FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORP
10-K, 1996-03-15
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

            [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                   For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995
                                       or
          [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                          Commission file number 1-9861

                         FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

            New York                                  16-0968385
    (State of incorporation)            (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

  One M&T Plaza, Buffalo, New York                                  14240
(Address of principal executive offices)                         (Zip Code)

        Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (716)842-5445

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock, $5 par value                  American Stock Exchange
   (Title of each class)            (Name of each exchange on which registered)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days. Yes X No _
                         
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]

Aggregate market value of the Common Stock, $5 par value, held by non-affiliates
of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price as of the close of
business on March 4, 1996: $1,048,221,974.

Number of shares of the Common Stock, $5 par value, outstanding as of the close
of business on March 4, 1996: 6,350,518 shares.

                      Documents Incorporated By Reference:

(1)     Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 1996 Annual Meeting of
        Stockholders of First Empire State Corporation in Part III.















                                       -1-

<PAGE>






                                FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION
                                ------------------------------

                                           FORM 10-K
                                           ---------

                          For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995
                          -------------------------------------------

CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET                                                       Form
- ---------------------                                                       10-K
PART I                                                                      Page
- ------                                                                      ----

Item 1.     Business                                                           5

Statistical disclosure pursuant to Guide 3

  I.  Distribution of assets, liabilities, and stockholders'
      equity; interest rates and interest rate differential

      A.    Average balance sheets                                         42-43

      B.    Interest income/expense and resulting yield or rate
            on average interest-earning assets (including non-
            accrual loans) and interest-bearing liabilities                42-43

      C.    Rate/volume variances                                             19

 II.  Investment portfolio

      A.    Year-end balances                                              64-65

      B.    Maturity schedule and weighted average yield                      50

III.  Loan portfolio

      A.    Year-end balances                                                 67

      B.    Maturities and sensitivities to changes in interest rates      48,51

      C.    Risk elements
            Nonaccrual, past-due and renegotiated loans                       47
            Actual and pro forma interest on certain loans                    67
            Nonaccrual policy                                                 60
            Foreign outstandings                                              30

 IV.  Summary of loan loss experience

      A.    Charge-offs and recoveries                                        45
            Factors influencing management's judgment concerning
            the adequacy of the allowance and provision                       60

      B.    Allocation of allowance for loan losses                           46

 V.   Deposits

      A.    Average balances and rates                                     42-43

      B.    Maturity schedule of domestic time deposits with
            balances of $100,000 or more                                      49

 VI.  Return on equity and assets, etc.                                 18,24,33











                                       -2-

<PAGE>






                                FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION
                                ------------------------------

                                           FORM 10-K
                                           ---------

                          For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995
                          -------------------------------------------

CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET--continued                                         Form
- --------------------------------                                         10-K
                                                                         Page
                                                                         ----

PART I, continued
- -----------------

Item  1.    Business, continued

VII.        Short-term borrowings                                      70-71

Item  2.    Properties                                              20,68-69

Item  3.    Legal Proceedings                                             20

Item  4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders           20

            Executive Officers of the Registrant                       20-22


PART II
- -------

Item  5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
            Stockholder Matters                                           23

      A.    Principal market                                              23
            Market prices                                              36-37

      B.    Approximate number of holders at year-end                     16

      C.    Frequency and amount of dividends declared                    37

      D.    Restrictions on dividends                               10-11,83

Item  6.    Selected Financial Data

      A.    Selected consolidated year-end balances                       16

      B.    Consolidated earnings, etc.                                17-18

Item  7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of
            Financial Condition and Results of Operations              23-52

Item  8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

      A.    Report of Independent Accountants                             54

      B.    Consolidated Balance Sheet -
            December 31, 1995 and 1994                                    55








                                       -3-

<PAGE>





                                FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION
                                ------------------------------

                                           FORM 10-K
                                           ---------

                          For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995
                          -------------------------------------------

CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET--continued                                         Form
- --------------------------------                                         10-K
                                                                         Page
                                                                         ----
PART II, continued
- ------------------

Item 8, continued

     C.     Consolidated Statement of Income -
            Years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993                  56

     D.     Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows -
            Years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993                  57

     E.     Consolidated Statement of Changes in
            Stockholders' Equity - Years ended December 31,               58
            1995, 1994 and 1993

     F.     Notes to Financial Statements                              59-85

     G.     Quarterly Trends                                              37

Item 9.     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
            on Accounting and Financial Disclosure                        86

PART III
- --------
Item 10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the
            Registrant                                                    86

Item 11.    Executive Compensation                                        86

Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
            Owners and Management                                         86

Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions                86

PART IV
- -------
Item 14.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and
            Reports on Form 8-K                                           87


            Signatures                                                 88-90


Exhibit Index                                                          91-92











                                       -4-

<PAGE>




                                     PART I
Item 1.  Business.

First Empire State Corporation ("Registrant" or "First Empire") is a New York
business corporation which is registered as a bank holding company under the
Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended ("BHCA") and under Article III-A of
the New York Banking Law ("Banking Law"). The principal executive offices of the
Registrant are located at One M&T Plaza, Buffalo, New York 14240. The Registrant
was incorporated in November 1969. The Registrant and its direct and indirect
subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as the "Company". As of
December 31, 1995, the Company had consolidated total assets of $12.0 billion,
deposits of $9.5 billion and stockholders' equity of $846 million. The Company
had 4,148 full-time and 741 part-time employees as of December 31, 1995.

At December 31, 1995, the Registrant had three wholly owned bank
subsidiaries:  Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company ("M&T Bank"), The East
New York Savings Bank ("East New York") and M&T Bank, National Association
("M&T Bank, N.A.").

Since the beginning of 1990, the Company has experienced significant growth
through federally-assisted acquisitions of assets and liabilities of failed
thrift institutions and through unassisted acquisition transactions involving
commercial banks, thrift institutions and mortgage banking companies. In January
and September 1990, respectively, M&T Bank, in two federally-assisted
transactions, purchased selected assets and assumed selected liabilities of
Monroe Savings Bank, FSB, Rochester, New York, and Empire Federal Savings Bank
of America, Buffalo, New York, two institutions that had been placed in
receivership. In May 1991, M&T Bank and East New York similarly purchased
certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Goldome, a Buffalo, New York
savings bank, from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), as
receiver. In July 1992, Central Trust Company and Endicott Trust Company, two
banks located in Rochester and Endicott, New York, respectively, were acquired
and merged with and into M&T Bank. In December 1994, First Empire acquired
Ithaca Bancorp, Inc. ("Ithaca Bancorp"), Ithaca, New York, and simultaneously
merged Ithaca Bancorp's savings bank subsidiary, Citizens Savings Bank, F.S.B.,
into M&T Bank. Also, in December 1994, M&T Bank acquired from Chemical Bank
selected assets and liabilities associated with seven banking offices in New
York State's Hudson Valley region. In July 1995, M&T Bank acquired from The
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., selected assets and liabilities associated with four
banking offices, three of which were located in New York State's Hudson Valley
region, and one of which was located in Western New York.

The following table summarizes the loans and deposits acquired by the Company in
the bank acquisition transactions described above at the time those transactions
were consummated:

                      Recent Bank Acquisitions and Mergers
 
                                                          Loans    Deposits
                                                           -----    --------
                                                       (In billions of dollars)

   Monroe Savings Bank, FSB                                 $0.4      $0.5
   Empire Federal Savings Bank of America                    0.5       1.2
   Goldome                                                   1.0       2.2
   Central Trust Company                                     0.8       1.0
   Endicott Trust Company                                    0.2       0.3
   Ithaca Bancorp, Inc.                                      0.4       0.3
   Acquisition of banking offices - 1994                       -       0.1
   Acquisition of banking offices - 1995                       -       0.1


                                       -5-

<PAGE>



On March 6, 1995, M&T Bank's mortgage banking subsidiary, M&T Mortgage
Corporation ("M&T Mortgage"), acquired Statewide Funding Corporation
("Statewide"), a privately-owned mortgage banking company based near Albany, New
York. Statewide had a mortgage servicing portfolio of approximately $1.0 billion
as of the acquisition date. Statewide was merged with and into M&T Mortgage on
the same date. On October 2, 1995, M&T Mortgage acquired the mortgage servicing
rights and origination franchise of Exchange Mortgage Corporation ("Exchange"),
a mortgage banking company based in Huntington Station, New York. As of the
acquisition date, Exchange serviced residential mortgage loans owned by other
investors having an outstanding principal balance of approximately $370 million.

The Company from time to time considers acquiring additional banks, thrift
institutions, branch offices or other businesses, generally within markets
currently served or in other nearby markets. The Company has pursued such
opportunities in the past, currently continues to actively review different
opportunities, including the possibility of major acquisitions, and intends to
continue this practice.

                                  Subsidiaries

M&T Bank is a banking corporation which is incorporated under the laws of the
State of New York. M&T Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System, the FDIC
and the Federal Home Loan Bank System. First Empire acquired all of the issued
and outstanding shares of the capital stock of M&T Bank in December 1969. The
stock of M&T Bank represents a major asset of First Empire. M&T Bank operates
under a charter granted by the State of New York in 1892, and the continuity of
its banking business is traced to the organization of the Manufacturers and
Traders Bank in 1856. The principal executive offices of M&T Bank are located at
One M&T Plaza, Buffalo, New York 14240. As of December 31, 1995, M&T Bank had
146 banking offices located throughout New York State, including 121 in Western
New York and in the Southern Tier of New York State, principally in Buffalo,
Rochester, Ithaca and Binghamton, 22 banking offices in the Hudson Valley region
and one in New York City, plus a branch in Nassau, The Bahamas and a
representative office in Syracuse. As of December 31, 1995, M&T Bank had
consolidated total assets of $10.2 billion, deposits of $7.8 billion and
stockholder's equity of $669 million. The deposit liabilities of M&T Bank are
insured by the FDIC through either its Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF") or its
Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF"). Of M&T Bank's $7.4 billion in
assessable deposits at December 31, 1995, 82% were assessed as BIF-insured and
the remainder as SAIF-insured deposits. As a commercial bank, M&T Bank offers a
broad range of financial services to a diverse base of consumers, businesses,
professional clients, governmental entities and financial institutions located
in its markets. Lending is largely focused on consumers residing in New York
State and on New York-based small and medium-size businesses, however certain of
M&T Bank's subsidiaries conduct lending activities in markets outside of New
York State. M&T Bank also provides other financial services through its
operating subsidiaries.

East New York was acquired by First Empire in December 1987. East New York,
originally organized in 1868, is a New York-chartered capital stock savings bank
and a member of the FDIC and of the Federal Home Loan Bank System. The deposit
liabilities of East New York are insured by the FDIC through the BIF. The stock
of East New York represents a major asset of First Empire. The principal
executive offices of East New York are located at 2644 Atlantic Avenue,
Brooklyn, New York 11207. Its banking business is conducted from 16 banking
offices located in New York City and Nassau County, Long Island. As of December
31, 1995, East New York had consolidated total assets of $1.8 billion, deposits
of $1.6 billion and stockholder's equity of $134 million. East New York takes
deposits from, and offers other banking services to, a diverse base of customers
located in its markets. East New York concentrates on marketing on behalf of the
Company commercial mortgage loans that are secured by income producing
properties that are primarily located throughout the metropolitan New York City
area, especially apartment buildings and cooperative apartments.

                                       -6-

<PAGE>




M&T Bank, N.A., a national bank and a member of the Federal Reserve System and
the FDIC, commenced operations on October 2, 1995. The deposit liabilities of
M&T Bank, N.A. are insured by the FDIC through the BIF. The main office of M&T
Bank, N.A. is located at 54 Main Street, Oakfield, New York 14125. M&T Bank,
N.A. offers selected deposit and loan products on a nationwide basis, primarily
through direct mail and telephone marketing techniques. As of December 31, 1995,
M&T Bank, N.A. had total assets of $246 million, deposits of $69 million and
stockholder's equity of $25 million. Credit card receivables of $211 million
were transferred to M&T Bank, N.A. by M&T Bank during 1995.

M&T Capital Corporation ("M&T Capital"), a wholly owned subsidiary of M&T Bank,
was incorporated as a New York business corporation in January 1968. M&T Capital
is a federally-licensed small business investment company operating under the
provisions of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended ("SBIA").
M&T Capital provides equity capital and long-term credit to "small-business
concerns", as defined by the SBIA. M&T Capital had assets of $8 million and
stockholder's equity of $7 million as of December 31, 1995, and recorded
approximately $3.8 million of revenues in 1995. The headquarters of M&T Capital
are located at One M&T Plaza, Buffalo, New York 14240.

M&T Credit Corporation ("M&T Credit"), a wholly owned subsidiary of M&T Bank,
was incorporated as a New York business corporation in April 1994. M&T Credit is
a consumer credit company with headquarters at One M&T Plaza, Buffalo, New York
14240, and offices in Pennsylvania. As of December 31, 1995, M&T Credit had
assets of $102 million and stockholder's equity of $0.6 million. M&T Credit
recorded $4.7 million of revenues during 1995.

M&T Mortgage, the wholly owned mortgage banking subsidiary of M&T Bank, was
incorporated as a New York business corporation in November 1991. M&T Mortgage's
principal activities are comprised of the origination of residential mortgage
loans and providing residential mortgage loan servicing to M&T Bank, East New
York and others. M&T Mortgage operates throughout New York State, and also
maintains branch offices in Colorado, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania,
Utah and Washington. M&T Mortgage had assets of $293 million and stockholder's
equity of $76 million as of December 31, 1995, and recorded approximately $56.6
million of revenues during 1995. The headquarters of M&T Mortgage are located at
M&T Center, One Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, New York 14203.

M&T Financial Corporation ("M&T Financial"), a New York business corporation, is
a wholly owned subsidiary of M&T Bank which specializes in capital-equipment
leasing. M&T Financial was formed in October 1985, had assets of $83 million and
stockholder's equity of $15 million as of December 31, 1995, and recorded
approximately $0.9 million of revenues in 1995. The headquarters of M&T
Financial are located at One M&T Plaza, Buffalo, New York 14240.

M&T Real Estate, Inc.("M&T Real Estate"), is a subsidiary of M&T Bank which was
incorporated as a New York business corporation in August 1995. M&T Bank owns
all of the outstanding common and 87.3% of the preferred stock of M&T Real
Estate. The remaining 12.7% of M&T Real Estate's preferred stock is owned by
officers of the Company. M&T Real Estate engages in commercial real estate
lending and servicing activities. During August 1995, M&T Bank contributed $1.9
billion of commercial mortgage loans, representing substantially all of its
commercial real estate loan portfolio, to M&T Real Estate. In addition,
substantially all of East New York's commercial real estate loan portfolio of
approximately $1.2 billion was transferred to M&T Bank, which in turn
contributed such loans to M&T Real Estate. In consideration for the transfer of
commercial real estate loans, East New York received from M&T Bank a portfolio
of residential mortgage and home equity loans with an aggregate estimated market
value comparable to that of the net

                                       -7-

<PAGE>


assets transferred by East New York to M&T Bank. As of December 31, 1995, M&T
Real Estate had assets of $3.2 billion and stockholder's equity of $3.1 billion.
M&T Real Estate recorded $122 million of revenues in 1995. The headquarters of
M&T Real Estate are located at M&T Center, One Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, New York
14203.

M&T Securities, Inc. ("M&T Securities") is a wholly owned subsidiary of M&T Bank
which was incorporated as a New York business corporation in November 1985. M&T
Securities is registered as a broker/dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, and provides securities brokerage and investment advisory
services. As of December 31, 1995, M&T Securities had assets of $4.1 million and
stockholder's equity of $(81) thousand. M&T Securities recorded $8.6 million of
revenues during 1995. The headquarters of M&T Securities are located at One M&T
Plaza, Buffalo, New York 14240.

Highland Lease Corporation ("Highland Lease"), a wholly owned subsidiary of M&T
Bank, was incorporated as a New York business corporation in October 1994.
Highland Lease is a consumer leasing company with headquarters at One M&T Plaza,
Buffalo, New York 14240. As of December 31, 1995, Highland Lease had assets of
$108 million and stockholder's equity of $7.3 million. Highland Lease recorded
$4.9 million of revenues during 1995.

The Registrant and its banking subsidiaries have a number of other
special-purpose or inactive subsidiaries. These other subsidiaries represented,
individually and collectively, an insignificant portion of the Company's
consolidated assets, net income and stockholders' equity at December 31, 1995.

            Lines of Business, Principal Services, Industry Segments
                             and Foreign Operations

Commercial and retail banking, with activities incidental thereto, represents
the sole significant line and/or segment of business of the Company. The
Company's international activities are discussed in note 15 of Notes to
Financial Statements filed herewith in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements
and Supplementary Data". The only activities that, as a class, contributed 10%
or more of the sum of consolidated interest income and other income in each of
the last three years were lending and investment securities transactions. The
amount of income from such sources during those years is set forth on the
Company's Consolidated Statement of Income filed herewith in Part II, Item 8,
"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data".

                           Supervision and Regulation

The banking industry is subject to extensive state and federal regulation and
continues to undergo significant change. In 1991, the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation Improvement Act ("FDICIA") was enacted. FDICIA substantially amended
the Federal Deposit Insurance Act ("FDI Act") and certain other statutes. Since
FDICIA's enactment, the federal bank regulatory agencies have adopted
regulations to implement its statutory provisions.

The following discussion summarizes certain aspects of the banking laws and
regulations that affect the Company. Proposals to change the laws and
regulations governing the banking industry are frequently raised in Congress, in
state legislatures, and before the various bank regulatory agencies. The
likelihood and timing of any changes and the impact such changes might have on
the Company are impossible to determine with any certainty. A change in
applicable laws or regulations, or a change in the way such laws or regulations
are interpreted by regulatory agencies or courts, may have a material impact on
the business, operations and earnings of the Company. To the extent that the
following information describes statutory or regulatory provisions, it is
qualified entirely by reference to the particular statutory or regulatory
provision.

                         Bank Holding Company Regulation

As a registered bank holding company, the Registrant and its nonbank


                                       -8-
<PAGE>

subsidiaries are subject to supervision and regulation under the BHCA by the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ("Federal Reserve Board") and
the New York State Banking Superintendent ("Banking Superintendent"). The
Federal Reserve Board requires regular reports from the Registrant and is
authorized by the BHCA to make regular examinations of the Registrant and its
subsidiaries.

Under the BHCA, the Registrant may not acquire direct or indirect ownership or
control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company, including a bank,
without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board, except as specifically
authorized under the BHCA. The Registrant is also subject to regulation under
the Banking Law with respect to certain acquisitions of domestic banks. Under
the BHCA, the Registrant, subject to the approval of the Federal Reserve Board,
may acquire shares of non-banking corporations the activities of which are
deemed by the Federal Reserve Board to be so closely related to banking or
managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto.

The Federal Reserve Board has enforcement powers over bank holding companies and
their non-banking subsidiaries, among other things, to interdict activities that
represent unsafe or unsound practices or constitute violations of law, rule,
regulation, administrative orders or written agreements with a federal bank
regulator. These powers may be exercised through the issuance of
cease-and-desist orders, civil money penalties or other actions.

Under the Federal Reserve Board's statement of policy with respect to bank
holding company operations, a bank holding company is required to serve as a
source of financial strength to its subsidiary depository institutions and to
commit all available resources to support such institutions in circumstances
where it might not do so absent such policy. Although this "source of strength"
policy has been challenged in litigation, the Federal Reserve Board continues to
take the position that it has authority to enforce it. For a discussion of
circumstances under which a bank holding company may be required to guarantee
the capital levels or performance of its subsidiary banks, see Capital Adequacy,
below. The Federal Reserve also has the authority to terminate any activity of a
bank holding company that constitutes a serious risk to the financial soundness
or stability of any subsidiary depository institution or to terminate its
control of any bank or nonbank subsidiaries.

On September 29, 1994, the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking Efficiency Act of 1994
(the "Interstate Banking Act") was enacted into law. Generally, the Interstate
Banking Act permits bank holding companies to acquire banks in any state as of
September 29, 1995, and preempts all state laws restricting the ownership by a
bank holding company of banks in more than one state. The Interstate Banking Act
also permits, prior to June 1, 1997, a bank to merge with an out-of-state bank
and convert any offices into branches of the resulting bank if the home states
of both banks expressly permit interstate bank mergers; permits, beginning June
1, 1997, a bank to merge with an out-of-state bank and convert any offices into
branches of the resulting bank if both states have not opted out of interstate
branching; permits a bank to acquire branches from an out-of-state bank,
beginning June 1, 1997, if the law of the state where the branches are located
permits the interstate branch acquisition; and permits banks to establish and
operate de novo interstate branches whenever the host state opts-in to de novo
branching. Bank holding companies and banks seeking to engage in transactions
authorized by the Interstate Banking Act must be adequately capitalized and
managed.

On January 29, 1996, New York State enacted into law an interstate branching law
which enables New York to "opt-in" early to interstate branching by merger and
acquisition, as permitted under the Interstate Banking Act. The law adopted in
New York (the "New York Interstate Branching Law") provides for the immediate
opt-in of branching by merger or acquisition on a

                                       -9-

<PAGE>

reciprocal basis until June 1, 1997, and is thereafter unrestricted. The New
York Interstate Branching Law permits the acquisition of a single branch on a
reciprocal basis until June 1, 1997, and thereafter without restriction, but
does not provide for de novo interstate branching.

Bank holding companies and their subsidiary banks are also subject to the
provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 ("CRA"). Under the terms of
the CRA, the Federal Reserve Board (or other appropriate bank regulatory agency)
is required, in connection with its examination of a bank, to assess such bank's
record in meeting the credit needs of the community served by that bank,
including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Furthermore, such assessment
is also required of any bank that has applied, among other things, to merge or
consolidate with or acquire the assets or assume the liabilities of a
federally-regulated financial institution, or to open or relocate a branch
office. In the case of a bank holding company applying for approval to acquire a
bank or bank holding company, the Federal Reserve Board will assess the record
of each subsidiary bank of the applicant bank holding company in considering the
application. The Banking Law contains provisions similar to the CRA which are
applicable to New York-chartered banks.

                 Supervision and Regulation of Bank Subsidiaries

The Registrant's banking subsidiaries are subject to regulation, and are
examined regularly, by various bank regulatory agencies: M&T Bank by the Federal
Reserve Board and the Banking Superintendent; East New York by the FDIC and the
Banking Superintendent; and M&T Bank, N.A. by the Comptroller of the Currency.
The Registrant and its direct non-banking subsidiaries are affiliates, within
the meaning of the Federal Reserve Act, of the Registrant's subsidiary banks and
their subsidiaries. As a result, the Registrant's subsidiary banks and their
subsidiaries are subject to restrictions on loans or extensions of credit to,
purchases of assets from, investments in, and transactions with the Registrant
and its direct non-banking subsidiaries and on certain other transactions with
them or involving their securities.

Under the "cross-guarantee" provisions of the FDI Act, insured depository
institutions under common control are required to reimburse the FDIC for any
loss suffered by either the BIF or SAIF of the FDIC as a result of the default
of a commonly controlled insured depository institution or for any assistance
provided by the FDIC to a commonly controlled insured depository institution in
danger of default. Thus, any insured depository institution subsidiary of First
Empire could incur liability to the FDIC in the event of a default of another
insured depository institution owned or controlled by First Empire. The FDIC's
claim under the cross-guarantee provisions is superior to claims of stockholders
of the insured depository institution or its holding company and to most claims
arising out of obligations or liabilities owed to affiliates of the institution,
but is subordinate to claims of depositors, secured creditors and holders of
subordinated debt (other than affiliates) of the commonly controlled insured
depository institution. The FDIC may decline to enforce the cross-guarantee
provisions if it determines that a waiver is in the best interest of the BIF or
SAIF or both.

                        Dividends from Bank Subsidiaries

M&T Bank, East New York and M&T Bank, N.A. are subject, under one or more of the
banking laws, to restrictions on the amount and frequency (no more often than
quarterly) of dividend declarations. Future dividend payments to the Registrant
by its subsidiary banks will be dependent on a number of factors, including the
earnings and financial condition of each such bank, and are subject to the
limitations referred to in note 18 of Notes to Financial Statements filed
herewith in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and

                                      -10-

<PAGE>


Supplementary Data," and to other statutory powers of bank regulatory agencies.

Under FDICIA, an insured depository institution is prohibited from making any
capital distribution to its owner, including any dividend, if, after making such
distribution, the depository institution fails to meet the required minimum
level for any relevant capital measure, including the risk-based capital
adequacy and leverage standards discussed below.

                                Capital Adequacy

The Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC have adopted risk-based capital adequacy
guidelines for bank holding companies and banks under their supervision. Under
the guidelines the so-called "Tier 1 capital" and "Total capital" as a
percentage of risk-weighted assets and certain off-balance sheet instruments
must be at least 4% and 8%, respectively.

The Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC have also imposed a leverage standard to
supplement their risk-based ratios. This leverage standard focuses on a banking
institution's ratio of Tier 1 capital to average total assets, adjusted for
goodwill and certain other items. Under these guidelines, banking institutions
that meet certain criteria, including excellent asset quality, high liquidity,
low interest rate exposure and good earnings, and that have received the highest
regulatory rating must maintain a ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets of at
least 3%. Institutions not meeting these criteria, as well as institutions with
supervisory, financial or operational weaknesses, along with those experiencing
or anticipating significant growth are expected to maintain a Tier 1 capital to
total assets ratio equal to at least 4 to 5%.

As reflected in the following table, the risk-based capital ratios and leverage
ratios of the Registrant, M&T Bank, East New York and M&T Bank, N.A. as of
December 31, 1995 exceeded the risk-based capital adequacy guidelines and the
leverage standard.

               Capital Components and Ratios at December 31, 1995
                              (dollars in millions)

                           Registrant                               M&T Bank,
                         (Consolidated)   M&T Bank   East New York     N.A.
                         --------------   --------   -------------     ----
Capital Components
 Tier 1 capital             $   821      $  646          $  133       $  22
 Total capital                1,118         927             148          25

Risk-weighted assets
and off-balance sheet
instruments                 $ 9,624      $8,392          $1,168        $235

Risk-based Capital Ratio
 Tier 1 capital                8.53%       7.70%          11.41%       9.46%
 Total capital                11.62       11.05           12.68       10.76

Leverage Ratio                 6.91        6.38            7.33       10.08


FDICIA required each federal banking agency, including the Federal Reserve
Board, to revise its risk-based capital standards within 18 months of the
enactment of the statute into law on December 19, 1991 in order to ensure that
those standards take adequate account of interest rate risk, concentration of
credit risk and the risk of nontraditional activities, as well as reflect the
actual performance and expected risk of loss on certain multifamily housing
loans.


On December 29, 1993, the Federal Reserve Board amended the risk-based capital

                                      -11-

<PAGE>



guidelines, effective December 31, 1993, lowering from 100 percent to 50 percent
the risk weight assigned to certain multifamily housing loans.

On December 7, 1994, the Federal Reserve Board adopted a final rule, effective
December 31, 1994, providing that institutions regulated by the Federal Reserve
Board could net for risk-based capital purposes the positive and negative market
values of interest and exchange rate contracts subject to a qualifying, legally
enforceable, bilateral netting contract to calculate one current exposure for
that netting contract.

On December 8, 1994, the Federal Reserve Board amended its risk-based capital
guidelines effective December 31, 1994, directing institutions to generally not
include in regulatory capital the "net unrealized holding gains (losses) on
securities available for sale", determined pursuant to the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities", when preparing financial statements
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Net unrealized
losses on marketable equity securities (i.e., equity securities with readily
determinable fair values), however, continue to be deducted from Tier 1 capital.
This rule has the general effect of valuing available for sale securities at
amortized cost (i.e., based on historical cost), rather than at fair value
(i.e., generally at market value), for purposes of calculating the risk-based
and leverage ratios.

On December 15, 1994, the Federal Reserve Board issued a final rule, effective
January 17, 1995, addressing concentration of credit risk and risks of
nontraditional activities. Accordingly, risk-based capital guidelines were
amended to explicitly cite concentrations of credit risk and an institution's
ability to monitor and control them as important factors in assessing an
institution's overall capital adequacy. Institutions identified through the
examination process as having significant exposure to concentration of credit
risk or as not adequately managing concentration risk will be required to hold
capital in excess of the regulatory minimums. The risk-based capital guidelines
were further amended to explicitly cite the risks arising from nontraditional
activities and management's ability to monitor and control these risks as
important factors to consider in assessing an institution's overall capital
adequacy. The rule requires that as banking institutions begin to engage in, or
significantly expand their participation in, a nontraditional activity, the
risks of that activity be promptly analyzed and the activity given appropriate
capital treatment by the agencies.

On December 22, 1994, the Federal Reserve Board revised its capital adequacy
guidelines, effective April 1, 1995, to establish a limitation on the amount of
certain deferred tax assets that may be included in (that is, not deducted from)
Tier 1 capital for purpose of risk-based capital and leverage ratios. Under the
revised guidelines, deferred tax assets that can only be realized if an
institution earns taxable income in the future are limited for regulatory
capital purposes to the amount that the institution expects to realize, based on
projections of taxable income, within one year of each quarter-end report date
or 10 percent of Tier 1 capital, whichever is less.

In August 1995, the federal banking agencies issued final rules under which
exposure to interest rate risk will be measured as the effect that a change in
interest rates would have on the net economic value of a bank. This economic
perspective considers the effect that changing interest rates may have on the
value of a bank's assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet positions. Exposure
estimates collected through a new proposed supervisory measurement process, a
bank's historical financial performance, and it's earnings exposure to interest
rate movements will be quantitative factors used by examiners to determine the
adequacy of a bank's capital for interest rate risk. Examiners will also
consider qualitative factors, including the adequacy of a bank's internal
interest rate risk management. As a result, the final supervisory judgement on a
bank's capital adequacy may differ significantly from conclusions that might be
drawn solely from the level of the bank's risk-based capital ratio. Although the
final rule did not codify a measurement framework, the federal banking agencies
also intend to adopt a measurement framework which can be incorporated into
risk-based capital standards.

                                      -12-

<PAGE>



Bank regulators periodically propose amendments to the risk-based capital
guidelines and related regulatory framework. While the Company's management
studies such proposals, the timing of adoption, ultimate form and effect of such
proposed amendments on the Company's capital requirements and operations cannot
be predicted.

FDICIA requires the federal banking agencies to take "prompt corrective action"
in respect of depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital
requirements. FDICIA established five capital tiers: "well capitalized",
"adequately capitalized", "undercapitalized", "significantly undercapitalized"
and "critically undercapitalized". A depository institution's capital tier
depends upon where its capital levels are in relation to various relevant
capital measures, including a risk-based capital measure and a leverage ratio
capital measure, and certain other factors.

Under the implementing regulations adopted by the federal banking agencies, a
bank is considered "well capitalized" if it has (i) a total risk-based capital
ratio of 10% or greater, (ii) a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% or
greater, (iii) a leverage ratio of 5% or greater and (iv) is not subject to any
order or written directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any
capital measure. An "adequately capitalized" bank is defined as one that has (i)
a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater, (ii) a Tier 1 risk-based
capital ratio of 4% or greater and (iii) a leverage ratio of 4% or greater (or
3% or greater in the case of a bank with a composite CAMEL rating of 1). A bank
is considered (A) "undercapitalized" if it has (i) a total risk-based capital
ratio of less than 8%, (ii) a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4% or
(iii) a leverage ratio of less than 4% (or 3% in the case of a bank with a
composite CAMEL rating of 1); (B) "significantly undercapitalized" if the bank
has (i) a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6%, or (ii) a Tier 1
risk-based capital ratio of less than 3% or (iii) a leverage ratio of less than
3% and (C)"critically undercapitalized" if the bank has a ratio of tangible
equity to total assets equal to or less than 2%. The Federal Reserve Board may
reclassify a "well capitalized" bank as "adequately capitalized" or subject an
"adequately capitalized" or "undercapitalized" institution to the supervisory
actions applicable to the next lower capital category if it determines that the
bank is in an unsafe or unsound condition or deems the bank to be engaged in an
unsafe or unsound practice and not to have corrected the deficiency. M&T Bank,
East New York and M&T Bank, N.A. currently meet the definition of "well
capitalized" institutions.

"Undercapitalized" depository institutions, among other things, are subject to
growth limitations, are prohibited, with certain exceptions, from making capital
distributions, are limited in their ability to obtain funding from a Federal
Reserve Bank and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. The federal
banking agencies may not accept a capital plan without determining, among other
things, that the plan is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed
in restoring the depository institution's capital. In addition, for a capital
restoration plan to be acceptable, the depository institution's parent holding
company must guarantee that the institution will comply with such capital
restoration plan and provide appropriate assurances of performance. If a
depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, including if the
holding company refuses or is unable to make the guarantee described in the
previous sentence, it is treated as if it is "significantly undercapitalized".
Failure to submit or implement an acceptable capital plan also is grounds for
the appointment of a conservator or a receiver. "Significantly undercapitalized"
depository institutions may be subject to a number of additional requirements
and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become
adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets and cessation of
receipt of deposits from correspondent banks. Moreover, the parent holding
company of a significantly undercapitalized depository institution may be
ordered to divest itself of the institution or of nonbank subsidiaries of the
holding company. "Critically undercapitalized" institutions, among other things,
are prohibited from making any payments of principal and interest on
subordinated debt, and are subject to the appointment of a receiver or
conservator.


                                      -13-

<PAGE>


FDICIA directs, among other things, that each federal banking agency prescribe
standards for depository institutions and depository institution holding
companies relating to internal controls, information systems, internal audit
systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset
growth, compensation, a maximum ratio of classified assets to capital, minimum
earnings sufficient to absorb losses, a minimum ratio of market value to book
value for publicly traded shares and other standards as they deem appropriate.
The Federal Reserve Board adopted such standards in 1993.

FDICIA also contains a variety of other provisions that may affect the
operations of the Company, including new reporting requirements, regulatory
standards for real estate lending, "truth in savings" provisions, limitations on
the amount of capitalized mortgage servicing rights and purchased credit card
relationships includable in Tier 1 capital, and the requirement that a
depository institution give 90 days' prior notice to customers and regulatory
authorities before closing any branch. FDICIA also contains a prohibition on the
acceptance or renewal of brokered deposits by depository institutions that are
not "well capitalized" or are "adequately capitalized" and have not received a
waiver from the FDIC.

                       FDIC Deposit Insurance Assessments

As institutions insured by the BIF and the SAIF, M&T Bank, East New York and M&T
Bank, N.A. are subject to FDIC deposit insurance assessments. Under current law
the insurance assessment to be paid by BIF-insured institutions shall be
specified in a schedule required to be issued by the FDIC that specifies, at
semiannual intervals, target reserve ratios designed to increase the reserve
ratio to 1.25% of estimated insured deposits (or such higher ratio as the FDIC
may determine in accordance with the statute) no later than 2006. The FDIC is
also authorized to impose one or more special assessments in any amounts deemed
necessary to enable repayment of amounts borrowed by the FDIC from the Treasury
Department. On September 15, 1992, the FDIC approved the implementation of a
risk-based deposit premium assessment system under which each depository
institution is placed in one of nine assessment categories based on the
institution's capital classification under the prompt corrective action
provisions described above, and whether such institution is considered by its
supervisory agency to be financially sound or to have supervisory concerns. The
assessment rates under the system range from .23% to .31% depending upon the
assessment category into which the insured institution is placed. The risk-based
assessment system became effective January 1, 1993. In September 1995, the FDIC
announced that the BIF was fully capitalized at the end of May 1995. As a
result, the BIF assessments from the FDIC for M&T Bank and East New York were
reduced to .04%, retroactive to June 1, 1995. In addition, effective January 1,
1996, such assessment was reduced to a nominal level for M&T Bank, East New York
and M&T Bank, N.A. The FDIC retains the ability to increase BIF assessments and
to levy special additional assessments.

With respect to deposit insurance assessments on SAIF-insured deposits at M&T
Bank (which represent approximately 18% of its total assessed deposit
liabilities), under current law such assessments must be the greater of .15% of
M&T Bank's average assessment base (as defined) or such rate as the FDIC at its
sole discretion determines to be appropriate to increase (or maintain) the
reserve ratio to 1.25% of estimated insured deposits (or such higher ratio as
the FDIC may determine in accordance with the statute) within a reasonable
period of time. From January 1, 1994 through December 31, 1997 the assessment
rate must not be less than .18% of the institution's average assessment base.
The assessment rate may be higher if the FDIC, in its sole discretion,
determines such higher rate to be appropriate. Effective January 1, 1993, the
risk-based deposit premium assessment system described above was made applicable
to SAIF-insured deposits. However, unlike assessments for BIF-insured deposits,
the FDIC has not reduced the 1995 or 1996 assessment rates for SAIF-insured
deposits. Furthermore, in 1995 congressional committees considered proposals
that would require a one-time special assessment related to deposits insured by
the SAIF. Although final legislation has yet to be enacted, management believes
that it is likely that a special assessment will ultimately be levied against
M&T Bank on its SAIF insured deposits.


                                      -14-

<PAGE>

A significant increase in the assessment rate or a special additional assessment
with respect to insured deposits could have an adverse impact on the results of
operations and capital of M&T Bank, East New York or M&T Bank, N.A.

                              Governmental Policies

The earnings of the Company are significantly affected by the monetary and
fiscal policies of governmental authorities, including the Federal Reserve
Board. Among the instruments of monetary policy used by the Federal Reserve
Board to implement these objectives are open-market operations in U.S.
Government securities and Federal funds, changes in the discount rate on member
bank borrowings and changes in reserve requirements against member bank
deposits. These instruments of monetary policy are used in varying combinations
to influence the overall level of bank loans, investments and deposits, and the
interest rates charged on loans and paid for deposits. The Federal Reserve Board
frequently uses these instruments of monetary policy, especially its open-market
operations and the discount rate, to influence the level of interest rates and
to affect the strength of the economy, the level of inflation or the price of
the dollar in foreign exchange markets. The monetary policies of the Federal
Reserve Board have had a significant effect on the operating results of banking
institutions in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. It
is not possible to predict the nature of future changes in monetary and fiscal
policies, or the effect which they may have on the Company's business and
earnings.

                                   Competition

The Company competes in offering commercial and personal financial services with
other banking institutions and with firms in a number of other industries, such
as thrift institutions, credit unions, personal loan companies, sales finance
companies, leasing companies, securities brokers and dealers, insurance
companies and retail merchandising organizations. Furthermore, diversified
financial services companies are able to offer a combination of these services
to their customers on a nationwide basis. Compared to less extensively regulated
financial services companies, the Company's operations are significantly
impacted by state and federal regulations applicable to the banking industry.
Moreover, the provisions of the Interstate Banking Act and the New York State
Interstate Branching Law may further ease entry into New York State by
out-of-state banking institutions. As a result, the number of banking
organizations with which the Registrant's subsidiary banks compete may grow in
the future.

                          Other Legislative Initiatives

From time to time, various proposals are introduced in the United States
Congress and in the New York Legislature and before various bank regulatory
authorities which would alter the powers of, and restrictions on, different
types of banking organizations and which would restructure part or all of the
existing regulatory framework for banks, bank holding companies and other
financial institutions.

Moreover, a number of other bills have been introduced in Congress which would
further regulate, deregulate or restructure the financial services industry. It
is not possible to predict whether these or any other proposals will be enacted
into law or, even if enacted, the effect which they may have on the Company's
business and earnings.

                   Statistical Disclosure Pursuant to Guide 3

See cross-reference sheet for disclosures incorporated elsewhere in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K. Additional information is included in the following tables.

                                      -15-

<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Item 1, Table 1

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED YEAR-END BALANCES


Dollars in thousands                                    1995         1994         1993         1992         1991
- -------------------------------------------------   -----------   ----------   ----------    ---------   ----------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>      
Money-market assets
  Interest-bearing deposits at banks                $   125,500          143       55,044      110,041            -
  Federal funds sold and resell agreements                1,000        3,080      329,429      312,461       67,351
  Trading account                                         9,709        5,438        9,815       53,515       42,957
- -------------------------------------------------   -----------   ----------   ----------    ---------    ---------
    Total money-market assets                           136,209        8,661      394,288      476,017      110,308

Investment securities
  U.S. Treasury and federal agencies                  1,087,005      999,407    1,387,395      916,621    1,725,604
  Obligations of states and political subdivisions       35,250       55,787       49,230       53,789      128,409
  Other                                                 647,040      735,846      992,527      750,154      731,973
- -------------------------------------------------   -----------   ----------   ----------    ---------    ---------
    Total investment securities                       1,769,295    1,791,040    2,429,152    1,720,564    2,585,986

Loans and leases
  Commercial, financial, leasing, etc.                2,013,937    1,680,415    1,510,205    1,478,555    1,068,606
  Real estate - construction                             77,604       53,535       51,384       35,831       30,895
  Real estate - mortgage                              5,648,590    5,046,937    4,540,177    4,422,730    4,091,414
  Consumer                                            2,133,592    1,666,230    1,337,293    1,211,401    1,015,722
- -------------------------------------------------   -----------   ----------   ----------    ---------    ---------
    Total loans and leases                            9,873,723    8,447,117    7,439,059    7,148,517    6,206,637
  Unearned discount                                    (317,874)    (229,824)    (177,960)    (164,713)    (160,083)
  Allowance for possible credit losses                 (262,344)    (243,332)    (195,878)    (151,690)    (100,265)
- -------------------------------------------------   ------------  ----------   ----------    ---------    ---------
    Loans and leases, net                             9,293,505    7,973,961    7,065,221    6,832,114    5,946,289

Other real estate owned                                   7,295       10,065       12,222       16,694       10,354
Total assets                                         11,955,902   10,528,644   10,364,958    9,587,931    9,171,066
- -------------------------------------------------   -----------   ----------   ----------    ---------    ---------

Demand deposits                                       1,184,359    1,087,102    1,052,258    1,078,690      655,876
NOW accounts                                            768,559      748,199      764,690      770,618      683,732
Savings deposits                                      2,765,301    3,098,438    3,364,983    3,573,717    2,841,590
Time deposits                                         4,596,053    3,106,723    1,982,272    2,536,309    3,066,897
Deposits at foreign office                              155,303      202,611      189,058      117,776      226,229
- -------------------------------------------------   -----------   ----------   ----------    ---------    ---------
    Total deposits                                    9,469,575    8,243,073    7,353,261    8,077,110    7,474,324

Short-term borrowings                                 1,273,206    1,364,850    2,101,667      692,691    1,022,430
Long-term borrowings                                    192,791       96,187       75,590       75,685        9,477
Total liabilities                                    11,109,649    9,807,648    9,640,964    8,961,136    8,635,291
- -------------------------------------------------   -----------   ----------   ----------    ---------    ---------
Stockholders' equity                                    846,253      720,996      723,994      626,795      535,775
- -------------------------------------------------   -----------   ----------   ----------    ---------    ---------
</TABLE>




STOCKHOLDERS, EMPLOYEES AND OFFICES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number at year-end                                      1995         1994         1993         1992         1991
- -------------------------------------------------   -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ---------
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>  
Stockholders                                              3,787        3,981        3,985        4,157        4,346
Employees                                                 4,889        4,505        4,400        4,275        3,338
Banking offices                                             181          168          145          151          115
- -------------------------------------------------   -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ---------
</TABLE>



                                      -16-


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Item 1, Table 2
CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS

Dollars in thousands                             1995       1994       1993       1992       1991
- --------------------------------------------  ---------    -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                                           <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>    
Interest income
Loans and leases, including fees              $ 794,181    633,077    608,473    602,932    592,395
Money-market assets
  Deposits at banks                               8,181      2,212      6,740      1,083      7,864
  Federal funds sold and resell agreements        3,007      4,751     20,403     18,100      5,322
  Trading account                                 1,234        361      1,242      2,927     15,716
Investment securities
  Fully taxable                                 118,791    104,185    101,187    125,529    138,808
  Exempt from federal taxes                       2,760      2,760      2,584      5,906      9,292
- --------------------------------------------  ---------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Total interest income                         928,154    747,346    740,629    756,477    769,397
- --------------------------------------------  ---------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Interest expense
NOW accounts                                     11,902     11,286     13,113     16,544     27,418
Savings deposits                                 87,612     84,804     90,392    110,142    123,468
Time deposits                                   239,882     97,067     98,508    153,588    242,684
Deposits at foreign office                        6,952      5,894      3,243      4,348      9,014
Short-term borrowings                            84,225     73,868     58,459     38,386     36,972
Long-term borrowings                             11,157      6,287      6,158        590        659
- --------------------------------------------  ---------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Total interest expense                        441,730    279,206    269,873    323,598    440,215
- --------------------------------------------  ---------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Net interest income                             486,424    468,140    470,756    432,879    329,182
Provision for possible credit losses             40,350     60,536     79,958     84,989     63,412
- --------------------------------------------  ---------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Net interest income after provision
  for possible credit losses                    446,074    407,604    390,798    347,890    265,770
- --------------------------------------------  ---------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Other income
Trust income                                     25,477     22,574     23,865     16,905     11,847
Service charges on deposit accounts              38,290     35,016     32,291     28,372     20,688
Merchant discount and other credit card fees     10,675      8,705      7,932      6,728      5,776
Trading account gains                             1,151        700      2,702      1,684      5,015
Gain on sales of bank investment securities       4,479        128        870     28,050        450
Mortgage banking revenues                        37,142     16,002     12,776     10,943      8,548
Gain on sales of venture capital investments      2,619        802      2,896      3,230      2,064
Other revenues from operations                   29,705     39,812     27,212     30,314     23,298
- --------------------------------------------  ---------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Total other income                            149,538    123,739    110,544    126,226     77,686
- --------------------------------------------  ---------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Other expense
Salaries and employee benefits                  188,222    161,221    154,340    130,751    103,201
Equipment and net occupancy                      50,526     49,132     47,823     41,659     33,350
Printing, postage and supplies                   14,442     13,516     13,021     13,111     10,727
Deposit insurance                                14,675     16,442     17,684     17,783     15,222
Other costs of operations                       106,574     96,551     94,951    108,034     66,161
- --------------------------------------------  ---------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Total other expense                           374,439    336,862    327,819    311,338    228,661
- --------------------------------------------  ---------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Income before income taxes                      221,173    194,481    173,523    162,778    114,795
Income taxes                                     90,137     77,186     71,531     64,841     47,601
- --------------------------------------------  ---------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Net income                                    $ 131,036    117,295    101,992     97,937     67,194
============================================  =========    =======    =======    =======    =======
Dividends declared
  Common                                      $  16,224     14,743     13,054     10,780      9,344
  Preferred                                       3,600      3,600      3,600      3,600      2,860
============================================  =========    =======    =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>


                                      -17-


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Item 1, Table 3

COMMON SHAREHOLDER DATA

                                               1995     1994     1993     1992     1991
- --------------------------------------------  ------   ------    -----    -----    -----
<S>                                          <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>      <C> 
Per Share
  Net income                                  $18.79    16.35    13.87    13.41     9.32
  Cash dividends declared                       2.50     2.20     1.90     1.60     1.40
  Stockholders' equity at year-end            125.33   103.02    99.43    85.79    73.91
Dividend payout ratio                          12.73%   12.97%   13.27%   11.43%   14.52%
============================================  ======   ======    =====    =====    =====
</TABLE>




























                                      -18-

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                              Item 1, Table 4

CHANGES IN INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE*

                                                               1995 compared with 1994            1994 compared with 1993
                                                               -----------------------            -----------------------
                                                                        Resulting from                      Resulting from
                                                                          changes in:                         changes in:
                                                              Total     ---------------           Total     ---------------
Increase (decrease) in thousands                              change    Volume     Rate           change    Volume     Rate
- ---------------------------------------------------------     ------    ------     ----           ------    ------     ----
<S>                                                        <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>       <C>     
Interest income
Loans and leases, including fees                           $ 161,336   127,303    34,033       $  24,416    38,266   (13,850)
Money-market assets
   Deposits at banks                                           5,969     4,005     1,964          (4,528)   (6,055)    1,527
   Federal funds sold and agreements to resell securities     (1,744)   (3,335)    1,591         (15,652)  (20,432)    4,780
   Trading account                                               840       952      (112)           (935)   (1,083)      148
Investment securities
   U.S. Treasury and federal agencies                         17,563     3,841    13,722          (5,735)   (6,451)      716
   Obligations of states and political subdivisions              348      (227)      575             472       747      (275)
   Other                                                      (2,945)   (6,562)    3,617           8,682       972     7,710
- ---------------------------------------------------------  ---------                           ---------
   Total interest income                                   $ 181,367                           $   6,720
=========================================================  =========                           =========
Interest expense
Interest-bearing deposits
   NOW accounts                                            $     616       237       379       $  (1,827)      (28)   (1,799)
   Savings deposits                                            2,808    (9,704)   12,512          (5,588)   (5,848)      260
   Time deposits                                             142,815   105,852    36,963          (1,441)   (3,099)    1,658
   Deposits at foreign office                                  1,058      (953)    2,011           2,651     1,146     1,505
Short-term borrowings                                         10,357   (16,495)   26,852          15,409    (4,856)   20,265
Long-term borrowings                                           4,870     5,272      (402)            129       135        (6)
- ---------------------------------------------------------  ---------                           ---------
   Total interest expense                                  $ 162,524                           $   9,333
=========================================================  =========                           =========
</TABLE>

 * Interest income data are on a taxable-equivalent basis. The apportionment of
   changes resulting from the combined effect of both volume and rate was based
   on the separately determined volume and rate changes.


                                      -19-


<PAGE>




Item 2.  Properties.

Both First Empire and M&T Bank maintain their executive offices at One M&T Plaza
in Buffalo, New York. This twenty-one story headquarters building, containing
approximately 276,000 rentable square feet of space, is owned in fee by M&T
Bank, and was completed in 1967 at a cost of approximately $17 million. First
Empire, M&T Bank and their subsidiaries occupy approximately 68% of the building
and the remainder is leased to non-affiliated tenants. At December 31, 1995, the
cost of this property, net of accumulated depreciation, was $10.2 million.


In September 1992, M&T Bank acquired an additional facility in Buffalo, New York
with approximately 346,000 rentable square feet of space at a cost of
approximately $12 million. Approximately 83% of this facility, known as M&T
Center, is occupied by M&T Bank and its subsidiaries, with the remainder leased
to non-affiliated tenants. At December 31, 1995, the cost of this building,
including improvements made subsequent to acquisition and net of accumulated
depreciation, was $16.3 million.

M&T Bank also owns and occupies two separate facilities in the Buffalo area
which support certain back-office and operations functions of the Company. The
total square footage of these facilities approximates 223,000 square feet and
their combined cost, net of accumulated depreciation, was $12.5 million.

The cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, of the Company's
premises and equipment is detailed in note 6 of Notes to Financial Statements
filed herewith in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data". Of the 161 domestic banking offices of the Registrant's subsidiary banks,
57 are owned in fee and 104 are leased.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

A number of lawsuits were pending against the Registrant and its subsidiaries at
December 31, 1995. In the opinion of management, the potential liabilities, if
any, arising from such litigation will not have a materially adverse impact on
the Company's consolidated financial condition. Moreover, management believes
that the Company has substantial defenses in such litigation, but there can be
no assurance that the potential liabilities, if any, arising from such
litigation will not have a materially adverse impact on the Company's
consolidated results of operations in the future.

Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.  Not applicable

                      Executive Officers of the Registrant

Information concerning the Registrant's executive officers is presented below as
of March 4, 1996. Shown parenthetically is the year since which the officer has
held the indicated position with the Registrant or its subsidiaries. In the case
of each such corporation, officers' terms run until the first meeting of the
board of directors after such corporation's annual meeting, and until their
successors are elected and qualified.

      Robert G. Wilmers, age 61, is chairman of the board (1994), president
         (1988), chief executive officer (1983) and a director (1982) of the
         Registrant. He is chairman of the board, president and chief executive
         officer (1983) and a director (1982) of M&T Bank. Mr. Wilmers is a
         director of East New York (1988) and M&T Financial (1985). He is
         chairman of the board and a director of M&T Bank, N.A.(1995).


      William A. Buckingham, age 53, is an executive vice president (1990) of
         the Registrant and of M&T Bank and is in charge of the Company's Retail
         Banking Division. Mr. Buckingham is a director of M&T Securities. He is
         an executive vice president and a director of M&T Bank, N.A.(1995). Mr.
         Buckingham is chairman of the board and a director of M&T Credit
         (1995); chairman of the board and a director of Highland Lease (1995);

                                      -20-

<PAGE>



         and a director of M&T Securities (1995). Mr. Buckingham held a number
         of management positions with Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company from
         1973 to 1990, including the position of executive vice president of its
         branch banking division which he held immediately prior to joining the
         Registrant and M&T Bank.


      Atwood Collins, III, age 49, is the president, chief executive officer and
         a director (1995) of East New York. Previously, Mr. Collins served as
         executive vice president and chief operating officer of East New York
         (1988). Mr. Collins is a director of M&T Real Estate (1995). Mr.
         Collins held a number of management positions with Morgan Guaranty
         Trust Company of New York from 1972 to 1988, including the position of
         senior vice president and manager of treasury operations which he held
         immediately prior to joining East New York.


      Brian E. Hickey, age 43, is president (1994) of the Rochester Division of
         M&T Bank and has responsibility for managing all of M&T Bank's business
         segments in the Rochester market. Before joining M&T Bank, Mr. Hickey
         served as regional president, Rochester/Southern Region of Marine
         Midland Bank, which he joined as a regional executive in 1989.


      James L. Hoffman, age 56, is president (1992) of the Hudson Valley
         Division of M&T Bank. Mr. Hoffman served as chairman of the board,
         president, chief executive officer and a director (1983) of The First
         National Bank of Highland, which had been a wholly owned subsidiary of
         the Registrant prior to its merger with and into M&T Bank on February
         29, 1992. Mr. Hoffman is a director of M&T Financial (1986). He served
         as an executive vice president of M&T Bank from 1974 to 1984.


      Barbara L. Laughlin, age 51, is an executive vice president of the
         Registrant (1993) and of M&T Bank (1990), and is in charge of the
         Company's Technology and Banking Operations Division. Ms. Laughlin is
         an executive vice president and a director of M&T Bank, N.A.(1995). Ms.
         Laughlin was executive vice president of retail banking and technology
         at The Seamen's Bank for Savings from June 1986 to April 1990 before
         joining M&T Bank.


      William C. Rappolt, age 50, is an executive vice president and treasurer
         of the Registrant (1993) and M&T Bank (1984), and executive vice
         president of East New York (1994). Mr. Rappolt is in charge of the
         Company's Treasury Division. Mr. Rappolt is a director of M&T Financial
         (1985), M&T Securities (1985), and is an executive vice president and a
         director of M&T Bank, N.A.(1995).


      Robert E. Sadler, Jr., age 50, is an executive vice president of the
         Registrant (1990) and of M&T Bank (1983), and is in charge of the
         Company's Commercial Banking Division. Mr. Sadler is chairman of the
         board (1987) and a director of M&T Capital (1983); chairman of the
         board (1989) and a director of M&T Financial (1985); chairman of the
         board and a director of M&T Mortgage (1991); chairman of the board and
         a director of M&T Securities (1994); president, chief executive officer
         and a director of M&T Bank, N.A.(1995); and chairman of the board,
         president and a director of M&T Real Estate (1995).


      Harry R. Stainrook, age 59, is an executive vice president of the
         Registrant (1993) and of M&T Bank (1985), and is in charge of M&T
         Bank's Trust and Investment Services Division. Mr. Stainrook is a
         director of M&T Securities (1994).


                                      -21-

<PAGE>



      James L. Vardon, age 54, is an executive vice president and chief
         financial officer (1984) of the Registrant and of M&T Bank, and is in
         charge of the Company's Finance Division. Mr. Vardon is a director of
         M&T Capital (1984), M&T Financial (1985) and M&T Real Estate (1995). He
         is an executive vice president and chief financial officer of M&T Bank,
         N.A.(1995).






















                                      -22-

<PAGE>




                                     PART II


Item 5.      Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder
             Matters. The Registrant's common stock is traded under the symbol
             FES on the American Stock Exchange. See cross-reference sheet for
             disclosures incorporated elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form
             10-K for market prices of the Registrant's common stock,
             approximate number of common stockholders at year-end, frequency
             and amounts of dividends on common stock and restrictions on the
             payment of dividends.

Item 6.      Selected Financial Data.  See cross-reference sheet for disclosures
             incorporated elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 7.      Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
             Results of Operations.


Corporate Profile and Significant Developments

First Empire State Corporation ("First Empire") is a bank holding company
headquartered in Buffalo, New York with consolidated assets of $12.0 billion at
December 31, 1995. First Empire and its consolidated subsidiaries are
hereinafter referred to collectively as "the Company". First Empire's banking
subsidiaries are Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company ("M&T Bank"), The East
New York Savings Bank ("East New York") and M&T Bank, National Association ("M&T
Bank, N.A."), all of which are wholly owned. M&T Bank, with total assets of
$10.2 billion at December 31, 1995, is a New York-chartered commercial bank
with 121 offices throughout Western New York State and New York's Southern Tier,
22 offices in New York's Hudson Valley region and offices in New York City,
Albany, Syracuse and Nassau, The Bahamas. East New York, with $1.8 billion in
assets at December 31, 1995, is a New York-chartered savings bank with 16
offices in metropolitan New York City. M&T Bank, N.A., with $246 million in
assets at December 31, 1995, is a national bank headquartered in Oakfield, New
York that commenced operations on October 2, 1995. M&T Bank, N.A. is currently
offering consumer banking products, primarily credit cards and home equity loans
and lines of credit. Additionally, M&T Bank, N.A. markets certificates of
deposit nationwide.

   M&T Bank's subsidiaries include M&T Mortgage Corporation, a residential
mortgage banking company; M&T Securities, Inc., a broker/dealer; M&T Real
Estate, Inc., a commercial real estate lending company; M&T Financial
Corporation, an equipment leasing company; M&T Capital Corporation, a venture
capital company; M&T Credit Corporation, a consumer credit company; and Highland
Lease Corporation, a consumer leasing company.

   On March 6, 1995, M&T Mortgage Corporation acquired Statewide Funding
Corporation ("Statewide"), a privately-owned mortgage banking company based near
Albany, New York. Statewide had a mortgage servicing portfolio of approximately
$1.0 billion at the acquisition date and originated more than $400 million of
mortgage loans in 1994. Through this acquisition, several New York State offices
were retained, as was an origination office in Massachusetts. On October 2,
1995, M&T Mortgage Corporation acquired the mortgage servicing rights and
origination franchise of Exchange Mortgage Corporation ("Exchange"), a mortgage
banking company based in Huntington Station, New York. Exchange had total
mortgage originations of approximately $177 million in 1994 and serviced a
portfolio of approximately $370 million as of the acquisition date. M&T Mortgage
Corporation has also continued to expand its out-of-state network of residential
mortgage origination offices. During 1995, offices were opened in Colorado,
Oregon, Utah and Washington.

   On July 21, 1995, the Company acquired four banking offices from The Chase

                                      -23-

<PAGE>



Manhattan Bank, N.A., including approximately $84 million in deposits, and on
December 10, 1994 purchased approximately $146 million of deposits from Chemical
Bank, along with seven banking offices in the Hudson Valley region of New York
State. Additionally, on December 1, 1994 First Empire acquired Ithaca Bancorp,
Inc. ("Ithaca Bancorp"), Ithaca, New York, with total assets of $470 million,
including $369 million of loans, and liabilities of $425 million, including $330
million of deposits, along with twelve banking offices in the Southern Tier of
New York State.

   The acquisitions noted herein were consummated for cash and have been
accounted for as purchase transactions. Accordingly, the operating results of
the acquired entities have been included in the consolidated results of
operations of the Company since the respective acquisition dates.


Overview

The Company's net income was $131.0 million or $18.79 per common share in 1995,
increases of 12% and 15%, respectively, from $117.3 million or $16.35 per common
share in 1994. Fully diluted earnings per common share, which assumes the full
conversion of outstanding preferred stock into common, was $17.78 in 1995 and
$15.71 in 1994, an increase of 13%. In 1993, net income was $102.0 million while
primary and fully diluted earnings per common share were $13.87 and $13.42,
respectively. Excluding the after-tax effect of securities transactions, net
income and earnings per common share were $128.4 million and $18.41,
respectively, in 1995 compared with $117.2 million and $16.34 in 1994 and $101.5
million and $13.81 in 1993. On the same basis, fully diluted earnings per common
share were $17.43, $15.70 and $13.36 in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

   The Company achieved a return on average assets in 1995 of 1.14%, compared
with 1.17% in 1994 and .98% in 1993. The return on average common stockholders'
equity was 17.16% in 1995, 16.64% in 1994 and 15.61% in 1993. Excluding the
after-tax effect of securities transactions, the return on average assets was
1.12%, while the return on average common stockholders' equity was 16.81% in
1995, compared with 1.17% and 16.63% in 1994 and .98% and 15.53% in 1993,
respectively.

   Growth in average earning assets, primarily in loans, was the most
significant factor contributing to a rise in taxable-equivalent net interest
income to $491.1 million in 1995 from $472.2 million in 1994. Average earning
assets totaled $11.1 billion in 1995, a 15% increase from $9.7 billion in 1994.
The beneficial impact on net interest income of growth in earning assets
exceeded the effect of a narrowing of the spread between yields on earning
assets and rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. As a result of such
narrowing, net interest margin, or taxable-equivalent net interest income
expressed as a percentage of average earning assets, decreased 46 basis points
(hundredths of one percent) in 1995 to 4.43% from 4.89% in 1994.
Taxable-equivalent net interest income was $474.8 million in 1993 when average
earning assets and net interest margin were $10.0 billion and 4.76%,
respectively.

    Reflecting generally stable economic conditions in market areas served by
the Company, the provision for possible credit losses decreased to $40.4 million
in 1995, compared with $60.5 million in 1994 and $80.0 million in 1993. Net
charge-offs in 1995 were $21.3 million, compared with $16.6 million in 1994 and
$35.8 million in 1993. Nonperforming loans totaled $93.1 million at December 31,
1995, up from $77.5 million at December 31, 1994 and $82.3 million at year-end
1993.

   In December 1994, First Empire transferred appreciated investment securities
with a fair value of $15.7 million to an affiliated, tax-exempt charitable
foundation. Such securities had been previously classified by First Empire as
available for sale. As a result of the transfer, the Company

                                      -24-

<PAGE>



recognized charitable contributions expense and tax-exempt other income of $13.8
million and $10.4 million, respectively, resulting in an after-tax increase in
1994 net income of $2.4 million.

   Excluding the impact of securities gains and the December 1994 transfer of
investment securities to the affiliated foundation, noninterest income for 1995
totaled $145.1 million, 28% above the $113.2 million in 1994 and 32% above the
$109.7 million in 1993. Noninterest expense was $374.4 million in 1995, up 16%
from $323.1 million in 1994 (excluding $13.8 million related to the December
1994 transfer of investment securities) and 14% from $327.8 million in 1993.

   As described in note 1 of Notes to Financial Statements, during the second
quarter of 1995 the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 122, "Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights", retroactive to
January 1, 1995. The effect of implementing SFAS No. 122 was to increase 1995
noninterest income and noninterest expense by $10.0 million and $1.8 million,
respectively, and, as a result, net income increased by $4.8 million for the
year-ended December 31, 1995.


Net Interest Income/Lending and Funding Activities

Taxable-equivalent net interest income rose to $491.1 million in 1995 from
$472.2 million in 1994. A $1.4 billion increase in average earning assets to
$11.1 billion in 1995 from $9.7 billion in 1994 was the major factor for the
rise. Taxable-equivalent net interest income and average earning assets in 1993
were $474.8 million and $10.0 billion, respectively. The growth in average
earning assets in 1995 was predominately attributable to increased demand for
loans offered by the Company and the impact of the December 1994 acquisition of
$369 million of loans of Ithaca Bancorp. Average loans outstanding grew to $8.9
billion in 1995 from $7.4 billion in 1994 and $7.0 billion in 1993. The
acquisition of Ithaca Bancorp did not substantially impact average loans in
1994.

   The increase in net interest income resulting from growth in average earnings
assets was partially offset by a narrowing of the net interest spread, or the
difference between the yield on earning assets and the rate paid on
interest-bearing liabilities. The net interest spread in 1995 was 3.77%,
compared with 4.37% in 1994 and 4.33% in 1993. A combination of higher market
interest rates, in general, and a greater proportion of loans, which typically
yield more than money-market assets and investment securities, in the
composition of the portfolio of earning assets resulted in a 65 basis point
increase in 1995 to 8.42% in the yield on earning assets, from 7.77% in 1994.
However, rising market interest rates throughout much of 1995 and 1994 had the
effect of increasing the cost of the Company's interest-bearing liabilities more
than the yield on earning assets. As a result, the cost of interest-bearing
liabilities increased 125 basis points to 4.65% in 1995 from 3.40% in 1994. The
yield on earning assets and the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities in
1993 were 7.46% and 3.13%, respectively. In 1994, the benefit obtained from
increased holdings of loans as compared with 1993 was offset by a rise in
interest expense on deposits and short-term borrowings.

   The contribution to net interest margin of interest-free funds, which consist
primarily of noninterest-bearing demand deposits and stockholders' equity, rose
to .66% in 1995 from .52% in 1994 and .43% in 1993. The improvement in 1995 from
1994 resulted largely from the 125 basis point increase to 4.65% in the rate
paid on interest-bearing liabilities used to value these funds, supplemented by
an 8% increase in average interest-free funds. The 9 basis point addition to the
contribution of interest-free funds in 1994 from 1993 was a reflection of the 27
basis point increase in the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities from 3.13%
coupled with a 7% increase in average interest-free balances. Average
interest-free funds were $1.6

                                      -25-

<PAGE>



billion in 1995, $1.5 billion in 1994 and $1.4 billion in 1993.

   Changing interest rates and spreads affect the Company's net interest income
and net interest margin. As a result of the changes described herein, the
Company's net interest margin declined to 4.43% in 1995 from 4.89% in 1994 and
4.76% in 1993. Management believes that further changes in market interest rates
or reductions in spreads could adversely impact the Company's net interest
margin and net interest income. Although not necessarily indicative of future
results, the Company's net interest spread declined in each quarter of 1995.
Accordingly, the net interest spread in the fourth quarter of 1995 of 3.67% was
below that achieved in any other quarter of 1995.

   Management analyzes the Company's exposure to changing interest rates and
spreads by projecting net interest income under a number of different interest
rate scenarios. As part of the management of interest rate risk, the Company
utilizes interest rate swap agreements to modify the repricing characteristics
of certain portions of the loan and deposit portfolios. Revenue and expense
arising from these agreements are reflected in either the yields earned on loans
or, as appropriate, rates paid on interest-bearing deposits. In general, under
the terms of swaps in effect through December 31, 1995, the Company receives
payments based on the outstanding notional amount of the swaps at a fixed rate
of interest and makes payments at a variable rate.

   The effect of interest rate swaps on the Company's net interest income and
margin as well as average notional amounts and rates are presented in table 4.

   The Company estimates that as of December 31, 1995 it would have received
approximately $37.0 million if all interest rate swap agreements entered into
for interest rate risk management purposes were terminated. This estimated fair
value of the interest rate swap portfolio results from the effects of changing
interest rates and should be considered in the context of the entire balance
sheet and the Company's overall interest rate risk profile. Changes in the
estimated fair value of interest rate swaps entered into for interest rate risk
management purposes are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements.
Additional information about interest rate swaps is included in note 16 of Notes
to Financial Statements.

   As previously noted, average loans and leases grew to $8.9 billion in 1995
from $7.4 billion in 1994 and $7.0 billion in 1993, due, in large part, to
improved economic conditions, the December 1994 acquisition of Ithaca Bancorp
and expansion of the Company's consumer lending business. Table 5 summarizes by
type, average loans and leases outstanding in 1995 and percentage changes in
average loans over the past two years.

   Loans secured by real estate, excluding $587 million of outstanding home
equity lines of credit which are classified as consumer loans, represented
approximately 60% of the loan portfolio during 1995, compared with 61% in 1994
and 63% in 1993. At December 31, 1995, the Company held approximately $3.6
billion of commercial real estate loans and $2.0 billion of consumer real estate
loans.

   Commercial real estate loans originated by the Company are predominately
secured by properties in the New York City metropolitan area, including areas in
neighboring states generally considered to be within commuting distance of New
York City, and Western New York, which includes Buffalo, Niagara Falls,
Rochester and surrounding areas. Commercial real estate loans are also
originated in the Hudson Valley and Southern Tier regions of New York State. In
general, commercial real estate loans originated by the Company are fixed-rate
instruments with monthly payments and a balloon payment of the remaining
principal at maturity, usually five years after loan origination. For borrowers
in good standing, the customer may extend the terms of the loan

                                      -26-

<PAGE>



agreement for an additional five years at the then-current market rate of
interest. Table 6 presents commercial real estate loans at December 31, 1995 by
geographic area, type of collateral and size of the loans outstanding.
Approximately 60% of the $1.9 billion of commercial real estate loans in the New
York City metropolitan area were secured by multi-family residential properties,
23% by office space and 8% by retail space. The Company's experience has been
that office space and retail properties tend to demonstrate more volatile
fluctuations in value through economic cycles and changing economic conditions
than do multi-family residential properties. Approximately 55% of the aggregate
dollar amount of New York City area loans were for $3 million or less.
Commercial real estate loans secured by properties elsewhere in New York State,
mostly in Western New York, tend to have a greater diversity of collateral types
and include a significant amount of lending to customers who use the mortgaged
property in their trade or business. Most loans in this segment of the portfolio
were for $3 million or less. Commercial real estate loans secured by properties
located outside of New York State and outside of areas of neighboring states
considered to be part of the New York City metropolitan area comprised less then
4% of total commercial real estate loans.

  The Company normally refrains from construction lending, except when the
borrower has obtained a commitment for permanent financing upon project
completion. As a result, the commercial construction loan portfolio totaled only
$41.6 million, or .4% of total loans at December 31, 1995.

   Excluding $185.0 million of loans held for sale, the Company's portfolio of
real estate loans secured by one-to-four family residential properties totaled
$1.8 billion at December 31, 1995, approximately 70% of which were secured by
properties located in New York State. The Company originates residential
mortgage loans in New York State, as well as in Colorado, Massachusetts, Ohio,
Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah and Washington.

   As a percentage of average loans, consumer loans and leases were 20% in 1995,
19% in 1994 and 17% in 1993, however, no consumer loan product type exceeded ten
percent of the Company's average loan portfolio. Beginning in 1994 and, to a
greater extent, continuing in 1995, the Company began to market automobile loans
and leases and credit cards in areas outside of New York State. Automobile loans
and leases are generally originated through dealers, however, all applications
submitted by dealers are subject to the Company's normal underwriting and loan
approval procedures. Credit card accounts are marketed through mail campaigns
and co-branding initiatives.

   The Company's portfolio of investment securities averaged $2.0 billion in
1995, $2.1 billion in 1994 and $2.2 billion in 1993. The level of the investment
securities portfolio is influenced by such factors as management of balance
sheet size and resulting capital ratios, demand for loans, which generally yield
more than investment securities, ongoing repayments, and the level of deposits.
The investment securities portfolio is largely comprised of collateralized
mortgage obligations, other adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities and
shorter-term U.S. Treasury notes. When purchasing investment securities, the
Company considers its overall interest-rate risk profile as well as the adequacy
of expected returns relative to prepayment and other risks assumed. During 1995,
the Company sold approximately $445 million of investment securities for a
pre-tax gain of approximately $4.5 million. Included in the securities sold was
a municipal bond with a carrying value of $1.0 million that had been classified
as "held to maturity". Such bond was sold for a modest loss immediately
following the downgrading of the municipality's credit rating by several rating
agencies. Gains realized from sales of bank investment securities were $.1
million and $.9 million in 1994 and 1993, respectively. To enhance flexibility
in managing the investment securities portfolio, and as allowed by the Financial
Accounting Standards Board, in December 1995 the Company transferred
approximately $220 million of U.S. Treasury notes from "held to maturity" to
"available for sale" classification. No gain or loss was realized as a result of
such transfer.

                                      -27-

<PAGE>



   The average balance of money-market assets, which are comprised of
interest-bearing deposits at banks, trading account assets, Federal funds sold
and agreements to resell securities, was $186 million in 1995, compared with
$166 million in 1994 and $826 million in 1993. The lower level of such assets in
1995 and 1994 largely reflects increased demand for loans, the Company's
decision to limit the amount of short-term borrowings, which had been used to
fund money-market assets, and, in 1994, reduction of the size of the balance
sheet in order to strengthen capital ratios in anticipation of the December
acquisitions.

   Core deposits represent a significant source of funding to the Company. Core
deposits are commonly generated through the branch network at generally lower
interest rates than are available on wholesale funds of similar maturities, and
include noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing transaction
accounts, savings deposits and domestic time deposits under $100,000. In 1995,
average core deposits rose to $7.4 billion from $6.8 billion in 1994. Increases
in interest rates paid on deposits in response to higher money-market rates and
the December 1994 and July 1995 acquisitions of $442 million and $76 million,
respectively, of core deposits contributed to this rise. Higher interest rates
also contributed to a shift into time deposits from more liquid deposit
accounts. Core deposits averaged $7.2 billion in 1993. Funding provided by core
deposits totaled 67% of average earning assets in 1995, compared with 70% in
1994 and 72% in 1993. An analysis of changes in the components of core deposits
is presented in table 8.

   In addition to core deposits, the Company obtains funding through domestic
time deposits of $100,000 or more, offshore deposits originated through the
Company's international office, and brokered certificates of deposit. Domestic
time deposits over $100,000, excluding brokered certificates of deposit,
averaged $625 million in 1995 compared with $357 million in 1994 and $294
million in 1993. Offshore deposits, comprised primarily of accounts with
balances of $100,000 or more, averaged $133 million in 1995, compared with $156
million and $120 million in 1994 and 1993, respectively. Brokered deposits
averaged $874 million in 1995 and $45 million in 1994, and totaled $922 million
at December 31, 1995. The weighted-average remaining term to maturity of
brokered deposits as of December 31, 1995 was 1.7 years. Additional amounts of
brokered deposits may be solicited from time to time depending on such factors
as current market conditions and the cost of funds available from alternative
sources.

   The Company also uses short-term borrowings from banks, securities dealers,
the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLB") and others as sources of
funding. Short-term borrowings averaged $1.4 billion in 1995, $1.8 billion in
1994 and $1.9 billion in 1993. In general, short-term borrowings have been used
to fund the Company's discretionary investments in money-market assets and
investment securities, and, if necessary, to replace deposit outflows.
Additionally, M&T Bank has issued $175 million of subordinated capital notes of
which $75 million mature in 2002 and $100 million mature in 2005. Although
issued primarily to enhance regulatory capital ratios, such notes also provided
funding to the Company.


Provision for Possible Credit Losses

The purpose of the provision is to replenish and build the Company's allowance
for possible credit losses to a level necessary to maintain an adequate reserve
position. In assessing the adequacy of the allowance for possible credit losses,
management performs an ongoing evaluation of the loan portfolio and other credit
commitments, including such factors as the differing economic risks associated
with each loan category, the current financial condition of specific borrowers,
the economic environment in which borrowers operate, the level of delinquent
loans and the value of any collateral. Based upon the results of such review,
management believes that

                                      -28-

<PAGE>



the allowance for possible credit losses at December 31, 1995 was adequate to
absorb credit losses from existing loans, leases and credit commitments.

   Reflecting generally stable economic conditions in market areas served by the
Company throughout much of 1995, the provision for possible credit losses was
reduced to $40.4 million from $60.5 million in 1994. The provision was $80.0
million in 1993 when there was concern by management about unsettled commercial
real estate markets, in particular in the New York City metropolitan area, and
the timing and sustainability of economic recovery in market areas served by the
Company in general. Net charge-offs in 1995 were $21.3 million, compared with
$16.6 million in 1994 and $35.8 million in 1993. Net charge-offs as a percentage
of average loans outstanding were .24% in 1995, .22% in 1994 and .51% in 1993.
Nonperforming loans totaled $93.1 million or .97% of loans outstanding at
December 31, 1995, compared with $77.5 million or .94% a year earlier and $82.3
million or 1.13% at December 31, 1993. The allowance for possible credit losses
was $262.3 million or 2.75% of net loans and leases at the end of 1995, compared
with $243.3 million or 2.96% at December 31, 1994 and $195.9 million or 2.70% at
December 31, 1993. The ratio of the allowance to nonperforming loans was 282%,
314% and 238% at year-end 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

   A comparative allocation of the allowance for possible credit losses for each
of the past five year-ends is presented in table 10. Amounts were allocated to
specific loan categories based upon management's classification of loans under
the Company's internal loan grading system and estimates of potential
charge-offs inherent in each category. However, as the total reserve is
available to absorb losses from any loan category, amounts assigned do not
necessarily indicate future losses within these categories. The increase in the
allocated portion of the reserve since 1993 compared with prior years is not
indicative of a deterioration of credit quality within the loan portfolio, but
rather reflects certain revisions to the assumptions used to calculate the
allocated portion of the allowance for possible credit losses. Nevertheless, the
unallocated portion of the reserve represents management's assessment of the
overall level of credit risk inherent in the loan portfolio over a longer time
frame.

   The Company's credit loss experience is influenced by many factors, including
overall economic conditions, in general, and, due to the size of the Company's
commercial real estate loan portfolio, real estate valuations, in particular.
Nonperforming commercial real estate loans totaled $42.3 million, $47.5 million
and $48.3 million at December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. At December
31, 1995, $16.8 million of nonperforming commercial real estate loans were
secured by properties located in the New York City metropolitan area, compared
with $27.1 million and $29.7 million at December 31, 1994 and 1993,
respectively. Net charge-offs of commercial real estate loans were $6.6 million
in 1995, $12.8 million in 1994 and $19.2 million in 1993. Included in these
totals are net charge-offs of commercial real estate loans secured by properties
in the New York City metropolitan area of $3.2 million, $11.1 million and $14.2
million in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

   Net charge-offs of consumer loans were $11.3 million in 1995, or .65% of
average consumer loans outstanding during the year, compared with $5.6 million
or .40% in 1994 and $6.0 million or .51% in 1993. Higher charge-offs of credit
card balances were the principal factor contributing to the increase in consumer
loan charge-offs in 1995. Net credit card charge-offs were $6.1 million in 1995,
compared with $3.1 million and $3.3 million in 1994 and 1993, respectively.
Nonperforming consumer loans totaled $13.7 million or .70% of outstanding
consumer loans at December 31, 1995, compared with $8.4 million or .54% at
December 31, 1994 and $5.9 million or .48% at December 31, 1993.

   The Company has limited exposure to possible credit losses originating from
concentrations of credit extended to any specific industry. No such

                                      -29-

<PAGE>



concentration exceeded 10% of total loans outstanding at December 31, 1995.
Furthermore, the Company had no exposure to less developed countries, and only
$1.1 million of foreign loans in total.

   Repossessed assets taken in foreclosure of defaulted loans totaled $7.3
million at December 31, 1995, compared with $10.1 million and $12.2 million at
the end of 1994 and 1993, respectively.

   The Company adopted SFAS No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of
a Loan", in the first quarter of 1995. As amended, SFAS No. 114 requires that
creditors measure certain impaired loans based on the present value of expected
future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or at the
loan's observable value or the fair value of underlying collateral, if the loan
is collateral-dependent. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current
information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to
collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan
agreement. In general, the Company places loans considered to be impaired on
nonaccrual status. The adoption of SFAS No. 114 had no impact on the Company's
results of operations or on its loan classification policies.


Other Income

Other income in 1994 included $10.4 million of tax-exempt income resulting from
the transfer of appreciated investment securities to an affiliated, tax-exempt
charitable foundation. Excluding the effect of such income, as well as gains
from sales of bank investment securities, other income increased 28% to $145.1
million in 1995 from $113.2 million in 1994 and 32% from $109.7 million in 1993.
Including the impact of deposit accounts associated with the franchises acquired
in late-1994 and 1995, service charges on deposit accounts increased 9% to $38.3
million in 1995 from $35.0 million in 1994, and 19% from $32.3 million in 1993.
Merchant discount and other credit card fees in 1995 totaled $10.7 million,
compared with $8.7 million in 1994 and $7.9 million in 1993. Trust income of
$25.5 million increased 13% from $22.6 million in 1994, and 7% from $23.9
million in 1993. The increases in trust revenues were attributable, in large
part, to enhanced earnings from mutual fund management fees and from personal
and corporate trust business. Trading account gains increased to $1.2 million in
1995 from $.7 million in 1994, but decreased from $2.7 million in 1993. Other
revenues from operations totaled $32.3 million in 1995, compared with $30.2
million in 1994 (excluding the $10.4 million of tax-exempt income related to the
1994 transfer of securities to the affiliated foundation) and $30.1 million in
1993.

   Mortgage banking revenues, which consist of residential mortgage loan
servicing fee income, gains from sales of residential mortgage loans and loan
servicing rights, and other residential mortgage-related fees, increased to
$37.1 million in 1995 from $16.0 million in 1994 and $12.8 million in 1993. Fees
earned in 1995 for servicing residential mortgage loans for others increased
$5.7 million from a year earlier, while gains from sales of residential mortgage
loans increased $8.4 million, including $10.0 million resulting from the
previously noted adoption of SFAS No. 122. Additionally, in 1995 the Company
realized $6.6 million of gains from sales of rights to service approximately
$630 million of residential mortgage loans. The $3.2 million improvement in
mortgage banking revenues in 1994 from 1993 was also largely attributable to
growth in the Company's residential mortgage servicing business. Residential
mortgage loans serviced for others totaled $5.7 billion, $4.0 billion and $2.9
billion at December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. Revenues from
servicing residential mortgage loans for others were $19.3 million in 1995,
$13.6 million in 1994 and $10.8 million in 1993.





                                      -30-

<PAGE>



Other Expense

Other expense totaled $374.4 million in 1995, compared with $336.9 million in
1994 and $327.8 million in 1993.

   Salaries and employee benefits expenses were $188.2 million in 1995, an
increase of $27.0 million or 17% from $161.2 million in 1994. Factors
contributing to the higher personnel expenses were acquisitions, expansion of
the Company's residential mortgage banking and securities businesses, and
incentive-based compensation arrangements, including an increase of $5.6 million
in expenses related to stock appreciation rights granted to employees in 1990
and 1991. Personnel costs in 1994 increased $6.9 million or 4% from $154.3
million in 1993. Such increase was due largely to merit salary increases and
higher pension and other benefits costs. The number of full-time equivalent
employees was 4,546 at December 31, 1995, up from 4,149 and 4,028 at December
31, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

   As previously noted, during 1994 the Company incurred $13.8 million of
charitable contributions expense related to the transfer of securities to a
charitable foundation affiliated with the Company. Excluding the impact of such
contributions expense, which is included in 1994's other costs of operations,
nonpersonnel expenses totaled $186.2 million in 1995, up from $161.9 million in
1994 and $173.5 million in 1993. Higher mortgage banking-related expenses and
expenses associated with operating the entities acquired in late-1994 and 1995
contributed to the increases. Additionally, in February 1995, the Company
wrote-off $2.3 million of non-marketable securities of Nationar, a bank that
provided services to financial institutions, which was seized by banking
regulators. During 1995, the assessment to the Company from the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") for deposit insurance provided by the Bank
Insurance Fund ("BIF") was reduced, and effective January 1, 1996 was
substantially eliminated. Although First Empire's banking subsidiaries are
BIF-insured institutions, the Company has approximately $1.4 billion of deposits
obtained in so-called "Oakar" acquisitions for which deposit insurance premiums
are paid to the Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") of the FDIC. The
FDIC has not reduced the assessment rate for SAIF-insured deposits. Furthermore,
in 1995, congressional committees considered proposals that would require a
one-time special assessment related to deposits insured by the SAIF. Although
final legislation has yet to be enacted, management believes that it is likely
that a special assessment will ultimately be levied against the Company on its
SAIF-insured Oakar deposits. The amount of any such special assessment cannot be
precisely predicted at this time.

   The $11.6 million decline in nonpersonnel expenses to $161.9 million in 1994
from $173.5 million in 1993, as cited above, was due, in part, to a combined
$7.9 million reduction in expenses for professional services and other real
estate owned and a reduction in the amount of write-downs in the carrying value
of excess servicing receivables and capitalized mortgage servicing rights
associated with residential mortgage loans serviced for others. Such write-downs
totaled $.5 million in 1994 and $4.7 million in 1993. There were no write-downs
of excess servicing receivables or capitalized mortgage servicing rights in
1995, however, an impairment allowance of $1.1 million for declines in value of
capitalized mortgage servicing rights was recorded. At December 31, 1995, excess
servicing receivables and capitalized mortgage servicing rights were $6.9
million and $34.5 million, respectively, compared with $7.6 million and $10.0
million, respectively, at December 31, 1994.


Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes in 1995 was $90.1 million, up from $77.2 million
in 1994 and $71.5 million in 1993. The effective tax rates were 41% in 1995 and
1993, and 40% in 1994. A reconciliation of income tax expense to

                                      -31-

<PAGE>



the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to pre-tax
income is provided in note 13 of Notes to Financial Statements.


International Activities

The Company's investment in international assets was $87 million at December 31,
1995, consisting largely of Eurodollar placements, and $7 million at December
31, 1994. Total offshore deposits were $155 million and $203 million at December
31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.


Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity

As part of its ongoing operations, the Company is exposed to liquidity risk
whenever the maturities of financial instruments included in assets and
liabilities differ. Accordingly, a critical element in managing a banking
institution is ensuring that sufficient cash flow and liquid assets are
available to satisfy demands for loans, deposit withdrawals, operating expenses
and other corporate purposes. The Company's core deposits have historically
provided a large source of funds. Such deposits are generated from a large base
of consumer, corporate and institutional customers, which over the past several
years has become more geographically diverse as a result of acquisitions and
expansion of the Company's businesses. Nevertheless, in recent years the Company
has faced increased competition in offering services and products from a large
array of financial market participants, including banks, thrifts, mutual funds,
securities dealers and others. As a result, and consistent with banking industry
experience in general, the Company has experienced a reduction in the percentage
of average earning assets funded by core deposits. Core deposits financed 67% of
the Company's earning assets at December 31, 1995, compared with 71% at December
31, 1994 and 68% at December 31, 1993.

   The Company supplements funding from core deposits with various wholesale
borrowings, such as Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
to repurchase, and brokered certificates of deposit. Additionally, M&T Bank and
East New York have a combined credit facility with the FHLB aggregating $890
million, with any borrowings secured by loans and investment securities.
Borrowings outstanding under such credit facility totaled $17 million at
December 31, 1995 and $249 million at December 31, 1994. Although informal and
sometimes reciprocal, sources of funding are also available to the Company
through various arrangements for unsecured short-term borrowings from a wide
group of banks and other financial institutions. Other sources of liquidity
include maturities of money-market assets, repayments of loans and investment
securities, and cash flow generated from operations, such as fees collected for
services.

   First Empire's ability to pay dividends, repurchase stock and fund operating
expenses is primarily dependent on the receipt of dividends from its banking
subsidiaries, which are subject to various regulatory limitations. First Empire
also maintains a line of credit with an unaffiliated commercial bank.

   Management does not anticipate engaging in any activities, in either the
short- or long-term, which would cause a significant strain on liquidity of
either First Empire or its subsidiary banks. Furthermore, management believes
that available sources of liquidity are more than adequate to meet anticipated
funding needs.

   Net interest income earned by the Company is subject to the effects of
changing interest rates. The Company's management of interest rate risk is
intended to limit the variability of net interest income under differing
interest rate scenarios. As part of such management, the Company has entered
into interest rate swap agreements having an aggregate notional amount of

                                      -32-

<PAGE>



approximately $2.4 billion at December 31, 1995. Information about interest rate
swaps entered into for interest rate risk management purposes is included herein
under "Net Interest Income/Lending and Funding Activities" and in note 16 of
Notes to Financial Statements.

   In accordance with industry practice, table 15 presents information about the
repricing or maturity of assets and liabilities on a contractual basis within
the specified time frames, as well as the impact of interest rate swap
agreements entered into for interest rate risk management purposes. Management
believes this measure does not appropriately depict interest rate risk since
changes in interest rates do not necessarily affect all categories of earning
assets and interest-bearing liabilities equally nor, as assumed in the table, on
the contractual maturity or repricing date. Furthermore, this static
presentation of interest rate risk fails to consider the effect of ongoing
lending and deposit gathering activities, projected changes in balance sheet
composition or any subsequent interest rate risk management activities the
Company is likely to implement. In management's opinion, the interest rate
sensitivity analysis presented in the table does not accurately reflect the
Company's actual sensitivity to changes in interest rates.

   The Asset-Liability Committee, which includes members of senior management,
monitors the Company's exposure to changing interest rates. Interest rate risk
is measured by the variability of projected net interest income under a number
of possible interest rate scenarios. Management's philosophy toward positioning
the Company for interest rate movements is to attempt to limit such variability.
Management monitors the Company's interest rate sensitivity with the aid of a
computer model which considers the impact of ongoing lending and deposit
gathering activities, as well as statistically derived interrelationships in the
magnitude and timing of the repricing of financial instruments, including the
effect of changing interest rates on expected prepayments and maturities. Giving
consideration to interest rate swaps in place at December 31, 1995 and utilizing
the model described above, management's assessment is that the variability of
net interest income would be largely unaffected by changes in interest rates in
the coming year, but a sustained decrease in interest rates would likely have a
detrimental effect on net interest income in later years. Management closely
monitors the Company's exposure to changing interest rates and spreads and
stands ready to take action, through the use of on- or off-balance sheet
instruments, to mitigate such exposure when deemed prudent to do so. Possible
actions include, but are not limited to, changes in the pricing of loan and
deposit products, modifying the composition of earning assets and
interest-bearing liabilities, and entering into or modifying existing interest
rate swap agreements.


Capital

Common stockholders' equity totaled $806.3 million at December 31, 1995,
compared with $681.0 million and $684.0 million at the end of 1994 and 1993,
respectively. On a per share basis, common stockholders' equity was $125.33 at
December 31, 1995, an increase of 22% from $103.02 at December 31, 1994 and 26%
from $99.43 at December 31, 1993. Total stockholders' equity at December 31,
1995 was $846.3 million or 7.08% of total assets, compared with $721.0 million
or 6.85% at December 31, 1994 and $724.0 million or 6.99% at December 31, 1993.
The ratio of average total stockholders' equity to average total assets was
6.81%, 7.21% and 6.45% in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

   Stockholders' equity at December 31, 1995 was reduced by $3.2 million, or
$.49 per common share, for the net after-tax impact of unrealized losses on
investment securities classified as available for sale, compared with a
reduction of $50.6 million, or $7.65 per common share, at December 31, 1994.
Such unrealized losses represent the amount by which amortized cost exceeded the
fair value of investment securities classified as available for sale, net

                                      -33-

<PAGE>



of applicable income taxes. The market valuation of investment securities should
be considered in the context of the entire balance sheet of the Company. With
the exception of investment securities classified as available for sale, trading
account assets and liabilities, and mortgage loans held for sale, the carrying
values of financial instruments in the balance sheet are generally not adjusted
for appreciation or depreciation in market value resulting from changes in
interest rates.

   Federal regulators generally require banking institutions to maintain "core
capital" and "total capital" ratios of at least 4% and 8%, respectively, of
risk-adjusted total assets. In addition to the risk-based measures, Federal bank
regulators have also implemented a minimum "leverage" ratio guideline of 3% of
the quarterly average of total assets. Under regulatory guidelines, the
unrealized gains or losses on investment securities classified as available for
sale are not recognized in determining regulatory capital. The capital ratios of
the Company and its banking subsidiaries, M&T Bank, East New York and M&T Bank,
N.A., as of December 31, 1995 are presented in table 16.

   The Company has historically maintained capital ratios well in excess of
minimum regulatory guidelines largely through a high rate of internal capital
generation. The rate of internal capital generation, or net income (excluding
the after-tax effects of gains from sales of investment securities) less
dividends paid expressed as a percentage of average total stockholders' equity,
was 13.88% in 1995, 13.67% in 1994 and 12.66% in 1993.

   Cash dividends on common stock of $16.2 million were paid in 1995, compared
with $14.7 million in 1994 and $13.1 million in 1993. In the fourth quarter of
1995, First Empire's quarterly common stock dividend was increased to $.70 per
share from $.60. In total, dividends per common share increased to $2.50 in 1995
from $2.20 in 1994 and $1.90 in 1993. Dividends of $3.6 million were paid to the
preferred stockholder in 1995, 1994 and 1993.

   During 1995, First Empire acquired 208,230 shares pursuant to and thereby
completing the program announced in December 1993 to repurchase and hold as
treasury stock up to 506,930 shares of common stock for reissuance upon the
possible future conversion of its 9% convertible preferred stock. The 506,930
repurchased shares were acquired at an average cost of $154.08. The preferred
stock is convertible at any time into shares of First Empire's common stock at a
conversion price of $78.90625 per share, subject to certain adjustments. First
Empire has the right to redeem the preferred stock without premium on or after
March 31, 1996. However, upon receipt of notification of such a planned
redemption, the holder may convert the preferred stock into common shares. On
February 9, 1996, First Empire notified the preferred stockholder of its
intention to redeem the preferred stock. On February 13, 1996, the preferred
stockholder advised First Empire of its intention to convert the preferred stock
into shares of common stock of First Empire. In November 1995, First Empire
announced an additional plan to repurchase and hold as treasury stock up to
380,582 shares of common stock for reissuance upon the possible future exercise
of outstanding stock options. As of December 31, 1995, First Empire had
repurchased 15,300 common shares pursuant to such plan at an average cost of
$211.35 per share.



Fourth Quarter Results

First Empire earned $36.8 million or $5.29 per common share in the fourth
quarter of 1995, increases of 15% and 17%, respectively, from the fourth quarter
of 1994 when net income was $31.9 million or $4.53 per common share.
Taxable-equivalent net interest income increased to $126.0 million in the fourth
quarter of 1995, up $7.7 million from $118.3 million in the fourth quarter of
1994. Growth in average loans outstanding was the primary factor contributing to
the improvement in net interest income. Average loans for

                                      -34-

<PAGE>



the fourth quarter of 1995 totaled $9.4 billion, a 20% increase from $7.8
billion during the fourth quarter of 1994. The increase in net interest income
resulting from growth in average loans was partially offset by a narrowing of
the net interest spread to 3.67% in the recent quarter, compared with 4.15% in
the fourth quarter of 1994. Net interest margin was 4.36% in the fourth quarter
of 1995, compared with 4.75% in the year-earlier quarter.

   The provision for possible credit losses was $12.0 million and net
charge-offs were $8.8 million in the final 1995 quarter, compared with $12.9
million and $7.4 million, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 1994. Net
charge-offs as an annualized percentage of average loans and leases were .37% in
both quarters. Exclusive of the effects of investment securities transactions
and the December 1994 transfer of investment securities to an affiliated
charitable foundation, other income rose 60% to $45.3 million in the fourth
quarter of 1995 from $28.2 million in the year-earlier quarter. Higher revenues
associated with mortgage banking activities and the sales of mutual funds and
annuities contributed to this increase. Also excluding the effect of the
December 1994 transfer of securities to the affiliated foundation, other expense
was $97.0 million in the fourth quarter of 1995, compared with $81.2 million in
the fourth quarter of 1994. Acquisitions, expansion of First Empire's mortgage
banking and securities businesses, and stock appreciation rights expense were
factors contributing to the rise in other expense over the comparable prior-year
period.


Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". SFAS No. 123 establishes a fair value
based method of accounting for stock-based compensation plans and encourages,
but does not require, entities to adopt that method in place of the provisions
of Accounting Principles Board Opinion ("APBO") No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees", for all arrangements under which employees receive shares
of stock or other equity instruments of the employer or the employer incurs
liabilities to employees in amounts based on the price of the stock. SFAS No.
123 also establishes fair value as the measurement basis for transactions in
which an entity acquires goods or services from nonemployees in exchange for
equity instruments.

   An entity may continue to apply APBO No. 25 in accounting for stock-based
employee compensation arrangements. However, entities doing so will be required
to disclose pro forma net income and earnings per share determined as if the
fair value based method established by SFAS No. 123 had been applied in
measuring compensation cost.

   The provisions of SFAS No. 123 regarding accounting for transactions with
nonemployees are effective for transactions entered into after December 15,
1995. The remaining requirements of SFAS No. 123 are effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1995. Following adoption of SFAS No. 123, the
Company expects to continue measuring compensation cost for employee stock
compensation plans in accordance with the provisions of APBO No. 25.














                                      -35-

<PAGE>





- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Table 1
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


Amounts in thousands, except per share           1995          1994      Change
- ------------------------------------------   ------------   ----------   ------

For the year
Net income                                       $131,036      117,295     +12%
Per common share
  Net income
    Primary                                        $18.79        16.35     +15
    Fully diluted                                   17.78        15.71     +13
  Cash dividends                                     2.50         2.20     +14
Average common shares outstanding
  Primary                                           6,781        6,952     - 2
  Fully diluted                                     7,368        7,464     - 1
Return on
  Average total assets                               1.14%        1.17%
  Average common stockholders' equity               17.16%       16.64%
Market price per common share
  Closing                                         $218.00       136.00     +60
  High                                             218.00       165.00
  Low                                              136.50       134.50
- ------------------------------------------   ------------   ----------   ------

At December 31
- ------------------------------------------   ------------   ----------   ------
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount   $  9,555,849    8,217,293     +16%
Total assets                                   11,955,902   10,528,644     +14
Total deposits                                  9,469,575    8,243,073     +15
Total stockholders' equity                        846,253      720,996     +17
Stockholders' equity per common share             $125.33       103.02     +22
==========================================   ============   ==========   ======






                                      -36-


<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                  Table 2
QUARTERLY TRENDS
                                                        1995 Quarters                           1994 Quarters
                                         ---------------------------------------    -------------------------------------
Taxable-equivalent basis                  Fourth      Third    Second     First     Fourth     Third    Second     First
- --------------------------------------   ---------   -------   -------   -------    -------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                                      <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>    
Earnings and dividends
Amounts in thousands, except per share
- --------------------------------------
Interest income                          $ 242,704   241,374   232,468   216,250    201,543   190,555   181,171   178,160
Interest expense                           116,726   116,329   112,096    96,579     83,287    72,393    64,277    59,249
- --------------------------------------   ---------   -------   -------   -------    -------   -------   -------   -------
Net interest income                        125,978   125,045   120,372   119,671    118,256   118,162   116,894   118,911
Less: provision for possible 
  credit losses                             12,025    11,310     8,515     8,500     12,850    13,802    14,022    19,862
Other income                                44,850    44,398    33,888    26,402     38,651    27,261    29,378    28,449
Less: other expense                         97,044    97,632    90,269    89,494     95,048    80,584    82,015    79,215
- --------------------------------------   ---------   -------   -------   -------    -------   -------   -------   -------
Income before income taxes                  61,759    60,501    55,476    48,079     49,009    51,037    50,235    48,283
Applicable income taxes                     23,949    23,694    22,747    19,747     16,034    20,934    20,553    19,665
Taxable-equivalent adjustment                1,023     1,180     1,275     1,164      1,087     1,005     1,001       990
- --------------------------------------   ---------   -------   -------   -------    -------   -------   -------   -------
Net income                               $  36,787    35,627    31,454    27,168     31,888    29,098    28,681    27,628
- --------------------------------------   ---------   -------   -------   -------    -------   -------   -------   -------
Cash dividends on preferred stock             $900       900       900       900        900       900       900       900
Per common share data
  Net income
    Primary                                  $5.29      5.14      4.51      3.85       4.53      4.09      3.96      3.77
    Fully diluted                             5.03      4.89      4.31      3.68       4.35      3.93      3.80      3.64
  Net income, excluding securities 
   transactions
    Primary                                   5.33      4.71      4.52      3.85       4.53      4.08      3.96      3.77
    Fully diluted                             5.06      4.50      4.31      3.68       4.35      3.92      3.80      3.64
  Cash dividends                               .70       .60       .60       .60        .60       .60       .50       .50
Average common shares outstanding
  Primary                                    6,774     6,763     6,768     6,820      6,817     6,899     7,014     7,083
  Fully diluted                              7,310     7,291     7,293     7,384      7,324     7,406     7,541     7,590
======================================    ========   =======   =======   =======    =======   =======    =======  =======
Balance sheet data
Dollars in millions, except per share
- --------------------------------------
Average balances
  Total assets                           $  11,898    11,848    11,506    10,681     10,200     9,959     9,886    10,056
  Earning assets                            11,454    11,404    11,108    10,330      9,869     9,620     9,515     9,665
  Investment securities                      1,898     2,179     2,137     1,925      1,923     1,992     2,097     2,293
  Loans and leases,
    net of unearned discount                 9,384     9,038     8,682     8,311      7,805     7,442     7,266     7,188
  Deposits                                   9,423     9,011     8,945     8,698      7,703     7,250     7,220     7,287
  Stockholders' equity                         825       801       766       737        724       715       723       731
- --------------------------------------   ---------   -------   -------   -------    -------   -------   -------   -------
At end of quarter
  Total assets                           $  11,956    11,754    11,630    11,277     10,529    10,301    10,336    10,412
  Earning assets                            11,461    11,321    11,201    10,727     10,017     9,888     9,840    10,023
  Investment securities                      1,769     1,954     2,159     2,045      1,791     1,889     1,985     2,153
  Loans and leases,
    net of unearned discount                 9,556     9,222     8,881     8,559      8,217     7,590     7,401     7,240
  Deposits                                   9,470     9,170     8,866     9,044      8,243     7,362     7,276     7,329
  Stockholders' equity                         846       809       794       751        721       721       718       725
  Equity per common share                $  125.33    119.53    116.05    108.64     103.02    102.73    100.63    100.19
======================================    ========   =======   =======   =======    =======   =======    =======  =======
Performance ratios, annualized
- --------------------------------------
Return on
  Average assets                              1.23%     1.19%     1.10%     1.03%      1.24%     1.16%     1.16%     1.11%
  Average common stockholders' equity        18.14%    18.10%    16.87%    15.29%     17.97%    16.58%    16.32%    15.68%
Net interest margin on average
  earning assets                              4.36%     4.35%     4.35%     4.70%      4.75%     4.87%     4.93%     4.99%
Nonperforming assets to total assets,
  at end of quarter                            .84%      .72%      .72%      .79%       .83%      .91%      .90%      .95%
- --------------------------------------   ---------   -------   -------   -------    -------   -------   -------   -------
Market price per common share
  High                                   $  218       194 1/2   172 1/2   171        153       165       156 1/2   144
  Low                                       190 1/2   170       159       136 1/2    134 1/2   146       136 3/4   135
  Closing                                   218       190       171 1/2   171        136       151 1/2   156 1/2   139 1/4
======================================    ========   =======   =======   =======    =======   =======    =======  =======
</TABLE>


                                      -37-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                       Table 3
EARNINGS SUMMARY
Dollars in millions

         Increase (decrease)*                                                                                       Compound
     1994 to 1995   1993 to 1994                                                                                   growth rate
    -------------- --------------                                                                                   5 years
    Amount     %    Amount     %                                           1995    1994    1993    1992    1991   1990 to 1995
    ------    ---   ------    ---   ---------------------------------   -------   -----   -----   -----   -----   ------------
  <S>         <C>   <C>       <C>   <C>                                 <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>             <C>
  $  181.4     24   $  6.7      1   Interest income**                   $ 932.8   751.4   744.7   762.2   777.9             7%
     162.5     58      9.3      3   Interest expense                      441.7   279.2   269.9   323.6   440.2             1
  --------    ---   ------    ---   ---------------------------------   -------   -----   -----   -----   -----   -----------
      18.8      4     (2.6)    (1)  Net interest income**                 491.1   472.2   474.8   438.6   337.7            15
                                    Less: provision for possible
     (20.2)   (33)   (19.4)   (24)    credit losses                        40.4    60.5    80.0    85.0    63.4             8
                                    Gain on sales of bank
       4.4      -      (.7)   (85)    investment securities                 4.5      .1      .9    28.1      .4             -
      21.4     17     13.9     13   Other income                          145.1   123.6   109.7    98.2    77.2            22
                                    Less:
      27.0     17      6.9      4     Salaries and employee benefits      188.2   161.2   154.3   130.8   103.2            17
      10.6      6      2.1      1     Other expense                       186.3   175.6   173.5   180.6   125.4            17
  --------    ---   ------    ---   ---------------------------------   -------   -----   -----   -----   -----   -----------
      27.3     14     21.0     12   Income before income taxes            225.8   198.6   177.6   168.5   123.3            19
                                    Less:
        .6     14        -      -     Taxable-equivalent adjustment**       4.7     4.1     4.1     5.8     8.5           (12)
      13.0     17      5.7      8     Income taxes                         90.1    77.2    71.5    64.8    47.6            24
  --------    ---   ------    ---   ---------------------------------   -------   -----   -----   -----   -----   -----------
  $   13.7     12   $ 15.3     15   Net income                          $ 131.0   117.3   102.0    97.9    67.2            19%
  ========    ===   ======    ===   =================================   =======   =====   =====   =====   =====   ===========
</TABLE>

  * Changes were calculated from unrounded amounts.
 ** Interest income data are on a taxable-equivalent basis. The
    taxable-equivalent adjustment represents additional income taxes that would
    be due if all interest income were subject to income taxes. This adjustment
    is primarily to interest received on qualified municipal securities and
    industrial revenue financings and is based on a composite income tax rate of
    approximately 42% for 1995 and 1993, 43% for 1994 and 41% for all other
    periods.



                                      -38-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                     Table 4

INTEREST RATE SWAPS

                                                              Year ended December 31
                               ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           1995                              1994                            1993
                               --------------------------        ---------------------------    ----------------------------
Dollars in thousands              Amount          Rate*             Amount          Rate*         Amount              Rate*
- -------------------------      -----------     ----------        -----------    ------------    -----------         --------
<S>                            <C>                <C>            <C>                <C>         <C>                   <C> 
Increase (decrease) in:
  Interest income              $    (5,831)       (.05)%         $    10,463         .10%       $    26,695            .27%
  Interest expense                  (6,715)       (.07)               (2,018)       (.03)            (7,547)          (.09)
- -------------------------      -----------     ----------        -----------    ------------    -----------         --------
  Net interest income/margin   $       884         .01%          $    12,481         .13%       $    34,242            .34%
- -------------------------      -----------     ----------        -----------    ------------    -----------         --------
Average notional amount**      $ 2,536,329                       $ 1,627,454                    $ 1,213,886
Fixed rate received***                            6.17%                             5.72%                             6.10%
Variable rate paid***                             6.14%                             4.93%                             3.32%
=========================                      ==========                       ============                        ========
</TABLE>



  * Computed as an annualized percentage of average earning assets or
    interest-bearing liabilities.
 ** Excludes forward-starting interest rate swaps.
*** Weighted-average rate paid or received on interest rate swaps in effect
    during year.



                                      -39-
<PAGE>

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Table 5

AVERAGE LOANS AND LEASES
(net of unearned discount)                             Percent increase
                                                       (decrease) from
                                                -----------------------------
Dollars in millions                 1995        1994 to 1995     1993 to 1994
- -------------------------------    ------       ------------     ------------
Commercial, financial, etc.        $1,804                21%               5%
Real estate - commercial            3,494                12                9
Real estate - consumer              1,807                26               (6)
Consumer
  Automobile                          716                66               66
  Home equity                         587                 1               (1)
  Credit cards                        176                28               17
  Other                               273                19                9
- -------------------------------    ------       ------------     ------------
    Total consumer                  1,752                27               17
- -------------------------------    ------       ------------     ------------
  Total                            $8,857                19%               6%
===============================    ======       ============     ============


                                      -40-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        Table 6

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LOANS
(net of unearned discount)
December 31, 1995

                                                    Percent of dollars outstanding by loan size
                                       Out-         -------------------------------------------
Dollars in millions                    standings      $0-1      $1-3      $3-10      $10+
- ------------------------------------   ----------   -------    -------   -------    -------
<S>                                    <C>               <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Metropolitan New York City
  Apartments/
    Multifamily                        $  1,146.5        15%       20%       18%        7%
  Office                                    437.2         3         8        11         1
  Retail                                    156.0         1         3         3         1
  Construction                                1.8         -         -         -         -
  Industrial                                 46.7         -         1         1         -
  Other                                     126.2         2         2         2         1
- ------------------------------------   ----------   -------    -------   -------    -------
    Total Metropolitan New York City   $  1,914.4        21%       34%       35%       10%
- ------------------------------------   ----------   -------    -------   -------    -------
Other New York State
  Apartments/
    Multifamily                        $    313.4         7%        6%        6%        1%
  Office                                    392.2         8         7         8         2
  Retail                                    292.4         7         6         6         -
  Construction                               39.8         2         1         -         -
  Industrial                                126.3         5         2         1         -
  Other                                     384.5         9         7         6         3
- ------------------------------------   ----------   -------    -------   -------    -------
    Total other New York State         $  1,548.6        38%       29%       27%        6%
- ------------------------------------   ----------   -------    -------   -------    -------
Other
  Apartments/
    Multifamily                        $     57.6         7%       22%       13%        -%
  Office                                      5.3         2         -         2         -
  Retail                                     37.9         3         9        16         -
  Construction                                            -         -         -         -
  Industrial                                 14.2         2         2         6         -
  Other                                      21.2         4        11         1         -
- ------------------------------------   ----------   -------    -------   -------    -------
    Total other                        $    136.2        18%       44%       38%        -%
- ------------------------------------   ----------   -------    -------   -------    -------
    Total commercial real estate loans $  3,599.2        28%       32%       32%        8%
====================================   ==========   =======    =======   =======    =======
</TABLE>



                                      -41-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                        Table 7

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND TAXABLE-EQUIVALENT RATES

                                                                1995                          1994             
                                                     ---------------------------    ---------------------------
                                                     Average             Average    Average             Average
Average balance in millions; interest in thousands   balance   Interest   rate      balance   Interest   rate  
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
<S>                                                <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>      <C>         <C>  
Assets
Earning assets
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount*
  Commercial, financial, etc.                      $   1,804 $ 155,750     8.63%      1,487   116,479     7.84%
  Real estate                                          5,301   471,714     8.90       4,562   390,681     8.56 
  Consumer                                             1,752   169,149     9.65       1,378   128,117     9.30 
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
    Total loans and leases, net                        8,857   796,613     8.99       7,427   635,277     8.55 
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
Money-market assets
  Interest-bearing deposits at banks                     110     8,181     7.44          48     2,212     4.58 
  Federal funds sold and agreements
    to resell securities                                  48     3,007     6.29         109     4,751     4.35 
  Trading account                                         28     1,339     4.78           9       499     5.92 
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
    Total money-market assets                            186    12,527     6.75         166     7,462     4.50 
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
Investment securities**
  U.S. Treasury and federal agencies                   1,242    74,248     5.98       1,167    56,685     4.86 
  Obligations of states and political subdivisions        50     3,420     6.90          53     3,072     5.77 
  Other                                                  743    45,988     6.19         852    48,933     5.74 
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
    Total investment securities                        2,035   123,656     6.08       2,072   108,690     5.24 
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
    Total earning assets                              11,078   932,796     8.42       9,665   751,429     7.77 
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
Allowance for possible credit losses                    (254)                          (223)                   
Cash and due from banks                                  326                            307                    
Other assets                                             335                            276                    
- --------------------------------------------------   -------                        -------  
    Total assets                                   $  11,485                         10,025                    
- --------------------------------------------------   -------                        -------   
==================================================   =======   ========   ======    =======   ========  =======
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing deposits
  NOW accounts                                     $     761    11,902     1.56         746    11,286     1.51 
  Savings deposits                                     2,922    87,612     3.00       3,274    84,804     2.59 
  Time deposits                                        4,112   239,882     5.83       2,179    97,067     4.45 
  Deposits at foreign office                             133     6,952     5.23         156     5,894     3.79 
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
    Total interest-bearing deposits                    7,928   346,348     4.37       6,355   199,051     3.13 
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
Short-term borrowings                                  1,423    84,225     5.92       1,772    73,868     4.17 
Long-term borrowings                                     146    11,157     7.64          77     6,287     8.13 
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
    Total interest-bearing liabilities                 9,497   441,730     4.65       8,204   279,206     3.40 
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
Demand deposits                                        1,093                          1,011                    
Other liabilities                                        112                             87                    
- --------------------------------------------------   -------                        -------  
    Total liabilities                                 10,702                          9,302                    
- --------------------------------------------------   -------                        -------  
Stockholders' equity                                     783                            723                    
- --------------------------------------------------   -------                        -------  
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity     $  11,485                         10,025                    
- --------------------------------------------------   -------                        -------  
Net interest spread                                                        3.77                           4.37 
Contribution of interest-free funds                                         .66                            .52 
- --------------------------------------------------            --------  -------              --------  -------
Net interest income/margin on earning assets                 $ 491,066     4.43%              472,223     4.89%
==================================================            ========  =======              ========  =======
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1993
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     Average             Average
Average balance in millions; interest in thousands   balance   Interest   rate
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------
<S>                                                   <C>      <C>        <C>  
Assets
Earning assets
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount*
  Commercial, financial, etc.                          1,420   112,568     7.93%
  Real estate                                          4,387   379,832     8.66
  Consumer                                             1,175   118,461    10.08
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------
    Total loans and leases, net                        6,982   610,861     8.75
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------
Money-market assets
  Interest-bearing deposits at banks                     189     6,740     3.56
  Federal funds sold and agreements
    to resell securities                                 610    20,403     3.35
  Trading account                                         27     1,434     5.32
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------
    Total money-market assets                            826    28,577     3.46
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------
Investment securities**
  U.S. Treasury and federal agencies                   1,300    62,420     4.80
  Obligations of states and political subdivisions        41     2,600     6.40
  Other                                                  832    40,251     4.84
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------
    Total investment securities                        2,173   105,271     4.84
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------
    Total earning assets                               9,981   744,709     7.46
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------
Allowance for possible credit losses                    (174)
Cash and due from banks                                  304
Other assets                                             279
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   
    Total assets                                      10,390
==================================================   ======== 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing deposits
  NOW accounts                                           747    13,113     1.75
  Savings deposits                                     3,500    90,392     2.58
  Time deposits                                        2,249    98,508     4.38
  Deposits at foreign office                             120     3,243     2.71
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------
    Total interest-bearing deposits                    6,616   205,256     3.10
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------
Short-term borrowings                                  1,922    58,459     3.04
Long-term borrowings                                      76     6,158     8.14
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------
    Total interest-bearing liabilities                 8,614   269,873     3.13
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------
Demand deposits                                          976
Other liabilities                                        130
- --------------------------------------------------   -------  
    Total liabilities                                  9,720
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   
Stockholders' equity                                     670
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity        10,390
==================================================   =======
Net interest spread                                                        4.33
Contribution of interest-free funds                                         .43
- --------------------------------------------------             --------  -------
Net interest income/margin on earning assets                   474,836     4.76%
==================================================             ========  =======
</TABLE>


*Includes nonaccrual loans
**Includes available for sale securities at amortized cost           (continued)




                                      -42-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            Table 7 (continued)

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND TAXABLE-EQUIVALENT RATES

                                                                1992                          1991
                                                     ---------------------------    ---------------------------
                                                     Average             Average    Average             Average
Average balance in millions; interest in thousands   balance   Interest   rate      balance   Interest   rate
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
<S>                                                <C>       <C>           <C>        <C>     <C>        <C>  
Assets
Earning assets
Loans and leases, net of unearned discount*
  Commercial, financial, etc.                      $   1,237 $ 103,786     8.39%      1,067   101,717     9.53%
  Real estate                                          4,225   392,384     9.29       3,910   389,748     9.97
  Consumer                                             1,109   109,284     9.85         898   104,500    11.64
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
    Total loans and leases, net                        6,571   605,454     9.21       5,875   595,965    10.14
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
Money-market assets
  Interest-bearing deposits at banks                      29     1,083     3.76         109     7,864     7.19
  Federal funds sold and agreements
    to resell securities                                 510    18,100     3.55          95     5,322     5.62
  Trading account                                         55     3,096     5.62         192    15,873     8.27
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
    Total money-market assets                            594    22,279     3.75         396    29,059     7.34
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
Investment securities**
  U.S. Treasury and federal agencies                   1,204    81,940     6.81       1,222   109,300     8.94
  Obligations of states and political subdivisions       103     8,122     7.85         146    13,427     9.21
  Other                                                  686    44,414     6.48         357    30,194     8.47
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
    Total investment securities                        1,993   134,476     6.75       1,725   152,921     8.87
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
    Total earning assets                               9,158   762,209     8.32       7,996   777,945     9.73
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
Allowance for possible credit losses                    (130)                           (91)
Cash and due from banks                                  273                            213
Other assets                                             253                            227
- --------------------------------------------------   -------                         -------  
    Total assets                                   $   9,554                          8,345
==================================================   =======                         =======  
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing deposits
  NOW accounts                                     $     666    16,544     2.48         576    27,418     4.76
  Savings deposits                                     3,338   110,142     3.30       2,395   123,468     5.16
  Time deposits                                        2,773   153,588     5.54       3,354   242,684     7.24
  Deposits at foreign office                             130     4,348     3.35         159     9,014     5.68
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
    Total interest-bearing deposits                    6,907   284,622     4.12       6,484   402,584     6.21
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
Short-term borrowings                                  1,121    38,386     3.42         650    36,972     5.69
Long-term borrowings                                       7       590     8.32           7       659     9.35
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
    Total interest-bearing liabilities                 8,035   323,598     4.03       7,141   440,215     6.16
- --------------------------------------------------   -------   --------  -------    -------   --------  -------
Demand deposits                                          789                            563
Other liabilities                                        147                            143
- --------------------------------------------------   -------                         -------  
    Total liabilities                                  8,971                          7,847
- --------------------------------------------------   -------                         -------   
Stockholders' equity                                     583                            498
- --------------------------------------------------   -------                         -------   
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity     $   9,554                          8,345
- --------------------------------------------------   -------                         -------   
Net interest spread                                                        4.29                           3.57
Contribution of interest-free funds                                         .50                            .65
- --------------------------------------------------            --------  -------              --------  -------
Net interest income/margin on earning assets                 $ 438,611     4.79%              337,730     4.22%
- --------------------------------------------------            --------  -------              --------  -------
</TABLE>

*Includes nonaccrual loans
**Includes available for sale securities at amortized cost






                                      -43-
<PAGE>

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
           FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Table 8

AVERAGE CORE DEPOSITS
                                                 Percent increase
                                                 (decrease) from
                                          -----------------------------
Dollars in millions              1995     1994 to 1995     1993 to 1994
- -------------------           -------     ------------     ------------
NOW accounts                  $   761               2%               -%
Savings deposits                2,922             (11)              (6)
Time deposits under $100,000    2,613              47               (9)
Demand deposits                 1,093               8                4
- -------------------           -------     ------------     ------------
  Total                       $ 7,389               9%              (5)%
===================           =======     ============     ============


                                      -44-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Table 9

LOAN CHARGE-OFFS, PROVISION AND ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE CREDIT LOSSES

Dollars in thousands                                          1995       1994     1993      1992      1991
- ---------------------------------------------------------  ---------   -------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                                                        <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>   
Allowance for possible credit losses
  beginning balance                                        $ 243,332   195,878   151,690   100,265    74,982
- ---------------------------------------------------------  ---------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Charge-offs during year
  Commercial, financial, agricultural, etc.                    5,475     5,505    14,118    15,966    23,014
  Real estate - construction                                       -         -       150       400         -
  Real estate - mortgage                                      10,750    17,957    22,686    27,530    18,447
  Consumer                                                    14,982     8,981     9,135     7,488     7,033
- ---------------------------------------------------------  ---------   -------   -------   -------   -------
    Total charge-offs                                         31,207    32,443    46,089    51,384    48,494
- ---------------------------------------------------------  ---------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Recoveries during year
  Commercial, financial, agricultural, etc.                    3,967     7,877     5,403     2,095     2,268
  Real estate - construction                                      87        13         -         -         -
  Real estate - mortgage                                       2,137     4,515     1,772       445       247
  Consumer                                                     3,678     3,418     3,144     2,531     1,850
- ---------------------------------------------------------  ---------   -------   -------   -------   -------
    Total recoveries                                           9,869    15,823    10,319     5,071     4,365
- ---------------------------------------------------------  ---------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Net charge-offs                                               21,338    16,620    35,770    46,313    44,129
Provision for possible credit losses                          40,350    60,536    79,958    84,989    63,412
Allowance for possible credit losses acquired during year          -     3,538         -    12,749     6,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------  ---------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Allowance for possible credit
  losses ending balance                                    $ 262,344   243,332   195,878   151,690   100,265
- ---------------------------------------------------------  ---------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Net charge-offs as a percent of:
  Provision for possible credit losses                         52.88%    27.45%    44.74%    54.49%    69.59%
  Average loans and leases, net of
    unearned discount                                            .24%      .22%      .51%      .70%      .75%
- ---------------------------------------------------------  ---------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Allowance for possible credit losses as a
  percent of loans and leases, net
  of unearned discount, at year-end                             2.75%     2.96%     2.70%     2.17%     1.66%
- ---------------------------------------------------------  ---------   -------   -------   -------   -------
</TABLE>


                                      -45-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Table 10

ALLOCATION OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE CREDIT LOSSES TO LOAN CATEGORIES

                                                               December 31
                                          --------------------------------------------------
Dollars in thousands                          1995      1994      1993      1992      1991
- ----------------------------------------- ---------   -------   -------   -------    -------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>       <C>      <C>         <C>  
Commercial, financial, agricultural, etc. $  36,793    44,092    42,820    18,100      5,100
Real estate - mortgage                       75,894    72,285    78,823    19,740     15,293
Consumer                                     23,385    17,532    13,630     6,700      6,500
Unallocated                                 126,272   109,423    60,605   107,150     73,372
- ----------------------------------------- ---------   -------   -------   -------    -------
  Total                                   $ 262,344   243,332   195,878   151,690    100,265
========================================= =========   =======   =======   =======    =======
As a percentage of gross loans
  and leases outstanding
- ----------------------------------------- ---------   -------   -------   -------    -------
Commercial, financial, agricultural, etc.      1.83%     2.62%     2.84%     1.22%       .48%
Real estate - mortgage                         1.34      1.43      1.74       .45        .37
Consumer                                       1.10      1.05      1.02       .55        .64
========================================= =========   =======   =======   =======    =======
</TABLE>



                                      -46-
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Table 11

NONPERFORMING ASSETS
                                                    December 31
                              -------------------------------------------------
Dollars in thousands              1995      1994      1993      1992      1991
- ----------------------------- ---------    ------    ------   -------   -------
Nonaccrual loans              $  75,224    62,787    68,936    96,057    74,267
Loans past due
  90 days or more                17,842    11,754    11,122    17,536    15,422
Renegotiated loans                    -     2,994     2,195         -         -
- ----------------------------- ---------    ------    ------   -------   -------
Total nonperforming loans        93,066    77,535    82,253   113,593    89,689
- ----------------------------- ---------    ------    ------   -------   -------
Other real estate owned           7,295    10,065    12,222    16,694    10,354
- ----------------------------- ---------    ------    ------   -------   -------
Total nonperforming assets    $ 100,361    87,600    94,475   130,287   100,043
- ----------------------------- ---------    ------    ------   -------   -------
Nonperforming loans
  to total loans and leases,
  net of unearned discount          .97%      .94%     1.13%     1.63%     1.48%
Nonperforming assets
  to total net loans and leases
  and other real estate owned      1.05%     1.06%     1.30%     1.86%     1.65%
============================= =========    ======    ======   =======   =======


                                      -47-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Table 12

MATURITY DISTRIBUTION OF LOANS*
December 31, 1995

                                                                     1997-     After
Dollars in thousands                          Demand       1996      2000       2000
- -----------------------------------------   ----------   -------   --------    ------
<S>                                         <C>          <C>       <C>         <C>   
Commercial, financial, agricultural, etc.   $1,183,869   229,507    413,378    83,489
Real estate - construction                      17,381    46,462     13,663         -
- -----------------------------------------   ----------   -------   --------    ------
  Total                                     $1,201,250   275,969    427,041    83,489
=========================================   ==========   =======   ========    ======

Floating or adjustable interest rates                              $364,917    58,739
Fixed or predetermined interest rates                                62,124    24,750
- -----------------------------------------                          --------    ------
  Total                                                            $427,041    83,489
=========================================                          ========    ======
</TABLE>

*The data do not include nonaccrual loans.



                                      -48-
<PAGE>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Table 13

MATURITY OF DOMESTIC CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT AND TIME DEPOSITS
WITH BALANCES OF $100,000 OR MORE


Dollars in thousands                     December 31, 1995
- --------------------------              -------------------
Under 3 months                          $           639,482
3 to 6 months                                        82,870
6 to 12 months                                      273,227
Over 12 months                                      691,643
- --------------------------              -------------------
  Total                                 $         1,687,222
==========================              ===================


                                      -49-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                           Table 14

MATURITY AND TAXABLE-EQUIVALENT YIELD OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES


                                                  One year         One to      Five to        Over
Dollars in thousands                              or less        five years   ten years    ten years       Total
- ------------------------------------------------  --------       ----------   ---------    ---------     ----------
<S>                                               <C>              <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>    
December 31, 1995
Investment securities available for sale*
- ------------------------------------------------
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies
  Carrying value                                  $122,043         117,438            -           -     $   239,481
  Yield                                               4.42%           7.28%           -           -            5.79%
Mortgage-backed securities**
  Government issued or guaranteed
    Carrying value                                  32,999          94,413      104,921     465,191         697,524
    Yield                                             6.04%           6.03%        6.43%       6.38%           6.32%
  Privately issued
    Carrying value                                  16,083         136,947      137,699     285,390         576,119
    Yield                                             6.27%           6.13%        6.22%       6.47%           6.33%
Other debt securities
  Carrying value                                       468           2,879          183           -           3,530
  Yield                                               9.27%           8.71%        8.46%          -            8.77%
Equity securities
  Carrying value                                         -               -            -           -          15,239
  Yield                                                  -               -            -           -               -
================================================  ========       =========     ========    ========      ==========
Total investment securities available for sale
  Carrying value                                  $171,593         351,677      242,803     750,581     $ 1,531,893
  Yield                                               4.92%           6.50%        6.31%       6.41%           6.20%
- ------------------------------------------------  --------       ----------   ---------    ---------     ----------

Investment securities held to maturity
- ------------------------------------------------
U.S. Treasury and federal agencies
  Carrying value                                  $      -         150,000            -           -     $   150,000
  Yield                                                  -            6.42%           -           -            6.42%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
  Carrying value                                    30,532           3,104        1,474         140          35,250
  Yield                                               6.45%           9.14%       10.76%      11.01%           6.88%
Other debt securities
  Carrying value                                         -             584            -           -             584
  Yield                                                  -            7.37%           -           -            7.37%
================================================  ========       =========     ========    ========      ==========
Total investment securities held to maturity
  Carrying value                                  $ 30,532         153,688        1,474         140     $   185,834
  Yield                                               6.45%           6.48%       10.76%      11.01%           6.51%
================================================  ========       =========     ========    ========      ==========

Other investment securities                       $      -               -            -           -     $    51,568
- ------------------------------------------------  --------       ---------     --------    --------      ----------
Total investment securities
  Carrying value                                  $202,125         505,365      244,277     750,721     $ 1,769,295
  Yield                                               5.15%           6.49%        6.34%       6.41%           6.05%
================================================  ========       =========     ========    ========      ==========
</TABLE>

* Investment securities available for sale are presented at estimated fair
  value. Yields on such securities are based on amortized cost.
**Maturities are reflected based upon contractual payments due. Actual
  maturities are expected to be significantly shorter as a result of loan
  repayments in the underlying mortgage pools.



                                      -50-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Table 15
INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY
Dollars in thousands by repricing date

                           Three        Four to      One to
                           months       twelve        five     After five
December 31, 1995         or less       months        years       years      Total
- ----------------------- -----------    ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                     <C>            <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>      
Loans and leases, net   $ 4,104,422    1,241,900   3,034,943   1,174,584   9,555,849
Money-market assets          81,209       55,000           -           -     136,209
Investment securities       253,164      601,973     498,453     415,705   1,769,295
- -----------------------  ----------    ---------   ---------   ---------  ----------
  Total earning assets    4,438,795    1,898,873   3,533,396   1,590,289  11,461,353
- -----------------------  ----------    ---------   ---------   ---------  ----------

NOW accounts                768,559            -           -           -     768,559
Savings deposits          2,765,301            -           -           -   2,765,301
Time deposits             1,176,680    1,963,691   1,455,682           -   4,596,053
Deposits at foreign 
  office                    155,303            -           -           -     155,303
- -----------------------  ----------    ---------   ---------   ---------  ----------
  Total interest-
    bearing deposits      4,865,843    1,963,691   1,455,682           -   8,285,216
- -----------------------  ----------    ---------   ---------   ---------  ----------

Short-term borrowings     1,273,206            -           -           -   1,273,206
Long-term borrowings          2,450       12,233       1,221     176,887     192,791
- -----------------------  ----------    ---------   ---------   ---------  ----------
  Total interest-
  bearing liabilities     6,141,499    1,975,924   1,456,903     176,887   9,751,213
- -----------------------  ----------    ---------   ---------   ---------  ----------

Interest rate swaps      (1,950,416)     488,287   1,462,129           -           -
- -----------------------  ----------    ---------   ---------   ---------  ----------
Periodic gap             (3,653,120)     411,236   3,538,622   1,413,402
Cumulative gap          $(3,653,120)  (3,241,884)    296,738   1,710,140
Cumulative gap as a %
  of total earning 
  assets                      (31.9)%      (28.3)%       2.6%       14.9%
=======================  ==========    =========   =========   =========   

</TABLE>



                                      -51-
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Table 16

REGULATORY CAPITAL RATIOS
                                 First                      East
                                Empire          M&T          New         M&T
December 31, 1995           (Consolidated)     Bank         York     Bank, N.A.
- -------------------------   --------------   --------     -------    ----------
Core capital                          8.53%      7.70%      11.41%       9.46%
Total capital                        11.62%     11.05%      12.68%      10.76%
Leverage                              6.91%      6.38%       7.33%      10.08%
=========================   ==============   ========     =======    ========


                                      -52-

<PAGE>



Item 8.      Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Financial
             Statements and Supplementary Data consist of the financial
             statements as indexed and presented below and table 2 "Quarterly
             Trends" presented in Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and
             Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations".

             Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

             Report of Independent Accountants

             Consolidated Balance Sheet -
             December 31, 1995 and 1994

             Consolidated Statement of Income -
             Years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993

             Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows -
             Years ended December 31, 1995,
             1994 and 1993

             Consolidated Statement of Changes in
             Stockholders' Equity - Years ended December 31,
             1995, 1994 and 1993

             Notes to Financial Statements


















                                      -53-

<PAGE>





                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
First Empire State Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of First Empire
State Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, 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, 1995. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company'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 consolidated financial statements audited by us present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First Empire State
Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 122 in 1995, which
changed its method of accounting for mortgage servicing rights.


/s/ PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

Buffalo, New York
January 10, 1996, except as to Note 9,
which is as of February 13, 1996







                                      -54-

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

                                                                                December 31
                                                                                -----------
Dollars in thousands, except per share                                       1995          1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>             <C>    
Assets               Cash and due from banks                            $    363,119       377,781
                     Money-market assets
                       Interest-bearing deposits at banks                    125,500           143
                       Federal funds sold and
                         agreements to resell securities                       1,000         3,080
                       Trading account                                         9,709         5,438
                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Total money-market assets                           136,209         8,661
                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Investment securities
                       Available for sale (cost: $1,537,393 in 1995;
                         $1,602,916 in 1994)                               1,531,893     1,514,395
                       Held to maturity (market value: $187,476 in 1995;
                         $221,165 in 1994)                                   185,834       227,651
                       Other (market value:  $51,568 in 1995;
                         $48,994 in 1994)                                     51,568        48,994
                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Total investment securities                       1,769,295     1,791,040
                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Loans and leases                                      9,873,723     8,447,117
                       Unearned discount                                    (317,874)     (229,824)
                       Allowance for possible credit losses                 (262,344)     (243,332)
                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Loans and leases, net                             9,293,505     7,973,961
                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Premises and equipment                                  128,516       127,274
                     Accrued interest and other assets                       265,258       249,927
                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Total assets                                   $ 11,955,902    10,528,644
==================================================================================================
Liabilities          Noninterest-bearing deposits                       $  1,184,359     1,087,102
                     NOW accounts                                            768,559       748,199
                     Savings deposits                                      2,765,301     3,098,438
                     Time deposits                                         4,596,053     3,106,723
                     Deposits at foreign office                              155,303       202,611
                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Total deposits                                    9,469,575     8,243,073
                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Federal funds purchased and agreements
                       to repurchase securities                            1,213,372       695,665
                     Other short-term borrowings                              59,834       669,185
                     Accrued interest and other liabilities                  174,077       103,538
                     Long-term borrowings                                    192,791        96,187
                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Total liabilities                                11,109,649     9,807,648
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockholders'        Preferred stock, $1 par, 1,000,000 shares
equity                authorized, 40,000 shares issued, stated at aggregate
                       liquidation value                                      40,000        40,000
                     Common stock, $5 par, 15,000,000 shares
                       authorized, 8,097,472 shares issued                    40,487        40,487
                     Surplus                                                  98,657        98,014
                     Undivided profits                                       805,486       694,274
                     Unrealized investment losses, net                        (3,155)      (50,555)
                     Treasury stock - common, at cost - 1,664,306 shares
                       in 1995; 1,486,969 shares in 1994                    (135,222)     (101,224)
                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Total stockholders' equity                          846,253       720,996
                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Total liabilities and stockholders' equity     $ 11,955,902    10,528,644
==================================================================================================
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                      -55-

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

                                                                      Year ended December 31
                                                              --------------------------------
Dollars in thousands, except per share                            1995       1994       1993
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>                                          <C>           <C>        <C>    
Interest income  Loans and leases, including fees             $  794,181    633,077    608,473
                 Money-market assets
                   Deposits at banks                               8,181      2,212      6,740
                   Federal funds sold and agreements
                     to resell securities                          3,007      4,751     20,403
                   Trading account                                 1,234        361      1,242
                 Investment securities
                   Fully taxable                                 118,791    104,185    101,187
                   Exempt from federal taxes                       2,760      2,760      2,584
                 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Total interest income                       928,154    747,346    740,629
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest expense NOW accounts                                     11,902     11,286     13,113
                 Savings deposits                                 87,612     84,804     90,392
                 Time deposits                                   239,882     97,067     98,508
                 Deposits at foreign office                        6,952      5,894      3,243
                 Short-term borrowings                            84,225     73,868     58,459
                 Long-term borrowings                             11,157      6,287      6,158
                 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Total interest expense                      441,730    279,206    269,873
                 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Net interest income                             486,424    468,140    470,756
                 Provision for possible credit losses             40,350     60,536     79,958
                 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Net interest income after provision
                   for possible credit losses                    446,074    407,604    390,798
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other income     Trust income                                     25,477     22,574     23,865
                 Service charges on deposit accounts              38,290     35,016     32,291
                 Merchant discount and other credit card fees     10,675      8,705      7,932
                 Trading account gains                             1,151        700      2,702
                 Gain on sales of bank investment securities       4,479        128        870
                 Mortgage banking revenues                        37,142     16,002     12,776
                 Other revenues from operations                   32,324     40,614     30,108
                 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Total other income                          149,538    123,739    110,544
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expense    Salaries and employee benefits                  188,222    161,221    154,340
                 Equipment and net occupancy                      50,526     49,132     47,823
                 Printing, postage and supplies                   14,442     13,516     13,021
                 Deposit insurance                                14,675     16,442     17,684
                 Other costs of operations                       106,574     96,551     94,951
                 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Total other expense                         374,439    336,862    327,819
                 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Income before income taxes                      221,173    194,481    173,523
                 Income taxes                                     90,137     77,186     71,531
                 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Net income                                   $  131,036    117,295    101,992
==============================================================================================
                 Net income per common share
                   Primary                                        $18.79      16.35      13.87
                   Fully diluted                                   17.78      15.71      13.42
==============================================================================================
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


                                      -56-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

                                                                                            Year ended December 31
                                                                                   --------------------------------------
Dollars in thousands                                                                  1995         1994        1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>                                                    <C>              <C>        <C>    
Cash flows from             Net income                                             $     131,036     117,295      101,992
operating activities        Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
                              provided by operating activities
                                Provision for possible credit losses                      40,350      60,536       79,958
                                Depreciation and amortization of premises
                                  and equipment                                           18,530      17,625       16,238
                                Amortization of capitalized mortgage
                                 servicing rights                                          7,251       3,503        2,797
                                Provision for deferred income taxes                       (7,360)     (2,866)     (23,700)
                                Asset write-downs                                          3,852       3,184        9,037
                                Net gain on sales of assets                              (12,121)     (4,744)        (870)
                                Net change in accrued interest receivable, payable         4,381       8,084       (6,946)
                                Net change in other accrued income and expense            61,205     (39,654)      33,010
                                Net change in loans held for sale                       (136,303)    169,883      (70,462)
                                Net change in trading account assets                      (2,288)      4,377       43,700
                            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Net cash provided by operating activities                108,533     337,223      184,754
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from             Proceeds from sales of investment securities
investing activities          Available for sale                                         448,532      52,824            -
                              Held to maturity                                               990           -            -
                              Other                                                            -       7,446            -
                            Proceeds from maturities of investment securities
                              Available for sale                                         244,862     562,498            -
                              Held to maturity                                           115,986      55,283            -
                              Other                                                            -           -    1,298,887
                            Purchases of investment securities
                              Available for sale                                        (418,507)    (17,143)           -
                              Held to maturity                                          (295,582)    (59,704)           -
                              Other                                                       (3,408)    (20,292)  (2,011,405)
                            Net (increase) decrease in interest-bearing
                              deposits at banks                                         (125,357)     54,901       54,997
                            Net increase in loans and leases                          (1,189,108)   (778,201)    (242,249)
                            Capital expenditures, net                                    (17,520)     (6,876)     (22,329)
                            Acquisitions, net of cash acquired                            52,298     102,721            -
                            Other, net                                                     4,078      23,185       28,842
                            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Net cash used by investing activities                   (1,182,736)    (23,358)    (893,257)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from             Net increase (decrease) in deposits                        1,139,555     413,865     (722,480)
financing activities        Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings            (124,644)   (807,826)   1,408,976
                            Proceeds from issuance of subordinated notes                 100,000           -            -
                            Payments on long-term borrowings                              (3,529)       (116)         (95)
                            Purchases of treasury stock                                  (37,374)    (43,964)           -
                            Dividends paid - common                                      (16,224)    (14,743)     (13,054)
                            Dividends paid - preferred                                    (3,600)     (3,600)      (3,600)
                            Other, net                                                     3,277      (1,841)     (12,990)
                            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Net cash provided (used) by financing activities         1,057,461    (458,225)     656,757
                            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents              $     (16,742)   (144,360)     (51,746)
                            Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year               380,861     525,221      576,967
                            Cash and cash equivalents at end of year               $     364,119     380,861      525,221
=========================================================================================================================
Supplemental                Interest received during the year                      $     909,005     743,184      750,947
disclosure of cash          Interest paid during the year                                408,221     270,802      278,125
flow information            Income taxes paid during the year                             68,237     110,162       77,024
=========================================================================================================================
Supplemental schedule
of noncash investing        Real estate acquired
and financing activities      in settlement of loans                               $       7,372       9,936        9,415
=========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


                                      -57-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

                                                                                      Unrealized
                                                                                      investment
                                                                                        gains
                                               Preferred   Common            Undivided (losses),  Treasury
Dollars in thousands, except per share           stock     stock     Surplus  profits     net      stock     Total
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>     
1993     Balance - January 1, 1993              $40,000    40,487    96,816   509,984         -   (60,492) $626,795
         Net income                                   -         -         -   101,992         -         -   101,992
         Preferred stock cash dividends               -         -         -    (3,600)        -         -    (3,600)
         Common stock cash dividends -
           $ 1.90 per share                           -         -         -   (13,054)        -         -   (13,054)
         Exercise of stock options                    -         -       971         -         -     1,742     2,713
         Unrealized gains on investment
           securities available for sale, net         -         -         -         -     9,148         -     9,148
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Balance - December 31, 1993            $40,000    40,487    97,787   595,322     9,148   (58,750) $723,994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994     Net income                                   -         -         -   117,295         -         -   117,295
         Preferred stock cash dividends               -         -         -    (3,600)        -         -    (3,600)
         Common stock cash dividends -
           $ 2.20 per share                           -         -         -   (14,743)        -         -   (14,743)
         Exercise of stock options                    -         -       227         -         -     1,490     1,717
         Purchases of treasury stock                  -         -         -         -         -   (43,964)  (43,964)
         Unrealized losses on investment
           securities available for sale, net         -         -         -         -   (59,703)        -   (59,703)
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Balance - December 31, 1994            $40,000    40,487    98,014   694,274   (50,555) (101,224) $720,996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995     Net income                                   -         -         -   131,036         -         -   131,036
         Preferred stock cash dividends               -         -         -    (3,600)        -         -    (3,600)
         Common stock cash dividends -
           $ 2.50 per share                           -         -         -   (16,224)        -         -   (16,224)
         Exercise of stock options                    -         -       643         -         -     3,376     4,019
         Purchases of treasury stock                  -         -         -         -         -   (37,374)  (37,374)
         Unrealized gains on investment
           securities available for sale, net         -         -         -         -    47,400         -    47,400
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Balance - December 31, 1995            $40,000    40,487    98,657   805,486    (3,155) (135,222) $846,253
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.


                                      -58-
<PAGE>

                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          Notes to Financial Statements


1.  Significant accounting policies

First Empire State Corporation ("First Empire") is a bank holding company
headquartered in Buffalo, New York. Through subsidiaries, First Empire provides
individuals, corporations and institutions with commercial and retail banking
services, including loans and deposits, trust, mortgage banking, asset
management and other financial services. The preparation of financial statements
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The accounting and reporting policies of First Empire State Corporation and
subsidiaries ("the Company") conform to generally accepted accounting principles
and to general practices within the banking industry. The more significant
accounting policies are as follows:

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include First Empire and all of its
subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation. The financial statements of First Empire included
in note 20 report investments in subsidiaries under the equity method.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For purposes of this statement, cash and due from banks, Federal funds sold and
agreements to resell securities are considered cash and cash equivalents.

Trading account

Financial instruments used for trading purposes are stated at fair value.
Realized gains and losses and unrealized changes in fair value are included in
trading account gains in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Investment securities

Investments in debt securities are classified as held to maturity and stated at
amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold such
securities to maturity. Investments in other debt securities and equity
securities having readily determinable fair values are classified as available
for sale and stated at estimated fair value. Unrealized gains or losses related
to investment securities available for sale are reflected in stockholders'
equity, net of applicable income taxes.

      Other securities include stock of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and
the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and are stated at cost.

      Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts for investment
securities available for sale and held to maturity are included in interest
income. The cost basis of individual securities is written down to estimated
fair value through a charge to earnings when declines in value below amortized
cost are considered to be other than temporary. Realized gains and losses on the
sales of investment securities are determined using the specific identification
method.

      On December 31, 1993, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in

                                      -59-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued




1.  Significant accounting policies, continued

Debt and Equity Securities". As required, the provisions of SFAS No. 115 were
not applied to any prior periods. Prior to December 31, 1993 debt securities
were carried at amortized cost when management had both the ability and intent
to hold such securities to maturity. Periodic sales of these securities occurred
principally as a result of reactive measures taken by management to changing
business circumstances. When it became probable that a debt security would be
sold, the security was classified as held for sale. Investment securities held
for sale were reported at the lower of aggregate cost or fair market value.
Adjustments to the carrying value of investment securities held for sale were
included in gain on sales of bank investment securities in the Consolidated
Statement of Income. Equity securities were stated at the lower of cost or fair
market value. The carrying value of individual securities was written down to
estimated fair value through a charge to earnings when declines in value were
considered to be other than temporary.

Loans

Interest income on loans is accrued on a level yield method. Loans are placed on
nonaccrual status and previously accrued interest thereon is charged against
income when principal or interest is delinquent 90 days, unless management
determines that the loan status clearly warrants other treatment. Loan balances
are charged off when it becomes evident that such balances are not fully
collectible. Loan fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred
and recognized as an interest yield adjustment over the life of the loan. Net
deferred fees have been included in unearned discount in the Consolidated
Balance Sheet as a reduction of loans outstanding. Loans held for sale are
carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair market value. Valuation
adjustments made on these loans are included in mortgage banking revenues in the
Consolidated Statement of Income.

      Effective January 1, 1995, the Company adopted SFAS No. 114, "Accounting
by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan", as amended. Except for consumer and
residential mortgage loans that are considered smaller balance homogenous loans
and are evaluated collectively, the Company considers a loan to be impaired
when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company
will be unable to collect all amounts according to the contractual terms of the
loan agreement or the loan is delinquent 90 days. Impaired loans are classified
as either nonaccrual or as loans renegotiated at below market rates. Loans less
than 90 days delinquent are deemed to have a minimum delay in payment and are
generally not considered impaired. Impairment of a loan is measured based on the
present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective
interest rate, the loan's observable market price, or the fair value of
collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Interest received on impaired
loans placed on nonaccrual status is applied to reduce the carrying value of the
loan or, if principal is considered fully collectible, recognized as interest
income.

Allowance for possible credit losses

The allowance for possible credit losses represents the amount which, in
management's judgment, will be adequate to absorb credit losses from existing
loans, leases and credit commitments. The adequacy of the allowance is
determined by management's evaluation of the loan portfolio and other credit
commitments based on such factors as the differing economic risks associated
with each loan category, the current financial condition of specific borrowers,
the economic environment in which borrowers operate, any delinquency in
payments, and the value of any collateral.

                                      -60-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued


1.    Significant accounting policies, continued

Premises and equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation expense is computed principally using the straight-line method over
the estimated useful lives of the assets.


Capitalized mortgage servicing rights

In the second quarter of 1995, the Company adopted SFAS No. 122, "Accounting for
Mortgage Servicing Rights", retroactive to January 1, 1995. As a result, the
Company recognizes as separate assets rights to service mortgage loans for
others, whether those servicing rights are originated or purchased. Prior to the
adoption of SFAS No. 122, only purchased mortgage servicing rights were recorded
as assets. Retroactive application of the provisions of SFAS No. 122 to prior
years is not permitted.

      The total cost of mortgage loans sold with servicing rights retained is
allocated to the mortgage servicing rights and the loans (without the mortgage
servicing rights) based on their relative fair values. Mortgage servicing rights
purchased separately from loans are recorded at cost. Capitalized mortgage
servicing rights are included in other assets and amortized in proportion to and
over the period of estimated net servicing income.

      To estimate the fair value of mortgage servicing rights, the Company
considers market prices for similar assets and the present value of expected
future cash flows associated with the servicing rights calculated using
assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future servicing
income and expense. Such assumptions include estimates of the cost of servicing
loans, loan default rates, an appropriate discount rate, and prepayment speeds.
For purposes of evaluating and measuring impairment of capitalized mortgage
servicing rights, the Company stratifies such rights based on predominant risk
characteristics of underlying loans that are expected to have the most impact on
projected prepayments, cost of servicing and other factors affecting future cash
flows associated with the servicing rights. Such factors include loan type, note
rate and term. The amount of impairment recognized is the amount by which the
capitalized mortgage servicing rights for a stratum exceed estimated fair value.
Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance.

Income taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax effects
attributable to differences between the financial statement value of existing
assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and carry forwards.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and
laws. Investment tax credits related to leveraged leasing property are amortized
into income tax expense over the life of the lease agreement.

Financial futures

Outstanding financial futures contracts represent future commitments and are not
included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Futures contracts used in securities
trading operations are marked to market and the resulting gains or


                                      -61-

<PAGE>

                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued


1.  Significant accounting policies, continued

losses are recognized in trading account gains. On occasion the Company uses
interest rate futures contracts as part of its management of interest rate risk.
Gains and losses on futures contracts designated as hedges are amortized as an
adjustment to interest income or expense over the life of the item hedged.

Interest rate swap agreements

For interest rate swap agreements used to manage interest rate risk arising from
financial assets and liabilities, amounts receivable or payable are recognized
as accrued under the terms of the agreement and the net interest differential,
including any amortization of premiums paid or accretion of discounts received,
is recorded as an adjustment to interest income or expense of the related asset
or liability. Gains or losses resulting from early termination of interest rate
swap agreements used to manage interest rate risk are amortized over the
remaining term or estimated life of the agreement. Agreements and commitments
entered into for trading purposes are marked to market with resulting gains or
losses recorded in trading account gains.

Earnings per common share

Earnings per common share data are computed on the basis of the weighted average
number of shares outstanding during the year, plus shares issuable upon the
assumed exercise of outstanding common stock options. Proceeds assumed to have
been received on such exercise are treated as if applied toward the repurchase
of outstanding common shares in the open market during the year, as required
under the "treasury stock" method of accounting.

2.  Acquisitions

On March 6, 1995, the Company's mortgage banking subsidiary, M&T Mortgage
Corporation, acquired Statewide Funding Corporation ("Statewide"), a
privately-owned mortgage banking company based near Albany, New York, in a cash
transaction. As of the acquisition date, Statewide serviced residential mortgage
loans owned by other investors having an outstanding principal balance of
approximately $1.0 billion. On October 2, 1995, in another cash transaction, M&T
Mortgage Corporation acquired the mortgage servicing rights and origination
franchise of Exchange Mortgage Corporation ("Exchange"), a mortgage banking
company based in Huntington Station, New York. As of the acquisition date,
Exchange serviced residential mortgage loans owned by other investors having an
outstanding principal balance of approximately $370 million. The combined
purchase price of the Statewide and Exchange transactions was approximately $25
million.

      In separate cash transactions, on July 21, 1995, Manufacturers and Traders
Trust Company ("M&T Bank"), a wholly owned subsidiary of First Empire, acquired
four banking offices from The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., including
approximately $84 million of deposits, and on December 10, 1994 purchased
approximately $146 million of deposits from Chemical Bank, along with seven
banking offices. Ten of the banking offices obtained in these transactions were
in the Hudson Valley region of New York State and one office was in Western New
York.

      On December 1, 1994, First Empire acquired Ithaca Bancorp, Inc. ("Ithaca
Bancorp"), Ithaca, New York, in exchange for cash consideration of $19 per
common share, or approximately $44.2 million.  Simultaneously with the

                                      -62-

<PAGE>

                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued



2.  Acquisitions, continued

acquisition, Ithaca Bancorp's savings bank subsidiary, Citizens Savings Bank,
F.S.B., was merged into M&T Bank bringing twelve banking offices in New York's
Southern Tier into M&T Bank's branch network. As of December 1, 1994, assets
acquired totaled $470 million, including $369 million of loans; at that date,
liabilities assumed totaled $425 million, including $330 million of deposits.

      These acquisitions have been accounted for as purchase transactions and,
accordingly, the operating results of the acquired entities have been included
in the Company's results of operations since the respective acquisition dates.
The excess of the cost of the acquired entities over the fair value of
identifiable assets acquired less liabilities assumed has been recorded as
goodwill and amounted to approximately $11 million and $24 million for
acquisitions completed in 1995 and 1994, respectively. Such goodwill is being
amortized on a straight-line basis over five years.

      Amortization of goodwill was $6,294,000 in 1995 and $358,000 in 1994.
There was no goodwill amortization in 1993. The amount of goodwill totaled
$28,234,000 and $23,514,000 at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

      Presented below is certain proforma information as if Statewide, Exchange
and Ithaca had been acquired on January 1, 1994. These results combine the
historical results of the acquired businesses into the Company's Consolidated
Statement of Income and, while certain adjustments were made for the estimated
impact of purchase accounting adjustments and other acquisition-related
activity, they are not necessarily indicative of what would have occurred had
the acquisitions taken place at that time.

                                             Proforma
                                       Year ended December 31
                                        1995           1994
                                      --------        --------
                                          (in thousands,
                                         except per share)

Interest income                       $929,382        782,259
Other income                           156,306        149,852
Net income                             129,442        112,738
Earnings per common share             $  18.56          15.70
                                      ========        =======




















                                      -63-

<PAGE>

                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued



3.  Investment securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities were as
follows:
                                          Gross        Gross      Estimated
                            Amortized   unrealized   unrealized      fair
                              cost         gains       losses       value
                            ---------   ----------   ----------   ---------
                                              (in thousands)
December 31, 1995
Investment securities
  available for sale:
U.S. Treasury and federal
  agencies                 $  235,986        3,983          488     239,481
Mortgage-backed securities
  Government issued
   or guaranteed              705,523        3,505       11,504     697,524
  Privately issued            580,275          806        4,962     576,119
Other debt securities           3,454           76            -       3,530
Equity securities              12,155        3,084            -      15,239
                            ---------       ------       ------   ---------
                            1,537,393       11,454       16,954   1,531,893
                            ---------       ------       ------   ---------

Investment securities 
  held to maturity:
U.S. Treasury and
  federal agencies            150,000        1,199            -     151,199
Obligations of states and
  political subdivisions       35,250          446            3      35,693
Other debt securities             584            -            -         584
                            ---------       ------       ------   ---------
                              185,834        1,645            3     187,476
                            ---------       ------       ------   ---------

Other securities               51,568            -            -      51,568
                            ---------       ------       ------   ---------

Total                      $1,774,795       13,099       16,957   1,770,937
                           ==========       ======       ======   =========










                                      -64-

<PAGE>

                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued



3.  Investment securities, continued

                                          Gross        Gross      Estimated
                            Amortized   unrealized   unrealized     fair
                              cost         gains       losses       value
                            ---------   ----------   ----------   ---------
                                           (in thousands)
December 31, 1994
Investment securities
  available for sale:
U.S. Treasury and federal
  agencies                 $    5,775            -           13       5,762
Mortgage-backed securities
  Government issued
   or guaranteed              869,031          403       46,901     822,533
  Privately issued            706,909          110       41,810     665,209
Other debt securities           6,537           20            -       6,557
Equity securities              14,664        1,532        1,862      14,334
                           ----------        -----       ------   ---------
                            1,602,916        2,065       90,586   1,514,395
                           ----------        -----       ------   ---------


Investment securities
 held to maturity:
U.S. Treasury and
  federal agencies            171,112            1        6,511     164,602
Obligations of states and
  political subdivisions       55,787          266          181      55,872
Other debt securities             752            -           61         691
                           ----------        -----       ------   ---------
                              227,651          267        6,753     221,165
                           ----------        -----       ------   ---------

Other securities               48,994            -            -      48,994
                           ----------        -----       ------   ---------

Total                      $1,879,561        2,332       97,339   1,784,554
                           ==========        =====       ======   =========


      No investment in securities of a single non-U.S. Government or government
agency issuer exceeded ten percent of stockholders' equity at December 31, 1995.

      As permitted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, in December 1995
the Company reclassified U.S. Treasury securities with an amortized cost and
estimated fair value of $220,185,000 and $223,309,000, respectively, from held
to maturity to available for sale to enhance flexibility in managing the
investment securities portfolio.

      As of December 31, 1995, the latest available investment ratings of all
privately issued mortgage-backed securities were AA or better, except one
security with an amortized cost of $1,075,000 was rated AA-.

      At December 31, 1995, investment securities classified as held to maturity
and issued by U.S. Treasury and federal agencies consisted of structured notes
issued by the Federal Home Loan Banks. There were no structured notes in
investment securities at December 31, 1994.





                                      -65-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued



3.  Investment securities, continued

      The amortized cost and estimated fair value of collateralized mortgage
obligations included in mortgage-backed securities were as follows:

                                                 December 31
                                            1995            1994
                                            ----            ----
                                              (in thousands)

     Amortized cost                       $673,476         788,776
     Estimated fair value                  662,785         736,259
                                          ========         =======

      Gross realized gains on the sale of investment securities available for
sale were $5,113,000 in 1995 and $128,000 in 1994. Gross realized losses on the
sale of investment securities available for sale were $624,000 in 1995. There
were no such losses in 1994. Gains recognized in 1993 consisted of appreciation
in market value of investment securities held for sale at December 31, 1992.

      During 1995, the Company sold a municipal bond with an amortized cost of
$1,000,000 that had been classified as held to maturity. Such bond was sold for
an insignificant loss immediately following the downgrading of the
municipality's credit rating by several rating agencies.

      At December 31, 1995, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt
securities by contractual maturity were as follows:

                                                           Estimated
                                           Amortized          fair
                                             cost            value
                                           ---------       ---------
                                                (in thousands)
Debt securities available for sale:
Due in one year or less                   $  122,948         122,511
Due after one year through five years        116,314         120,317
Due after five years through ten years           178             183
Due after ten years                                -               -
                                          ----------       ---------
                                             239,440         243,011
                                          ----------       ---------
Mortgage-backed securities available
  for sale                                 1,285,798       1,273,643
                                          ----------       ---------
                                          $1,525,238       1,516,654
                                          ==========       =========
Debt securities held to maturity:
Due in one year or less                   $   30,532          30,594
Due after one year through five years        153,688         155,037
Due after five years through ten years         1,474           1,682
Due after ten years                              140             163
                                          ----------       ---------
                                          $  185,834         187,476
                                          ==========       =========

      At December 31, 1995, investment securities with a carrying value of
$795,759,000, including $629,729,000 of investment securities available for
sale, were pledged to secure demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury,
borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, repurchase agreements,
governmental deposits and interest rate swap agreements.





                                      -66-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued



4.  Loans and leases

Total gross loans and leases outstanding were comprised of the following:

                                           December 31
                                      1995            1994
                                      ----            ----
                                        (in thousands)
Loans
Commercial, financial,
  agricultural, etc.               $1,928,969      1,592,627
Real estate:
  Residential                       2,061,342      1,707,840
  Commercial                        3,587,248      3,339,097
  Construction                         77,604         53,535
Consumer                            2,017,099      1,662,881
                                   ----------      ---------
  Total loans                       9,672,262      8,355,980
                                   ----------      ---------
Leases
  Commercial                           84,968         87,788
  Consumer                            116,493          3,349
                                   ----------      ---------
  Total leases                        201,461         91,137
                                   ----------      ---------
    Total loans and leases         $9,873,723      8,447,117
                                   ==========      =========


      One-to-four family residential mortgage loans held for sale were $185.0
million at December 31, 1995 and $33.4 million at December 31, 1994. One-to-
four family residential mortgage loans serviced for others totaled approximately
$5.7 billion and $4.0 billion at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Approximately $17.3 million of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans
have been sold with recourse. The total credit loss exposure resulting from
loans sold with recourse was considered negligible as of December 31, 1995.

      Included in the table above are nonperforming loans (loans on which
interest was not being accrued, or which were ninety days or more past due or
had been renegotiated at below-market interest rates) of $93,066,000 at December
31, 1995 and $77,535,000 at December 31, 1994. If nonaccrual and renegotiated
loans had been accruing interest at their originally contracted terms, interest
income on these loans would have amounted to $9,931,000 in 1995 and $9,648,000
in 1994. The actual amount included in interest income during 1995 and 1994 on
these loans was $2,178,000 and $1,590,000, respectively.

      The adoption of SFAS No. 114, as amended, on January 1, 1995 had no impact
on the Company's results of operations nor on the level of the allowance for
possible credit losses. At December 31, 1995, the recorded investment in loans
that are considered impaired under SFAS No. 114 was $60,778,000. Included in
this amount was $41,654,000 of impaired loans for which the related SFAS No. 114
allowance for possible credit losses was $4,775,000. The average recorded
investment in impaired loans during 1995 was $52,357,000. Interest income
recognized on impaired loans totaled $1,151,000 for the year ended December 31,
1995.






                                      -67-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued



4. Loans and leases, continued

      Borrowings by directors and certain officers of First Empire and its
banking subsidiaries, and by associates of such persons, exclusive of loans
aggregating less than $60,000, amounted to $52,613,000 and $129,736,000 at
December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. During 1995, new borrowings by such
persons amounted to $25,415,000 (including borrowings of new directors or
officers that were outstanding at the time of their election) and repayments and
other reductions equaled $102,538,000.

      At December 31, 1995, approximately $19 million of one-to-four family
residential mortgage loans were pledged to secure borrowings.

5.  Allowance for possible credit losses

Changes in the allowance for possible credit losses were as follows:

                                1995         1994         1993
                                ----         ----         ----
                                        (in thousands)

Beginning balance             $243,332      195,878      151,690
Provision for possible
  credit losses                 40,350       60,536       79,958
Allowance for possible
  credit losses acquired             -        3,538            -
Net charge-offs
  Charge-offs                  (31,207)     (32,443)     (46,089)
  Recoveries                     9,869       15,823       10,319
                              --------      -------      -------
  Net charge-offs              (21,338)     (16,620)     (35,770)
                              --------      -------      -------

Ending balance                $262,344      243,332      195,878
                              ========      =======      =======


6.  Premises and equipment

The detail of premises and equipment was as follows:

                                                          December 31
                                                     1995           1994
                                                     ----           ----
                                                        (in thousands)

Land                                               $ 12,791         12,730
Buildings-owned                                      89,062         88,123
Buildings-capital leases                              1,773          1,773
Leasehold improvements                               29,098         33,404
Furniture and equipment-owned                       114,007        102,212
Furniture and equipment-capital leases                  429              -
                                                   --------        -------
                                                    247,160        238,242
                                                   
Less:  accumulated depreciation
  and amortization
    Owned assets                                    116,954        109,354
    Capital leases                                    1,690          1,614
                                                   --------        -------
                                                    118,644        110,968
                                                   --------        -------

Premises and equipment, net                        $128,516        127,274
                                                   ========        =======


                                      -68-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued




6.    Premises and equipment, continued

      Net lease expense for all operating leases totaled $13,091,000 in 1995,
$13,329,000 in 1994 and $12,051,000 in 1993. The Company occupies certain
banking offices and uses certain equipment under noncancellable operating lease
agreements expiring at various dates over the next 22 years. Minimum lease
payments under noncancellable operating leases are summarized as follows:

Year ending December 31:          (in thousands)

           1996                       $  7,455
           1997                          7,333
           1998                          6,505
           1999                          7,461
           2000                          6,837
           Later years                  59,331
                                      --------
                                      $ 94,922
                                      ========

      Payments required under capital leases are not material.

7.  Capitalized mortgage servicing rights

Changes in capitalized mortgage servicing rights were as follows:

                                     Year ended December 31
                             1995               1994              1993
                             ----               ----              ----
                                          (in thousands)

Beginning balance          $10,048              8,472             7,555
Originations                12,515                  -                 -
Purchases                   22,980              5,079             4,034
Amortization                (7,251)            (3,503)           (2,797)
Sales                       (2,704)                 -                 -
Write-downs                      -                  -              (320)
                           -------             ------             -----
                            35,588             10,048             8,472
Valuation allowance         (1,100)                 -                 -
                           -------             ------             -----
Ending balance, net        $34,488             10,048             8,472
                           =======             ======             =====

      As a result of impairment of certain strata of capitalized mortgage
servicing rights, an impairment allowance totaling $1,100,000 was recorded
during 1995. The estimated fair value of capitalized mortgage servicing was
approximately $44 million at December 31, 1995. Such amount was calculated using
current prepayment and discount rate assumptions.

      The effect on the 1995 results of operations from implementing SFAS No.
122 was to increase mortgage banking revenues by $9,985,000 and other costs of
operations by $1,795,000.













                                      -69-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued




8.  Borrowings

The amount and interest rate of short-term borrowings were as follows:

                             Federal funds
                             purchased and
                              repurchase       Other
                              agreements     borrowings        Total
                             -------------   ----------      ---------
                                       (dollars in thousands)
At December 31, 1995
  Amount outstanding          $1,213,372         59,834      1,273,206
  Weighted-average
    interest rate                   5.83%          5.32%          5.81%

For the year ended
  December 31, 1995
  Highest amount
    at a month-end            $1,944,924        524,359
  Daily-average
    amount outstanding         1,176,935        246,560      1,423,495
  Weighted-average
    interest rate                   5.91%          5.95%          5.92%
                               =========        =======      =========


At December 31, 1994
  Amount outstanding          $  695,665        669,185      1,364,850
  Weighted-average
    interest rate                   6.07%          6.02%          6.05%

For the year ended
  December 31, 1994
  Highest amount
    at a month-end            $1,829,630      1,038,502
  Daily-average
    amount outstanding         1,432,845        339,676      1,772,521
  Weighted-average
    interest rate                   4.12%          4.38%          4.17%
                               =========        =======      =========

At December 31, 1993
  Amount outstanding          $1,381,335        720,332      2,101,667
  Weighted-average
    interest rate                   3.41%          2.97%          3.26%

For the year ended
  December 31, 1993
  Highest amount
    at a month-end            $2,434,239        720,332
  Daily-average
    amount outstanding         1,639,537        282,989      1,922,526
  Weighted-average
    interest rate                   3.06%          2.93%          3.04%
                               =========        =======      =========






                                      -70-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued





8.    Borrowings, continued


      At December 31, 1995, First Empire, M&T Bank and The East New York Savings
Bank ("East New York"), a wholly owned subsidiary of First Empire, had lines of
credit under formal agreements as follows:

                                  First              M&T               East
                                  Empire             Bank            New York
                                  ------             ----            --------
                                              (in thousands)

Outstanding borrowings           $     -            16,834                  -
Unused                            25,000           615,894            257,598
                                 =======           =======            =======




      Long-term borrowings were as follows:

                                                December 31
                                            1995             1994
                                            ----             ----
                                              (in thousands)
Subordinated notes of
 M&T Bank:
 8 1/8% due 2002                          $ 75,000          75,000
 7% due 2005                               100,000               -
Advances from Federal Home
 Loan Bank of New York                      16,834          20,701
Other                                          957             486
                                          --------          ------
                                          $192,791          96,187
                                          ========          ======

      The subordinated notes of M&T Bank are unsecured and are subordinate to
the claims of depositors and other creditors of M&T Bank. Advances from the
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York had fixed and variable rates of interest
ranging from 4.74% to 8.60% at December 31, 1995 and 1994. Such advances mature
at various dates through 2006 and are secured by residential mortgage loans.

      Long-term borrowings at December 31, 1995 mature as follows:

Year ending December 31              (in thousands)
             1996                       $ 14,683
             1997                            221
             1998                            533
             1999                            128
             2000                            339
             Later years                 176,887
                                         -------

                                        $192,791
                                        ========







                                      -71-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued



9. Preferred stock

The 9% cumulative preferred stock is convertible at any time into shares of
First Empire's common stock at a conversion price of $78.90625 per share,
subject to certain adjustments. First Empire has the right to redeem the
preferred stock, in whole, but not in part, on or after March 31, 1996 at a
price of $40,000,000 plus accrued and unpaid dividends. On February 9, 1996,
First Empire notified the preferred stockholder of its intention to redeem the
preferred stock. On February 13, 1996, the preferred stockholder advised First
Empire of its intention to convert the preferred stock into shares of common
stock of First Empire. The conversion is anticipated to result in the issuance
from treasury stock of 506,930 common shares.

        The preferred stock is not considered to be a common stock equivalent.
Preferred stock dividends are deducted from net income when calculating primary
earnings per common share. The calculation of fully diluted earnings per common
share assumes that the preferred stock was converted to 506,930 shares of common
stock at issuance and that no preferred stock dividends were paid.

10. Disclosures about fair value of financial instruments

SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments", requires
that financial institutions disclose the estimated "fair value" of their
financial instruments. "Fair value" is generally defined as the price a willing
buyer and a willing seller would exchange for a financial instrument in other
than a distressed sale situation. Disclosures related to fair value presented
herein are as of December 31, 1995 and 1994.

        With the exception of marketable securities, certain off-balance sheet
financial instruments and one-to-four family residential mortgage loans
originated for sale, the Company's financial instruments are not readily
marketable and market prices do not exist. The Company, in attempting to comply
with the provisions of SFAS No. 107, has not attempted to market its financial
instruments to potential buyers, if any exist. Since negotiated prices in
illiquid markets depend greatly upon the then present motivations of the buyer
and seller, it is reasonable to assume that actual sales prices could vary
widely from any estimate of fair value made without the benefit of negotiations.
Additionally, changes in market interest rates can dramatically impact the value
of financial instruments in a short period of time.

        The estimated fair value of investments in readily marketable debt and
equity securities were based on quoted market prices at the respective year-end.
In arriving at estimated fair value of other financial instruments, the Company
generally used calculations based upon discounted cash flows of the related
financial instruments. In general, discount rates used for loan products were
based on the Company's pricing at the respective year-end. A higher discount
rate was assumed with respect to estimated cash flows associated with nonaccrual
loans.








                                      -72-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued



10. Disclosures about fair value of financial instruments, continued

        As more fully described in note 3, the carrying value and estimated fair
value of investment securities were as follows:

                                                Carrying      Estimated
                                                  value       fair value
                                                --------      ----------
                                                    (in thousands)

        December 31
          1995                                 $1,769,295      1,770,937
          1994                                  1,791,040      1,784,554
                                               ==========      =========



        The following table presents the carrying value and calculated estimates
of fair value of loans and commitments related to loans originated for sale:

                                            Carrying      Calculated
                                              value        estimate
                                            --------      ----------
                                                (in thousands)
December 31, 1995
Commercial loans and leases                $1,992,325      1,989,483
Commercial real estate loans                3,599,202      3,615,964
Residential real estate loans               1,999,540      2,030,175
Consumer loans and leases                   1,964,782      1,980,559
                                           ----------      ---------
                                           $9,555,849      9,616,181
                                           ==========      =========

December 31, 1994
Commercial loans and leases                $1,659,532      1,650,138
Commercial real estate loans                3,352,600      3,261,013
Residential real estate loans               1,653,552      1,609,921
Consumer loans and leases                   1,551,609      1,554,609
                                           ----------      ---------
                                           $8,217,293      8,075,681
                                           ==========      =========

        As described in note 17, in the normal course of business, various
commitments and contingent liabilities are outstanding, such as loan
commitments, credit guarantees and letters of credit. The Company's pricing of
such financial instruments is based largely on credit quality and relationship,
probability of funding and other requirements. Commitments generally have fixed
expiration dates and contain termination and other clauses which provide for
relief from funding in the event of significant deterioration in the credit
quality of the customer. The rates and terms of the Company's loan commitments,
credit guarantees and letters of credit are competitive with other financial
institutions operating in markets served by the Company. The Company believes
that the carrying amounts are reasonable estimates of the fair value of these
financial instruments. Such carrying amounts, which are comprised principally of
unamortized fee income and are included in other liabilities, totaled $2,757,000
and $2,400,000 at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.







                                      -73-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued




10. Disclosures about fair value of financial instruments, continued

        SFAS No. 107 requires that the estimated fair value ascribed to
noninterest-bearing deposits, savings deposits and NOW accounts be established
at carrying value because of the customers' ability to withdraw funds
immediately. Additionally, time deposit accounts are required to be revalued
based upon prevailing market interest rates for similar maturity instruments.
The following summarizes the results of these calculations:

                                            Carrying      Calculated
                                              value        estimate
                                            --------      ----------
                                                (in thousands)
December 31, 1995
Noninterest-bearing deposits               $1,184,359      1,184,359
Savings deposits and NOW accounts           3,533,860      3,533,860
Time deposits                               4,596,053      4,611,060
Deposits at foreign office                    155,303        155,303
                                           ==========      =========

December 31, 1994
Noninterest-bearing deposits               $1,087,102      1,087,102
Savings deposits and NOW accounts           3,846,637      3,846,637
Time deposits                               3,106,723      3,088,666
Deposits at foreign office                    202,611        202,611
                                           ==========      =========

        The Company believes that deposit accounts have a value greater than
that prescribed by SFAS No. 107. The Company feels, however, that the value
associated with these deposits is greatly influenced by characteristics of the
buyer, such as the ability to reduce the costs of servicing the deposits, and
the expected deposit attrition which is customary in acquisitions. Accordingly,
estimating the fair value of deposits with any degree of certainty is not
practical.


        As more fully described in note 16, the Company had entered into
interest rate swap agreements for purposes of managing the Company's exposure to
changing interest rates. The estimated fair value of interest rate swap
agreements represents the amount the Company would have expected to receive or
pay to terminate such swaps. The following table includes information about the
estimated fair value of interest rate swaps entered into for interest rate risk
management purposes:

                                 Gross             Gross         Estimated
                  Notional     unrealized        unrealized    fair value -
                   amount        gains             losses       gain (loss)
                  --------     ----------        ----------    ------------
                                    (in thousands)

December 31
   1995         $2,378,358         38,682            (1,645)         37,037
   1994          2,388,000              -          (119,079)       (119,079)
                ==========         ======          ========        ======== 


      As described in note 16, the Company also uses certain derivative
financial instruments as part of its trading activities. Interest rate swaps
entered into for trading purposes had notional values and estimated fair value
gains of $50 million and $80,000, respectively, at December 31, 1995 and $40
million and $3,000, respectively, at December 31, 1994. The Company also entered
into foreign exchange and other option and futures contracts totaling $539
million and $296 million at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Such
contracts were valued at a gain of $2,603,000 and at a loss of $19,000 at
December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. All trading

                                      -74-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued



10. Disclosures about fair value of financial instruments, continued

account assets and liabilities are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at
estimated fair value.

      Due to the near maturity of other money-market assets and short-term
borrowings, the Company estimates that the carrying value of such instruments
approximates estimated fair value. The carrying value and estimated fair value
of long-term borrowings were $192,791,000 and $202,746,000, respectively, at
December 31, 1995 and $96,187,000 and $93,277,000, respectively, at December 31,
1994.

      The Company does not believe that the estimated fair value information
presented herein is representative of the earnings power or value of the
Company. The preceding analysis, which is inherently limited in depicting fair
value, also does not consider any value associated with existing customer
relationships nor the ability of the Company to create value through loan
origination, deposit gathering or fee generating activities.

      Many of the fair value estimates presented herein are based upon the use
of highly subjective information and assumptions and, accordingly, the results
may not be precise. Management believes that fair value estimates may not be
comparable between financial institutions due to the wide range of permitted
valuation techniques and numerous estimates which must be made. Furthermore,
since the fair value is estimated as of the balance sheet date, the amounts
actually realized or paid upon maturity or settlement of the various financial
instruments could be significantly different.

11. Stock option plan

The stock option plan allows the grant of stock options and stock appreciation
rights (either in tandem with options or independently) which are exercisable
over terms not exceeding ten years and one day, and at prices which may not be
less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. When
exercisable, the stock appreciation rights issued in tandem with stock options
entitle grantees to receive cash, stock or a combination equal to the amount of
stock appreciation between the dates of grant and exercise. Stock appreciation
rights issued independently of stock options contain similar terms as the stock
options, although upon exercise the holder is only entitled to receive cash
instead of purchasing shares of First Empire's common stock. Of the stock
options outstanding at December 31, 1995, 619,776 were granted with limited
stock appreciation rights attached thereto. A summary of related activity
follows:


                                      -75-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued



11.   Stock option plan, continued


                                    Cash-only
                         Stock    appreciation
                        options      rights          Exercise price per share
                      outstanding  outstanding        Range          Average
                      -----------  -----------       -------        ---------

1993
  Beginning balance     431,197       121,200    $ 23.00-131.88      $ 62.13
  Granted               119,725             -     133.88-141.50       134.00
  Exercised             (40,540)       (5,800)     35.25-105.13        50.78
  Cancelled              (3,150)       (2,200)     53.00-133.88        96.87
                        -------        ------      ------------        -----
  At year-end           507,232       113,200      23.00-141.50        76.55

1994
  Granted               142,449             -     139.50-150.50       139.96
  Exercised             (33,944)      (22,600)     35.25- 70.00        52.43
  Cancelled              (4,500)            -     105.13-139.50       131.24
                        -------        ------      ------------        -----
  At year-end           611,237        90,600      23.00-150.50        91.01

1995
  Granted               165,185             -     140.00-198.00       143.39
  Exercised             (47,175)      (29,000)     23.00-139.50        64.33
  Cancelled              (9,250)            -     105.13-140.00       133.82
                        -------        ------      ------------       ------
  At year-end           719,997        61,600      35.25-198.00       104.17
                        =======        ======      ============       ======

Exercisable at
December 31, 1995       315,612        61,600      35.25-150.50        69.21
                        =======        ======      ============        =====


      At December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively, there were 481,786 and
137,721 shares available for future grant. During 1995, the number of shares
authorized for issuance under the stock option plan was increased to 2,000,000
shares from 1,500,000.

12.  Pension plans and other postretirement benefits

The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering
substantially all full-time employees. Pension benefits accrue to participants
based on their level of compensation and number of years of service. With
respect to employees added as a result of the acquisitions completed in 1995 and
1994, service with the acquired entities was counted in the pension formula for
vesting, but not for benefit accrual purposes. The Company contributes to the
pension plan amounts sufficient to meet Internal Revenue Code funding standards.

      Net periodic pension cost consisted of the following:

                                             1995        1994        1993
                                             ----        ----        ----
                                                  (in thousands)

Service cost                             $  3,304       4,148       3,075
Interest cost on projected benefit
 obligation                                 6,026       5,823       4,904
Actual return on assets                   (19,666)      1,487      (8,217)
Net amortization and deferral              11,390      (9,541)        293
                                         --------       -----       -----
Net periodic pension cost                $  1,054       1,917          55
                                         ========       =====       =====



                                      -76-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued



12.   Pension plans and other postretirement benefits, continued

      Data relating to the funding position of the pension plan were as follows:

                                               1995          1994
                                               ----          ----
                                                  (in thousands)

Vested accumulated benefit obligation       $(72,377)      (60,307)
Total accumulated benefit obligation         (74,635)      (62,351)
Projected benefit obligation                 (91,222)      (75,735)
Plan assets at fair value                    108,316        88,215
                                            --------         -----
Plan assets in excess of projected
 benefit obligation                           17,094        12,480
Unrecognized net asset                        (2,059)       (2,917)
Unrecognized past service cost                  (493)         (538)
Unrecognized net (gain) loss                  (2,317)         (284)
                                            --------         -----
Pension asset                               $ 12,225         8,741
                                            ========         =====

      The assumed rates used in the actuarial computations were as follows:

                                                1995        1994
                                                ----        ----

Discount rate                                   7.00%       8.00%
Rate of increase in future
  compensation levels                           5.00%       5.00%
Long-term rate of return on assets              8.00%       8.00%
                                                ====        ==== 

      In addition, the Company has an unfunded supplemental pension plan for
certain key executives. Net periodic pension cost was $290,000, $341,000 and
$159,000 in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

      The Company also provides health care and life insurance benefits for
qualified retired employees who reached the age of 55 while working for the
Company. Substantially all salaried employees are covered in the plan.

      Net postretirement benefit cost consisted of the following:

                                                   1995     1994     1993
                                                   ----     ----     ----
                                                      (in thousands)

Service cost                                     $   94      136       94
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation     1,022    1,059    1,094
Actual return on assets                            (547)      (1)    (364)
Net amortization and deferral                        16     (452)    (281)
                                                 ------    -----    -----
Net postretirement benefit cost                  $  585      742      543
                                                 ======    =====    =====

      Data relating to the funding position of the plan were as follows:

                                                  1995      1994
                                                  ----      ----
                                                  (in thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation:
  Retirees                                      $12,732    12,611
  Active employees
    Fully eligible                                1,261     1,477
    Other                                           996       800
Plan assets at fair value                        (7,046)   (7,580)
                                                 ------     -----
Accumulated benefit obligation in
 excess of plan assets                            7,943     7,308
Unrecognized net loss                            (2,009)   (2,019)
Unrecognized past service cost                    2,447     2,651
                                                -------    ------
Accrued postretirement benefit cost             $ 8,381     7,940
                                                =======    ======

                                      -77-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued



12.   Pension plans and other postretirement benefits, continued

      The Company on occasion funds a portion of these postretirement benefit
obligations through contributions to a Voluntary Employee Benefit Association
trust account.

      The assumed rates used in the actuarial computations were as follows:

                                                1995       1994
                                                ----       ----

Discount rate                                    7.0%       8.0%
Long-term rate of return on assets               8.0%       8.0%
Medical inflation rate                          11.5%      14.0%
                                                ====       ==== 

      The medical inflation rate was assumed to gradually reduce to 5% over
thirteen years.

      The Company's 1995 service cost, interest cost and accumulated benefit
obligation assuming a 1% increase in the medical inflation rate assumption are
as follows:
                                                 (in thousands)

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation        $16,018
Service cost                                              94
Interest cost                                          1,133
                                                     =======

13.  Income taxes

The components of income tax expense were as follows:

                                        1995     1994     1993
                                        ----     ----     ----
                                            (in thousands)
Current
  Federal                             $79,194   58,801   69,744
  State and city                       18,303   21,251   25,487
                                      -------   ------   ------
    Total current                      97,497   80,052   95,231
                                      -------   ------   ------

Deferred
  Federal                              (7,875)  (3,424) (18,124)
  State and city                          515      558   (5,576)
                                      -------   ------   ------
    Total deferred                     (7,360)  (2,866) (23,700)
                                      -------   ------   ------
    Total income taxes
      applicable to pre-tax income    $90,137   77,186   71,531
                                      =======   ======   ======

      The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return reflecting
taxable income earned by all subsidiaries. East New York may elect to compute
its bad debt deduction for tax purposes as a percentage of taxable income.
Applicable federal tax law allows qualified savings banks the option of
deducting as bad debt expense 8% of their taxable income. However, failure to
maintain savings bank status as defined by the Internal Revenue Code or charges
to the reserve established by these deductions for other than bad debt losses
would create taxable income, subject to the applicable tax rates in effect at
that time. At December 31, 1995, East New York's bad debt reserve for federal
tax purposes was $46,717,000. No actions are planned which would cause this
reserve to become wholly or partially taxable.

      The portion of income tax expense attributable to gains on sales of bank
investment securities was $1,872,000 in 1995, $53,000 in 1994 and $392,000 in
1993. No alternative minimum tax expense was recognized in any year.

                                      -78-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued



13.   Income taxes, continued


      Total income taxes differed from the amount computed by applying the
statutory federal income tax rate to pre-tax income as follows:

                                      1995        1994        1993
                                      ----        ----        ----
                                             (in thousands)

Income taxes at statutory rate      $77,411      68,068      60,733
Increase (decrease) in taxes:
  Tax-exempt income                  (2,195)     (5,758)     (2,066)
  State and city income taxes,
    net of federal income
    tax effect                       12,232      14,176      12,942
  Other                               2,689         700         (78)
                                    -------      ------      ------
                                    $90,137      77,186      71,531
                                    =======      ======      ======


      Deferred tax assets (liabilities) were comprised of the following at
December 31:

                                      1995        1994            1993
                                      ----        ----            ----
                                             (in thousands)

Interest on loans                  $  5,335       6,513           7,115
Gain on sales of loans                    -       1,041           2,207
Depreciation and amortization         5,943       4,367           3,477
Losses on loans and other assets    102,183      97,502          76,783
Postretirement and other
  supplemental employee benefits      7,041       6,382           5,969
Incentive compensation plans         10,932       9,242           9,247
Unrealized investment losses          2,343      37,966               -
Other                                 6,990       7,781           3,060
                                    -------     -------         -------
  Gross deferred tax assets         140,767     170,794         107,858
                                    -------     -------         -------

Retirement benefits                  (5,194)     (3,801)         (4,904)
Leasing transactions                (71,717)    (69,469)        (72,019)
Restructured interest rate
  swap agreements                   (13,746)    (16,950)              -
Capitalized servicing rights         (7,981)          -               -
Unrealized investment gains               -           -          (6,657)
Other                                  (226)     (5,159)              -
                                    -------     -------         -------
  Gross deferred tax liabilities    (98,864)    (95,379)        (83,580)
                                    -------     -------         -------
Net deferred asset                 $ 41,903      75,415          24,278
                                    =======     =======         =======


      The Company believes that it is more likely than not that the net deferred
tax asset will be realized through taxable earnings or alternative tax
strategies.

      The income tax credits shown in the Statement of Income of First Empire in
note 20 arise principally from operating losses before dividends from
subsidiaries.


                                      -79-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued




14.  Other income and other expense

The following items, which exceeded 1% of total revenues in the respective
period, were included in either other revenues from operations or other costs of
operations in the Consolidated Statement of Income:

                                        1995       1994       1993
                                        ----       ----       ----
                                              (in thousands)

Other income:
 Transfer of investment securities
    to charitable foundation          $           10,439

Other expense:
 Professional services
  Data processing                       6,893
  Other                                10,748
 Advertising                                      11,067      9,069
 Charitable contributions                         15,652
                                      =======     ======      =====

15.  International activities

The Company engages in certain international activities consisting primarily of
purchasing Eurodollar placements, collecting Eurodollar deposits and engaging in
a limited amount of foreign currency trading. Assets identified with
international activities amounted to $86,580,000 and $7,172,000 at December 31,
1995 and 1994, respectively.

16.  Derivative financial instruments

As part of managing interest rate risk, the Company has entered into several
interest rate swap agreements. The swaps modify the repricing characteristics of
certain portions of the Company's loan and deposit portfolios. In general, under
terms of the agreements the Company receives a fixed rate of interest and pays a
variable rate based on London Inter-Bank Offered Rates ("LIBOR"). Interest rate
swap agreements are generally entered into with counterparties with substantial
net worth and most contain collateral provisions protecting the at-risk party.
The Company considers the credit risk inherent in these contracts to be
negligible. Information about interest rate swaps entered into for interest rate
risk management purposes summarized by type of financial instrument the swaps
were intended to modify follows:


                                      -80-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued



16.   Derivative financial instruments, continued

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Weighted-average rate
                                        Average     ---------------------      Estimated
                        Notional        expected      Fixed      Variable     fair value-
                         amount         maturity    (receive)     (pay)       gain(loss)
                     --------------    ----------   ---------    --------   --------------
                     (in thousands)    (in years)                           (in thousands)
<S>                    <C>                <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>       

December 31, 1995
- -----------------

Variable rate
 loans:
 Amortizing            $  365,782         1.12        5.93%        5.80%      $    (287)
 Non-amortizing           834,576         3.02        5.81%        5.89%          9,086
                       ----------         ----        ----         ----       --------- 
                        1,200,358         2.44        5.85%        5.86%          8,799

Fixed rate time
 deposits:
 Non-amortizing         1,178,000         1.35        6.55%        5.66%         28,238
                       ----------         ----        ----         ----       --------- 
                       $2,378,358         1.90        6.19%        5.76%      $  37,037
                       ==========         ====        ====         ====       ========= 

December 31, 1994
- -----------------

Variable rate
 loans:
 Amortizing            $1,000,000         2.46        5.84%        6.12%      $ (57,332)
 Non-amortizing           575,000         4.46        5.96%        6.10%        (39,947)
                       ----------         ----        ----         ----       --------- 
                        1,575,000         3.19        5.88%        6.11%        (97,279)

Fixed rate time
 deposits:
 Non-amortizing           813,000         1.95        6.21%        5.98%        (21,800)
                       ----------         ----        ----         ----       --------- 
                       $2,388,000         2.77        5.99%        6.07%      $(119,079)
                       ==========         ====        ====         ====       ========= 
</TABLE>


     The estimated fair value of interest rate swap agreements represents the
amount the Company would have expected to receive (pay) to terminate such
contracts. Since these swaps have been entered into for interest rate risk
management purposes, the estimated market appreciation or depreciation should be
considered in the context of the entire balance sheet of the Company. The
estimated fair value of interest rate swaps entered into for interest rate risk
management purposes is not recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

        The notional amount of an amortizing swap may, following an initial
lock-out period, vary depending on the level of interest rates or the repayment
behavior of mortgage-backed securities to which the swap is indexed. The
notional amount of a non-amortizing swap does not change during the term of an
agreement.

        At December 31, 1995 the notional amount of interest rate swaps
outstanding was expected to mature as follows:

                                            Amortizing    Non-amortizing
                                            ----------    --------------
                                                   (In thousands)
Year ending December 31:
        1996                                $191,229         $  725,000
        1997                                  93,111            323,845
        1998                                  81,442            254,731
        1999                                       -            314,000
        2000                                       -            395,000
                                            --------         ----------
                                            $365,782         $2,012,576
                                            ========         ==========


                                      -81-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued



16.     Derivative financial instruments, continued

        The net effect of interest rate swaps was to increase net interest
income by $884,000, $12,481,000 and $34,242,000 during the years ended December
31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. The average notional amount of interest
rate swaps impacting net interest income which were entered into for interest
rate risk management purposes were $2,536,329,000, $1,627,454,000 and
$1,213,886,000 during the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993,
respectively.

        During 1995 and 1994, the Company restructured several interest rate
swap agreements with notional amounts of $260 million and $500 million,
respectively, from amortizing to non-amortizing. The purpose of the
restructurings was to enhance the effectiveness of the swaps in managing the
Company's exposure to changing interest rates in future years. Losses resulting
from the early termination of the amortizing swaps and equal amounts of purchase
discount received on the restructured non-amortizing swaps were recognized as a
result of these transactions and included in the carrying amount of loans which
the swaps modified. The deferred losses and purchase discounts totaled $32.9
million and $35.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 1995. Such amounts were
each $40.2 million at December 31, 1994. The deferred losses are being amortized
and the purchase discounts accreted to interest income over the remaining terms
of the original swaps and restructured swaps, respectively. Such amortization
and accretion were $11.1 million and $8.8 million, respectively, in 1995. The
restructuring transactions did not have a significant effect on interest income
in 1994.

        The net increase (decrease) in interest income in future years from
amortization and accretion of balances resulting from interest rate swap
restructurings is as follows:

Year ending December 31:               (in thousands)

        1996                                   $(2,310)
        1997                                    (1,674)
        1998                                      (104)
        1999                                     5,960
        2000                                       403


        Derivative financial instruments used for trading purposes included
foreign exchange and other option contracts, foreign exchange forward and spot
contracts, interest rate swap agreements and financial futures. The following
table includes information about the estimated fair value of derivative
financial instruments used for trading purposes:

                                                    1995              1994
                                                    ----              ----
                                                        (in thousands)

December 31:
 Gross unrealized gains                            $5,867             1,673
 Gross unrealized losses                            3,184             1,689

Year ended December 31:
 Average gross unrealized gains                    $8,356             1,842
 Average gross unrealized losses                    7,374             1,558
                                                   ======             =====

      Net gains (losses) arising from derivative financial instruments used for
trading purposes were $1,375,000, $(336,000) and $219,000 during the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.



                                      -82-

<PAGE>


                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued



17.  Commitments and contingencies

In the normal course of business, various commitments and contingent liabilities
are outstanding, such as commitments to extend credit guarantees and "standby"
letters of credit (approximately $185,667,000 and $150,219,000 at December 31,
1995 and 1994, respectively) which are not reflected in the consolidated
financial statements. No material losses are expected as a result of these
transactions. Additionally, the Company had outstanding loan commitments of
approximately $2.1 billion and $1.6 billion at December 31, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. Because many loan commitments and almost all credit guarantees and
"standby" letters of credit expire without being funded in whole or part, the
contract amounts are not estimates of future cash flows. Commitments to sell
one-to-four family residential mortgage loans totaled $222,772,000 at December
31, 1995 and $74,614,000 at December 31, 1994.

      In the opinion of management, the potential liabilities, if any, arising
from all lawsuits pending against the Company at December 31, 1995 will not have
a materially adverse impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition.
Moreover, management believes that the Company has substantial defenses in such
litigation, but that there can be no assurance that the potential liabilities,
if any, arising from such litigation will not have a materially adverse impact
on the Company's consolidated results of operations in the future.

18.  Regulatory restrictions

Payment of dividends by First Empire's banking subsidiaries is restricted by
various legal and regulatory limitations. Dividends from any banking subsidiary
to First Empire are limited by the amount of earnings of the banking subsidiary
in the current year and the preceding two years. For purposes of this test, at
December 31, 1995, approximately $192,499,000 was available for payment of
dividends to First Empire from banking subsidiaries without prior regulatory
approval.

      Banking regulations prohibit extensions of credit by the subsidiary banks
to First Empire unless appropriately secured by assets. Securities of affiliates
are not eligible as collateral for this purpose.

      The banking subsidiaries are required to maintain noninterest-earning
reserves against deposit liabilities. During the maintenance periods that
included December 31, 1995 and 1994, cash and due from banks included a daily
average of $174,028,000 and $158,342,000, respectively, for such purpose.

19.  Revolving credit agreement of First Empire

First Empire has a revolving credit agreement with an unaffiliated commercial
bank whereby First Empire may borrow up to $25,000,000 at its discretion through
November 24, 1998. The agreement provides for a facility fee assessed on the
entire amount of the commitment (whether or not utilized) ranging from .08% to
 .187% depending on the credit rating of the subordinated notes of M&T Bank. A
usage fee equal to .10% per annum is assessed if the balance of outstanding
loans exceeds 50% of the commitment amount during any quarter. Under the
revolving credit agreement, First Empire may borrow at either a variable rate
based upon the higher of the Federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1% or the lender's
prime rate, or a fixed rate based upon a premium over LIBOR ranging from .15% to
 .30% depending on the credit rating of the subordinated notes of M&T Bank. At
December 31, 1995, there were no outstanding balances under such agreement.


                                      -83-

<PAGE>


20.  Parent company financial statements
See other notes to financial statements.


CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

                                                             December 31
Dollars in thousands                                      1995        1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash
  In subsidiary bank                                  $      161         175
  Other                                                       18          18
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total cash                                             179         193
Due from subsidiaries
  Money-market assets                                      7,215       1,257
  Current income tax receivable                              965       6,792
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total due from subsidiaries                          8,180       8,049
Investments in subsidiaries
  Banks                                                  828,157     706,801
  Other                                                        6           6
Other assets                                              10,739       9,030
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total assets                                    $  847,261     724,079
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-term borrowings                                 $        -       3,000
Accrued expenses and other liabilities                     1,008          83
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total liabilities                                    1,008       3,083
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockholders' equity                                     846,253     720,996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity            $  847,261     724,079
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

                                                      Year ended December 31
Dollars in thousands, except per share             1995        1994      1993
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends from bank subsidiaries               $ 88,358      59,300    23,000
Other income                                        812      11,493       665
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total income                                   89,170      70,793    23,665
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest on short-term borrowings                   556           3        29
Other expense                                     2,365      17,739     1,979
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total expense                                   2,921      17,742     2,008
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes and equity in
  undistributed income of subsidiaries           86,249      53,051    21,657
Income tax credits                                  944       7,087       688
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before equity in undistributed
  income of subsidiaries                         87,193      60,138    22,345
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income
  Bank subsidiaries                             132,201     116,457   102,642
  Other subsidiaries                                  -           -         5
Less:  dividends received                       (88,358)    (59,300)  (23,000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries   43,843      57,157    79,647
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                     $131,036     117,295   101,992
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income per common share                      $18.79       16.35     13.87

                                      -84-
<PAGE>

20.  Parent company financial statements, continued

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Year ended December 31
Dollars in thousands                                        1995       1994       1993
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>        <C>    
Cash flows from operating activities
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                              $  131,036    117,295    101,992
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
  provided by operating activities
    Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries         (43,843)   (57,157)   (79,647)
    Dividend-in-kind from subsidiary                       (11,858)         -          -
    Provision for deferred income taxes                       (221)      (206)       (82)
    Net gain on sales of assets                               (179)      (128)         -
    Net change in accrued income and expense                 7,616     (6,570)     5,009
    Transfer of noncash assets to charitable foundation          -      5,213          -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net cash provided by operating activities               82,551     58,447     27,272
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from investing activities
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment in subsidiary                                   (20,248)         -          -
Other , net                                                    871     (8,199)    (1,809)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net cash used by investing activities                  (19,377)    (8,199)    (1,809)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings            (3,000)     3,000     (3,500)
Purchases of treasury stock                                (37,374)   (43,964)         -
Dividends paid - common                                    (16,224)   (14,743)   (13,054)
Dividends paid - preferred                                  (3,600)    (3,600)    (3,600)
Other, net                                                   2,968      1,049      1,788
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net cash used by financing activities                  (57,230)   (58,258)   (18,366)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents    $    5,944     (8,010)     7,097
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year               1,450      9,460      2,363
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                $    7,394      1,450      9,460
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
information
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest received during the year                       $      279        932        658
Interest paid during the year                                  558          1         46
Income taxes received during the year                        7,393        510      5,462
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


     In connection with reorganizing certain lines of business in 1995, loans
and other assets aggregating $11,858,000 were transferred among First Empire's
banking subsidiaries. To accomplish such transfers, the loans and other assets
were distributed to First Empire in the form of dividends-in-kind. First Empire,
in turn, contributed those assets to other banking subsidiaries.


                                      -85-


<PAGE>



Item 9.      Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and
             Financial Disclosure.  None.




                                    PART III


Item 10.     Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.  The
             identification of the Registrant's directors is incorporated by
             reference to the caption "NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR" contained in the
             Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its 1996 Annual
             Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the Securities
             and Exchange Commission on or about March 14, 1996.  The
             identification of the Registrant's executive officers is presented
             under the caption "Executive Officers of the Registrant" contained
             in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

             Disclosure of compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities
             Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, by the Registrant's directors and
             executive officers, and persons who are the beneficial owners of
             more than 10% of the Registrant's common stock, is incorporated by
             reference to the caption "STOCK OWNERSHIP BY DIRECTORS AND
             EXECUTIVE OFFICERS" contained in the Registrant's definitive Proxy
             Statement for its 1996 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Item 11.     Executive Compensation. Incorporated by reference to the
             Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its 1996 Annual Meeting
             of Stockholders, which will be filed with the Securities and
             Exchange Commission on or about March 14, 1996.

Item 12.     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
             Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's definitive Proxy
             Statement for its 1996 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will
             be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about
             March 14, 1996.

Item 13.     Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. Incorporated by
             reference to the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its
             1996 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the
             Securities and Exchange Commission on or about March 14, 1996.



                                      -86-

<PAGE>


                                    PART IV


Item 14.     Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K.

   (a)            Financial statements and financial statement schedules filed
                  as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  See Part II, Item
                  8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data".

                  The financial statement schedules required by Rule 9-07 under
                  Regulation S-X are omitted because the required information is
                  not applicable.

   (b)            Reports on Form 8-K.

                  The registrant did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the
                  fiscal quarter ended December 31, 1995.

   (c)            Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

                  The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index on pages 91 and 92 of
                  this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been previously filed,
                  are filed herewith or are incorporated herein by reference to
                  other filings.

   (d)            Additional financial statement schedules.

                  None.











                                             -87-

<PAGE>



                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 14th day of March,
1996.

                                          FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION



                                          By: /s/ Robert G. Wilmers
                                              ---------------------------------
                                          Robert G. Wilmers
                                          Chairman of the Board,
                                          President and
                                          Chief Executive Officer


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Signature                      Title                                     Date
- ---------                      -----                                     ----

Principal Executive
Officer:



/s/ Robert G. Wilmers           Chairman of the Board,
- ---------------------           President and
Robert G. Wilmers               Chief Executive Officer                3/14/96
                                                                       -------




Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer:


/s/ James L. Vardon             Executive Vice President
- -------------------             and Chief Financial Officer            3/14/96
James L. Vardon                                                        ------- 




                                      -88-

<PAGE>



A majority of the board of directors:



/s/ Brent D. Baird                                          3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
Brent D. Baird

/s/ John H. Benisch                                         3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
John H. Benisch

/s/ C. Angela Bontempo                                      3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
C. Angela Bontempo

/s/ Robert T. Brady                                         3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
Robert T. Brady

/s/ Patrick J. Callan                                       3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
Patrick J. Callan

/s/ David N. Campbell                                       3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
David N. Campbell

/s/ James A. Carrigg                                        3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
James A. Carrigg

/s/ Barber B. Conable, Jr.                                  3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
Barber B. Conable, Jr.

/s/ Richard E. Garman                                       3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
Richard E. Garman

/s/ James V. Glynn                                          3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
James V. Glynn


- --------------------------------------                      -------
Roy M. Goodman

/s/ Patrick W.E. Hodgson                                    3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
Patrick W.E. Hodgson

- --------------------------------------                      -------
Samuel T. Hubbard, Jr.

/s/ Lambros J. Lambros                                      3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
Lambros J. Lambros

/s/ Wilfred J. Larson                                       3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
Wilfred J. Larson

- --------------------------------------                      -------
Jorge G. Pereira


                                      -89-

<PAGE>



/s/ William C. Shanley, III                                 3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
William C. Shanley, III


/s/ Raymond D. Stevens, Jr.                                 3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
Raymond D. Stevens, Jr.


/s/ Richard D. Trent                                        3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
Richard D. Trent



- --------------------------------------                      -------
Herbert L. Washington


/s/ John L. Wehle, Jr.                                      3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
John L. Wehle. Jr.


/s/ Robert G. Wilmers                                       3/14/96
- --------------------------------------                      -------
Robert G. Wilmers









                                      -90-

<PAGE>



                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


    3.1           Restated Certificate of Incorporation of First Empire State
                  Corporation dated April 19, 1989, filed by the Secretary of
                  State of New York on April 20, 1989. Incorporated by reference
                  to Exhibit No. 19 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
                  31, 1989 (File No. 1-9861).

    3.2           Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation
                  of First Empire State Corporation dated March 13, 1991, filed
                  by the Secretary of State of New York on March 14, 1991.
                  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 19 to the Form 10-Q
                  for the quarter ended March 31, 1991 (File No. 1-9861).

    3.3           By-Laws of First Empire State Corporation as last amended on
                  July 16, 1991.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.2
                  to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991 (File
                  No.  1-9861).

    4             Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including
                  indentures.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit Nos. 3.1,
                  3.2, 3.3, 10.1 and 10.2 hereof.

   10.1           Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of November 24, 1995,
                  between First Empire State Corporation and The First National
                  Bank of Boston.  Filed herewith.

   10.2           First Empire State Corporation 1983 Stock Option Plan as
                  amended and restated.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                  No. 10 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995
                  (File No. 1-9861).

   10.3           First Empire State Corporation Annual Executive Incentive
                  Plan.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.4 to the
                  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 (File No. 1 -
                  9861).

                  Supplemental Deferred Compensation Agreements between
                  Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company and:

   10.4           Robert E. Sadler, Jr. and James L. Vardon, each dated as of
                  March 7, 1985. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit Nos.
                  (10)(d) (A) and (B), respectively, to the Form 10-K for the
                  year ended December 31, 1984 (File No. 0-4561);

   10.5           Harry R. Stainrook dated as of December 12, 1985. Incorporated
                  by reference to Exhibit No. (10)(e)(ii) to the Form 10-K for
                  the year ended December 31, 1985 (File No. 0-4561);

   10.6           William C. Rappolt dated as of March 7, 1985. Incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit No. (10)(e)(iv) to the Form 10-K for the
                  year ended December 31, 1987 (File No. 1-9861);

   10.7           William A. Buckingham dated as of August 7, 1990.
                  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.8 to the Form 10-K
                  for the year ended December 31, 1990 (File No. 1-9861); and

   10.8           Brian E. Hickey dated as of July 21, 1994.  Filed herewith.

   10.9           Supplemental Deferred Compensation Agreement, dated July 17,
                  1989, between The East New York Savings Bank and Atwood
                  Collins, III.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.11
                  to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991 (File
                  No. 1-9861).



                                      -91-

<PAGE>


  10.10           First Empire State Corporation Supplemental Pension Plan.
                  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.12 to the Form 10-
                  K for the year ended December 31, 1994.  (File No. 1-9861).

  10.11           First Empire State Corporation Supplemental Retirement Savings
                  Plan.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.13 to the
                  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994. (File No. 1-
                  9861).

  11              Statement re:  Computation of Earnings Per Common Share.
                  Filed herewith.

  21              Subsidiaries of the Registrant.  Incorporated by reference to
                  the caption "Subsidiaries" contained in Part I, Item 1 hereof.

  23.1            Consent of Price Waterhouse re: Registration Statement No.
                  33-32044.  Filed herewith.

  23.2            Consent of Price Waterhouse re: Registration Statements Nos.
                  33-12207, 33-58500 and 33-63917.  Filed herewith.

  27              Article 9 Financial Data Schedule for the year ended December
                  31, 1995.  Filed herewith.

  99.1            First Empire State Corporation Retirement Savings Plan and
                  Trust Financial Statements and Additional Information for the
                  years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994.  Filed herewith.
















                                      -92-




                                                                    Exhibit 10.1











                           REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT



                         FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION



                          Dated as of November 24, 1995



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







                        THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON




<PAGE>




                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


Section                                 Title                               Page

                             SECTION I - DEFINITIONS

1.1    Definitions.......................................................... 1
1.2    Accounting Terms..................................................... 6

                      SECTION II - DESCRIPTION OF CREDIT

2.1    The Loans............................................................ 6
2.2    Notice and Manner of Borrowing or Conversion of Loans................ 6
2.3    Fees................................................................. 7
2.4    Reduction of Commitment Amount....................................... 7
2.5    The Note............................................................. 7
2.6    Duration of Interest Periods......................................... 8
2.7    Interest Rates and Payments of Interest.............................. 8
2.8    Changed Circumstances................................................ 9
2.9    Capital Requirements.................................................10
2.10   Payments and Prepayments of the Loans................................11
2.11   Method of Payment....................................................11
2.12   Overdue Payments.....................................................11
2.13   Payments not at End of Interest Period...............................11
2.14   Computation of Interest and Fees.....................................12

                       SECTION III - CONDITIONS OF LOAN

3.1    Conditions Precedent to Initial Loan.................................12
3.2    Conditions Precedent to all Loans....................................13

                 SECTION IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

4.1    Organization and Qualification.......................................14
4.2    Corporate Authority..................................................14
4.3    Valid Obligations....................................................14
4.4    Consents or Approvals................................................14
4.5    Title to Properties; Absence of Encumbrances.........................15
4.6    Financial Statements.................................................15
4.7    Changes..............................................................15
4.8    Defaults.............................................................15
4.9    Taxes................................................................15
4.10   Litigation...........................................................15
4.11   Use of Proceeds......................................................16
4.12   Subsidiaries.........................................................16
4.13   Investment Company Act, etc..........................................16
4.14   Compliance with ERISA................................................16
4.15   Environmental Matters................................................16

                                       (i)


<PAGE>





Section                                 Title                               Page

                              SECTION V - AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

5.1    Financial Statements and other Reporting Requirements................17
5.2    Conduct of Business..................................................18
5.3    Maintenance and Insurance............................................19
5.4    Taxes................................................................19
5.5    Inspection by the Bank...............................................19
5.6    Maintenance of Books and Records.....................................19
5.7    Further Assurances...................................................19

                       SECTION VI - NEGATIVE COVENANTS

6.1    Encumbrances.........................................................20
6.2    Merger; Consolidation; Sale or Lease of Assets.......................21
6.3    Stock of Subsidiaries................................................21
6.4    Investments..........................................................22
6.5    Acquisitions.........................................................22
6.6    ERISA................................................................22
6.7    Double Leverage Ratio................................................22
6.8    Nonperforming Asset Coverage Ratio...................................22
6.9    Adequate Capitalization of Banking Subsidiaries......................23
6.10   Minimum Tangible Net Worth...........................................23

                            SECTION VII - DEFAULTS

7.1    Events of Default....................................................23
7.2    Remedies.............................................................25

                         SECTION VIII - MISCELLANEOUS

8.1    Notices..............................................................26
8.2    Expenses.............................................................27
8.3    Set-Off..............................................................27
8.4    Term of Agreement....................................................27
8.5    No Waivers...........................................................27
8.6    Governing Law........................................................28
8.7    Amendments...........................................................28
8.8    Binding Effect of Agreement..........................................28
8.9    Counterparts.........................................................28
8.10   Partial Invalidity...................................................28
8.11   Captions.............................................................28
8.12   Waiver of Jury Trial.................................................28
8.13   Entire Agreement.....................................................29



                                      (ii)


<PAGE>







                                    EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT A - Form of Promissory Note

EXHIBIT B - Form of Notice of Borrowing or Conversion

EXHIBIT C - Encumbrances

EXHIBIT D - Litigation; Environmental Matters

EXHIBIT E - Material Subsidiaries

EXHIBIT F - Form of Report of Chief Financial Officer

EXHIBIT G - Form of Opinion of Counsel to the Borrower


                                      (iii)


<PAGE>



                                      - 1 -

                           REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT

                          Dated as of November 24, 1995

        THIS REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT is made as of November 24, 1995 by and
between FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION (the "Borrower"), a New York corporation
having its head office at One M&T Plaza, Buffalo, New York 14240 and THE FIRST
NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON (the "Bank"), a national banking association having its
head office at 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.

                                    SECTION I

                                   DEFINITIONS

        1.1.   Definitions.

        All capitalized terms used in this Agreement or in the Note or in any
certificate, report or other document made or delivered pursuant to this
Agreement (unless otherwise defined therein) shall have the meanings assigned to
them below:

        Adjusted Eurodollar Rate. Applicable to any Interest Period, shall mean
a rate per annum determined pursuant to the following formula, rounded upwards,
if necessary, to the next higher 1/100 of 1%:

        Adjusted Eurodollar Rate =  Interbank Offered Rate
                                    ----------------------
                                    1.00 - Reserve Percentage

Where:

               "Interbank Offered Rate" applicable to any Eurodollar Loan for
               any Interest Period means the rate of interest determined by the
               Bank to be the prevailing rate per annum at which deposits in
               U.S. dollars are offered to the Bank by first-class banks in the
               interbank Eurodollar market in which it regularly participates on
               or about 10:00 a.m. (Boston, Massachusetts time) two Business
               Days before the first day of such Interest Period in an amount
               approximately equal to the principal amount of the Eurodollar
               Loan to which such Interest Period is to apply for a period of
               time approximately equal to such Interest Period.

               "Reserve Percentage" applicable to any Interest Period means the
               rate (expressed as a decimal) applicable to the Bank during such
               Interest Period under regulations issued from time to time by the
               Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for determining
               the maximum reserve requirement (including, without limitation,
               any basic,

<PAGE>
                                       -2-





               supplemental, emergency or marginal reserve requirement) of the
               Bank with respect to "Eurocurrency liabilities" as that term is
               defined under such regulations.

The Adjusted Eurodollar Rate shall be adjusted automatically as of the effective
date of any change in the Reserve Percentage.

         Agreement. This Agreement, as the same may be supplemented or amended
from time to time.

         Bank. See Preamble.

         Base Rate. The greater of (i) the rate of interest announced from time
to time by the Bank at its head office as its Base Rate, and (ii) the Federal
Funds Effective Rate plus 1/2 of 1% per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to
the next 1/8 of 1%).

         Base Rate Loan. Any Loan bearing interest determined with reference to
the Base Rate.

         Business Day. Any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday on
which banks in Boston, Massachusetts or New York, New York are open for the
conduct of a substantial part of their commercial banking business, and with
respect to all notices and determinations in connection with, and payments of
principal and interest on, Eurodollar Loans, any day that is such a Business Day
and that is also a day for trading between banks in U.S. Dollar deposits in the
interbank Eurodollar market.

         Code. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the rules and regulations
thereunder, collectively, as the same may from time to time be supplemented or
amended.

         Commitment Amount. $25,000,000 or any lesser amount, including zero,
resulting from a termination or reduction of such amount in accordance with
Section 2.4 or Section 7.2.

         Borrower. See Preamble.

         Controlled Group. All trades or businesses (whether or not
incorporated) under common control that, together with the Borrower, are treated
as a single employer under Section 414(b) or 414(c) of the Code or Section 4001
of ERISA.

         Default. An Event of Default or event or condition that, but for the
requirement that time elapse or notice be given, or both, would constitute an
Event of Default.

         Encumbrances. See Section 6.1.


<PAGE>
                                       -3-




         ERISA. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the
rules and regulations thereunder, collectively, as the same may from time to
time be supplemented or amended.

         Environmental Laws. All applicable foreign, federal, state and local
environmental, health or safety statutes, laws, regulations, rules, ordinances,
policies and rules or common law whether now existing or hereafter enacted or
promulgated, relating to injury to, or the protection of, real or personal
property or human health or the environment.

         Eurodollar Loan. Any Loan bearing interest at a rate determined with
reference to the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate.

         Event of Default. Any event described in Section 7.1.

         FFIEC. The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, or such
other regulatory agency or authority having jurisdiction over financial
reporting by banks and bank holding companies.

         Federal Funds Effective Rate. For any day, a fluctuating interest rate
per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds
transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal
funds brokers, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day,
for the next preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York,
or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the
average of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by the Bank
from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by the Bank.

         Hazardous Material. Any substance which is or becomes defined as a
"hazardous waste", "hazardous material" or "hazardous substance" or "controlled
industrial waste" or "pollutant" or "contaminant" under any Environmental Law or
which is toxic, explosive, corrosive, flammable, infectious, radioactive,
carcinogenic, mutagenic or otherwise hazardous and is or becomes regulated by
any governmental authority or instrumentality or which contains gasoline, diesel
fuel or other petroleum products, asbestos or polychlorinated biphenyls
("PCB's").

         Interest Period.

         With respect to each Eurodollar Loan, the period commencing on the date
of the making or continuation of or conversion to such Eurodollar Loan and
ending one, two, three or six months thereafter, as the Borrower may elect in
the applicable Notice of Borrowing or Conversion, provided that:

               (i) any Interest Period (other than an Interest Period determined
        pursuant to clause (iii) below) that would otherwise end on a day that
        is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business
        Day unless, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, such Business Day falls in
        the

<PAGE>
                                      -4-


         next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on
         the immediately preceding Business Day;

               (ii) any Interest Period applicable to a Eurodollar Loan that
        begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for
        which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at
        the end of such Interest Period) shall, subject to clause (iii) below,
        end on the last Business Day of a calendar month;

               (iii) any Interest Period that would otherwise end after the
         Termination Date shall end on the Termination Date; and

               (iv) notwithstanding clause (iii) above, no Interest Period
        applicable to a Eurodollar Loan shall have a duration of less than one
        month; and if any Interest Period applicable to such Loan would be for a
        shorter period, such Interest Period shall not be available hereunder.

         Investment. The purchase or acquisition of any share of capital stock,
partnership interest, evidence of indebtedness or other equity security of any
other person or entity, any loan, advance or extension of credit to, or
contribution to the capital of, any other person or entity, any real estate held
for sale or investment, any commodities futures contracts held other than in
connection with bona fide hedging transactions, any other investment in any
other person or entity, and the making of any commitment or acquisition of any
option to make an Investment.

         Loan. A loan made to the Borrower by the Bank pursuant to Section II of
this Agreement, and "Loans" means all of such loans, collectively.

         Material Subsidiary. Those Subsidiaries listed on Exhibit E hereto, and
any other Subsidiary of the Borrower that is a federally-insured depository
institution or an operating Subsidiary of the Borrower or an operating
Subsidiary of any Subsidiary of the Borrower. "Material Subsidiary" shall not
include any Subsidiary which is organized or operated for the purpose of
holding, managing or disposing of real or personal property which is acquired by
the Borrower or any Subsidiary in satisfaction of a debt previously contracted;
nor shall "Material Subsidiary" include any Subsidiary which is otherwise
inactive or any active Subsidiary the primary purpose of which is to hold
noncontrolling interests in other persons or entities.

         Moody's. Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or its successors.

         Nonperforming Asset. As defined in Section 6.8.

         Note. A promissory note of the Borrower, substantially in the form of
Exhibit A hereto, evidencing the obligation of the Borrower to the Bank to repay
the Loans.


<PAGE>
                                      -5-



         Notice of Borrowing or Conversion. See Section 2.2.

         Obligations. All obligations of the Borrower to the Bank hereunder of
every kind and description, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, primary
or secondary, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising,
regardless of how they arise or by what agreement or instrument, if any, and
including obligations to perform acts and refrain from taking action as well as
obligations to pay money.

         PBGC. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any entity succeeding
to any or all of its functions under ERISA. 

         Permitted Encumbrances. See Section 6.1.

         Plan. An employee pension or other benefit plan that is subject to
Title IV of ERISA or subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412
of the Code and is either (i) maintained by the Borrower or any member of the
Controlled Group for employees of the Borrower or any member of the Controlled
Group or (ii) if such Plan is established, maintained pursuant to a collective
bargaining agreement or any other arrangement under which more than one employer
makes contributions and to which the Borrower or any member of the Controlled
Group is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or has
within the preceding five Plan years made contributions.

         Rating. The rating assigned by S&P or Moody's, as applicable, to the
unsecured long-term indebtedness for money borrowed, without credit enhancements
of Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company. Any change in the Rating, and the
corresponding adjustment in the facility fee payable pursuant to Section 2.3(a)
and the applicable margin for any Eurodollar Loan set forth in Section 2.7(b),
shall be effective as of the date of the public announcement of such change.

         S&P. Standard & Poor's Rating Group, a division of McGraw Hill, Inc.,
and its successors.

         Subsidiary. Any corporation, association, joint stock company, business
trust or other similar organization of which 50% or more of the ordinary voting
power for the election of a majority of the members of the board of directors or
other governing body of such entity is held or controlled by the Borrower or a
Subsidiary of the Borrower; or any other such entity the management of which is
directly or indirectly controlled by the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the
Borrower through the exercise of voting power or otherwise; or any joint
venture, whether incorporated or not, in which the Borrower has an ownership
interest of 50% or more.

         Termination Date. November 24, 1998 or such earlier date on which the
commitment to make Loans is terminated or the Commitment Amount is reduced to
zero in accordance with the terms hereof.


<PAGE>
                                      -6-




         1.2. Accounting Terms. All terms of an accounting character shall have
the meanings assigned thereto by generally accepted accounting principles or
regulatory accounting principles, as applicable, as applied on a basis
consistent with the financial statements referred to in Section 4.6 of this
Agreement, but as herein specifically modified.


                                   SECTION II

                              DESCRIPTION OF CREDIT

         2.1. The Loans. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the
Bank will make Loans to the Borrower, from time to time until the close of
business on the Termination Date, in such sums as the Borrower may request,
provided that the aggregate principal amount of all Loans at any one time
outstanding hereunder may not exceed the Commitment Amount. The first Loan
hereunder shall be a $12,000,000 one-month Eurodollar Loan, which shall be
credited by the Bank to Account No. 900-9-000036 at The Chase Manhattan Bank,
National Association, for the credit of the Borrower, before 10:00 a.m. (Boston,
Massachusetts time) on November 29, 1995. The preceding sentence shall
constitute the appropriate notice contemplated by Section 2.2 of this Agreement
for such Loan.

         The Borrower may borrow, prepay pursuant to Section 2.10 and reborrow,
from the date of this Agreement until the Termination Date, the Commitment
Amount or any lesser sum that is at least $1,000,000 and an integral multiple of
$1,000,000. Any Loan not repaid by the Termination Date shall be due and payable
on the Termination Date.

         (b) Provided that no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the
Borrower may convert all or any part (in integral multiples of $1,000,000) of
any outstanding Loan into a Loan of any other type provided for in this
Agreement in the same principal amount, on any Business Day (which, in the case
of a conversion of a Eurodollar Loan, shall be the last day of the applicable
Interest Period). The Borrower shall give the Bank prior notice of each such
conversion (which notice shall be effective upon receipt) in accordance with
Section 2.2.

         2.2. Notice and Manner of Borrowing or Conversion of Loans. (a)
Whenever the Borrower desires to borrow, continue a Loan or convert an
outstanding Loan into a Loan of another type provided for in this Agreement, the
Borrower shall notify the Bank (which notice shall be irrevocable) by telephone
or facsimile transmission received no later than 1:00 p.m. (Boston,
Massachusetts time) (i) one Business Day before the day on which the requested
Loan is to be made, continued as or converted to a Base Rate Loan, and (ii)
three Business Days before the day on which the requested Loan is to be made,
continued as or converted to a Eurodollar Loan. Such notice shall specify (i)
the effective date and amount of each Loan or portion thereof to be continued or
converted, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 2.1, (ii) the
applicable interest rate option, and (iii) the duration of the applicable
Interest

<PAGE>
                                      -7-



Period, if any (subject to the provisions of the definition of Interest Period
and Section 2.6). Each such notification (a "Notice of Borrowing or Conversion")
shall be immediately followed by a written confirmation thereof by the Borrower
in substantially the form of Exhibit B hereto, provided that if such written
confirmation differs in any material respect from the action taken by the Bank,
the records of the Bank shall constitute a rebuttable presumption of the
correctness of such actions.

         (b) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Bank shall make
each Loan on the effective date specified therefor by crediting the amount of
such Loan in immediately available funds to such account as may be designated by
the Borrower in the applicable Notice of Borrowing or Conversion.

         2.3. Fees. (a) The Borrower shall pay to the Bank a facility fee on the
daily average Commitment Amount during each quarter or portion thereof, computed
at the rate per annum equal to the applicable percentage set forth below, for
the then effective Rating; provided that if only one Rating shall then be in
effect, that Rating shall apply; and provided, further, if different level
Ratings by Moody's and S&P shall then be in effect , the lower Rating shall
apply:

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPLICABLE RATING    AA-/Aa3      A+/A1 or A/A2      A-/A3      BBB/Baa2
                                                   BBB+/Baa1    or below
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   APPLICABLE        .08%            .125%           .15%       .187%
   PERCENTAGE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Facility fees shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each
calendar quarter commencing December 31, 1995 and on the Termination Date.

         (b) Whenever the balance of outstanding Loans exceeds 50% of the
Commitment Amount during any quarter or portion thereof, the Borrower shall pay
to the Bank a usage fee equal to .10% per annum of the daily average of such
excess principal balance. Usage fees shall be payable quarterly in arrears on
the last day of each calendar quarter commencing December 31, 1995 and on the
Termination Date.

         2.4. Reduction of Commitment Amount. The Borrower may from time to time
by written notice delivered to the Bank at least five Business Days prior to the
date of the requested reduction, reduce by integral multiples of $1,000,000 any
unborrowed portion of the Commitment Amount. No reduction of the Commitment
Amount shall be subject to reinstatement.

         2.5. The Note. The Loans shall be evidenced by the Note, payable to the
order of the Bank and having a final maturity of the Termination Date. The Note
shall be dated on or before the date of the first Loan and shall have the blanks
therein appropriately completed. The Bank shall, and is hereby irrevocably
authorized by the Borrower to, enter on the schedule forming a part of the Note
or otherwise in its records appropriate notations evidencing the date and the
amount of each Loan, the applicable

<PAGE>
                                      -8-


interest rate and the date and amount of each payment of principal made by the
Borrower with respect thereto; and in the absence of manifest error, such
notations shall constitute a rebuttable presumption of the correctness thereof;
provided that no failure on the part of the Bank to make any such notation shall
in any way affect any Loan or the rights or obligations of the Bank or the
Borrower with respect thereto.

         2.6. Duration of Interest Periods. (a) Subject to the provisions of the
definition of Interest Period, the duration of each Interest Period applicable
to a Loan shall be as specified in the applicable Notice of Borrowing or
Conversion. The Borrower shall have the option to elect a subsequent Interest
Period to be applicable to such Loan by giving notice of such election to the
Bank received no later than 1:00 p.m. (Boston, Massachusetts time) (i) on the
date one Business Day before the end of the then applicable Interest Period if
such Loan is to be continued as or converted to a Base Rate Loan, and (ii) three
Business Days before the end of the then applicable Interest Period if such Loan
is to be continued as or converted to a Eurodollar Loan.

         (b) If the Bank does not receive a Notice of Borrowing or Conversion
within the applicable time limits specified in subsection (a) above, or if, when
such notice must be given, a Default exists, the Borrower shall be deemed to
have elected to convert such Loan into a Base Rate Loan on the last day of the
then current Interest Period.

         (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may not select an
Interest Period that would end, but for the provisions of the definition of
Interest Period, after the Termination Date.

         2.7. Interest Rates and Payments of Interest. (a) Each Base Rate Loan
shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof at a rate per
annum equal to the Base Rate, which rate shall change contemporaneously with any
change in the Base Rate. Such interest shall be payable on the last day of each
calendar quarter, commencing December 31, 1995, and when such Loan is due
(whether at maturity, by reason of acceleration or otherwise).

         (b) Each Eurodollar Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding
principal amount thereof, for each Interest Period, at a rate per annum equal to
the applicable Adjusted Eurodollar Rate plus the applicable percentage set forth
below, for the then effective Rating; provided that if only one Rating shall
then be in effect, that Rating shall apply; and provided, further, if different
level Ratings by Moody's and S&P shall then be in effect , the lower Rating
shall apply:

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPLICABLE RATING         AA-/Aa3   A+/A1 or A/A2       A-/A3     BBB/Baa2
                                                      BBB+/Baa1   or below
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE         .15%         .20%          .25%       .30%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>
                                      -9-




Such interest shall be payable for such Interest Period on the last day thereof
and when such Eurodollar Loan is due (whether at maturity, by reason of
acceleration or otherwise) and, if such Interest Period is longer than three
months, at intervals of three months after the first day thereof.

         2.8. Changed Circumstances.

         (a) In the event that the Bank shall have determined in good faith
(which determination shall be final and conclusive, so long as the Bank shall
provide reasonable evidence of the basis of such determination) that:

               (i) adequate and fair means do not exist for ascertaining the
         Interbank Offered Rate on any date on which the Adjusted Eurodollar
         Rate would otherwise be set, or

               (ii) the making of a Eurodollar Loan or the continuation of or
         conversion of any Loan to a Eurodollar Loan has been made impracticable
         or unlawful by (1) the occurrence of a contingency that materially and
         adversely affects the interbank Eurodollar market or (2) compliance by
         the Bank in good faith with any applicable law or governmental
         regulation, guideline or order or interpretation or change thereof by
         any governmental authority charged with the interpretation or
         administration thereof or with any request or directive of any such
         governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law); or

               (iii) the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate no longer represents the
         effective cost to the Bank for U.S. dollar deposits in the interbank
         market for deposits in which it regularly participates;

then, and in any such event, the Bank shall forthwith so notify the Borrower.
Until the Bank notifies the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such
notice no longer apply, the obligation of the Bank to allow selection by the
Borrower of Eurodollar Loans shall be suspended. If at the time the Bank so
notifies the Borrower, the Borrower has previously given the Bank a Notice of
Borrowing or Conversion with respect to one or more Eurodollar Loans but such
Loans have not yet been made, continued or converted, such notification shall be
deemed to be void and the Borrower may borrow Loans of another type by giving a
substitute Notice of Borrowing or Conversion pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof.

    Upon such date as shall be specified in such notice (which shall not be
earlier than the date such notice is given) the Borrower shall forthwith prepay
all outstanding Eurodollar Loans, together with interest thereon and any amounts
required to be paid pursuant to Section 2.13, and may borrow a Loan of another
type in accordance with Section 2.1 hereof by giving a Notice of Borrowing or
Conversion pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof.



<PAGE>
                                      -10-




        (b) In case the adoption of or any change in any law, regulation, treaty
or official directive or the interpretation or application thereof by any court
or by any governmental authority charged with the administration thereof or the
compliance with any guideline or request of any central bank or other
governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law):

               (i) subjects the Bank to any tax with respect to payments of
         principal or interest or any other amounts payable hereunder by the
         Borrower or otherwise with respect to the transactions contemplated
         hereby (except for taxes on the overall net income of the Bank imposed
         by the United States of America or any political subdivision thereof or
         any taxes imposed in substitution or replacement for taxes on the
         overall net income of the Bank), or

               (ii) imposes, modifies or deems applicable any deposit insurance,
         reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against assets held by,
         or deposits in or for the account of, or loans by, the Bank (other than
         such requirements as are already included in the determination of the
         Adjusted Eurodollar Rate), or

               (iii) imposes upon the Bank any other condition with respect to
         its or the Borrower's performance under this Agreement,

and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to the Bank,
reduce the income receivable by the Bank or impose any expense upon the Bank
with respect to any Loans, the Bank shall notify the Borrower thereof. The
Borrower agrees to pay to the Bank the amount of such increase in cost,
reduction in income or additional expense as and when such cost, reduction or
expense is incurred or determined, upon presentation by the Bank of a statement
in the amount and setting forth the Bank's calculation thereof, which statement
shall be deemed true and correct absent manifest error.

        2.9. Capital Requirements. If after the date hereof the Bank determines
that (i) the adoption of or change in any law, rule, regulation or guideline
regarding capital requirements for banks or bank holding companies, or any
change in the interpretation or application thereof by any governmental
authority charged with the administration thereof, or (ii) compliance by the
Bank or its parent bank holding company with any guideline, request or directive
of any such entity regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having the force
of law), has the effect of reducing the return on the Bank's or such holding
company's capital as a consequence of the Bank's commitment to make Loans
hereunder to a level below that which the Bank or such holding company could
have achieved but for such adoption, change or compliance (taking into
consideration the Bank's or such holding company's then existing policies with
respect to capital adequacy and assuming the full utilization of such entity's
capital) by any amount deemed by the Bank to be material, then the Bank shall
notify the Borrower thereof. The Borrower agrees to pay to the Bank the amount
of such reduction in the return on capital as and when such reduction is
determined, upon presentation by the Bank of a statement in the amount and
setting


<PAGE>
                                      -11-



forth the Bank's calculation thereof, which statement shall be deemed true and
correct absent manifest error. In determining such amount, the Bank may use any
reasonable averaging and attribution methods.

        2.10. Payments and Prepayments of the Loans. The Loans may be prepaid at
any time, without premium or penalty, in minimum amounts of $1,000,000 but with
accrued interest to the date of payment (i) in the case of Eurodollar Loans, on
the last day of any applicable Interest Period and upon three Business Days'
notice, and (ii) in the case of Base Rate Loans, at any time upon one Business
Day's notice. No prepayment of the Loans shall affect the Commitment Amount or
impair the Borrower's right to borrow as set forth in Section 2.1.

        2.11. Method of Payment. All payments and prepayments of principal and
all payments of interest, fees and other amounts payable hereunder shall be made
by the Borrower to the Bank at its head office in immediately available funds,
on or before 1:00 p.m. (Boston, Massachusetts time) on the due date thereof,
free and clear of, and without any deduction or withholding for, any taxes or
other payments. The Bank may, and the Borrower hereby authorizes the Bank to,
debit the amount of any payment not made by such time to the demand deposit
account of the Borrower with the Bank, if any.

        2.12. Overdue Payments. Overdue principal (whether at maturity, by
reason of acceleration or otherwise) and, to the extent permitted by applicable
law, overdue interest and fees or any other amounts payable hereunder or under
the Note shall bear interest from and including the due date until paid,
compounded daily and payable on demand, at a rate per annum equal to (i) if such
due date occurs prior to the end of an Interest Period, 1% above the interest
rate applicable to such Loan for such Interest Period until the expiration of
such Interest Period, and thereafter, 1% above the Base Rate; and (ii) in all
other cases, 1% above the rate then applicable to Base Rate Loans.

        2.13. Payments Not at End of Interest Period. If the Borrower for any
reason makes any payment of principal of any Eurodollar Loan on any day other
than the last day of an Interest Period applicable to such Eurodollar Loan, or
fails to borrow, continue or convert to a Eurodollar Loan after giving a Notice
of Borrowing or Conversion pursuant to Section 2.2, or if any Eurodollar Loan is
accelerated pursuant to Section 7.2(b), the Borrower shall pay to the Bank an
amount computed pursuant to the following formula:

                                     L = (R - T) x P x D
                                         ---------------
                                                360

                      L =    amount payable to the Bank
                      R =    interest rate on such Loan
                      T =    effective interest rate per annum at which any
                          readily marketable bond or other obligation of the
                          United States, selected at the Bank's sole
                          discretion, maturing on or near the last day of

<PAGE>
                                      -12-


                          the then applicable Interest Period of such
                          Loan and in approximately the same amount as such
                          Loan can be purchased by the Bank on the day of
                          such payment of principal or failure to borrow or
                          continue or convert

                      P =    the amount of principal prepaid or the amount of
                          the requested Loan

                      D =    the number of days remaining in the Interest
                          Period as of the date of such payment or the number
                          of days of the requested Interest Period

The Borrower shall pay such amount upon presentation by the Bank of a statement
setting forth the amount and the Bank's calculation thereof, which statement
shall be deemed true and correct absent manifest error.

        2.14. Computation of Interest and Fees. Interest and all fees payable
hereunder shall be computed daily on the basis of a year of 360 days and paid
for the actual number of days for which due. If the due date for any payment of
principal is extended by operation of law, interest shall be payable for such
extended time. If any payment required by this Agreement becomes due on a day
that is not a Business Day such payment may be made on the next succeeding
Business Day (unless, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, such next succeeding
Business Day falls in the next calendar month, in which case payment shall be
due on the preceding Business Day), and such extension or reduction shall be
included in computing interest in connection with such payment.


                                   SECTION III

                               CONDITIONS OF LOANS

        3.1. Conditions Precedent to Initial Loan. The obligation of the Bank to
make its initial Loan is subject to the condition precedent that the Bank shall
have received, in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank and its counsel,
the following:

        (a) this Agreement and the Note, duly executed by the Borrower;

        (b) a certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the
Borrower with respect to resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Borrower
authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Note and
identifying the officer(s) authorized to execute, deliver and take all other
actions required under this Agreement, and providing specimen signatures of such
officers;

        (c) the certificate of incorporation of the Borrower and all amendments
and supplements thereto, filed in the office of the Secretary of State of New
York, each certified by the Secretary or an


<PAGE>
                                      -13-



Assistant Secretary of the Borrower as being a true and correct copy thereof;

        (d) the Bylaws of the Borrower and all amendments and supplements
thereto, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary as being a true
and correct copy thereof as currently in effect;

        (e) an opinion addressed to it from Richard A. Lammert,, General Counsel
of the Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit G hereto; and

        (f) such other documents, and completion of such other matters, as
counsel for the Bank may deem necessary or appropriate.

        3.2. Conditions Precedent to all Loans. The obligation of the Bank to
make each Loan, including the initial Loan, or continue or convert Loans to
Loans of another type, is further subject to the following conditions:

        (a) timely receipt by the Bank of the Notice of Borrowing or Conversion
as provided in Section 2.2;

        (b) the representations and warranties contained in Section IV shall be
true and accurate in all material respects on and as of the date of such Notice
of Borrowing or Conversion and on the effective date of the making, continuation
or conversion of each Loan as though made at and as of each such date (except to
the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate to an
earlier date), and no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, or would
result from such Loan;

        (c) the resolutions referred to in Section 3.1(b) shall remain in full
force and effect; and

        (d) no change shall have occurred in any law or regulation or
interpretation thereof that, in the opinion of counsel for the Bank, would make
it illegal or against the policy of any governmental agency or authority for the
Bank to make Loans hereunder, provided that the Bank shall so advise the
Borrower in writing, setting forth the basis of such opinion (but only if the
Bank in its sole discretion believes that it may then disclose such
information).

    The making of each Loan shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty
by the Borrower on the date of the making, continuation or conversion of such
Loan as to the accuracy of the facts referred to in subsection (b) of this
Section 3.2.






<PAGE>
                                      -14-




                                   SECTION IV

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES


In order to induce the Bank to enter into this Agreement and to make Loans
hereunder, the Borrower represents and warrants to the Bank that:

        4.1. Organization and Qualification. Each of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries (a) is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, (b) has all
requisite corporate power to own its property and conduct its business as now
conducted and as presently contemplated and (c) is duly qualified and in good
standing as a foreign corporation and is duly authorized to do business in each
jurisdiction where the nature of its properties or business requires such
qualification.

        4.2. Corporate Authority. The execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement and the Note and the transactions contemplated hereby are within
the corporate power and authority of the Borrower and have been authorized by
all necessary corporate proceedings, and do not and will not (a) require any
consent or approval of the stockholders of the Borrower, (b) contravene any
provision of the charter documents or by-laws of the Borrower or any law, rule
or regulation applicable to the Borrower, (c) contravene any provision of, or
constitute an event of default or event that, but for the requirement that time
elapse or notice be given, or both, would constitute an event of default under,
any other agreement, instrument, order or undertaking binding on the Borrower,
or (d) result in or require the imposition of any Encumbrance on any of the
properties, assets or rights of the Borrower.

        4.3. Valid Obligations. This Agreement and the Note and all of their
respective terms and provisions are the legal, valid and binding obligations of
the Borrower, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms except as
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws
affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally, and except as the
remedy of specific performance or of injunctive relief is subject to the
discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.

        4.4. Consents or Approvals. The execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement and the Note and the transactions contemplated herein do not
require any approval or consent of, or filing or registration with, any
governmental or other agency or authority, or any other party.




<PAGE>
                                      -15-





        4.5. Title to Properties; Absence of Encumbrances. Each of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to all of the properties,
assets and rights of every kind and nature now purported to be owned by it,
including, without limitation, such properties, assets and rights as are
reflected in the financial statements referred to in Section 4.6 (except such
properties, assets or rights as have been disposed of in the ordinary course of
business since the date thereof), free from all Encumbrances except Permitted
Encumbrances or those Encumbrances disclosed in Exhibit C hereto, and, except as
so disclosed, free from all defects of title that might materially adversely
affect such properties, assets or rights, taken as a whole.

        4.6. Financial Statements. The Borrower has furnished the Bank its
consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1994 and its consolidated
statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flow for the
fiscal year then ended, and related footnotes, audited and certified by Price
Waterhouse. The Borrower has also furnished the Bank its consolidated balance
sheet as of June 30, 1995 and its consolidated statements of income, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flow for the fiscal quarter then ended, certified
by the principal financial officer of the Borrower but subject, however, to
normal, recurring year-end adjustments that shall not in the aggregate be
material in amount. All such financial statements were prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles or regulatory accounting
principles, as applicable, applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods
specified and present fairly the financial position of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries as of such dates and the results of the operations of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries for such periods. There are no liabilities, contingent or
otherwise, not disclosed in such financial statements that involve a material
amount.

        4.7. Changes. Since the date of the most recent financial statements
referred to in Section 4.6, there have been no changes in the assets,
liabilities, financial condition, business or prospects of the Borrower or any
of its Subsidiaries other than changes in the ordinary course of business, the
effect of which has not, in the aggregate, been materially adverse.

        4.8. Defaults. As of the date of this Agreement, no Default exists.

        4.9. Taxes. The Borrower and each Subsidiary have filed all federal,
state and other tax returns required to be filed, within the applicable filing
due dates (including any extensions of such dates); and all taxes, assessments
and other governmental charges due from the Borrower and each Subsidiary have
been fully paid. The Borrower and each Subsidiary have established on their
books reserves adequate for the payment of all federal, state and other tax
liabilities.

        4.10. Litigation. Except as set forth on Exhibit D hereto, there is no
litigation, arbitration, proceeding or investigation pending, or, to the
knowledge of the Borrower's or any Subsidiary's officers, threatened, against
the Borrower or any Subsidiary that, if adversely determined, could, in the
opinion of


<PAGE>
                                      -16-



counsel for the Borrower, result in a judgment in excess of $10,000,000 not
adequately covered by insurance or as to which adequate reserves are not being
maintained, could result in a forfeiture of all or any substantial part of the
property of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, or could otherwise have a material
adverse effect on the assets, business or prospects of the Borrower or any
Subsidiary.

        4.11. Use of Proceeds. No portion of any Loan is to be used for the
"purpose of purchasing or carrying" any "margin stock" as such terms are used in
Regulations U and X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 12
C.F.R. 221 and 224, as amended; and following the application of the proceeds of
each Loan, the value of all "margin stock" of the Borrower will not exceed 25%
of the value of the total assets of the Borrower that are subject to the
restrictions set forth in Section 6.1 and 6.2.

        4.12. Subsidiaries. As of the date of this Agreement, all the
Subsidiaries of the Borrower are listed on Exhibit E hereto. The Borrower or a
Subsidiary of the Borrower is the owner, free and clear of all liens and
encumbrances, of all of the issued and outstanding stock of each Subsidiary. All
shares of such stock have been validly issued and are fully paid and
nonassessable, and no rights to subscribe to any additional shares have been
granted, and no options, warrants or similar rights are outstanding.

        4.13. Investment Company Act, etc. Neither the Borrower nor any of its
Subsidiaries is subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended, or any
other statute or regulation that limits its ability to incur indebtedness for
money borrowed.

        4.14. Compliance with ERISA. The Borrower and each member of the
Controlled Group have fulfilled their obligations under the minimum funding
standards of ERISA and the Code with respect to each Plan and are in compliance
in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code,
and have not incurred any liability to the PBGC or a Plan under Title IV of
ERISA; and no "prohibited transaction" or "reportable event" (as such terms are
defined in ERISA) has occurred with respect to any Plan.

        4.15. Environmental Matters. The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries
are in compliance, in all material respects, with all Environmental Laws. No
demand, claim, notice, suit, suit in equity, action, administrative action,
investigation or inquiry arising under, relating to or in connection with any
Environmental Laws is pending or threatened against the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries, any real property in which the Borrower or any such Subsidiary
holds or, to the Borrower's knowledge, has held, an interest or any past or
present operation of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary, other than any such
proceedings that will not have a material adverse effect on the financial
condition, business, operations or prospects of the Borrower or the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Neither the Borrower nor any of its
Subsidiaries (i) is the subject of any federal or state investigation evaluating


<PAGE>
                                      -17-




whether any remedial action is needed to respond to a release of any Hazardous
Materials or other wastes into the environment, (ii) has received any notice of
any Hazardous Materials or other wastes in or upon any of its properties in
violation of any Environmental Laws, or (iii) knows of any basis for any such
investigation, notice or violation, except as disclosed to the Bank on Exhibit
D, and as to such matters disclosed on such Exhibit, none will have a material
adverse effect on the financial condition, business, operations or prospects of
the Borrower or the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.


                                    SECTION V

                              AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

    So long as the Bank has any commitment to lend hereunder or any Loan or
other Obligation hereunder remains outstanding, the Borrower covenants as
follows:

        5.1. Financial Statements and other Reporting Requirements. The Borrower
shall furnish to the Bank:

        (a) as soon as available to the Borrower, but in any event within 100
days after the end of each of its fiscal years, a consolidated balance sheet as
of the end of such year, and the related consolidated and consolidating
statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flow for such
year, audited and certified by Price Waterhouse (or other independent certified
public accountants of national standing selected by the Borrower);

        (b) as soon as available to the Borrower, but in any event within 55
days after the end of each of its fiscal quarters, (i) the consolidated balance
sheet as of the end of such quarter, and a related consolidated statements of
income and cash flow for the period then ended, certified by the chief financial
officer of the Borrower but subject, however, to normal, recurring year-end
adjustments that shall not in the aggregate be material in amount, and (ii) a
Call Report for the Borrower (on a parent only basis) and for each of the
Borrower's banking subsidiaries for the period then ended, certified by the
cashier or other authorized officer of each such Subsidiary, in the forms
required to be filed by the Borrower and each such Subsidiary by the FFIEC;

        (c) concurrently with the delivery of each financial statement pursuant
to subsections (a) and (b) of this Section 5.1, a report in substantially the
form of Exhibit F hereto signed on behalf of the Borrower by its chief financial
officer;

        (d) promptly after the same are available, copies of all proxy
statements, financial statements and reports as the Borrower shall send to its
stockholders or as the Borrower may file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission;


<PAGE>
                                      -18-



        (e) if and when the Borrower gives or is required to give notice to the
PBGC of any "Reportable Event" (as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA) with
respect to any Plan that might constitute grounds for a termination of such Plan
under Title IV of ERISA, or knows that any member of the Controlled Group or the
plan administrator of any Plan has given or is required to give notice of any
such Reportable Event, a copy of the notice of such Reportable Event given or
required to be given to the PBGC;

        (f) immediately upon becoming aware of the existence of any condition or
event that constitutes a Default, written notice thereof specifying the nature
and duration thereof and the action being or proposed to be taken with respect
thereto;

        (g) promptly upon becoming aware of any litigation or of any
investigative proceedings by a governmental agency or authority commenced or
threatened against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, the outcome of which
would or might, in the opinion of counsel for the Borrower, have a materially
adverse effect on the assets, business or prospects of the Borrower or the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, written notice thereof
and the action being or proposed to be taken with respect thereto;

        (h) promptly upon becoming aware of any investigative proceedings by a
governmental agency or authority commenced or threatened against the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries regarding any potential violation of Environmental Laws
or any spill, release, discharge or disposal of any Hazardous Material, the
outcome of which would or might, in the opinion of counsel for the Borrower,
have a materially adverse effect on the assets, business or prospects of the
Borrower or the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, written
notice thereof and the action being or proposed to be taken with respect
thereto; and

        (i) from time to time, such other financial data and information about
the Borrower or its Subsidiaries as the Bank may reasonably request.

        5.2. Conduct of Business. Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
shall:

        (a) duly observe and comply in all material respects with all applicable
laws and valid requirements of any governmental authorities relative to its
corporate existence, rights and franchises, to the conduct of its business and
to its property and assets (including without limitation all Environmental Laws
and ERISA), and shall maintain and keep in full force and effect all licenses
and permits necessary in any material respect to the proper conduct of its
business; and

        (b) maintain its corporate existence; and

        (c) engage only in business activities permitted for bank holding
companies and their subsidiaries under applicable law.

<PAGE>
                                      -19-



        5.3. Maintenance and Insurance. Each of the Borrower and its Material
Subsidiaries shall maintain its properties in good repair, working order and
condition as required for the normal conduct of its business, and shall at all
times maintain liability and casualty insurance with financially sound and
reputable insurers in such amounts as the officers of the Borrower in the
exercise of their reasonable judgment deem to be adequate.

        5.4. Taxes. The Borrower shall pay or cause to be paid all taxes,
assessments or governmental charges on or against it or any of its Subsidiaries
or its or their properties on or prior to the time when they become due;
provided that this covenant shall not apply to any tax, assessment or charge
that is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and with
respect to which adequate reserves have been established and are being
maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

        5.5. Inspection by the Bank. The Borrower shall permit the Bank or its
designees, at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice (or if a Default shall
have occurred and is continuing, at any time and without prior notice), to (i)
visit and inspect the properties of the Borrower and its Material Subsidiaries,
(ii) examine and make copies of and take abstracts from the books and records of
the Borrower and its Material Subsidiaries, and (iii) discuss the affairs,
finances and accounts of the Borrower and its Material Subsidiaries with their
appropriate officers, employees and accountants. In handling such information
the Bank shall exercise the same degree of care that it exercises with respect
to its own proprietary information of the same types to maintain the
confidentiality of any non-public information thereby received or received
pursuant to this Agreement except that disclosure of such information may be
made (i) to the subsidiaries or affiliates of the Bank in connection with their
present or prospective business relations with the Borrower, subject to the same
degree of care and confidentiality required of the Bank by this Section 5.5,
(ii) to prospective permitted transferees or purchasers of an interest in the
Loans, (iii) as required by law, regulation, rule or order, subpoena, judicial
order or similar order and (iv) as may be required in connection with the
examination, audit or similar investigation of the Bank.

        5.6. Maintenance of Books and Records. Each of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries shall keep adequate books and records of account, in which true and
complete entries will be made reflecting all of its business and financial
transactions, and such entries will be made in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles or regulatory accounting principles, as
applicable, consistently applied and applicable law.

        5.7. Further Assurances. At any time and from time to time the Borrower
shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, execute and deliver such
further instruments and take such further action as may reasonably be requested
by the Bank to effect the purposes of this Agreement and the Note.



<PAGE>
                                      -20-



                                   SECTION VI

                               NEGATIVE COVENANTS

    So long as the Bank has any commitment to lend hereunder or any Loan or
other Obligation hereunder remains outstanding, the Borrower covenants as
follows:

        6.1. Encumbrances. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Material
Subsidiaries shall create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any mortgage,
pledge, security interest, lien or other charge or encumbrance, including the
lien or retained security title of a conditional vendor upon or with respect to
any of its property or assets ("Encumbrances"), or assign or otherwise convey
any right to receive income, including the sale or discount of accounts
receivable with or without recourse, except the following ("Permitted
Encumbrances"):

        (a) Encumbrances in favor of the Bank or any of its affiliates;

        (b) Encumbrances existing as of the date of this Agreement and disclosed
in Exhibit C hereto;

        (c) liens for taxes, fees, assessments and other governmental charges to
the extent that payment of the same may be postponed or is not required in
accordance with the provisions of Section 5.4;

        (d) landlords' and lessors' liens in respect of rent not in default or
liens in respect of pledges or deposits under workmen's compensation,
unemployment insurance, social security laws, or similar legislation (other than
ERISA) or in connection with appeal and similar bonds incidental to litigation;
mechanics', laborers' and materialmen's and similar liens, if the obligations
secured by such liens are not then delinquent; liens securing the performance of
bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of money); and statutory
obligations incidental to the conduct of its business and that do not in the
aggregate materially detract from the value of its property or materially impair
the use thereof in the operation of its business;

        (e) judgment and other similar liens arising in connection with court
proceedings, provided that the execution or other enforcement of such judgment
or similar lien is effectively stayed and the claims secured thereby are being
actively contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings;

        (f) rights of lessors under capitalized leases;

        (g) Encumbrances securing indebtedness for borrowed money incurred in
connection with the purchase of real or personal property used in its business ,
provided that any such Encumbrances shall not extend to assets of the Borrower
or any such Subsidiary not financed by such indebtedness;


<PAGE>
                                      -21-


        (h) easements, rights of way, restrictions and other similar charges or
Encumbrances relating to real or personal property and not interfering in a
material way with the ordinary conduct of its business;

        (i) Encumbrances on its assets created in connection with the
refinancing of indebtedness secured by Permitted Encumbrances on such assets,
provided that the amount of indebtedness secured by any such Encumbrance shall
not be increased as a result of such refinancing and no such Encumbrance shall
extend to property and assets of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary not
encumbered prior to any such refinancing;

        (j) Encumbrances incurred in connection with repurchase agreements;
liens incurred in connection with asset securitizations; Encumbrances granted to
a Federal Reserve Bank or a Federal Home Loan Bank to secure advances or other
transactions incidental to the conduct of the banking business of the Borrower
or any such Subsidiary, including loans to meet liquidity requirements;

        (k) Encumbrances securing obligations of a Subsidiary to the Borrower or
another Subsidiary; and

        (l) other Encumbrances which are incidental to the conduct of its
business on an ongoing basis and that do not in the aggregate have a material
adverse effect on its assets, business or prospects.

        6.2. Merger; Consolidation; Sale or Lease of Assets. The Borrower shall
not sell or otherwise dispose of all or any substantial part of its shares of
the capital stock of Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, M&T Bank, National
Association, The East New York Savings Bank or M&T Real Estate, Inc.; neither
the Borrower nor any of its Material Subsidiaries shall sell, lease or otherwise
dispose of all or any substantial portion of any other assets other than in the
ordinary course of business, or liquidate, merge or consolidate with any other
person or entity; provided that the Borrower may merge or consolidate into or
with another person or entity if no Default has occurred and is continuing or
would result from such merger or consolidation and if the Borrower is the
surviving company; and provided, further, that any Subsidiary of the Borrower
may merge or consolidate into or with (i) the Borrower if the Borrower is the
surviving company, or (ii) any other Subsidiary of the Borrower; and provided,
further, that any Subsidiary that is not a Material Subsidiary may be
liquidated, merged or consolidated into or with another person or entity if the
assets of such Subsidiary do not represent more than 10% of the consolidated
total assets of the Borrower.

        6.3. Stock of Subsidiaries. The Borrower shall not permit any of its
Material Subsidiaries to issue any additional shares of its capital stock or
other equity securities which contain general voting powers, any options
therefor or any securities convertible thereto other than to the Borrower or
another Material Subsidiary. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Material
Subsidiaries shall sell, transfer or

<PAGE>
                                      -22-


otherwise dispose of any of the capital stock or other equity securities of a
Material Subsidiary which contain general voting powers, except (i) to the
Borrower or any of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries, (ii) in connection with a
transaction permitted by Section 6.2 ; (iii) to an officer, employee or director
of the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary; or (iv) to other persons or
entities, provided that such dispositions do not constitute more than 5% of the
total number of shares of capital stock or other equity securities outstanding
of such Subsidiary which contain general voting powers.

        6.4. Investments. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Material
Subsidiaries shall make or maintain any Investments other than (i) investments
permitted by applicable banking laws, regulations or regulatory pronouncements;
(ii) existing Investments in Subsidiaries and new Investments in such
Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of its business; and (iii) acquisitions of
new Subsidiaries permitted by Section 6.5.

        6.5. Acquisitions. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Material
Subsidiaries shall acquire all or a majority of the voting shares or all or a
substantial portion of the assets of any person or entity unless (i) the
consolidated total assets of the Borrower (as would be reported in the
Borrower's financial statements prepared in accordance with FFIEC requirements)
before giving effect to such acquisition would constitute at least 70% of the
consolidated total assets of the Borrower after giving effect to such
acquisition or (ii) the consolidated total assets of the Borrower before giving
effect to such acquisition would constitute less than 70% but at least 50% of
the consolidated total assets of the Borrower and the Borrower is able to
demonstrate to the Bank's reasonable satisfaction that the consolidated total
assets of the Borrower before giving effect to such acquisition would constitute
at least 70% of the consolidated total assets of the Borrower within six months
after giving effect to such acquisition..

        6.6. ERISA. Neither the Borrower nor any member of the Controlled Group
shall permit any Plan maintained by it to (i) engage in any "prohibited
transaction" (as defined in Section 4975 of the Code, (ii) incur any
"accumulated funding deficiency" (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA) whether or
not waived, or (iii) terminate any Plan in a manner that could result in the
imposition of a lien or encumbrance on the assets of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 4068 of ERISA.

        6.7. Double Leverage Ratio. The Borrower shall not permit its Double
Leverage Ratio to be greater than 1.25 to 1.0. As used in this Section 6.6,
"Double Leverage Ratio" means the ratio of (i) the amount of equity Investments
of the Borrower in its Subsidiaries to (ii) the consolidated stockholders'
equity of the Borrower, in each case as reported in the Borrower's financial
statements prepared in accordance with FFIEC requirements.

        6.8. Nonperforming Asset Coverage Ratio. The Borrower shall not permit
its Nonperforming Asset Coverage Ratio to be less than 5.0 to 1.0. As used in
this Section 6.7,


<PAGE>
                                      -23-


 "Nonperforming Asset Coverage Ratio" means the ratio of (i) consolidated
stockholders' equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries plus Loan Loss
Reserves to (ii) Nonperforming Assets; "Loan Loss Reserves" means the loan loss
reserves and allocated transfer risk reserves of the Borrower, as shown on the
financial statements of the Borrower prepared in accordance with FFIEC
requirements; and "Nonperforming Assets" means the loans, leases and other
assets of the Borrower that are not accruing interest or are 90 days or more
past due in the payment of principal or interest, plus "other real estate owned"
by the Borrower, in each case as shown on the financial statements of the
Borrower prepared in accordance with FFIEC requirements.

        6.9. Adequate Capitalization of Banking Subsidiaries. The Borrower shall
not permit any of its banking Subsidiaries to be less than "Adequately
Capitalized", as such term is defined in Appendix A to Regulation H of the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 12 C.F.R. 208, as amended.

        6.10. Minimum Tangible Net Worth. The Borrower shall not permit its
Tangible Net Worth to be less than the sum of (i) $635,000,000 plus (ii) 35% of
consolidated net income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for each fiscal
quarter ending after June 30, 1995 (without giving effect to any net loss in any
fiscal quarter) plus (iii) 100% of the net cash proceeds received by the
Borrower from the sale of its equity securities after June 30, 1995. As used in
this Section 6.9, "Tangible Net Worth" means the consolidated net worth of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries minus any amounts attributable to those assets
which are required to be deducted from "tier 1 capital" in accordance with
Section II.B.1 of Appendix A to Regulation Y of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System, 12 C.F.R. 225, as amended.


                                   SECTION VII

                                    DEFAULTS

        7.1. Events of Default. There shall be an Event of Default hereunder if
any of the following events occurs:

        (a) the Borrower shall fail to pay when due (i) any amount of principal
of any Loans, or (ii) any amount of interest thereon or any fees or expenses
payable hereunder or under the Note within five days of the due date therefor;
or

        (b) The Borrower shall fail to perform any term, covenant or agreement
contained in Sections 5.1(f), 5.5, 6.2, 6.3, 6.5 or 6.7 through 6.10; or

        (c) the Borrower shall fail to perform any covenant contained in
Sections 5.1(e), 5.1(g), 5.1(h), 5.2, 6.1, 6.4 or 6.6 and such failure shall
continue for 30 days; or

<PAGE>
                                      -24-


        (d) the Borrower shall fail to perform any term, covenant or agreement
(other than in respect of subsections 7.1(a) through (c) hereof) contained in
this Agreement and such default shall continue for 30 days after notice thereof
has been sent to the Borrower by the Bank; or

        (e) any representation or warranty of the Borrower made in this
Agreement or in the Note or any other documents or agreements executed in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or in any
certificate delivered hereunder shall prove to have been false in any material
respect upon the date when made or deemed to have been made; or

        (f) there shall occur any material adverse change in the assets,
liabilities, financial condition, business or prospects of the Borrower or the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as determined by the Bank
acting in good faith; or

        (g) the Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries shall fail to pay
at maturity, or within any applicable period of grace, any indebtedness in
excess of $10,000,000 in the aggregate for borrowed money or for the use of real
or personal property, or fail to observe or perform any term, covenant or
agreement evidencing or securing such indebtedness, or relating to such use of
real or personal property, the result of which failure is to permit the holder
or holders of such obligations to cause such indebtedness to become due prior to
its stated maturity upon delivery of required notice, if any; or

        (h) the Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries shall (i) apply for
or consent to the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a receiver,
custodian, trustee, liquidator or similar official of itself or of all or a
substantial part of its property, (ii) be generally not paying its debts as such
debts become due, (iii) make a general assignment for the benefit of its
creditors, (iv) commence a voluntary case under the Federal Bankruptcy Code (as
now or hereafter in effect), (v) take any action or commence any case or
proceeding under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
winding-up or composition or adjustment of debts, or any other law providing for
the relief of debtors, (vi) fail to contest in a timely or appropriate manner,
or acquiesce in writing to, any petition filed against it in an involuntary case
under the Federal Bankruptcy Code or other law, (vii) take any action under the
laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization similar to any of the
foregoing, or (viii) take any corporate action for the purpose of effecting any
of the foregoing; or

        (i) a proceeding or case shall be commenced, without the application or
consent of the Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries in any court of
competent jurisdiction, seeking (i) the liquidation, reorganization,
dissolution, winding up, or composition or readjustment of its debts, (ii) the
appointment of a trustee, receiver, custodian, liquidator or the like of it or
of all or any substantial part of its assets, or (iii) similar relief in respect
of it, under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
winding-up or composition or adjustment of debts or any other law providing for
the relief of debtors, and such proceeding or case shall continue undismissed,
or unstayed and in effect, for a


<PAGE>
                                      -25-



period of 30 days; or an order for relief shall be entered in an involuntary
case under the Federal Bankruptcy Code, against the Borrower or such Subsidiary;
or action under the laws of the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of
the Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries similar to any of the foregoing
shall be taken with respect to the Borrower or such Subsidiary and shall
continue unstayed and in effect for any period of 30 days; or

        (j) a judgment or order for the payment of money shall be entered
against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries by any court, or a warrant of
attachment or execution or similar process shall be issued or levied against
property of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, that in the aggregate exceeds
$10,000,000 in value and such judgment, order, warrant or process shall continue
undischarged or unstayed for 30 days; or

        (k) the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group shall fail to pay
when due an amount or amounts aggregating in excess of $10,000,000 that it shall
have become liable to pay to the PBGC or to a Plan under Title IV of ERISA; or
notice of intent to terminate a Plan or Plans shall be filed under Title IV of
ERISA by the Borrower, any member of the Controlled Group, any plan
administrator or any combination of the foregoing; or the PBGC shall institute
proceedings under Title IV of ERISA to terminate or to cause a trustee to be
appointed to administer any such Plan or Plans or a proceeding shall be
instituted by a fiduciary of any such Plan or Plans against the Borrower and
such proceedings shall not have been dismissed within 30 days thereafter; or a
condition shall exist by reason of which the PBGC would be entitled to obtain a
decree adjudicating that any such Plan or Plans must be terminated; or

        (l) any banking Subsidiary shall cease to be insured under the Federal
Deposit Insurance Act and any rules and regulations issued thereunder, as from
time to time supplemented or amended; or a cease and desist order shall be
issued against the Borrower or any banking Subsidiary pursuant to 12 U.S.C.
1818(b) or (c) or any similar applicable provision of state law and any rules
and regulations issued thereunder, as from time to time supplemented or amended;
or

        (m) the acquisition by any person or entity, or two or more persons or
entities acting in concert, of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule
13d-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934) of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of voting stock of the
Borrower; provided that this provision shall not apply to acquisitions of
beneficial ownership by any director, officer, employee or employee benefit plan
of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, nor to any of the foregoing who act in
concert with any other person or entity.

        7.2. Remedies. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default described in
subsections 7.1(h) and (i), immediately and automatically, and upon the
occurrence of any other Event of Default, at any time thereafter while such
Event of Default is continuing, at the Bank's option and upon the Bank's
declaration:


<PAGE>
                                      -26-



        (a) the Bank's commitment to make any further Loans hereunder shall
terminate;

        (b) the unpaid principal amount of the Loans together with accrued
interest and all other Obligations hereunder shall become immediately due and
payable without presentment, demand, protest or further notice of any kind, all
of which are hereby expressly waived; and

        (c) the Bank may exercise any and all rights it has under this
Agreement, the Note or any other documents or agreements executed in connection
herewith, or at law or in equity, and proceed to protect and enforce the Bank's
rights by any action at law, in equity or other appropriate proceeding.


                                  SECTION VIII

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

        8.1. Notices. Unless otherwise specified herein, all notices hereunder
to any party hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given
when (i) delivered by hand, (ii) properly deposited in the mails postage
prepaid, (iii) sent by telex, answerback received, or electronic facsimile
transmission, or (iv) delivered to the telegraph company or overnight courier,
in each case addressed to such party at its address indicated below:

        If to the Borrower, at

               FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION
               One M&T Plaza
               Buffalo, New York 14240

               Attention:  Gary Paul, Senior Vice President
               Telephone:  (716) 842-5130
               Facsimile:  (716) 842-5021

        If to the Bank, at

               THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON 
               100 Federal Street MS 01-10-08
               Boston, Massachusetts 02110

               Attention:  John B. Sinclair, Vice President
               Telephone   (617) 434-5045
               Facsimile:  (617) 434-1537


or at any other address specified by such party in writing.

<PAGE>
                                      -27-


        8.2. Expenses. The Borrower will pay on demand up to $5,000 of
reasonably allocated costs of the Bank's in-house legal counsel in connection
with the preparation of this Agreement, the Note or any other documents or
agreements executed in connection therewith. The Borrower will also pay on
demand the reasonable expenses of the Bank in connection with the waiver or
amendment of this Agreement, the Note or any other documents or agreements
executed in connection therewith, or the administration, default or collection
of the Loans or other Obligations or in connection with the Bank's exercise,
preservation or enforcement of any of its rights, remedies or options
thereunder, including, without limitation, fees and expenses of outside legal
counsel or the allocated costs of in-house legal counsel, accounting,
consulting, brokerage or other similar professional fees or expenses, and any
fees or expenses associated with any travel or other costs relating to any
appraisals or examinations conducted in connection with the Obligations.

        8.3. Set-Off. (a) Regardless of the adequacy of any collateral or other
means of obtaining repayment of the Obligations, any deposits, balances or other
sums credited by or due from the head office of the Bank or any of its branch
offices to the Borrower may, to the extent permitted by law, at any time and
from time to time after the occurrence of an Event of Default hereunder, without
notice to the Borrower or compliance with any other condition precedent now or
hereafter imposed by statute, rule of law, or otherwise (all of which are hereby
expressly waived) be set off, appropriated, and applied by the Bank against any
and all Obligations of the Borrower to the Bank in such manner as the head
office of the Bank or any of its branch offices in their sole discretion may
determine, and the Borrower hereby grants the Bank a continuing security
interest in such deposits, balances or other sums for the payment and
performance of all such Obligations.

        (b) In the event that the Bank is placed in receivership or enters a
similar proceeding, the Borrower may, to the extent permitted by law, make any
payment due to the Bank hereunder to the extent of finally collected
unrestricted deposits of the Borrower held by the Bank, by giving notice to the
Bank to apply such deposits to such Obligations. If the amount of such deposits
is insufficient to pay such Obligations in full, the Borrower shall pay the
balance of such deficiency in accordance with this Agreement.

        8.4. Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall continue in full force and
effect so long as the Bank has any commitment to make Loans hereunder or any
Loan or any Obligation hereunder shall be outstanding.

        8.5. No Waivers. No failure or delay by the Bank in exercising any
right, power or privilege hereunder or under the Note or under any other
documents or agreements executed in connection herewith shall operate as a
waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any
other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or
privilege. The rights and



<PAGE>
                                      -28-



remedies provided herein and in the Note and such other documents and agreements
are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies otherwise provided by
agreement or law.

        8.6. Governing Law. This Agreement and the Note shall be deemed to be
contracts made under seal and shall be construed in accordance with and governed
by the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts (without giving effect to any
conflicts of laws provisions contained therein).

        8.7. Amendments. Neither this Agreement nor the Note nor any provision
hereof or thereof may be amended, waived, discharged or terminated except by a
written instrument signed by the Bank and, in the case of amendments, by the
Borrower.

        8.8. Binding Effect of Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefit of the Borrower and the Bank and their respective
successors and assigns; provided that the Borrower may not assign or transfer
its rights or obligations hereunder. The Bank may sell or transfer its interests
hereunder and under the Note with the prior written consent of the Borrower, or
grant participations therein to participants not previously identified to the
Bank in writing as impermissible transferees, without such consent. In the case
of any such participation, the Borrower agrees that any such participant shall
be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.8, 2.9, 2.13 and 8.3 to the same
extent as if such transferee or participant were the Bank hereunder, but only if
the Bank would then be entitled to such benefits; provided the Borrower may, for
all purposes of this Agreement, treat the Bank as the person entitled to
exercise all rights hereunder and under the Note and to receive all payments
with respect thereto.

        8.9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in any number of
counterparts with the same effect as if the signatures hereto and thereto were
upon the same instrument.

        8.10. Partial Invalidity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any one
or more phrases, clauses or sections of this Agreement shall not affect the
validity or enforceability of the remaining portions of it.

        8.11. Captions. The captions and headings of the various sections and
subsections of this Agreement are provided for convenience only and shall not be
construed to modify the meaning of such sections or subsections.

        8.12. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE BANK AND THE COMPANY AGREE THAT NEITHER
OF THEM NOR ANY ASSIGNEE OR SUCCESSOR SHALL (A) SEEK A JURY TRIAL IN ANY
LAWSUIT, PROCEEDING, COUNTERCLAIM OR ANY OTHER ACTION BASED UPON, OR ARISING OUT
OF, THIS AGREEMENT, THE NOTE, ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS OR AGREEMENTS OR THE
DEALINGS OR THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OR AMONG ANY OF



<PAGE>
                                      -29-



THEM, OR (B) SEEK TO CONSOLIDATE ANY SUCH ACTION WITH ANY OTHER ACTION IN WHICH
A JURY TRIAL CANNOT BE OR HAS NOT BEEN WAIVED. NEITHER THE BANK NOR THE COMPANY
HAS AGREED WITH OR REPRESENTED TO THE OTHER THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
PARAGRAPH WILL NOT BE FULLY ENFORCED IN ALL INSTANCES.

        8.13. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Note and the documents and
agreements executed in connection herewith constitute the final agreement of the
parties hereto and supersede any prior agreement or understanding, written or
oral, with respect to the matters contained herein and therein.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above
written.


                                            FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION


                                            By /s/ Gary S. Paul
                                               --------------------------------
                                               Senior Vice President


                                            THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON


                                            By /s/ John B. Sinclair
                                               --------------------------------
                                               Vice President


<PAGE>



                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                         FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION

                                 PROMISSORY NOTE

                                                           November 24, 1995
$25,000,000.00                                             Boston, Massachusetts

      For value received, the undersigned hereby promises to pay to THE FIRST
NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON (the "Bank"), or order, at the head office of the Bank
at 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, in lawful money of the
United States of America and in immediately available funds, the principal
amount of TWENTY FIVE MILLION and no/100 DOLLARS ($25,000,000) or such lesser
amount as shall equal the principal amount outstanding on the Termination Date
referred to in the below-mentioned Credit Agreement, and to pay interest on the
unpaid principal balance hereof from time to time outstanding, at said office
and in like money and funds, for the period commencing on the date hereof until
paid in full, at the rates per annum and on the dates provided in the Credit
Agreement. All principal remaining unpaid and any accrued but unpaid interest
shall in any event be due and payable on the Termination Date.

      This Note is issued pursuant to, and entitled to the benefits of, and is
subject to, the provisions of a certain Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of
November 24, 1995 by and between the undersigned and the Bank (herein, as the
same may from time to time be amended or extended, referred to as the "Credit
Agreement"), but neither this reference to the Credit Agreement nor any
provision thereof shall affect or impair the absolute and unconditional
obligation of the undersigned maker of this Note to pay the principal of and
interest on this Note as herein provided.

      In case an Event of Default (as defined in the Credit Agreement) shall
occur, the aggregate unpaid principal of and accrued interest on this Note shall
become or may be declared to be due and payable in the manner and with the
effect provided in the Credit Agreement.

      The undersigned may at its option prepay all or any part of the principal
of this Note before maturity upon the terms provided in the Credit Agreement.

      The undersigned maker hereby waives presentment, demand, notice of
dishonor, protest and all other demands and notices in connection with the
delivery, acceptance, performance and enforcement of this Note.



                                       (i)





<PAGE>






      This instrument shall have the effect of an instrument executed under seal
and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (without giving effect to any conflicts of laws
provisions contained therein).


                                            FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION



                                           By: /s/ Gary S. Paul
                                               --------------------------------
                                               Senior Vice President






                                      (ii)





<PAGE>


                          SCHEDULE I TO PROMISSORY NOTE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               TYPE OF LOAN
               AMOUNT           EURODOLLAR          INTEREST       INTEREST         AMOUNT        NOTATION
   DATE        OF LOAN         OR BASE RATE          RATE*         PERIOD**          PAID          MADE BY
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>             <C>                  <C>            <C>              <C>           <C>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




                                       (1)





<PAGE>



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- -----------------------------
*   For Base Rate Loans, insert "Base Rate"
**  For Eurodollar Loans only




                                       (2)





<PAGE>






                                                                       EXHIBIT B

                         FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION

The First National Bank of Boston
100 Federal Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110

Attention:

      Re:  Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of November 24, 1995

Gentlemen:

      We refer to the Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of November 24, 1995
(the "Credit Agreement") between First Empire State Corporation and The First
National Bank of Boston. Capitalized terms used herein without definition are
used as defined in the Credit Agreement.

      Pursuant to Section 2.2 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby
confirms its request made on _______________, 19__ for a [Base Rate]
[Eurodollar] Loan in the amount of $_____________ on ______________, 199_.

      [The Interest Period applicable to said Loan will be [one] [two] [three]
[six] months days.]*

      [Said Loan represents a conversion of the [Base Rate] [Eurodollar] Loan in
the same amount made on _________________.]**

      Please disburse the proceeds of said Loan in immediately available funds
to Account No. ________ at _____________.

      The representations and warranties contained or referred to in Section IV
of the Credit Agreement are true and accurate on and as of the effective date of
the Loan as though made at and as of such date (except to the extent that such
representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date); and no
Default has occurred and is continuing or will result from the Loan.


                                            FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION

                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Title:
- --------------------------
Date

- --------------------------
*     To be inserted in any request for a Eurodollar Loan.
**    To be inserted in any request for a conversion.



                                       (1)





<PAGE>



                                                                       EXHIBIT C


                         FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION

                                  ENCUMBRANCES


                                     [None]





                                       (1)





<PAGE>






                                                                       EXHIBIT D


                         FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION

                        LITIGATION; ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS


                                     [None]





                                       (1)





<PAGE>






                                                                       EXHIBIT E


                         FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION

                              MATERIAL SUBSIDIARIES


Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company

M&T Bank, National Association

The East New York Savings Bank

CASH & GO, Inc.

Highland Lease Corporation

M&T Capital Corporation

M&T Credit Corporation

M&T Financial Corporation

M&T Mortgage Corporation

M&T Real Estate, Inc.

M&T Securities, Inc.







                                       (1)






<PAGE>


                                       -1-


                                                                       EXHIBIT F


                         FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION

                        REPORT OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER


      FIRST EMPIRE CORPORATION (the "Borrower") HEREBY CERTIFIES that:

      This Report is furnished pursuant to Section 5.1(d) of the Revolving
Credit Agreement dated as of November 24, 1995 the "Credit Agreement") between
the Borrower and THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON. Unless otherwise defined
herein, the terms used in this Report have the meanings given to them in the
Credit Agreement.

      As required by Section 5.1(a) and (b) of the Credit Agreement, the
consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the
[year/quarter] ended ____________, 19__ (the "Financial Statements"), prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied, accompany this Report. The Financial Statements present fairly the
consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the
date thereof and the consolidated results of operations of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries for the period covered thereby (subject only to normal recurring
year-end adjustments which will not in the aggregate be material in amount).

      The figures set forth in Schedule A for determining compliance by the
Borrower with the financial covenants contained in the Credit Agreement are true
and complete as of the date hereof.

      The activities of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during the period
covered by the Financial Statements have been reviewed by the Chief Financial
Officer or by employees or agents under his immediate supervision. Based on such
review, to the best knowledge and belief of the Chief Financial Officer, and as
of the date of this Report, no Default has occurred.*

      WITNESS my hand this ____ day of ___________, 19__.

                                           FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION


                                           By: ________________________________
                                               Chief Financial Officer

- -------------------
      * If a Default has occurred, this paragraph is to be modified with an
      appropriate statement as to the nature thereof, the period of existence
      thereof and what action the Borrower has taken, is taking, or proposes to
      take with respect thereto.



                                       (1)





<PAGE>





                                                                     SCHEDULE A
                                                                          to
                                                                      EXHIBIT F

                                     FINANCIAL COVENANTS

Double Leverage Ratio (Section 6.7)

MAXIMUM PERMITTED:                                              1.25   :   1.00
                                                                ====       ====

ACTUAL:

        (i)    Consolidated equity Investments in               $___________
               Subsidiaries

        (ii)   Consolidated stockholders' equity                $___________

        (iii)  Double Leverage Ratio:  line (i)
               divided by line (ii)                                    :   1.00
                                                                ====       ====



Nonperforming Asset Coverage Ratio (Section 6.8)

MINIMUM REQUIRED:                                                5.0   :   1.00
                                                                ====       ====

ACTUAL:

        (i)    Consolidated stockholders' equity                 $___________

        (ii)   Loan loss reserves                                $___________

        (iii)  Non accrual and other past due loans and
               leases                                            $___________

        (iv)   Other real estate owned                           $___________

        (v)    Nonperforming assets:  line (iii)
               plus line (iv)                                    $
                                                                  ===========
        (vi)   Nonperforming Assets Coverage Ratio:
               [line (i) plus line (ii)] divided by line (v)           :   1.00
                                                                ====       ====





                                      - i -



<PAGE>






Minimum Tangible Net Worth (Section 6.10)

REQUIRED:

        (i)    Beginning balance                                  $635,000,000

        (ii)   Plus: 35% of consolidated net
               income after 6/30/95                               $___________

        (iii)  Plus: 100% of net cash proceeds
               from sale of equity securities
               after 6/30/95                                      $___________

        (iv)   Required Amount:  line (i) plus line (ii)          $
               plus line (iii)                                     ===========

ACTUAL:

        (i)    Consolidated stockholders' equity                  $___________

        (ii)   Less:  Intangible assets                          ($___________)

        (iii)  Total Tangible Net Worth (line (i) minus
               line (ii)                                          $
                                                                   ============

        WITNESS my hand this _______ day of ______________, 19__.


                                            FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION


                                            By: ________________________________
                                                 Chief Financial Officer




                                     - ii -



<PAGE>





                                                                      EXHIBIT G


                    FORM OF OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE COMPANY


                                                          November 24, 1995



The First National Bank of Boston
100 Federal Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110


           RE: Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of November 24, 1995 between
           THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON and FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      I am General Counsel of First Empire State Corporation (the "Borrower")
and have acted as its legal counsel in connection with the preparation,
execution and delivery of the Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of November
24, 1995 (the "Credit Agreement") between The First National Bank of Boston (the
"Bank") and the Borrower pursuant to which the Borrower has executed and
delivered to the Bank its Note in the principal amount of $25,000,000.00. All
terms defined in the Credit Agreement shall have the same meanings herein.

      I have examined executed counterparts of the Credit Agreement and the Note
and originals, or copies, the authenticity of which has been established to my
satisfaction, of such other documents, corporate records, agreements and
instruments and certificates of public officials and officers of the Borrower as
I have deemed necessary as the basis for the opinions herein expressed.

      Based on the foregoing and having regard for legal considerations as I
have deemed relevant, it is my opinion that:

      1. The Borrower is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the State of New York, has all requisite
corporate power to own its property and conduct its business as now conducted
and is duly qualified and in good standing as a foreign corporation and duly
authorized to do business in each jurisdiction wherein the nature of its
properties or business requires such qualification, except where the failure to
be so qualified would not have a material adverse effect on its business,
financial condition, assets or properties taken as a whole.






<PAGE>




The First National Bank of Boston
November 24, 1995
Page 2


      2. The execution and delivery of the Credit Agreement and the Note and
performance by the Borrower of its obligations thereunder and of the
transactions contemplated thereby are within the corporate power and authority
of the Borrower, and have been authorized by proper corporate proceedings and do
not contravene any provision of law of the United States or its political
subdivisions or the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Borrower, or,
to the best of my knowledge, contravene any provision of, or constitute an event
of default or event which, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or
both, would constitute an event of default under, any other agreement,
instrument or undertaking binding on the Borrower.

      3. The Credit Agreement and the Note have been duly executed and delivered
by the Borrower. Although I have made no independent inquiry with respect to the
matter, I know of no reason why the choice of law provisions of the Credit
Agreement and the Note, which set forth Massachusetts law as the governing law,
would not be enforced by the courts of the state of New York, as agreed upon by
the parties. However, if the law of the state of New York is deemed to be the
governing law, in whole or part, the Credit Agreement and the Note and all of
the terms and provisions thereof are the legal, valid and binding obligations of
the Borrower, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms except as
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws
affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally, and except as the remedy
of specific performance or of injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of
the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.

      4. The execution, delivery and performance of the Credit Agreement and the
Note and the transactions contemplated thereby do not require any approval or
consent of, or filing or registration with, any governmental or other agency or
authority, or any other party.

      5. Except as set forth on Exhibit D to the Credit Agreement, there is no
litigation, proceeding or investigation pending, or, to the best of my knowledge
after due inquiry, threatened, against the Borrower or any Subsidiary which, if
adversely determined, could result in a judgment in excess of $10,000,000 which
is not adequately covered by insurance or as to which adequate reserves are not
being maintained or could otherwise have a material adverse effect on the
assets, business or prospects of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

      6. Each Material Subsidiary of the Borrower is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of incorporation, has all requisite corporate power to own its
property and conduct its businesses as now conducted and is, to the best of my
knowledge, duly qualified and in good standing as a foreign corporation and is
duly authorized to do business in each jurisdiction where the nature of its
properties or businesses requires such qualification, except where the failure
to be so qualified would not have a material adverse effect on its business,
financial condition, assets or properties taken as a whole.






<PAGE>




The First National Bank of Boston
November 24, 1995
Page 3


      7. As of the date of the Credit Agreement, all the Material Subsidiaries
of the Borrower are listed on Exhibit E thereto. The Borrower is the record
holder of all of the issued and outstanding stock of each of its Material
Subsidiaries. All shares of such stock of Material Subsidiaries have been
validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, and no rights to subscribe
to any additional shares have been granted, and no options, warrants or similar
rights are outstanding.

      8. Neither the Borrower nor any Material Subsidiary is subject to
regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Public
Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended, or any other statute or
regulation that limits its ability to incur indebtedness for borrowed money.

      9. I am aware of no state or local recording, franchise, stamp,
documentary or other taxes or governmental charges or assessments required to be
paid in connection with the execution, delivery, filing or recordation of, or as
a condition to the enforcement of, the Credit Agreement and the Note or any of
the transactions contemplated thereby.


                                Very truly yours,











                                                                    Exhibit 10.8

                  SUPPLEMENTAL DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT, entered into this 21st day of July, 1994 by and between
Manufacturers and Traders Trust (hereinafter referred to as the "Company") and
Brian J. Hickey, an individual residing at 73 Caversham Woods, Pittsford, NY
14534 (hereinafter referred to as "Executive").

                                WITNESSETH, THAT:

        WHEREAS, Executive is presently employed by the Company in a key
executive position and possesses substantial talent, ability and unique business
experience which has been and will continue to be a great value to the Company;
and

        WHEREAS, the Company desires to secure for itself the continued services
of Executive and to provide certain additional retirement benefits for Executive
in consideration of his past and future services;

        IT IS NOW THEREFORE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

        1.     DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms
shall be defined as set forth in this Section 1.

               1.1 "Retirement Plan" shall mean the First Empire State
Corporation Retirement Plan, as amended from time to time.

               1.2 "Average Annual Compensation" and "Compensation" shall have
the same meanings accorded to such words in the Retirement Plan, except that
limits imposed by Internal Revenue code Section 401(a)(17) shall not apply, and
further provided that until Executive has received Compensation for at least
five (5) consecutive calendar years, Average Annual Compensation shall be based
upon the calendar years during which Executive actually receives Compensation
(Compensation received during such years, divided by the number of such years).

               1.3 "Years of Service" shall have the same meaning accorded to
such words in the Retirement Plan for vesting purposes.

               1.4 "Accrued Pension Benefit" shall have the same meaning
accorded to such words in the Retirement Plan.

               1.5 "Benefit Accrual Years" shall have the same meaning accorded
to such words in the Retirement Plan.

        2.     ELIGIBILITY FOR AND AMOUNT OF SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT BENEFIT.

               2.1 Termination of Employment Prior to Becoming Vested in the
Retirement Plan. Upon Executive's termination of employment with no vested
benefit under the Retirement Plan, except in the case of the Executive's
termination by the Company for fraud, dishonesty, theft, or other unlawful
actions, the Company agrees to pay Executive a monthly retirement benefit equal
in amount to an Accrued Pension Benefit determined under the provisions of the
Retirement Plan based on his Average Annual Compensation calculated as of his
date of employment termination plus five (5) additional Benefit Accrual Years.
Commencement and payment (but not eligibility for) of a monthly retirement
benefit under this Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of the
Retirement Plan.

               2.2 Termination of Employment After Becoming Vested in the
Retirement Plan. Upon Executive's termination of employment with a vested
benefit under the Retirement Plan, except in the case of the Executive's
termination by the Company for fraud, dishonesty, theft, or other unlawful
actions, the Company agrees to pay Executive a monthly retirement benefit equal
in amount to the differences of (a) minus (b) where: (a) is the Accrued Pension
Benefit determined under the provisions of the Retirement Plan based on his
Average Annual Compensation calculated as of his date of employment termination
plus five (5) additional Benefit Accrual Years and (b) is the nonforfeitable
benefit

                                       -1-

<PAGE>



due to be paid by the Retirement Plan. Commencement and payment of (but not
eligibility for) a monthly retirement benefit under the Agreement shall be
subject to the provisions of the Retirement Plan.

        3.     MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

               3.1 Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall
inure to the benefit of the Company and Executive and their respective
successors and assigns, provided, however, that, except as set forth herein, no
rights of any kind under this Agreement shall, without the written consent of
the Company, be transferable or assignable by Executive or any other person, or
be subject to alienation, encumbrance, garnishment, attachment, execution or
levy of any kind, voluntary or involuntary.

               3.2 Interpretation. All questions of interpretation, construction
of application arising under this Agreement shall be decided by the Board of
Directors of the Company, whose decision shall be final and conclusive upon all
persons.

               3.3 Savings Clause. In the event that any provision or term of
this Agreement is finally determined by an judicial, quasi judicial or
administrative body to be void or not enforceable for any reason, it is the
agreed upon intent of the parties hereto that all other provisions or terms of
the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and that the Agreement shall
be enforceable as is such void or non-enforceable provision or term had never
been a part hereof.

               3.4    Governing Law.  This Agreement is executed in and shall be
construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York.

               3.5 No Rights in Any Property of Company. The undertakings of the
Company herein constitute merely the unsecured promise of the Company to make
the payments as provided for herein. No property of the Company is or shall, by
reason of this Agreement, be held in trust for Executive, or any other person,
and neither Executive nor any other person shall have by reason of the
Agreement, any rights, title or interest of any kind in or to any property of
the Company.

               3.6 Employment of Executive by Company. Nothing herein shall be
construed as an offer or commitment by the Company to continue Executive's
employment with the Company for any period of time.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have hereunto set their hands as
of the day and year first above written.

                                            MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST
                                            "Company"


                                            BY /s/ Ray E. Logan
                                               --------------------------------

                                               /s/  Brian J. Hickey
                                               --------------------------------
                                               "Executive"



                                       -2-




                                                                      Exhibit 11

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

                                                 Year ended December 31
                                             ------------------------------
Amounts in thousands, except per share          1995      1994      1993
                                             ---------  --------   --------
Primary
  Average common shares outstanding              6,499     6,729     6,869
  Common stock equivalents *                       282       223       222
                                             ---------  --------   --------
    Primary common shares outstanding            6,781     6,952     7,091
                                             =========  ========   ========

Net income                                   $ 131,036   117,295   101,992
Less:  Preferred stock dividends                 3,600     3,600     3,600
                                             ---------  --------   --------
  Net income available to common shareholders  127,436   113,695    98,392
                                             =========  ========   ========

Earnings per common share - primary          $   18.79     16.35     13.87
                                             =========  ========   ========

Fully diluted
  Average common shares outstanding              6,499     6,729     6,869
  Common stock equivalents *                       362       228       225
  Assumed conversion of convertible
    preferred stock                                507       507       507
                                             ---------  --------   --------
      Fully diluted average common shares
        outstanding                              7,368     7,464     7,601
                                             =========  ========   ========

Net income                                   $ 131,036   117,295   101,992
                                             =========  ========   ========

Earnings per common share - fully diluted    $   17.78     15.71     13.42
                                             =========  ========   ========


*  Represents shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of outstanding common
   stock options under the "treasury stock" method of accounting.






                                                                    Exhibit 23.1






                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-32044) of First Empire State Corporation of our
report dated January 10, 1996, except as to Note 9, which is as of February 13,
1996, appearing on page 54 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also consent
to the incorporation by reference of our report dated March 5, 1996 appearing on
page 3 of First Empire State Corporation Retirement Savings Plan and Trust
Financial Statements and Additional Information for the years ended December 31,
1995 and 1994 filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such
Registration Statement.





/s/ PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

Buffalo, New York
March 12, 1996






                                                                    Exhibit 23.2






                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 33-12207, 33-58500 and 33-63917) of First Empire
State Corporation of our report dated January 10, 1996, except as to Note 9,
which is as of February 13, 1996, appearing on page 54 of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in
Registration Statements (Nos. 33-12207 and 33-58500).





/s/ PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

Buffalo, New York
March 12, 1996




                                                                    Exhibit 99.1






FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST

Financial Statements and Additional Information
December 31, 1995 and 1994











<PAGE>


        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST
                 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



INDEX
- -----
                                                                           Page


Report of independent accountants                                            3

Financial statements:
  Statement of net assets available for plan benefits as of
     December 31, 1995 and 1994                                              4
  Statement of changes in net assets available for plan benefits
     for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994                          5
  Notes to financial statements                                              6
  Exhibit I - Allocation of net assets available
     for plan benefits to investment programs as of
     December 31, 1995 and 1994                                             11
  Exhibit II - Allocation of changes in net assets
     available for plan benefits to investment programs
     for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994                         13

Additional information:
  Schedule I - Schedule of assets held for investment
     at December 31, 1995                                                   15
  Schedule II - Schedule of transactions in excess of 5% of
     fair value of plan assets for the year ended
     December 31, 1995                                                      21

                                       -2-

<PAGE>








REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



To the Participants and Administrative Committee of
the First Empire State Corporation
Retirement Savings Plan and Trust


We have audited the accompanying statement of net assets available for plan
benefits of the First Empire State Corporation Retirement Savings Plan and Trust
(the Plan) as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and the related statement of changes
in net assets available for plan benefits for the years then ended. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan's Administrative
Committee. 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 audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting 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 in the first paragraph of
this report present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available
for plan benefits of the First Empire State Corporation Retirement Savings Plan
and Trust at December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the changes in its net assets
available for plan benefits for the years then ended in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.

Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial
statements taken as a whole. The additional information included in Schedules I
and II is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required
part of the basic financial statements but is additional information required by
ERISA. Such information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in
the audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly
stated in all material respects in relation to the basic financial statements
taken as a whole.


/s/ PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP




Buffalo, New York
March 5, 1996


                                       -3-

<PAGE>


        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST
               STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS



                                                              December 31
                                                              -----------
                                                         1995              1994
                                                         ----              ----
Assets

Cash                                                 $   416,238           7,745

Investments, at current value:
   Short-term investments (cost: $10,966,751 and
     $10,272,904)                                     10,966,751      10,272,904
   Common stock (cost: $36,061,617 and $27,071,735)   60,674,151      34,666,101
   U.S. government and agency obligations (cost:
     $2,865,307 and $2,728,247)                        3,039,237       2,676,365
   Corporate bonds (cost: $2,734,371 and $1,421,332)   2,882,910       1,272,057
   Loans to participants (cost: $2,648,774 and
     $1,827,121)                                       2,648,774       1,827,121
                                                     -----------      ----------

       Total investments                              80,211,823      50,714,548

Receivables:
   Due from broker                                       510,272             -
   Employee contributions                                142,337         115,283
   Employer contributions                                 82,967          74,746
   Interest and dividends                                131,674          73,587
                                                     -----------      ----------

       Total receivables                                 867,250         263,616
                                                     -----------      ----------
       Total assets                                   81,495,311      50,985,909


Liabilities

Due to broker                                            602,999         402,427
                                                     -----------      ----------



Net assets available for plan benefits               $80,892,312      50,583,482
                                                     ===========      ==========












See accompanying notes to financial statements.


                                       -4-

<PAGE>


        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST
         STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS



                                                          Year ended December 31
                                                          ----------------------
                                                           1995          1994
                                                           ----          ----
Additions to net assets available for plan benefits

Net investment income (loss):
   Interest                                            $ 1,218,874      757,426
   Dividends                                               800,895      594,285
   Net realized gain (loss) on sale of investments         407,654     (172,473)
   Net appreciation (depreciation) in current
     value of investments                               17,934,774   (1,378,257)
                                                       -----------   ----------

         Total net investment income (loss)             20,362,197     (199,019)

Contributions:
   Employee                                             12,302,507    5,867,384
   Employer                                              4,085,991    3,503,858
                                                       -----------   ----------

         Total contributions                            16,388,498    9,371,242
                                                       -----------   ----------


                                                        36,750,695    9,172,223

Deductions from net assets available for
   plan benefits

Benefit payments to participants                        (6,441,865)  (2,542,953)
                                                       -----------   ----------


Net increase in net assets available for plan
   benefits                                             30,308,830    6,629,270

Net assets available for plan benefits at
   beginning of year                                    50,583,482   43,954,212
                                                       -----------   ----------

Net assets available for plan benefits at
   end of year                                         $80,892,312   50,583,482
                                                       ===========   ==========



See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                       -5-

<PAGE>


        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST
                          Notes to Financial Statements


1.    Description of plan

General

The following description of the First Empire State Corporation Retirement
Savings Plan and Trust ("the Plan") is provided for general information purposes
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Plan. The Plan is subject
to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
("ERISA").

Eligibility and participation

The Plan is a defined contribution plan and exists for the benefit of permanent
employees of First Empire State Corporation and its subsidiaries ("the
Company"). Persons who are at least 21 years of age and have completed 12 months
of continuous service are eligible to participate in the Plan. Eligible
employees may elect to participate effective the first day of any January,
April, July or October subsequent to meeting the eligibility criteria.

Administration

The Plan is administered by a committee ("Administrative Committee") which is
appointed by the Board of Directors of Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company
("M&T Bank"), a wholly owned subsidiary of First Empire State Corporation
("First Empire"). The assets of the Plan are held by M&T Bank, as Trustee.
Watson Wyatt Worldwide Company, an actuarial and consulting firm, provides
recordkeeping services on an individual participant basis to the Plan.

The Board of Directors of M&T Bank has the right to terminate, amend or modify
the Plan at any time subject to the Plan provisions. Upon Plan termination,
participants will receive the assets allocated to their accounts.

Contributions

Contributions to the Plan are made by participants through salary reduction and
by the Company through employer matching contributions. Effective October 1,
1995, participants may elect to reduce their compensation by a specified whole
percentage not to exceed 10%, subject to certain limitations under Section
401(k) and Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code. Prior thereto the maximum
contribution by participants was limited to 8% of compensation. The Company
remits to the Plan on behalf of each participant the amount by which the
participant's compensation is reduced. In addition, the Company makes an
employer matching contribution in an amount equal to 75% of the participant's
contribution limited to 4.5% of the participant's compensation. Compensation is
generally defined in the Plan to mean a participant's base salary for the
calendar year excluding any form of additional compensation. Effective April 1,
1995 compensation has been redefined to include 75% of participants' sales
commissions. Generally, total annual employee contributions may not exceed the
lesser of 25% of compensation, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code, or
$30,000, adjusted for inflation. An individual participant's pre-tax
contribution was limited to $9,240 in both 1995 and 1994. Contributions above
this limit were treated as post-tax contributions.

Participants' accounts, including all salary reduction contributions, employer
matching contributions and increments thereon are at all times fully vested and
nonforfeitable.


                                       -6-

<PAGE>


        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST
                          Notes to Financial Statements




Investment programs

Participants may invest their salary reduction contributions in the common stock
of First Empire ("First Empire stock fund"), equity securities other than those
of First Empire ("diversified equity fund"), short-term fixed income securities
other than those of First Empire ("money-market fund") or long-term fixed income
securities other than those of First Empire ("bond fund") in increments of 25%.
A separate account is maintained for each participant's interest in each fund.
There were 3,009 participants in the First Empire stock fund, 2,650 in the
diversified equity fund, 1,615 in the money-market fund and 1,444 in the bond
fund at December 31, 1995. A total of 3,609 employees of the Company were active
participants in the Plan at December 31, 1995. The allocation of net assets
available for Plan benefits to investment programs and allocation of changes in
net assets available for Plan benefits to investment programs are set forth in
Exhibit I and II, respectively.

On January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year, participants may, in
accordance with the rules of the Plan, transfer existing balances among the
available investment funds, reduce or increase the percentage of salary
reduction elected and/or redirect their current salary reduction contributions
into different funds. Contributions may be suspended at any time.

Employer matching contributions

Employer matching contributions are invested in the above funds in the same
proportion as elected by the participants.

Loans to participants

Upon written application to the Administrative Committee, participants may
borrow from their account an amount not to exceed the lesser of (1) 50% of the
participant's vested account balance as of the most recent valuation date or (2)
$50,000 reduced by the participant's highest outstanding loan balance in the
twelve months prior to the date of loan origination. The minimum loan amount is
$1,000. Loans bear interest at one percentage point above prime as designated by
M&T Bank and are repaid in equal installments through after-tax payroll
deductions for a period of up to five years.

Withdrawals and distributions

A participant undergoing financial hardship may make withdrawals from the Plan
while employed by the Company, subject to Plan limitations. Upon termination of
employment for any reason, participants are entitled to a distribution of the
full amount of individual account balances as of the revaluation date
immediately following such termination of service.

Unless the participant elects otherwise, distribution of the full amount of the
participant's account balance will be made no later than 60 days after the close
of the calendar year in which the last of the following occurs: (a) the
participant attains age 65; (b) the tenth anniversary of the year in which
participation began; or (c) the participant terminates service with the Company.
The participant may elect to defer distribution of either the minimum required
under Internal Revenue Code Section 401 (a)(9) or the entire balance, until no
later than April 1 of the calendar year following the year in which age 70-1/2
is attained.


                                       -7-

<PAGE>


        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued





2.    Summary of significant accounting policies

Basis of accounting

The accounts of the Plan are maintained on the accrual basis.

Investments

Investments are reported on a current value basis. Investments of the First
Empire stock fund, diversified equity fund, money-market fund and bond fund are
traded on national securities exchanges and are valued using the last reported
sales price prior to the close of the Plan year. Investments representing 5% or
more of net assets available for plan benefits at December 31, 1995 and 1994
consisted of the common stock of First Empire and the Vision Group of Funds,
Inc. Money Market Fund. Loans to participants are valued by the Administrative
Committee as no active market exists for such loans. The loans, which are fully
secured by a portion of the participant's vested benefits, were determined to
have a current value which approximates the outstanding principal balance of the
loans at both December 31, 1995 and 1994.

Investment income of the First Empire stock fund, diversified equity fund,
money-market fund and bond fund is allocated to participants based on their
proportionate share of the net assets of the respective investment fund.
Interest income on loans to participants is allocated to participants based on
their respective loan agreement.

Benefit payments to participants

Benefit payments to participants are recorded when paid.

Net assets available for plan benefits and benefit payments to participants
reported on Internal Revenue Service Form 5500 differ from the amounts included
in the financial statements by amounts payable to participants who have elected
to make withdrawals from the Plan. Such amounts were $788,297 and $680,492 at
December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

Administrative expenses

Expenses related to administration of the Plan are paid by the Company.
Brokerage commissions, transfer taxes and similar costs of acquiring or selling
securities are paid by the Plan. The Plan incurred brokerage commissions in 1995
and 1994 totaling $32,108 and $18,639, respectively. These amounts have been
included in the statement of changes in net assets available for plan benefits
in net realized gain or loss on sale of investments for securities sold and net
appreciation or depreciation in fair market value of investments for securities
acquired during the year.

3.    Income taxes

The Internal Revenue Service issued a favorable determination letter in 1995
regarding the qualified and tax-exempt status of the Plan under Sections 401 and
501 of the Internal Revenue Code. Subsequent to receipt of the favorable
determination letter the Plan was amended. The Administrative Committee is of
the opinion that these amendments do not affect the qualified and tax-exempt
status of the Plan, and accordingly, no provision has been made for income
taxes.



                                       -8-

<PAGE>


        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued


3.    Income taxes, continued

Participants are not subject to Federal or state income tax on employer matching
contributions and pre-tax participant salary reduction contributions until such
contributions are withdrawn or distributed. Participants are also not subject to
Federal or state income tax on the earnings and appreciation of the assets of
the Plan until such amounts are withdrawn or distributed.

4.    Plan amendments

Effective July 1, 1994, the Plan was amended to allow eligible part-time
employees to participate in the Plan.

During 1995, the Plan was amended to (i)define compensation as prescribed by the
Internal Revenue Code, specifically with respect to the maximum compensation
allowed for a retirement plan, (ii) include 75% of participants' sales
commissions and, (iii)change the required distribution to participants who
attain the age of 70-1/2 years of age.

During 1995, the Plan was also amended to add special eligibility and benefit
provisions for employees of certain entities acquired by the Company in 1994 and
1995 and to accept the transfer of assets associated with account balances of
such employees. Such asset transfers totaled $5,337,797, and have been included
in employee contributions.



5.    Related party transactions

During 1995, the Plan acquired in the open market, in 35 transactions, 26,360
shares of First Empire common stock at a cost of $4,694,547. The Plan disposed
of, in 18 transactions, 18,354 shares of First Empire common stock which
resulted in proceeds of $2,704,890 and realized gains of $247,266. In addition,
198,094 shares of First Empire common stock with a total cost of $21,556,170 and
a fair market value of $43,184,492 were held at December 31, 1995.

During 1994, the Plan acquired in the open market, in 27 transactions, 28,667
shares of First Empire common stock at a cost of $4,218,308. The Plan disposed
of, in 16 transactions, 4,308 shares of First Empire common stock which resulted
in proceeds of $636,446 and realized gains of $27,909. In addition, 190,088
shares of First Empire common stock with a total cost of $18,722,361 and a fair
market value of $25,851,968 were held at December 31, 1994.


















                                       -9-

<PAGE>


        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST
                    Notes to Financial Statements, continued





6.    Net realized gain (loss) on sale of investments

Net realized gain (loss) on sale of investments is comprised of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       Net
                                                                                    realized
                                                         Total        Basis of        gain
                                                       proceeds      assets sold     (loss)
                                                       --------      -----------    --------
<S>                                                   <C>              <C>          <C>      
For the year ended December 31, 1995:
      First Empire common stock                       $2,704,890       2,457,624    $ 247,266
      Other common stock                               1,177,993       1,105,936       72,057
      U.S. government and agency
       obligations                                     1,298,388       1,294,697        3,691
      Corporate bonds                                  1,141,819       1,057,179       84,640
                                                      ----------       ---------    --------- 
                                                      $6,323,090       5,915,436    $ 407,654
                                                      ==========       =========    ========= 

For the year ended December 31, 1994:
      First Empire common stock                       $  636,446         608,537    $  27,909
      Other common stock                                 841,304         971,810     (130,506)
      U.S. government and agency
       obligations                                     2,950,220       3,014,217      (63,997)
      Corporate bonds                                    586,968         592,847       (5,879)
                                                      ----------       ---------    --------- 
                                                      $5,014,938       5,187,411    $(172,473)
                                                      ==========       =========    ========= 
</TABLE>

In accordance with the requirements of ERISA, the basis of assets sold is equal
to either the fair market value at the beginning of the period, for securities
held as of that date, or cost, for securities acquired during the year.

7.    Net appreciation in current value of investments

Net appreciation in current value of investments is comprised of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Current         Basis of
                                          value at       assets held
                                           end of          at end             Net
                                           period         of period      appreciation
                                           ------         ---------      ------------
<S>                                     <C>                <C>            <C>        
For the year ended December 31, 1995:
       First Empire common stock        $43,184,492        28,088,891     $15,095,601
       Other common stock                17,489,659        15,026,953       2,462,706
       U.S. government and agency
         obligations                      3,039,237         2,819,712         219,525
       Corporate bonds                    2,882,910         2,725,968         156,942
                                                                          ----------- 
                                                                          $17,934,774
                                                                          =========== 
For the year ended December 31, 1994:
      First Empire common stock          $25,851,968       26,936,127     $(1,084,159)
      Other common stock                   8,814,133        8,800,943          13,190
      U.S. government and agency
        obligations                        2,676,365        2,821,767        (145,402)
      Corporate bonds                      1,272,057        1,433,943        (161,886)
                                                                          ----------- 
                                                                          $(1,378,257)
                                                                          =========== 
</TABLE>

In accordance with the requirements of ERISA, the basis of assets held at end of
period is equal to either the fair market value at the beginning of the period,
for securities held as of that date, or cost, for securities acquired during the
year.

                                             -10-

<PAGE>





                                                                      Exhibit I

        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST

ALLOCATION OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS TO INVESTMENT PROGRAMS
DECEMBER 31, 1995




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        First Empire   Diversified        Money-          Bond        Participant
                                         stock fund    equity fund     market fund        fund        loan account        Total
                                         ----------    -----------     -----------        ----        ------------        -----
<S>                                    <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>        
Assets

Cash                                   $   139,803         171,515          49,807          55,113            -        $   416,238

Investments, at current value
   (cost: $21,835,971, $14,785,478,
   $10,350,413, $5,656,184 and
   $2,648,774):
  Short-term investments                   279,801         280,031      10,350,413          56,506            -         10,966,751
  Common stock                          43,184,492      17,489,659             -               -              -         60,674,151
  U.S. government and agency
    obligations                                -               -               -         3,039 237            -          3,039,237
  Corporate bonds                              -               -               -         2,882,910            -          2,882,910
  Loans to participants                        -               -               -               -        2,648,774        2,648,774
                                       -----------      ----------      ----------       ---------      ---------      -----------
         Total investments              43,464,293      17,769,690      10,350,413       5,978,653      2,648,774       80,211,823

Receivables:
  Due from broker                              -           510,272             -               -              -            510,272
  Employee contributions                    66,266          48,915          15,044          12,112            -            142,337
  Employer contributions                    37,786          28,419           9,359           7,403            -             82,967
  Interest and dividends                       -            19,590             -           112,084            -            131,674
                                       -----------      ----------      ----------       ---------      ---------      -----------
         Total receivables                 104,052         607,196          24,403         131,599            -            867,250
                                       -----------      ----------      ----------       ---------      ---------      -----------

         Total assets                   43,708,148      18,548,401      10,424,623       6,165,365      2,648,774       81,495,311


Liabilities

Due to broker                              416,479         186,520             -               -              -            602,999
                                       -----------      ----------      ----------       ---------      ---------      -----------

Net assets available for
 plan benefits                         $43,291,669      18,361,881      10,424,623       6,165,365      2,648,774      $80,892,312
                                       ===========      ==========      ==========       =========      =========      ===========
</TABLE>


                                      -11-


<PAGE>


                                                                      Exhibit I
                                                                     (continued)

        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST

ALLOCATION OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS TO INVESTMENT PROGRAMS
DECEMBER 31, 1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      First Empire     Diversified         Money-            Bond      Participant
                                       stock fund      equity fund      market fund          fund      loan account        Total
                                       ----------      -----------      -----------          ----      ------------        -----
Assets

<S>                                   <C>                 <C>              <C>           <C>             <C>            <C>        
Cash                                  $       635             1,761           5,349             -              -        $     7,745

Investments, at current value
   (cost: $19,011,941, $9,618,466,
   $8,700,528, $4,163,283 and
   $1,827,121):
  Short-term investments                  289,580         1,269,092       8,700,528          13,704            -         10,272,904
  Common stock                         25,851,968         8,814,133             -               -              -         34,666,101
  U.S. government and agency
    obligations                               -                 -               -         2,676,365            -          2,676,365
  Corporate bonds                             -                 -               -         1,272,057            -          1,272,057
  Loans to participants                       -                 -               -               -        1,827,121        1,827,121
                                      -----------        ----------       ---------       ---------      ---------      -----------
         Total investments             26,141,548        10,083,225       8,700,528       3,962,126      1,827,121       50,714,548

Receivables:
  Employee contributions                   54,185            33,035          16,579          11,484            -            115,283
  Employer contributions                   34,628            21,524          10,975           7,619            -             74,746
  Interest and dividends                      -              19,939             -            53,648            -             73,587
                                      -----------        ----------       ---------       ---------      ---------      -----------
         Total receivables                 88,813            74,498          27,554          72,751            -            263,616
                                      -----------        ----------       ---------       ---------      ---------      -----------

         Total assets                  26,230,996        10,159,484       8,733,431       4,034,877      1,827,121       50,985,909


Liabilities

Due to broker                             288,011           114,416             -               -              -            402,427
                                      -----------        ----------       ---------       ---------      ---------      -----------

Net assets available for
 plan benefits                        $25,942,985        10,045,068       8,733,431       4,034,877      1,827,121      $50,583,482
                                      ===========        ==========       =========       =========      =========      ===========
</TABLE>


                                      -12-


<PAGE>



                                                                      Exhibit II

        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST

ALLOCATION OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS TO INVESTMENT
PROGRAMS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  First Empire         Diversified        Money-           Bond        Participant
                                   stock fund          equity fund      market fund        fund        loan account       Total
                                   ----------          -----------      -----------        ----        ------------       -----
Additions to net assets available
 for plan benefits

<S>                                  <C>                 <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>          <C>        
Net investment income:
  Interest                           $    8,597            85,633         598,516         348,862        177,266      $ 1,218,874
  Dividends                             472,705           328,190             -               -              -            800,895
  Net realized gain on sale
    of investments                      247,266            72,057             -            88,331            -            407,654
  Net appreciation in current
    value of investments             15,095,601         2,462,706             -           376,467            -         17,934,774
                                    -----------         ---------         ---------     ---------        -------      -----------
      Total net investment income    15,824,169         2,948,586         598,516         813,660        177,266       20,362,197

Contributions:
  Employee                            4,057,000         3,804,600       2,811,267       1,447,587        182,053       12,302,507
  Employer                            1,845,451         1,271,596         566,642         402,302            -          4,085,991
                                    -----------         ---------         ---------     ---------        -------      -----------
      Total contributions             5,902,451         5,076,196       3,377,909       1,849,889        182,053       16,388,498
                                    -----------         ---------         ---------     ---------        -------      -----------
                                     21,726,620         8,024,782       3,976,425       2,663,549        359,319       36,750,695

Deductions from net assets
  available for plan benefits

Benefit payments to participants     (3,327,544)         (959,098)     (1,700,477)       (454,746)           -         (6,441,865)


Interfund transfers

Loans, net of repayments                114,927          (210,555)       (405,607)       (138,365)       639,600              -
Reallocation of investments -
  additions (deductions)             (1,165,319)        1,461,685        (179,150)         60,050       (177,266)             -
                                    -----------         ---------         ---------     ---------        -------      -----------
                                     (1,050,392)        1,251,130        (584,757)        (78,315)       462,334              -
                                    -----------         ---------         ---------     ---------        -------      -----------
Net increase in net
  assets available for plan
  benefits                          $17,348,684         8,316,814        1,691,191      2,130,488        821,653      $30,308,830
                                    ===========         =========        =========      =========        =======      ===========
</TABLE>

                                      -13-

<PAGE>




                                                                      Exhibit II
                                                                     (continued)

        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST

ALLOCATION OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENERITS TO INVESTMENT
PROGRAMS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     First Empire       Diversified        Money-          Bond        Participant
                                      stock fund        equity fund     market fund        fund        loan account        Total
                                      ----------        -----------     -----------        ----        ------------        -----
<S>                                   <C>                <C>               <C>              <C>           <C>          <C>        
Additions to net assets available
 for plan benefits

Net investment income (loss):
  Interest                            $    4,842            54,079         327,280         249,906        121,319        $ 757,426
  Dividends                              390,346           203,939             -               -              -            594,285
  Net realized gain (loss) on sale
    of investments                        27,909          (130,506)            -           (69,876)           -           (172,473)
  Net appreciation (depreciation)
    in current value of investments   (1,084,159)           13,190             -          (307,288)           -         (1,378,257)
                                       ---------         ---------       ---------         -------        -------        ---------
      Total net investment
       income (loss)                    (661,062)          140,702         327,280        (127,258)       121,319         (199,019)

Contributions:
  Employee                             2,871,120         1,568,523         833,610         594,131            -          5,867,384
  Employer                             1,693,096           937,858         488,403         384,501            -          3,503,858
                                       ---------         ---------       ---------         -------        -------        ---------
      Total contributions              4,564,216         2,506,381       1,322,013         978,632            -          9,371,242
                                       ---------         ---------       ---------         -------        -------        ---------
                                       3,903,154         2,647,083       1,649,293         851,374        121,319        9,172,223


Deductions from net assets
  available for plan benefits

Benefit payments to participants      (1,227,268)         (439,535)       (659,549)       (216,601)           -         (2,542,953)


Interfund transfers

Loans, net of repayments                 190,046          (125,915)       (317,862)        (58,201)       311,932              -
Reallocation of investments -
  additions (deductions)                (395,493)        1,181,233        (111,339)       (553,082)      (121,319)             -
                                      ----------         ---------         -------         -------        -------         ---------
                                        (205,447)        1,055,318        (429,201)       (611,283)       190,613              -
                                      ----------         ---------         -------         -------        -------         ---------

Net increase in net
  assets available for plan
  benefits                            $2,470,439         3,262,866         560,543          23,490        311,932      $ 6,629,270
                                      ==========         =========         =======          ======        =======      ===========
</TABLE>



                                      -14-


<PAGE>


                                                                      Schedule I

        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST

Schedule of Assets Held for Investment
December 31, 1995






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Number of
                                      shares or
                                      principal                      Total            Current value
Name and title of issue                amount          Unit cost     cost         Per unit              Total
- -----------------------               ---------        ---------     -----        --------              -----
<S>                                    <C>             <C>           <C>               <C>           <C>    

Short-term investments

  Vision Group of Funds, Inc. Money
    Market Fund                        10,966,751      $   1.000     $10,966,751       $  1.000      $10,966,751
                                                                     -----------                     -----------

      Total short-term investments                                   $10,966,751                     $10,966,751
                                                                     -----------                     -----------


Common stock

Consumer products and services:
  Ball Corporation                          9,500         28.633         272,012         27.750          263,625
  CPC International Inc.                    6,000         46.777         280,659         68.625          411,750
  Dow Jones & Co.                           6,300         31.227         196,731         39.875          251,212
  Dun & Bradstreet Companies, Inc.          4,800         54.771         262,900         64.750          310,800
  First Brands Corporation                  7,000         32.823         229,762         47.625          333,375
  General Mills                             4,000         46.926         187,702         57.750          231,000
  Harcourt General Inc.                     6,700         35.518         237,968         41.875          280,562
  Limited Inc.                             15,000         20.088         301,312         17.125          256,875
  Masco Corp.                               8,000         28.671         229,365         31.375          251,000
  McGraw Hill Inc.                          1,700         66.444         112,954         87.125          148,113
  Pep Boys Manny Moe & Jack                13,000         26.870         349,310         25.625          333,125
  Quaker State Corp.                       26,500         14.384         381,166         12.750          337,875
  Reader's Digest Association Inc.          3,800         46.640         177,231         51.250          194,750
  Stride Rite Corp.                        22,500         12.913         290,549          7.375          165,938
  U.S. West Media Group                    11,500         17.501         201,261         19.000          218,500
                                                                     -----------                     -----------

      Total consumer products and services                             3,710,882                       3,988,500
                                                                     -----------                     -----------
</TABLE>

                                      -15-

<PAGE>



                                                                      Schedule I
                                                                     (continued)

        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST

Schedule of Assets Held for Investment
December 31, 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Number of
                                              shares or
                                              principal                        Total               Current value
Name and title of issue                        amount        Unit cost         cost          Per unit         Total
- -----------------------                        ------        ---------         ----          --------         -----
<S>                                              <C>           <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>       

Common stock (continued)

Energy:
  AMOCO Corp.                                      4,000       $ 62.995       $ 251,980       $ 71.500        $ 286,000
  Coastal Corp.                                    6,000         27.995         167,970         37.000          222,000
  Nabors Industries, Inc.                         25,500          8.495         216,622         11.250          286,875
  Ku Energy                                        9,500         28.015         266,140         30.000          285,000
  Schlumberger Limited                             5,000         57.523         287,613         69.250          346,250
  Ultramar Corp.                                  13,500         21.378         288,603         25.750          347,625
  Unocal Corp.                                    13,500         27.284         368,328         29.125          393,188
  Wicor Inc.                                      10,300         29.143         300,171         32.250          332,175
                                                                            -----------                     -----------

      Total energy                                                            2,147,427                       2,499,113
                                                                            -----------                     -----------

Financial:
  American International Group Inc.                2,100         44.004          92,408         92.500          194,250
  Federal National Mortgage Association            1,700         71.011         120,719        123.875          210,588
  First Colony Corp                               10,000         24.719         247,190         25.375          253,750
  First Empire State Corporation*                198,094        108.818      21,556,170        218.000       43,184,492
  General Reinsurance Corp.                        1,500        117.946         176,919        155.000          232,500
  ITT Hartford                                     6,000         48.878         293,270         48.375          290,250
  Morgan, JP & Company, Inc.                       2,200         65.957         145,105         80.250          176,550
                                                                            -----------                     -----------

      Total financial                                                        22,631,781                      44,542,380
                                                                            -----------                     -----------

Health care:
  Johnson & Johnson Co.                            1,200         48.798          58,558         85.500          102,600
  Merck & Co., Inc.                                1,500         51.539          77,309         65.625           98,438
  Mylan Laboratories, Inc.                         3,750         12.664          47,491         23.500           88,125
  Perrigo Co.                                     29,000         12.659         367,125         11.875          344,375
                                                                            -----------                     -----------

      Total health care                                                         550,483                         633,538
                                                                            -----------                     -----------
</TABLE>



* See note 5 to the financial statements

                                      -16-

<PAGE>


                                                                      Schedule I
                                                                     (continued)

        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST

Schedule of Assets Held for Investment
December 31, 1995


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Number of
                                          shares or
                                          principal                        Total               Current value
Name and title of issue                     amount       Unit cost         cost          Per unit         Total
- -----------------------                     ------       ---------         ----          --------         -----
<S>                                           <C>      <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>          

Common stock (continued)

Industrials:
  Aluminum Company of America                  3,500   $     37.343    $    130,702    $    52.875    $     185,062
  Avnet, Inc.                                  4,800         33.063         158,701         44.750          214,800
  Barrick Gold Corp.                           6,000         25.074         150,445         26.375          158,250
  Commercial Metals Co.                       15,666         22.519         352,788         24.750          387,733
  Cooper Industries Inc.                       7,600         40.646         308,906         36.750          279,300
  Corning Inc.                                 7,300         34.204         249,686         32.000          233,600
  Crown Cork & Seal Co. Inc.                   2,200         36.245          79,739         41.750           91,850
  CSX Corp.                                    3,000         37.310         111,930         45.625          136,875
  Emerson Electric Company                     3,400         55.546         188,857         81.750          277,950
  Kirby Corp.                                 23,500         16.550         388,918         16.250          381,875
  Santa Fe Pacific Gold Corp.                 20,100         12.409         249,426         12.125          243,712
  Union Pacific Corp.                          3,500         59.406         207,920         66.000          231,000
  Zero Corp.                                  20,200         13.742         277,580         17.750          358,550
                                                                        -----------                     -----------

      Total industrials                                                   2,855,598                       3,180,557
                                                                        -----------                     -----------

Materials:
  Champion International Corp.                 3,200         30.074          96,236         42.000          134,400
  DuPont (E.I.) DeNemours & Company            6,300         54.403         342,736         69.875          440,212
  Hercules, Inc.                               9,300         31.730         295,091         56.375          524,287
  Material Sciences Corp.                     19,750         12.227         241,489         14.875          293,781
  Newmont Mining Company                       7,666         40.824         312,956         45.375          347,845
  Olin Corp.                                   5,000         69.191         345,953         74.250          371,250
  Placer Dome Inc.                             9,000         23.042         207,380         24.125          217,125
  Potash Corp. Saskatchewan Inc.               7,700         27.433         211,232         70.875          545,738
  RTZ Place Sponsored ADR                      3,800         52.844         200,806         57.500          218,500
                                                                        -----------                     -----------

      Total materials                                                     2,253,879                       3,093,138
                                                                        -----------                     -----------
</TABLE>

                                      -17-

<PAGE>



                                                                      Schedule I
                                                                     (continued)

        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST

Schedule of Assets Held for Investment
December 31, 1995



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Number of
                                           shares or
                                           principal                        Total               Current value
Name and title of issue                     amount        Unit cost         cost          Per unit         Total
- -----------------------                     ------        ---------         ----          --------         -----
<S>                                            <C>      <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>          

Common stock (continued)

Technology:
  AMP Inc.                                      5,800   $     31.220    $    181,075    $    38.250    $     221,850
  Continuum Company Inc.                       11,100         20.073         222,815         39.500          438,450
  Hewlett-Packard Co.                           2,200         31.370          69,014         83.750          184,250
  Micron Technology Inc.                        5,000         21.560         107,800         39.625          198,125
  Texas Instruments, Inc.                       3,800         35.562         135,135         51.500          195,700
                                                                         -----------                     -----------

      Total technology                                                       715,839                       1,238,375
                                                                         -----------                     -----------

Utilities:
  American Telephone & Telegraph Co.            5,300         46.268         245,220         64.750          343,175
  IPALCO Enterprises Inc.                       7,900         30.873         243,897         38.125          301,188
  PECO Energy                                   9,000         27.631         248,680         30.125          271,125
  Pub Svc Co. Colo                              9,000         29.885         268,968         35.375          318,375
  Union Electric Co.                            2,500         35.302          88,256         41.750          104,375
  U.S. West Communications Group                4,500         22.379         100,707         35.625          160,312
                                                                         -----------                     -----------

      Total utilities                                                      1,195,728                       1,498,550
                                                                         -----------                     -----------

          Total common stock                                             $36,061,617                     $60,674,151
                                                                         -----------                     -----------
</TABLE>

                                      -18-

<PAGE>



                                                                      Schedule I
                                                                     (continued)

        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST

Schedule of Assets Held for Investment
December 31, 1995



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        Number of
                                                        shares or
                                                        principal                 Total                Current value
Name and title of issue                                  amount        Unit cost  cost      Per unit       Total
- -----------------------                                  ------        ---------  ----      --------       -----
<S>                   <C>                              <C>           <C>       <C>            <C>        <C>    

U.S. government and agency obligations

  U.S. Treasury note, 7.00%, due 09/30/96              $  50,000     $  99.710 $   49,855     101.250   $ 50,625
  U.S. Treasury note, 6.875%, due 10/31/96               350,000        99.406    347,922     101.281    354,484
  U.S. Treasury note, 7.25%, due 11/30/96                225,000        99.281    223,382     101.750    228,938
  Tennessee Valley Auth Pwr Bd, 6.00%,                   115,000       100.154    115,177     100.594    115,683
    due 01/15/97
  U.S. Treasury note, 8.125%, due 02/15/98               125,000        98.485    123,106     105.719    132,149
  U.S. Treasury note, stripped generic                   100,000        78.433     78,433      86.156     86,156
    coupon, due 11/15/98
  Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.,
    6.00%, due 05/15/99                                  202,046       101.297    204,666     100.480    203,016
  U.S. Treasury note, 8.00%, due 08/15/99                100,000        96.643     96,643     108.625    108,625
  U.S. Treasury note, 6.375%, due 01/15/2000             150,000        99.805    149,708     103.625    155,437
  U.S. Treasury note, 8.75%, due 08/15/2000              100,000       101.453    101,453     113.563    113,563
  U.S. Treasury note, 8.00%, due 05/15/2001              125,000        99.434    124,293     111.875    139,843
  U.S. Treasury note, 6.375%, due 08/15/2002             150,000        98.931    148,396     104.938    157,407
  U.S. Treasury note, 7.25%, due 08/15/2004              500,000        96.894    484,469     111.188    555,940
  U.S. Treasury note, 7.50%, due 02/15/2005              250,000       107.156    267,890     113.375    283,437
  U.S. Treasury note, 6.50%, due 05/15/2005               50,000        99.609     49,805     106.438     53,219
  U.S  Treasury note, 5.875%, due 11/15/2005             100,000       101.984    101,984     102.022    102,219
  Federal National Mortgage Association,
    5.50%, due 01/25/2013                                200,000        99.063    198,125      99.248    198,496
                                                                               ----------             ----------

      Total U.S. government and agency
        obligations                                                            $2,865,307             $3,039,237
                                                                               ----------             ----------
</TABLE>


                                      -19-


<PAGE>



                                                                      Schedule I
                                                                     (continued)

        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST

Schedule of Assets Held for Investment
December 31, 1995



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        Number of
                                                        shares or
                                                        principal                        Total               Current value
Name and title of issue                                   amount       Unit cost         cost          Per unit         Total
- -----------------------                                   ------       ---------         ----          --------         -----
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>          


Corporate bonds

  Lehman Bros. Holdings Inc., zero coupon
    note, due 05/16/97                               $     300,000   $     82.385    $    247,155    $    91.787    $     275,361
  Lehman Bros. Holdings Inc., zero coupon
    note, due 05/16/98                                      35,000         83.809          29,333         86.829           30,390
  Discover Card, 6.25%, due 08/15/98                       100,000         99.681          99,681        101.376          101,376
  Allied Corp zero coupon note, due 09/15/98               100,000         84.859          84,859         84.588           84,588
  PepsiCo, Inc. note, 7.625%, due 11/01/98                  50,000         99.758          49,879        105.578           52,789
  Norwest Finl Inc, 8.375%, due 1/15/2000                  350,000        103.006         360,521        106.858          374,003
  Chrysler Financial Corp. notes, 6.625%,
    due 08/15/2000                                         300,000         96.235         288,705        102.549          307,647
  Citicorp Med Term note, 8.30%,
    due 11/23/2001                                         150,000        104.053         156,080        110.608          165,912
  Chase Manhattan Corp. sub-note, 9.05%,
    due 02/01/2002                                         150,000        100.000         150,000        103.470          155,205
  Ultramar CR Corp GTD note, 8.625%,
    due 07/01/2002                                         465,000        109.284         508,171        112.495          523,102
  Wal Mart Stores Inc. note, 6.50%,
    due 06/01/2003                                         100,000         99.626          99,626        102.648          102,648
  Boeing Co. note, 6.35%, due 06/15/2003                   301,000         93.874         282,561        102.528          308,609
  Hertz Corp. Senior note, 6.375%,
    due 10/15/2005                                         400,000         94.450         377,800        100.320          401,280
                                                                                      -----------                    ------------

    Total corporate bonds                                                            $  2,734,371                     $ 2,882,910
                                                                                      -----------                    ------------


Loans to participants

  7.00%-10.50%, fully secured by vested
    benefits, due 1996 through 2000                 $    2,648,774            -      $  2,648,774            -        $ 2,648,774
                                                                                      -----------                    ------------


             Total investments                                                        $55,276,820                     $80,211,823
                                                                                      ===========                     ===========
</TABLE>



                                      -20-

<PAGE>

                                                                     Schedule II


        FIRST EMPIRE STATE CORPORATION RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN AND TRUST

Schedule of Transactions in Excess of 5% of Fair Value of Plan Assets
For the Year Ended December 31, 1995



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Purchases                              Sales/distributions
                                   --------------------------    ------------------------------------------------------
                                     Number of                     Number of                                      Gain
Description of asset               transactions        Cost      transactions      Proceeds         Basis        (loss)
- --------------------               ------------        ----      ------------      --------         -----        ------
<S>                                   <C>         <C>                <C>          <C>             <C>            <C>    

Short-term investments:
   Vision Group of Funds, Inc.
   Money Market Fund                  416         $21,215,014        223          $20,712,474     20,712,474        -

Common stock:
   First Empire State Corporation      35           4,694,547         18            2,704,890      2,457,624    247,266
</TABLE>


                                     -21-


WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>                     9
<MULTIPLIER>                  1000
<LEGEND>
     Article 9 Financial Data Schedule for Form 10-K for the year ended 
     December 31, 1995
[/LEGEND]

       
<S>                                           <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                       YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                             DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                                DEC-31-1994
<PERIOD-END>                                  DEC-31-1995
<CASH>                                           363,119
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                           125,500
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                   1,000
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                   9,709
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                    1,531,893
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                           237,402
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                             239,044
<LOANS>                                        9,873,723
<ALLOWANCE>                                      262,344
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                11,955,902
<DEPOSITS>                                     9,469,575
<SHORT-TERM>                                   1,273,206
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                              174,077
<LONG-TERM>                                      192,791
<COMMON>                                          40,487
                                  0
                                       40,000
<OTHER-SE>                                       765,766
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>                11,955,902
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                  794,181
<INTEREST-INVEST>                                121,551
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                  12,422
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                                 928,154
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                               346,348
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               441,730
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                            486,424
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                     40,350
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                 4,479
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                  374,439
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  221,173
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                       131,036
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                        0
<CHANGES>                                              0
<NET-INCOME>                                     131,036
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      18.79
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      17.78
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                      4.43
<LOANS-NON>                                       75,224
<LOANS-PAST>                                      17,842
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                       0
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                        0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                 243,332
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<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                             136,072
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                    0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                          126,272
        

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