MAGNA GROUP INC
S-3D, 1997-05-09
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE> 1
      As Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9, 1997

                                                Registration No. 333--------
===============================================================================
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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

                                   FORM S-3
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

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

                               MAGNA GROUP, INC.
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

            DELAWARE                                        37-0996453
 (State or other jurisdiction of                        (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                        Identification No.)
                                ONE MAGNA PLACE
                       1401 SOUTH BRENTWOOD BOULEVARD
                      ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI  63144-1401
                               (314) 963-2500
              (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
       including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

                              G. THOMAS ANDES
           CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                              ONE MAGNA PLACE
                     1401 SOUTH BRENTWOOD BOULEVARD
                    ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI  63144-1401
                             (314) 963-2500
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                  including area code, of agent for service)

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

                       Copies of all correspondence to:
                         GERARD K. SANDWEG, JR., ESQ.
                               THOMPSON COBURN
                            ONE MERCANTILE CENTER
                          ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63101
                                (314) 552-6000

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public:  As soon as
practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the
following box. [ X ]

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, 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, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement from the same offering.  [   ]

If the Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) 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 delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box.  [   ]

<TABLE>
                                                  CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
===================================================================================================================================
<CAPTION>
  Title of each class of                                                                  Proposed
    securities to be             Amount to be          Proposed maximum               maximum aggregate     Amount of registration
      registered                  registered        offering price per share<F2>      offering price<F2>              fee
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                            <C>                            <C>                     <C>
Common Stock,
$2.00 par value<F1>             600,000 shares                 $29.50                         $17,700,000.00          $5,363.64
====================================================================================================================================
<FN>
<F1> Includes one attached Preferred Share Purchase Right per share.
<F2> Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the amount of the
     registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c), based upon the average of
     the high and low prices of Magna Common Stock, $2.00 par value,
     reported on the New York Stock Exchange on May 8, 1997.
</TABLE>

             ----------------------------------------------------
   THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.

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

<PAGE> 2

PROSPECTUS

                       MAGNA GROUP, INC. 1997
                       DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT
                      AND STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
                         600,000 SHARES OF
                            COMMON STOCK
                            $2 PAR VALUE
                             PER SHARE


        Magna Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Magna"), is offering
through its 1997 Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan") a
method of purchasing additional shares of common stock, $2.00 par value, of
Magna (the "Common Stock") through the reinvestment of cash dividends and, at
the option of a participant in the Plan (the "Participant"), through the
investment of optional cash payments from $25 to $5,000 per month. All holders
of Common Stock (collectively referred to as the "Stockholders" and
individually referred to as the "Stockholder") are eligible to join the Plan
including Stockholders whose shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or
other nominee (i.e. "street name"). The Plan is set forth in this Prospectus.

       This Prospectus relates to 600,000 shares of Common Stock available
for issuance under the Plan.  This Prospectus should be retained for future
reference.

       Common Stock purchased under the Plan will be, at Magna's discretion,
either newly issued shares, shares of treasury stock held by Magna or shares
purchased for Participants in the open market, or a combination of the
foregoing.  Newly issued shares and treasury shares will be purchased directly
from Magna.  The price to be paid for newly issued shares and treasury shares
will be at an average market price, determined as provided in the Plan.

       If Magna elects to utilize outstanding shares of Common Stock, the
Common Stock offered through the Plan that is purchased for Participants in
the open market will be purchased by an agent independent of Magna (the
"Agent") on any securities exchange where the Common Stock is traded, in the
over-the-counter market or through negotiated transactions.  The timing of
such purchases is at the discretion of the Agent, subject to applicable
requirements of federal securities laws.  In the case of each purchase of
Common Stock in the open market or through negotiated transactions, the price
to Participants of shares of Common Stock will be the average of the actual
cost per share of all shares then being purchased by the Agent for the Plan.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

THE SECURITIES OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS ARE NOT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS OR DEPOSITS
AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.

                  The date of this Prospectus is May 9, 1997.



<PAGE> 3
                           AVAILABLE INFORMATION

      Magna is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").  Reports, proxy
statements and other information filed by Magna can be inspected and copied
at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024,
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549; Citicorp Center, 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661; and Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York  10048.  Copies of such material can also be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. In addition,
reports and other information concerning Magna can be inspected at the
offices of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New
York 10005, on which the Common Stock is listed.

      Magna has filed a Registration Statement (the "Registration Statement")
with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), with respect to the securities covered by this Prospectus.
This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement.  The Registration Statement may be inspected without
charge at the office of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549 or obtained from such office upon payment of the fees prescribed
by the Commission.  The Commission maintains a Web site that contains
reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding
registrants (including Magna) that file electronically with the Commission.
The address of the Commission's Web site is http://www.sec.gov.


            INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

      The following documents filed with the Commission pursuant to
applicable statutes are incorporated herein by reference:

      (a) Magna's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
          December 31, 1996;

      (b) Magna's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 4, 1997 and Current
          Report on Form 8-K/A dated May 1, 1997.

      (c) The description of Magna Common Stock set forth in Item 1 of
          Magna's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed November 4, 1996.

      (d) The description of Magna Preferred Stock Purchase Rights set forth
          in Item 1 of Magna's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed
          November 4, 1996.

      All documents filed by Magna pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date hereof, and all amendments or
supplements filed with respect to the documents listed in (a), (b), (c) and (d)
above, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and
to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such document.  Any statement
contained in this Prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated herein by reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein
or in any subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement.  Any
statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified
or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.


                                    - 2-
<PAGE> 4

      Copies of all documents incorporated by reference into this Prospectus,
other than exhibits to such documents (unless the exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference into such documents), will be provided without
charge to each person to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon oral or
written request by such person to Gary D. Hemmer, Executive Vice President,
Administration, Magna Group, Inc., One Magna Place, 1401 South Brentwood
Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63144-1401, telephone: (314) 963-2500.

      No person has been authorized in connection with this offering to give
any information or to make any representation not contained in this
Prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representation must not
be relied upon as having been authorized by Magna or any other person.  This
Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to purchase, any securities other than those to which it relates, nor
does it constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase
by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to
make such an offer or solicitation.  Neither the delivery of this Prospectus
nor any sale made hereunder shall under any circumstances create any
implication that the information contained herein is correct as of any time
subsequent to the date hereof.




                                    - 3 -
<PAGE> 5

                                     MAGNA

      Magna was organized in 1974 and is a registered bank holding company
under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended.  Magna currently
owns, directly or indirectly, all of the capital stock of two national banks,
three Iowa state banks and one federal savings bank that operate from more
than 130 community banking locations serving Illinois, Missouri and Iowa.
Magna also owns certain other nonbanking subsidiaries including, a trust
company, a student loan company and brokerage and insurance subsidiaries.

      Magna primarily serves consumers and small-to-midsized businesses in
its markets as a "super community bank," a company whose business centers on
a customer-focused community banking orientation, has cost efficiencies that
do not compromise quality and offers a broad product line that permits a
full-service customer relationship.  As of March 31, 1997, Magna reported, on
a consolidated basis, total assets of $6.8 billion, deposits of $5.2 billion,
loans of $4.3 billion and stockholders' equity of $602.8 million.  Magna had
33,111,546 shares of its Common Stock issued and outstanding as of March 31,
1997.

      The principal executive offices of Magna are located at One Magna
Place, 1401 South Brentwood Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63144 (telephone
number (314) 963-2500).

                                  THE PLAN

      Stockholders may enhance their investment by participating in the Plan.
Under the Plan, Participants may automatically invest dividends payable on
Common Stock in Common Stock and may make voluntary cash payments for
investment in Common Stock.  The following question and answer statements
constitute the provisions of the Plan.

PURPOSE

1.    WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PLAN?

      The Plan offers Stockholders a convenient and economical method of
increasing their ownership of Common Stock.  Once a Participant is enrolled
in the Plan, cash dividends and any optional cash payments made by the
Participant will be used to purchase additional shares of Common Stock within
30 days of receipt of the funds except where later investment is necessary to
comply with Rule 10b-6 of the Exchange Act, or other provisions of the
federal securities laws.  Full reinvestment of dividend funds is possible
under the Plan because the Plan permits fractions of shares, as well as full
shares, to be credited to Participants' accounts.  Dividends on such
fractions of, as well as on full, shares will be credited to Participants'
accounts.  Under the Plan, Magna, and not the Participants, will pay
brokerage fees, commissions, service charges or other expenses associated
with the purchase of Common Stock for Participants.

      To the extent Common Stock is purchased from Magna, Magna will receive
additional funds to finance the continuing operations of Magna and its
subsidiaries.  The Plan offers eligible holders an opportunity to invest
conveniently for the long-term.  The Plan is not intended to provide a
mechanism for generating short-term profits or engaging in other strategies
involving rapid turnover of shares or proliferation of accounts.  Magna
accordingly reserves the right to refuse to allow participation in the Plan
and/or to modify, suspend or terminate participation by otherwise eligible
Stockholders who engage in,


                                    - 4-
<PAGE> 6

or who Magna believes may engage in, such practices or other practices deemed
by Magna to be inconsistent with the purposes of the Plan or detrimental to the
Plan or other Participants.

ADVANTAGES

2.     WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE PLAN?

       Participants in the Plan may:

       -- Reinvest all or any portion of their dividends on shares of Common
          Stock automatically.

       -- Invest additional cash, up to $5,000 per month, in Common Stock.
          Optional cash purchases may be made on a transaction-by-transaction
          basis by check or money order or on an automatic basis each month by
          means of preauthorized electronic fund transfers from a U.S.
          financial institution.

       -- Avoid charges for brokerage commissions, fees, service charges or
          other expenses on all investments under the Plan.

       -- Invest the full amount of all dividends and optional cash payments
          because the Plan allows fractions of a share to be held under the
          Plan.

       -- Avoid cumbersome safekeeping requirements through the free
          custodial service under the Plan.

       -- Avoid inconvenience and expense of recordkeeping through the free
          reporting provisions of the Plan.

ADMINISTRATION

3.     WHO WILL ADMINISTER THE PLAN?

       Magna Trust Company (the "Trust Company") will serve as administrator
of the Plan, performing such functions as keeping a continuing record of
Participants' accounts, directing the Agent to purchase shares for the
Participants, advising Participants of purchases and performing other duties
related to the Plan as they appear herein.  Common Stock purchased for the
accounts of Participants will be registered in the name of the Trust Company
or in the name of its nominee or nominees as custodian for Participants in
the Plan.  If the Trust Company ceases to serve as custodian, its successor
will be designated by Magna.  Information on how to contact the Trust Company
is set forth in the response to Question 29.

       Neither the Trust Company nor its nominee or nominees shall have any
responsibility beyond the exercise of ordinary care for any action taken or
omitted pursuant to the Plan nor shall they have any duties, responsibilities
or liabilities except such as are expressly set forth herein or for any good
faith omission to act, including, without limitation, failure to terminate a
Participant's account prior to receipt of written notice of their death or
with respect to the timing or the price of any purchase.

4.     HOW IS COMMON STOCK PURCHASED FOR PARTICIPANTS?

       If Magna elects to utilize outstanding shares of Common Stock to
satisfy Plan requirements,  Magna will timely notify the Trust Company and
the Agent of such decision, and the Agent will purchase


                                    - 5 -
<PAGE> 7

shares for all Participants in the open market.  The timing of purchases is at
the sole discretion of the Agent, subject to applicable requirements of federal
securities laws.  In making purchases of Common Stock, the funds of a
Participant may be commingled with those of other Participants.  Accordingly,
the price at which Common Stock will be purchased for a Participant's account
will be the average price of all Common Stock purchased under the Plan for
all Participants at such time.  The Agent will make every effort to invest
available funds promptly, and, in no event, more than thirty (30) days after
the Agent's receipt of a dividend or an optional cash payment, except where
postponement is deemed necessary to comply with applicable provisions of the
federal securities laws.

       If open market purchases are not made, the shares issued under the
Plan will be original issue shares of Common Stock or treasury stock
purchased directly from Magna.

       NO INTEREST WILL BE PAID ON ANY FUNDS HELD PENDING INVESTMENT.

PARTICIPATION

5.     WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

       All Stockholders are eligible to participate in the Plan, including all
owners of Common Stock whose shares are registered in a name other than their
own (for example, the name of a broker, bank or other nominee). However, in
order to make optional cash payments, a Participant must be a Stockholder of
record.

6.     MUST A STOCKHOLDER AUTOMATICALLY INVEST DIVIDENDS IN ORDER TO PURCHASE
       SHARES OF COMMON STOCK WITH VOLUNTARY PAYMENTS PURSUANT TO THE PLAN?

       Yes.  In order to make voluntary cash payments for investment in
Common Stock, a Stockholder must automatically invest in Common Stock the
dividends payable on Common Stock.

7.     MUST A STOCKHOLDER PARTICIPATE IN THE PLAN USING ALL CASH
       DIVIDENDS PAID ON ALL COMMON STOCK OWNED OF RECORD?

       No.  Participants in the Plan may participate with all or some of
their cash dividends paid on Common Stock owned of record by either electing
to reinvest all of their quarterly dividends in Common Stock or specifying a
fixed percentage of their dividends to reinvest in the appropriate place on
the Authorization Card.

       All dividends on all shares held for a Participant's account under the
Plan, whether such shares were acquired by investment of dividends or upon
investment of voluntary payments, will be reinvested in shares of Common
Stock.

8.     HOW DO ELIGIBLE PERSONS PARTICIPATE?

       An eligible Stockholder may join the Plan at any time by completing an
Authorization Card and returning it to the Trust Company.  Authorization
Cards may be obtained by written request to the Trust Company or by
telephoning the Trust Company at the appropriate address or telephone number
listed in the response to Question 29.

       If shares are registered in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee
(i.e., "street name") on behalf of a beneficial owner (the "Beneficial Owner"),
the Beneficial Owner may participate in the Plan either by having:

           (i)   the shares of Common Stock registered directly in the name
       of the Beneficial Owner and signing and returning an Authorization
       Card to the Trust Company, or

           (ii)  the broker, bank or other nominee participate in the Plan on
       behalf of the Beneficial Owner by signing and returning an Authorization
       Card to the Trust Company.

       An optional cash payment in the form of a check or money order may be
sent to the Trust Company with the Authorization Card when joining the Plan.
Checks and money orders should be made


                                    - 6 -
<PAGE> 8

payable to Magna Trust Company.  A Participant also may authorize automatic
monthly optional cash payments by electronic funds on an Authorization Card
when joining the Plan. Optional cash purchases will be made in accordance
with the procedures described in Questions 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.

9.     WHEN MAY AN ELIGIBLE PERSON JOIN THE PLAN?

       A Stockholder may join the Plan at any time.

       If the Trust Company receives a properly completed Authorization Card
at least two days prior to the record date for the payment of the next cash
dividend, then the dividends paid on such date will be used to purchase
additional shares of Common Stock.  If such Authorization Card is not received
at least two days prior to the record date for the next cash dividend, dividend
reinvestments will not start until the payment of the next following cash
dividend.

10.    WHAT DOES AN AUTHORIZATION CARD AUTHORIZE?

       An Authorization Card authorizes the Trust Company, on behalf of the
Participant, to receive all cash dividends or any specified fixed percentage of
cash dividends on the shares of Common Stock registered in the Participant's
name and on all shares of Common Stock acquired for the Participant in the
Plan, and to use these cash dividends to purchase shares of Common Stock either
from Magna or through the Agent.  An Authorization Card also authorizes the
Trust Company to use any timely received optional cash payments to purchase
shares of Common Stock either from Magna or through the Agent for the
Participant in the Plan.  Any such authorization shall continue until it is
withdrawn by the Participant.

       A Participant shall have no right to direct checks or drafts against
their account or give instructions to the Trust Company with respect to any
shares or cash held therein except as expressly provided herein.

11.    MAY A PARTICIPANT CHANGE THEIR METHOD OF PARTICIPATION AFTER ENROLLMENT?

       Yes.  Participants may change their investment option at any time by
signing a new Authorization Card and returning it to the Trust Company as
provided under Question 29.

       If a Participant elects to participate through the reinvestment of all
dividends but later decides to reduce the amount of dividends to be reinvested,
an Authorization Card indicating a change of options must be received by the
Trust Company at least two days prior to a particular dividend record date in
order to stop any unwanted reinvestment of dividends paid on that dividend
payment date.  For information on the method for terminating participation in
the Plan, see Question 19.

PURCHASES

12.    HOW MANY SHARES OF COMMON STOCK WILL BE PURCHASED FOR PARTICIPANTS AND
       WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF SHARES PURCHASED UNDER THE PLAN?

       The number of shares purchased will depend on the amount of a
Participant's cash dividend, optional cash payment and the purchase price of
the shares.  Each Participant's account will be credited with that number of
shares, including fractions computed to four decimal places, equal to the
total amount invested divided by the purchase price.


                                    - 7 -
<PAGE> 9

       Common Stock purchased under the Plan will be, at Magna's discretion,
either newly issued shares, shares of treasury stock held by Magna or shares
purchased for Participants in the open market, or a combination of the
foregoing.  Newly issued shares and treasury shares will be purchased directly
from Magna.  The decision to purchase shares for Participants in the open
market will be made by Magna based upon general market conditions, the
relationship between purchase price and book value per share, regulatory
requirements and other factors.  In the case of each purchase of Common Stock
for Participants, Magna will timely notify the Trust Company and the Agent of
the source from which Common Stock is to be purchased.

13.    WHEN WILL SHARES OF COMMON STOCK BE PURCHASED UNDER THE PLAN?

       When Common Stock is purchased from Magna, purchases made with dividend
payments will be made on the dividend payment date with dividends paid on
such date.  Purchases of Common Stock made with voluntary payments will be
made on the 1st and 15th days of the month with optional cash payments
received at least two days prior to such dates.

       When shares are purchased in the open market, the Agent will use
dividends paid on a dividend payment date to purchase shares in the open
market as soon as practical and within 30 days after that dividend payment
date, unless a longer period is necessary or advisable because of federal
securities laws or the Agent will use cash received from Participants at
least two days prior to the 1st and 15th days of the month to make purchases
within 30 days after such dates, unless a longer period is necessary or
advisable because of federal securities laws, as the case may be.  In either
case, open market purchases may be made on any securities exchange where
shares of the Common Stock are traded, in the over-the-counter market or in
negotiated transactions and may be subject to such terms with respect to
price, delivery and other matters as the Agent may agree to.  Neither Magna
nor any Participant shall have the authority to direct the time, price or
manner of such open market purchases, or the selection of the broker or
dealer through or from whom purchases are to be made.

       All optional cash payments received by the Trust Company pursuant to
Authorization Cards also are used to purchase additional Common Stock during
the relevant investment period, although the actual transfer to the Trust
Company during the relevant investment period occurs three business days prior
to the first day of the investment period (such transfer day being referred to
herein as the "electronic transfer date").

       No dividend will be earned on shares purchased under the Plan until the
dividend payment date following the date of purchase of those shares.

14.    WHAT IS THE PRICE OF THE SHARES PURCHASED UNDER THE PLAN?

       Newly issued shares and treasury shares of Common Stock purchased under
the Plan from Magna will be purchased at a price per share equal to the
average of the closing sale prices of the Common Stock reported on the New
York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") for the five trading days immediately preceding
the date of such purchase.  If there is no trading in the Common Stock on the
NYSE (or if trading is halted or suspended) for a substantial amount of time
during any trading day during the five-day period or if publication of the
closing sale price of the Common Stock on any such trading day does not take
place or contains a reporting error, the purchase price of shares purchased
from Magna shall be determined by Magna on the basis of such market
quotations as it shall deem appropriate.  No shares will be purchased from
Magna under the Plan at less than their par value ($2.00 per share).


                                    - 8 -
<PAGE> 10

       In the case of each purchase of Common Stock for Participants in the
open market or through negotiated transactions made for Participants, the
price at which the Agent shall be deemed to have acquired shares for an
individual Participant's account shall be the average price of all shares
purchased at that time by it for all Participants in the Plan with their
aggregate funds used for such purchase.

15.    ARE ANY FEES OR EXPENSES INCURRED BY PARTICIPANTS IN THE PLAN?

       Magna will pay all administrative costs of the Plan.  Participants will
pay no brokerage commissions, fees, expenses or service charges under the
Plan in connection with purchases under the Plan; provided, however, a
Beneficial Owner may be required to pay a fee to a broker, bank or other
nominee participating on behalf of such Beneficial Owner. When shares are sold
by the Agent for a Participant, the Participant will be responsible for any
commissions, fees, expenses, service charges or other expenses incurred
pursuant to the sale of such shares.

       No service fees will be charged to Participants making optional cash
purchases through electronic fund transfers. However, Participants will be
charged the Trust Company's prevailing fees for dishonored checks and failed
electronic fund transfers due to insufficient funds.

OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS

16.    HOW ARE OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS MADE?

       Participants may make optional cash payments of not less than $25 for
any month and not more than $5,000 for any month by check, money order or
electronic fund transfer.  Optional cash payments by means of check or money
order must be payable to the Trust Company and mailed to the Trust Company
together with a Remittance Form for optional cash payments furnished for that
purpose, except that when enrolling in the Plan an optional cash payment may be
made by the Participant by enclosing a check or money order with the
Authorization Card.  Electronic fund transfers pursuant to an Authorization Card
do not commence until the electronic transfer date which first follows by at
least three business days the Trust Company's receipt of the properly completed
Authorization Card.  An "electronic transfer date" is the date three business
days prior to either an investment date (when Plan purchases are made directly
from Magna) or the first day of an investment period (when Plan purchases of
Common Stock are being made on the open market), and represents the date on
which electronic fund transfers authorized by Authorization Cards are received
by the Trust Company on behalf of Participants.

       An Authorization Card permits Participants to make optional cash
purchases of Common Stock on a monthly basis without the need to write a check
or money order for each purchase.  On the Authorization Card a Participant can
authorize a U.S. financial institution holding funds of the Participant to
transfer a designated amount each month from the Participant's account at the
financial institution to the Trust Company for use in purchasing additional
Common Stock.  To initiate optional cash purchases through electronic fund
transfer, a Participant must send to the Trust Company, at the address given in
Question 29, a properly completed Authorization Card and include as an
attachment thereto a voided blank check for the account the funds are to be
transferred from. Automatic fund transfers authorized by an Authorization Card
will continue until changed or terminated.  An Authorization Card may be
modified or terminated only by submitting a new Authorization Card to the Trust
Company.  Changes with respect to electronic transfers effected by a new
Authorization Card will not take effect until the electronic transfer date that
first follows by at least


                                    - 9 -
<PAGE> 11

three business days the Trust Company's receipt of the properly completed new
Authorization Card.

       An Authorization Card may be obtained by any one of the means set forth
at Question 8.

       Participants are not assessed a service charge for electronic fund
transfers processed by the Trust Company for optional cash purchases. However,
the financial institution designated by a Participant on an Authorization Card
may charge a fee for participating in the electronic fund transfer.
Participants are encouraged to consult with their financial institution.

       Remittance Forms will be sent to Participants as a part of their advice
of transactions (see Question 17) following months in which a Participant has
made purchases under the Plan.  Additional Remittance Forms may be requested
from the Trust Company at the address and telephone number listed in Question
29.  The same amount of money need not be sent each time, subject to the
minimum and maximum payment levels, and there is no obligation to make
optional cash payments.

REPORTS TO PARTICIPANTS

17.    WHAT KIND OF REPORTS WILL BE SENT TO PARTICIPANTS IN THE PLAN?

       Following each purchase, the Trust Company will send to each
Participant whose funds have been applied to such purchase an advice of
transactions in their account since the last prior purchase for their
account.  Such advice of transactions will show the number of shares
purchased and their cost.  Each Participant will receive a statement on a
quarterly basis showing all transactions during that period of time,
including the balance of the current shares in the account. No reports or
statements will be sent by the Trust Company to Beneficial Owners.

       Each Participant, by participating in the Plan, agrees to notify the
Trust Company promptly in writing of any change of address.  Notices to a
Participant may be given by letter addressed to the Participant at their last
address of record with the Trust Company.

CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES

18.    WILL CERTIFICATES BE ISSUED FOR THE COMMON STOCK PURCHASED FOR THE
       PARTICIPANTS IN THE PLAN?

       Normally, certificates for Common Stock purchased under the Plan will
not be issued to Participants in their names but will be registered in the
name of the Trust Company or its nominee and credited to Participants' Plan
accounts.  However, upon a Participant's written request or withdrawal from
the Plan as provided in Question 19, certificates for any number of whole
shares credited to the Participant's account will be issued in the
recordholder's name and delivered to the Participant.  Upon withdrawal from the
Plan, a Participant will receive cash in lieu of any fractional interest at the
then current market value of Common Stock on the day such withdrawal becomes
effective determined by the closing sale price reported on the NYSE. No
certificates for fractional shares will be issued.

       Requests for certificates will be handled without charge to
Participants.  After delivery of a certificate, a Participant will continue
to participate in the Plan with shares represented by such certificates until
such time as the shares are sold or otherwise transferred or until the
Participant terminates participation in the Plan.  Any fractional or whole
shares remaining after such delivery will continue to be credited to the
Participant's Plan account.


                                    - 10 -
<PAGE> 12

WITHDRAWAL

19.    HOW DOES A PARTICIPANT WITHDRAW FROM THE PLAN?

       Participants may at any time terminate their participation in the Plan
by notifying the Trust Company in writing at the address provided under
Question 29.

       If a notice of termination is not received at least two days prior to
the record date for the next dividend, that dividend will be reinvested for
their account, but all subsequent dividends on those shares will be paid to
the withdrawing Participant.  With respect to optional cash payments, any
optional cash payment received by the Trust Company before it receives a
Participant's notice of termination will be invested for their account unless
they specifically request return of the payment by written request received
by the Trust Company at least 2 days prior to the next purchase date.

       Upon termination, a Participant will receive a certificate for all full
shares in their account unless they elect to receive cash.  If they elect to
receive cash, the Trust Company will sell such shares and send the proceeds,
minus applicable fees, to the Participant provided the Participant's signature
on the written request is properly guaranteed.  Either Magna or the Trust
Company may terminate any Participant's account at any time at its discretion.
In any case, the Participant will receive cash in lieu of any fractional
interest in a share at the market value of Common Stock to be determined by the
closing sale price on the day such withdrawal or termination becomes effective
as reported by the NYSE.  If a Participant, under the Plan, disposes of all
shares registered in their name on the books of Magna, the Trust Company will
continue to invest the dividends on the shares in their account, unless
otherwise notified in writing by that Participant.

20.    WHEN MAY FORMER PARTICIPANTS REJOIN THE PLAN?

       Generally, a former Participant may again become a Participant at any
time.  However, Magna and the Trust Company reserve the right to reject any
Authorization Card from a previous Participant on grounds of excessive joining
and termination.  Such reservation is intended to minimize unnecessary
administrative expense and to encourage use of the Plan as a long-term
investment service.

OTHER INFORMATION

21.    WHAT HAPPENS TO THE PARTICIPANT'S PLAN ACCOUNT IF MAGNA ISSUES A STOCK
       DIVIDEND OR DECLARES A STOCK SPLIT?

       Stock splits on Common Stock applicable to shares held for the
Participant under the Plan will be credited to their account.  Stock dividends
on Common Stock applicable to shares belonging to a Participant in the Plan,
whether held in their account or in their own name, will be credited to their
account.

22.    WHAT HAPPENS TO THE PARTICIPANT'S PLAN ACCOUNT IF MAGNA MAKES AVAILABLE
       TO HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK RIGHTS TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL SECURITIES?

       In the event that Magna makes available to its holders of Common Stock
rights to purchase additional shares, debentures or other securities, the
Agent will sell such rights accruing to the shares held for the Participants'
accounts, and the resultant funds will be invested in Common Stock as
provided in the Plan.


                                    - 11 -
<PAGE> 13

23.    HOW WILL PARTICIPANTS' COMMON STOCK BE VOTED AT MEETINGS OF
       STOCKHOLDERS?

       For each meeting of Stockholders, Participants will receive proxies
which will enable them to vote shares of Common Stock credited to the
Participants' accounts.  If a Participant does not direct the Trust Company
as to how they wish their shares to be voted, the Trust Company will not vote
such shares.

24.    MAY THE PLAN BE CHANGED OR DISCONTINUED?

       Magna reserves the right to supplement, amend or terminate the Plan at
any time by mailing appropriate notice of any such supplementation, amendment
or termination of the Plan at least 30 days prior to the effective date
thereof to each Participant at their last address of record with the Trust
Company.  The amendment or supplement shall conclusively be deemed to be
accepted by the Participant unless, prior to the effective date thereof, the
Trust Company receives written notice of termination of the account.  Any
such amendment may include the appointment by Magna of a successor
administrator or administrators under this Plan provided such successor is a
bank or trust company organized under the laws of the United States or any
state thereof.  Magna and the Trust Company are authorized to pay to such
successor administrator for the account of each Participant in the Plan all
dividends and distributions payable on shares of Common Stock in their name
or in their account, and cash payments will be applied by such successor
administrator as provided in this Plan.  Termination of the Plan will have
the same effect and be accomplished as to each Participant in the same manner
as if the Participant had completely withdrawn from participation in the
Plan.  This Plan is an amendment to the prior Dividend Reinvestment Plan and
Stock Purchase Plan (the "Prior Plan") and will replace the Prior Plan upon
exhaustion of all shares reserved pursuant to the Prior Plan.

25.    WHO INTERPRETS AND REGULATES THE PLAN?

       Magna reserves the right to interpret and regulate the Plan as it deems
desirable or necessary.  Neither Magna, the Trust Company nor the Agent, in
administering, interpreting or performing their duties under the Plan, will
be liable for any act done or omitted to be done in good faith, including,
without limitation, any act giving rise to a claim of liability arising from
(i) the times and prices at which shares are purchased or sold for a
Participant's account or (ii) fluctuations in the market price of the Common
Stock.

       A PARTICIPANT SHOULD RECOGNIZE THAT NEITHER MAGNA, THE TRUST COMPANY NOR
THE AGENT CAN ASSURE A PROFIT OR PROTECT AGAINST A LOSS ON THE COMMON STOCK
PURCHASED UNDER THE PLAN.

26.    MUST CURRENT PARTICIPANTS IN THE PRIOR PLAN COMPLETE AN AUTHORIZATION
       CARD TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PLAN?

       No. Participants under the Prior Plan will continue to have dividends
reinvested or optional cash purchases made according to the instructions
given by them under the Prior Plan unless they change their method of
investing by completing and returning a new Authorization Card or terminate
their participation as provided under the Prior Plan.  If a Participant in
the Prior Plan fails to terminate their account under the Prior Plan, they
shall be deemed to accept the terms and conditions of the Plan.


                                    - 12 -
<PAGE> 14

TAX RESPONSIBILITY

27.    WHAT ARE THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATION IN THE
       PLAN?

       Reinvested Dividends.  When purchases of Common Stock with reinvested
dividends are made directly from Magna, a Participant should include in gross
income a dividend equal to the number of shares (including fractional shares)
of Common Stock so purchased multiplied by the fair market value (as defined
below) of a share of Common Stock on the investment date.  A Participant's
basis in such shares also will equal the fair market value of the shares on
the investment date.

       For purposes of this Question 27, the "fair market value" of a share of
Common Stock on the investment date must be determined under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and applicable Internal
Revenue Service regulations.  Under those regulations, if the Common Stock
trades on the investment date, the fair market value of a share of Common
Stock is the average of the high and low sales prices of a share of Common
Stock as reported on the NYSE for that date.  If the Common Stock does not
trade on that date, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock is the
weighted average of the mean of the high and low sales prices of a share of
Common Stock on the nearest trading date before and after the investment
date.  By contrast, the purchase price per share of Common Stock paid by the
Trust Company for Common Stock purchased from Magna is determined by
averaging the high and low sale prices of a share of Common Stock over the
five consecutive trading day period ending on and including the relevant
investment date.  As a result, it is possible that the fair market value of a
share of Common Stock (as determined under the Code and applicable
regulations) could exceed the per share price actually paid by the Trust
Company (as determined during the five-day averaging period).  If this
occurs, the amount of dividend includible in a Participant's gross income and
reported to the Internal Revenue Service for federal income tax purposes
would exceed the amount of dividend actually paid and reinvested on behalf of
the Participant pursuant to the Plan.

       When the Agent purchases shares of Common Stock on the open market with
reinvested dividends, a Participant should include in gross income an amount
equal to the dividend reinvested plus any allocable brokerage commission.  A
Participant's basis in shares acquired in the open market also will be the
amount of the dividend reinvested plus any allocable brokerage commission.

       Optional Cash Payments.  When purchases of Common Stock with optional
cash payments are made directly from Magna, a Participant should include in
gross income a dividend equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value
(as defined above) of such shares on the investment date over the amount of
the optional cash payment.  A Participant's basis in such shares also will
equal the fair market value of the shares on the investment date.

       Alternatively, when the Agent purchases shares of Common Stock on the
open market with optional cash payments, a Participant will recognize
dividend income in the amount of any allocable brokerage commission.  A
Participant's basis in shares acquired in the open market will be the amount
of the optional cash payment invested plus any allocable brokerage
commission.

       The dividends-received deduction applicable to corporations generally
equals 70 percent of the dividends received.  Corporate stockholders should
be aware that the Code contains rules limiting the availability of the
dividends-received deduction including, but not limited to, rules applicable
to indebtedness directly attributable to the investment in the stock and
rules relating to a stockholder's holding period for the stock.


                                    - 13 -
<PAGE> 15

      A Participant will not recognize income, gain or loss when receiving
certificates for whole shares credited to his or her Plan account, either
upon a request for such certificates or upon withdrawal from or termination
of the Plan.  However, if a Participant, upon withdrawal from or termination
of the Plan, requests that the Agent sell any shares (including any fractional
share) of Common Stock, the Participant will recognize gain (or loss) in an
amount equal to the difference between the net proceeds of the sale and the
Participant's basis in the shares sold.  Such gain or loss will be capital in
character if such shares are a capital asset in the hands of the Participant.

       The holding period for all shares of Common Stock purchased through
participation in the Plan commences on the day following the relevant
investment date.

       Statements of account will be received by a Participant following each
purchase of Common Stock for a Plan account.  The statements of account will
show for all such purchases the per share price paid by the Trust Company or
the Agent, as the case may be, for the Common Stock (which will include
brokerage commissions in the case of Common Stock purchased in the open
market).  In the case of Common Stock purchased directly from Magna with
reinvested dividends, the statements of account will additionally show the
fair market value of the Common Stock so purchased.  IRS Form 1099-DIV (or an
IRS successor form) mailed to Participants following year-end will report
dividend income based on the fair market value of Common Stock, as determined
for federal income tax purposes, plus any allocable brokerage commission in
the case of shares acquired in the open market.

       THE DISCUSSION SET FORTH ABOVE IS INCLUDED FOR GENERAL PURPOSES ONLY.
EACH PARTICIPANT IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE
CONSEQUENCES TO HIM OR HER OF PARTICIPATING IN THE PLAN UNDER FEDERAL AND
APPLICABLE STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX LAWS.

28.    HOW ARE THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING PROVISIONS APPLIED TO
       FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS?

       In the case of those foreign shareholders whose Common stock dividends
are subject to United States federal income tax withholding, the amount of
tax required to be withheld will be deducted from the dividend received for
the Plan account of the foreign shareholder and the amount remaining will be
reinvested in additional shares of Common Stock.

29.    WHERE SHOULD CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING THE PLAN BE DIRECTED?

       Correspondence regarding the Plan should be directed to the Trust
Company at the following address:

       Magna Trust Company
       1 South Church Street
       Belleville, Illinois 62220
       Telephone:  (800) 900-4548
       Telecopy:  (618) 235-9656

30.    WHO BEARS THE RISK OF FLUCTUATIONS IN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON
       STOCK?

       A Participant's investment in Common Stock held in a Plan account is no
different with regard to market risk than an investment in Common Stock held
in certificate form.  A Participant bears the risk of loss (and receives any
benefit of gain) occurring by reason of fluctuations in the market price of
Common Stock held in a Plan account.


                                    - 14 -
<PAGE> 16

       NEITHER MAGNA NOR THE TRUST COMPANY NOR THE AGENT CAN ASSURE YOU OF A
PROFIT OR PROTECT YOU AGAINST A LOSS ON ANY SHARES OF COMMON STOCK PURCHASED
UNDER THE PLAN.


                                LEGAL MATTERS

      The legality of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby will be
passed upon for Magna by Thompson Coburn, St. Louis, Missouri.  Certain
lawyers of Thompson Coburn, as of March 31, 1997 beneficially owned an
aggregate of approximately 41,500 shares of Common Stock.

                                   EXPERTS

      The consolidated financial statements of Magna incorporated by
reference in Magna's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, as set forth in their report thereon incorporated by reference
therein and incorporated herein by reference.  Such consolidated financial
statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report
given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

      The consolidated financial statements of Homeland Bankshares Corporation
("Homeland"), Waterloo, Iowa for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, which
are incorporated herein by reference to Magna's Current Report on Form 8-K/A
dated May 1, 1997, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent
auditors, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by this
reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such
firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.




                                    - 15 -
<PAGE> 17

                                   PART II

                   INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

       The following table sets forth the estimated expenses payable by Magna
in connection with the sale and distribution of the shares registered hereby:

<TABLE>
           <S>                                                    <C>
           SEC registration fee                                   $ 5,363.64
           Accounting fees and expenses                            11,000.00
           Legal fees and expenses                                  7,000.00
           Cost of printing and engraving                           3,000.00
           Miscellaneous expenses                                     636.36

              Total                                               $27,000.00
</TABLE>

ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

       Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
provides generally and in pertinent part that a Delaware corporation may
indemnify its directors and officers against expenses, judgments, fines and
settlements actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with any
civil suit or action, except actions by or in the right of the corporation,
or any administrative or investigative proceeding if, in connection with the
matters in issue, they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably
believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of the corporation,
and in connection with any criminal suit or proceeding, if in connection with
the matters in issue, they had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct
was unlawful.  Section 145 further permits a Delaware corporation to grant
its directors and officers additional rights of indemnification through bylaw
provisions and otherwise and to purchase indemnity insurance on behalf of its
directors and officers.

       Article 12 of Magna's Certificate of Incorporation provides for the
elimination of personal liability of directors of Magna to Magna and its
stockholders for monetary damages arising from certain breaches of directors'
duty of care.  In addition, Article 12 provides for the indemnification of
persons who are or were directors, officers, employees and agents of Magna or
who are or were serving at the request of Magna in a similar capacity with
another enterprise or entity to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware
General Corporation Law.  Article 12 also authorizes Magna to purchase
insurance for itself and indemnifiable persons against any expense, liability
or loss whether or not Magna would have the power to indemnify such expense,
liability or loss under the Delaware General Corporation Law.

       Magna maintains a liability insurance policy that indemnifies
directors, officers, employees and agents of Magna.  As part of its
acquisition of Landmark Bancshares Corporation ("Landmark") in 1991, Magna
assumed Landmark's obligations under indemnification agreements with
Landmark's directors (including certain directors who are currently directors
of Magna).  In connection with the acquisition of River Bend Bancshares,
Inc. ("River Bend") in February 1996 and the acquisition of Homeland in March
1997, Magna agreed to indemnify certain officers and directors of River Bend
and Homeland, respectively, against certain claims or liabilities to which they
may become subject.

ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS

       See Exhibit Index.


                                    II-1
<PAGE> 18

ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS

       (a)   The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

             (1)   To file, during any period in which offers or sales are
being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

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

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

                        (iii) To include any material information with respect
                   to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this
                   registration statement or any material change to such
                   information in this registration statement;

provided, however, that paragraphs (i) and (ii) do not apply if the information
required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the
registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are
incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

             (2)   That, for the purpose of determining any liability under
the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

             (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 of 1933, each filing of
the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of
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 this 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)   Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 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 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the
event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than
the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of
any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against
public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.


                                    II-2
<PAGE> 19

                                 SIGNATURES

       Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Brentwood, County of St. Louis,
State of Missouri, on May 7, 1997.

                                    MAGNA GROUP, INC.


                                    By /s/ G. Thomas Andes
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                       G. Thomas Andes
                                       Chairman of the Board and
                                       Chief Executive Officer


       Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and
appoints G. Thomas Andes and Carolyn B. Ryseff, and each of them (with full
power to each of them to act alone), his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact
and agents for him and on his behalf and in his name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement on Form S-3, and to file the same,
with exhibits and any and all other documents filed with respect thereto,
with the Commission (or any other governmental or regulatory authority),
granting unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to
do and to perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be
done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to
all intents and purposes as he himself might or could do if personally
present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

       Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        Signature                   Title                                          Date
        ---------                   -----                                          ----

<S>                                 <C>                                        <C>
/s/ G. Thomas Andes                 Chairman of the Board,                     May 7, 1997
- - ------------------------------      Chief Executive
G. Thomas Andes                     Officer and Director
Principal Executive Officer


/s/ Ronald A. Buerges               Executive Vice President and               May 7, 1997
- - ------------------------------      Chief Financial Officer
Ronald A. Buerges
Principal Financial Officer--
Principal Accounting Officer


/s/ James A. Auffenberg, Jr.        Director                                   May 7, 1997
- - ------------------------------
James A. Auffenberg, Jr.


/s/ Wayne T. Ewing                  Director                                   May 7, 1997
- - ------------------------------
Wayne T. Ewing


                                    II-3
<PAGE> 20

<CAPTION>
        Signature                   Title                                          Date
        ---------                   -----                                          ----

<S>                                 <C>                                        <C>


/s/ Donald P. Gallop                Director                                   May 7, 1997
- - ------------------------------
Donald P. Gallop


/s/ Randall E. Ganim                Director                                   May 7, 1997
- - ------------------------------
Randall E. Ganim


/s/ C.E. Heiligenstein              Director                                   May 7, 1997
- - ------------------------------
C.E. Heiligenstein


/s/ John G. Helmkamp, Jr.           Director                                   May 7, 1997
- - ------------------------------
John G. Helmkamp, Jr.


/s/ Carl G. Hogan, Sr.              Director                                   May 7, 1997
- - ------------------------------
Carl G. Hogan, Sr.


/s/ Franklin A. Jacobs              Director                                   May 7, 1997
- - ------------------------------
Franklin A. Jacobs


                                    Director
- - ------------------------------
S. Lee Kling


/s/ Ralph F. Korte                  Director                                   May 7, 1997
- - ------------------------------
Ralph F. Korte


/s/ Erl A. Schmiesing               Director                                   May 7, 1997
- - ------------------------------
Erl A. Schmiesing


/s/ Douglas K. Shull                Director                                   May 7, 1997
- - ------------------------------
Douglas K. Shull


/s/ Frank R. Trulaske               Director                                   May 7, 1997
- - ------------------------------
Frank R. Trulaske


/s/ Dr. George T. Wilkins, Jr.      Director                                   May 7, 1997
- - ------------------------------
Dr. George T. Wilkins, Jr.
</TABLE>


                                    II-4
<PAGE> 21

                             MAGNA GROUP, INC.

<TABLE>
                               EXHIBIT INDEX

<CAPTION>
  Exhibit
  Number                                        Description
  -------                                       -----------
  <C>                   <S>
   5.1                  Opinion of Thompson Coburn as to the legality of the securities
                        being registered.

  23.1                  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP with regard to the use of its report
                        on Magna's financial statements.

  23.2                  Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP with regard to the use of its
                        report on Homeland's financial statements.

  23.3                  Consent of Thompson Coburn (included in Exhibit 5.1)

  24.1                  Power of Attorney (included on signature page hereof)
</TABLE>



<PAGE> 1

                        [letterhead of Thompson Coburn]


                                  May 9, 1997

Magna Group, Inc.
One Magna Place
1401 South Brentwood Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri  63144

Re:   Registration Statement on Form S-3 -- 600,000 Shares of Magna Group, Inc.
      Common Stock, $2.00 par value, and attached Preferred Share Purchase
      Rights
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ladies and Gentlemen:

With reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration
Statement") to be filed by Magna Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), on May 9, 1997, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pertaining to the proposed
issuance by the Company of up to 600,000 shares of the Company's common stock,
$2.00 par value, and attached Preferred Share Purchase Rights (the "Shares"),
as provided in the Magna Group, Inc. 1997 Dividend Reinvestment and Stock
Purchase Plan (the "Plan"), we have examined such corporate records of the
Company, such laws and such other information as we have deemed relevant,
including the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, By-Laws,
resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company relating to such
issuance, certificates received from state officials and statements we have
received from officers and representatives of the Company.  In delivering this
opinion, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of
all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to the originals of
all documents submitted to us as certified, photostatic or conformed copies,
the authenticity of originals of all such latter documents, and the correctness
of statements submitted to us by officers and representatives of the Company.

Based solely on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

1.    The Company is duly incorporated and is validly existing under the laws
      of the State of Delaware; and

2.    The Shares to be issued by the Company pursuant to the Registration
      Statement have been duly authorized and, when issued by the Company
      in accordance with the Plan, will be duly and validly issued and will
      be fully paid and nonassessable.

We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and to the reference to this firm in the section entitled "Legal
Matters" in the Prospectus constituting a part of the Registration Statement.
We further consent to the filing of copies of this opinion with agencies of
such states and other jurisdictions as you deem necessary in the course of
complying with the laws of the states and jurisdictions regarding the sale
and issuance of the Shares in accordance with the Registration Statement.

                                    Very truly yours,

                                    /s/ Thompson Coburn



<PAGE> 1

                             CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Magna Group, Inc.
for the registration of 600,000 shares of its common stock and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 15, 1997, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of Magna Group, Inc.
incorporated by reference in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1996, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       Ernst & Young LLP

St. Louis, Missouri
May 6, 1997




<PAGE> 1

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
of Magna Group, Inc. ("Magna") on Form S-3 of our report dated January 21,
1997, on our audits of the consolidated balance sheets of Homeland Bankshares
Corporation and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
related consolidated statements of income, cash flows, and changes in
stockholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1996, which report is included in Magna's Current Report on Form 8-K/A,
dated May 1, 1997, which is incorporated by reference into Magna's Form S-3,
and to the reference to us under the headings "Experts" in the Prospectus,
which is part of the Registration Statement.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP


Des Moines, Iowa
May 8, 1997



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