FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES INC
S-4, 1998-10-02
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>
 
    As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 2, 1998
                                              Registration No. 333-
                                                                   -------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                    FORM S-4
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                        UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                        
                              ------------------

                        FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
                                        
<TABLE>
<S>                                    <C>                                               <C>
             Texas                                         6712                              75-0944023
(State or other jurisdiction of        (Primary Standard Industrial Classification        (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                         Code Number)                      Identification No.)
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                    <C>
                   400 Pine Street                                       Curtis R. Harvey
                Abilene, Texas 79601                               Executive Vice President and
                   (915) 627-7155                                     Chief Financial Officer
 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,                      400 Pine Street
    including area code of registrant's principal                      Abilene, Texas 79601
                 executive offices)                                        (915) 627-7155
                                                         (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone
                                                         number, including area code, of agent for service)
</TABLE>
                                        
                              ------------------

                                   Copies to:
<TABLE>

<S>                                <C>                             <C>
   N. Kathleen Friday, P.C.               Paul L. Cannon                Peter G. Weinstock
     Akin, Gump, Strauss,           McMahon, Surovik, Suttle,          Jenkens & Gilchrist,
     Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.          Buhrmann, Hicks & Gill, P.C.     a Professional Corporation
1700 Pacific Avenue, Suite 4100     400 Pine Street, Suite 800            Fountain Place
   Dallas, Texas 75201-4675            Abilene, Texas 79601        1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 3200
                                                                       Dallas, Texas  75202
</TABLE>
    Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public: As soon as
practicable after the registration statement becomes effective.

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

    If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box: [_]

    If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [_]
                                                 ----------

    If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
                          -------------

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===================================================================================================================
   Title of each class of                        Proposed maximum        Proposed maximum                         
      securities to be        Amount to be      offering price per      aggregate offering         Amount of      
        registered(1)          registered            share(1)                price(1)         registration fee(1) 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                          <C>               <C>                     <C>                   <C>                
 Common Stock............      375,000(2)             $36.21               $13,578,750             $4,005.73    
===================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) The registration fee has been computed pursuant to Rule 457(f)(2) under the
    Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), based on the book
    value of the shares of common stock of Cleburne State Bank at June 30, 1998
    that may be exchanged for the securities being registered.

(2) Assuming an exchange rate of 1.9158 shares of common stock, par value $10.00
    per share, of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. for each share of common
    stock, par value $4.00 per share, of Cleburne State Bank.

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

    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 or until the registration statement shall become effective on
such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may
determine.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+The information in this Prospectus is not complete and may be changed.  We may+
+not sell these securities until the Registration Statement filed with the     +
+Securities and Exchange Commission is effective.  This Prospectus is not an   +
+offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these    +
+securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.             +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OFFERING CIRCULAR/
- ------------------
PROSPECTUS
- ----------
                               OFFER TO EXCHANGE
                                   SHARES OF
                        FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES, INC.
                                        
                               FOR YOUR SHARES OF
                              CLEBURNE STATE BANK

                                ---------------
                                        
                                   OUR OFFER
                WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., CENTRAL STANDARD TIME,
                              ON __________, 1998

     First Financial Bankshares, Inc. (referred to in this Prospectus as "we,"
"us," "our," or "First Financial") is offering to exchange shares of First
Financial common stock for your shares of common stock of Cleburne State Bank
("Cleburne"). We are offering 1.75 shares of First Financial common stock for
each share of your Cleburne common stock, subject to certain adjustments
described later. Thus, if all Cleburne shareholders accept our offer, in the
aggregate we will issue 342,545 shares of First Financial common stock in
exchange for 195,740 shares of Cleburne common stock (subject to adjustment).
The Cleburne Board of Directors has determined that our offer is fair to you and
recommends that you accept our offer.

     First Financial common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol "FFIN." On ______, 1998, First Financial common stock's closing price
was $_____. The Cleburne common stock has no public market. 

     You have until 5:00 p.m., central standard time, on ______, 1998 to accept
our offer (unless we extend this time). At that time, our offer will expire.
This Prospectus and the enclosed letter of transmittal describe how to accept
our offer. Once you accept our offer, you cannot withdraw your shares.

     The exchange will not occur unless Cleburne shareholders who hold at least
90% of the outstanding Cleburne common stock accept our offer before the
expiration date. If the exchange occurs, promptly after the expiration date, we
will send you stock certificates representing your new shares of First Financial
common stock. Also, instead of sending you fractional shares, we will send you
cash.

     After the exchange, we plan to merge Cleburne into First National Bank in
Cleburne, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of First Financial. The merger
will have no effect on the Cleburne shareholders who accept our offer. It will
affect, however, those Cleburne shareholders who do not accept our offer. We
will give those shareholders cash for their Cleburne common stock. Those
shareholders may dissent from the merger, but they must comply fully with Texas
law for their dissent to be effective.

     Your acceptance of our offer is very important. The exchange will not occur
unless Cleburne shareholders who hold at least 90% of the outstanding Cleburne
common stock accept our offer.

     This Prospectus provides you with detailed information about our offer and
the exchange, including conditions to our offer, and information about Cleburne.
In addition, you may obtain information about First Financial from documents
that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").
Please read this entire document and the enclosed letter of transmittal
carefully.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or
disapproved the First Financial common stock or passed upon the adequacy or
accuracy of this Prospectus.  Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                   This prospectus is dated __________, 1998
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                               -----------------

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT OUR OFFER..................................        1
SUMMARY................................................................        3
SUMMARY SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA......        7
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA.............................................       11
THE EXCHANGE OFFER.....................................................       12
CERTAIN REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS......................................       23
DESCRIPTION OF FIRST FINANCIAL CAPITAL STOCK...........................       28
COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS.......................................       29
INFORMATION ABOUT FIRST FINANCIAL......................................       30
INFORMATION ABOUT CLEBURNE.............................................       33
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF CLEBURNE....................................       35
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF CLEBURNE.....................................       36
LEGAL MATTERS..........................................................       53
EXPERTS................................................................       53
INDEX TO CLEBURNE STATE BANK FINANCIAL STATEMENTS......................      F-1
TAX OPINION OF RYLANDER, CLAY & OPITZ, L.L.P...........................  Annex A
FAIRNESS OPINION OF D. LATIN & COMPANY, INC............................  Annex B
ARTICLES 5.12, 5.13 AND 5.16 OF THE TEXAS BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT.....  Annex C
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                             QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
                                ABOUT OUR OFFER

                                        
                                        
Q:   What am I being offered?  How will I benefit?

A:   We are offering you 1.75 shares of First Financial common stock (subject to
     adjustment) for each share of Cleburne common stock held by you.  Thus, you
     will become a shareholder of First Financial and your shares of First
     Financial common stock will be publicly tradable, subject to limitations if
     you are an affiliate of Cleburne.  To read more information on resales by
     affiliates of Cleburne, please see page 21. The Cleburne Board of Directors
     has determined that our offer is fair to you and recommends that you accept
     our offer.

Q:   Who is First Financial?

A:   First Financial is a Texas corporation and a multi-bank holding company. It
     is headquartered in Abilene, Texas and owns nine banks also located in
     Texas. It is a public company, and as of June 30, 1998 it had approximately
     $1.5 billion in total assets, $1.4 billion in total deposits, $718.7
     million in loans (net), and $154.9 million in shareholders' equity. See
     pages 30-33 for more information on First Financial.

Q:   Why is First Financial making this offer?

A:   As part of our current business strategy, we wish to expand First
     Financial's activities into areas of Texas where we believe that long-term
     opportunities to benefit First Financial and its shareholders exist. By
     acquiring all of the Cleburne common stock, First Financial will increase
     its position in the Cleburne, Texas market, which we believe has
     substantial growth potential. As a First Financial shareholder, we believe
     that you will share in the success of this growth.

Q:   Please explain the exchange rate.

A:   If the exchange occurs, you will receive 1.75 shares of First Financial
     common stock (subject to adjustment) for each share of Cleburne common
     stock held by you.  You will not receive fractional shares.  Instead, you
     will receive cash for your fractional shares based on the market value of
     First Financial common stock.  See page 19 for more information regarding
     fractional shares.

     Example: If you currently own 10 shares of Cleburne common stock, then
     after the exchange you will receive 17 shares of First Financial common
     stock and a check for the value of the .5 fractional share.

Q:   Will the exchange rate change?

A:   The exchange rate could change if the average closing price of First
     Financial common stock (as reported on the Nasdaq National Market) for the
     ten days ending on the tenth business day prior to the date of mailing this
     Prospectus (the "Market Price") is less than $40.00 per share or greater
     than $44.00 per share.  In this event, the exchange rate will be adjusted
     by multiplying it by a fraction, the numerator of which is $42.00 and the
     denominator of which is the Market Price.  We or Cleburne may terminate the
     exchange if, as a result of such an adjustment in the exchange rate, we
     must issue more than 375,000 shares of First Financial common stock in
     connection with the exchange (which would occur if the Market Price is
     $38.36 or less).

Q:   What do I need to do now?

A:   You received a letter of transmittal along with this Prospectus.  If you
     wish to accept our offer, you must complete, sign and date this letter of
     transmittal according to the instructions in this Prospectus and letter of
     transmittal.  You must then mail or deliver this letter of transmittal, the
     stock certificates that represent the Cleburne common stock you wish to
     exchange, and any other necessary documents to the Trust Department of
     First National Bank of Abilene, which is the exchange agent.  For detailed
     instructions, please see pages 17-19.


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

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q:   When do I need to send my letter of transmittal and stock certificates?

A:   Our offer expires at 5:00 p.m., central standard time, on _________, 1998
     (unless we extend this time, which we will send you notice of).  The
     exchange agent must receive your letter of transmittal, stock certificates
     and other necessary documents before this expiration date.  Once you have
     tendered your documents, however, your tender is irrevocable and you cannot
     withdraw your Cleburne common stock.  If the exchange is terminated without
     our acceptance of any shares of Cleburne common stock tendered, however, we
     will return promptly all shares that you have tendered.

Q:   How many Cleburne shareholders must accept the offer?

A:   The exchange will not occur unless Cleburne shareholders who hold at least
     90% of the outstanding Cleburne common stock accept our offer before the
     expiration date.

Q:   What are the tax consequences of the exchange to me?

A:   The exchange will be tax-free to Cleburne shareholders for federal income
     tax purposes, except for taxes on cash received for fractional shares.  The
     exchange will be tax-free to First Financial and Cleburne for federal
     income tax purposes.  For a more detailed discussion of tax consequences,
     see pages 20-21.

Q:   When will I receive First Financial common stock?
 
A:   If the exchange occurs, promptly after the expiration date, we will send
     you stock certificates representing your new shares of First Financial
     common stock and a check for your fractional shares.
     
Q:   Does First Financial pay dividends?
 
A:   Like Cleburne, we have historically paid dividends on First Financial
     common stock. For historical cash dividends declared per share by First
     Financial and Cleburne, see pages 30 and 32, respectively.
     
Q:   Whom should I call with questions?
 
A:   If you have any questions about our offer or the exchange, please call
     Sandy Lester in our Investor Relations Department at (915) 627-7155.


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

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    SUMMARY

  This summary highlights certain information from this Prospectus and may not
contain all of the information that is important to you.  To understand our
offer fully and for a more complete description of the terms of our offer and
the exchange, you should read carefully this entire Prospectus and the documents
we have referred you to.  See "Where You Can Find More Information." (Page 6)

                                 The Companies

  First Financial Bankshares, Inc.
  400 Pine Street
  Abilene, Texas  79601
  (915) 627-7155

  First Financial is a Texas corporation and a multi-bank holding company.  It
owns, through its wholly-owned Delaware subsidiary, nine banks organized and
located in Texas: First National Bank of Abilene, Abilene, Texas; Hereford State
Bank, Hereford, Texas; First National Bank, Sweetwater, Texas; Eastland National
Bank, Eastland, Texas; First National Bank in Cleburne, Cleburne, Texas;
Stephenville Bank and Trust Co., Stephenville, Texas; San Angelo National Bank,
San Angelo, Texas; Weatherford National Bank, Weatherford, Texas; and Texas
National Bank, Southlake, Texas (collectively, the "First Financial Banks").
First Financial provides management and technical resources to its banks, which
enables them to improve or expand their banking services while continuing their
local activity and identity.

  The First Financial Banks provide general commercial banking services,
including accepting and holding checking, savings and time deposits, making
loans (including credit card services), transmitting funds, and performing other
customary commercial banking services. The First Financial Banks also administer
pension plans, profit sharing plans and other employee benefit plans, act as
stock transfer agents or stock registrars for corporations, and provide paying
agent services. First National Bank of Abilene, First National Bank, Sweetwater,
Stephenville Bank and Trust Co. and San Angelo National Bank have active trust
departments. In addition, First National Bank of Abilene, First National Bank in
Cleburne, San Angelo National Bank and Weatherford National Bank provide
securities brokerage services through arrangements with various third parties.

  Cleburne State Bank
  200 N. Ridgeway Drive
  Cleburne, Texas  76031
  (817) 641-2291

  Cleburne is a Texas banking association and is located in Cleburne, Texas.  It
is chartered under Texas banking law, is supervised, regulated and examined by
the Banking Commissioner of the State of Texas and the Federal Reserve Bank of
Dallas, and is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the
"FDIC").  It provides a full range of both commercial and consumer banking
services, including making loans, accepting and holding checking and savings
deposits, offering savings programs, providing safe deposit facilities,
providing access to automated teller machines, and offering credit card
programs. It does not offer trust services.

                                The Transaction

Our Offer

  We wish to acquire from the Cleburne shareholders all outstanding shares of
Cleburne common stock in exchange for shares of First Financial common stock.
The Cleburne Board of Directors has determined that our offer is fair to you and
recommends that you accept our offer.  The Cleburne Board of Directors has
relied on, among other things, a fairness opinion from its financial advisor to
evaluate our offer.  See pages 13-14 for Cleburne's reasons for the exchange.

  If you accept our offer, you will receive 1.75 shares of First Financial
common stock for each share of Cleburne common stock that you own, subject to
adjustment in two events (the "Exchange Rate"). First, if the Market Price is
less than $40.00 per share or greater than $44.00 per share, the exchange rate
will be adjusted by multiplying it by a fraction, the numerator of which is
$42.00 and the denominator of which is the Market Price. We or Cleburne may
terminate the exchange if, as a result of such an adjustment in the exchange
rate, we must issue more than 375,000 shares of First Financial common stock in
connection with the exchange (which would occur if the Market Price is $38.36 or
less). Second, if, prior to the exchange, we issue any additional shares of
First Financial common stock due to a stock dividend or stock split, the
exchange rate shall be adjusted to prevent dilution of your shares of First
Financial common stock.


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

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  In the exchange, we will not issue any fractional shares to you. Instead, we
will pay you cash for your fractional shares based on the Market Price.

  On September 3, 1998 (the last trading day before the date the exchange
agreement was executed), the last sales price of First Financial common stock
was $37.75, as reported by the Nasdaq National Market. The Cleburne common stock
has no established public trading market.

When Our Offer Expires

  Our offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., central standard time, on ____________,
1998 (unless we extend this time) (the "Expiration Date").

Conditions to the Exchange (see pages 16-17)

  The exchange will not occur unless certain conditions are met, including the
following:

  .  Cleburne shareholders must validly tender at least 90% of the outstanding
     Cleburne common stock (the "Required Amount") by the Expiration Date;

  .  we and Cleburne must receive all required regulatory approvals, and waiting
     periods with respect to these approvals must lapse;

  .  we must receive an opinion from our independent accountants that we can
     account for the exchange as a "pooling of interests";

  .  we must receive an opinion from Cleburne's counsel as to certain corporate
     matters regarding Cleburne;

  .  Cleburne must receive an opinion from our counsel as to certain corporate
     matters regarding First Financial;

  .  First Financial and Cleburne must not suffer a material adverse change in
     their financial condition or results of operations;

  .  there must be no legal or governmental action with respect to our offer;

  .  Cleburne must freeze the Cleburne 401(k) plan and terminate the Cleburne
     employee stock ownership plan (the "ESOP"), and we must be satisfied with
     certain other matters concerning the ESOP and the 401(k) Plan; and

  .  we must receive a Phase I Environmental Assessment report covering
     Cleburne's real property, and we must be satisfied with the results of this
     report.

  Certain of the conditions to the exchange may be waived by the party entitled
to assert such conditions.

When Our Offer can be Terminated (See page 17)

  Our offer may be terminated at any time for any of the following reasons:

  .  by mutual consent of Cleburne and us,

  .  by either Cleburne or us if, as a result of an adjustment in the Exchange
     Rate, we must issue more than 375,000 shares of First Financial common
     stock in connection with the exchange (which would occur if the Market
     Price is $38.36 or less);

  .  by us if Cleburne has materially breached a representation or warranty or
     covenant in the exchange agreement or if any of the conditions to the
     exchange are not satisfied or waived;

  .  by Cleburne if we have materially breached a representation or warranty or
     covenant in the exchange agreement or if any of the conditions to the
     exchange are not satisfied or waived;

  .  by Cleburne or us if the exchange is not completed by January 31, 1999; or

  .  by Cleburne or us if a court of law or governmental body shall have taken
     any action restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the exchange or
     the merger and this action shall be final and nonappealable.

  If the exchange is terminated without our acceptance of any shares of Cleburne
common stock tendered, we will promptly return all shares that you have
tendered.

How to Exchange Your Shares of Cleburne Common Stock

  You received along with this Prospectus a letter of transmittal. If you wish
to accept our offer, you must complete, sign and date this letter of
transmittal, or a facsimile of it, according to the instructions in this
Prospectus and letter of transmittal.  Then, you must mail or otherwise deliver
this letter of 

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

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

transmittal along with the stock certificates that represent your shares of
Cleburne common stock that you wish to tender and any other required documents
to the Trust Department of First National Bank of Abilene, which is the exchange
agent, at the address set forth below. If, before the Expiration Date, you
deliver to the exchange agent this letter of transmittal, the stock
certificates, and other necessary documents according to the instructions in
this Prospectus and letter of transmittal, then you will have accepted our
tender offer with respect to the shares of Cleburne common stock that you
tendered.

  If your Cleburne common stock is registered in the name of your broker,
dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee and you wish to accept
our offer, you should contact this registered holder promptly and instruct this
registered holder to tender your shares on your behalf. If your Cleburne common
stock is registered in the name of this registered holder and you wish to tender
your shares on your own behalf, you must, prior to completing the letter of
transmittal and delivering it and your stock certificates and other necessary
documents, either register ownership of your Cleburne common stock in your name
or obtain a properly completed stock power from this registered holder. This
transfer of record ownership may take considerable time.

  If the conditions to the exchange are satisfied or waived, then after the
Expiration Date the exchange agent will send us written notice that Cleburne
shareholders holding the Required Amount of the outstanding Cleburne common
stock accepted our offer and validly tendered their shares of Cleburne common
stock.  After we receive this notice, we will promptly send, by registered mail,
your First Financial common stock to you.  We will also send you a check for
your fractional shares of First Financial common stock.

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures for those Cleburne Shareholders whose Cleburne
Common Stock is not Immediately Available

  If you wish to accept our offer and your stock certificates are not
immediately available or you cannot deliver your completed letter of
transmittal, stock certificates or other necessary documents before the
Expiration Date, you may deliver your letter of transmittal, stock certificates
or other documents according to the guaranteed delivery procedures described on
page 19.

You Cannot Withdraw Your Shares

  Once you have tendered your Cleburne common stock, your tender is irrevocable
and you cannot withdraw your Cleburne common stock.  If the exchange is
terminated without our acceptance of any shares of Cleburne common stock
tendered, however, we will return promptly all shares that you have tendered.

The Exchange Agent

  The exchange agent for our offer is the Trust Department of First National
Bank of Abilene (the "Exchange Agent").  Its address is 400 Pine Street, Third
Floor, Abilene, Texas 79601.

Federal Income Tax Consequences (see pages 20-21)

  As a condition to the exchange, Cleburne must receive an opinion from its
independent accountants or tax counsel that the exchange will not be a taxable
event to the Cleburne shareholders (except for cash received for fractional
shares) and to Cleburne for federal income tax purposes. Cleburne has received
this opinion from its independent accountants, Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P.  A
copy of this opinion, which is subject to certain qualifications and
assumptions, is attached to this Prospectus as Annex A.

Accounting Treatment

  We expect the exchange to qualify as a pooling of interests, which means that
we will account for the exchange as if First Financial and Cleburne had always
been combined for accounting and financial reporting purposes.

Subsequent Merger of Cleburne into First National Bank in Cleburne (see page 22)

  After the exchange, we plan to merge (the "Merger") Cleburne into First
National Bank in Cleburne, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of First
Financial ("First National").  In the Merger, we will give those Cleburne
shareholders who do not accept our offer cash for their Cleburne common stock
based on the Market Price.  Those Cleburne shareholders will have a right to
dissent from the Merger.  These Cleburne shareholders will also, however, incur
federal income tax based on the cash received for their Cleburne common stock.

  Also after the Exchange, we intend to redeem all outstanding Cleburne
preferred stock according to its terms.


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

                                       5
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Regulatory Approvals (see page 20)
        
        The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal
Reserve Board") must approve the exchange before it can occur. The Federal
Reserve Board's approval is pending.

Interests of Certain Persons in the Exchange

        As of September 15, 1998, Cleburne's directors and executive officers
beneficially owned 136,424 shares of Cleburne common stock, representing
approximately 69.7% of the outstanding Cleburne common stock.

                      Where You Can Find More Information

        We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and
other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at
the SEC's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New York, and
Chicago, Illinois. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information
on the public reference rooms. Our SEC filings are also available to the public
from the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov.

        We filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 to register with the SEC
the First Financial common stock to be issued to the Cleburne shareholders in
the exchange. This Prospectus is a part of that Registration Statement. As
allowed by SEC rules, this Prospectus does not contain all the information you
can find in the Registration Statement or the exhibits to the Registration
Statement.

        The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the documents (and
information therein) we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose
important information to you by referring you to those documents. The
information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this
Prospectus, and later information that we file with the SEC will automatically
update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents
listed below and any future filings made with the SEC under Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended:

        .  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
           ended December 31, 1997;

        .  Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the 
           quarters ended March 31, 1998 and June 30, 
           1998;

        .  Current Reports on Form 8-K dated July 27, 
           1998 and September 4, 1998; and

        .  The description of First Financial common 
           stock, which is contained in the First 
           Financial Registration Statement on Form 
           8-A dated March 29, 1974, as amended by 
           Amendment No. 1 to Form 8-A on Form 
           8-A/A No. 1 dated January 7, 1994 and 
           Amendment No. 2 to Form 8-A on Form
           8-A/A No. 2 dated November 20, 1995.

        You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or
telephoning:

        Curtis R. Harvey, Executive Vice President and 
            Chief Financial Officer
        First Financial Bankshares, Inc.
        400 Pine Street
        Abilene, Texas  79601
        (915) 627-7155

        You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or
provided in this Prospectus or any supplement. We have not authorized anyone
else to provide you with different information. We are not making our offer in
any state where our offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the
information in this Prospectus or any supplement is accurate as of any date
other than the date on the front of those documents.

        We obtained the information in this Prospectus regarding Cleburne from
Cleburne management.

                         Forward - Looking Statements

        This Prospectus contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking
statements, including statements of goals, intentions and expectations as to
future trends, plans, events or results of operations of First Financial or
Cleburne. These statements are based upon current and anticipated economic
conditions, nationally and in First Financial's markets, governmental monetary
and fiscal policies, interest rates, competitive factors and other conditions,
which, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause
actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these
statements. You should not unduly rely on any of these statements.

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

                                       6
<PAGE>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
       SUMMARY SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA

       We are providing the following financial information of First Financial,
Cleburne, and First Financial and Cleburne combined. This financial information
should help you analyze the financial aspects of the exchange.

       The financial information of First Financial is derived from First
Financial's audited financial statements for 1993 through 1997 and unaudited
financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1998. The
financial information of Cleburne is derived from Cleburne's audited financial
statements for 1993 through 1997 and unaudited financial statements for the six
months ended June 30, 1997 and 1998. The financial information for the six
months ended June 30, 1998 is not necessarily indicative of results that may be
achieved for the remainder of 1998. This financial information is only a summary
and you should read it in conjunction with the First Financial financial
statements (and related notes) contained in the annual reports and other
information on file with the SEC and the Cleburne financial statements (and
related notes) contained in this Prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More
Information" on page 6.

       The pro forma combined financial information of First Financial and
Cleburne assumes that we completed the exchange (accounted for as a pooling of
interests and assuming that all outstanding Cleburne common stock was exchanged
for First Financial common stock at the Exchange Rate of 1.75) on the first day
of each year presented and each of the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1998.
This financial information is not audited. Also, this financial information is
not necessarily indicative of results that would have been achieved in these
prior periods had the exchange been completed as assumed or that will be
achieved in the future.

       First Financial's per share financial information has been adjusted to
reflect stock splits and stock dividends.

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

                                       7
<PAGE>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       FIRST FINANCIAL AND SUBSIDIARIES
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
                   (in thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                            Six months ended
                                                             Year ended December 31,                            June 30,
                                           -----------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------
                                              1993        1994         1995        1996        1997        1997         1998
                                           ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------   
<S>                                       <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
Consolidated summary of
income statement data:
 Interest income.........................  $   62,995  $   64,621   $   74,657  $   84,176  $   95,884   $   45,640  $   52,992
 Interest expense........................      21,513      22,416       29,448      33,731      39,461       18,378      22,168
                                           ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------
                                                                                                        
 Net interest income.....................      41,482      42,205       45,209      50,445      56,423       27,262      30,824
 Provision (credit) for loan losses......         511        (882)         168       1,200       1,114          434         420
 Noninterest income......................      12,940      12,313       15,030      15,842      18,622        9,003      10,356
 Noninterest expense.....................      33,428      34,635       34,400      37,570      43,802       20,894      24,395
                                           ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------
                                                                                                        
 Income before income taxes..............      20,483      20,765       25,671      27,517      30,129       14,937      16,365
 Provision for income taxes..............       6,615       6,805        8,656       9,395      10,066        5,001       5,375
                                           ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------
 Net income before                                                                                      
  cumulative effect of                                                                                  
  accounting change......................      13,868      13,960       17,015      18,122      20,063        9,936      10,990
                                                                                                        
 Cumulative effect of                                                                                   
  accounting change(1)...................       1,005          --           --          --          --           --          --
                                           ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------  ----------
                                                                                                        
 Net income..............................  $   14,873  $   13,960   $   17,015  $   18,122  $   20,063   $    9,936  $   10,990
                                           ==========  ==========   ==========  ==========  ==========   ==========  ==========
                                                                                                        
 Net income per share before cumulative                                                                 
 effect of accounting change.............  $     1.67  $     1.68   $     2.04  $     2.17  $     2.33   $     1.16  $     1.27
                                           ==========  ==========   ==========  ==========  ==========   ==========  ==========
                                                                                                        
 Net income per share....................  $     1.79  $     1.68   $     2.04  $     2.17  $     2.33   $     1.16  $     1.27
                                           ==========  ==========   ==========  ==========  ==========   ==========  ==========
                                                                                                        
 Net income per share assuming dilution..  $     1.79  $     1.68   $     2.02  $     2.15  $     2.31   $     1.15  $     1.26
                                           ==========  ==========   ==========  ==========  ==========   ==========  ==========
                                                                                                        
Consolidated per share data                                                                             
applicable to First Financial                                                                           
Common Stock:                                                                                           
 Net income..............................  $     1.79  $     1.68   $     2.04  $     2.17  $     2.33   $     1.16  $     1.27
 Net income assuming dilution............        1.79        1.68         2.02        2.15        2.31         1.15        1.26
 Cash dividends declared.................        0.62        0.70         0.78        0.87        0.97         0.47       0.525
 Book value at period end................       12.17       13.05        14.38       15.62       17.13        16.42       17.88
                                                                                                        
Consolidated balance sheet                                                                              
data at period end:                                                                                     
 Investment securities...................  $  482,885  $  490,950   $  481,117  $  511,789  $  582,555   $  543,837  $  564,231
 Loans, net of allowance                                                                                
  for loan losses........................     427,627     437,686      497,735     563,459     698,651      597,890     718,720
 Total assets............................   1,069,389   1,066,982    1,125,887   1,262,041   1,573,509    1,323,045   1,537,117
 Deposits................................     960,389     950,251      997,578   1,121,881   1,412,724    1,171,131   1,369,795
 Total liabilities.......................     968,660     958,465    1,005,859   1,130,880   1,425,283    1,181,314   1,382,191
 Total shareholders' equity..............     100,729     108,517      120,028     131,161     148,226      141,731     154,926
</TABLE>

- ------------------------------
(1) As of January 1, 1993, First Financial recorded the cumulative effect of the
    change in accounting for income taxes to comply with Statement of Financial
    Accounting Standards No. 109.

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

                                       8
<PAGE>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                    CLEBURNE
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         Six months ended
                                                                   Year ended December 31,                    June 30,
                                                      ------------------------------------------------  ------------------
                                                        1993      1994      1995      1996      1997      1997      1998
                                                      --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
<S>                                                   <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Summary of
 income statement data:
  Interest income...................................  $  3,757  $  3,924  $  4,508  $  4,987  $  5,603  $  2,700  $  2,941
  Interest expense..................................     1,346     1,394     1,804     1,967     2,274     1,090     1,210
                                                       -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------

  Net interest income...............................     2,411     2,530     2,704     3,020     3,329     1,610     1,731
  Provision for loan losses.........................       248        --        --        --        --        --        15
  Noninterest income................................       610       600       656       648       858       399       473
  Noninterest expense...............................     2,086     1,976     2,060     2,259     2,728     1,328     1,416
                                                       -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------

  Income before income taxes........................       687     1,154     1,300     1,409     1,459       681       773
  Provision for income taxes........................       237       398       450       489       496       237       263
                                                       -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------

  Net income........................................  $    450  $    756  $    850  $    920  $    963  $    444  $    510
                                                       =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======

  Net income per share..............................  $   2.02  $   3.58  $   4.06  $   4.42  $   4.64  $   2.13  $   2.47
                                                       =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======

  Net income per share assuming dilution............  $   2.02  $   3.58  $   4.06  $   4.42  $   4.64  $   2.13  $   2.47
                                                       =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======

Per share data
applicable to Cleburne
Common Stock:
  Net income........................................  $   2.02  $   3.58  $   4.06  $   4.42  $   4.64  $   2.13  $   2.47
  Net income assuming dilution......................      2.02      3.58      4.06      4.42      4.64      2.13      2.47
  Cash dividends declared...........................      0.24      1.00      1.25      1.35      1.35        --        --
  Book value at period end..........................     21.65     23.35     27.24     30.21     33.62     32.49     36.21

Balance sheet
data at period end:
  Investment securities.............................  $ 25,967  $ 26,507  $ 27,652  $ 29,662  $ 33,463  $ 31,338  $ 38,253
  Loans, net of allowance
    for loan losses.................................    24,584    27,025    28,646    31,559    34,173    32,679    32,317
  Total assets......................................    58,913    62,072    64,882    70,604    83,537    79,202    83,813
  Deposits..........................................    53,815    56,662    58,383    63,559    75,985    71,873    75,716
  Total liabilities.................................    53,945    56,771    58,819    63,960    76,226    72,113    75,995
  Total shareholders' equity........................     4,968     5,301     6,063     6,644     7,311     7,089     7,818
</TABLE>

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

                                       9
<PAGE>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                 FIRST FINANCIAL AND SUBSIDIARIES AND CLEBURNE
                  PRO FORMA COMBINED SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
                   (in thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  Six months ended
                                                            Year ended December 31,                    June 30,
                                                    --------------------------------------    ------------------------
                                                       1995          1996          1997          1997         1998
                                                    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    ---------- 
<S>                                                <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Consolidated summary of
income statement data:
 Interest income..................................  $   79,165    $   89,163    $  101,487    $   48,340    $   55,933
 Interest expense.................................      31,251        35,698        41,735        19,468        23,378
                                                    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------

 Net interest income..............................      47,914        53,465        59,752        28,872        32,555
 Provision for loan losses........................         168         1,200         1,114           434           435
 Noninterest income...............................      15,685        16,490        19,480         9,402        10,829
 Noninterest expense..............................      36,460        39,829        46,530        22,222        25,811
                                                    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------

 Income before income taxes.......................      26,971        28,926        31,588        15,618        17,138
 Provision for income taxes.......................       9,106         9,884        10,562         5,238         5,638
                                                    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------

 Net income.......................................  $   17,865    $   19,042    $   21,026    $   10,380    $   11,500
                                                    ==========    ==========    ==========    ==========    ==========

 Net income per share of First
 Financial common stock...........................  $     2.05    $     2.18    $     2.34    $     1.15    $     1.27
                                                    ==========    ==========    ==========    ==========    ==========
 Net income per share of First Financial
   common stock assuming dilution.................  $     2.03    $     2.16    $     2.32    $     1.15    $     1.27
                                                    ==========    ==========    ==========    ==========    ==========

Consolidated per share data
applicable to First Financial
common stock:
 Net income.......................................  $     2.05    $     2.18    $     2.34    $     1.15    $     1.27
 Net income assuming dilution.....................        2.03          2.16          2.32          1.15          1.27
 Cash dividends declared..........................        0.78          0.87          0.97          0.47          0.53
 Book value at period end.........................       14.43         15.68         17.28         16.15         17.99

Consolidated balance sheet
data at period end:
 Investment securities............................  $  508,769    $  541,451    $  616,018    $  575,175    $  602,484
 Loans, net of allowance for
   loan losses....................................     526,381       595,018       732,824       630,569       751,037
 Total assets.....................................   1,190,769     1,332,645     1,657,046     1,402,247     1,620,930
 Deposits.........................................   1,055,961     1,185,440     1,488,709     1,243,004     1,445,511
 Short-term borrowings............................          85           110         4,770           100         1,120
 Long-term debt...................................          75            37            --            --            --
 Total shareholders' equity.......................     126,091       137,805       155,537       148,820       162,742
</TABLE>

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

                                       10
<PAGE>

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

                          COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
                                  (Unaudited)

  We are providing the following per share financial information of First
Financial, Cleburne, and First Financial and Cleburne combined.  This per share
financial information should help you analyze the financial aspects of the
exchange.  This per share financial information is unaudited.  You should read
this per share financial information in conjunction with the First Financial
financial statements (and related notes) contained in the annual reports and
other information filed with the SEC and the Cleburne financial statements (and
related notes) contained in this Prospectus.

  The pro forma per share financial information assumes that we completed the
exchange (accounted for as a pooling of interests and assuming that all
outstanding Cleburne common stock was exchanged for First Financial common
stock) on the first day of 1995 through 1997 and the six months ended June 30,
1998.  This pro forma per share financial information is not necessarily
indicative of results that would have been achieved in these periods presented
had the exchange been completed as assumed or that will be achieved in the
future.

  First Financial's per share financial information has been adjusted to reflect
stock splits and stock dividends.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                    First Financial                                      Cleburne
                                          -----------------------------------               -----------------------------------
                                                                   Pro Forma                                       Equivalent
                                           Historical             Combined(2)                Historical            Pro Forma(3)
                                          ------------           ------------               ------------          -------------   
<S>                                       <C>                    <C>                        <C>                     <C>
Shareholders' Equity:
December 31, 1997.........................  $  17.13               $  17.28                   $  33.62                $  30.24
June 30, 1998.............................     17.88                  17.99                      36.21                   31.48

Cash Dividends Declared:(1)
Year ended December 31:
 1995.....................................  $   0.78               $   0.78                   $   1.25                $   1.36
 1996.....................................      0.87                   0.87                       1.35                    1.53
 1997.....................................      0.97                   0.97                       1.35                    1.70
Six months ended
 June 30, 1998............................     0.525                  0.525                         --                    0.92
Net Income:
Year ended December 31, 1995:
  Basic...................................  $   2.04               $   2.05                   $   4.06                $   3.59
  Assuming dilution.......................      2.02                   2.03                       4.06                    3.55
Year ended December 31, 1996:
  Basic...................................      2.17                   2.18                       4.42                    3.82
  Assuming dilution.......................      2.15                   2.16                       4.42                    3.78
Year ended December 31, 1997:
  Basic...................................      2.33                   2.34                       4.64                    4.09
  Assuming dilution.......................      2.31                   2.32                       4.64                    4.06
Six months ended
 June 30, 1998:
  Basic...................................      1.27                   1.27                       2.47                    2.23
  Assuming dilution.......................      1.26                   1.27                       2.47                    2.22
</TABLE>

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

(1)  The First Financial pro forma combined cash dividends per share amounts
     represent historical cash dividends declared per share only on First
     Financial common stock.
(2)  The First Financial pro forma combined per share amounts include First
     Financial and Cleburne.
(3)  The Cleburne equivalent pro forma per share amounts are calculated by
     multiplying the First Financial pro forma combined per share amounts by the
     Exchange Rate of 1.75.

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

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
                              THE EXCHANGE OFFER

    The information in this Prospectus concerning the terms of our offer (the
"Exchange Offer") is a summary only and you should refer to the Stock Exchange
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of September 4, 1998 (the
"Exchange Agreement"), which is incorporated herein by reference.

General

    Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, we are offering to acquire from the
Cleburne shareholders all of the issued and outstanding Cleburne common stock.
In exchange for each share of Cleburne common stock, we will issue and deliver
1.75 shares of First Financial common stock, subject to adjustment as described
below, to each Cleburne shareholder (the "Exchange").  See "--The Exchange
Rate."

  Cleburne shareholders must tender the Required Amount of the Cleburne common
stock for the Exchange to occur. The Exchange Offer is also subject to certain
other conditions. See "--Conditions to the Exchange."

Background of the Exchange Offer

    In September 1997, Cleburne approached First Financial to discuss the
possibility of First Financial acquiring Cleburne.  It decided that First
Financial, with its strong resources and community operations, would present a
strategic fit.  Thus, Mr. Kenneth T. Murphy, the Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer of First Financial, Mr. H. Sandy Ledbetter, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Cleburne, and Mr. George W. Marti, who owns 60% of
the outstanding Cleburne common stock and is a director of Cleburne, began
discussions regarding the acquisition.

    In November 1997, Cleburne decided to discontinue discussions with First
Financial in order to evaluate its strategic options.  After evaluating various
strategic alternatives, Cleburne decided to resume discussions with First
Financial.

    In June 1998, Cleburne again approached First Financial. Mr. Murphy met with
Mr. Ledbetter, and Mr. Ledbetter informed Mr. Murphy that Cleburne would prefer
a stock-for-stock exchange or merger.

    On July 8, 1998, Mr. Murphy and Mr. Curtis R. Harvey, Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of First Financial, met with Messrs.
Ledbetter and Marti to discuss further the possible terms of an acquisition and
a preliminary range of pricing.

    On July 20, 1998, Mr. Ledbetter met with the Cleburne Board of Directors to
inform them of the discussions with First Financial.

    Following the meeting of the Cleburne Board of Directors, Messrs. Ledbetter,
Murphy and Harvey held further discussions regarding price. They tentatively
agreed that the price per share should equal approximately $42.00. They further
tentatively agreed that the exchange rate would be subject to adjustment if the
average closing price per share of First Financial common stock for the ten
trading days ending on the tenth business day prior to the mailing date of this
Prospectus, as reported on the Nasdaq National Market, is less than $40.00 per
share or greater than $44.00 per share.

    On July 23, 1998, Messrs. Murphy and Harvey attended a meeting of the
Cleburne Board of Directors to discuss the possible acquisition. On July 24,
1998, the Cleburne Board of Directors met and authorized Mr. Ledbetter to
execute a letter of intent.

    On July 27, 1998, Messrs. Ledbetter and Murphy executed a letter of intent
reflecting their agreement on the basic terms of the transaction and their
desire to negotiate a definitive agreement.  Afterwards, First Financial
performed a due diligence review of Cleburne.

    On July 28, 1998, the First Financial Board of Directors met and authorized
Messrs. Murphy and Harvey to negotiate a definitive agreement with Cleburne.

 

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
    During the ensuing weeks, representatives of First Financial and Cleburne
and their respective counsel negotiated the terms of the Exchange Agreement and
the Cleburne Board of Directors met to review the exchange rate and other terms
of the transaction.

    On September 4, 1998, D. Latin and Company, Inc. ("Latin"), Cleburne's
financial advisor, issued an opinion that the Exchange Rate is fair from a
financial point of view to the Cleburne shareholders.  See "--Fairness Opinion."

    On September 4, 1998, the Cleburne Board of Directors met and approved the
Exchange Agreement, and later that day, Cleburne and First Financial executed
the Exchange Agreement. On September 25, 1998, First Financial waived a 
condition in the Exchange Agreement that Cleburne redeem its outstanding 
preferred stock prior to consummation of the Exchange.

Our Reasons for the Exchange Offer

    As part of our current business strategy, we wish to expand First
Financial's activities into areas in Texas where we believe that long-term
opportunities to benefit First Financial and its shareholders exist. By
acquiring Cleburne, we believe that First Financial will expand its position
into a more dominant one in the Cleburne, Texas market, which, we believe, has
substantial growth potential, thereby providing even greater asset and earnings
growth opportunities.

    We also believe that the physical banking facilities of Cleburne will
support the growth we're experiencing in the Cleburne, Texas market.

    Finally, we believe that, considering the recent increases in the number,
size and frequency of combinations occurring within the financial and banking
industries and the likelihood that future changes in banking laws will further
encourage these combinations, First Financial will benefit by continuing to grow
by acquiring quality community banks in favorable markets.

Cleburne's Reasons for the Exchange Offer

    We and Cleburne engaged in arm's length negotiations over the terms of the
Exchange Agreement, including the Exchange Rate.  Cleburne consulted with its
legal counsel throughout the course of our negotiations.  The Cleburne Board of
Directors believes that the Exchange Offer is fair to the Cleburne shareholders
and therefore approved it.  In approving the Exchange Offer, the Cleburne Board
of Directors considered a number of factors, which the Cleburne Board did not
assign any relative or specific weight to, including the following:

1.  The financial terms of the Exchange Offer.  The Cleburne Board of Directors
    -----------------------------------------                                  
considered the value of the Exchange Offer when compared to the book value per
share of Cleburne common stock. The Cleburne Board of Directors believes that
the Exchange Rate represents a fair multiple of the book value per share of
Cleburne common stock and the historical and projected earnings of Cleburne. The
Cleburne Board of Directors also considered the financial terms of other recent
banking combinations and determined that the financial terms of the Exchange
Offer are comparable to these combinations.  Finally, the Cleburne Board of
Directors received a fairness opinion from Latin, Cleburne's financial advisor,
which is attached hereto as Annex B, that the Exchange Rate is fair from a
financial point of view to the Cleburne shareholders provided that the Market
Price is not less than $37.50 per share.

2.  Certain financial and other information about First Financial.  The Cleburne
    -------------------------------------------------------------               
Board of Directors considered certain financial and other information about
First Financial when evaluating the Exchange Offer, including First Financial's
financial condition, asset quality, historical earnings and historical
operations, the historical growth in market value of First Financial common
stock and the liquid nature of First Financial common stock.

3.  The terms, other than the financial terms, and structure of the Exchange
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offer.  The Cleburne Board of Directors considered the anticipated tax-free
- -----                                                                      
consequences of the Exchange Offer to Cleburne shareholders (except for
fractional shares).

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
4.  Other Considerations.  The Cleburne Board of Directors considered whether
    --------------------                                                     
Mr. Marti, as a 60% shareholder, would support the transaction.  Also, the
Cleburne Board of Directors considered the manner in which First Financial
historically has treated the welfare of employees of acquired banks.  Finally,
the Cleburne Board of Directors considered that management and the Cleburne
board members would likely continue to have an active role in management.

    The Cleburne Board of Directors also believes that Cleburne's business will
benefit from First Financial's resources and experience, and will experience
operational benefits and efficiencies, and that the Exchange and Merger will
produce an entity better able to take advantage of the Cleburne, Texas market.
In addition, the Cleburne Board of Directors believes that the Exchange Offer
would allow Cleburne shareholders to exchange their shares for a security in a
company that has a broader market appeal and is a more liquid investment. First
Financial common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market, which will give
the Cleburne shareholders greater liquidity.

    The Cleburne Board of Directors believes that the Cleburne shareholders will
benefit because a larger banking organization can compete in a highly-
competitive marketplace. And it believes that, if the Exchange and Merger occur,
Cleburne would retain its community bank character, even as a subsidiary of a
substantially larger bank holding company.

Opinion of Financial Advisor

    On August 20, 1998, the Cleburne Board of Directors retained Latin to act as
its financial advisor and to render an opinion with respect to the fairness,
from a financial point of view, of the Exchange Rate in the Exchange Offer.  In
requesting Latin's fairness opinion, the Cleburne Board of Directors did not
give any special instructions to Latin or impose any limitations upon the scope
of the investigations that Latin deemed necessary to enable it to deliver its
opinion.

    The Cleburne Board of Directors engaged Latin as its financial advisor
because Latin is known regionally for its expertise in providing financial
advisory services to small and medium-sized banks and bank holding companies in
Texas. For over ten years, Latin has continually engaged in the valuation of
banks and other businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and
acquisitions, private placements, and fairness opinions, and valuations for
estate and other purposes. Prior to 1983, Donald E. Latin, President of Latin,
spent over 25 years as an executive of investment banking firms where, among
other things, he performed similar services for corporations. Prior to this
engagement, neither Latin nor any affiliate of Latin had performed any
investment banking or other financial services for or had any other material
relationship with Cleburne or First Financial.

    On September 4, 1998, Latin delivered to the Cleburne Board of Directors its
written opinion that the Exchange Rate is fair, from a financial point of view,
to the Cleburne shareholders provided that the Market Price is not less than
$37.50 per share.  Latin's opinion is attached hereto as Annex B.

    In rendering its opinion, Latin reviewed, analyzed and relied upon, among
other things: (i) a draft of the Exchange Agreement, (ii) annual financial
statements of Cleburne for the five years ended December 31, 1997 and certain
interim financial reports, (iii) other financial information concerning the
business and operations of Cleburne including certain internal financial
analyses and forecasts of Cleburne, (iv) certain publicly available financial
statements and reports, reported prices and trading activity, and other
information regarding First Financial, (v) certain publicly available
information with respect to comparable publicly-owned bank holding companies and
their securities, (vi) the financial terms, to the extent publicly available, of
certain comparable transactions, and (vii) such other analyses as Latin deemed
appropriate.  In addition, Latin had discussions with senior management of
Cleburne concerning its past and current operations, financial condition and
prospects.

    In arriving at its opinion, Latin relied on and assumed the accuracy and
completeness of all forgoing information provided by Cleburne management or made
publicly available.  Latin did not independently verify such information or
perform any independent appraisals.  Also, Latin assumed that the Cleburne
financial 

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
forecasts that it relied on reflected the best currently available estimates and
judgments of Cleburne management. Finally, Latin relied on economic and other
conditions as currently in effect.

    Latin performed the following analyses in connection with its opinion.

1.  Analysis of Selected Transactions.  Latin analyzed certain merger and
    ---------------------------------                                    
acquisition transactions based upon the acquisition price (at announcement)
relative to the latest twelve months earnings and tangible book value of the
target companies at announcement.  Latin analyzed five transactions related to
the acquisition of banks and bank holding companies in Texas with total assets
of $45 million to $120 million.  These transactions had a ratio of purchase
price to latest 12 months earnings at announcement ranging from 12.75 to 18.5
with an average of 15.8 (which compares with the Exchange Offer, which is valued
at 13.7 times).  The ratio of purchase price to tangible book value ranged from
1.8 times book to 2.2 with an average of 2 (which compares with the Exchange
Offer, which is also valued at 2 times the tangible book value of Cleburne).

2.  Comparable Company Analysis.  Latin compared selected balance sheet data,
    ---------------------------                                              
asset quality, capitalization and profitability ratios as of and for the twelve
months ended June 30, 1998, and market statistics as of August 31, 1998 of
Cleburne with a group of five selected bank holding companies in the Southwest
with assets of less than $500 million (the "Comparable Group") for the same
periods.  This comparison, among other things, showed that:  (i) Cleburne's
equity to asset ratio was 8.82% as compared with an average of 8.39% for the
Comparable Group, (ii) Cleburne's return on average equity of 14.3% as compared
with an average of 14.77% for the Comparable Group, (iii) Cleburne's return on
average assets of 1.24% as compared with an average of 1.31% for the Comparable
Group, (iv) at August 31, 1998, the average price to latest published trailing
12 months earnings of 14.5 times earnings for the Comparable Group as compared
with the purchase price for Cleburne to the latest 12 months earnings of
Cleburne of 13.7 times earnings (based on a Market Price of $37.50), and (v) at
August 31, 1998, the average price to tangible book value of 2 times for the
Comparable Group as compared with the purchase price for Cleburne versus the
tangible book value of Cleburne of 2 times (based on a Market Price of $37.50).

3.  Discounted Cash Flow Analysis.  Using discounted cash flow analysis, Latin
    -----------------------------                                             
estimated the present value of the future stream of Cleburne's after-tax cash
flow through 2003, assuming the terminal value of the end of the period for
Cleburne by applying multiples of earnings of 13.7 and 12 times and discounting
the cash flow streams at discount rates of from 13% to 15% chosen to reflect
different assumptions relating to rates of return and inherent risk relating to
the projections.  The discounted cash flow analysis indicated a range of $63.96
per share to $75.27 per share.  This range compares with a purchase price for
Cleburne of $71.84 per share based on a Market Price of $37.50 per share.

    Based on its analysis and assumptions, Latin opined that the Exchange Rate
is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Cleburne shareholders provided
that the Market Price is not less than $37.50 per share.

Operation After the Exchange Offer and Merger

    After the Exchange, First Financial will own at least 90% of the outstanding
Cleburne common stock. If the Merger occurs, Cleburne will be merged with and
into First National. See "--Anticipated Merger and Dissenting Shareholders'
Rights."

    First Financial provides management and technical resources to the First
Financial Banks, which enables them to improve or expand their banking services
while continuing their local activity and identity. The First Financial Banks
operate under the day-to-day management of their boards of directors and
officers, which have substantial authority in making decisions concerning their
own investments, loan policies, interest rates, and service charges. First
Financial assists its banks, especially with decisions concerning major capital
expenditures, employee fringe benefits (including pension plans and group
insurance), dividend policies, and appointment of officers and directors and
their compensation. First Financial also performs, through corporate staff
groups, internal audits and loan reviews of its banks.  First Financial, through
First National Bank of 

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
Abilene, provides advice to and specialized services for its banks related to
lending, investing, purchasing, advertising, public relations, and computer
services.

     After consummation of the Exchange Offer, we intend to redeem all
outstanding Cleburne preferred stock according to its terms. Under these terms,
after written notice to the holders of Cleburne preferred stock, we may redeem
the Cleburne preferred stock for $15.00 per share plus any declared but unpaid
dividends. As of September 15, 1998, there were 48,690 shares of outstanding
Cleburne preferred stock.


The Exchange Rate

    We will issue and exchange 1.75 shares of First Financial common stock for
each share of Cleburne common stock that Cleburne shareholders who accept the
Exchange Offer tender before the Expiration Date, subject to the following two
adjustments.

    First, if the Market Price is less than $40.00 per share or greater than
$44.00 per share, the Exchange Rate shall be adjusted by multiplying the
Exchange Rate by a fraction, the numerator of which is $42.00 and the
denominator of which is the Market Price.

    Example: Assume the Market Price is $39.00.  The Exchange Rate will be
adjusted by multiplying 1.75 by a fraction.  This fraction is calculated by
dividing $42.00 by $39.00, which equals 1.076923.  Thus, the Exchange Rate as
adjusted would be 1.8846 (1.75 multiplied by 1.076923).

    Second, if prior to the completion of the Exchange Offer, we issue any
additional shares of First Financial common stock due to a stock dividend or
stock split, the Exchange Rate will be adjusted appropriately to reflect such
stock dividend or stock split and prevent dilution of your shares of First
Financial common stock.

    The Exchange Agreement also provides that if, as a result of an adjustment
to the Exchange Rate (other than for a stock split or stock dividend), we must
issue more than 375,000 shares of First Financial common stock in connection
with the Exchange, then either we or Cleburne may terminate the Exchange.

    We will not issue any fractional shares of First Financial common stock to
Cleburne shareholders in the Exchange Offer. Instead, we will pay Cleburne
shareholders cash for these fractional shares based on the Market Price.  See 
"--Fractional Shares."

The Expiration Date

    The Exchange Offer shall expire on the Expiration Date, which is 5:00 p.m.,
central standard time, on ______________, 1998, unless we extend this time. If
we extend this time, we will publicly announce the extension as soon as
practicable after we make the extension. We will make the public announcement no
later than 9:00 a.m. Eastern time on the next business day after the previously
scheduled Expiration Date. Without limiting the manner in which we may choose to
make a public announcement, we will not have any obligation to publish or
communicate any such public announcement other than by making a release to the
Dow Jones News Service.

Conditions to the Exchange

    The Exchange will not be consummated unless certain conditions are met,
including the following:

    (1)    the Cleburne shareholders must validly tender the Required Amount of
outstanding Cleburne common stock to the Exchange Agent before the Expiration
Date;

    (2)    all mandatory waiting periods must expire and all regulatory
approvals, filings, registrations and notifications, including the Federal
Reserve Board's approval of the Exchange, must be received or made;

    (3)    we must receive an opinion from our independent accountants that we
may account for the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Agreement as a
"pooling-of-interests;"

    (4)    we must receive an opinion from Cleburne's counsel as to certain
corporate matters regarding Cleburne;

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
    (5)    Cleburne must receive an opinion from its independent accountants or
tax counsel that the Exchange will not be considered a taxable event to Cleburne
or the Cleburne shareholders (except for cash received for fractional shares)
for federal income tax purposes;

    (6)    Cleburne must receive an opinion from our counsel as to certain
corporate matters regarding First Financial;

    (7)    there shall be no material adverse change in the financial conditions
of First Financial and Cleburne from June 30, 1998 to the date of consummation
of the Exchange (the "Closing Date");

    (8)    there shall be no order, judgment or decree or proceeding or
litigation by any court, governmental body or regulatory authority pertaining to
the Exchange Offer;

    (9)    all the respective representations and warranties of Cleburne and
First Financial in the Exchange Agreement as of the date of this Prospectus and
as of the Closing Date must be accurate;

    (10)   all the respective obligations and agreements and all the respective
covenants and conditions in the Exchange Agreement must be performed and
complied with by Cleburne and First Financial on or before the Closing Date;

    (11)   the SEC shall declare that the Registration Statement filed by us
pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
covering the First Financial common stock to be issued in the Exchange is
effective, there shall be no stop orders issued or threatened, and First
Financial and Cleburne shall have complied with all applicable state and federal
securities laws relating to the Exchange Offer;

    (12)   Cleburne shall have taken the necessary action to terminate its ESOP
and freeze its 401(k) plan and we must be satisfied that the ESOP and 401(k)
plan are qualified plans under, and in substantial compliance with, the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and
all other applicable laws, rules and regulations and that no facts or
circumstances known to Cleburne exist that, in our opinion and our counsel's
opinion, may result in liability to First Financial or Cleburne or any of their
directors, officers or employees arising out of, or in connection with,
administration of the ESOP or 401(k) plan or freezing of the 401(k) plan if the
Exchange and Merger are consummated;

    (13)   Cleburne shall have purchased directors and officers run-off
liability insurance coverage to survive the Closing Date; 

    (14) We must receive a Phase I Environmental Assessment report covering
Cleburne's real property, and we must be satisfied with the results of this
report; and

    (15)   We must receive an undertaking statement from each affiliate of
Cleburne regarding their resales of First Financial common stock received in the
Exchange.

Termination of the Exchange Offer

    The Exchange Agreement and the Exchange Offer may be terminated at any time
prior to the Closing Date for any of the following reasons:

    (1)  by mutual written consent of Cleburne and us;

    (2)  by either Cleburne or us if, as a result of an adjustment to the
         Exchange Rate (other than for a stock split or stock dividend), we must
         issue more than 375,000 shares of First Financial common stock in
         connection with the Exchange;

    (3)  by us if Cleburne has materially breached a representation or warranty
         or covenant in the Exchange Agreement or if any of the conditions to
         the Exchange are not satisfied or waived;

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
    (4)  by Cleburne if we have materially breached a representation or warranty
         or covenant in the Exchange Agreement or if any of the conditions to
         the Exchange are not satisfied or waived;

    (5)  by Cleburne or us if the Closing Date shall not have occurred by
         January 31, 1999 or such later date agreed to in writing by Cleburne
         and us; or

    (6)  by Cleburne or us if any court of competent jurisdiction or other
         governmental body shall have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken
         any other action restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the
         Exchange or Merger, and such order, decree, ruling or other action
         shall be final and nonappealable.

    Whether or not the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Agreement are
consummated, each of the parties to the Exchange Agreement shall be responsible
for their respective fees and expenses related to the negotiation, preparation,
execution, and consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Exchange
Agreement, including attorneys' and accountants' fees and expenses.  If the
Exchange is terminated without our acceptance of any shares of Cleburne common
stock tendered, we will return promptly all shares tendered to the appropriate
Cleburne shareholders.

Exchange of Shares and Certificates

    If you deliver a properly completed and executed letter of transmittal,
which you received along with this Prospectus (a "Letter of Transmittal"), and
stock certificates representing your shares of Cleburne common stock prior to
the Expiration Date to the Exchange Agent at its address, then you will have
accepted the Exchange Offer as to the number of shares reflected on the stock
certificates delivered.

    Except as provided below, all signatures on a Letter of Transmittal must be
guaranteed by a firm that is a bank, broker, dealer, credit union, savings
association, or other entity that is a member in good standing of the Security
Transfer Agent's Medallion Program, the Stock Exchange Medallion Program, or the
New York Stock Exchange, Inc. Medallion Signature Program (each, an "Eligible
Institution"). Signatures on a Letter of Transmittal need not be guaranteed if
(a) the Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder of the shares
of Cleburne common stock tendered therewith and this registered holder has not
completed the box entitled "Special Exchange Instructions" on the Letter of
Transmittal or (b)  the shares of Cleburne common stock tendered therewith are
for the account of an Eligible Institution. See Instructions 1 and 3 of the
Letter of Transmittal.

    You must choose how to deliver the Letter of Transmittal, stock
certificates, and other necessary documents to the Exchange Agent and you bear
the risk of how you make this delivery. We recommend that you use an overnight
or hand delivery service rather than a mail service. In all cases, you should
allow sufficient time to assure timely delivery. You should send the Letter of
Transmittal, stock certificates, and other necessary documents to the Exchange
Agent at the address provided in this Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal.

    If you want us to issue the stock certificates representing your First
Financial common stock in a name other than the name in which your stock
certificates are registered, you must properly endorse or otherwise place in
proper form for transfer your stock certificates so surrendered, and the person
requesting this exchange must pay to First Financial or the Exchange Agent any
applicable transfer or other taxes required due to the issuance of this
certificate. If your stock certificates are registered in the name of your
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee and you wish to
tender your shares, you should contact the registered holder promptly and
instruct this registered holder to tender on your behalf. If your stock
certificates are registered in the name of this registered holder and you wish
to tender on your own behalf, you must, before completing and executing the
Letter of Transmittal and delivering the Letter of Transmittal, stock
certificates, and other necessary documents, either arrange to register your
shares in your name or obtain a properly completed stock power from this
registered holder.

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
    If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered
holder of any Cleb urne common stock listed therein, the stock certificates
reflecting ownership of this Cleburne common stock must be endorsed or
accompanied by appropriate stock powers that authorize this person to tender the
Cleburne common stock on behalf of the registered holder, in either case signed
as the name of the registered holder or holders appears on these stock
certificates.

    If the Letter of Transmittal, any stock certificates representing Cleburne
common stock tendered, or any stock powers are signed by trustees, executors,
administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of a corporation, or
others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, these persons should so
indicate when signing and, unless waived by us, submit with the Letter of
Transmittal evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to so act.

    After the Expiration Date the Exchange Agent will send us written notice of
the amount of outstanding Cleburne common stock validly tendered in the Exchange
Offer.  Promptly after we receive this notice, if all the conditions under the
Exchange Agreement are satisfied or waived, then we will exchange each validly
tendered share of Cleburne common stock for shares of First Financial common
stock based on the Exchange Rate. We then will deliver by registered mail stock
certificates representing the appropriate number of shares of First Financial
common stock to the appropriate Cleburne shareholders.  For information
regarding fractional shares, see "--Fractional Shares." (page 19)

    All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt), acceptance and withdrawal of the tendered shares of Cleburne common
stock will be determined by us in our sole discretion, and our determination
will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all
shares of Cleburne common stock not properly tendered or any shares of Cleburne
common stock our acceptance of which would, in the opinion of our counsel, be
unlawful. We reserve the absolute right to waive any irregularities or
conditions of tenders as to particular shares of Cleburne common stock. Unless
waived by us, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of shares
of Cleburne common stock must be cured within the time we determine. Neither we,
the Exchange Agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give
notification of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of shares of
Cleburne common stock nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to
give any notification. Tenders of shares of Cleburne common stock will not be
deemed to have been made until such defects or irregularities have been cured or
waived. As soon as practicable following the Expiration Date, the Exchange Agent
will return without cost any stock certificates representing Cleburne common
stock that were not properly tendered and as to which defects or irregularities
have not been cured or waived to the tendering holder of these stock
certificates, unless otherwise provided in the Letter of Transmittal.

    If any of the stock certificates representing your Cleburne common stock
have been mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed, you should contact the Exchange
Agent at the address below for further instruction.

Exchange Agent

    The Trust Department of First National Bank of Abilene is the Exchange Agent
for the Exchange.  If you have any questions or requests for additional copies
of this Prospectus, please direct them to the Exchange Agent as follows:

       By mail, overnight, courier or hand delivery:  Trust Department
                                                      First National Bank of 
                                                      Abilene
                                                      Third Floor
                                                      400 Pine Street
                                                      Abilene, Texas 79601

       By facsimile transmission:                     (915) 627-7342

       For confirmation by telephone:                 (915) 627-7003

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

    Cleburne shareholders who wish to tender their shares of Cleburne common
stock and (i) whose stock certificates representing Cleburne common stock are
not immediately available or (ii) who cannot deliver the Letter of Transmittal,
their stock certificates, or any other required documents to the Exchange Agent
prior to the Expiration Date, may effect a tender if:

    (1)  the tender is made through an Eligible Institution;

    (2)  prior to the Expiration Date, the Exchange Agent receives (by facsimile
transmission, mail or hand delivery) from this Eligible Institution a properly
completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed delivery, which you received
along with this Prospectus (a "Notice of Guaranteed Delivery"), that (i) sets
forth the name and address of the holder of Cleburne common stock, the
certificate number or numbers of this Cleburne common stock, and the number of
shares of Cleburne common stock tendered, (ii) states that the tender is being
made thereby, and (iii) guarantees that, within three (3) business days after
the Expiration Date, the Letter of Transmittal, the stock certificates
representing the Cleburne common stock to be tendered in proper form for
transfer, and any other necessary documents will be deposited by the Eligible
Institution with the Exchange Agent; and

    (3)  a properly completed and executed Letter of Transmittal, together with
the stock certificates representing all tendered Cleburne common stock in proper
form for transfer, and all other necessary documents are received by the
Exchange Agent within three (3) business days after the Expiration Date.

Fractional Shares

    We will not issue any fractional shares to you in the Exchange.  Instead, if
you are due fractional shares in the Exchange, we will pay you cash for your
fractional shares based on the Market Price.  See "--Federal Income Tax
Consequences" for discussion of tax consequences of receiving cash for
fractional shares.

    Example: Assume the Market Price is $42.00. If you own 10 shares of Cleburne
common stock, then after the Exchange you will receive 17 shares of First
Financial common stock and a check for the value of the .5 fractional share,
which will be $21.00 (.5 fractional share multiplied by $42.00).

No Withdrawal Rights

    Once you have tendered your Cleburne common stock, your tender is
irrevocable and you cannot withdraw your shares. If the Exchange is terminated
without our acceptance of any shares of Cleburne common stock tendered, we will
return promptly all shares tendered to the appropriate Cleburne shareholders.
See "--Termination of the Exchange Offer."

Regulatory Approvals Required

    The Federal Reserve Board must approve the Exchange under Section 3 of the
Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHCA").  The Federal Reserve
Board's approval is pending.

Federal Income Tax Consequences

    The following summary discusses certain material United States Federal
income tax consequences of the Exchange and Merger, including certain
consequences to Cleburne shareholders who are citizens or residents of the
United States and who hold their shares as capital assets. This summary does not
discuss all tax consequences to Cleburne shareholders who are subject to special
Federal income tax treatment (such as insurance companies, dealers in
securities, certain retirement plans, financial institutions, tax exempt
organizations or foreign persons). This summary does not address the state,
local or foreign tax consequences of the Exchange and Merger, if any.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
    Cleburne has received an opinion from Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P., its
independent accountants, with respect to certain Federal income tax consequences
of the Exchange and Merger. A copy of their opinion, which is subject to certain
qualifications and assumptions, is attached to this Prospectus as Annex A. The
following summary of their opinion is qualified in its entirety by reference to
their opinion at Annex A. Subject to the qualifications and assumptions set
forth in their opinion, Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P. is of the opinion that,
for Federal income tax purposes:

        1.  The Exchange and Merger will be treated as a reorganization within
    the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), and
    First Financial and Cleburne each will be a party to the reorganization
    within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code.

        2.  No gain or loss will be recognized by the Cleburne shareholders on
    the exchange of their shares of Cleburne common stock solely for shares of
    First Financial common stock pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Agreement
    to the extent of such exchange (except as provided below with respect to
    fractional shares).

        3.  The Federal income tax basis of the shares of First Financial common
    stock for which shares of Cleburne common stock will be exchanged pursuant
    to the Exchange will be the same as the basis of such shares of Cleburne
    common stock exchanged therefor, less any proportionate part of such basis
    allocable to any fractional interest in any share of First Financial common
    stock.

        4.  The holding period for the shares of First Financial common stock
    for which the shares of Cleburne common stock will be exchanged will include
    the holding period of the Cleburne common stock they are exchanged therefor,
    provided that such shares of Cleburne common stock were held as a capital
    asset on the date of the Exchange.

        5.  Cleburne shareholders who receive cash in lieu of a fractional share
    of First Financial common stock will be treated as having received the cash
    in redemption of the fractional share and gain or loss will be recognized in
    an amount equal to the difference between the cash received and the
    proportionate part of basis allocable to the fractional share, which gain or
    loss will be a capital gain or loss if the Cleburne common stock was a
    capital asset in the hands of the Cleburne shareholder. Such capital gain or
    loss will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the holder's holding period
    for the First Financial common stock received, determined as set forth
    above, is longer than one year. The effective tax rate on any resulting net
    long-term capital gain for Cleburne shareholders who are individuals will
    generally depend on such shareholder's holding period for the shares of
    First Financial common stock received, determined as set forth above, and
    the income tax brackets under which such shareholder is taxed. For
    individual Cleburne shareholders, the maximum capital gains tax rate on
    property held more than twelve months is 20%.

        6.  A Cleburne shareholder who does not accept the Exchange Offer and
    receives cash in exchange for shares of Cleburne common stock in the Merger
    will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the
    amount of cash received and the holder's Federal income tax basis in such
    shares, provided that the Cleburne common stock was a capital asset in the
    hands of such shareholder at the time of the Merger. Such capital gain or
    loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if such shareholder's holding
    period for the Cleburne common stock exchanged is longer than one year as of
    the date of the Merger. The effective tax rate on any resulting net long-
    term capital gain for a Cleburne shareholder who is an individual will
    generally depend on such shareholder's holding period for shares of Cleburne
    common stock and the income tax brackets under which such shareholder is
    taxed.

    The income tax discussion set forth above is included for general
information only and is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(and authorities thereunder), as in effect on the date of this Prospectus,
without consideration of the particular facts or circumstances of any Cleburne
shareholder. Cleburne shareholders are urged to consult with their own tax
advisors with respect to the federal income tax consequences of the Exchange and
Merger in their particular situations, as well as the tax consequences under any
applicable state, local or foreign tax laws.

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
Resales by Cleburne Affiliates

  Although we will register with the SEC the shares of First Financial common
stock to be issued to Cleburne shareholders in the Exchange under the Securities
Act, our registration will not cover resales of First Financial common stock by
affiliates of Cleburne ("Cleburne Affiliates"). The term "Cleburne Affiliate"
includes any person who, directly or indirectly, controls, or is controlled by,
or is under common control with Cleburne at or during the time period covered by
the Exchange Agreement. Each Cleburne Affiliate who desires to resell his First
Financial common stock must sell his First Financial common stock (i) pursuant
to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act; (ii) in
accordance with the applicable provisions of Rule 145 under the Securities Act;
or (iii) in a transaction that in the opinion of counsel for the Cleburne
Affiliate or as described in a "no-action" or interpretive letter from the SEC,
in each case reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to First Financial,
is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Rule 145(d)
requires that each person deemed to be a Cleburne Affiliate resell his First
Financial common stock pursuant to certain requirements of Rule 144 under the
Securities Act if this First Financial common stock is sold within the first
year after the receipt thereof. After the first anniversary of our issuance of
First Financial common stock in the Exchange, if this person is not an affiliate
of First Financial and First Financial is current in the filing of its periodic
securities law reports, this person may freely resell his First Financial common
stock received in the Exchange without limitation. After the second anniversary
of our issuance of First Financial common stock in the Exchange, if this person
is not an affiliate of First Financial at the time of sale and has not been so
for at least three months prior to this sale, this person may freely resell his
First Financial common stock received in the Exchange without limitation,
regardless of the status of First Financial's periodic securities law reports.

  Each Cleburne Affiliate will deliver to us a written agreement to the effect
that such Cleburne Affiliate will not resell any shares of his First Financial
common stock received in the Exchange, except (i) in accordance with the
Securities Act; and (ii) if, as expected, we account for the Exchange as a
pooling-of-interests, until such time as we shall publish the financial results
of at least thirty (30) days of post-Exchange operations of First Financial. The
stock certificates representing First Financial common stock issued to Cleburne
Affiliates in the Exchange may contain an appropriate restrictive legend, and
appropriate stop transfer orders may be given to the Exchange Agent for such
certificates.

Anticipated Merger and Dissenting Shareholders' Rights

  We anticipate that upon consummation of the Exchange Offer, we will merge
Cleburne with and into First National subject to approval of the Office of the
Comptroller of the Currency (the "OCC") and pursuant to Section 215a of the
National Bank Act and Section 32.501 of the Texas Finance Code, which
incorporates Article 5.03 of the Texas Business Corporation Act (the "TBCA"). In
the event that not all of the outstanding Cleburne common stock is tendered for
exchange in the Exchange Offer, within ten (10) days after the effective date of
the Merger, we shall provide notice of the Merger to the Cleburne shareholders
who did not accept our offer. Any Cleburne shareholder who did not accept our
offer will be paid in cash the Market Price for each share of their Cleburne
common stock, except those Cleburne shareholders who dissent from the Merger. A
Cleburne shareholder who elects to dissent from the Merger (a "Dissenting
Shareholder") must follow specific procedures in order to perfect his
dissenter's rights.

  Within twenty (20) days after we mail notice of the Merger, a Dissenting
Shareholder must make a written demand on First National for the fair value of
his shares of Cleburne common stock. The fair value of his shares shall be the
value thereof as of the day before the effective date of the Merger, excluding
any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the Merger. The Dissenting
Shareholder must include in his demand information as to the number and
estimated fair value of their shares. Any Dissenting Shareholder who fails to
make a demand within this twenty (20) day period shall be bound by the terms and
consideration provided in the Merger. Within ten (10) days after we receive a
Dissenting Shareholder's written demand, we shall either accept his estimate as
to the fair value of his shares of Cleburne common stock or reject and make a
counter-offer as to the fair value of the Cleburne common stock. If we and the
Dissenting Shareholder agree on the fair value of the Cleburne common stock, we
shall pay that value in exchange for endorsed stock 

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
certificates representing his shares of Cleburne common stock. The Dissenting
Shareholder shall, at that time, cease to have any interest in such shares. If
we cannot agree with the Dissenting Shareholder on the fair value of the
Cleburne common stock, the specific remedies provided in Articles 5.12, 5.13 and
5.16 of the TBCA for determination of fair value by a court of law shall be
available to such shareholder. Articles 5.12, 5.13 and 5.16 of the TBCA are
attached to this Prospectus as Annex C.

Accounting Treatment

  We expect to account for the Exchange as a pooling-of-interests and expect to
receive a written opinion of Arthur Andersen LLP, our independent accountants,
that it is appropriate to do so.

                       CERTAIN REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

General

  Both federal and state laws extensively regulate bank holding companies and
banks. The following information describes particular laws and regulatory
provisions relating to bank holding companies and banks. A change in these laws
or regulations may have a material effect on the business of First Financial and
its subsidiaries.

  Because First Financial is a bank holding company, it is subject to regulation
under the BHCA and its examination and reporting requirements. The BHCA provides
that bank holding companies may not:

        1.  (subject to certain limited exceptions) directly or indirectly
acquire the ownership or control of more than five percent (5%) of any class of
voting shares or assets of any company, including a bank, without the prior
written approval of the Federal Reserve Board; or

        2.  engage in nonbanking activities. However, bank holding companies can
engage in certain activities that the Federal Reserve Board has determined are
closely related to banking, or to managing or controlling banks. Examples of
activities which the Federal Reserve Board has determined to be closely related
to banking, or to managing or controlling banks, include:

            (i)    the making or acquiring of loans or other extensions of
  credit;

            (ii)   servicing of loans;

            (iii)  performing certain trust functions;

            (iv)   acting or serving as an investment or financial advisor;

            (v)    providing certain securities brokerage services as agent for
  customers; and

            (vi)   providing bookkeeping and data processing services for a bank
  holding company and its subsidiaries.

  The BHCA provides that the Federal Reserve Board shall not approve any
acquisition, merger or consolidation that may:  (i) substantially lessen
competition in the banking industry, (ii) create a monopoly in any section of
the country, or (iii)  be a restraint of trade. However, the Federal Reserve
Board may approve such a transaction if the convenience and needs of the
community clearly outweigh any anti-competitive 

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
effects. Specifically, the Federal Reserve Board considers, among other factors,
the expected benefits to the public (greater convenience, increased competition,
greater efficiency, etc.) against the risks of possible adverse effects (undue
concentration of resources, decreased or unfair competition, conflicts of
interest, unsound banking practices, etc.).

  The OCC supervises, regulates and regularly examines the First National Bank
of Abilene, First National Bank, Sweetwater, The First National Bank in
Cleburne, Eastland National Bank, San Angelo National Bank, Weatherford National
Bank and Texas National Bank, all of which are chartered under the National Bank
Act. Hereford State Bank and Stephenville Bank and Trust Co. were chartered
under the Texas Banking Code (which, effective September 1, 1997, was replaced
by the newly-adopted Texas Finance Code) and are similarly supervised, regulated
and examined by the Banking Commissioner of the State of Texas. Supervision and
regulation of banks by federal and state banking authorities is primarily
intended to protect the interests of depositors, although shareholders are
likewise benefited. The laws of the United States and the State of Texas (i)
require each subsidiary bank to maintain reserves against deposits, (ii)
restrict the nature and amount of loans that may be made and the interest that
may be charged, and (iii) restrict investments and other activities.

  Each First Financial Bank is a member of the FDIC.  The Federal Deposit
Insurance Act requires that the FDIC review (i) any merger or consolidation by
or with an insured bank, or (ii) any establishment of branches by an insured
bank.  The FDIC is also empowered to regulate interest rates paid by insured
banks. Approval of the FDIC is also required before an insured bank retires any
part of its common or preferred stock, or any capital notes or debentures.
Insured banks that are also members of the Federal Reserve System, however, are
regulated with respect to the foregoing matters by the Federal Reserve System.

  The First Financial Banks must pay assessments to the FDIC for federal deposit
insurance protection under a risk-based assessment system. FDIC-insured
depository institutions that are members of the Bank Insurance Fund pay
insurance premiums at rates based on their risk classification. Institutions
assigned to higher risk classifications (i.e., institutions that pose a greater
risk of loss to their respective deposit insurance funds) pay assessments at
higher rates than institutions that pose a lower risk. An institution's risk
classification is assigned based on its capital levels and the level of
supervisory concern the institution poses to bank regulators. In addition, the
FDIC can impose special assessments to cover the costs of borrowings from the
U.S. Treasury, the Federal Financing Bank and the Bank Insurance Fund member
banks. As of December 31, 1997, the assessment rate for each of the First
Financial Banks is at the lowest level risk-based premium available.

  The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA")
established five capital tiers with respect to depository institutions: "well-
capitalized," "adequately capitalized," "undercapitalized," "significantly
undercapitalized," and "critically undercapitalized." A depository institution's
capital tier will depend upon where its capital levels are in relation to
various relevant capital measures, including (i)  risk-based capital measures,
(ii) a leverage ratio capital measure and (iii) certain other factors.
Regulations establishing the specific capital tiers provide that a "well-
capitalized" institution will have a total risk-based capital ratio of ten
percent (10%) or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of six percent (6%)
or greater, and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of five percent (5%) or greater, and not
be subject to any written regulatory enforcement agreement, order, capital
directive or prompt corrective action derivative.  For an institution to be
"adequately capitalized", it will have a total risk-based capital ratio of eight
percent (8%) or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of four percent (4%)
or greater, and a leverage ratio of four percent (4%) or greater (in some cases
three percent (3%)). The FDICA requires federal banking agencies to take "prompt
corrective action" against depository institutions that do not meet minimum
capital requirements. Under current regulations, the First Financial Banks were
"well capitalized" as of December 31, 1997.

  FDICIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital
distribution (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to
its holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be
"undercapitalized." An "undercapitalized" institution must develop a capital
restoration plan and its parent holding company must guarantee that
institution's compliance with the plan. The liability of the parent holding
company under any such guarantee is limited to the lesser of five percent (5%)
of the 

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
institution's assets at the time it became "undercapitalized" or the amount
needed to bring the institution into compliance with all capital standards.
Furthermore, in the event of the bankruptcy of the parent holding company, such
guarantee would take priority over the parent's general unsecured creditors. In
addition, FDICIA requires the various regulatory agencies to set forth certain
standards that do not relate to capital. Such standards relate to the safety and
soundness of operations and management, asset quality and executive
compensation, and permits regulatory action against a financial institution that
does not meet such standards.

Payment of Dividends

  First Financial is a legal entity separate and distinct from its banking and
other subsidiaries. First Financial receives most of its revenues from dividends
paid to it by its Delaware holding company subsidiary. Similarly, the Delaware
holding company subsidiary receives dividends from its bank subsidiaries.
Described below are some of the laws and regulations that apply when the
subsidiary banks and First Financial pay dividends.

  Each state bank subsidiary that is a member of the Federal Reserve System and
each national banking association is required by federal law to obtain the prior
approval of the Federal Reserve Board or the OCC, as the case may be, to declare
and pay dividends if the total of all dividends declared in any year will exceed
the total of (i) such bank's net profits (as defined and interpreted by
regulation) for that year plus (ii) the retained net profits (as defined and
interpreted by regulation) for the preceding two (2) years, less any required
transfers to surplus. In addition, these banks may only pay dividends to the
extent that retained net profits (including the portion transferred to surplus)
exceed bad debts (as defined by regulation).

  During 1997, the First Financial Banks paid an aggregate of $16.4 million in
dividends. Under the dividend restrictions discussed above, at December 31,
1997, the First Financial Banks, without obtaining governmental approvals, could
have declared additional aggregate dividends of approximately $9.7 million from
retained net profits.

  To pay dividends, First Financial and its subsidiaries also must maintain
adequate capital above regulatory guidelines. In addition, if the applicable
regulatory authority believes that a bank under its jurisdiction is engaged in
or is about to engage in an unsafe or unsound practice (which, depending on the
financial condition of the bank, could include the payment of dividends), such
authority may require, after notice and hearing, that such bank cease and desist
from such practice. The Federal Reserve Board and the OCC have each indicated
that paying dividends that deplete a bank's capital base to an inadequate level
would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice. The Federal Reserve Board, the
OCC and the FDIC have issued policy statements that provide that bank holding
companies and insured banks should generally only pay dividends out of current
operating earnings.

Certain Transactions by First Financial with its Affiliates

  Various laws restrict the extent to which First Financial can borrow or
otherwise obtain credit from, or engage in certain other transactions with, its
depository subsidiaries.  The law regulates "covered transactions" between
insured depository institutions and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and their
nondepository affiliates, on the other hand.  "Covered transactions" include a
loan or extension of credit to a nondepository affiliate, a purchase of
securities issued by such an affiliate, a purchase of assets from such an
affiliate (unless otherwise exempted by the Federal Reserve Board), an
acceptance of securities issued by such an affiliate as collateral for a loan,
and an issuance of a guarantee, acceptance, or letter of credit for the benefit
of such an affiliate.  The "covered transactions" that an insured depository
institution and its subsidiaries are permitted to engage in with their
nondepository affiliates are limited to the following amounts: (i) in the case
of any one such affiliate, the aggregate amount of "covered transactions" cannot
exceed ten percent (10%) of the capital stock and the surplus of the insured
depository institution; and (ii) in the case of all affiliates, the aggregate
amount of "covered transactions" cannot exceed twenty percent (20%) of the
capital stock and surplus of the insured depository institution. In addition,
extensions of credit that constitute "covered transactions" must be
collateralized in prescribed amounts. Further, a bank holding company and its
subsidiaries are prohibited from 

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with any extension of
credit, lease or sale of property or furnishing of services.

Capital

  The Federal Reserve Board has adopted risk-based capital guidelines for bank
holding companies. The ratio of total capital ("Total Capital") to risk weighted
assets (including certain off-balance-sheet activities, such as standby letters
of credit) must be a minimum of eight percent (8%). At least half of the Total
Capital is to be composed of common shareholders' equity, minority interests in
the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries and a limited amount of
perpetual preferred stock, less goodwill ("Tier 1 Capital"). The remainder may
consist of subordinated debt, other preferred stock and a limited amount of loan
loss reserves.

  In addition, the Federal Reserve Board has established minimum leverage ratio
guidelines for bank holding companies.  Bank holding companies that meet certain
specified criteria, including having the highest regulatory rating, must
maintain a minimum Tier 1 Capital leverage ratio (Tier 1 Capital to average
assets for current quarter, less goodwill) of three percent (3%).  Bank holding
companies that do not have the highest regulatory rating will generally be
required to maintain a higher Tier 1 Capital leverage ratio of three percent
(3%) plus an additional cushion of 100 to 200 basis points. The Federal Reserve
Board has not advised First Financial of any specific minimum Tier 1 Capital
leverage ratio applicable to it. The guidelines also provide that bank holding
companies experiencing internal growth or making acquisitions will be expected
to maintain strong capital positions. Such strong capital positions must be kept
substantially above the minimum supervisory levels without significant reliance
on intangible assets (e.g., goodwill, core deposit intangibles and purchased
mortgage servicing rights).

  The following tables set forth the Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets
ratios, the total capital to risk-weighted assets ratios and the Tier 1 leverage
ratios for First Financial and Cleburne individually and on a pro forma combined
basis as of certain dates and periods. Such pro forma combined data is derived
from the financial information of First Financial and Cleburne at June 30 or
December 31 for each of the periods presented below and gives effect to the
Exchange (assuming that all outstanding Cleburne common stock is exchanged for
First Financial common stock in the Exchange).

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
                  Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio

 
                                                             Pro Forma
As of:                          First Financial   Cleburne    Combined
- -----                           ---------------   --------    -------- 
 
June 30, 1998.................       15.05%        19.37%      15.23%
December 31, 1997.............       14.75         17.73       14.88
December 31, 1996.............       18.90         18.86       18.89
December 31, 1995.............       19.33         20.24       19.36
 

                  Total Capital To Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio

 
                                                             Pro Forma
As of:                          First Financial   Cleburne    Combined
- -----                           ---------------   --------    -------- 
 
June 30, 1998.................       16.13%        20.13%      16.43%
December 31, 1997.............       15.96         18.36       16.07
December 31, 1996.............       20.15         19.46       20.11
December 31, 1995.............       20.57         20.77       20.58


                             Tier 1 Leverage Ratio

 
                                                             Pro Forma
As of:                          First Financial   Cleburne    Combined
- -----                           ---------------   --------    -------- 
 
June 30, 1998.................       8.76%          8.82%       8.76%
December 31, 1997.............       8.32           8.80        8.34
December 31, 1996.............      10.40           9.59       10.36
December 31, 1995.............      10.91           9.50       10.74


  In addition to the Federal Reserve Board capital standards, Texas-chartered
banks must also comply with the capital requirements imposed by the Texas
Banking Department.  Neither the Texas Finance Code nor its regulations specify
any minimum capital-to-assets ratio that must be maintained by a Texas-chartered
bank.  However, the Texas Banking Department has a policy that generally
requires Texas-chartered banks to maintain a minimum 6% ratio of stockholders'
equity (stated capital, surplus capital, surplus and undivided profits or
retained earnings) to total assets. As of December 31, 1997, all Texas-chartered
banks owned by First Financial exceeded the minimum ratio.

  Failure to meet capital guidelines could subject an insured bank to a variety
of enforcement remedies, including a prohibition on the taking of brokered
deposits and the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC.  Bank regulators
continue to indicate their desire to raise capital requirements applicable to
banking organizations beyond their current levels.

First Financial Support of the First Financial Banks

  Under Federal Reserve Board policy, First Financial is expected to commit
resources to support each of its subsidiary banks. This support may be required
at times when, absent such Federal Reserve Board policy, First Financial would
not otherwise be required to provide it.

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
  Under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989
("FIRREA"), an FDIC insured depository institution can be held liable for any
losses incurred by the FDIC in connection with the "default" of one of its FDIC
insured subsidiaries.  Similarly, the depository institution can be held liable
to the FDIC if the FDIC provides assistance to the subsidiary when it is "in
danger of default."  "Default" is defined generally as the appointment of a
conservator or receiver, and "in danger of default" is defined generally as the
existence of certain conditions indicating that a default is likely to occur in
the absence of regulatory assistance.

  Under the National Bank Act, if the capital stock of a national bank is
impaired by losses or otherwise, the OCC is authorized to require the bank's
shareholders to pay the deficiency on a pro-rata basis.  To the extent
necessary, if any such assessment is not paid by any shareholder, then, after
three (3) months' notice, the OCC may sell the stock of such shareholders to
repay the deficiency.

Interstate Banking and Branching Act

  Pursuant to the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of
1994 (the "Interstate Banking and Branching Act"), a bank holding company is
able to acquire banks in states other than its home state. Prior to September
29, 1995, federal law provided that the Federal Reserve Board could only approve
interstate acquisitions by bank holding companies that were specifically
authorized by the laws of the state in which the bank whose shares were to be
acquired was located.

  The Interstate Banking and Branching Act also authorized banks to merge across
state lines, therefore creating interstate branches, beginning June 1, 1997.
Under such legislation, each state had the opportunity to "opt out" of this
provision, thereby prohibiting interstate branching in such states, or to "opt
in" at an earlier time, thereby allowing interstate branching within that state
prior to June 1, 1997. Furthermore, pursuant to such act, a bank is now able to
open new branches in a state in which it does not already have banking
operations, if the laws of such state permit it to do so. Texas has adopted
legislation to "opt out" of the interstate branching provisions (which Texas law
expires on September 2, 1999).  Recent judicial decisions, however, have
invalidated the Texas "opt-out" legislation.  Both the OCC and the Texas Banking
Department are presently accepting applications for interstate merger and
branching transactions.  The Texas Banking Department intends to submit proposed
legislation that would codify the judicial authority for interstate merger and
branching transactions to the Texas legislature in the legislative session
beginning in January 1999.

Pending and Proposed Legislation

  Proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the banking industry
are frequently introduced in Congress, in the state legislatures and before the
various bank regulatory agencies. The likelihood and timing of any such
proposals or bills being enacted and the impact they might have on First
Financial and its subsidiaries cannot be determined at this time.

                  DESCRIPTION OF FIRST FINANCIAL CAPITAL STOCK

  The following description contains a summary of all of the material features
of the capital stock of First Financial.  This summary is not complete, however,
and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to both the First
Financial Articles of Incorporation (the "First Financial Charter") and the
applicable provisions of the TBCA. See also "Comparison of Shareholder Rights"
below. You should read the following description carefully.

  First Financial's total authorized capital stock consists of 20,000,000 shares
of First Financial common stock with a par value of $10.00 per share. There is
no authorized preferred stock. As of September 16, 1998, there were issued and
outstanding 8,664,830 shares of First Financial common stock.

  The holders of First Financial common stock are entitled to receive such
dividends as may from time to time be declared by the First Financial Board of
Directors.  First Financial shareholders are entitled to one vote per share of
First Financial common stock on every issue submitted to them at a meeting of
shareholders or 

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
otherwise. In the event of liquidation, after satisfaction in full of the prior
rights of creditors, First Financial shareholders are entitled to share ratably
in all assets of First Financial available for distribution to First Financial
shareholders. First Financial shareholders do not have preemptive or cumulative
voting rights. All shares of First Financial common stock now issued and
outstanding are fully paid and nonassessable and all shares issued in the
Exchange will be fully paid and nonassessable.

                        COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS

  In the event that the Exchange is consummated, Cleburne shareholders whose
shares of Cleburne common stock are tendered in the Exchange Offer will become
First Financial shareholders. Their rights will be governed by Texas law, the
First Financial Charter and the Bylaws of First Financial (the "First Financial
Bylaws").

  Certain differences between the rights of Cleburne shareholders and First
Financial shareholders are set forth below. As both Cleburne and First Financial
are organized under the laws of Texas, these differences primarily arise from
various provisions of the First Financial Charter, the First Financial Bylaws,
the Cleburne Articles of Association (the "Cleburne Charter") and the Bylaws of
Cleburne (the "Cleburne Bylaws"). This summary contains a description of the
material differences in shareholder rights, but is not meant to be relied upon
as an exhaustive list or detailed description of the provisions discussed herein
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the TBCA, the Texas Finance
Code, the First Financial Charter, the First Financial Bylaws, the Cleburne
Charter and the Cleburne Bylaws.

Board of Directors

  The First Financial Bylaws provide that First Financial must have not less
than three and not more than thirty directors. Persons eligible for election to
the First Financial Board of Directors are First Financial shareholders who, at
the date of the annual meeting of shareholders at which the Board is elected,
(i) have not attained the age of 72 years, or (ii) have not attained the age of
75 years and own one percent (1%) or more of the outstanding shares of First
Financial common stock. Any director of First Financial may be removed, with or
without cause, by the holders of a majority of the shares outstanding.

  The Cleburne Bylaws provide that the number of directors constituting the
Cleburne Board of Directors shall be determined by the shareholders at any
meeting thereof, but shall never be less than five nor more than 25.  The
Cleburne shareholders may remove any director or the entire Cleburne Board of
Directors, with or without cause, at a shareholders meeting called for the
purpose of removing directors, by a vote of the holders of a majority of the
shares then entitled to vote at any election of directors.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

  The First Financial Charter provides that each director, officer, employee and
agent of First Financial shall be indemnified for all expenses incurred in
connection with any action, suit, proceeding or claim to which he or she is
named a party or otherwise by virtue of holding such position; provided,
however, that the Board of Directors must expressly authorize the
indemnification of employees or agents (other than directors or officers). The
First Financial Charter provides that such indemnification shall be provided to
the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

  The Cleburne Bylaws provide that each director, officer or employee of
Cleburne shall be indemnified for all reasonable expenses actually incurred in
connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which such person is a party
by virtue of holding such position or by virtue of having served in a similar
position for another entity at the request of Cleburne.  No such person shall be
indemnified or reimbursed, however, if such person has been finally adjudged to
have been guilty of or liable for willful misconduct, gross neglect of duty or a
criminal act.  The Cleburne Bylaws also provide that they shall not bar any
right to which such person would be entitled under applicable law.

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
Special Meetings of Shareholders

  The First Financial Bylaws provide that a special meeting of shareholders may
be called by (i) a majority of the Board of Directors, or (ii) the Chief
Executive Officer joined by at least three members of the Board of Directors, or
(iii) shareholders holding voting rights of not less than 20% of the outstanding
capital stock of First Financial.

  The Cleburne Bylaws provide that a special meeting of the shareholders may be
called by (i) the President of Cleburne, (ii) the Board of Directors or (iii)
the holders of not less than 10% of all shares of Cleburne capital stock
entitled to vote at such meeting.

                       INFORMATION ABOUT FIRST FINANCIAL

General

  First Financial is a Texas corporation and a multi-bank holding company
registered under the BHCA.  It owns, through its wholly-owned Delaware
subsidiary, First Financial Bankshares of Delaware, Inc., all of the capital
stock of the First Financial Banks. As of June 30, 1998, First Financial and its
consolidated subsidiaries had total assets of approximately $1.5 billion, total
deposits of approximately $1.4 billion, total loans (net of allowance for loan
losses) of approximately $718.7 million and total shareholders' equity of
approximately $154.9 million.

  First Financial provides management and technical resources to the First
Financial Banks, which enables them to improve or expand their banking and other
services while continuing their local activity and identity.  The First
Financial Banks operate under the day-to-day management of their boards of
directors and officers, which have substantial authority in making decisions
concerning their own investments, loan policies, interest rates, and service
charges. First Financial assists the First Financial Banks, especially with
decisions concerning major capital expenditures, employee fringe benefits
(including pension plans and group insurance), dividend policies, and
appointment of officers and directors and their compensation. First Financial
also performs, through corporate staff groups, internal audits and loan reviews
of its banks. First Financial, through First National Bank of Abilene, provides
advice to and specialized services for its banks related to lending, investing,
purchasing, advertising, public relations and computer services.

  Each First Financial Bank provides general commercial banking services, which
includes accepting and holding checking, savings and time deposits, making loans
(including credit card services), transmitting funds, and performing other
customary commercial banking services.  The First Financial Banks also
administer pension plans, profit sharing plans and other employee benefit plans,
act as stock transfer agents or stock registrars, and provide paying agent
services.

  First National Bank of Abilene, First National Bank, Sweetwater, Stephenville
Bank and Trust Co. and San Angelo National Bank have active trust departments.
These trust departments offer a complete range of trust services, which includes
administering estates, testamentary trusts, various types of living trusts, and
agency accounts to individuals, associations, and corporations.  In addition,
First National Bank of Abilene, First National Bank in Cleburne, San Angelo
National Bank, and Weatherford National Bank provide securities brokerage
services through arrangements with various third parties.

  The commercial banking industry in Texas is highly competitive, and First
Financial, which holds less than 1% of total deposits held by banks in Texas,
represents only a minor segment of this industry. To succeed in this industry,
we believe that banks must have the capability to compete in the areas of (i)
interest rates paid or charged, (ii)  scope of services offered, and (iii)
prices charged for these services. The First Financial Banks compete in their
respective service areas against highly competitive banks, savings and loan
associations, small loan companies, credit unions, and brokerage firms, all of
which are engaged in providing financial products and services.

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
  First Financial's principal executive offices are located at 400 Pine Street,
Abilene, Texas 79601, and its telephone number is (915) 627-7155.

Market Prices of and Dividends Paid on First Financial Common Stock

  Since November 1, 1993, the First Financial common stock has been traded on
the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "FFIN." The following table sets
forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low bid prices and cash dividends
declared per share of First Financial common stock. We obtained the price
quotation information from the Nasdaq National Market.  The following
information has been adjusted to reflect stock splits and stock dividends.


                                                                       Dividends
                                               High         Low        Declared
                                              ------       ------      ---------
1996:                                                           
                                                                
  First Quarter.........................    $  24.00     $  20.75      $   0.21
  Second Quarter........................       30.38        22.75          0.22
  Third Quarter.........................       30.00        20.13          0.22
  Fourth Quarter........................       32.13        27.50          0.22
                                                                     
1997:                                                                
                                                                     
  First Quarter.........................    $  32.50     $  30.20      $   0.22
  Second Quarter........................       39.50        29.25          0.25
  Third Quarter.........................       45.50        36.00          0.25
  Fourth Quarter........................       45.50        38.50          0.25
                                                                     
1998:                                                                
                                                                     
  First Quarter.........................    $  43.50     $  38.75      $   0.25
  Second Quarter........................       42.44        39.13          0.275
  Third Quarter (through September 29,                               
  1998).................................       44.00        34.75          0.275


  On September 3, 1998 (the last trading day preceding the date the Exchange
Agreement was executed), the last sales price of First Financial common stock,
as reported by the Nasdaq National Market, was $37.75 per share. On __________,
1998 (the last practicable date prior to the mailing of this Prospectus), the
last sales price of First Financial common stock, as reported by the Nasdaq
National Market, was $____________ per share.

  You should obtain current market quotations for First Financial common stock.
In recent months, the market price of First Financial common stock as well as
other financial institutions and other companies generally has fluctuated
substantially due to volatility in the market place.  The market price of First
Financial common stock will fluctuate between the date of this Prospectus and
the Closing Date and thereafter.  We can give you no assurances concerning the
market price of First Financial common stock before or after the date on which
the Exchange is consummated.

  The timing and amount of future dividends on First Financial common stock will
depend upon earnings, cash requirements, the financial condition of First
Financial and its subsidiaries, applicable government regulations and other
factors deemed relevant by the First Financial Board of Directors. As described
under "Certain Regulatory Considerations," various state and federal laws limit
the ability of the First Financial Banks to pay dividends to First Financial.

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
     On September 16, 1998, there were 1,602 holders of record of First
Financial common stock.

Year 2000 Issue

     The Year 2000 issue is a programming issue that may affect many electronic
processing systems.  Until relatively recently, in order to minimize the length
of data fields, most date-sensitive programs eliminated the first two digits of
the year.  This issue could affect information technology ("IT") systems and
date-sensitive embedded technology that controls certain systems (such as
telecommunications systems, security systems, etc.) leaving them unable to
properly recognize or distinguish dates in the twentieth and twenty-first
centuries and thereafter.  For example, date-sensitive calculations may treat
"00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000.  This treatment could result in
significant miscalculations when processing critical date-sensitive information
relating to dates after December 31, 1999.

     First Financial has completed its initial Year 2000 compliance assessment
of its core IT systems, which include loan, deposit and check processing
systems. These core IT systems are licensed from third parties, and these third
parties have warranted to First Financial that their system is Year 2000
compliant. First Financial anticipates performing and completing compliance
testing of these core IT systems during the quarter ended December 31, 1998.
There can be no assurance, however, that these core IT systems will be Year 2000
compliant by December 31, 1999. If any of these core IT systems are not Year
2000 compliant by December 31, 1999, then the Year 2000 issue will have a
material adverse effect on the operations, financial condition and results of
operations of First Financial.

     First Financial has also completed its initial Year 2000 compliance
assessment of its other IT systems, which includes automatic teller machine
software systems. These other IT systems are also licensed from third parties.
These third parties have either assured First Financial that their system is
Year 2000 compliant or identified necessary system upgrades to make their system
Year 2000 compliant. First Financial anticipates receiving the necessary systems
upgrades and completing Year 2000 compliance testing of these other IT systems
by March 31, 1999. There can be no assurance that these other IT systems will be
Year 2000 compliant by December 31, 1999. If any of these other IT systems are
not Year 2000 compliant by December 31, 1999, then the Year 2000 issue could
have a material adverse effect on the operations, financial condition and
results of operations of First Financial.

     The Year 2000 issue may also affect First Financial's date-sensitive
embedded technology, which controls systems such as the telecommunications
systems, security systems, etc. First Financial does not believe that the cost
to modify or replace such technology to make it Year 2000 compliant will be
material. But, if such modifications or replacements, if required, are not made,
the Year 2000 issue could have a material adverse effect on the operations,
financial condition and results of operations of First Financial.

     Ultimately, the potential impact of the Year 2000 issue will depend not
only on the corrective measures First Financial undertakes, but also on the way
in which the Year 2000 issue is addressed by governmental agencies, businesses
and other entities that provide data to, or receive data from, First Financial
or any of the First Financial Banks, or whose financial condition or operations
are important to First Financial or any of the First Financial Banks, such as
bank regulatory agencies, the Federal Reserve banking system, and significant
suppliers and customers. First Financial is initiating communications with
significant customers and vendors to evaluate the risk of their failure to be
Year 2000 compliant and the extent to which First Financial may be vulnerable to
such failure. There can be no assurance that the systems of these third parties
will be Year 2000 compliant by December 31, 1999 or that the failure of these
third parties to be Year 2000 compliant will not have a material adverse effect
on the operations, financial condition and results of operation of First
Financial.

     The cost of IT and embedded technology systems testing and upgrades is not
expected to be material to First Financial's consolidated operating results.
First Financial estimates incurring costs of $200,000 for Year 2000 compliance
testing and its communications program, which will be 

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
recorded as noninterest expense. First Financial also estimates the cost of
system upgrades to be approximately $800,000, which will be capitalized and
amortized over future periods. First Financial intends to fund these costs with
cash from operations.

     First Financial believes that the most significant Year 2000 issue risks
relate to third parties' failures to be Year 2000 compliant. But, because First
Financial's assessment of and solution implementation for the Year 2000 issue is
still in process, First Financial has not yet developed contingency plans for
these risks and the risk of First Financial's failure to be Year 2000 compliant.
Management intends to complete contingency plans for the Year 2000 issue by
December 31, 1998.

                           INFORMATION ABOUT CLEBURNE

General

     Cleburne is a Texas banking association and was chartered under the
predecessor to the Texas Finance Code. Cleburne is supervised, regulated, and
examined by the Banking Commissioner of the State of Texas and the Federal
Reserve Bank of Dallas and is insured by the FDIC. Cleburne began operations in
1980. Cleburne is located in Cleburne, Texas and conducts business principally
in Cleburne, Texas and surrounding areas.

Services

     Cleburne provides a full range of both commercial and consumer banking
services, including making loans, accepting and holding checking and savings
deposits, offering savings programs, providing safe deposit facilities,
providing access to automated teller machines, and offering credit card
programs. Cleburne does not offer trust services.

Competition

     The banking business in Cleburne's market area is highly competitive. In
Cleburne, Texas, seven other banks operate with eight locations. Cleburne also
competes against credit unions, saving and loan associations, investment
brokers, insurance companies, and mortgage companies.

Employees

     As of September 15, 1998, Cleburne employed 40 full time and one part-time
employee.

Properties

     Cleburne's principal office is located at 200 N. Ridgeway Drive, Cleburne,
Texas, 76031.

Market for and Dividends Paid on Cleburne Common Stock

     There is no established public trading market for Cleburne common stock.
Cleburne common stock is not listed on a national securities exchange and is not
authorized for quotation on an interdealer quotation system. As of September 15,
1998, there were 163 holders of record of Cleburne Common Stock. Cleburne has
declared and paid cash dividends per share of $1.35 for each of the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996. Except for a cash dividend per share of $1.35
declared and paid on August 13, 1998, Cleburne has not declared any cash
dividends during 1998.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

     As of September 15, 1998, Cleburne management knew of no person, other than
those listed below (the "5% Cleburne Shareholders"), who beneficially owned more
than 5% of the Cleburne common stock.

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Shares of Cleburne
                                                       Common Stock                Percentage of Outstanding
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner                Beneficially Owned               Cleburne Common Stock
- ------------------------------------                ------------------             -------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>                            <C>
George W. Marti                                           118,032                             60.3%        
1501-D North Main
Cleburne, Texas 76031
 
Cleburne State Bank Employer Stock Plan                    12,973                              6.6
200 N. Ridgeway Drive
Cleburne, Texas  76031
</TABLE> 

Security Ownership of Management

     The following table sets forth the number of shares of Cleburne common
stock and the percentage of outstanding Cleburne common stock beneficially owned
by each director and executive officer of Cleburne and for all directors and
executive officers of Cleburne as a group as of September 15, 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Shares of Cleburne
                                                       Common Stock                Percentage of Outstanding
Name                                                Beneficially Owned               Cleburne Common Stock
- ----                                                ------------------             -------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>                            <C>
George W. Marti                                           118,032                             60.3%
H. Sandy Ledbetter                                          1,920                                * 
Larry E. Brightwell                                           105                                * 
James F. Easdon                                             2,937                              1.5 
Bob J. Harris                                               5,509                              2.8 
William S. Hommel                                             100                                * 
Glen Roof                                                   2,221                              1.1 
Ray E. Williams                                             5,600                              2.9 
                                                          -------                             ---- 
All directors and executive                                                                        
officers as a group                                       136,424                             69.7%
                                                          =======                             ====  
</TABLE>
* Less than 1%. 

     Based on the number of outstanding shares of First Financial common stock
as of September 16, 1998 and after giving effect to the issuance of First
Financial common stock in the Exchange (assuming that all outstanding Cleburne
common stock is exchanged for First Financial common stock in the Exchange), no
director or executive officer of Cleburne or 5% Cleburne Shareholder will
beneficially own more than one percent (1%) of the outstanding First Financial
common stock immediately after the Exchange, except for Mr. Marti, who will
beneficially own 2.3%. Also, after the Exchange, no director or executive
officer of Cleburne or 5% Cleburne Shareholder will beneficially own any
outstanding Cleburne common stock.

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
                      SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF CLEBURNE

              (in thousands, except per share amounts and ratios)

     The following table presents selected financial data of Cleburne as of the
dates and for the periods indicated. Results of operations for the six months
ended June 30, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for
the year ended December 31, 1998. This selected financial data is only a summary
and you should read it in conjunction with the Cleburne financial statements
(and related notes) contained in this Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Six months ended
                                              Year ended December 31,                    June 30,
                                  ------------------------------------------------  ------------------
                                    1993      1994      1995      1996      1997      1997      1998
                                  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
<S>                               <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
 
Operating Results:
 Net interest income............  $ 2,411   $ 2,530   $ 2,704   $ 3,020   $ 3,329   $ 1,610   $ 1,731         
 Provision for loan losses......      248        --        --        --        --        --        15         
 Noninterest income.............      610       600       656       648       858       399       473         
 Noninterest expense............    2,086     1,976     2,060     2,259     2,728     1,328     1,416         
                                  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------         
 Income before income taxes.....      687     1,154     1,300     1,409     1,459       681       773         
 Provision for income taxes.....      237       398       450       489       496       237       263         
                                  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------         
 Net income.....................  $   450   $   756   $   850   $   920   $   963   $   444   $   510         
                                  =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======         
 Net income per share...........  $  2.02   $  3.58   $  4.06   $  4.42   $  4.64   $  2.13   $  2.47         
                                  =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======         
 Net income per share assuming                                                                                
dilution........................  $  2.02   $  3.58   $  4.06   $  4.42   $  4.64   $  2.13   $  2.47         
                                  =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======         
                                                                                                              
                                                                                                              
Financial Position:                                                                                           
 Total assets...................  $58,913   $62,072   $64,882   $70,604   $83,537   $79,202   $83,813         
 Loans, net of allowance                                                                                      
  for loan losses...............   24,584    27,025    28,646    31,559    34,173    32,679    32,317         
 Investment securities..........   25,967    26,507    27,652    29,662    33,463    31,338    38,253         
 Deposits.......................   53,815    56,662    58,383    63,559    75,985    71,873    75,716         
 Total shareholders' equity.....    4,968     5,301     6,063     6,644     7,311     7,089     7,818         
                                                                                                              
Significant Ratios:                                                                                           
 Return on assets...............     1.18%     1.25%     1.37%     1.36%     1.25%     1.19%     1.24%         
 Return on equity...............    13.85%    16.90%    16.96%    15.41%    14.60%    13.76%    14.30%         
 Net interest margin............     4.68%     4.52%     4.74%     4.88%     4.75%     4.74%     4.57%         
 Earning assets to assets.......    92.28%    92.52%    92.22%    91.38%    91.18%    90.79%    91.87%         
 Book value per share(1)........  $ 21.65   $ 23.35   $ 27.24   $ 30.21   $ 33.62   $ 32.49   $ 36.21          
 
</TABLE>
- ---------------

(1)  At period end.

                                       35
<PAGE>
 
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                     AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF CLEBURNE
                                        
                                  INTRODUCTION

      Included in this review are the following sections:                 
                                                                          
      I.     Overview of Operations                                       

      II.    Net Interest Income                                          

      III.   Asset Quality                                                

      IV.    Deposits                                                     

      V.     Return on Equity and Assets                                  

      VI.    Noninterest Income and Expense and Income Taxes              

      VII.   Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity                      

      VIII.  Capital                                                      

      IX.    Discussion of Six Months ended June 30, 1998 versus Six Months
             ended June 30, 1997                                          

      X.     Year 2000 Issue                                               

     You should read this discussion in conjunction with the Cleburne financial
statements (and related notes) contained in this Prospectus.  The following
terms are used in this discussion:

Average Balances

     All average balances are calculated on the basis of daily averages. Interim
period annualizations are based on actual days in the relevant period.

Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis ("FTE"):

     Income on earning assets that is subject to either a reduced rate or zero
rate of income tax has been adjusted to give effect to the statutory federal
income tax rate of 34%. Where appropriate, yield calculations include these
adjustments.

Net Interest Income:

     Net interest income is interest and related fee income on earning assets
(FTE basis where appropriate) reduced by total interest expense on interest
bearing liabilities.

Net Interest Margin:

     Net interest margin is net interest income on an FTE basis expressed as a
percent of average earning assets.

I.  Overview of Operations

General

     Net income for 1997 was $963,000 as compared to $920,000 for 1996 and
$850,000 for 1995. The increase in net income from 1996 to 1997 was primarily
attributable to an increase in net interest income and 

                                       36
<PAGE>
 
noninterest income, most of which was offset by an increase in noninterest
expense. The increase in net income from 1995 to 1996 was primarily attributable
to an increase in net interest income, which was slightly offset by an increase
in noninterest expense.

     Net income per share was $4.64 for 1997 as compared to $4.42 for 1996 and
$4.06 for 1995. Return on assets was 1.25% for 1997 as compared to 1.36% for
1996 and 1.37% for 1995. Return on equity was 14.60% for 1997 as compared to
15.41% for 1996 and 16.96% for 1995.

     Net Interest Income
     -------------------

     On a taxable equivalent basis, net interest income was $3.3 million in 1997
as compared to $3.0 million in 1996, an increase of $300,000, and $2.7 million
in 1995, an increase of $300,000 as compared to 1996. These increases have
resulted primarily from a higher volume of average earning assets and deposits.
Table 1 provides the income and average yield earned on earning assets and the
interest expense and average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities for 1995
through 1997. Table 2 presents year-to-year changes in net interest income and
allocates the changes attributable to variances in volumes and rates. The net
interest margin, which measures net interest income as a percentage of average
earning assets, was 4.75% in 1997 as compared to 4.88% in 1996 and 4.74% in
1995. The decrease in net interest margin from 1996 to 1997 is primarily
attributable to a change in the mix of earning assets. The increase in net
interest margin from 1995 to 1996 is primarily attributable to an increase in
yield on earning assets.

     Noninterest Income
     ------------------

     Table 12 presents detailed information regarding noninterest income.
Noninterest income was $858,000 in 1997 as compared to $648,000 in 1996, an
increase of $210,000, and $656,000 in 1995, a decrease of $8,000 as compared to
1996. The increase from 1996 to 1997 is primarily attributable to an increase in
service charges and mortgage loan fees.

     Noninterest Expense
     -------------------

     Noninterest expense was $2.7 million in 1997 as compared to $2.3 million in
1996, an increase of $400,000, and $2.1 million in 1995, an increase of $200,000
as compared to 1996.  Table 12 provides detailed information regarding
noninterest expense. An important measure in determining a bank's effectiveness
in managing noninterest expenses is the efficiency ratio, which is calculated by
dividing the noninterest expense by the sum of net interest income on a tax-
equivalent basis and noninterest income. Cleburne's efficiency ratios were
65.15, 61.59 and 61.30 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

     Provisions for Income Taxes
     ---------------------------

     Income tax expense was $496,000 in 1997 as compared to $489,000 in 1996 and
$450,000 in 1995. Cleburne's effective tax rate on pretax income was 34% in
1997, 1996 and 1995.

Balance Sheet Review

     Total assets were $83.5 million at December 31, 1997 as compared to $70.6
million at December 31, 1996, an increase of $12.7 million or 18%. Total assets
averaged $77.2 million in 1997 as compared to $67.9 million in 1996.

     Investment Securities
     ---------------------

     Investment securities were $33.5 million at December 31, 1997 as compared
to $29.7 million at December 31, 1996, an increase of $3.8 million. At December
31, 1997, securities with an amortized cost of $24.2 million were classified as
securities held-to-maturity and securities with a market value of $9.2 million
were classified as securities available-for-sale. Tables 3 and 4 provide
detailed information regarding the maturities and fair values of investment
securities at December 31, 1997 and 1996.

                                       37
<PAGE>
 
     Loans
     -----

     Total loans were $34.5 million at December 31, 1997 as compared to $31.9
million at December 31, 1996, an increase of $2.6 million or 8%. As shown in
Table 5, real estate-construction loans accounted for approximately 70% of this
increase. Total loans reflect loans made to businesses and individuals located
in the primary market served by Cleburne. Loans in the real estate mortgage
classification generally provide for repricing intervals that protect Cleburne
from the interest rate risk inherent in long-term fixed rate mortgages.

     Deposits
     --------

     Deposits, which represent Cleburne's primary source of funding, were $76.0
million at December 31, 1997 as compared to $63.6 million at December 31, 1996,
an increase of $12.4 million or 19%. Table 9 provides information regarding
average deposits and rates paid in 1997, 1996 and 1995, and Table 10 presents
information regarding the remaining maturity of time deposits of $100,000 or
more.

Asset and Liability Management

     Interest Rate Risk
     ------------------

     Cleburne manages its assets and liabilities to control the exposure of its
net interest income and capital to interest rate risks to achieve growth in net
interest income. Cleburne has an asset liability committee that monitors
interest rate risk and compliance with investment policies. Cleburne tracks
interest rate risk by interest-sensitivity gap and simulation analysis. From
time to time Cleburne must reallocate investable funds or make pricing
adjustments to better position itself for interest rate movements. As presented
in Table 13, the interest-sensitivity gap analysis as of December 31, 1997
reflects a slight positive repricing gap in the one-year horizon, which protects
Cleburne from significant interest rate risk. Cleburne uses no off-balance-sheet
financial instruments to manage interest rate risk.

     Liquidity
     ----------

     Liquidity represents Cleburne's ability to meet its cash demands as they
arise. These demands generally result from loan demand or deposit withdrawals.
Asset liquidity is provided by cash and assets that are readily marketable or
that will mature in the near future. Liquid assets include cash, Federal funds
sold, and short-term investments in time deposits in banks. Liquidity is also
provided by access to funding sources that include core depositors and Federal
funds credit lines with correspondent banks. Due to Cleburne's strong core
deposit base and relatively low loan deposit ratio, Cleburne management
considers the current liquidity position to be adequate.

                                       38
<PAGE>
 
II.  Net Interest Income

Table 1 -  Average Balances and Average Yields and Rates (in thousands, except
percentages)--Cleburne

     The following table shows assets, liabilities and capital of Cleburne
computed principally on an average daily basis, interest income and average
yield on interest-earning assets of Cleburne, and interest expense and average
rate on interest-bearing liabilities of Cleburne for the three years ended
December 31, 1997. The average yield and rate calculations are based upon
average daily balances. Non-accrual loans are included in the average daily
balance of loans, and any interest income recognized on a cash basis is included
in interest income on loans:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1997                        1996                         1995
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Average   Income/  Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/  Yield/
                                               Balance   Expense   Rate    Balance   Expense    Rate    Balance   Expense   Rate
                                               --------  -------  -------  --------  -------  --------  --------  -------  -------
<S>                                            <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>
Assets
Short-term investments.......................  $ 4,810   $   263    5.47%  $ 2,668   $   146     5.47%  $ 2,684    $  157    5.85%
Taxable investment securities................   31,948     2,027    6.34    29,312     1,780     6.07    26,015     1,470    5.65
Tax-exempt investment securities(1)..........       --        --                --        --                 --        --
Loans (2)....................................   33,254     3,313    9.96    29,904     3,061    10.24    28,336     2,881   10.17
                                               -------   -------           -------   -------            -------   -------
 Total earning assets........................   70,012     5,603    8.00    61,884     4,987     8.06    57,035     4,508    7.90
Cash and due from banks......................    3,682                       3,420                        3,395
Bank premises and equipment..................    2,376                       1,726                          853
Other assets.................................    1,063                       1,122                        1,108
Allowance for loan losses....................     (347)                       (432)                        (547)
                                               -------                     -------                      -------
 Total assets................................  $76,786                     $67,720                      $61,844
                                               =======                     =======                      =======
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-bearing deposits....................  $57,355   $ 2,274    3.96%  $49,676   $ 1,967     3.96%  $45,663    $1,804    3.95%
Short-term borrowings........................       --        --                --        --                 --        --
Long-term debt...............................       --        --                --        --                 --        --
                                               -------   -------           -------   -------            -------   -------
 Total interest-bearing liabilities..........   57,355     2,274    3.96    49,676     1,967     3.96    45,663     1,084    3.95
Noninterest-bearing deposits.................   12,096                      11,139                       10,023
Other liabilities............................      372                         554                          429
                                               -------                     -------                      -------
 Total liabilities...........................   69,823                      61,369                       56,115
Shareholders' equity.........................    6,963                       6,351                        5,729
                                               -------                     -------                      -------
 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity..  $76,786                     $67,720                      $61,844
                                               =======                     =======                      =======
                                                         -------                     -------                       ------
Net interest income..........................            $ 3,329                     $ 3,020                       $2,704
                                                         =======                     =======                       ======
 
Rate Analysis
 Interest income/earning assets..............                       8.00%                        8.06%                       7.90%
 Interest expense/earning assets.............                       3.25                         3.18                        3.16
                                                                    ----                      -------                      ------
  Net yield on earning assets................                       4.75%                        4.88%                       4.74%
                                                                    ====                      =======                      ======
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1)  Computed on a tax-equivalent basis assuming a marginal tax rate of 34%.
(2)  Nonaccrual loans are included in loans.

                                       39
<PAGE>
 
Table 2 - Changes in Interest Income and Interest Expense (in 
 thousands)--Cleburne

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   1997 Compared to 1996                  1996 Compared to 1995             
                             ---------------------------------      ---------------------------------
                             Change Attributable to                 Change Attributable to           
                             ----------------------     Total       ----------------------     Total         
                               Volume        Rate       Change        Volume        Rate      Change         
                             ----------    --------     ------      ----------    --------    ------          
<S>                          <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>         <C> 
 
Short-term investments.....  $   117       $   --       $   117     $   (1)       $   (10)    $   (11)
Taxable investment                                                                
 securities................      160           87           247        186            124         310
Tax-exempt investment                                                             
 securities (1)............       --           --            --         --             --          --
Loans......................      343          (91)          252        159             21         180
                             -------       ------       -------     ------        -------     ------- 
 Interest income...........      620           (4)          616        345            134         479
                             -------       ------       -------     ------        -------     ------- 
                                                                                  
Interest bearing deposits..      304            3           307        159              4         163
Short-term borrowings......       --           --            --         --             --          --
Long-term debt.............       --           --            --         --             --          --
                             -------       ------       -------     ------        -------     ------- 
Interest expense...........      304            3           307        159              4         163
                             -------       ------       -------     ------        -------     ------- 
 Net interest income.......  $   316       $   (7)      $   309     $  186        $   130     $   316
                             =======       ======       =======     ======        =======     ======= 
</TABLE>
(1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis assuming a marginal tax rate of 34%.

                                       40
<PAGE>
 
Table 3 - Composition of Investment Securities (in thousands)--Cleburne

  The table below sets forth the composition of investment securities at the
dates indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       At December 31,       
                                              ---------------------------------
                                                1997         1996        1995
                                              --------     --------    --------
<S>                                            <C>         <C>         <C> 
Held-to-Maturity at Amortized Cost
- ----------------------------------
 
U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations of
 U.S. Government corporations and agencies...  $11,444     $ 8,840     $ 5,757
Obligations of states and political                                           
 subdivisions................................       --          --          --
Mortgage-backed securities...................   12,595      14,592      11,233
                                               -------     -------     -------
 Total debt securities.......................   24,039      23,432      16,990
Other securities.............................      192         192         192
                                               -------     -------     -------
   Total.....................................  $24,231     $23,624     $17,182
                                               =======     =======     =======
                                                                              
Available-for-Sale at Fair Value                                              
- --------------------------------
                                                                              
U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations of                                  
 U.S. Government corporations and agencies...  $ 7,292     $ 6,038     $10,079
Obligations of states and political                                           
 subdivisions................................       --          --          --
Mortgage-backed securities...................    1,940          --         391
                                               -------     -------     -------
 Total debt securities.......................    9,232       6,038      10,470
Other securities.............................       --          --          --
                                               -------     -------     -------
   Total.....................................  $ 9,232     $ 6,038     $10,470
                                               =======     =======     ======= 
 
</TABLE>

                                       41
<PAGE>
 
Table 4 - Maturity and Yields of Debt Securities Held at December 31, 1997 (in
thousands, except percentages)--Cleburne

     The following table shows the maturities of investment securities of
Cleburne at December 31, 1997 and the weighted average yields (for tax exempt
obligations on a fully taxable basis assuming a 34% tax rate adjusted for
disallowed interest deductions in accordance with Federal income tax regulation)
of such securities:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                 Maturing
                                      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           After One but       After Five but
                                      Within One Year    Within Five Years    Within Ten Years    After Ten Years         Total
                                      ---------------    -----------------    ----------------    ---------------   ----------------
                                      Amount   Yield      Amount    Yield     Amount    Yield     Amount   Yield    Amount    Yield
                                      ------   ------    -------    ------    ------    ------    ------   ------   ------    ------

<S>                                   <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>       <C> 
Held-to-Maturity - at
- ---------------------
   Amortized Cost
   --------------

U.S. Treasury obligations and
   obligations of U.S. Government
   corporations and agencies .......  $   --      --%    $ 5,178    6.91%    $ 4,056    6.68%    $   502    5.85%   $ 9,736    6.48%
Obligations of states and
   political subdivisions ..........      --      --          --      --          --      --          --      --         --      --
Mortgage-backed securities .........     699    5.36          --      --       1,010    6.47      12,594    6.47     14,303    6.10
                                      ------   -----     -------   -----     -------   -----     -------   -----    -------   -----
     Total .........................  $  699    5.36%    $ 5,178    6.91%    $ 5,066    6.64%    $13,096    6.45%   $24,039    6.25%
                                       =====   =====      ======   =====      ======   =====      ======   =====     ======   =====
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                Maturing
                                      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           After One but       After Five but
                                      Within One Year    Within Five Years    Within Ten Years    After Ten Years         Total
                                      ---------------    -----------------    ----------------    ---------------   ----------------
                                      Amount   Yield      Amount    Yield     Amount    Yield     Amount   Yield    Amount     Yield
                                      ------   ------    -------    ------    ------    ------    ------   ------   ------     -----

<S>                                   <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>        <C> 
Available-for-Sale
- ------------------
   at Fair Value
   -------------

U.S. Treasury obligations and
   obligations of U.S. Government
   corporations and agencies........  $ 2,496   5.99%    $ 4,637    6.26%    $    --      --%    $    --      --%   $ 7,133    6.34%
Obligations of states and                    
   political subdivisions...........       --     --          --      --          --      --          --      --         --      --
Mortgage-backed securities                 31   6.13         132    8.57          --      --       1,936    6.65      2,099    7.12
                                      -------  -----     -------   -----     -------   -----     -------   -----    -------   -----
   Total............................  $ 2,527   5.99%    $ 4,769    6.32%    $    --      --%    $ 1,936    6.65%   $ 9,232    6.52%
                                       ======  =====      ======   =====      ======   =====      ======   =====     ======   =====
</TABLE> 


                                      42
<PAGE>
 
Table 5 - Composition of Loans (in thousands)--Cleburne

     The following table sets forth the amount of loans outstanding at the end
of the years indicated, according to type of loan:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                        December 31,
                                                            --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              1997           1996           1995           1994           1993
                                                            --------       --------       --------       --------       -------- 
<S>                                                         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C> 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural .................   $  5,617       $  5,646       $  5,993       $  6,342       $  5,279
Real estate--construction ...............................      2,606            781          1,160            714          1,115
Real estate--mortgage ...................................     18,353         17,168         14,469         14,387         14,054
Consumer ................................................      7,941          8,320          7,479          6,144          5,070
                                                            --------       --------       --------       --------       -------- 
                                                            $ 34,517       $ 31,915       $ 29,101       $ 27,587       $ 25,518
                                                             =======        =======        =======        =======        ======= 
</TABLE> 

Table 6 - Loan Maturities and Interest Sensitivity at December 31, 1997 (in 
thousands)--Cleburne

     The following table sets forth the amount of total loans (excluding real
estate mortgages and installment consumer loans) outstanding at December 31,
1997 that, based on remaining scheduled repayments of principal, are due in (i)
one year or less, (ii) more than one year but less than five years, and (iii)
more than five years. The amounts due after one year are classified according to
the sensitivity to changes in interest rates.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                          Over One Year
                                                            One Year        Through           Over
                                                            Or Less        Five Years      Five Years       Total
                                                           ----------     -------------    ----------     ----------     
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>              <C>            <C> 
Commercial, financial and agricultural ..................  $    3,043     $       2,472    $      102     $    5,617    
Real estate - construction ..............................       2,171               297           138          2,606    
                                                           ----------     -------------    ----------     ----------     
                                                           $    5,214     $       2,769    $      240     $    8,223    
                                                            =========      ============     =========      =========    
</TABLE> 

                                                                      Maturities
                                                                         After
                                                                       One Year
                                                                      ----------
                                                                      
Loans with fixed interest rates....................................   $    2,654
Loans with floating or adjustable interest rates...................          355
                                                                      ----------
                                                                      $    3,009
                                                                       =========


                                      43
<PAGE>
 
III.   Asset Quality

Table 7 - Nonperforming Assets (in thousands)--Cleburne

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                         At December 31,
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------
Past Due and Non-Accrual Loans:                     1997         1996         1995        1994         1993
                                                  ---------    ---------    ---------   ---------    ---------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>  
Nonaccrual loans...............................   $     205    $     268    $     405   $     588    $     955
Loans past due 90 days or more.................          28           39           --           1           --
Restructured loans.............................         358          373          368         397           --
                                                  ---------    ---------    ---------   ---------    ---------
     Nonperforming loans.......................         591          680          773         986          955
Foreclosed assets..............................          --           --            3         180          141
                                                  ---------    ---------    ---------   ---------    ---------
     Total nonperforming assets................   $     591    $     680    $     776   $   1,166    $   1,096
                                                   ========     ========     ========    ========     ========

As a % of loans and foreclosed properties......        1.73%        2.15%        2.71%       4.14%        4.43%
</TABLE> 

Loan Concentrations

     As of December 31, 1997, there were no concentrations of loans exceeding
10% to any industry segment except as disclosed in Table 5 in this Prospectus.

Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                     1997         1996          1995         1994          1993
                                                  ----------   ----------    ----------   ----------    ---------- 
                                                  Allocation   Allocation    Allocation   Allocation    Allocation
                                                    Amount       Amount        Amount       Amount        Amount
                                                  ----------   ----------    ----------   ----------    ---------- 
<S>                                               <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>           <C> 
Commercial, financial and agricultural.........   $      56    $       63    $       94   $      129    $      193
Real estate-- construction.....................          26             9            18           15            41
Real estate-- mortgage.........................         183           192           227          294           514
Consumer ......................................          79            93           117          125           186
                                                  ----------   ----------    ----------   ----------    ---------- 
                                                  $     344    $      356    $      456   $      563    $      934
                                                   ========     =========     =========    =========     =========
<CAPTION> 

Allocation as Percent of Total Loans

                                                     1997         1996          1995         1994          1993
                                                  ----------   ----------    ----------   ----------    ---------- 
<S>                                               <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>           <C> 
Commercial, financial and agricultural......          0.2%         0.2%          0.3%         0.5%          0.8%
Real estate-- construction..................          0.1           --           0.1          0.1           0.2
Real estate-- mortgage......................          0.5          0.6           0.8          1.1           2.1
Consumer ...................................          0.2          0.3           0.4          0.5           0.8
                                                  -------      -------       -------      -------       -------
                                                      1.0%         1.1%          1.6%         2.1%          3.8%
                                                  =======      =======       =======      =======       =======
</TABLE> 


                                      44
<PAGE>
 
Table 8 - Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses (in thousands, except 
percentages and ratios)--Cleburne

     The following table summarizes the daily average amount of net loans
outstanding; changes in the allowance for loan losses arising from loans charged
off, and recoveries on loans previously charged off, by loan category; additions
to the allowance which have been charged to operating expense; and the ratio of
net loans charged off to average loans outstanding:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                              1997           1996           1995           1994           1993
                                                            --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
<S>                                                         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C> 
Balance at January 1, ...................................   $    356       $    456       $    563       $    934       $    893
                                                            
Charge-offs:                                                
   Commercial, financial and agriculture ................         22             88            163            416            251
   Consumer .............................................         24             56             10             14             17
   All other ............................................         --             --             --             --             --
                                                            --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
Total loans charged off .................................         46            144            173            430            268
                                                            
Recoveries:                                                 
   Commercial, financial and agriculture ................         29             28             60             55             47
   Consumer .............................................          5             16              6              4             14
   All other ............................................         --             --             --             --             --
                                                            --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
Total recoveries ........................................         34             44             66             59             61
                                                            --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                            
Net charge-offs .........................................         12            100            107            371            207
                                                            
Provision for loan losses ...............................         --             --             --             --            248
                                                            --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                            
Balance at December 31, .................................   $    344       $    356       $    456       $    563       $    934
                                                            ========       ========       ========       ========       ========

Loans at year-end .......................................   $ 34,173       $ 31,559       $ 28,646       $ 27,025       $ 24,584
Average loans ...........................................     33,254         29,904         28,336         26,687         25,354
Net charge-offs/average loans ...........................       0.04%          0.33%          0.38%          1.39%          0.82%
                                                            
Allowance for loan losses/year-end loans ................       1.01           1.13           1.59           2.08           3.80
Allowance for loan losses/nonperforming assets ..........      58.21          52.35          58.76          48.28          85.22
</TABLE> 


                                      45
<PAGE>
 
IV.    Deposits

Table 9 - Composition of Deposits (in thousands, except percentages)--Cleburne

     The following table presents the average daily amount of deposits and the
average rate paid on such deposits:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                            1997                         1996                       1995
                                                    ---------------------        --------------------       --------------------
                                                    Average       Average        Average      Average       Average      Average
                                                    Balance        Rate          Balance       Rate         Balance       Rate
                                                    -------       -------        -------      -------       -------      -------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>           <C>          <C> 
Noninterest bearing demand deposits................ $12,096          --%         $11,139         --%        $10,023         --%
Interest-bearing demand deposits                   
   Interest-bearing checking ......................  18,073        2.95           14,046       2.92          12,718       3.00
   Savings and money market accounts ..............  11,308        2.94            9,836       2.90           8,790       3.03
   Time deposits under $100,000 ...................  22,170        5.00           21,269       4.92          20,010       4.78
   Time deposits of $100,000 or more ..............   5,804        5.17            4,525       4.99           4,145       4.83
                                                    -------                      -------                    ------- 
   Total interest-bearing deposits ................  57,355        3.96           49,676       3.96          45,663       3.95
                                                    -------                      -------                    -------
     Total deposits................................ $69,451                      $60,815                    $55,686
                                                    =======                      =======                    ======= 
</TABLE> 

Table 10 - Remaining Maturity of Time Deposits of $100,000 or More (in
thousands)--Cleburne

                                                       December 31,
                                                           1997
                                                       ------------
             Under three months......................  $      1,938
             Over three through twelve months........         3,212
             Over twelve months......................           917
                                                       ------------
                                                       $      6,067
                                                       ============

V.     Return on Equity and Assets

Table 11 - Return on Equity and Assets--Cleburne

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                          Year ended December 31,
                                                                ------------------------------------------
                                                                  1997            1996              1995
                                                                --------        --------          --------
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>               <C>  
Percentage of net earnings to:
     Average total assets.....................................     1.25%           1.36%             1.37%
     Average shareholders' equity.............................    14.60           15.41             16.96
Percentage of dividends declared per common
   share to earnings per common share.........................    29.10           30.52             30.69

Percentage of average shareholders' equity
   to daily average total assets..............................     9.07            9.38              9.26
</TABLE> 


                                      46
<PAGE>
 
VI.    Noninterest Income and Expense and Income Taxes

Table 12 - Noninterest Income and Noninterest Expense (in thousands, except 
percentages)--Cleburne

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                    Increase                    Increase     
                                                        1997       (Decrease)      1996        (Decrease)       1995
                                                     ---------   -------------   ---------   --------------   ---------
<S>                                                  <C>         <C>             <C>         <C>              <C> 
Noninterest Income:                                                                                         
                                                                                                            
Service fees on deposit accounts.................    $     603   $          78   $    525    $          (10)  $     535
Gain on sale of assets...........................           --              (4)         4                (3)          7
Other:                                                                                                      
   Miscellaneous income..........................           12               2         10                 6           4
   Real estate mortgage fees.....................          121             121                               
   Merchant credit card fees.....................           25               3         22                (4)         26
   Other service fees............................           97              10         87                 3          84
                                                     ---------   -------------   --------    --------------   ---------
     Total other.................................          256             136        120                 6         114
                                                     ---------   -------------   --------    --------------   ---------
Total noninterest income.........................    $     858   $         210   $    648    $           (8)  $     656
                                                     =========   =============   ========    ==============   =========
                                                                                                            
Noninterest Expense:                                                                                        
                                                                                                            
Salaries.........................................    $   1,146   $         229   $    917    $          135   $     782
Payroll taxes....................................           84              16         68                10          58
Employee benefit plan contributions..............           11               1         10                 5           5
Medical and other benefits.......................           82              12         70                 2          68
                                                     ---------   -------------   --------    --------------   ---------
                                                         1,323             258      1,065               152         913
                                                                                                            
Net occupancy....................................          282              43        239                53         186
Equipment expense................................          149              39        110                39          71
Other:                                                                                                      
   Advertising and business development..........           87              17         70                29          41
   Other miscellaneous...........................          188              47        141                 7         134
   Outside data processing.......................          223              10        213                 1         212
   Director fees.................................           52               4         48                 2          46
   Credit card and ATM...........................           60              10         50               (17)         67
   Outside operations............................           --              --         --                --          --
   Printing and supplies.........................           78             (15)        93                23          70
   Postage and courier...........................           91               6         85                 2          83
   Legal and accounting fees.....................           48               1         47                (3)         50
   Insurance.....................................           36              (2)        38                 5          33
   Other real estate expense.....................           15              22         (7)              (31)         24
   Correspondent bank service fees...............           41               6         35                (6)         41
   Communications................................           47              17         30                 5          25
   FDIC insurance expense........................            8               6          2               (62)         64
                                                     ---------   -------------   --------    --------------   ---------
     Total other.................................          974             129        845               (45)        890
                                                     ---------   -------------   --------    --------------   ---------
Total Noninterest Expense........................    $   2,728   $         469   $  2,259    $          199   $   2,060
                                                     =========   =============   ========    ==============   =========
                                                                                                            
As a % of Tax Equivalent Net Revenue.............        65.15%                     61.59%                        61.30%
</TABLE> 


                                      47
<PAGE>
 
VII.  Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity

Table 13 - Interest Sensitivity Analysis--Cleburne (in thousands, except 
percentages)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                                                           December
                                                                                                                           31, 1997
                                                                                                                          Estimated
                                       1998         1999         2000         2001         2002       Beyond      Total   Fair Value
                                     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------    --------   --------  ----------

<S>                                  <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>       <C> 
Loans
   Fixed rate loans ..............   $  5,318     $  2,913     $  4,266     $  4,311     $  5,313    $  6,450   $ 28,571   $ 28,380
     Average interest rate .......      11.06%       10.29%       10.27%        9.39%        9.52%       9.51%      9.97%        --
   Adjustable rate loans .........      2,416          156           30          330          144       2,870      5,946      5,946
     Average interest rate .......       9.97        10.28        10.50         9.90        10.20        9.40       9.71         --
Investment Securities                                                                                                        
   Fixed rate securities .........      2,491        2,096        1,494           --           --          --      6,081      6,120
     Average interest rate .......       5.13         6.25         6.24           --           --          --       5.79         --
   Adjustable rate securities ....        730          682        1,002           --        4,678      20,290     27,382     27,332
     Average interest rate .......       6.23         6.35         6.40           --         6.51        6.55       6.52         --
Other earning assets                                                                                                         
   Fixed rate ....................         --           --           --           --           --          --         --         --
     Average interest rate .......         --           --           --           --           --          --         --         --
   Adjustable rate ...............      6,735           --           --           --           --          --      6,735      6,735
     Average interest rate .......       5.40           --           --           --           --          --       5.40         --
                                     --------      -------     --------     --------     --------    --------   --------   --------
Total financial assets ...........   $ 17,690     $  5,847     $  6,792     $  4,641     $ 10,135    $ 29,610   $ 74,715   $ 74,503
   Average interest rate .........       5.67%        8.38%        8.82%        9.43%        8.14%       7.47%      7.45%

                                                                                                                             
Deposits                                                                                                                     
   Fixed rate deposits ...........   $ 22,413     $  4,885     $  1,119     $     --     $     --    $     --   $ 28,417   $ 28,535
     Average interest rate .......       5.04%        5.25         5.23%          --           --          --       5.08%        --
   Adjustable rate deposits ......     34,726           --           --           --           --          --     34,726     34,732
     Average interest rate .......       2.52           --           --           --           --          --       2.52         --
Other interest-bearing liabilities                                                                                           
   Adjustable rate ...............         --           --           --           --           --          --         --         --
     Average interest rate .......         --           --           --           --           --          --         --         --
                                     --------      -------     --------     --------     --------    --------   --------   --------
Total financial liabilities ......   $ 57,139     $  4,885     $  1,119     $     --     $     --    $     --   $ 63,143   $ 63,267
   Average interest rate .........       3.51%        5.25%        5.23%          --           --          --       3.67%        --
                                                                                                                             
Interest sensitivity gap .........   $(39,449)    $    962     $  5,673     $  4,641     $ 10,135    $ 29,610   $ 11,572   $ 11,236
Cumulative interest 
   sensitivity gap ...............    (39,449)     (38,487)     (32,814)     (28,173)     (18,038)     11,572         --         --
Ratio of interest sensitive
   assets to interest sensitive 
   liabilities ...................      30.96%      119.69%      606.97%          --           --          --         --         --
Cumulative ratio of
   interest sensitive assets to
   interest sensitive liabilities       30.96        37.95        48.03        55.38%       71.43%     118.33%        --         --
Cumulative interest sensitivity
   gap as a percent of earning
   assets ........................     (52.80)      (51.51)      (43.92)      (37.71)      (24.14)      15.49         --         --
</TABLE> 

                                       48
<PAGE>
 
Table 14 - Average Balances and Average Yields and Rates--Cleburne (in 
thousands, except percentage):
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                               Six months ended June 30,
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   1998                                           1997
                                                   ----------------------------------             ----------------------------------
                                                    Average      Income/       Yield/             Average       Income/      Yield/
                                                    Balance      Expense        Rate              Balance       Expense       Rate 
                                                    -------      -------       ------             -------       -------      ------
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>           <C>                <C>           <C>          <C> 
Assets                                                                                                                             
Short-term investments ......................       $ 6,977      $   193        5.53%             $ 4,515       $   123       5.45%
Taxable investment securities ...............        35,479        1,116        6.29               30,846           972       6.30 
Tax-exempt investment securities (1) ........            --           --                               --            --            
Loans (2) ...................................        33,380        1,632        9.78               32,508         1,605       9.87 
                                                    -------      -------                          -------       ------- 
    Total earning assets ....................        75,836        2,941        7.76               67,869         2,700       7.96 
Cash and due from banks .....................         3,679                                         3,769                          
Bank premises and equipment .................         2,405                                         2,332                          
Other assets ................................           951                                         1,132                          
Allowance for loan losses ...................          (328)                                         (352)                         
                                                    -------                                       ------- 
   Total assets .............................       $82,543                                       $74,750                          
                                                    =======                                       ======= 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                                                                                               
Interest-bearing deposits ...................       $62,694      $ 1,210        3.86%             $55,259       $ 1,090       3.95%
Long-term debt ..............................            --           --                               --            --            
                                                    -------      -------                          -------       ------- 
   Total interest-bearing liabilities .......        62,694        1,210        3.86               55,259         1,090       3.95 
Noninterest-bearing deposits ................        12,022                                        12,162                          
Other liabilities ...........................           298                                           485                          
                                                    -------                                       -------               
   Total liabilities ........................        75,014                                        67,906                          
Shareholders' equity ........................         7,529                                         6,844                          
                                                    -------                                       -------               
   Total liabilities and shareholders'                                                                                             
   equity ...................................       $82,543                                       $74,750                          
                                                    =======                                       =======               
                                                                 -------                                        ------- 
Net interest income .........................                    $ 1,731                                        $ 1,610            
                                                                 =======                                        ======= 
Rate Analysis                                                                                                                      
   Interest income/earning assets ...........                                   7.76%                                         7.96%
   Interest expense/earning assets ..........                                   3.19                                          3.21 
                                                                              ------                                        ------
        Net yield on earning assets .........                                   4.57%                                         4.74%
                                                                              ======                                        ======
</TABLE> 

(1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis assuming a marginal tax rate of 34%. 
(2) Nonaccrual loans are included in loans.

Table 15 - Changes in Interest Income and Interest Expense -- Cleburne (in
thousands):
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                              Six months ended June 30,
                                                                                1998 compared to 1997
                                                                     ---------------------------------------------
                                                                       Change Attributable to              
                                                                     --------------------------            Total
                                                                      Volume             Rate              Change
                                                                     --------          --------           --------
<S>                                                                  <C>               <C>                <C> 
Short-term investments ...................................           $    257          $   (187)          $     70
Taxable investment securities ............................              1,264            (1,120)               144
Tax-exempt investment securities (1) .....................                 --                --                 --
Loans ....................................................              1,691            (1,664)                27
                                                                     --------          --------           --------
  Interest income ........................................              3,212            (2,971)               241
                                                                     --------          --------           --------
                                                                                                                 
Interest-bearing deposits ................................              1,383            (1,263)               120
Short-term borrowings ....................................                 --                --                 --
Long-term debt ...........................................                 --                --                 --
                                                                     --------          --------           --------
  Interest expense .......................................              1,383            (1,263)               120
                                                                     --------          --------           --------
  Net interest income ....................................           $  1,829          $ (1,708)          $    121
                                                                     ========          ========           ========
</TABLE> 
- -------------
(1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis assuming a marginal tax rate of 34%.

                                       49
<PAGE>
 
Table 16 - Noninterest Income and Expense - Cleburne (in thousands, except
percentages):
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                         For the Six Months ended
                                                                  June 30,                       Change
                                                       -----------------------------  --------------------------
                                                            1998           1997             $             %
                                                       --------------  -------------  -------------   ----------
<S>                                                    <C>             <C>            <C>                <C> 
Noninterest Income:

Service fees on deposit accounts...................    $          344  $         299  $          45       15.05
Net gain (loss) on sale of assets..................                --             --             --          --
Other:
   Miscellaneous income ...........................                12              7              5       71.43
   Real estate mortgage fees.......................                70             44             26       59.09
   Merchant credit card fees.......................                12             11              1        9.09
   Other service fees..............................                35             38             (3)      (7.89)
                                                       --------------  -------------  -------------  ----------
     Total other...................................               129            100             29       29.00
                                                       --------------  -------------  -------------  ----------
Total noninterest income...........................    $          473  $         399  $          74       18.55
                                                       ==============  =============  =============  ==========


Noninterest Expense:

Salaries...........................................    $          615  $         547  $          68       12.43
Payroll taxes......................................                44             42              2        4.76
Benefit plan expense...............................                --             --             --          --
Medical and other benefits.........................                52             43              9       20.93
                                                       --------------  -------------  -------------  ----------
                                                                  711            632             79       12.50

Net occupancy......................................               148            137             11        8.03
Equipment expense..................................                80             73              7        9.59
Other:
   Advertising and business development............                40             46             (6)     (13.04)
   Other miscellaneous.............................                59             91            (32)     (35.16)
   Outside data processing.........................               112            113             (1)      (0.88)
   Director fees...................................                28             25              3       12.00
   Credit card and ATM.............................                32             29              3       10.34
   Outside operations..............................                --             --             --          --
   Printing and supplies...........................                59             47             12       25.53
   Postage and courier.............................                46             47             (1)      (2.13)
   Legal and accounting fees.......................                28             24              4       16.67
   Insurance.......................................                19             18              1        5.56
   Other real estate expense.......................                (2)            --             (2)         --
   Correspondent bank service fees.................                23             20              3       15.00
   Communications..................................                28             23              5       21.74
   FDIC insurance expense..........................                 5              3              2       66.67
                                                       --------------  -------------  -------------  ----------
     Total other...................................               477            486             (9)      (1.85)
                                                       --------------  -------------  -------------  ----------
Total noninterest expense..........................    $        1,416  $       1,328  $          88        6.63
                                                       ==============  =============  =============  ==========

As a % of tax-equivalent net revenue...............             64.25%         66.10%
</TABLE> 

VIII. Capital

   Shareholders' equity was $7.3 million, or 8.8% of total assets, at December
31, 1997, compared to $6.6 million, or 9.4% of total assets, at December 31,
1996. In accordance with Statement of Financial

                                       50
<PAGE>
 
Accounting Standards No. 115, Cleburne's unrealized gains on securities
available-for-sale are reported as an addition to shareholders' equity. At
December 31, 1997 and 1996, unrealized gains amounted to approximately $41,000
and $18,000, respectively. In 1997, shareholders' equity averaged $7.0 million,
or 9.1% of average assets, compared to $6.4 million, or 9.4% of average assets,
in 1996.

     Banking system regulators measure capital adequacy by the risk-based
capital ratio and leverage ratio. The risk-based capital rules provide for the
weighting of assets and off-balance-sheet commitments and contingencies
according to prescribed risk categories ranging from 0% to 100%. Regulatory
capital is then divided by risk-weighted assets to determine the risk-adjusted
capital ratios. The leverage ratio is computed by dividing shareholders' equity
less intangible assets by quarter-to-date average assets less intangible assets.
Regulatory minimums for the risk-based and leverage ratios are 8.00% and 4.00%,
respectively. At December 31, 1997, Cleburne's total risk-based and leverage
ratios were 18.31% and 8.80% , respectively.

IX.  Discussion of Six Months ended June 30, 1998 versus Six Months ended June
     30, 1997

Overview of Operations

     For the six months ended June 30, 1998, Cleburne's net income was $510,000,
or $2.47 per share, compared to $444,000, or $2.13 per share, for the six months
ended June 30, 1997. Return on average assets and return on average equity for
the six months ended June 30, 1998 were 1.24% and 14.30%, respectively. Return
on average assets and return on average equity for the six months ended June 30,
1997 were 1.19% and 13.76%, respectively.

     Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis was $1.7 million for the six
months ended June 30, 1998 as compared to $1.6 million for the six months ended
June 30, 1997, an increase of $100,000, which resulted primarily from growth in
earning assets. The net interest margin was 4.57% for the six months ended June
30, 1998 as compared to 4.74% for the six months ended June 30, 1997. The
provision for loan losses was $15,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1998.

     Total noninterest income was $473,000 for the six months ended June 30,
1998 as compared to $399,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1997, an increase
of $74,000. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in service
charges and mortgage loan fees. Service fees on deposits was $344,000 for the
six months ended June 30, 1998 as compared to $299,000 for the six months ended
June 30, 1997, an increase of $45,000. Other noninterest income, which includes
merchant credit card fees, real estate mortgage fees, ATM transaction fees, and
various other miscellaneous service-related fees and income, was $129,000 for
the six months ended June 30, 1998 as compared to $100,000 for the six months
ended June 30, 1997, an increase of $29,000. This increase is primarily
attributable to an increase in mortgage loan fees.

     Noninterest expense was $1.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 1998
as compared to $1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 1997, an increase
of $100,000. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in staffing
and occupancy costs.

Balance Sheet Review

     Total assets were $83.8 million at June 30, 1998 as compared to $83.5
million at December 31, 1997 and $79.2 million at June 30, 1997. Investment
securities have increased $4.8 million and loans have decreased $1.9 million
from December 31, 1997 to June 30, 1998. The balance sheets presented reflect
normal recurring adjustments and accruals. The net unrealized gain in the
investment portfolio at June 30, 1998 was approximately $38,000. Total deposits
were $75.7 million at June 30, 1998 as compared to $76.0 million at December 31,
1997 and $71.9 million at June 30, 1997.

     Nonperforming assets were $646,000 at June 30, 1998, or 2.0% of loans and
foreclosed assets, as compared to $591,000 at December 31, 1997. At June 30,
1998, the allowance for loan losses was 50.97% of nonperforming assets. Cleburne
management is not aware of any material classified credits not properly
disclosed as nonperforming and considers the allowance for loan losses to be
adequate.

                                       51
<PAGE>
 
Liquidity and Capital

     The statements of cash flows are presented in the Cleburne financial
statements in this Prospectus. Cleburne management believes that the June 30,
1998 balance sheet reflects adequate liquidity. Total equity capital was $7.8
million at June 30, 1998 as compared to $7.3 million at December 31, 1997 and
$7.1 million at June 30, 1997. Cleburne's risk-based capital and leverage ratios
at June 30, 1998 were 20.13% and 8.82%, respectively.

X.   Year 2000 Issue

     The Year 2000 issue is a programming issue that may affect many electronic
processing systems.  Until relatively recently, in order to minimize the length
of data fields, most date-sensitive programs eliminated the first two digits of
the year.  This issue could affect processing systems and date-sensitive
embedded technology that controls certain systems (such as telecommunications
systems, security systems, etc.) leaving them unable to properly recognize or
distinguish dates in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries and thereafter.
For example, date-sensitive calculations may treat "00" as the year 1900 rather
than the Year 2000.  This treatment could result in significant miscalculations
when processing critical date-sensitive information relating to dates after
December 31, 1999.

     Cleburne began preparation for the Year 2000 issue with the appointment by
the Cleburne Board of Directors of a Year 2000 Committee, chaired by a Cleburne
senior officer and comprised of certain Cleburne employees.  The Year 2000
Committee's purpose is to assess and mitigate the risks of the Year 2000 issue
and to develop contingency plans for reasonable Year 2000 risks.  The Year 2000
Committee conducts its activities according to guidelines issued by bank
regulatory agencies and reports its findings and progress to the Cleburne Board
of Directors on at least a quarterly basis.

     Initially, Cleburne identified the processing systems and embedded
technology that are material to the continued operation of Cleburne. Cleburne's
core processing systems (loan, deposit and check processing systems and
automatic teller machine system software) are licensed from a major bank
software vendor. This vendor has warranted to Cleburne that such core processing
systems are Year 2000 compliant. Cleburne's other material processing systems
and embedded technology are being assessed for Year 2000 compliance. Cleburne
anticipates that it will identify and modify or replace any material processing
systems or embedded technology that are not Year 2000 compliant by December 31,
1998. The cost of such modification or replacement has not been fully
identified, but it is not expected to be material to the financial condition and
results of operations of Cleburne. Also, Cleburne will test all material
processing systems, including core systems, and embedded technology for Year
2000 compliance by December 31, 1998. Although at this point the tests have not
been completed, Cleburne does not expect any material adverse effect to Cleburne
due to any of these systems or embedded technology not being Year 2000 compliant
by December 31, 1999.

     Cleburne has initiated communications with significant suppliers and
customers to assess the extent to which Cleburne is vulnerable to failures by
these suppliers or customers to be Year 2000 compliant.  Cleburne anticipates
completing this assessment by December 31, 1998.  Although these assessments are
not complete, Cleburne does not expect any material adverse effect on the
operations, financial condition and results of operations of Cleburne from any
suppliers or customers not being Year 2000 compliant by December 31, 1999.

     Because Cleburne's assessments, testing and corrective implementation for
the Year 2000 issue are still in process, Cleburne has not yet quantified the
estimated costs to become Year 2000 compliant or developed contingency plans for
the Year 2000 issue.  Cleburne management intends to complete the assessment of
and contingency plans for the Year 2000 issue during the quarter ended December
31, 1998.

                                       52
<PAGE>
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS

  The legality of the First Financial common stock to be issued in connection
with the Exchange Offer will be passed upon by McMahon, Surovik, Suttle,
Buhrmann, Hicks & Gill, P.C.

                                    EXPERTS

  The consolidated financial statements of First Financial as of December 31,
1997 and 1996 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December
31, 1997, incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and in the registration
statement, have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants, as indicated in their report dated January 14, 1998, with respect
thereto, and are incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the authority
of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing in giving such reports.

  The financial statements of Cleburne as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, included in
this Prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement, have been audited
by Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P., independent public accountants, as indicated
in their report dated January 16, 1998, with respect thereto, and are included
herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing in giving such reports.

                                       53
<PAGE>
 
                          INDEX TO CLEBURNE STATE BANK
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED
 DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995

 Independent Auditors' Report.............................................   F-2
 Statements of Condition as of December 31, 1997 and 1996.................   F-3
 Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1997,
   1996 and 1995..........................................................   F-4
 Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the years ended
 December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.........................................   F-5
 Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1997,
   1996 and 1995..........................................................   F-7
 Notes to Financial Statements............................................   F-9


UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE SIX
 MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND JUNE 30, 1997

 Accountant's Compilation Report..........................................  F-20
 Statements of Condition as of June 30, 1998 and 1997.....................  F-21
 Statements of Income for the three months and six months
   ended June 30, 1998 and 1997...........................................  F-22
 Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the six months ended
   June 30, 1998 and 1997.................................................  F-23
 Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997.  F-25
 

                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT



Board of Directors
Cleburne State Bank
Cleburne, Texas

We have audited the accompanying statements of condition of Cleburne State Bank
as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of income, changes
in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Bank's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.

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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Cleburne State Bank as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for each of the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P.


January 16, 1998


                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
December 31, 1997 and 1996

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                           1997              1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>               <C> 
ASSETS                                                            
   Cash and cash equivalents                                           $  5,785,309      $  3,584,289
   Federal funds sold                                                     6,735,000         2,735,000
   Investment in securities:                                      
      Securities held-to-maturity (market value of $24,208,587           24,038,889        23,431,559
        in 1997 and $23,530,677 in 1996)                          
      Securities available-for-sale at market value                       9,232,447         6,038,121
      Other equity securities (market value of $171,851 in        
        1997 and $171,851 in 1996)                                          191,951           191,951
                                                                      --------------------------------
                                                                         33,463,287        29,661,631
   Loans, less allowance for loan losses of $344,241 in 1997      
      and $356,077 in 1996                                               34,172,829        31,558,915
   Land, buildings and equipment, net                                     2,417,880         2,152,548
   Accrued interest receivable                                              580,796           478,428
   Purchased goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of         
      $168,541 in 1997 and $137,870 in 1996                                 327,167           357,838
   Other assets                                                              55,088            75,393
                                                                      --------------------------------
                                                                  
               Total assets                                            $ 83,537,356      $ 70,604,042
                                                                      ================================
                                                                  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                              
   Liabilities                                                    
      Deposits                                                    
        Demand                                                         $ 12,841,834      $ 12,123,480
        Interest-bearing accounts                                        31,144,038        21,454,914
        Savings                                                           3,586,212         3,268,041
        Time, $100,000 and over                                           6,066,160         4,963,199
        Time, under $100,000                                             22,346,664        21,749,692
                                                                      --------------------------------
                                                                         75,984,908        63,559,326
      Deferred income taxes                                                  32,206            55,065
      Accrued interest and other liabilities                                209,573           345,840
                                                                      --------------------------------
                                                                  
               Total liabilities                                         76,226,687        63,960,231
                                                                  
   Commitments and Contingencies - Note 7                         
                                                                  
   Stockholders' Equity                                           
      Preferred stock                                                       730,350           730,350
      Common stock                                                          782,960           782,960
   Paid-in-capital                                                        3,231,186         3,231,186
   Retained earnings                                                      2,525,443         1,881,114
   Unrealized gain on securities held-for-sale                               40,730            18,201
                                                                      --------------------------------
                                                                  
               Total stockholders' equity                                 7,310,669         6,643,811
                                                                      --------------------------------
                                                                  
               Total liabilities and stockholders' equity              $ 83,537,356      $ 70,604,042
                                                                      ================================
</TABLE> 

See notes to financial statements.

                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                          1997            1996            1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>              <C>             <C> 
Interest Income                                                   
   Interest and fees on loans                                      $    3,312,330   $    3,060,627  $    2,881,466
   Interest on investment securities                                    2,027,201        1,780,180       1,463,270
   Interest on federal funds sold                                         263,110          143,171         157,388
   Interest on deposits in banks                                              -              3,311           5,947
                                                                   ------------------------------------------------
                                                                  
                                                                        5,602,641        4,987,289       4,508,071
Interest Expense                                                  
   Interest on deposits                                                 2,274,072        1,967,375       1,803,979
                                                                   ------------------------------------------------
                                                                  
               Net interest income                                      3,328,569        3,019,914       2,704,092
                                                                  
Provision for Loan Losses                                                     -                -               -
                                                                   ------------------------------------------------
                                                                  
               Net interest income after provision                
                 for loan losses                                        3,328,569        3,019,914       2,704,092
                                                                  
Other Income                                                      
   Service fees                                                           846,091          633,556         645,380
   Other                                                                   12,666           11,398           3,297
   Gains on sale of ORE                                                       -              3,912           6,849
                                                                   ------------------------------------------------
                                                                  
                                                                          858,757          648,866         655,526
Other Expense                                                     
   Salaries and employee benefits                                       1,322,714        1,065,137         913,426
   Occupancy expenses, net                                                430,678          348,945         256,695
   Other operating expenses                                               943,635          814,578         859,143
   Amortization of Goodwill                                                30,671           30,671          30,671
                                                                   ------------------------------------------------
                                                                  
                                                                        2,727,698        2,259,331       2,059,935
                                                                   ------------------------------------------------
                                                                  
               Income before income taxes                               1,459,628        1,409,449       1,299,683
                                                                  
Income tax expense (benefit)                                      
   Current                                                                530,739          482,307         426,479
   Deferred                                                              (34,465)            6,681          23,196
                                                                   ------------------------------------------------
                                                                  
                                                                          496,274          488,988         449,676
                                                                   ------------------------------------------------
                                                                  
               Net income                                          $      963,354   $      920,461  $      850,008
                                                                   ================================================
                                                                  
               Net earnings per share                              $         4.64   $         4.42  $         4.06
                                                                   ================================================
</TABLE> 

See notes to financial statements.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                               Preferred          Common            Paid-in        
                                                                 Stock             Stock            Capital        
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
<S>                                                           <C>              <C>               <C>               
Balance at December 31, 1994                                  $   730,350      $    782,960      $   3,231,186     
                                                                                                                   
Cash dividend                                                       -                 -                  -         
                                                                                                                   
Change in unrealized gain on securities                                                                            
   held-for-sale, net of taxes of $72,012                           -                 -                  -         
                                                                                                                   
Net income                                                          -                 -                  -          
                                                              --------------------------------------------------   
                                                                                                                   
               Balance at December 31, 1995                       730,350           782,960          3,231,186     
                                                                                                                   
Cash dividend                                                       -                 -                  -         
                                                                                                                   
Change in unrealized gain on securities                                                                            
   held-for-sale, net of taxes of $10,850                           -                 -                  -         
                                                                                                                   
   Net income                                                       -                 -                  -          
                                                              --------------------------------------------------   
                                                                                                                   
               Balance at December 31, 1996                       730,350           782,960          3,231,186     
                                                                                                                   
Cash dividend                                                       -                 -                  -         
                                                                                                                   
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities                                                                     
   held-for-sale, net of taxes of $11,606                           -                 -                  -         
                                                                                                                   
   Net income                                                       -                 -                  -          
                                                              --------------------------------------------------   
                                                                                                                   
               Balance at December 31, 1997                   $   730,350      $    782,960      $   3,231,186      
                                                              ==================================================    
</TABLE> 

See notes to financial statements.

                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>                                                   
<CAPTION>                                                                           
                                                                                    Unrealized                          
                                                                                    Gain (Loss)                         
                                                                   Retained        on Securities                        
                                                                   Earnings        Held-for-Sale         Total          
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
<S>                                                              <C>              <C>                 <C> 
Balance at December 31, 1994                                     $    729,123     $   (172,538)       $  5,301,081   

Cash dividend                                                       (299,451)                            (299,451)   

Change in unrealized gain on securities                                                                              
   held-for-sale, net of taxes of $72,012                                               211,800            211,800   

Net income                                                            850,008                              850,008    
                                                             ------------------------------------------------------    
                                                                                                                       
               Balance at December 31, 1995                         1,279,680            39,262          6,063,438     
                                                                                                                       
Cash dividend                                                       (319,027)                            (319,027)     
                                                                                                                       
Change in unrealized gain on securities                                                                                
   held-for-sale, net of taxes of $10,850                                              (21,061)           (21,061)     
                                                                                                                       
   Net income                                                         920,461                              920,461     
                                                             ------------------------------------------------------    
                                                                                                                       
               Balance at December 31, 1996                         1,881,114            18,201          6,643,811     
                                                                                                                       
Cash dividend                                                       (319,025)                            (319,025)     
                                                                                                                       
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities                                                                         
   held-for-sale, net of taxes of $11,606                                                22,529             22,529     
                                                                                                                       
   Net income                                                         963,354                              963,354     
                                                             ------------------------------------------------------    
                                                                                                                       
               Balance at December 31, 1997                  $      2,525,443   $        40,730   $      7,310,669     
                                                             ======================================================    
</TABLE> 

See notes to financial statements.


                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                          1997               1996              1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>                <C>               <C> 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities                                
   Net income                                                       $    963,354       $    920,461      $    850,008  
   Noncash items included in net income                                                                                
      Depreciation and amortization, net of accretion                    383,428            365,907           351,967
      Deferred income tax                                                (34,465)             6,681            23,196
      Gain on sales of other real estate owned                             -                 (3,033)           (9,886)
   Changes in operating assets and liabilities
      Accrued interest receivable                                       (102,367)            38,956            25,644
      Other assets                                                        20,305            (19,825)           22,847
      Accrued interest and other liabilities                            (136,267)           (31,072)          195,416
                                                                   --------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                                                                       
               Net cash provided by operating activities               1,093,988          1,278,075         1,459,192  
                                                                   --------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                                                                       
Cash Flows form Investing Activities                                                                                   
   Proceeds from maturities and principal                                                                              
      reductions of investment securities:                                                                             
        Held-to-maturity                                               8,009,101          7,361,976         5,584,103  
        Available-for-sale                                             3,390,982          4,431,258         2,888,899  
   Purchases of investment securities:                                                                                 
        Held-to-maturity                                              (8,727,893)       (14,026,940)       (9,511,253)  
        Available-for-sale                                            (6,585,308)             -                 -       
   Net increase in federal funds sold                                 (4,000,000)           (80,000)         (655,000)  
   Net decrease in interest-bearing deposits in banks                      -                 95,000           400,000  
   Net increase in loans                                              (2,613,914)        (2,943,154)       (1,629,228)  
   Purchases of land, buildings and equipment                           (472,492)        (1,115,894)         (567,671)  
   Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned                          -                 35,822           195,789  
                                                                   --------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                                                                       
               Net cash used by investing activities                 (10,999,524)        (6,241,932)       (3,294,361)  
                                                                   --------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                                                                       
Cash Flows from Financing Activities                                                                                   
   Net increase in deposits                                           12,425,581          5,176,461         1,720,574  
   Cash dividends                                                       (319,025)          (319,027)         (299,451)  
                                                                   --------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                                                                       
               Net cash provided by financing activities              12,106,556          4,857,434         1,421,123  
                                                                   --------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                                                                       
               Net increase (decrease) in cash and                                                                     
                 cash equivalents                                      2,201,020           (106,423)         (414,046)  
                                                                                                                       
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                         3,584,289          3,690,712         4,104,758  
                                                                   --------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                   
               Cash and cash equivalents at end of year             $  5,785,309       $  3,584,289      $  3,690,712  
                                                                   ===================================================  
</TABLE> 

                                   (Continued)

                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                       1997             1996             1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>              <C>              <C> 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:                                                                 
                                                                                                                   
   Interest paid                                                   $ 2,237,071      $ 1,974,935      $  1,752,539  
   Income taxes paid                                                   478,765          464,000           190,000  
                                                                                                                   
Non-Cash Transactions:                                                                                             
   Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities                                                                         
     available-for-sale                                                 22,529         (21,061)           211,800  
                                                                                                                   
   Assets acquired through foreclosure                                     -             30,289             8,400  
</TABLE> 


See notes to financial statements.

                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Note 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of Business

Cleburne State Bank (Bank) is a commercial bank in Cleburne, Texas. The Bank's
trade area is Johnson County, Texas where it grants commercial, consumer and
real estate loans to customers. Although the Bank has a diversified loan
portfolio, a substantial portion of its debtors' ability to honor their
contracts is dependent on the economy in the north central Texas area.
Generally, the loans are secured by real estate or other assets. The loans are
expected to be repaid from cash flow or proceeds from sale of selected assets of
the borrower. The Bank's loan policy requires a minimum ratio of loan to
estimated collateral value of 80% without approval of the L & D Committee of the
Board of Directors. The Bank's policy is to file liens or security agreements
with appropriate governmental agencies to perfect their interest in collateral.
At December 31, 1997, the Bank has made unsecured loans in the amount of
approximately $385,147.

Management Estimates and Assumptions

Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Those estimates and
assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and
expenses. Actual results could vary from the estimates that are used.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on
hand, amounts due from banks, and interest-bearing deposits in banks with
original maturities of three months or less.

Investment Securities

Debt securities that management has the ability and intent to hold to maturity
are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at cost, adjusted for
amortization of premium and accretion of discounts using methods approximating
the interest method. Other marketable securities are classified as
available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on
securities available-for-sale are recognized as direct increases or decreases in
stockholders' equity. Cost of securities sold is determined using the specific
identification method.

Mortgage-backed Securities

Mortgage-backed securities represent participating interests in pools of
long-term first mortgage loans originated and serviced by issuers of the
securities. Mortgage-backed securities are carried at unpaid principal balances,
adjusted for unamortized premiums and unearned discounts. Premiums and discounts
are amortized using methods approximating the interest method over the remaining
period to contractual maturity, adjusted for anticipated prepayments. The
mortgage-backed securities are classified as held-to-maturity or
available-for-sale and recorded under the methods noted above. Cost of
securities sold is determined using the specific identification method.

Depreciation

Office equipment and buildings are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation
computed principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives
of the assets.

                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Note 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Other Real Estate Owned

Real estate and other assets acquired in satisfaction of uncollectible loans are
recorded at the lower of estimated net realizable value or the loan amount at
the time of the foreclosure. In instances where the net realizable value is less
than the loan amount, the difference is treated as a loan loss and charged to
the allowance for loan losses.

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Loans are stated at the amount of unpaid principal, reduced by deferred loan
fees, unearned discount and an allowance for loan losses. Deferred loan fees and
unearned discount on installment loans are recognized as income over the terms
of the loans using a method which produces results not significantly different
than the interest method. Interest on other loans is calculated by using the
simple interest method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding.

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level which, in management's
judgment, is adequate to absorb potential losses inherent in the loan portfolio.
The amount of the allowance is based on management's evaluation of the
collectibility of the loan portfolio, including the nature of the portfolio,
credit concentrations, trends in historical loss experience, specific impaired
loans, and economic conditions. Allowances for impaired loans are generally
determined based on collateral values or the present value of estimated cash
flows. The allowance is increased by a provision for loan losses, which is
charged to expense, and reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Changes in
the allowance relating to impaired loans are charged or credited to the
provision for loan losses.

The Bank has adopted a policy which requires measurement of an impaired
collateral dependent loan based on the fair value of the collateral. Other loan
impairments will be measured based on the present value of expected future cash
flows or the loan's observable market price. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, all
significant impaired loans have been determined to be collateral dependent and
have been measured utilizing the fair value of the collateral.

Income Taxes

The Bank records deferred tax assets and liabilities for differences between the
financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and
their respective tax basis measured using enacted tax rates.

Excess of Cost Over Fair Value of Tangible Assets Acquired (Goodwill)

Goodwill, relating to a change of control of the Bank, is being amortized by the
straight-line method over 15 years.

                                      F-10
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Note 1.    SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Accounting Standard to be Adopted

In June, 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." The
Bank is required to adopt the new standard for fiscal periods ending after
December 15, 1997. This statement establishes standards for reporting and
display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general
purpose financial statements. The standard requires all items that are required
to be recognized under accounting standards as components of comprehensive
income be reported in a financial statement that is displayed in equal
prominence with the other financial statements. The Bank plans to adopt the
statement on January 1, 1998. The standard is not expected to have a material
impact on the Bank's current presentation of net income.

Per Share Data

In March, 1997 SFAS 128 was issued and required restatement of EPS to report
basic and diluted EPS. Adoption of the statement did not change the EPS
calculation of Cleburne State Bank. Basic and diluted EPS are the same for all
years presented.

Note 2.     INVESTMENT SECURITIES

Securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 1997, consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Gross           Gross
                                                      Amortized      Unrealized      Unrealized         Fair
                                                         Cost           Gains          Losses           Value
                                                    -------------------------------------------------------------  
                                                                                                                   
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>            
 Obligations of U.S. government agencies            $ 11,444,294    $     79,079    $      (964)    $ 11,522,409   
 Obligations of local government agencies                    -               -              -                -          
 Mortgage-backed securities                           12,594,595          93,867         (2,284)      12,686,178   
                                                    -------------------------------------------------------------  
                Totals                              $ 24,038,889    $    172,946    $    (3,248)    $ 24,208,587   
                                                    =============================================================  
<CAPTION>

Securities available-for-sale at December 31, 1997, consisted of the following:

                                                                        Gross           Gross
                                                      Amortized      Unrealized      Unrealized         Fair
                                                         Cost           Gains          Losses           Value
                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>           
 Obligations of U.S. government agencies            $  7,234,802    $     57,742    $      (174)    $  7,292,370   
 Mortgage-backed securities                            1,935,934           4,336           (193)       1,940,077   
                                                    -------------------------------------------------------------  
                Totals                              $  9,170,736    $     62,078    $      (367)    $  9,232,447   
                                                    =============================================================  
</TABLE>

                                      F-11
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

- ------------------------------
Note 2.    INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

Other investment securities at December 31, 1997, were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Gross           Gross
                                                       Amortized      Unrealized      Unrealized         Fair
                                                          Cost           Gains          Losses           Value
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>           
 Texas Independent Bank Stock                        $     49,600   $       -       $   (20,100)    $     29,500  
 Federal Reserve Bank Stock                               142,351           -               -            142,351  
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------------  
                                                     
                                                     $    191,951   $       -       $   (20,100)    $    171,851  
                                                     ============================================================ 
<CAPTION>

Securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 1996, consisted of the following:

                                                                         Gross           Gross
                                                       Amortized      Unrealized      Unrealized         Fair
                                                          Cost           Gains          Losses           Value
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>           

 Obligations of U.S. government agencies             $  8,839,930   $    42,895     $   (14,774)    $  8,868,051    
 Obligations of local government agencies                     -             -               -                -
 Mortgage-backed securities                            14,580,151        91,083          (8,608)      14,662,626    
 Market appreciation at date of ownership change           11,478           -            (11,478)            -
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------------   
                                                                                                                    
                Totals                               $ 23,431,559   $   133,978     $   (34,860)    $ 23,530,677    
                                                     ============================================================   
<CAPTION>

Securities available-for-sale at December 31, 1996, consisted of the following:
                                                                         Gross           Gross
                                                       Amortized      Unrealized      Unrealized         Fair
                                                          Cost           Gains          Losses           Value
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>           
 Obligations of U.S. government agencies             $  6,010,544   $    29,040     $    (1,463)    $  6,038,121
 Mortgage-backed securities                                   -             -               -                -
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        
                Totals                               $  6,010,544   $    29,040     $    (1,463)    $  6,038,121
                                                     ============================================================
<CAPTION>                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                 
Other investment securities at December 31, 1996, were as follows:                                               
                                                                         Gross           Gross                    
                                                       Amortized      Unrealized      Unrealized         Fair     
                                                          Cost           Gains          Losses           Value    
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>          
 Texas Independent Bank Stock                        $     49,600   $       -       $   (22,930)    $     26,670 
 Federal Reserve Bank Stock                               142,351           -               -            142,351 
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                 
                                                     $    191,951   $       -       $   (22,930)    $    169,021 
                                                     ============================================================
</TABLE>

                                      F-12
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Note 2.     INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)
Investment securities with carrying amount of $9,039,617 at December 31, 1997
and $603,153 at December 31, 1996, were pledged to secure public deposits. The
approximate market value of these pledged securities was $9,100,000 and
$604,000, respectively.

Securities sold during 1997, 1996 and 1995 were insignificant

The following is a summary of contractual maturities of securities
held-to-maturity and available-for-sale at December 31, 1997. Expected
maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have
the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment
penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                   Securities held-to-maturity     Securities available-for-sale
                                                ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Amortized            Fair         Amortized          Fair
                                                       Cost              Value           Cost            Value
                                                ------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>              <C>              <C>             <C>      
 Due in one year or less                         $         -      $         -      $    2,490,385  $    2,496,320
 Due after one year through five years                 5,177,663        5,221,931       4,589,436       4,636,746
 Due after five years                                  4,557,879        4,592,682             -               -
                                                ------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                       9,735,542        9,814,613       7,079,821       7,133,066
 Mortgage-backed securities with
    varying maturities                                14,303,347       14,393,974       2,090,915       2,099,381
                                                ------------------------------------------------------------------

                Totals                           $    24,038,889  $    24,208,587  $    9,170,736  $    9,232,447
                                                ==================================================================
</TABLE>

Note 3.     LOANS
Major classifications of loans are as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                          1997               1996
                                                                  -------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>                <C>             
 Commercial, financial and agricultural                            $      5,616,831   $      5,645,840
 Real estate - mortgage                                                  18,353,064         17,167,822
 Real estate - construction                                               2,606,410            781,478
 Consumer                                                                 8,622,902          9,159,098
 Unearned income                                                           (682,137)          (839,246)
 Allowance for loan losses                                                 (344,241)          (356,077)
                                                                  -------------------------------------

              Loans, net                                           $     34,172,829   $     31,558,915
                                                                  =====================================
</TABLE>


                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Note 3.     LOANS (Continued)
The Bank's recorded investments in impaired loans and the related valuation
allowance are as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                          December 31, 1997               December 31, 1996
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Recorded       Valuation       Recorded        Valuation
                                                      Investment      Allowance      Investment       Allowance
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>  
Impaired loans -
    Valuation allowance required                    $   205,000     $   35,120      $  268,000      $   54,620
    No valuation allowance required                         -              -               -               -
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------

               Total at end of year                 $   205,000     $   35,120      $  268,000      $   54,620
                                                    ===============================================================
</TABLE> 

The average recorded investment in impaired loans for the years ended December
31, 1997 and 1996, was approximately $314,000 and $349,000, respectively. The
Bank had approximately $205,000 and $268,000 in nonperforming assets at December
31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, of which all represented recorded investments
in impaired loans.

Interest payments received on impaired loans are recorded as interest income
unless collections of the remaining recorded investment is doubtful, at which
time payments received are recorded as reductions of principal. No cash interest
payments were received and no interest income was recognized on impaired loans
during the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996. If interest on impaired loans
had been recognized on a full accrual basis during the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996, respectively, such income would have approximated $30,000 and
$36,000.

The allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, is presented
below. Management has evaluated the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses by
estimating the probable losses in various categories of the loan portfolio which
are identified below:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                        1997            1996
                                                                  --------------------------------
<S>                                                              <C>              <C> 
Allowance for loan losses provided for -
  Loans specifically evaluated as impaired                        $      35,120    $     54,620
  Unidentified impaired loans                                           309,121         301,457
                                                                  --------------------------------

              Total allowance for loan losses                     $     344,241    $    356,077
                                                                  ================================
</TABLE> 


                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Note 3.    LOANS (Continued)
Changes in the allowance for loan losses were as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                        1997            1996             1995
                                                                 --------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                              <C>              <C>              <C> 
           Balance, beginning of year                             $       356,077  $      455,786   $      562,676
           Provisions charge to operations                                    -               -                -
           Loans charged off                                              (45,889)       (144,005)        (173,181)
           Recoveries                                                      34,053          44,296           66,291
                                                                 --------------------------------------------------

           Balance, end of year                                   $       344,241  $      356,077          455,786
                                                                 ==================================================

           Portion related to impaired loans                      $        35,120  $       54,620   $       36,538
                                                                 ==================================================
</TABLE> 

An analysis of the changes in loans to officers, directors, principal
shareholders, or associates of such persons for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996, (determined as of each respective year-end) follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                     Balance at
                                                      Beginning       Additional                      Balance at
                                                      of Period         Loans         Payments           End
                                                                                                      of Period
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>      
 Year ended December 31, 1997                       $      573,000  $       58,000  $       96,000  $    1,029,000
                                                    ===============================================================

 Year ended December 31, 1996                       $      639,000  $      521,000  $       93,000  $    1,067,000
                                                    ===============================================================
</TABLE> 

In the opinion of management, those loans are on substantially the same terms,
including interest rates and collateral requirements, as those prevailing at the
time for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons.

The Bank has purchased participations in various customer loans from other
banks. These loans are classified separately on the previous page. In addition,
the Bank has sold participations in certain customer loans in a total amount of
$2,075,000 at December 31, 1997, and $4,170,000 at December 31, 1996.


                                     F-15
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Note 4.     LAND, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT
These assets are carried at cost and major classifications follow:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997             1996
                                                           ---------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>              <C>           
           Land and buildings                               $    2,903,172   $    2,608,156
           Furniture, fixtures and equipment                       625,296          456,687
                                                           ---------------------------------
                                                                 3,528,468        3,064,843
           Accumulated depreciation                             (1,110,588)        (912,295)
                                                           ---------------------------------

                                                            $    2,417,880   $    2,152,548
                                                           =================================
</TABLE>

Depreciation expense on buildings and equipment amounted to $208,000, $145,000,
and $107,000 in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.

Note 5.     TIME DEPOSITS
Interest expense per time deposits of $100,000 or more was approximately
$301,000, $227,000 and $188,313 during 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Note 6.     EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Bank established a frozen employee stock ownership plan (Plan) in connection
with the change in ownership of the Bank in 1993. The Plan received stock in the
Bank in exchange for stock of the prior Parent which was transferred from the
Parent's ESOP (Predecessor Plan). The Board of Directors determines the amount
of discretionary contributions to the Plan; however, there will be no
contributions to the Plan as long as it is frozen. The participants in the Plan
are those employees of the Bank who were participants in the Predecessor Plan.
All participants became 100% vested in their account balances at the date their
balances were transferred from the Predecessor Plan.

During 1995 the Bank adopted a qualified 401(k) profit sharing plan for all
full-time employees who meet certain age and longevity requirements. The Bank's
contributions to the plan are determined by resolution of the Board of
Directors. Contributions are allocated among eligible participants in proportion
to their salaries to the total salaries of all participants. The Bank makes a
matching contribution based on participants' voluntary salary deferrals. The
Bank's contributions to the Plan in 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $10,653, $9,834 and
$4,974, respectively.

Note 7.     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In the normal course of business the Bank makes various commitments and incurs
certain contingent liabilities that are not presented in the accompanying
financial statements. The commitments and contingent liabilities include various
guarantees, commitments to extend credit, and standby letters of credit. At
December 31, 1997 and 1996, commitments under standby letters of credit and
guarantees approximated $205,000 and $126,000, respectively. Commitments to fund
loans were approximately $1,908,000 and $3,323,000 at December 31, 1997 and
1996, respectively. The Bank does not anticipate any material losses as a result
of the commitments and contingent liabilities.


                                     F-16
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Note 7.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Because of the nature of its activities, the Bank is subject to pending and
threatened legal actions which arise in the normal course of business. In the
opinion of management, based upon opinions of legal counsel, the disposition of
all outstanding legal actions will not have a material effect on the financial
statements of the Bank.

Note 8.    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 and to
reduce its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial
instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.
Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest
rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the statements of condition.

The Bank's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other
party to the financial instruments for commitments to extend credit and standby
letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments
(see Note 7). The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and
conditional obligations as it does for on-statement-of-condition instruments.

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. Commitments
generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may
require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire
without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily
represent future cash requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer's credit
worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount and type of collateral obtained,
if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, varies and is based on
management's credit evaluation of the counterparty.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to
guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Standby letters of
credit generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and
may require payment of a fee. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of
credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to
customers. The Bank's policy for obtaining collateral and the nature of such
collateral is essentially the same as that involved in making commitments to
extend credit.

The Bank held federal funds sold in the amount of $6,735,000 and $2,735,000 at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Federal funds sold are uninsured loans
to other banks through the Federal Reserve System.


                                     F-17
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Note 9.     FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

The income tax expense (benefit) differs from the "expected" Federal income tax
expense, computed by applying the statutory U.S. Federal corporate tax rate of
34% to income before income taxes, as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                    1997             1996            1995
                                                            -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>             <C>              <C> 
       Computed "expected" tax expense at 34%                $      496,274  $       473,840  $      436,520
       Nontaxable income/nondeductible expenses                         -               (653)         (2,646)
                                                            -------------------------------------------------------

                                                             $      496,274  $       473,187  $      433,874
                                                            =======================================================
</TABLE> 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions
of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                               1997            1996
                                                                         --------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>             <C> 
           Deferred tax assets:
              Loans receivable, principally due to
                 allowance for loan losses                                $          -    $       15,262
              Accrued interest                                                    41,997             -
              Premises and equipment, due to
                 differences in depreciation                                      26,564          17,270
              Other                                                                2,402           4,146
                                                                         --------------------------------
                          Total gross deferred tax assets                         70,963          36,678

           Deferred tax liabilities:
              Loans receivable, principally due to
                 allowance for loan losses                                         6,406             -
              Unamortized write-up of assets in push-down
                 accounting for purchase of Bank                                  75,781          82,367
              Unrealized gain on securities                                       20,982           9,376
                                                                         --------------------------------
                          Total gross deferred tax liabilities                   103,169          91,743
                                                                         --------------------------------
                          Net deferred liability                          $      (32,206) $      (55,065)
                                                                         ================================
</TABLE> 

Note 10.    REGULATORY MATTERS
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 quantitative measures of the Bank's assets,
liabilities, and certain off-statement-of-condition items as calculated under
regulatory accounting practices.


                                     F-18
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Note 10.    REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)
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 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to
risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined), to
average assets (as defined). Management believes as of December 31, 1997 and
1996, that the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which it is
subject.

As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, the most recent notification from the Bank's
primary regulator 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 1 risk-based, and Tier 1
leverage ratios as set forth in the table. There are no conditions or events
since that notification that management believes have changed the institutions'
category. The Bank's actual capital amounts (in thousands) and ratios are
presented in the table below:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                                   To Be Well                
                                                                        For Capital             Capitalized Under            
                                                                         Adequacy               Prompt Corrective            
                                                      Actual             Purposes:              Action Provisions:           
                                               ------------------------------------------------------------------------      
                                                 Amount    Ratio     Amount      Ratio          Amount        Ratio          
                                               ------------------------------------------------------------------------      
<S>                                            <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>                
 As of December 31, 1997:                                                                                                    
    Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)    $    1,766    20 %   $    3,132  greater than  $    3,915  greater than       
                                                                                or equal to               or equal to  
                                                                                    8 %                          10 %  
    Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)              7,311    19          1,566      4              2,349          6          
    Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)              7,311     9          2,378      3              3,962          5          
                                                                                                                             
 As of December 31, 1996:                                                                                                    
    Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)         7,000    20          2,818      8              3,522         10          
    Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)        6,644    19          1,409      4              2,113          6          
    Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)              6,644    10          2,088      3              3,480          5           
</TABLE> 

Note 11.    PREFERRED AND COMMON STOCK
Preferred stock has a 7.5% annual dividend rate which is non-cumulative. The
preferred stock is non-voting, with a par value of $15 and may be called by the
Bank at any time. There are 48,690 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at 
December 31, 1997 and 1996.

Common stock has a par value of $4 and there are 195,740 shares authorized,
issued and outstanding at December 31, 1997 and 1996.

                                     F-19
<PAGE>
 
                         ACCOUNTANT'S COMPILATION REPORT



Board of Directors
Cleburne State Bank
Cleburne, Texas

We have compiled the accompanying statements of condition of Cleburne State Bank
as of June 30, 1998 and 1997, and the related statements of income, changes in
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the six months then ended and the
statement of income for the three months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, in
accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services
issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

A compilation is limited to presenting in the form of financial statements
information that is the representation of management. We have not audited or
reviewed the accompanying consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, do
not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on them.

Statements of cash flows for the three month periods ended June 30, 1998 and
1997 have not been presented. Generally accepted accounting principles require a
statement of cash flows to be presented for each period for which results of
operations are provided when financial statements report both financial position
and results of operations.

Management has elected to omit substantially all of the disclosures required by
generally accepted accounting principles. If the omitted disclosures were
included in the financial statements, they might influence the user's
conclusions about the Company's financial position, results of operations, and
cash flows. Accordingly, these financial statements are not designed for those
who are not informed about such matters.


/s/ Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P.


September 22, 1998

                                      F-20
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
June 30, 1998 and 1997

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                     1998               1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                            <C>                <C> 
 ASSETS 
    Cash and cash equivalents                                                   $    4,101,552     $    6,051,198
    Federal funds sold                                                               5,745,000          5,630,000
    Investment in securities:                                                   
       Securities held-to-maturity  (market value of $24,044,597                
         in 1998 and $25,210,189 in 1997)                                           23,697,788         25,051,235
       Securities available-for-sale at market value                                14,363,028          6,094,648
       Other equity securities (market value of $171,851                        
         in 1998 and $171,851 in 1997)                                                 191,951            191,951
                                                                               -----------------------------------
                                                                                    38,252,767         31,337,834
    Loans, less allowance for loan losses of $329,344 in 1998                   
       and $347,042 in 1997                                                         32,316,750         32,679,324
    Land, buildings and equipment, net                                               2,354,103          2,439,486
    Accrued interest receivable                                                        703,694            570,285
    Purchased goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of                      
       $148,246 in 1998 and $117,576 in 1997                                           311,833            342,503
    Other assets                                                                        27,443            151,311
                                                                               -----------------------------------
                                                                                
                Total assets                                                    $   83,813,142         79,201,941
                                                                               ===================================

 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Liabilities
       Deposits
         Demand                                                                 $   12,879,120     $   12,136,566
         Interest-bearing accounts                                                  30,750,054         28,084,870
         Savings                                                                     3,472,800          3,641,074
         Time, $100,000 and over                                                     6,316,577          5,594,605
         Time, under $100,000                                                       22,297,252         22,415,494
                                                                               -----------------------------------
                                                                                    75,715,803         71,872,609
       Deferred income taxes                                                            29,397             52,388
       Accrued interest and other liabilities                                          250,317            188,250
                                                                               -----------------------------------
                                                                                       279,714            240,638
                                                                               -----------------------------------
                Total liabilities                                                   75,995,517         72,113,247
                                                                                
    Stockholders' Equity                                                        
       Preferred stock                                                                 730,350            730,350
       Common stock                                                                    782,960            782,960
    Paid-in-capital                                                                  3,231,186          3,231,186
    Retained earnings                                                                3,035,244          2,325,162
    Unrealized gain on securities held-for-sale                                         37,885             19,036
                                                                               -----------------------------------
                                                                                
                Total stockholders' equity                                           7,817,625          7,088,694
                                                                               -----------------------------------
                                                                                
                Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                      $   83,813,142     $   79,201,941
                                                                               ===================================
</TABLE>

See accountant's compilation report.

                                      F-21
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

STATEMENTS OF INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Three months ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,      
                                                   ----------------------------- ---------------------------- 
                                                        1998            1997         1998             1997        
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- 
<S>                                                <C>              <C>          <C>              <C>             
Interest Income                                                                                               
    Interest and fees on loans                     $    805,006     $   821,512  $ 1,631,693      $ 1,604,747
    Interest on investment securities                   573,851         499,264    1,116,007          972,353
    Interest on federal funds sold                       97,110          70,740      193,333          122,573
                                                   ----------------------------- -----------------------------
                                                                                 
                                                      1,475,967       1,391,516    2,941,033        2,699,673
 Interest Expense                                                                
    Interest on deposits                                607,292         560,909    1,209,617        1,089,962
                                                   ----------------------------- -----------------------------
                                                                                 
                Net interest income                     868,675         830,607    1,731,416        1,609,711
                                                                                 
 Provision for Loan Losses                               15,000             -         15,000              -
                                                   ----------------------------- -----------------------------
                                                                                 
                Net interest income after                                        
                  provision for loan losses             853,675         830,607    1,716,416        1,609,711
                                                                                 
 Other Income                                                                    
    Service fees                                        241,971         202,762      460,829          391,706
    Other                                                 3,784           5,843       11,927            7,270
                                                   ----------------------------- -----------------------------
                                                                                 
                                                        245,755         208,605      472,756          398,976
 Other Expense                                                                   
    Salaries and employee benefits                      357,420         330,268      711,421          632,115
    Occupancy expenses, net                             100,435          96,871      228,122          210,171
    Other operating expenses                            233,600         263,263      461,537          470,163
    Amortization of Goodwill                              7,667           7,667       15,335           15,335
                                                   ----------------------------- -----------------------------
                                                                                 
                                                        699,122         698,069    1,416,415        1,327,784
                                                   ----------------------------- -----------------------------
                                                                                 
                Income before income taxes              400,308         341,143      772,757          680,903
                                                                                 
 Income tax expense (benefit)                                                    
    Current                                             136,862         125,707      264,296          247,859
    Deferred                                               (687)         (1,753)      (1,340)         (11,004)
                                                   ----------------------------- -----------------------------
                                                                                 
                                                        136,175         123,954      262,956          236,855
                                                   ----------------------------- -----------------------------
                                                                                 
                Net income                         $    264,133    $    217,189  $   509,801      $   444,048
                                                   ============================= =============================
</TABLE>

See accountant's compilation report.

                                      F-22
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Preferred        Common          Paid-in
                                                                   Stock           Stock          Capital
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>            <C>           
 Balance at December 31, 1996                                   $   730,350     $   782,960    $   3,231,186
                                                                                               
 Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities                                                
    held for sale, net of taxes of $431                                -               -                -
                                                                                               
    Net income                                                         -               -                -
                                                                ---------------------------------------------
                                                                                               
                Balance at June 30, 1997                            730,350         782,960        3,231,186
                                                                =============================================
                                                                                               
 Balance at December 31, 1997                                   $   730,350     $   782,960    $   3,231,186
                                                                                               
 Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities                                                
    held for sale, net of taxes of $1,465                              -               -                -
                                                                                               
    Net income                                                         -               -                -
                                                                ---------------------------------------------
                                                                                               
                Balance at June 30, 1998                        $   730,350     $   782,960    $   3,231,186
                                                                =============================================

</TABLE>

See accountant's compilation report.

                                      F-23
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK                                          
                                                             
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997              

<TABLE>  
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Unrealized
                                                                                   Gain (Loss)
                                                                  Retained        on Securities
                                                                  Earnings        Held for Sale         Total
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                            <C>                <C>                <C>           
Balance at December 31, 1996                                   $   1,881,114      $     18,201       $  6,643,811
                                              
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities                                                                           
      held for sale, net of taxes of $431                               -                  835                835
                              
      Net income                                                     444,048              -               444,048
                                                               ---------------------------------------------------
                                                              
                                                              
               Balance at June 30, 1997                            2,325,162            19,036          7,088,694 
                                                               ===================================================
                                                                                                                  
Balance at December 31, 1997                                       2,525,443            40,730          7,310,669 
                                                                                                                   
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities                                                                    
   held for sale, net of taxes of $1,465                                -               (2,845)           (28,455) 
                                                                                                                  
   Net income                                                        509,801              -               509,801 
                                                               ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                  
               Balance at June 30, 1998                        $   3,035,244      $     37,885       $  7,817,625 
                                                               ===================================================
</TABLE>                                                             

                                      F-24
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                 1998               1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                         <C>                <C> 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities                               
   Net income                                                               $     509,801      $     444,048
   Noncash items included in net income                                                        
      Depreciation and amortization, net of accretion                             217,257            192,130
      Provision for loan losses                                                    15,000               -
      Deferred income tax                                                          (1,340)            (3,108)
   Changes in operating assets and liabilities                                                 
      Accrued interest receivable                                                (122,898)           (91,856)
      Other assets                                                                 27,645            (75,918)
      Accrued interest and other liabilities                                       40,740           (157,590)
                                                                            ---------------------------------
                                                                                               
               Net cash provided by operating activities                          686,205            307,706
                                                                            ---------------------------------
                                                                                               
Cash Flows from Investing Activities                                                           
   Proceeds from maturities and principal reductions                                           
      of investment securities:                                                                
        Held-to-maturity                                                        4,780,489          4,004,551
        Available-for-sale                                                      2,993,832          1,695,491
   Purchases of investment securities:                                                         
        Held-to-maturity                                                       (4,520,484)        (5,414,638)
        Available-for-sale                                                     (8,135,908)        (2,038,933)
   Net decrease (increase) in federal funds sold                                  990,000         (2,895,000)
   Net decrease (increase) increase in loans                                    1,841,079         (1,120,409)
   Purchases of land, buildings and equipment                                     (49,865)          (385,142)
                                                                            ---------------------------------
                                                                                               
               Net cash used in investing activities                           (2,100,857)        (6,154,080)
                                                                            ---------------------------------
                                                                                               
Cash Flows from Financing Activities                                                           
   Net decrease (increase) in deposits                                           (269,105)         8,313,282
                                                                            ---------------------------------
                                                                                               
               Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities               (722,658)         7,793,977
                                                                            ---------------------------------
                                                                                               
               Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents            (1,683,757)         2,466,909
                                                                                               
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                                  5,785,309          3,584,289
                                                                            ---------------------------------
                                                                                               
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                    $   4,101,552      $   6,051,198
                                                                            =================================
</TABLE> 

                                   (Continued)

                                      F-25
<PAGE>
 
CLEBURNE STATE BANK

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                       1998             1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                  <C>             <C> 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:           
   Interest paid                                                                     $ 1,176,956     $ 1,063,601
   Income taxes paid                                                                     245,000         165,000
                                                                                     
Non-Cash Transactions:                                                               
   Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale                      (2,845)            835

</TABLE> 

See accountant's compilation report.

                                      F-26
<PAGE>
 
                                    Annex A
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        

                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
          [LETTERHEAD OF RYLANDER, CLAY & OPITZ, L.L.P. APPEARS HERE]




September 22, 1998


The Board of Directors
Cleburne State Bank
200 N. Ridgeway
Cleburne, Texas 76033

Gentlemen:

We have consulted with Cleburne State Bank in connection with the exchange offer
by First Financial Bankshares, Inc. ("First Financial"), a Texas corporation, 
to exchange shares of common stock, par value $10.00 per share ("First 
Financial Common Stock"), of First Financial for all outstanding shares of 
common stock, par value $4.00 per share ("Cleburne Common Stock"), of Cleburne 
State Bank ("Cleburne") and the subsequent merger of Cleburne into First 
National Bank in Cleburne, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of First 
Financial, upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Stock Exchange 
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Exchange Agreement") dated September
4, 1998. At your request, in connection with the closing of the Exchange and the
Merger, we are rendering an opinion concerning certain federal income tax
consequences of the Exchange and the Merger.

In arriving at the opinions expressed below, we have relied upon the accuracy 
and completeness of the following:

        (i)  the Exchange Agreement;

       (ii)  The Prospectus and Proxy Statement (together, the "Prospectus")
             included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the
             Securities and Exchange Commission by First Financial in connection
             with the Merger, as amended through the date hereof; and

      (iii)  such corporate records of Cleburne and First Financial as we have
             deemed appropriate.

Defined terms used but not defined herein have the same meaning as in the 
Prospectus.

We have assumed that the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Agreement 
will be consummated in accordance therewith and as described in the Prospectus 
and that the Merger will qualify as a statutory merger under applicable laws of 
the State of Texas and the United States.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that , under 
currently applicable law, the Exchange and Merger will constitute a 
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the










<PAGE>
 
The Board of Directors - Cleburne State Bank                              Page 2
September 22, 1998

Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and that, accordingly, 
the following will be the material federal income tax consequences of the 
Exchange and Merger:

     1. The Exchange and Merger will be treated as a corporate reorganization
        within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and First Financial
        and Cleburne each will be a party to the reorganization within the
        meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code.

     2. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Cleburne shareholders on the
        exchange of their shares of Cleburne Common Stock solely for shares of
        First Financial Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the Exchange
        Agreement to the extent of such exchange (except as provided below with
        respect to fractional shares).

     3. The federal income tax basis of the shares of First Financial Common
        Stock for which shares of Cleburne Common Stock are exchanged pursuant
        to the Exchange will be the same as the basis of such shares of Cleburne
        Common Stock exchanged therefor, less any proportionate part of such
        basis allocable to any fractional interest in any share of First
        Financial Common Stock.

     4. The holding period for the shares of First Financial Common Stock for 
        which the shares of Cleburne Common Stock are exchanged will include the
        holding period of the Cleburne Common Stock they are exchanged therefor,
        provided that such shares of Cleburne Common Stock were held as a
        capital asset on the date of exchange.

     5. Cleburne shareholders who receive cash in lieu of a fractional interest
        in First Financial Common Stock will be treated as having received the
        cash in redemption of the fractional share interest, and gain or loss
        will be recognized in an amount equal to the difference between the cash
        received and the proportionate part of basis allocable to the fractional
        share interest, which gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss if the
        Cleburne Common Stock was a capital asset in the hands of the
        shareholder. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or
        loss if the holder's holding period for the First Financial Common Stock
        received, determined as set forth above, is longer than one year.

        The effective tax rate on any resulting net long-term capital gain for
        Cleburne shareholders who are individuals will generally depend on the
        shareholder's holding period for the shares of First Financial Common
        Stock received, determined as set forth above, and the income tax
        brackets under which the shareholder is taxed. For individual
        shareholders, the maximum capital gains tax rate on property held more
        than twelve months is 20 percent.

     6. A Cleburne shareholder who does not accept the Exchange Offer and
        receives cash in exchange for shares of Cleburne Common Stock in the
        Merger will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference
        between the amount of cash received and the holder's Federal income tax
        basis in such shares provided that the Cleburne Common Stock was a
        capital asset in the hands of such shareholder at the time of the
        Merger. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss
        if such shareholder's holding period for the Cleburne Common Stock
        exchanged is longer than one year as of the date of the Merger. The
        effective tax rate on any resulting net long-term capital gain for a
        Cleburne shareholder who is an individual will generally depend on such
        shareholder's holding period for shares of Cleburne Common Stock and the
        income tax brackets under which such shareholder is taxed.

This opinion may not be applicable to (1) Cleburne shareholders who received 
their Cleburne Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options 
or otherwise as compensation, or (2) Cleburne shareholders who are not citizens
or residents of the United States. We express no opinion as to the laws of any 
jurisdiction other than the income tax laws of the United States.

<PAGE>
 
The Board of Directors - Cleburne State Bank                              Page 3
September 22, 1998

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and to the reference to 
this opinion under the caption "SUMMARY OF THE TRANSACTION -- FEDERAL INCOME TAX
CONSEQUENCES," under the caption "THE EXCHANGE OFFER -- FEDERAL INCOME TAX 
CONSEQUENCES," and elsewhere in the Prospectus. In giving such consent, we do 
not hereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is 
required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933 as amended.

Very truly yours,



/s/ Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P.

<PAGE>
 
                                    Annex B
                                        
                                        
                                        

                                      B-1
<PAGE>
 
            [LETTERHEAD OF D. LATIN AND COMPANY, INC. APPEARS HERE]



                                                               September 4, 1998


Board of Directors
Cleburne State Bank
Attention: H. Sandy Ledbetter, President
200 N. Ridgeway Drive
Cleburne, Texas 76033

Gentlemen:

It is our understanding that First Financial Bankshares, Inc. ("FFIN") and 
Cleburne State Bank ("CSB") have signed a letter of intent for FFIN to acquire 
CSB through a proposed tender offer (by prospectus) whereby FFIN offers to 
exchange 1.75 of its shares for each share of CSB (the "Exchange Rate"), subject
to adjustment. If the average closing price of FFIN for the ten consecutive full
trading days ending on the tenth business day preceding the date of the offering
prospectus (the "Market Price") is less than $40 per share or more than $44 per
share, the Exchange Rate shall be adjusted by multiplying the Exchange Rate by a
fraction, the numerator of which is $42 and the denominator of which is the 
Market Price. If the maximum Exchange Rate is 1.9158 as adjusted, the shares to 
be issued by FFIN shall be 375,000 shares. CSB currently has 195,740 shares of 
common stock outstanding.

You have requested that D. Latin and Company, Inc. ("Latin") provide its opinion
as to whether the proposed Exchange Rate is fair from a financial point of view 
to holders of shares of common stock of CSB ("Opinion").
<PAGE>
 
In connection with rendering our Opinion we have among other things:

1.  Reviewed audited financial statements of CSB for the five years ended
    December 31, 1997 and the unaudited interim financial statements of CSB for
    the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1998.

2.  Reviewed CSB Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income (Call Reports) for
    the three years ended December 31, 1997 and the six months ended June 30,
    1998.

3.  Reviewed a draft of the Stock Exchange Agreement and Plan of Reorganization 
    between FFIN and CSB.

4.  Analyzed financial projections of CSB prepared by management of CSB.

5.  Discussed the past and current operations and financial condition and 
    prospects of CSB.

6.  Reviewed the financial terms to the extent available, of certain comparable
    merger and acquisition transactions involving Texas banks and bank holding
    companies (as sellers).

7.  Reviewed certain publicly available financial statements and other 
    information of FFIN.

8.  Reviewed the reported prices and trading activity for the common stock of 
    FFIN.

9.  Reviewed publicly available financial data and stock market performance data
    of certain publicly owned bank holding companies in the southwest and
    compared the financial performance of these companies to that of CSB.

10. Conducted such other studies, analyses, inquiries and investigations as we 
    deemed appropriate.

In the course of our review, we have relied upon and assumed, without 
independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of the financial 
statements, audited and unaudited, and other information provided to us by the 
management of CSB, and the publicly available information of FFIN. In arriving 
at our Opinion, we have not independently verified such information or 
undertaken an independent appraisal of the assets of CSB. With respect to 
financial forecasts, we have assumed that they have been reasonably prepared on 
bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of 
management as to the future financial performance of CSB.

Our Opinion is based on economic and other conditions which are currently in 
effect and information available to us on this date. It should be understood 
that subsequent developments could affect this Opinion.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
        For over ten years, Latin has continually engaged in the valuation of
        banks and other businesses and their securities in connection with
        mergers and acquisitions, private placements, and fairness opinions, and
        valuations for estate and other purposes.

        Based upon and subject to the foregoing, including the various
        assumptions and limitations set forth herein, it is our opinion that, as
        of the date hereof, the Exchange Rate is fair from a financial point of
        view to holders of the Common Stock of CSB providing the Market Price
        of FFIN common stock is no less than $37.50 per share.

        We hereby consent, to the filing of this Opinion with the Securities and
        Exchange Commission as an exhibit to FFIN's Registration Statement on
        Form S-4, filed in connection with FFIN's proposed exchange offer to
        acquire the CSB common stock, and to the reference to this Opinion in
        the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement.

                                                     Very truly yours,

                                                     D. Latin and Company, Inc.


                                                     By: /s/ Donald E. Latin
                                                        ------------------------
                                                        Donald E. Latin
                                                        President

        

                                      3 
<PAGE>
 
                                    Annex C
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        

                                      C-1
<PAGE>
 
                                    ANNEX C


               ART. 5.12. PROCEDURE FOR DISSENT BY SHAREHOLDERS
                         AS TO SAID CORPORATE ACTIONS



  A.  Any shareholder of any domestic corporation who has the right to dissent
from any of the corporate actions referred to in Article 5.11 of this Act may
exercise that right to dissent only by complying with the following procedures:

      (1)  (a)  With respect to proposed corporate action that is submitted to a
vote of shareholders at a meeting, the shareholder shall file with the
corporation, prior to the meeting, a written objection to the action, setting
out that the shareholder's right to dissent will be exercised if the action is
effective and giving the shareholder's address, to which notice thereof shall be
delivered or mailed in that event. If the action is effected and the shareholder
shall not have voted in favor of the action, the corporation, in the case of
action other than a merger, or the surviving or new corporation (foreign or
domestic) or other entity that is liable to discharge the shareholder's right of
dissent, in the case of a merger, shall, within ten (10) days after the action
is effected, deliver or mail to the shareholder written notice that the action
has been effected, and the shareholder may, within ten (10) days from the
delivery or mailing of the notice, make written demand on the existing,
surviving, or new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity, as the case
may be, for payment of the fair value of the shareholder's shares. The fair
value of the shares shall be the value thereof as of the day immediately
proceeding the meeting, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in
anticipation of the proposed action. The demand shall state the number and class
of the shares owned by the shareholder and the fair value of the shares as
estimated by the shareholder. Any shareholder failing to make demand within the
ten (10) day period shall be bound by the action.

           (b)  With respect to proposed corporate action that is approved
pursuant to Section A of Article 9.10 of this Act, the corporation, in the case
of action other than a merger, and the surviving or new corporation (foreign or
domestic) or other entity that is liable to discharge the shareholder's right of
dissent, in the case of a merger, shall, within ten (10) days after the date the
action is effected, mail to each shareholder of record as of the effective date
of the action notice of the fact and date of the action and that the shareholder
may exercise the shareholder's right to dissent from the action. The notice
shall be accompanied by a copy of this Article and any articles or documents
filed by the corporation with the Secretary of State to effect the action. If
the shareholder shall not have consented to the taking of the action, the
shareholder may, within twenty (20) days after the mailing of the notice, make
written demand on the existing, surviving, or new corporation (foreign or
domestic) or other entity, as the case may be, for payment of the fair value of
the shareholder's shares. The fair value of the shares shall be the value
thereof as of the date the written consent authorizing the action was delivered
to the corporation pursuant to Section A of Article 9.10 of this Act, excluding
any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the action. The demand shall
state the number and class of shares owned by the dissenting shareholder and the
fair value of the shares as estimated by the shareholder. Any shareholder
failing to make demand within the twenty (20) day period shall be bound by the
action.
<PAGE>
 
      (2)  Within twenty (20) days after receipt by the existing, surviving, or
new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity, as the case may be, of a
demand for payment made by a dissenting shareholder in accordance with
Subsection (1) of this Section, the corporation (foreign or domestic) or other
entity shall deliver or mail to the shareholder a written notice that shall
either set out that the corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity
accepts the amount claimed in the demand and agrees to pay that amount within
ninety (90) days after the date on which the action was effected, and, in the
case of shares represented by certificates, upon the surrender of the
certificates duly endorsed, or shall contain an estimate by the corporation
(foreign or domestic) or other entity of the fair value of the shares, together
with an offer to pay the amount of that estimate within ninety (90) days after
the date on which the action was effected, upon receipt of notice within sixty
(60) days after that date from the shareholder that the shareholder agrees to
accept that amount and, in the case of shares represented by certificates, upon
the surrender of the certificates duly endorsed.

      (3)  If, within sixty (60) days after the date on which the corporate
action was effected, the value of the shares is agreed upon between the
shareholder and the existing, surviving, or new corporation (foreign or
domestic) or other entity, as the case may be, payment for the shares shall be
made within ninety (90) days after the date on which the action was effected
and, in the case of shares represented by certificates, upon surrender of the
certificates duly endorsed. Upon payment of the agreed value, the shareholder
shall cease to have any interest in the shares or in the corporation.

  B.  If, within the period of sixty (60) days after the date on which the
corporate action was effected, the shareholder and the existing, surviving, or
new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity, as the case may be, do
not so agree, then the shareholder or the corporation (foreign or domestic) or
other entity may, within sixty (60) days after the expiration of the sixty (60)
day period, file a petition in any court of competent jurisdiction in the county
in which the principal office of the domestic corporation is located, asking for
a finding and determination of the fair value of the shareholder's shares.  Upon
the filing of any such petition by the shareholder, service of a copy thereof
shall be made upon the corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity, which
shall, within ten (10) days after service, file in the office of the clerk of
the court in which the petition was filed a list containing the names and
addresses of all shareholders of the domestic corporation who have demanded
payment for their shares and with whom agreements as to the value of their
shares have not been reached by the corporation (foreign or domestic) or other
entity.  If the petition shall be filed by the corporation (foreign or domestic)
or other entity, the petition shall be accompanied by such a list.  The clerk of
the court shall give notice of the time and place fixed for the hearing of the
petition by registered mail to the corporation (foreign or domestic) or other
entity and to the shareholders named on the list at the addresses therein
stated.  The forms of the notices by mail shall be approved by the court.  All
shareholders thus notified and the corporation (foreign or domestic) or other
entity shall thereafter be bound by the final judgment of the court.

  C.  After the hearing of the petition, the court shall determine the
shareholders who have complied with the provisions of this Article and have
become entitled to the valuation of and payment for their shares, and shall
appoint one or more qualified appraisers to determine that


                                       2
<PAGE>
 
value. The appraisers shall have power to examine any of the books and records
of the corporation the shares of which they are charged with the duty of
valuing, and they shall make a determination of the fair value of the shares
upon such investigation as to them may seem proper. The appraisers shall also
afford a reasonable opportunity to the parties interested to submit to them
pertinent evidence as to the value of the shares. The appraisers shall also have
such power and authority as may be conferred on Masters in Chancery by the Rules
of Civil Procedure or by the order of their appointment.

  D.  The appraisers shall determine the fair value of the shares of the
shareholders adjudged by the court to be entitled to payment for their shares
and shall file their report of that value in the office of the clerk of the
court.  Notice of the filing of the report shall be given by the clerk to the
parties in interest.  The report shall be subject to exceptions to be heard
before the court both upon the law and the facts.  The court shall by its
judgment determine the fair value of the shares of the shareholders entitled to
payment for their shares and shall direct the payment of that value by the
existing, surviving, or new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity,
together with interest thereon, beginning 91 days after the date on which the
applicable corporate action from which the shareholder elected to dissent was
effected to the date of such judgment, to the shareholders entitled to payment.
The judgment shall be payable to the holders of uncertificated shares
immediately but to the holders of shares represented by certificates only upon,
and simultaneously with, the surrender to the existing, surviving, or new
corporation (foreign or domestic) or other entity, as the case may be, of duly
endorsed certificates for those shares.  Upon payment of the judgment, the
dissenting shareholders shall cease to have any interest in those shares or in
the corporation.  The court shall allow the appraisers a reasonable fee as court
costs, and all court costs shall be allotted between the parties in the manner
that the court determines to be fair and equitable.

  E.  Shares acquired by the existing, surviving, or new corporation (foreign or
domestic) or other entity, as the case may be, pursuant to the payment of the
agreed value of the shares or pursuant to payment of the judgment entered for
the value of the shares, as in this Article provided, shall, in the case of a
merger, be treated as provided in the plan of merger and, in all other cases,
may be held and disposed of by the corporation as in the case of other treasury
shares.

  F.  The provisions of this Article shall not apply to a merger if, on the date
of the filing of the articles of merger, the surviving corporation is the owner
of all the outstanding shares of the other corporations, domestic or foreign,
that are parties to the merger.

  G.  In the absence of fraud in the transaction, the remedy provided by this
Article to a shareholder objecting to any corporate action referred to in
Article 5.11 of this Act is the exclusive remedy for the recovery of the value
of his shares or money damages to the shareholder with respect to the action.
If the existing, surviving, or new corporation (foreign or domestic) or other
entity, as the case may be, complies with the requirements of this Article, any
shareholder who fails to comply with the requirements of this Article shall not
be entitled to bring suit for the recovery of the value of his shares or money
damages to the shareholder with respect to the action.



                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                   ART. 5.13. PROVISIONS AFFECTING REMEDIES
                          OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS



  A.  Any shareholder who has demanded payment for his shares in accordance with
either Article 5.12 or 5.16 of this Act shall not thereafter be entitled to vote
or exercise any other rights of a shareholder except the right to receive
payment for his shares pursuant to the provisions of those articles and the
right to maintain an appropriate action to obtain relief on the ground that the
corporate action would be or was fraudulent, and the respective shares for which
payment has been demanded shall not thereafter be considered outstanding for the
purposes of any subsequent vote of shareholders.

  B.  Upon receiving a demand for payment from any dissenting shareholder, the
corporation shall make an appropriate notation thereof in its shareholder
records.  Within twenty (20) days after demanding payment for his shares in
accordance with either Article 5.12 or 5.16 of this Act, each holder of
certificates representing shares so demanding payment shall submit such
certificates to the corporation for notation thereon that such demand has been
made.  The failure of holders of certificated shares to do so shall, at the
option of the corporation, terminate such shareholder's rights under
Articles 5.12 and 5.16 of this Act unless a court of competent jurisdiction for
good and sufficient cause shown shall otherwise direct.  If uncertificated
shares for which payment has been demanded or shares represented by a
certificate on which notation has been so made shall be transferred, any new
certificate issued therefor shall bear similar notation together with the name
of the original dissenting holder of such shares and a transferee of such shares
shall acquire by such transfer no rights in the corporation other than those
which the original dissenting shareholder had after making demand for payment of
the fair value thereof.

  C.  Any shareholder who has demanded payment for his shares in accordance with
either Article 5.12 or 5.16 of this Act may withdraw such demand at any time
before payment for his shares or before any petition has been filed pursuant to
Article 5.12 or 5.16 of this Act asking for a finding and determination of the
fair value of such shares, but no such demand may be withdrawn after such
payment has been made or, unless the corporation shall consent thereto, after
any such petition has been filed.  If, however, such demand shall be withdrawn
as hereinbefore provided, or if pursuant to Section B of this Article the
corporation shall terminate the shareholder's rights under Article 5.12 or 5.16
of this Act, as the case may be, or if no petition asking for a finding and
determination of fair value of such shares by a court shall have been filed
within the time provided in Article 5.12 or 5.16 of this Act, as the case may
be, or if after the hearing of a petition filed pursuant to Article 5.12 or
5.16, the court shall determine that such shareholder is not entitled to the
relief provided by those articles, then, in any such case, such shareholder and
all persons claiming under him shall be conclusively presumed to have approved
and ratified the corporate action from which he dissented and shall be bound
thereby, the right of such shareholder to be paid the fair value of his shares
shall cease, and his status as a shareholder shall be restored without prejudice
to any corporate proceedings which may have been taken during the interim, and
such shareholder shall be entitled to receive any dividends or



                                       4
<PAGE>
 
other distributions made to shareholders in the interim.



                  ART. 5.16. MERGER WITH SUBSIDIARY ENTITIES


                                QUALIFICATIONS



  A.  In any case in which at least ninety (90%) percent of the outstanding
shares of each class and series of shares, membership interests, or other
ownership interests of one or more domestic or foreign corporations or other
entities is owned by another domestic or foreign corporation or other entity,
and at least one of the parent or subsidiary entities is a domestic corporation
and the other or others are domestic corporations, foreign corporations, or
other entities organized under the laws of a jurisdiction that permit such a
merger or whose organizational documents or other constitute documents not
inconsistent with those laws permit such a merger, the corporation, or other
entities having such share ownership may (1) merge such other domestic or
foreign corporation or corporations or other entities into itself, (2) merge
itself into any one or more of such other corporations or other entities, or (3)
merge itself and any one or more of such entities or corporations into one or
more of the other entities:

      (a)  in the event that the corporation or other entity having at least 90
percent ownership will be a surviving entity in the merger, by executing and
filing articles of merger in accordance with Section B of this Article; or

      (b)  in the event that the corporation or other entity having at least 90
percent ownership will not be a surviving entity in the merger, by the entity
having such ownership adopting a plan of merger in the manner required by the
laws of its jurisdiction of organization or formation and its organizational or
other constitute documents, except that no action under Section 5.03 shall be
required to be taken by the corporation or corporations whose shares are so
owned, and executing and filing articles of merger in accordance with Section B
of this Article.

                        SIGNATURE OF ARTICLES; CONTENTS

  B.  The articles of merger shall be signed on behalf of the parent entity by
an officer or other duly authorized representative of the parent entity and
shall set forth:

      (1)  The name of the parent entity, and the name of each subsidiary entity
and the type of entity and respective jurisdiction under which each subsidiary
entity is organized.

      (2)  The total number or percentage of outstanding shares, membership
interests, or other ownership interests, identified by class, series, or group,
and the number or percentage of shares, membership interests, or other ownership
interests in each class, series, or group owned by the parent entity.

      (3)  A copy of the resolution of merger adopted by the parent entity in
accordance with


                                       5
<PAGE>
 
the laws of its jurisdiction of organization or formation and its organizational
or other constituent documents together with a statement that the resolution was
so adopted and the date of the adoption thereof. If the parent entity does not
own all the outstanding shares, membership interests, or other ownership
interests of each class of each subsidiary entity that is a party to the merger,
the resolution shall state the terms and conditions of the merger, including the
cash or other property, including shares, obligations, evidences of ownership,
rights to purchase securities, or other securities of any person or entity or
any combination of the shares, obligations, evidences of ownership, rights, or
other securities, to be used, paid or delivered by the surviving entity upon
surrender of each share, membership interest, or other ownership interest of the
subsidiary entity or entities not owned by the parent entity.

      (4)  If the surviving entity is a foreign corporation or other entity, the
address, including street number if any, of its registered or principal office
in the jurisdiction under whose laws it is governed. If the surviving entity is
a foreign corporation or other entity, on the merger taking effect the surviving
entity is deemed to (a) appoint the Secretary of State of this state as its
agent for service of process to enforce an obligation or the rights of
dissenting shareholders of each domestic corporation that is a party to the
merger, and (b) agree that it will promptly pay to the dissenting shareholders
of each domestic corporation that is a party to the merger the amount, if any,
to which they are entitled under this Article.

      (5)  If a plan of merger is required by Section A of this Article to be
adopted in the manner required by Article 5.03 of this Act, the information
required by Section A of Article 5.04 of this Act.

  C.  DELIVERY TO SECRETARY OF STATE; DUTIES. The articles of merger shall be
delivered to the Secretary of State and filed as provided by Sections B and C of
Article 5.04 of this Act.

  D.  EFFECTIVE DATE AND EFFECT. The effective date and the effect of such
merger shall be the same as provided in Articles 5.05 and 5.06 of this Act if
the surviving entity is a domestic corporation. If the surviving entity is a
foreign corporation or other entity, the effective date and the effect of such
merger shall be the same as in the case of the merger of domestic corporations
except in so far as the laws of such other jurisdiction provide otherwise.

                        REMEDY OF MINORITY SHAREHOLDERS

  E.  In the event all of the shares of a subsidiary domestic corporation that
is a party to a merger effected under this Article are not owned by the parent
entity immediately prior to the merger, the surviving parent entity shall,
within ten (10) days after the effective date of the merger, mail to each
shareholder of record of each subsidiary domestic corporation a copy of the
articles of merger and notify the shareholder that the merger has become
effective. Any such shareholder who holds shares of a class or series that would
have been entitled to vote on the merger if it had been effected pursuant to
Article 5.03 of this Act shall have the right to dissent from the merger and
demand payment of the fair value for the shareholder's shares in lieu of the
cash or other property to be used, paid or delivered to such shareholder upon
the surrender of such shareholder's shares pursuant to the terms and conditions
of the merger, with the following procedure:


                                       6
<PAGE>
 
      (1)  Such shareholder shall within twenty (20) days after the mailing of
the notice and copy of the articles of merger make written demand on the
surviving parent entity for payment of the fair value of the shareholder's
shares. The fair value of the shares shall be the value thereof as of the day
before the effective date of the merger, excluding any appreciation or
depreciation in anticipation of such act. The demand shall state the number and
class of the shares owned by the dissenting shareholder and the fair value of
such shares as estimated by the shareholder. Any shareholder failing to make
demand within the twenty (20) day period shall be bound by the corporate action.

      (2)  Within ten (10) days after receipt by the surviving entity of a
demand for payment by the dissenting shareholder of the fair value of the
shareholder's shares in accordance with Subsection (1) of this section, the
surviving entity shall deliver or mail to the dissenting shareholder a written
notice which shall either set out that the surviving entity accepts the amount
claimed in the demand and agrees to pay such amount within ninety (90) days
after the date on which the corporate action was effected and, in the case of
shares represented by certificates, upon the surrender of the shares
certificates duly endorsed, or shall contain an estimate by the surviving parent
entity of the fair value of such shares, together with an offer to pay the
amount of that estimate within ninety (90) days after the date on which such
corporate action was effected, upon receipt of notice within sixty (60) days
after that date from the shareholder that the shareholder agrees to accept that
amount and, in the case of shares represented by certificates, upon the
surrender of the shares certificates duly endorsed.

      (3)  If, within sixty (60) days after the date on which the corporate
action was effected, the value of the shares is agreed upon between the
dissenting shareholder and the surviving entity, payment for the shares shall be
made within ninety (90) days after the date on which the corporate action was
effected and, in the case of shares represented by certificates, upon surrender
of the certificate or certificates representing such shares. Upon payment of the
agreed value, the dissenting shareholder shall cease to have any interest in
such shares or in the corporation.

      (4)  If, within sixty (60) days after the date on which such corporate
action was effected, the shareholder and the surviving entity do not so agree,
then the dissenting shareholder or the surviving entity may, within sixty (60)
days after the expiration of the sixty (60) day period, file a petition in any
court of competent jurisdiction in the county in which the principal office of
the corporation is located, asking for a finding and determination of the fair
value of the shareholder's shares as provided in Section B of Article 5.12 of
this Act and thereupon the parties shall have the rights and duties and follow
the procedure set forth in Sections B to D inclusive of Article 5.12.

      (5)  In the absence of fraud in the transaction, the remedy provided by
this Article to a shareholder objecting to the corporate action is the exclusive
remedy for the recovery of the value of the shareholder's shares or money
damages to the shareholder with respect to the corporate action. If the
surviving entity complies with the requirements of this Article, any such
shareholder who fails to comply with the requirements of this Article shall not
be entitled to bring suit for the recovery of the value of the shareholder's
shares or money damages to such


                                       7
<PAGE>
 
shareholder with respect to such corporate action.

                            DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS

  F.  If a plan of merger is required by Section A of this Article to be adopted
in the manner required by Article 5.03 of this Act, the provisions of Articles
5.11 and 5.12 of this Act shall apply to the rights of the shareholders of a
parent corporation to dissent from such merger. Except as otherwise provided in
this Article, the provisions of Articles 5.11 and 5.12 of this Act shall not be
applicable to a merger effected under the provisions of this Article. The
provisions of Article 5.13 of this Act shall be applicable to any merger
effected under the provisions of this Article to the extent provided in Article
5.13 of this Act.


                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
                     --------------------------------------


Item 20.  Indemnification of Officers and Directors.
          ----------------------------------------- 

  Article 2.02-1 of the Texas Business Corporation Act (the "TBCA") provides
that a Texas corporation, such as First Financial Bankshares, Inc. ("First
Financial"), may indemnify a director or officer of the corporation against
judgments, penalties (including excise and similar taxes), fines, settlements
and reasonable expenses (including court costs and attorneys' fees) incurred in
connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative or investigative, any
appeal in such an action, suit or proceeding, and any inquiry or investigation
that could lead to such an action, suit or proceeding, because the person is or
was a director or officer of the corporation.  In order to be entitled to such
indemnification, the director or officer must have conducted himself in good
faith and reasonably believed (i) in the case of conduct in his official
capacity with the corporation, that his conduct was in the corporation's best
interests, (ii) in all other cases, that his conduct was at least not opposed to
the corporation's best interests, and (iii) in the case of any criminal
proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.
Article 2.02-1 of the TBCA provides that a director or officer may not be
indemnified for proceedings in which the person is found liable on the basis
that a personal benefit was improperly received by him or in which the person is
found liable to the corporation.  Article 2.02-1 of the TBCA provides that
indemnification pursuant to its provisions is not exclusive of other rights of
indemnification to which a person may be entitled under the corporation's
articles of incorporation or any bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or
disinterested directors, or otherwise.

  The First Financial Articles of Incorporation provide that, to the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law, each director, officer, employee and agent
of First Financial shall be indemnified for all expenses incurred in connection
with any action, suit, proceeding or claim to which he or she is named a party
or otherwise by virtue of holding such position; provided, however, that no
indemnification of employees or agents (other than directors of officers) will
be made without express authorization of the First Financial Board of Directors.

  The First Financial Articles of Incorporation also provide that, to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law, no First Financial director shall be
liable to First Financial or the First Financial shareholders for monetary
damages for or with respect to any acts or omissions in his or her capacity as a
director, except in the case of liability for (i) a breach of a duty of loyalty
to First Financial or its shareholders, (ii) an act or omission not in good
faith or that involves intentional misconduct of a knowing violation of the law,
(iii) a transaction from which a director received an improper benefit, (iv) an
act or omission for which the liability of a director is expressly provided by
statute, or (v) an act related to an unlawful stock repurchase or payment of a
dividend.

                                      II-1
<PAGE>
 
Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
         ------------------------------------------ 

    (a)  Exhibits.  The following exhibits are filed as part of this
         Registration Statement.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    Item 601
 Regulation S-K
Exhibit Reference
     Number                                                      Description
- -----------------                -------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                              <S>
        *2.1                     Stock Exchange Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of
                                 September 4, 1998 between First Financial Bankshares, Inc. and Cleburne
                                 State Bank.
       **3.1                     Articles of Incorporation, and all amendments thereto, of the Registrant
                                 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 1 of the Registrant's Amendment
                                 No. 2 to Form 8-A filed on Form 8-A/A No. 2 on November 21, 1995).
       **3.2                     Amended and Restated Bylaws, and all amendments thereto, of the
                                 Registrant (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2 of the Registrant's
                                 Amendment No. 1 to Form 8-A filed on Form 8-A/A No. 1 on January 7,
                                 1994).
       **4                       Specimen certificate for First Financial common stock (incorporated by
                                 reference from Exhibit 3 of the Registrant's Amendment No. 1 to Form 8-A
                                 filed on Form 8-A/A No. 1 on January 7, 1994).
      ***5.1                     Opinion and Consent of McMahon, Surovik, Suttle, Buhrmann, Hicks & Gill,
                                 P.C.
        *8.1                     Opinion and Consent of Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P. (included as Annex A
                                 to the Prospectus filed as part of this Registration Statement)
       *15.1                     Letter from Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P. regarding unaudited interim
                                 financial information.
       *21                       Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
     ***23.1                     Consent of McMahon, Surovik, Suttle, Buhrmann, Hicks & Gill, P.C.
                                 (included in Exhibit 5.1).
       *23.2                     Consent of Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 8.1).
       *23.3                     Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants (auditors
                                 for First Financial Bankshares, Inc.).
       *23.4                     Consent of Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P., independent public
                                 accountants (auditors for Cleburne State Bank).
       *23.5                     Consent of D. Latin and Company, Inc. (included in Exhibit 99.2)
       *24                       Powers of Attorney (see the signature pages to this Form S-4
                                 Registration Statement).
       *99.1                     Form of Letter of Transmittal.
       *99.2                     Opinion and Consent of D. Latin and Company, Inc. (included as Annex B to the 
                                 Prospectus filed as part of this Registration Statement)
</TABLE>

- ---------------------------
     * Filed herewith
    ** Incorporated by reference
   *** To be filed by amendment

    (b)  Financial Statement Schedules.  Financial Statement Schedules are not
         applicable.

Item 22. Undertakings.
         -------------

    (a)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
         (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

             (i)   To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
         Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act");

             (ii)  To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
         after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most
         recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
         aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
         in the Registration Statement; and

             (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan
         of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement
         or any material change to such information in the Registration
         Statement.

         (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

         (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of
the offering.

    (b)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (and, where
applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

    (c)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior to
any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through 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), the
issuer undertakes that 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 forms.

    (d)  The registrant undertakes that every prospectus: (i) that is filed
pursuant to paragraph (c) immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet
the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act 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, 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.

    (e)  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such 

                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

    (f)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, 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.

    (g)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes 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, as amended, the
Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Abilene,
State of Texas, on the 30th day of September, 1998.

                                 FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES, INC.


                                 By:  /s/ Kenneth T. Murphy
                                      -----------------------------------------
                                      Kenneth T. Murphy, Chairman of the Board,
                                      President and Chief Executive Officer

  The undersigned directors and officers of First Financial Bankshares, Inc.
hereby constitute and appoint Curtis R. Harvey, with full power to act and with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, our true and lawful attorney-in-
fact with full power to execute in our name and behalf in the capacities
indicated below any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments and
amendments thereto) 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 and hereby ratify and confirm all that such
attorney-in-fact or his substitute shall lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.

  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Registration Statement has been signed on the 30th day of September, 1998, by
the following persons in the capacities indicated.


               Signature                           Title
               ---------                           -----


/s/ Curtis R. Harvey                  Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
- ---------------------------------     Officer, Controller and Chief Accounting
Curtis R. Harvey                      Officer


/s/ Joseph E. Canon                   Director
- ---------------------------------             
Joseph E. Canon


/s/ Mac A. Coalson                    Director
- ---------------------------------             
Mac A. Coalson

                                      Director
- ---------------------------------           
David L. Copeland


/s/ F. Scott Dueser                   Director
- ---------------------------------             
F. Scott Dueser

                                      II-5
<PAGE>
 
                                      Director 
- ---------------------------------            
Kade L. Matthews


/s/ Raymond A. McDaniel, Jr.          Director
- ---------------------------------             
Raymond A. McDaniel, Jr.


/s/ Bynum Miers                       Director
- ---------------------------------             
Bynum Miers


/s/ Kenneth T. Murphy                 Chairman of the Board, President,
- ---------------------------------     Chief Executive Officer and Director 
Kenneth T. Murphy                                                        

                                      Director 
- ---------------------------------            
Dian Graves Owen


/s/ James M. Parker                   Director
- ---------------------------------             
James M. Parker


/s/ Jack D. Ramsey, M.D.              Director
- ---------------------------------             
Jack D. Ramsey, M.D.

                                      Director 
- ---------------------------------            
Craig Smith

                                      Director 
- ---------------------------------            
F.L. Stephens

                                      Director 
- ---------------------------------            
H.T. Wilson

/s/ Walter F. Worthington             Director 
- ---------------------------------            
Walter F. Worthington

                                      II-6
<PAGE>

                              INDEX TO EXHIBITS 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    Item 601
 Regulation S-K
Exhibit Reference
     Number                                                      Description
- -----------------                -------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                              <S>
        *2.1                     Stock Exchange Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of
                                 September 4, 1998 between First Financial Bankshares, Inc. and Cleburne
                                 State Bank.
       **3.1                     Articles of Incorporation, and all amendments thereto, of the Registrant
                                 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 1 of the Registrant's Amendment
                                 No. 2 to Form 8-A filed on Form 8-A/A No. 2 on November 21, 1995).
       **3.2                     Amended and Restated Bylaws, and all amendments thereto, of the
                                 Registrant (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2 of the Registrant's
                                 Amendment No. 1 to Form 8-A filed on Form 8-A/A No. 1 on January 7,
                                 1994).
       **4                       Specimen certificate for First Financial common stock (incorporated by
                                 reference from Exhibit 3 of the Registrant's Amendment No. 1 to Form 8-A
                                 filed on Form 8-A/A No. 1 on January 7, 1994).
      ***5.1                     Opinion and Consent of McMahon, Surovik, Suttle, Buhrmann, Hicks & Gill,
                                 P.C.
        *8.1                     Opinion and Consent of Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P. (included as Annex A
                                 to the Prospectus filed as part of this Registration Statement)
       *15.1                     Letter from Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P. regarding unaudited interim
                                 financial information.
       *21                       Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
     ***23.1                     Consent of McMahon, Surovik, Suttle, Buhrmann, Hicks & Gill, P.C.
                                 (included in Exhibit 5.1).
       *23.2                     Consent of Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 8.1).
       *23.3                     Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants (auditors
                                 for First Financial Bankshares, Inc.).
       *23.4                     Consent of Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P., independent public
                                 accountants (auditors for Cleburne State Bank).
       *23.5                     Consent of D. Latin and Company, Inc. (included in Exhibit 99.2)
       *24                       Powers of Attorney (see the signature pages to this Form S-4
                                 Registration Statement).
       *99.1                     Form of Letter of Transmittal.
       *99.2                     Opinion and Consent of D. Latin and Company, Inc. (included as Annex B to the 
                                 Prospectus filed as part of this Registration Statement)
</TABLE>

- ---------------------------
     * Filed herewith
    ** Incorporated by reference
   *** To be filed by amendment

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 2.1


                           STOCK EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
                          AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

     THIS AGREEMENT is made and effective as of this 4th day of September, 1998,
between (1) FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES, INC. (hereinafter referred to as "FIRST
FINANCIAL"), a Texas corporation with its principal office in the City of
Abilene, Taylor County, Texas; and (2) CLEBURNE STATE BANK (hereinafter referred
to as "CSB"), a state bank having its principal office in the City of Cleburne,
Johnson County, Texas.

                                 RECITALS:
                                 -------- 

     First Financial is a registered bank holding company.  First Financial owns
all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of First Financial Bankshares of
Delaware, Inc. ("FFB DELAWARE") which, in turn, owns all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of First National Bank of Abilene; First National
Bank, Sweetwater; Eastland National Bank; Hereford State Bank; First National
Bank in Cleburne; Stephenville Bank & Trust Co.; San Angelo National Bank; Texas
National Bank, Southlake; and Weatherford National Bank.

     As of the date of this Agreement, CSB has 195,740 authorized shares of
Common Stock (the "CSB STOCK") having a par value of Four Dollars ($4.00) each,
with 195,740 shares being issued and outstanding.  According to the records of
CSB, the CSB Stock is presently held by those individuals, trusts, estates,
corporations and other entities (the "SHAREHOLDERS") identified in the List of
Shareholders attached hereto as EXHIBIT A.
                                --------- 

     Pursuant to, and subject to, the provisions hereinafter set forth, First
Financial desires to acquire from the Shareholders all of the issued and
outstanding shares of CSB Stock  in exchange for shares of the voting Common
Stock of First Financial ("FIRST FINANCIAL STOCK") which shall be issued and
registered by First Financial under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"ACT").

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, and in further
consideration of the mutual covenants and on the basis of the representations
and warranties set forth herein, First Financial and CSB have agreed, and by
these presents do hereby agree, as follows:

                                   ARTICLE 1

                               EXCHANGE OF STOCK

     1.1.  MEANS OF EXCHANGE.  The offer (the "EXCHANGE OFFER") to acquire all
           -----------------                                                  
of the shares of CSB Stock in exchange for shares of First Financial Stock shall
be made by means of an Offering Prospectus ("PROSPECTUS") to be delivered by
First Financial to each of the Shareholders upon or following the effective date
of a Registration Statement to be filed by First Financial in accordance with
the Act (the "REGISTRATION STATEMENT").
<PAGE>
 
     1.2.  RATIO OF EXCHANGE.  Subject to all terms and conditions of this
           -----------------                                              
Agreement, First Financial shall be obligated to issue and exchange 1.75 shares
of First Financial Stock for each share of CSB Stock tendered by the
Shareholders who accept the Exchange Offer during the time period the Exchange
Offer is in effect; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if, prior to consummation of the
proposed Exchange Offer, a share of First Financial Stock shall be changed into
a different number of shares of First Financial Stock or a different class of
shares by reason of reclassification, recapitalization, split up, exchange of
shares or adjustments, or if a stock dividend thereon shall be declared with a
record date within such period, then the number of shares of First Financial
Stock into which a share of CSB Stock shall be exchanged will be appropriately
and proportionately adjusted so that each Shareholder of CSB Stock shall be
entitled to receive such number of shares of First Financial Stock as such
Shareholder would have received pursuant to such reclassification,
recapitalization, split up, exchange of shares or adjustments, or as a result of
such stock dividend, had the record date thereof been immediately following
consummation of the exchange; FURTHER PROVIDED, if, the Market Value (as herein
defined) of First Financial Stock is less than $40.00 per share, or greater than
$44.00 per share, the exchange ratio shall be adjusted by multiplying the
exchange ratio by a fraction, the numerator of which is $42.00 and the
denominator of which is the Market Value of First Financial Stock.  PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, either First Financial or CSB may terminate this Agreement in the event
any adjustments to the exchange ratio contemplated herein would result in the
required issuance of more than 375,000 shares of First Financial Stock (as
adjusted in the event a share of First Financial Stock shall be changed into a
different number of shares by reason of reclassification, recapitalization,
split up, exchange of shares or adjustments, or if a stock dividend thereon
shall be declared with a record date prior to consummation of the proposed
Exchange Offer).

     As used herein, the "MARKET VALUE" of First Financial Stock shall mean the
average of the daily last sales prices of First Financial Stock reported on the
NASDAQ national market system ("NASDAQ NMS")(as reported by The Wall Street
Journal or, if not reported thereby, another authoritative source) for the ten
(10) consecutive full trading days in which such shares are traded on the NASDAQ
NMS ending  at the close of trading on the tenth (10th) business day prior to
the mailing of the Prospectus.

     1.3.  MEANS OF ACCEPTANCE OF EXCHANGE OFFER.  A form of certificate and
           -------------------------------------                            
acceptance of the Exchange Offer (the "EXCHANGE FORM") in substantially the same
form as EXHIBIT B, shall accompany the Prospectus to be delivered to each
        ---------                                                        
Shareholder of CSB.  The Exchange Form shall require that each Shareholder
certify that the subject CSB Stock held by the Shareholder will be transferred
to First Financial free and clear of all liens,  restrictions, charges and
encumbrances and not be subject to any  adverse claim.  Once the Exchange Form
has been signed by a Shareholder and delivered to the Transfer Agent (as defined
in Section 1.5), the same shall be deemed to constitute an acceptance of the
Exchange Offer to the extent of the number of shares of CSB Stock accompanying
such Exchange Form.  Shares of CSB Stock delivered by the Shareholders to the
Transfer Agent pursuant to the Exchange Offer may not be withdrawn, except as
provided by the Williams Act.  If, for any reason, the Exchange Offer is
terminated and the exchange of CSB Stock for First Financial Stock is not
consummated, then all shares tendered by the Shareholders for exchange shall be
promptly returned by the Transfer Agent.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     1.4.  MEANS OF CONSUMMATING THE EXCHANGE.  The Transfer Agent, during the
           ----------------------------------                                 
pendency of the Exchange Offer, shall notify First Financial and CSB, in
writing, daily of the number of shares of CSB Stock tendered for exchange under
properly executed Exchange Forms.  If First Financial receives written notice
from the Transfer Agent that the Required Amount of CSB Stock (as defined in
Section 2.2) has been tendered and assigned to First Financial, then, within ten
(10) days after the Closing Date, First Financial shall issue and mail to those
Shareholders who have tendered their shares of CSB Stock, by registered mail,
certificates for the First Financial Stock representing the number of whole
shares of First Financial's stock as required under Section 1.2 above for each
share of CSB Stock received by the Transfer Agent.  For purposes of this
Agreement, the "CLOSING DATE" shall be the later of (i) the date First Financial
                                           -----                                
receives notice from the Transfer Agent that the Required Amount of CSB Stock
has been tendered, (ii) the expiration date of the Exchange Offer, or (iii) the
date when all conditions precedent to consummation of the exchange have been
satisfied (or, if not satisfied, have been waived in writing by First Financial
or CSB, as the case may be, in accordance with Section 1.9).  Subject to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, the exchanges called for by this
Agreement will be effective as of the Closing Date.

           Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section and of
Section 1.3, First Financial shall not issue any fractional shares of its Common
Stock.  Shareholders of CSB who would otherwise be entitled to receive
fractional shares of First Financial Stock shall be paid in cash for such
fractional shares based upon the Market Value per share of First Financial Stock
 .  Any cash payment to which a Shareholder of CSB may be entitled shall be
included with such Shareholder's certificate for First Financial Stock when such
certificate is mailed to such Shareholder.

     1.5.  TRANSFER AGENT.  The Transfer Agent (herein so called) for purposes
           --------------                                                     
of this transaction shall be First National Bank of Abilene - Trust Department,
Third Floor, 400 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas  79601.

     1.6.  EFFECTIVE DATE OF EXCHANGE OFFER.  The effective date for
           --------------------------------                         
commencement of the Exchange Offer (the "EFFECTIVE DATE") contemplated by this
Agreement shall be the later of:

           (a) The date upon which the Prospectus is mailed by First Financial
     to the Shareholders of CSB pursuant to the Registration Statement (not
     before but on or following the effective date thereof) filed by First
     Financial with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") with respect
     to the First Financial Stock to be issued hereunder; or

           (b) Such other date as may be mutually agreed upon by First Financial
     and CSB.

     1.7.  OFFER EXPIRATION DATE.  Unless otherwise extended by First Financial,
           ---------------------                                                
the Exchange Offer shall expire twenty-one (21) business days after the
Effective Date.

     1.8.  MERGER.  If the Required Amount of CSB Stock (as defined in Section
           ------                                                             
2.2) is tendered in exchange for First Financial Stock, and if all other
conditions precedent to

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
consummation of the exchange are satisfied (or, if not satisfied, are waived in
writing by First Financial or CSB, as the case may be, in accordance with
Section 1.9) and First Financial shall deliver to the tendering Shareholders the
shares of First Financial Stock (and, with regard to any fractional shares, the
cash payments) to which such Shareholders are entitled hereunder, it is the
intent of First Financial to as soon as practicable merge CSB with and into
First National Bank in Cleburne pursuant to the requisites of applicable law. If
the Exchange Offer is consummated, but less than all of the CSB Stock is
tendered in exchange for First Financial Stock, then as part of the proposed
merger of CSB into First National Bank in Cleburne, those Shareholders of CSB
who did not tender their shares pursuant to the Exchange Offer made under this
Agreement will be required to accept cash payment for their shares determined
upon the same basis as the exchange of CSB Stock for First Financial Stock,
subject only to the rights, if any, afforded by applicable law to any
Shareholders of CSB who dissent from the merger and refuse to accept the cash
payment tendered in return for their CSB Stock.

     1.9.  WAIVER OF CONDITIONS.  If not satisfied, any condition for the
           --------------------                                          
benefit of First Financial may be waived by First Financial in writing and any
condition for the benefit of CSB or the Shareholders may be waived by CSB in
writing.

                                   ARTICLE 2

                    CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EXCHANGE OFFER
                        AND CONSUMMATION OF TRANSACTION

     Unless otherwise agreed in writing by First Financial and CSB, the
obligations of First Financial to offer First Financial Stock to the
Shareholders pursuant to this Agreement and, thereafter, the obligations of
First Financial and CSB and the tendering Shareholders to consummate the
exchange of stock contemplated by this Agreement shall be expressly subject to
the satisfaction of the following conditions:

     2.1.  REGULATORY APPROVALS.  (1) The Board of Governors of the Federal
           --------------------                                            
Reserve System shall have approved, in writing, the acquisition by First
Financial of all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of CSB; (2) all
other approvals and authorizations of, filings and registrations with, and
notifications to, all federal, state and local authorities required for the
consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby shall have been obtained or
made and shall be in full force and effect; and (3) all mandatory waiting
periods shall have elapsed.

     2.2.  TAX RULINGS.  (1) CSB shall have received a written opinion from its
           -----------                                                         
independent accountants and/or tax counsel to the effect that, for federal
income tax purposes, the transaction called for by this Agreement will
constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code and that, accordingly, for federal tax purposes (i) no gain or loss
will be recognized by each Shareholder who receives First Financial Stock in
exchange for his or her CSB Stock, (ii) the aggregate tax basis of First
Financial Stock received by a Shareholder will be the same as the aggregate
basis of the CSB Stock surrendered in exchange therefor, and (iii) the holding
period for the purpose of determining the recognition of long-term capital gain
or loss resulting from a subsequent sale of the First Financial Stock to be
received by each Shareholder

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
will include, in each instance, the period in which the Shareholder held the CSB
Stock surrendered and exchanged therefor; and (2) First Financial shall have
received a written opinion from its independent accountants, Arthur Andersen
LLP, in form and substance satisfactory to First Financial, stating that the
acquisition by First Financial of the Required Amount of CSB Stock will be
treated for accounting purposes as a "pooling-of-interests." For purposes of
this Agreement, the term "REQUIRED AMOUNT OF CSB STOCK" shall mean that number
of shares of CSB Stock (as determined by First Financial's independent
accountants) which must be tendered by the Shareholders in exchange for First
Financial Stock in order for the acquisition by First Financial to be treated
for accounting purposes as a "pooling-of-interests," and which number of shares,
for purposes of this transaction, shall be at least 90% of the issued and
outstanding shares of CSB Stock.

     2.3.  ACCURACY OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  Except as otherwise
           ------------------------------------------                      
expressly provided herein, all of the representations and warranties of First
Financial and CSB contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct as of
the Effective Date and as of the Closing Date, with the same force and effect as
though made on the Effective Date and Closing Date, respectively, and there
shall be delivered on the Effective Date and the Closing Date appropriate
certificates of authorized officers of First Financial and CSB.

     2.4.  PERFORMANCE OF AGREEMENTS.  First Financial and CSB shall have
           -------------------------                                     
performed all obligations and agreements, and shall have complied  in all
material respects with all covenants and conditions, contained in this Agreement
to be performed and complied with by it or them on or prior to the Closing Date.

     2.5.  NO GOVERNMENTAL PROCEEDING OR LITIGATION.  No order, judgment or
           ----------------------------------------                        
decree of any competent court, governmental body or regulatory authority shall
be outstanding which declares or seeks a declaration that this Agreement is
invalid or which restrains, or seeks to restrain, the consummation of the
Exchange Offer; and no action or proceeding shall be pending which questions the
validity or legality of, or seeks to restrain the consummation of, the exchange
contemplated by this Agreement.

     2.6.  SECURITIES LAWS.  (1) The declaration by the SEC that the
           ---------------                                          
Registration Statement filed by First Financial pursuant to the Act covering the
shares of First Financial Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement is
effective and the furnishing of a Prospectus to the Shareholders of CSB; (2) all
approvals and authorization of, filings and registrations with, and
notifications to, all regulatory authorities under state securities or Blue Sky
laws required for the offer, sale, exchange or qualification of the First
Financial Stock in connection with the Exchange Offer shall have been obtained
or made and shall be in full force and effect; (3)  First Financial and CSB
shall have complied with all federal and state securities laws, statutes, rules
and regulations applicable to the Exchange Offer contemplated by this Agreement;
(4) no stop order has been issued or threatened by any federal or state
securities authority with respect to the offer, sale, issuance or exchange of
stock contemplated hereby; and (5) First Financial shall have taken such action
as may be necessary for the shares of First Financial Stock to be issued
pursuant to this Agreement to be qualified for trading on the NASDAQ NMS.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
     2.7.  TENDER OF SHARES.  The delivery by Shareholders owning the Required
           ----------------                                                   
Amount  of CSB Stock of duly and properly executed Exchange Forms effectively
transferring and assigning their shares of CSB Stock to First Financial free and
clear of all liens, options and claims of any sort.

     2.8.  NO MATERIAL CHANGES.  The absence of any material adverse change in
           -------------------                                                
the financial conditions of First Financial and CSB between July 31, 1998, and
the Closing Date as determined in good faith by First Financial and CSB.

     2.9.  OPINION OF CSB'S COUNSEL.  First Financial shall have received the
           ------------------------                                          
written opinion of counsel for CSB dated at or as of the Closing Date, and in
form and substance satisfactory to First Financial and its counsel, that (1) CSB
is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Texas; (2) CSB has all requisite power and has been duly authorized to
execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transaction
contemplated thereby; (3) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by CSB
does not, and the consummation of the transaction contemplated thereby, will, to
the knowledge of such counsel, not contravene or violate any provisions of or
constitute a default under (a) the Articles of Association or Bylaws of CSB, (b)
any agreement or instrument to which CSB is a party or by which CSB is bound or
to which any property of CSB is subject, or (c) any law, regulation, rule,
decree, order or judgment of any court, governmental agency or public body
applicable to CSB or any of their respective assets or property; (4) all
consents, approvals, authorizations, actions or filings with any court,
governmental agency or public body required in connection with the execution,
delivery and performance by CSB of this Agreement have been obtained and, to the
best of counsel's knowledge, have not been withdrawn or qualified; (5) all of
the outstanding shares of CSB Stock have been validly issued and are non-
assessable and fully paid; (6) except as reflected in an applicable Disclosure
Schedule, to the best of counsel's knowledge, there are no known liabilities,
claims or lawsuits pending against CSB or any of their respective  properties or
assets; and (7) between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, the
number of issued and outstanding shares of CSB Stock have not increased.

     2.10.  ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT.  Within 30 business days from the date of this
            --------------------                                                
Agreement, First Financial shall have received, at First Financial's expense, a
Phase I Environmental Assessment report covering all real property of CSB, which
report shall be satisfactory to First Financial in its sole discretion, whether
such real property is used by CSB in its corporate or banking business, held for
resale or otherwise owned or held by CSB.  First Financial shall promptly, but
within no event more than five (5) business days after receipt of such Phase I
Environmental Assessment, provide a copy of such assessment to CSB.

     2.11.  TERMINATION OF ESOP AND FREEZE OF 401(K) PROFIT SHARING PLAN.  The
            ------------------------------------------------------------      
Board of Directors of CSB shall, prior to the Closing Date, adopt such
resolutions, and take such other action, as may be reasonable and necessary (as
judged by First Financial and its counsel), to terminate the existing CSB ESOP
(the "ESOP") and to freeze the existing CSB 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan (the
"401(K)").  Such resolutions may condition termination of the ESOP and freeze of
the 401(k), including any transfer, exchange or disposition of the assets of the
ESOP, upon consummation of the stock exchange transaction contemplated by this
Agreement.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
           In addition, First Financial and its counsel shall be reasonably
satisfied, in their opinion, that (1) the ESOP and the 401(k)  are qualified
plans under, and as of the effective date of termination or freezing (as the
case may be), in  substantial compliance with the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), as amended, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended, and all other applicable laws, rules and regulations; and (2) no
facts or circumstances known to CSB exist which, in the opinion of First
Financial and its counsel, may result  in  liability  to  First  Financial, CSB
or  any of its or their directors, officers or employees arising out of, or in
connection with, administration of the ESOP or the 401(k), or freezing of the
401(k) if the transaction contemplated by this Agreement is consummated.

     2.12.  "RUN-OFF" LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE.  CSB shall acquire for the
            --------------------------------------                            
benefit of its officers and directors "run-off" liability insurance coverage to
survive the Closing Date, which coverage shall be satisfactory to First
Financial and CSB.

     2.13.  REDEMPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK.  CSB shall, prior to the Closing
            -----------------------------                                  
Date, adopt such resolutions and take such other action as may be necessary or
appropriate under the circumstances to redeem and cancel all of the issued and
outstanding shares of CSB Preferred Stock.

     2.14.  OPINION OF FIRST FINANCIAL'S COUNSEL.  CSB shall have received the
            ------------------------------------                              
written opinion of counsel for First Financial, dated at or as of the Closing
Date and in form and substance satisfactory to CSB and its counsel, that (1)
First Financial is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of the State of Texas; (2) First Financial has all requisite power and
has been duly authorized to execute and deliver the Agreement and to consummate
the transaction contemplated thereby; (3) the execution and delivery by First
Financial of the Agreement does not, and the consummation of the transaction
contemplated thereby will, to the knowledge of such counsel, not, contravene or
violate any provision of or constitute a default under the (a) Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws of First Financial, or (b) any law, regulation, rule,
decree, order or judgment of any court, governmental agency or public body
applicable to First Financial or its assets or properties; (4) all consents,
approvals, authorizations, actions or filings with any court, governmental
agency or public body required in connection with the execution, delivery and
performance by First Financial of the Agreement have been obtained and, to the
best of counsel's knowledge, have not been withdrawn or qualified;  (5) when
issued pursuant to this Agreement, the shares of First Financial Stock issued in
exchange for shares of CSB Stock shall be duly authorized and issued and fully
paid and non-assessable; (6) a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with respect
to the First Financial Stock to be issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer has
been declared effective by the SEC and, to the best of counsel's knowledge, no
stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been
issued.

     2.15.  UNDERTAKING OF AFFILIATE.  CSB shall identify and set forth in
            ------------------------                                      
Disclosure Schedule 2.15 all possible "affiliates" of CSB within the meaning of
- ------------------------                                                       
Rules 144 and 145, as amended, of the General Rules and Regulations under the
Act.  CSB shall have received from each such affiliate, and thereafter, shall
have delivered to First Financial, an Undertaking of Affiliate statement in the
form of Exhibit C.
        --------- 

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE 3

                        WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS
                                    OF CSB

     CSB hereby makes the following warranties and representations to First
Financial:

     3.1.  ORGANIZATION AND STANDING OF CSB. CSB is a state bank duly organized,
           --------------------------------                                     
validly existing and in good standing under banking laws of the State of Texas,
with corporate power to own property and carry on its business as it is now
being conducted. CSB is an insured bank under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.
All of the banking business and all of the banking offices and facilities of
CSB are located within the State of Texas.  True, correct and complete copies of
the Articles of Association and Bylaws of CSB, including all amendments thereto,
have been delivered to First Financial, or are delivered herewith by CSB to
First Financial.  The corporate minutes of Bank contain a true and substantially
complete record of all meetings and consents in lieu of meetings of the Board of
Directors and Shareholders since the incorporation of CSB, which accurately
reflect in all material respects all transactions referred to in such minutes
and consents in lieu of meeting.

     3.2.  SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES. CSB does not have any subsidiaries.
           ---------------------------                                      
Except as set forth in Disclosure Schedule 3.2, CSB does not hold any interest
                       -----------------------                                
in any other corporation, firm, joint venture or partnership, except (1) as
security for repayment of loans to customers of CSB, (2) as acquired by CSB
through foreclosure or otherwise by reason of debt previously contracted, or (3)
for authorized investment securities purchased by CSB for its own account (but,
as a result of which investments, CSB is not considered to be an affiliate of
the issuer of such securities or otherwise controls, is not controlled by or is
not under common control with, the issuer of any such investment securities).

     3.3.  CAPITALIZATION.  As of the date of this Agreement, the authorized
           --------------                                                   
capital stock of CSB consists of 195,740 shares of CSB Stock of a par value of
$4.00 each, of which 195,740 are presently issued and outstanding, and 48,690
shares of $15.00 par value, 7.5% nonvoting, cumulative Preferred Stock, of which
48,690 are presently issued and outstanding.  CSB holds no stock as treasury
stock.  All rights, privileges, restrictions (if any), terms and provisions
governing any of the shares of capital stock of CSB is described in Disclosure
                                                                    ----------
Schedule 3.3.  As of the Closing Date there shall not be any of the shares of
- ------------                                                                 
capital stock of CSB held as treasury stock; additionally, there shall be no
outstanding or authorized subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, rights or
commitments or any kind restricting the transfer of, requiring the issuance or
sale of, or otherwise relating to, any of the capital stock of CSB.

     3.4.  AUTHORITY OF CSB.  This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed
           ----------------                                                    
and delivered by CSB, and, subject to the conditions precedent to the
consummation of the transactions set forth herein, is a valid, legally binding
and enforceable obligation of CSB.  Neither the execution, delivery or
performance of this Agreement in its entirety, nor the consummation of all of
the transactions contemplated hereby, will violate (with or without the giving
of notice or the passage of time), be in conflict with, result in a breach of
any provision of, or constitute a  

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
default under, any provision in the Articles of Association or Bylaws of, or any
provision of law applicable to, CSB or any agreement or understanding, order,
judgment, award, decree, statute, ordinance, regulation or other restriction of
any kind or character to which CSB is a party or by which any of the respective
assets or properties of CSB are subject or bound.

     3.5.  Licenses, Permits and Contracts.  None of the licenses, permits,
           -------------------------------                                 
franchises, authorizations or contracts of CSB will be violated, breached,
terminated or otherwise impaired by reason of execution, delivery or performance
of this Agreement by CSB, or consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby.

     3.6.  Claims, Suits and Proceedings.  Except as reflected in Disclosure
           -----------------------------                          ----------
Schedule 3.6, there are no legal, administrative, arbitration or other action,
- ------------                                                                  
suit, proceeding or claim pending, under investigation, or, to its knowledge,
threatened against CSB, at law or in equity, or before any federal, state,
municipal or other governmental court, department, commission, board, bureau,
agency, instrumentality or other person.  In particular, and without in any way
limiting the foregoing, CSB is not subject to, or a party to, any cease-and-
desist, supervisory or other agreement with any banking or other regulatory
authority which requires the consent or approval of such authority or which is
otherwise applicable to the transaction contemplated by this Agreement.

     3.7.  Consents and Approvals.  No consent, approval or authorization of, or
           ----------------------                                               
declaration, filing or registration with, any person or governmental authority
is required in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by
CSB, and consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby, except for such
regulatory approvals as may be required for First Financial to acquire the CSB
Stock under Section 2.1 and for such approvals by the Board of Directors of CSB
as have been given prior to execution of this Agreement.

     3.8.  Regulatory Reports. CSB has filed all reports, registrations and
           ------------------                                              
statements, together with any amendments required to be made thereto, that are
required to be filed with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
(the "FRB"), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"), and any
other applicable authorities, and all of such reports, registrations and
statements are true, complete and correct in all material respects.

     3.9.  Financial Statements.  CSB has provided, or caused to be provided, to
           --------------------                                                 
First Financial the Financial Statements and Reports described in Disclosure
                                                                  ----------
Schedule 3.9 attached hereto and the notes thereto (collectively, the "FINANCIAL
- ------------                                                                    
STATEMENTS"), all of which have been prepared in accordance with Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") or regulatory accounting principles
("RAP"); and the Financial Statements, as of their respective dates, conformed
in all material respects with all applicable material rules and regulations
promulgated by the FRB and the FDIC (subject, in the case of the unaudited
interim financial statements, to normal year-end adjustments and the fact that
they do not contain all of the footnote disclosures required by GAAP).

     3.10.  Undisclosed Liabilities.  Except to the extent reflected in the
            -----------------------                                        
Financial Statements or as reflected in Disclosure Schedule 3.10, CSB has no
                                        ------------------------            
debt, liability or obligation of any nature 

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
(whether liquidated, unliquidated, absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise
and whether due or to become due) which may result in a material adverse effect
upon its financial condition or its ability to perform this Agreement.

     3.11.  ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES.  Except as and to the extent reflected
            --------------------------                                        
in Disclosure Schedule 3.11, CSB from July 31, 1998, until the date of this
   ------------------------                                                
Agreement, has not:

            (a) made any amendment to its Articles of Association or Bylaws, or
     changed the character of its business in any material manner;

            (b) suffered any material adverse change in its financial condition,
     assets, liabilities (absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) or
     business;

            (c) incurred, assumed or become subject to, whether directly or by
     way of any guarantee or otherwise, any debt, obligation or liability
     (whether liquidated, unliquidated, absolute, accrued, contingent or
     otherwise) except in the ordinary course of business;

            (d) permitted or allowed any of its property or assets to be subject
     to any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest, encumbrance, or
     restriction;

            (e) canceled any debts in excess of $25,000, waived any claims or
     rights of material value, or sold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of
     any of its properties or assets, except in the ordinary course of business;

            (f) disposed of or permitted to lapse any rights to the use of any
     trademark, trade name, copyright or other intangible property right or
     franchise, or disposed of or disclosed to any person other than its
     employees any trade secret not theretofore a matter of public knowledge;

            (g) granted any increase in compensation, or pay or agreed to pay or
     accrue any bonus or like benefit, to or for the credit of any director or
     executive officer except for those annual bonuses normally accrued and paid
     to CSB's officers and employees in an aggregate amount not to exceed
     $100,000, or entered into any employment or consulting contract or other
     agreement for personal services with any director, officer or employee, or
     adopted, amended or terminated any Employee Benefit Plan (as defined in
     Section 3.15);

            (h) declared, paid or set aside for payment any dividend or other
     distribution or payment in respect of its capital stock other than normal,
     regular dividends;

            (i) organized or acquired, except through foreclosure, the exercise
     of creditors remedies or in a fiduciary capacity, any capital stock or
     other equity securities of any corporation or acquired any equity or
     ownership interest in any partnership or business enterprise;

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
          (j) issued, reserved for issuance, granted or authorized the issuance
     of any shares of its capital stock or subscriptions, options, warrants,
     calls, rights or commitments of any kind relating to the issuance of or
     conversion into shares of its capital stock;

          (k) made any change in any method of accounting or accounting
     practice, except as required by applicable law, regulation, GAAP or RAP;

          (l) except for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or as
     otherwise permitted hereunder, entered into any transaction, or entered
     into, modified or amended any contract or commitment, other than in the
     ordinary course of business; or

          (m) agreed, whether in writing or otherwise, to take any action the
     performance of which would be prohibited under the terms and provisions of
     this Agreement.

     Since July 31, 1998, CSB has conducted business only in the ordinary course
and in a manner consistent with past practices.

     3.12.  Title to Properties; Encumbrances; Access.  Except for the liens and
            -----------------------------------------                           
security interests disclosed in Disclosure Schedule 3.12, CSB has, or will have
                                ------------------------                       
upon the Closing Date, unencumbered, good and indefeasible title to all its
properties and assets, real and personal, including, without limitation, all
properties and assets reflected in the Financial Statements, subject to (i)
easements, reservations, restrictions, rights-of-way, and other encumbrances of
record, other than liens and conveyances, and (ii) those properties and assets
disposed of in the ordinary course of business consistent with reasonably
prudent banking practices; and, to their knowledge, all uses made of, and
activities conducted upon, any real property owned, leased or used by CSB comply
in all material respects with applicable state, local or municipal zoning laws
and other laws, rules, regulations and ordinances.  In addition, all
improvements situated upon real property assets of CSB is within surveyed
boundaries (to the extent CSB possesses such survey(s)) and have unrestricted
right of access to and from an adjacent public thoroughfare.

     3.13.  Material Pending or Threatened Proceedings.  Except as reflected in
            ------------------------------------------                         
Disclosure Schedule 3.13, there is no legal, administrative, arbitration or
- ------------------------                                                   
other action, suit, proceeding or claim pending, to CSB's knowledge, under
investigation, or, to CSB's knowledge, threatened against CSB, or involving any
of its properties or assets, at law or in equity, or before or by any foreign,
federal, state, municipal or other governmental court, department, commission,
board, bureau, agency, instrumentality or other person, which may result in a
material adverse effect upon its financial condition or its ability to perform
this Agreement.

     3.14.  Tax Matters.  CSB has:
            -----------           

          (a) timely filed all tax returns (the "FILED RETURNS") and timely paid
     all tax liability reasonably determined thereunder;

          (b) established reasonable accruals for the payment of, all federal
     income taxes and all state and local income taxes and all franchise,
     property, sales, employment or other 

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
     taxes with respect to the periods prior to the date of this Agreement and
     subsequent to the last Filed Return; and

          (c) properly and timely withheld, remitted and/or paid all withholding
     taxes, social security taxes, unemployment taxes and other employment-
     related taxes which CSB is, by law, required to withhold, remit or pay.

     In addition to the foregoing, CSB (1) is not the subject of, nor is there
pending or, to CSB's knowledge, threatened, any audit with respect to or arising
out of any Filed Return; (2) has not previously requested, or has filed a
request for, any extension of time to  pay any tax; or (3) has not agreed or
consented to the extension of any statute of limitations respecting the
assessment of taxes, additional taxes, penalty or interest in connection with
any tax liability or Filed Return.  No tax liens have been filed or, to CSB's
knowledge, threatened against CSB.  All Filed Returns are true, correct and
complete in all material aspects.

     For the purposes of this Agreement, the term "TAX" shall include all
federal, state and local taxes and related governmental charges and any
interest, penalties or assessments payable in connection with the payment of
taxes.

     3.15.  Employment Benefit Plans.  (1) Except as reflected in Disclosure
            ------------------------                              ----------
Schedule 3.15, CSB does not maintain or contribute to, nor is CSB required to
- -------------                                                                
maintain or contribute to, (i) any "employee welfare benefit plan" [as defined
in Section 3(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA")] or
(ii) any "employee pension benefit plan" [as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA].
Except as reflected in Disclosure Schedule 3.15, CSB does not maintain or
contribute to, nor has CSB adopted or entered into, any deferred compensation
plan, bonus plan, stock option plan, employee stock option plan or any other
Employee Benefit Plan, agreement, arrangement or commitment (other than normal
policies concerning holidays, vacations, accumulated sick leave, and annual
budgeted incentive bonuses previously disclosed to First Financial).

     Each Employee Benefit Plan that is required or intended to be qualified
under applicable law or registered or approved by a governmental agency or
authority, has been so qualified, registered or approved by the appropriate
governmental agency or authority and nothing has occurred since the date of the
last qualification, registration or approval to adversely affect, or cause, the
appropriate governmental agency or authority to revoke such qualification,
registration or approval.  All contributions (including premiums) required by
law or contract to have been made or approved by CSB, as the case may be, under
or with respect to an Employee Benefit Plan have been paid or accrued by CSB, as
appropriate, without limiting the foregoing, there are no unfunded liabilities
under any Employee Benefit Plan.  CSB has not received notice of any
investigations, litigation or other enforcement actions against it with respect
to any of the Employee Benefit Plans.  There are no pending actions, suits or
claims by former or present employees of CSB (or their beneficiaries) with
respect to the Employee Benefit Plans or the assets or fiduciaries thereof
(other than routine claims for benefits).

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
     3.16.  Leases, Contracts and Agreements.  Disclosure Schedule 3.16 reflects
            --------------------------------   ------------------------         
all leases, contracts and agreements to which CSB is a party and which obligate
or may obligate CSB to pay any amount in excess of $25,000 over the entire term
of any such lease, contract or agreement (the "CONTRACTS"), true and correct
copies of which have been or shall be furnished to First Financial.  For the
purposes of this Agreement, the Contracts shall not be deemed to include loan
commitments of, loans made by, repurchase agreements made by, bankers
acceptances of, or deposits taken by CSB in the ordinary course of its banking
business.  Each and all of the Contracts are legal, valid, binding and
enforceable in accordance with their terms and are in full force and effect.
There are no existing defaults by any party to the Contracts and no event has
occurred which (whether with or without notice, lapse of time or the happening
or occurrence of any other event) would constitute such default.

     3.17.  Transactions with Affiliates.  Except as reflected in Disclosure
            ----------------------------                          ----------
Schedule 3.17, CSB (1) has no loans outstanding to any of its Affiliates (as
- -------------                                                               
defined in Section 8.11), executive officers, or directors, or to any
Shareholder owning ten percent (10%) or more of its outstanding shares or (2) is
a party to, or otherwise bound by, any contractual agreement with any of its
Affiliates, executive officers, or directors, or with any Shareholder owning ten
percent (10%) or more of its outstanding shares.

     3.18.  Compliance with Laws.  Except as reflected in Disclosure Schedule
            --------------------                          -------------------
3.18, CSB is not in violation of, or default under, any laws, ordinances,
- ----                                                                     
regulations, judgements, injunctions, orders, or decrees (including without
limitation, any immigration laws or regulations) of any court, governmental
department, commission, agency, instrumentality or arbitrator applicable to its
business which would have a material adverse effect on CSB.

     3.19.  Accuracy of Information.  The factual information relating to CSB
            -----------------------                                          
contained in this Agreement and the Disclosure Statements hereto is true,
correct and complete in all respects.  The information relating to CSB supplied
for inclusion in the application of First Financial to the FRB, the Registration
Statement filed by First Financial with the SEC and the Prospectus to be

     delivered by First Financial to each of the Shareholders of CSB, as of the
date supplied by CSB, will be true, correct and complete in all respects.

     3.20.  Insurance.  Disclosure Schedule 3.20 sets forth a list and brief
            ---------   ------------------------                            
description of all existing insurance policies maintained by CSB pertaining to
its business properties, personnel or assets.  CSB is not in default with
respect to any provision contained in any insurance policy, and has not failed
to give any notice or present any claim under any insurance policy in a due and
timely fashion.  All such policies shall have been delivered to First Financial,
or are delivered herewith, and at all times prior to the Closing Date shall be
in full force and effect.  All payments with respect to such policies are
current and no notice threatening a suspension, revocation, modification or
cancellation of any such policy has been received.

     3.21.  Loans.  To CSB's knowledge, each loan reflected as an asset in the
            -----                                                             
Financial Statements, as well as all other extensions of credit, guarantees,
security agreements, deeds of trust and other documents and instruments executed
in connection therewith (whether intended as security or otherwise) is the
legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor named therein and 

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
is enforceable in accordance with its terms.  CSB has made available to First
Financial all material  information and documentation in possession of CSB
concerning all outstanding loans of CSB.

     3.22.  Regulatory Actions.  Except as disclosed in Disclosure Schedule
            ------------------                          -------------------
3.22, there are no actions or proceedings pending or threatened against CSB by
or before the FRB, the FDIC, the SEC or any other governmental agency or
authority.

     3.23.  Broker's Fees.  Except as set forth in Disclosure Schedule 3.23, no
            -------------                          ------------------------    
person or entity acting on behalf of CSB is or shall be entitled, directly or
indirectly, to any brokerage fee, commission or finder's fee in connection with
the transaction contemplated by this Agreement.

     3.24.  Environmental Matters.  Except as disclosed in Disclosure Schedule
            ---------------------                          -------------------
3.24, there are no known environmental problems or known conditions affecting
- ----                                                                         
any of the properties of CSB.  In particular, and without in any way limiting
the foregoing, CSB warrants and represents that to the best of its knowledge all
hazardous and toxic chemicals, substances and materials located or used upon any
of their respective properties have been and are being stored, used, transported
and disposed of in compliance with applicable state and federal environmental
laws; that there are no prior waste disposal site(s) or underground storage
tanks located upon any of its properties; and that no action or investigation is
pending or threatened by any governmental or regulatory authority, or by any
person, firm or corporation, arising out of any failure, or alleged failure, to
comply with applicable environmental laws, statutes, rules or regulations.

     3.25.  Deferred Directors Compensation.  Except as disclosed in Disclosure
            -------------------------------                          ----------
Schedule 3.25, CSB does not maintain, contribute to or is otherwise obligated
- -------------                                                                
under any Deferred Directors Compensation Plan.

                                   ARTICLE 4

                          CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF CSB
                             PENDING CLOSING DATE

     4.1.   Affirmative Covenants. From and after the date of this Agreement and
            ---------------------
until the Closing Date, CSB shall:

          (a) operate and conduct its business in the ordinary course and
     consistent with its prior practices;

          (b) preserve intact its corporate existence, business organization,
     assets, licenses, permits, franchises, authorizations, contracts and
     business opportunities, except to the extent CSB believes in good faith
     that it is prudent to terminate or forfeit any of the foregoing;

          (c) maintain its books, accounts and records in accordance with GAAP
     or RAP, and comply with all of its contractual obligations;

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
          (d) maintain all of its properties in good repair, order and
     condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted, and maintain adequate and
     appropriate insurance coverage upon all such properties;

          (e) in good faith and in a timely manner (i) cooperate with First
     Financial in satisfying the conditions in this Agreement; (ii) diligently
     assist First Financial, to the extent it may reasonably require, in
     obtaining as promptly as possible all consents, approvals, authorizations
     and rulings, whether regulatory or corporate, as are necessary for First
     Financial to carry out and consummate the transaction contemplated by this
     Agreement; (iii) furnish, or cause to be furnished, to First Financial such
     information as First Financial may reasonably require for inclusion in any
     filings or applications that may be necessary in that regard; and (iv)
     perform all acts and execute and deliver all documents reasonably necessary
     to cause the transaction contemplated by this Agreement to be consummated
     at the earliest possible date;

          (f) timely file with the FRB, FDIC and other regulatory authorities
     all financial statements and other reports to be filed by it and promptly
     thereafter deliver to First Financial copies of all financial statements
     and other reports required to be so filed;

          (g) comply with all applicable laws and regulations, noncompliance
     with which would have a material adverse effect upon its financial
     condition, assets, liabilities (absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise)
     or business;

          (h) promptly give written notice to First Financial upon obtaining
     knowledge of any event or fact that would cause any of the representations
     or warranties of CSB contained in or referred to in this Agreement to be
     untrue in any material respect, and use its best efforts to prevent or
     promptly remedy the same;

          (i)  provide to First Financial, or provide First Financial access to,
     all   books, records, reports, financial statements and other documents and
     information as First Financial may from time to time request; and,

          (j)  immediately or prior to the date of closing of this contemplated
     transaction,   and after receipt of a written request from First Financial,
     establish such additional accruals and reserves as may be necessary to
     conform CSB's accounting and credit loss reserve practices and methods to
     those of First Financial; provided, however, that such requested conforming
     adjustment shall not be taken into account as having a material adverse
     effect on CSB.  In addition, the parties to this Agreement acknowledge that
     such conforming accounting adjustments do not in any way reflect that the
     Financial Statements of CSB are inaccurate in any respect.

     4.2.  Negative Covenants.  Except with the prior written consent of First
           ------------------                                                 
Financial, CSB shall not, from the date of this Agreement and until the Closing
Date (or the earlier rightful termination of this Agreement):

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
          (a) make or permit any amendment to its Articles of Association or
     Bylaws;

          (b) make or permit any changes in allocating or charging costs which
     in the aggregate would cause a material detriment, except as may be
     required by applicable regulation, GAAP or RAP, and after written notice to
     First Financial;

          (c) directly or indirectly, permit any of its officers, directors,
     employees, representatives or agents to, directly or indirectly: (i)
     encourage, solicit or initiate discussions or negotiations with, or (ii)
     except upon advice of counsel to the extent required to fulfill the
     fiduciary duties owed to the Shareholders of CSB, entertain, discuss or
     negotiate with, or provide any information to, or cooperate with, any
     association, corporation, partnership, person or other entity or group
     (other than First Financial or its Affiliates or associates or officers,
     partners, employees or other authorized representatives of First Financial
     or such Affiliates or associates) concerning any merger, tender offer or
     other takeover offer, sale of substantial assets, sale or exchange of
     shares of CSB Stock or similar transaction involving CSB (unless any such
     transaction is expressly conditioned upon the performance by CSB of all of
     CSB's obligations under this Agreement).  As soon as practicable following
     receipt of any written proposal, CSB will communicate to First Financial
     the terms of any such proposal or request for information and the identity
     of the parties involved.

          (d) make any change in the number of shares of its capital stock
     issued and outstanding, reserve for issuance, grant, or authorize the
     issuance of any shares of their capital stock or subscriptions, options,
     warrants, calls, rights or commitments of any kind relating to the issuance
     or conversion into shares of its capital stock;

          (e) incur, assume or become subject to, whether directly or by way of
     any guarantee or otherwise, any debt obligation or liability (whether
     liquidated, unliquidated, absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise),
     except in the ordinary course of business;

          (f) permit or allow any of its property or assets to become subject to
     any  pledge, lien, security interest or encumbrance or restrictions  except
     for liens for taxes, non-delinquent or which are being contested in good
     faith or other liens arising by operation of law to secure obligations
     which are not delinquent or which are being contested in good faith;

          (g) cancel any debts in excess of $25,000, waive any claims or rights
     of material value or sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any of its
     properties or assets, except in the ordinary course of business;

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
          (h) dispose of or permit to lapse any of its rights to the use of any
     trademark, trade name, copyright or other intangible property right or
     franchise, or dispose of or disclose to any person any trade secret not
     theretofore a matter of public knowledge;

          (i) except as otherwise authorized in this Agreement, grant or permit
     any increase in compensation, or pay or agree to pay or accrue any bonus or
     like benefit, to or for the credit of any of its directors or executive
     officers, or enter into, or permit, any employment or consulting agreement
     or other agreement for personal services with any of its directors,
     officers or employees, or adopt, amend or terminate any Employee Benefit
     Plan or change or modify the period of vesting or retirement age for any
     participant of any such plan (except as required by or to comply with any
     applicable law or regulation);

          (j) declare, pay or set aside for payment any dividend or other
     distribution or payment in respect of shares of its capital stock, except
     for normal, regular dividends;

          (k) acquire the capital stock or other equity securities of any
     corporation or any equity or ownership interest in any partnership or other
     business enterprise, except through foreclosure, the exercise of creditors'
     remedies or in a fiduciary capacity;

          (l) make aggregate capital expenditures and commitments in excess of
     $35,000 for additions to its premises or equipment; or

          (m) modify any outstanding loans,  make  any  new  loans  or  acquire
     any  loan  participations,   unless  such modifications, new loans, or
     participations are made in the ordinary course of business.

                                   ARTICLE 5

                          WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS
                       AND COVENANTS OF FIRST FINANCIAL

     First Financial warrants and represents to, and covenants and agrees with,
CSB as follows:

     5.1.  Organization and Standing of First Financial.  First Financial is a
           --------------------------------------------                       
corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the
laws of the State of Texas, with corporate power to own property and carry on
its business as it is now being conducted.

     5.2.  Capitalization.  First Financial has an authorized capitalization of
           --------------                                                      
20,000,000 shares of Common Stock of the par value of $10.00 per share, of which
8,663,368 shares are issued, outstanding, and fully paid as of the date of this
Agreement. First Financial has available for issuance, from treasury or
otherwise, a sufficient number of authorized shares of First Financial Stock to
make exchange as contemplated by this Agreement for all of the issued and
outstanding shares of CSB Stock.

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
     5.3.  Authority of First Financial.  This Agreement has been duly
           ----------------------------                               
authorized, executed and delivered by First Financial and, subject to the
conditions precedent to consummation of the transaction set forth herein, is a
valid, legally binding and enforceable obligation of First Financial.  Neither
the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement in its entirety, nor
the consummation of all of the transactions contemplated hereby, will violate
(with or without the giving of notice or the passage of time), be in conflict
with, result in a breach of any provision of, or constitute a default under, any
provision of law applicable to First Financial, or any agreement or
understanding, order, judgment, award, decree, statute, ordinance, regulation or
other restriction of any kind or character to which First Financial is a party
or by which any of its or their assets or properties is subject or bound.  There
are no actions, suits, proceedings or claims pending or, to its knowledge,
threatened against First Financial, at law or in equity, or before or by any
foreign, federal, state, municipal or other government court, department,
commission, board, bureau, agency, instrumentality or other person which may
result in liability to or of First Financial upon the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby or which would prevent or delay such
consummation.

     5.4.  No Adverse Change.  From the date of this Agreement until the Closing
           -----------------                                                    
Date, First Financial shall not have suffered any material adverse change in its
financial condition, assets, liabilities (absolute, accrued, contingent or
otherwise) or business.

     5.5.  Covenants.  First Financial covenants and agrees that it shall:
           ---------                                                      

          (a) use its best efforts in good faith and in a timely manner to (i)
     cooperate with CSB in satisfying the conditions in this Agreement, (ii)
     obtain as promptly as possible all consents, approvals, authorizations and
     rulings, whether regulatory or corporate, as are necessary for First
     Financial to carry out and consummate the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement, including specifically (but without limitation) the approval
     called for by Sections 5.6 and 5.7, and (iii) furnish information
     concerning First Financial and its subsidiaries not previously provided to
     CSB required for inclusion in any filing or applications that may be
     necessary in that regard;

          (b) perform all acts and execute and deliver all documents necessary
     to cause the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be consummated
     at the earliest possible date;

          (c) promptly give written notice to CSB upon obtaining knowledge of
     any event or fact that would cause any of the representations or warranties
     of First Financial contained in or referred to in this Agreement to be
     untrue in any material respect, and use its best efforts to prevent or
     promptly remedy the same;

          (d) cause its officers, directors and representatives to treat as
     confidential any and all documentation and information concerning CSB which
     is furnished to First Financial, its directors, officers, employees,
     shareholders, agents, representatives or advisors, in connection with this
     Agreement, or which was furnished prior to the execution of this Agreement
     for the purpose of First Financial reviewing and evaluating the

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
     transaction contemplated by this Agreement, except insofar as disclosure to
     certain parties is necessary to meet the conditions of this Agreement;
     further, in the event the exchange of stock contemplated under this
     Agreement is not consummated, this confidentiality obligation shall
     continue to be binding on First Financial and its officers, directors,
     employees and agents and, in such event, First Financial will return all
     documentation furnished concerning CSB, including copies thereof;

          (e) extend to all officers and employees of CSB, who continue as
     officers or employees after closing, the same benefits as accorded other
     employees of First Financial or its subsidiaries and on the same basis as
     those other employees, with employees and officers of CSB who continue as
     employees or officers after closing to be eligible to participate
     immediately in group health insurance without the application of any
     waiting period or pre-existing condition exclusion or limitation which
     might otherwise apply.

     5.6.  Federal Reserve Approval.  Specifically, but without limiting the
           ------------------------                                         
effect of Section 5.5, promptly upon execution of this Agreement, First
Financial shall make application to the FRB for prior approval to acquire the
CSB Stock in accordance with this Agreement as required by the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended, and applicable regulations.  First Financial
shall provide CSB with copies of the nonconfidential sections of all such
applications prior to filing such applications with any regulatory authorities,
including without limitation, the FRB and the SEC, and shall provide CSB
promptly, but in no event more than three (3) business days after receipt or
submission, as the case might be, copies of the nonconfidential section of any
correspondences received from or sent to any regulatory authorities, including
without limitation, the FRB, the Texas Department of Banking and the SEC.

     5.7.  SEC Registration.  Without limiting the effect of Section 5.5, upon
           ----------------                                                   
execution of this Agreement, First Financial shall proceed to file a
Registration Statement with the SEC pursuant to the Act covering the shares of
First Financial Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement.  Promptly upon
receipt of such declaration of  the effectiveness of  such Registration
Statement from the SEC, First Financial shall furnish CSB with a copy of the
approval or disapproval of the effectiveness of such Registration Statement.
Upon the approval of the effectiveness of such Registration Statement from the
SEC, First Financial shall cause the shares of First Financial Stock to be
issued pursuant to this Agreement to be qualified for trading on the NASDAQ NMS.

     5.8.  Indemnification and Liability Insurance Coverage.  On and after the
           ------------------------------------------------                   
Closing Date, First Financial shall provide those former directors and officers
of CSB who continue their respective service or employment with CSB and First
National Bank in Cleburne, the same indemnity (under the appropriate Articles of
Association) and the same directors' and officers' liability insurance coverage
that First Financial provides to its directors and officers and the directors
and officers of its subsidiaries generally.

                                 ARTICLE 6[Reserved]

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE 7

                                  TERMINATION

     7.1.  Circumstances Authorizing Termination.  Notwithstanding anything
           -------------------------------------                           
herein to the contrary, this Agreement may be terminated and the Exchange Offer
contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time, but prior to the Closing Date:

          (a) by mutual written consent duly authorized by the Boards of
     Directors of First Financial and CSB;

          (b)  by First Financial or CSB if the exchange ratio following
     adjustments   provided for in Section 1.2 would require First Financial to
     issue more than 375,000 shares of First Financial Stock (as adjusted in the
     event a share of First Financial Stock shall be changed into a different
     number of shares by reason of reclassification, recapitalization, split up,
     exchange of shares or adjustments, or if a stock dividend thereon shall be
     declared with a record date prior to consummation of the proposed Exchange
     Offer;

          (c) by First Financial (i) if First Financial learns or becomes aware
     of a state of facts or breach or inaccuracy of any representation or
     warranty or covenant of CSB contained in this Agreement which in the
     reasonable judgement of First Financial constitutes a material adverse
     change from that represented in this Agreement, or (ii) if any of the
     conditions to Closing contained in Article 2 are not satisfied for reasons
     other than lack of diligence by First Financial, or, if not satisfied,
     waived in writing by First Financial;

          (d) by CSB (i) if CSB learns or becomes aware of a state of facts or
     breach of inaccuracy of any representation or warranty or covenant of First
     Financial contained in this Agreement which in the reasonable judgement of
     CSB constitutes a material adverse change from that represented in this
     Agreement, or (ii) if any of the conditions to Closing contained in Article
     2 are not satisfied for reasons other than lack of diligence by CSB, or, if
     not satisfied, waived in writing by CSB;

          (e) by First Financial or CSB if the Closing Date shall not have
     occurred on or before January 31, 1999, or such later date agreed to in
     writing by First Financial and CSB; or

          (f) by First Financial or CSB if any court of competent jurisdiction
     in the United States (federal or state) or other governmental body shall
     have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action
     restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the exchange of shares or
     the merger, and such order, decree, ruling or other action shall have been
     final and nonappealable.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE 8

                           MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

     8.1.  Public Announcements.  Following the date of this Agreement, and
           --------------------                                            
prior to the Closing Date, neither CSB nor First Financial, nor any person
affiliated with any of them, shall, without the prior approval of the other
parties, make any written public announcement, or make any written statement or
release to the press with respect to this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby except for a Form 8-K Current Report to the SEC by First
Financial.  First Financial shall provide CSB with a copy of the Form 8K prior
to submission of such report to the SEC.

     8.2.  Applicable Law.  This Agreement and the legal relations between the
           --------------                                                     
parties hereto shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
the State of Texas and of the United States of America.

     8.3.  Paragraph and Other Headings.  Article and Section headings contained
           ----------------------------                                         
in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

     8.4.  Waivers and Amendments.  This Agreement may be amended, modified or
           ----------------------                                             
supplemented only by a written instrument executed by the parties hereto.  The
waiver by any party hereto of a breach of this Agreement shall not operate or be
construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach.

     8.5.  Expenses.  Whether or not the transactions contemplated by this
           --------                                                       
Agreement are consummated, and except as otherwise expressly provided in this
Agreement, each of the parties shall be responsible for their respective
attorneys' fees and expenses incident to the negotiation, preparation, execution
and consummation of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement including
attorneys' and accountants' fees and expenses.

     8.6.  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement, including the Exhibits and
           ----------------                                             
Disclosure Schedules referred to herein and now or hereafter attached hereto,
embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to
the subject matter contained herein.  There are no restrictions, conditions,
promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertaking other than those
expressly set forth or referred to herein.

     8.7.  Notices.  All notices, requests, demands or other communications
           -------                                                         
which are required or may be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and
shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or sent by
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid:

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
          (a)  In the case of First Financial, to:

               Mr. Kenneth T. Murphy
               Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
               First Financial Bankshares, Inc.
               Post Office Box 701
               Abilene, Texas  79604

          (b)  In the case of CSB to:

               Mr. H. Sandy Ledbetter
               President and Chief Executive Officer
               Cleburne State Bank
               200 N Ridgeway Dr
               Cleburne, Texas 76031

     or to such other addresses as any party shall specify by notice to the
others.

     8.8.  COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
           ------------                                                  
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which
together shall be deemed to be one and the same.

     8.9.  ATTACHMENT OF DISCLOSURE SCHEDULES. CSB and First Financial
           ----------------------------------                         
acknowledge that the Disclosure Schedules referenced herein may not be attached
hereto at the time of execution of this Agreement.  It is the intent of all
parties hereto that the form and content of all such Disclosure Schedules will
be prepared in form reasonably acceptable to First Financial and that such
Disclosure Schedules shall then be attached to this  Agreement no later than
thirty (30) days following the effective date of this Agreement,  and  that
such  Disclosure  Schedules  shall then become a part of this Agreement for all
purposes.  In the event that the contents in the Disclosure Schedules are not
acceptable to First Financial, this Agreement may be terminated by First
Financial by written notice to CSB within thirty (30) days following delivery
for attachment to this Agreement of a complete set of the Disclosure Schedules;
thereafter, this Agreement shall be of no further force and effect.
Notwithstanding the fact that any such Disclosure Schedules may not be attached
hereto at the time of execution, the date of this Agreement or date of execution
of this Agreement shall for all purposes be the date first written above.

     8.10.  BINDING EFFECT - ASSIGNMENT.  This Agreement is binding upon the
            ---------------------------                                     
undersigned parties, their heirs, personal representatives, successors and
assigns.  The rights of First Financial under this Agreement may not be assigned
without the prior written consent of CSB, except that, at Closing, FFB Delaware
or another subsidiary of First Financial may acquire the Shares so long as First
Financial remains liable for its obligations under this Agreement.

     8.11.  DEFINITIONS.  In addition to other definitions contained elsewhere
            -----------                                                       
in this Agreement, as used in this Agreement:

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
          (a) an "AFFILIATE" means any bank, corporation, partnership or other
     entity which, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is
     under common control with, CSB or First Financial, as the context may
     require;

          (b) references to a particular "ARTICLE" or "SECTION" are to the given
     article or section of this Agreement;

          (c) the term "knowledge" or "known" -- an individual shall be deemed
     to have "knowledge" or to have "known" a particular fact or other matter if
     such individual is actually aware (or should reasonably have been aware) of
     such fact or other matter.  CSB shall be deemed to have "knowledge" of or
     to have "known" a particular fact or matter if any individual who is now
     serving in the position of Cashier, Vice President, Senior Vice President,
     Executive Vice President or President, or as a director of CSB is actually
     aware (or should reasonably have been aware) of such fact or other matter;

          (d)  the term "material" shall mean any fact, event or condition which
     could   be reasonably expected to result in a material adverse effect on
     CSB's condition (financial or otherwise), business, properties, net worth,
     results of operations or prospects; and

          (e) unless context otherwise requires, words of the singular number
     include the plural and of the plural include the singular and words of the
     masculine gender include the feminine and neuter.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement, in
multiple originals, as of the day and year first above written.

ATTEST:                                FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES, INC.


By:                                    By:
   -------------------------------        ----------------------------------
     Curtis R. Harvey                      Kenneth T. Murphy,
     Executive Vice President              Chairman of the Board, President
     and Chief Financial Officer           and Chief Executive Officer



ATTEST:                                CLEBURNE STATE BANK


By:                                    By:
   -------------------------------        ----------------------------------
                                           H. Sandy Ledbetter,
                                           President and Chief Executive Officer

                                       23

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 15.1

                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement of First Financial 
Bankshares, Inc. on Form S-4, of which this Exhibit 15.1 is a part, of our 
Compilation Report, dated September 22, 1998, relating to the financial 
statements of Cleburne State Bank as of June 30, 1998 and 1997 and for the six 
month and three month periods ended thereon.


                                    /s/ Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P.
                                    ----------------------------------
                                      RYLANDER, CLAY & OPITZ, L.L.P.

Fort Worth, Texas
October 1, 1998

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 21

                          SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT
                          --------------------------


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Place of            Percentage of Voting
Name of Subsidiary                                 Organization            Securities Owned
- ------------------                                 ------------            ----------------
<S>                                            <C>                   <C>
First Financial Bankshares of                        Delaware                     100%
Delaware, Inc.
 
First Financial Investments, Inc.                     Texas                       100%
 
First National Bank of Abilene                        Texas                       100%*
Abilene, Texas
 
Hereford State Bank                                   Texas                       100%*
Hereford, Texas
 
First National Bank, Sweetwater                       Texas                       100%*
Sweetwater, Texas
 
Eastland National Bank                                Texas                       100%*
Eastland, Texas
 
The First National Bank in Cleburne                   Texas                       100%*
Cleburne, Texas
 
Stephenville Bank & Trust Co.                         Texas                       100%*
Stephenville, Texas
 
San Angelo National Bank                              Texas                       100%*
San Angelo, Texas
 
Texas National Bank                                   Texas                       100%*
Southlake, Texas
 
Weatherford National Bank                             Texas                       100%*
Weatherford, Texas
 
*  By First Financial Bankshares of
    Delaware, Inc.
</TABLE>


All subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements of First
Financial.

<PAGE>
  
                                                                  EXHIBIT 23.3


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report 
dated January 14, 1998, on the consolidated financial statements of First 
Financial Bankshares, Inc. (and to all references to our Firm), incorporated by 
reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-4.


                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Dallas, Texas,
 September 30, 1998

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.4




                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement of First Financial 
Bankshares, Inc. on Form S-4, of which this Exhibit 23.4 is a part, of our 
report, dated January 16, 1998, relating to the audited financial statements of 
Cleburne State Bank as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 and for the three years 
ended December 31, 1997 appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this 
Registration Statement.

We also consent to the reference to our Firm under the captions "Experts" and 
"Selected Financial Data" in the Prospectus.


                                         /s/ Rylander, Clay & Opitz, L.L.P.
                                         ----------------------------------
                                         RYLANDER, CLAY & OPITZ, L.L.P.




Fort Worth, Texas
October 1, 1998

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1


                             LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

                       To Tender Shares of Common Stock
                                      of
                              CLEBURNE STATE BANK
                           Pursuant to the Offer by
                       FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES, INC.
                    to Exchange Shares of its Common Stock
                         for all Outstanding Shares of
                                Common Stock of
                              Cleburne State Bank
                                        

================================================================================
                 THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M.,
                 ABILENE, TEXAS TIME, ON _______________, 1998
                   UNLESS EXTENDED (THE "EXPIRATION DATE").
================================================================================

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

      PURSUANT TO THE OFFERING CIRCULAR/PROSPECTUS DATED __________, 1998

  TO:  TRUST DEPARTMENT OF FIRST NATIONAL BANK IN ABILENE, The Exchange Agent

                      BY HAND, MAIL OR OVERNIGHT COURIER:

                               Trust Department
                        First National Bank in Abilene
                                  Third Floor
                                400 Pine Street
                             Abilene, Texas 79601

                     For information call:  (915) 627-7003
                                            --------------

     DELIVERY OF THIS INSTRUMENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE
WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY. THE INSTRUCTIONS ACCOMPANYING THIS LETTER
OF TRANSMITTAL SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS
COMPLETED.

     I acknowledge that I have received the Offering Circular/Prospectus dated
___________, 1998 (the "Prospectus") of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. ("First
Financial") and this letter of transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal"), which
together constitute First Financial's offer (the "Exchange Offer") to exchange
shares of its voting common stock, par value $10.00 per share ("First Financial
Common Stock"), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), pursuant to a Registration Statement of which
the Prospectus is a part, for all of the issued and outstanding shares of common
stock ("Cleburne Common Stock") of Cleburne State Bank ("Cleburne").  Other
capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meaning given to them in
the Prospectus.

     This Letter of Transmittal is to be used by Cleburne Shareholders (as
defined below) if certificates representing Cleburne Common Stock are to be
physically delivered herewith or if the guaranteed delivery procedures described
in the Prospectus are to be utilized pursuant to the procedures set forth in
"The Exchange Offer -- Exchange of Shares and Certificates" and "--Guaranteed
Delivery Procedures" in the Prospectus.  Cleburne Shareholders who wish to
tender their Cleburne Common Stock must complete this Letter of Transmittal in
its entirety.  The term "Cleburne Shareholder" with respect to the Exchange
Offer means any person in whose name shares of Cleburne Common Stock are
registered on the books of Cleburne or any other person who has obtained a
properly completed stock power from the registered Cleburne Shareholder.

     I have completed, executed and delivered this Letter of Transmittal to
indicate the action that I desire to take with respect to the Exchange Offer.


                                       1
<PAGE>
 
                   NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW.
                 PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
                   CAREFULLY BEFORE CHECKING ANY BOX BELOW.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
=======================================================================================================
                      DESCRIPTION OF SHARES OF CLEBURNE COMMON STOCK TENDERED
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Total Number of  
                                                                                    Shares of Cleburne   
                                                                                       Common Stock        
                                                                                      Represented by  
      Name(s) and Address(es) of Registered Holder(s)          Certificate             Certificates    
                (Please fill in, if blank)                      Number(s)                            
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                            <C>                  <C>  
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

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

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     If the space provided above is inadequate, list the certificate numbers and principal amounts 
     on a separate signed schedule and affix the list to this Letter of Transmittal.
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>

     NOTE: IF YOUR CERTIFICATES ARE LOST, PLEASE REFER TO INSTRUCTION 7. 

[_]  CHECK HERE IF TENDERED SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF
     GUARANTEED DELIVERY PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT AND COMPLETE THE
     FOLLOWING:
 
     Name(s) of Tendering Shareholder(s):
                                         ---------------------------------------
     Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery:
                                                        ------------------------
     Name of Institution which Guaranteed Delivery:
                                                   -----------------------------

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     Subject to the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer set forth in the
Prospectus (receipt of which is hereby acknowledged), I hereby tender to First
Financial the shares of Cleburne Common Stock described herein. Subject to and
effective upon the acceptance for exchange of the shares of Cleburne Common
Stock tendered in accordance with this Letter of Transmittal, I sell, assign and
transfer to, or upon the order of, First Financial all right, title and interest
in and to all the shares of Cleburne Common Stock tendered hereby. I hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint the Exchange Agent my true and lawful agent
and attorney-in-fact with respect to the tendered shares of Cleburne Common
Stock with full power of substitution to (i) deliver certificates for such
shares of Cleburne Common Stock with all accompanying evidences of transfer and
authenticity to, or upon the order of, First Financial and (ii) present such
shares of Cleburne Common Stock for transfer on the books of Cleburne and
receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership
of such shares of Cleburne Common Stock all in accordance with the terms of the
Exchange Offer. The power of attorney granted in this paragraph shall be deemed
irrevocable and coupled with an interest.

     For purposes of the Exchange Offer, First Financial shall be deemed to have
accepted for exchange validly tendered shares of Cleburne Common Stock when, as
and if First Financial has given oral or written notice thereof to the Exchange
Agent.

     If any tendered shares of Cleburne Common Stock are not accepted for
exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer for any reason, certificates for any
such unaccepted shares of Cleburne Common Stock will be returned, without
expense, to me at the address shown below or at a different address as may be
indicated herein under "Special Delivery Instructions" as promptly as
practicable after the Expiration Date.


                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     I hereby represent and warrant that I have full power and authority to
tender, sell, assign and transfer the shares of Cleburne Common Stock tendered
hereby and that when the same are accepted for exchange by First Financial,
First Financial shall acquire good and unencumbered title thereto, free and
clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject to
any adverse claim.  I will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional
documents deemed by the Exchange Agent or First Financial to be necessary or
desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of the shares of
Cleburne Common Stock tendered hereby.

     I hereby irrevocably appoint Curtis R. Harvey my attorney and proxy, with
full power of substitution, to exercise all my voting and other rights in such
manner as such attorney and proxy or his substitute shall in his sole discretion
deem proper, with respect to all of the shares of Cleburne Common Stock tendered
hereby that have been accepted for exchange and acquired by First Financial
pursuant to the Exchange Offer prior to the time of any vote or other action, at
any meeting of Cleburne Shareholders (whether annual or special and whether or
not an adjourned meeting), by written consent or otherwise.  This proxy is
irrevocable and is granted in consideration of, and is effective upon, the
acquisition of such shares of Cleburne Common Stock by First Financial in
accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer.  Such acquisition shall revoke
any other proxy or written consent granted by me at any time with respect to
such shares of Cleburne Common Stock, and no subsequent proxies will be given or
written consents will be executed by me (and if given or executed, will not be
deemed to be effective).

     All authority conferred or agreed to be conferred by this Letter of
Transmittal shall survive my death, incapacity or dissolution, and every
obligation of mine under this Letter of Transmittal shall be binding upon my
heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns. EXCEPT AS STATED IN THE
EXCHANGE OFFER, THIS TENDER IS IRREVOCABLE.

     I understand that tenders of shares of Cleburne Common Stock pursuant to
the procedures described under the caption "The Exchange Offer" in the
Prospectus and in the instructions hereto will constitute a binding agreement
between me and First Financial upon the terms and subject to the conditions of
the Exchange Offer.

     Unless otherwise indicated under "Special Exchange Instructions," please
issue the certificates representing the shares of First Financial Common Stock
issued in exchange for the shares of Cleburne Common Stock accepted for exchange
and any cash payment in lieu of fractional shares, as discussed in the
Prospectus, and return any shares of Cleburne Common Stock not exchanged, in my
name(s). Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under "Special Delivery
Instructions," please send the certificates representing the shares of First
Financial Common Stock issued in exchange for the shares of Cleburne Common
Stock accepted for exchange and any certificates for shares of Cleburne Common
Stock not exchanged (and accompanying documents, as appropriate) to me at the
address shown above. In the event that both "Special Exchange Instructions" and
"Special Delivery Instructions" are completed, please issue the certificates
representing the shares of First Financial Common Stock issued in exchange for
the shares of Cleburne Common Stock accepted for exchange and any cash payment
in lieu of fractional shares and return any shares of Cleburne Common Stock not
exchanged in the name(s) of, and send said certificates to, the person(s) so
indicated. I recognize that First Financial has no obligation pursuant to the
"Special Exchange Instructions" and "Special Delivery Instructions" to transfer
any shares of Cleburne Common Stock from the name of the registered holder(s)
thereof if First Financial does not accept for exchange any of the shares of
Cleburne Common Stock so tendered.


                                       3
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================
                         SPECIAL EXCHANGE INSTRUCTIONS
                         (See Instructions 3, 4 and 5)
                                                                  
To be completed ONLY if certificates for shares of First Financial Common Stock
or the check for any cash payment in lieu of fractional shares of First
Financial Common Stock are to be issued in the name of someone other than the
undersigned.                                                                  

Issue certificate(s) to:                                          
                                                                  
Name                                                              
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  (Please Print)
                                                                  
Address                                                           
       -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              (Include Zip Code) 
                                                                  
                                                                  
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   (Tax Identification or Social Security No.)
                                                                  

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

================================================================================
                         SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
                         (See Instructions 3, 4 and 5)
                                                               
To be completed ONLY if certificates for shares of First Financial Common Stock,
the check for any cash payment in lieu of fractional shares of First Financial
Common Stock, or certificates for shares of Cleburne Common Stock not accepted
are to be sent to someone other than the undersigned, or to the undersigned at
an address other than that shown above.

Mail to:                                                    
                                                            
Name                                                        
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                (Please Print)
                                                            
Address                                                     
       -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              (Include Zip Code)
                                                            
                                                            
                                                            
================================================================================

        Cleburne Shareholders who wish to tender their shares of Cleburne Common
Stock and (i) whose shares of Cleburne Common Stock are not immediately
available, or (ii) who cannot deliver their shares of Cleburne Common Stock,
this Letter of Transmittal or any other documents required hereby to the
Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date, may tender their shares of Cleburne
Common Stock according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in the
Prospectus under the caption "The Exchange Offer -- Guaranteed Delivery
Procedures." See Instruction 1 regarding the completion of this Letter of
Transmittal.


                               PLEASE SIGN HERE
                  (PLEASE COMPLETE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 BELOW)
   
X
- ------------------------------------               --------------
                                                         Date
   
X
- ------------------------------------               -------------- 
Signature(s) of Registered Holder(s)                     Date
            or Authorized Signatory

Area Code and Telephone Number:
                               --------------------------



                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     The above lines must be signed by the registered holder(s) of shares of
Cleburne Common Stock as their name(s) appear(s) on the certificates reflecting
shares of Cleburne Common Stock or by person(s) authorized to become registered
holder(s). If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian,
attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary
or representative capacity, such person must set forth his or her full title
below. See Instruction 3 regarding the completion of this Letter of Transmittal.

Name(s):
          ---------------------------------------------------------------- 

          ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                   (Please Print)

Capacity:
          ---------------------------------------------------------------- 

Address:
          ---------------------------------------------------------------- 

          ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                 (Include Zip Code)

          SIGNATURE(S) GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION (AS DEFINED BELOW):
          (IF REQUIRED BY INSTRUCTION 3)


          ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
                              (Authorized Signature)

          ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                      (Title)

          ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                 (Name of Firm)

          ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
                             (Address, Including Zip Code)

          ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
                           (Area Code and Telephone Number)

          Dated:______________, 199__

     Under the federal income tax laws, the Exchange Agent may be required to
withhold 31% of the amount of any cash payments made to certain Cleburne
Shareholders pursuant to the Exchange Offer. In order to avoid such backup
withholding, each tendering Cleburne Shareholder must provide the Exchange Agent
with such Cleburne Shareholder's correct taxpayer identification number by
completing the Substitute Form W-9 set forth below. In general, if a Cleburne
Shareholder is an individual, the taxpayer identification number is the Social
Security number of such individual. If the Exchange Agent is not provided with
the correct taxpayer identification number, the Cleburne Shareholder may be
subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. CERTAIN
CLEBURNE SHAREHOLDERS (INCLUDING, AMONG OTHERS, ALL CORPORATIONS AND CERTAIN
FOREIGN INDIVIDUALS) ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THESE BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS. In order to satisfy the Exchange Agent that a foreign individual
qualifies as an exempt recipient, such Cleburne Shareholder must submit a
statement, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that individual's
exempt status. A form for such statements can be obtained from the Exchange
Agent. For further information concerning backup withholding and instructions
for completing the Substitute Form W-9 (including how to obtain a taxpayer
identification number if you do not have one and how to complete the Substitute
Form W-9 if securities are held in more than one name), consult the enclosed
Guideline of the Internal Revenue Service for Certification of Taxpayer
Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9.

     Failure to complete the Substitute Form W-9 will not, by itself, cause
shares of Cleburne Common Stock to be deemed invalidly tendered, but may require
the Exchange Agent to withhold 31% of the amount of any cash payments made
pursuant to the Exchange Offer. Backup withholding is not an additional federal
income tax. Rather, the federal income tax liability of a person subject to
backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding
results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained.


                                       5
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                             PAYER'S NAME: TRUST DEPARTMENT OF FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF ABILENE
================================================================================================================================= 
                        SUBSTITUTE                                               Request for Taxpayer
                         Form W-9                                      Identification Number and Certification
     Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service              
       Payer's Request for Taxpayer Identification No.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                                  <C>                              <C> 
PART I    Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)                                        PART II    For Payees Exempt from Backup
                                                                                                 Withholding (see enclosed
                                                                                                 Guidelines)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Enter your TIN on the appropriate line.  For         Social security number:                
individuals, this is your social security number     
(SSN).  For other entities, it is your employer      --------------------------------
identification number (EIN).                                       OR                  
                                                     Employer identification number: 
 
                                                     --------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

CERTIFICATION.--Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:
 
1.  The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number
    (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me), AND
 
2.  I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup
withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service
that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all
interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer
subject to backup withholding.
 
CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS.--You must cross out item 2 above if you have been
notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because
of underreporting interest or dividends on your tax return. However, if after
being notified by the IRS that you were subject to backup withholding you
received another notification from the IRS that you are no longer subject to
backup withholding, do not cross out item 2.
 
Name (if joint names, list first and circle the name of the person or entity
     whose number you enter in Part I below.
                                            ------------------------------------
Address (number and street)
                           -----------------------------------------------------
City, State, and ZIP code
                          ------------------------------------------------------
Signature                                     Date
          -----------------------------------      -----------------------------
================================================================================

  IF YOU CHECKED THE BOX IN PART II OF THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9, YOU MUST SIGN
  AND DATE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATION:


        CERTIFICATION OF PAYEE AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

  ==============================================================================
     I certify, under penalties of perjury, that a Taxpayer Identification
     Number has not been issued to me, and that I mailed or delivered an
     application to receive a Taxpayer Identification Number to the appropriate
     IRS Center or Social Security Administration Office (or I intend to mail or
     deliver an application in the near future). I understand that if I do not
     provide a Taxpayer Identification Number within sixty (60) days, 31% of all
     reportable payments made to me thereafter will be withheld until I provide
     a number.
 
 
     =>    SIGNATURE                              DATE
                     --------------------------        -------------------

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

  NOTE:  FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN BACKUP
         WITHHOLDING OF 31% OF ANY CASH PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THIS
         EXCHANGE OFFER. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION
         OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 FOR ADDITIONAL
         DETAILS.


                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                                 INSTRUCTIONS

        FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER


     1.   DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND SHARES OF CLEBURNE COMMON
STOCK. The certificates for the tendered shares of Cleburne Common Stock, as
well as a properly completed and duly executed copy of this Letter of
Transmittal and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must
be received by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth herein prior to 5:00
p.m., Abilene, Texas time, on the Expiration Date. Subject to the satisfaction
or waiver of certain conditions to the consummation of the Exchange Offer, the
exchange of shares of First Financial Common Stock for shares of Cleburne Common
Stock will be promptly made with respect to all shares of Cleburne Common Stock
properly tendered on or prior to 5:00 p.m., Abilene, Texas time, on the
Expiration Date, if First Financial receives notice from the Exchange Agent that
the Required Amount (as defined in the Prospectus) of the outstanding shares of
Cleburne Common Stock have been tendered. The method of delivery of the tendered
shares of Cleburne Common Stock, this Letter of Transmittal and all other
required documents to the Exchange Agent is at the election and risk of the
Cleburne Shareholder and, except as otherwise provided below, the delivery will
be deemed made only when actually received by the Exchange Agent. Instead of
delivery by mail, it is recommended that the Cleburne Shareholder use an
overnight or hand delivery service. If certificates for shares of Cleburne
Common Stock are sent by mail, registered mail with return receipt requested,
properly insured, is recommended. In all cases, sufficient time should be
allowed to assure timely delivery.

     Cleburne Shareholders who wish to tender their shares of Cleburne Common
Stock and (i) whose certificates representing shares of Cleburne Common Stock
are not immediately available, or (ii) who cannot deliver their certificates
representing shares of Cleburne Common Stock, this Letter of Transmittal or any
other documents required hereby to the Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration
Date must tender their shares of Cleburne Common Stock pursuant to the
guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in the Prospectus. Pursuant to such
procedures:

     (i)   such tender must be made by or through a firm that is a bank, broker,
     dealer, credit union, savings association or other entity that is a member
     in good standing of the Securities Transfer Agent's Medallion Program, the
     Stock Exchange Medallion Program or the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
     Medallion Signature Program (each, an "Eligible Institution");

     (ii)  prior to the Expiration Date, the Exchange Agent must have received
     from the Eligible Institution a properly completed and duly executed Notice
     of Guaranteed Delivery (by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery)
     setting forth the name and address of the holder of the shares of Cleburne
     Common Stock, the certificate number(s) for the certificate(s) representing
     such shares of Cleburne Common Stock and the amount of shares of Cleburne
     Common Stock tendered, stating that the tender is being made thereby and
     guaranteeing that, within 3 business days after the Expiration Date, this
     Letter of Transmittal together with the certificate(s) representing the
     shares of Cleburne Common Stock and any other required documents will be
     deposited by the Eligible Institution with the Exchange Agent; and

     (iii) such properly completed and executed Letter of Transmittal, as well
     as all other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal and the
     certificate(s) representing all tendered shares of Cleburne Common Stock in
     proper form for transfer, must be received by the Exchange Agent within 3
     business days after the Expiration Date, all as provided in the Prospectus
     under the caption "The Exchange Offer -- Guaranteed Delivery Procedures."

Any Cleburne Shareholder who wishes to tender his or her shares of Cleburne
Common Stock pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures described above must
ensure that the Exchange Agent receives the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery prior
to 5:00 p.m., Abilene, Texas time, on the Expiration Date.

     All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt), acceptance and withdrawal of tendered shares of Cleburne Common Stock
will be determined by First Financial in its 

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
sole discretion, which determination will be final and binding. First Financial
reserves the absolute right to reject any and all shares of Cleburne Common
Stock not properly tendered or any shares of Cleburne Common Stock, First
Financial's acceptance of which would, in the opinion of counsel for First
Financial, be unlawful. First Financial also reserves the right to waive any
irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular shares of Cleburne
Common Stock. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with
tenders of shares of Cleburne Common Stock must be cured within such time as
First Financial shall determine. Neither First Financial, the Exchange Agent nor
any other person shall be under any duty to give notification of defects or
irregularities with respect to tenders of shares of Cleburne Common Stock, nor
shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give such notification.
Tenders of shares of Cleburne Common Stock will not be deemed to have been made
until such defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. Any shares of
Cleburne Common Stock received by the Exchange Agent that are not properly
tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or
waived will be returned without cost by the Exchange Agent to the tendering
Cleburne Shareholders, unless otherwise provided in this Letter of Transmittal,
as soon as practicable following the Expiration Date.

     2.   NO PARTIAL TENDERS. All shares of Cleburne Common Stock represented by
certificates delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been
tendered.

     3.   SIGNATURES ON THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL; STOCK POWERS AND
ENDORSEMENTS; GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURES. If this Letter of Transmittal is signed
by the registered holder(s) of the shares of Cleburne Common Stock tendered
hereby, the signature must correspond with the name(s) as written on the face of
the certificates representing the shares of Cleburne Common Stock without
alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever.

     If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of
shares of Cleburne Common Stock tendered and the certificate(s) for shares of
First Financial Common Stock issued in exchange therefor is to be issued to the
registered holder, such holder need not and should not endorse any certificates
for tendered shares of Cleburne Common Stock, nor provide a separate stock
power. In any other case, such holder must either properly endorse the
certificates representing shares of Cleburne Common Stock tendered or transmit a
properly completed separate stock power with this Letter of Transmittal, with
the signatures on the endorsement or stock power guaranteed by an Eligible
Institution.

     If any shares of Cleburne Common Stock tendered hereby are held of record
by two or more persons, all such persons must sign this Letter of Transmittal.

     If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the
registered holder(s) of any certificates for shares of Cleburne Common Stock
tendered hereby, such certificates for shares of Cleburne Common Stock must be
endorsed or accompanied by appropriate stock powers signed exactly as the name
of the registered holder(s) appears on the certificates representing such shares
of Cleburne Common Stock and must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

     If this Letter of Transmittal or any certificates for shares of Cleburne
Common Stock or stock powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators,
guardians, attorneys-in-fact, or officers of corporations or others acting in a
fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when
signing, and unless waived by First Financial, evidence satisfactory to First
Financial of their authority to so act must be submitted with this Letter of
Transmittal.

     Endorsements on certificates for shares of Cleburne Common Stock and
signatures on stock powers required by this Instruction 3 must be guaranteed by
an Eligible Institution.

     Signatures on this Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by an Eligible
Institution unless the shares of Cleburne Common Stock tendered pursuant thereto
are tendered (i) by a registered holder who has not completed the box set forth
herein entitled "Special Exchange Instructions" or the box entitled "Special
Delivery Instructions" or (ii) for the account of an Eligible Institution.


                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     4.   SPECIAL EXCHANGE AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS. If the certificates for
shares of First Financial Common Stock or checks for any cash payment in lieu of
payment of fractional shares of First Financial Common Stock are to be issued,
or any shares of Cleburne Common Stock not accepted for exchange are to be
mailed, to someone other than the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal
or to the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal at an address other than
that provided herein, the appropriate boxes on this Letter of Transmittal should
be completed. In the case of issuance in a different name, the taxpayer
identification or social security number of the person named must also be
indicated.

     5.   TRANSFER TAXES. First Financial will pay all transfer taxes, if any,
applicable to the exchange of shares of Cleburne Common Stock pursuant to the
Exchange Offer unless such payment would jeopardize the tax-free nature of the
Exchange Offer or the Merger (as defined in the Prospectus) for Federal income
tax purposes. If, however, certificates representing shares of First Financial
Common Stock or checks for any cash payment in lieu of fractional shares of
First Financial Common Stock are issued, or certificates for shares of Cleburne
Common Stock not accepted for exchange are to be returned, in the name of any
person other than the registered holder of the shares of Cleburne Common Stock
tendered hereby, or if tendered shares of Cleburne Common Stock are registered
in the name of any person other than the person signing this Letter of
Transmittal, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the
exchange of shares of Cleburne Common Stock pursuant to the Exchange Offer, then
the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder
or any other persons) will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory
evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted with
this Letter of Transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be deducted
from the consideration to be received by such holder (i.e., the number of shares
of First Financial Common Stock to be issued to such holder will be reduced).

     6.   WAIVER OF CONDITIONS. First Financial reserves the absolute right to
amend, waive or modify specified conditions in the Exchange Offer in the case of
any shares of Cleburne Common Stock tendered.

     7.   MUTILATED, LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED SHARES OF CLEBURNE COMMON STOCK.
Any tendering holder whose shares of Cleburne Common Stock have been mutilated,
lost, stolen or destroyed should contact the Exchange Agent at the address
indicated herein for further instruction.

     8.   REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE OR ADDITIONAL COPIES. Questions and requests
for assistance and requests for additional copies of the Prospectus or this
Letter of Transmittal may be directed to the Exchange Agent at the address
specified in the Prospectus. Cleburne Shareholders may also contact their
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance
concerning the Exchange Offer.


                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                         (DO NOT WRITE IN SPACE BELOW)

Date Received                 Accepted By                Checked By             
             -------------                -----------              ------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
==============================================================================================
    Shares Surrendered        Shares Accepted       Shares Returned       Certificate No.
    ------------------        ---------------       ---------------       ---------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>                   <C>                   <C>
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
DELIVERY PREPARED BY                         CHECKED BY                  DATE
                     -------------------                 --------------        ----------
==============================================================================================
</TABLE>


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