Reorganization  requires  the  affirmative  vote of at least  two-thirds  of the
holders  of  Southern  Arizona  Common  Stock  and at  least  two-thirds  of the
outstanding  shares of Southern  Arizona Common Stock.  The act by a majority of
the Proxies or their substitutes present at the meeting shall control;  however,
if only one proxy be present, that one shall have all powers hereunder.

The Directors recommend a vote FOR Proposal:

    1.  Approval of the Plan of Reorganization.

     -----          -----              -----
     |   |  FOR     |   |  AGAINST     |   |  ABSTAIN
     -----          -----              -----

       A vote by the  undersigned  in one of the above boxes will  constitute  a
vote by the undersigned as a holder of Southern  Arizona Common Stock and also a
vote of the undersigned's shares of Southern Arizona Common Stock.

    2. The Proxies,  in their  discretion,  are authorized to vote on such other
business as may properly come before the meeting.
<PAGE>
       When properly completed,  this proxy will be voted in the manner directed
herein by the  undersigned.  If no direction is given,  this proxy will be voted
FOR the approval of the Plan of Reorganization.

                           (Each person  whose name is on the  Southern  Arizona
                           Common  Stock  certificate  should  sign below in the
                           same manner in which such person's  name appears.  If
                           signing as a fiduciary, give title.)

                                    -----------------------------------
                                    Signature



                                    -----------------------------------
                                    Printed Name


                                    Dated: 
                                           ----------------------------
                                           Please date, sign,
                                           and return promptly



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